#And the last part might wrap up tonight or tomorrow

[mayasaurusss]

hey how are you? could you write jinx x reader? something like jinx taking the reader's virginity. thanks ❤️🫰🏻

My favorite piltie

A/N: Hello! I am okay anon, thanks for asking! Just a bit sad that tomorrow Arcane will end😭.

I want to make it clear that I tried to do this before the next act drops, so I wrote it in two days and some things might not be very good, but I hope you will enojiy it nonetheless!!

Contains: female reader, detailed description of a wound, smut. All characters are 20+ years.

2,8 K/4 pages

When Jinx came knocking at your door tonight, you didn't think you'd end up in this position: her hands gripping at the skin of your chest and with her head buried in it.

The beginning of your night had kicked off with a strange twist when you heard a knock on your fifth floor appartment's window. You gulped down your fear and with a fast beating heart, looked past the window's glass to see a crouching figure with bright pink eyes staring at you. Any other occasion and you would have died on the spot, but you knew who she was. As soon as you opened the window, the figure let herself in, crawling out of the darkness and into the light of your room. "You are so nice letting me in, piltie" she said, and you don't miss the venom laced in the last word she spoke. "Your people aren't really known to be kind" her long fingers mess with the many little trinkets displayed on your shelves, checking their mechanisms and turning their gears.

"What do you want, Jinx?" you can feel a tingling sense of anger inside your skull at her continuous teasings.

You still remember the first time you had seen her, running from enforcers and covering her wounded shoulder.

You knew how ruthless they could be, especially since Miss Kirramman had taken control over the city. In a strange turn of events, you had found her curled up in one of Piltover's abandoned alleys and brought her with you to your home, taking care of her for the next few days until you found your window open and the blue haired criminal nowhere to be seen. During that time, you grew fond of her and were sad when she disappeared. Some weeks had passed and your life continued to flow normally, until she showed up at your door again. You were actually kind of amazed by the fact that she managed to sneak inside the appartment's building without being noticed, but after the third time, when someone called the enforcers on her, she had begun to climb on the building's exterior and knock at your window instead.

"Oh nothing, just wanted to pay a visit to my favorite piltie" she falls back on your bed, sizing you up from head to toe with that smirk of hers that makes your heart beat faster. "That's all?" the mattress dips under your weight as you sit next to her, always keeping your eyes on hers. "Mhmm, maybe" she fishes something from a bag -one you've just noticed- and shakes it: a small glass globe filled with water and fake flakes of snow. The tallest buildings of Piltover reflect the warm lights of your room, making the city of progress look ethereal under the glass. But it wasn't the shiny buildings or the snowflakes that got your attention, but a small name made with metal and gear parts glued to the bottom of the globe. "No way...is this a real Valdiani?!" the shock in your voice makes Jinx's heart flutter, something that she has never experienced before.

She lets out a proud snuff of air from her nose, pushing her chest outwards, "Consider it a gift for my fav- shit!" the sudden swear catches your attention and you look over to see Jinx doubled over. "Jinx! What is going on?!" It's faint, but you can see her hands wrapped tightly around her left side, traces of blood seeping from between her fingers. "Oh shit! Jinx what happened?" she lets out a breathless chuckle, her skin suddenly far paler than normally. "Hah, just some gift the bluebellies have given me" she sucks in a breath when you move her hands, biting a scream away. A deep wound runs along her side, pus forming where her skin had been pulled back from the slash, bleeding red on your covers. You run outside of your room and collect gauze, antiseptic, healing creme and a glass of water.

"Here, bite this" you hand her an old cloth, which she promptly places in between her teeth. "Ready?" she nods, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. The heat of your hand is the only thing that brings her comfort. She isn't ready though when you pour the liquid over her wound: it feels like billions of needles stinging and burning her flesh, making her want to vomit.

"There there, it's over..." you quickly dry her skin and massage the healing cream on her, finally finishing when you cover her stomach with the gauze. She releases a huff of relief, mindlessly tangling her fingers with yours. When the pain subsides, she realizes how close the two of you are. You on your knees, her panting and sweating, how close you are to her and how fast her heart is beating. It would take a second, just a second for her to reach for your lips and melt into you...

"Uh... I- uh, just-, what happened?" you try to not sound too shy but your voice gives your feelings away. "I..." Jinx's throat bobs and it seems that she'd rather curl herself up like a hedgehog than admitting whatever she did. "You know, the usual. Went on a walk, stormed a shop, stole some things, got the enforcers called on me and..." she gestures towards her side, "...this happened".

Jinx isn't clear with her words, but something about the blush on her skin hints at the fact that there may be something else underneath her facade. You might try at least, right? Reaching for the glass globe, you twirl it in your hands, watching the snowflakes fall on Piltover. "Jinx...did you get chased after stealing this?", she doesn't answer, but her shy silence is enough for you.

"Why? Why do this for me?" she pouts her lips before answering, still held back by some sort of pride. "W-what can I say? Anything for my favorite piltie...".

A heavy silence fills the room, of the kind that is difficult to bear.

You can't believe it. You just can't believe that she'd be so reckless, so stupid! It's difficult to bite your anger back, but you do so, and instead of crying or screaming or scolding her, like Jinx thought you were going to do, you just hug her tightly against your chest. Your grip is so strong against her that she feels like she'll choke on it.

But you are so warm in comparison to her body, so, so warm. For the first time in a while, after Silco's death, after Vi's betrayal, after everything went to shit, she feels like she can breathe. And so she does, inhaling your scent in between, tasting it on her tongue. When you pull back, Jinx's eyelids are heavy with want, her mouth slightly open and her skin red.

It takes a second for her lips to push against yours, for her hands to come up and grab your face and pull you down towards her. The kiss is surprisingly tender for it to be Jinx's: you expected teeth and tongue, not pecks and soft touches. The way she sighs and runs her hands on your chest has you keening for her. "Jinx..." a small line of spit connects your lips, and before you can say anything else, she wipes it off on your bottom lip and sighs, "You know what piltie? I think I deserve something too".

Blinking at her a couple of times, she groans at your naivety and continues while taking your cheeks in her hand. "It has been a hard day for me: running from enforcers, bleeding all the way here... I think I deserve a gift too".

And that's where you are now, naked from the waist up with Jinx on your lap, diligently taking what's hers. The way her tongue teases your nipple is something to die for. It seems all her softness has died with the kiss you shared before, now tugging and biting every part of you. You gasp as she bites your nipple, leaving the indents of her teeth on the delicate skin.

"If I knew I could see you all shy and fidgety-" she tugs your left nipple with her long fingers, smiling cruelly when tearing a gasp from you, "...I would have done this earlier". Her lips leave your right nipple, spit chilling the skin, before she teases both of them with the point of her fingernails, moving and tickling them.

Jinx lets out one of those cruel laughs of hers before diving right back on your nipple, giving it one last kiss and moving towards your stomach. She kisses and strokes every one of your scars, every mole or freckle, every inch of skin, until she comes across the hem of your pants. "N-No wait, Jinx..." you place your hand on her forehead, strands of blue hair falling in between your fingers. She halts immediatley at your discomforted voice, billions of little alarms going off in her head and an attentive yet scared look in her eyes. "What is it?".

"I... I have to tell you something" and with that, her heart beats faster and faster and that obnoxious voice inside her head speaks; 'You've hurt her' and 'Look at what you've done' and 'Did you really think she would genuinely like you?'. But your voice is stronger than theirs. "Hey? Is everything alright? We don't have to do this" in the meantime, your hand cups her cheek, thumb stroking at the pale skin. "Yeah I- I am okay. And I want to" her own fingers close in on you and she takes a moment to breathe. Your own warmth is one of the only things that can make her calm. When the voices blur away and only you and her are left, she opens her eyes again, your reflection sharp inside their pink. "What do you have to tell me?" now it was your time to take a breath, because knowing Jinx, she could have two reactions over your news: making fun of you or absolutely losing her shit. "I... I am a virgin".

She takes a moment to process the information and then lets out a wheezing laugh, making blood rise quickly to your face. "That's it?! I thought I accidentally hurt you or something!". The only thing you can do at this point is pout and look away offended. "Oh come on toots" her hands take a hold of your face before turning you to her, who is smiling softly and with tenderness. "I am just kidding. Don't be so moody. And besides..." she captures your lips, biting and licking and sucking until they darken, leaving a faint trace of blood where her teeth were, "...It's so fucking hot".

The descent to get to her prize is tedious and long, but Jinx can't help but want to savor each one of its steps. Her fingers finally hook on the hem of your pants and pull down, revealing your naked thighs to her; the only thing stopping her from claiming her prize is the fabric of your underwear. "Wait a second..." despite how cute you look to her, Jinx rolls her eyes at yet another one of your attempts to stop her. "What, toots? You don't want me to fuck you?" your eyes widen when she so bluntly says that, without an ounce of embarrassment on her face, but continue. "What?! N-no I want to....it's just that..." you eye Jinx's position on the floor. "The wound might be painful if you crouch... I don't want you to hurt yourself".

"So, what do you want me to do?". You look back between Jinx and the plush, comfortable bed, a lightbulb popping off on your head. "Lie on the bed", you say, making Jinx blink a few times before processing and understanding your intentions. "Ohh, I didn't take you for the kinky type, toots". She crawls over the bed, making sure to look as alluring as possible, then lies down with her head pressed on one of your pillows. "There. Do you like this more?" the way that she's so smug about it, with that stupid smirk of hers, makes you want to choke her to death.

"Shut the fuck up", you follow her, placing yourself on each side of her head, feeling her hands rise on your tighs to curl on the soft fabric she so wishes were to disappear. "Hmhm, alright" she eyes the patch of cloth that has begun to show a wet stain, images of what she is going to do to you already flashing in her mind. But this position prevents her from sliding them off without you having to move away from her, and she'd rather keep you and your pussy here. "You know, as much as I love how cute you look with these..." you only have a brief moment to see a malicious glint in her eyes, before she tears your underwear apart, leaving you naked in front of her "I'd much rather have you bare". "Jinx! I just told you to shut up!" it doesn't help that she doesn't mind you and whistles loudly, making you feel more and more embarrassed. "And I -shut up!-. And-and those were expensive! Do you know how-!" but all your words die in your throat when she, with a strength you didn't know she had, pulls you flat against her mouth.

She licks your clit like a starved woman, like it will be the last meal she'll ever have. She doesn't dive right in your pussy, instead takes her sweet time to torture you, making you wish she'd just fuck you already. "Jinx...please, I-" she opens her eyes to see you above her, naked and panting with pleasure, something she only ever dreamt of seeing.

She can't say no to her favorite piltie. Her cold hands grab your ass, propping you up in a new angle on her face so you can't move, but she can do everything she wants to. She spends the next minutes milking your pleasure out of you, before pushing one finger slowly inside of you. You gasp in pain at first, a small trickle of blood wetting your skin and her fingers, and after a few minutes, feeling need arise from the depths of your guts. Jinx's eyes widen when she first feels you move atop her fingers, riding them messily; and she already has a new idea. "No, none of that toots" with her left hand, she yanks your hips down on her fingers, preventing you from moving further. Her next words feel like ice cold water on naked skin; "I won't make you cum if you do it again" and as if that wasn't bad enough, she emphasizes her point with a trust of her fingers. "You will be a good girl, won't you?".

"Yes, yes, yes I will be a good girl..." her smile is all you see before she disappears underneath your thighs. As soon as you get used to the alien feeling of her fingers inside of you, her pace is unrelenting; fast and hard, torturing your clit with her lips. She takes your hips and places your slit directly onto her tongue, forcing you to grind down on it. When you start to wheeze from her touches, she decides to move onto the next phase of her plan. "Hey baby, get up a sec" you would rather keep on grinding on her tongue, but comply anyway. You get up, putting ditance between your slit and her mouth, but while you do, she directly shoves in her fingers, making your legs almost give out. With her other hand she pushes you until your ass is flat against her lap. "Come on, bounce" you don't let her repeat herself twice, already fucking yourself on her fingers at the best of your abilities. What she's seeing is far better than anything she could have ever dreamt of: her favorite piltie bouncing up and down her fingers, eyes heavy and panting above her. And your movements on her own crotch only make her feel more and more euphoric. Oh, if only she could feel you... When she curls her finger on that spot that has you keening, you finally come undone; finger intertwined, billions of stars exploding beneath your eyelids and electricity coursing through your veins. You collapse on her, skin against skin, puffing and gasping for each breath. Your whines reach Jinx's ears and right now, she wants nothing more than to tear orgasms upon orgasms from you, but she'll have to wait.

You roll over, taking a place near her on the bed, shivering from the intensity of your first time. And when Jinx, with a horrifyingly both sweet and sadistic smile turns to you, excitement clear on her face, your pussy clenches around nothing and your blood turns to ice. "So, wanna go again?"

[vivwritesfics]

Ignorance Is Kind

Seven months ago Bradley Bradshaw attended a barbecue hosted by Jake Seresin. Seven months ago Bradley met a girl at said barbecue. Seven months ago Bradley railed her.

And here she was at Jakes next barbecue, even months pregnant.

2.5K

Warnings: smut, fingering, marking, light degrading, unprotected sex, pregnancy

Bradley Bradshaw x Seresin!Reader

"Come to my barbecue," Jake Seresin insisted as he spoke to his little sister on the phone. "You owe him that much."

From the other end of the phone, he heard her release a sigh. "Jake, c'mon," she said. "Leave it alone. If I wanted him to know, I would have told him," she muttered.

"You know I don't like him either," Jake replied. "But he deserves to know. Plus, I want to see you."

She couldn't admit that Jake was right. And still, some small part of her wanted to resist. "Fine," she finally agreed. "But just because I wanna see you, too."

Jake let out a cheer, one that had his sister laughing. "Brilliant," he said. "I'll go and get the spare room ready for you!"

"Jakey," she said before he put the phone down. "Can you get some pickles and potato chips?"

"Of course I can," Jake replied. "Anything else?"

"Maybe some ice cream?"

Jake let out a laugh. "I'll see you tomorrow," he said and got him ready to run out to the store.

***

The last time Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw had gone to one of Jake Seresin's barbecue, things hadn't gone too well. Or they'd gone exceptionally well, depending on who you ask.

Bradley hadn't expected to meet a pretty girl at Jakes barbecue. He hadn't expected to bump into somebody as he walked away from the drinks cooler, a beer in his hand. His free hand settled on her waist as he steadied her.

"You okay?" Bradley asked her, stooping ever so slightly to look into her eyes.

She nodded her head and swallowed. "Yeah, uhm, yes. Yeah, I'm fine," she said and offered him a sweet smile. Bradley didn't think he had ever seen something so sweet.

He hadn't meant to spend the entire barbecue chatting up Jake Seresin's little sister. In his defense, he didn't realise that she was Jake's sister. He got her drinks when she ran out and brought over a selection of food from the barbecue.

The thing about Bradley was that he was irresistibly charming. She held herself back for most of the barbecue, waiting until Jake found himself distracted by some pretty thing that 'wanted to see the way he grilled'.

And as soon as Jake was distracted, she slipped into Roosters lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm staying at Jakes tonight," she muttered and she slowly moved in his lap.

Even as disappointment crossed his face, Bradley kept a tight grip on her waist. He shifted slightly and her eyes closed as she let out a whimper. "I think you should come up to my room with me," she whispered as she buried her face against his neck, kissing and nipping at his skin.

Bradley couldn't stop the shiver from running down his spine. "Who are you?" He asked through a breath.

The way she moved against him now, her hands running through his hair, Bradley had to get her inside. He didn't care about who she might have been to Jake in that moment, he just wanted to be sliding his cock through her folds and watch as her eyes rolled back.

She hopped off of his lap. The sun was setting and Jakes guests were still eating, but neither of them cared much. If anybody noticed them sneaking into the house, they didn't say anything.

She led Bradley up to the spare bedroom. He'd stayed in it a few times before, but that wasn't what he was thinking about as she pushed the door shut and popped her the button on her shorts.

Bradley salivated as she walked towards, hips swaying from side to side. She pushed him back onto the bed. Bradley could have resisted, but he allowed himself to fall back onto the bed. His hands touched her sides, drifted beneath her shirt as she climbed on top of him and attached her lips to his.

Bradley's hands cradled the back of her head, holding her close as moved her lips against his own. He'd let her lead, for now.

When her tongue began to explore her mouth, Bradley decided that he had had enough. He flipped her over, his thumbs brushing over her stomach as he pressed his lips to her own. She let out a whine from the back of her throat as his lips moved across her jaw and down to her neck. He sucked dark purple bruises into her skin, not caring for who would see them in the morning. She moaned out, nails against his back, not quite scratching the skin.

She pulled her shirt off and threw it to one side. Bradley immediately moved down her chest, lips against the supple flesh that wasn't covered by her bra. "Take it off," he commanded as he kissed down her stomach, making his way towards her shorts.

She did as he asked and unclasped her bra. The moment she pulled it away from her body, Bradley's lips were around her nipple, sucking as his hands pushed her shorts down her legs.

She whined and moaned, nails finally digging into his skin. Bradley couldn't stop his own moan as he released her nipple.

With her shorts pushed all the way down her legs, Bradley unbuttoned his shirt and dropped it to the floor. He got to his knees and gripped her thighs, dragging her to the end of the bed.

The first touch of his lips against her thigh had flames igniting through her body. She cried out, reaching for something to grab onto. But Bradley stopped her. He wrapped his fingers around her wrists as he lifted them above her head. "Keep them there, pretty girl," he said and kissed her again.

Bradley travelled back down to where she needed him. He nudged her legs apart with one hand, the other working to free his length from the confines of his jeans. He ran a single finger through her folds and a desperate whine left her lips. "Fuck!" She cried, hands coming back down.

But then Bradley pulled away completely. Desperate tears ran down her cheeks as she put her hands back above her head, just as he had told her to.

He pushed his finger through her folds, brushing over her clit. She jolted her body but Bradley kept going, pushing a single digit into her hole. "Please!" She cried, immediately rolling her hips against his hand.

"So fucking needy." He let out a low chuckle, finger completely still inside of her. "Humping my hand like a little slut." He withdrew his finger and pushed it back in, a second one accompanying it.

Bradley's thumb brushes against her hip as he used his other hand to stretch her out. She rode his fingers desperately, babbling incoherently. "Please, please, please," she cried, but Bradley could barely understand her.

"What do you need, pretty girl?"

"You!" She cried through a gasp. "I need you."

Her thighs were drenched when Bradley pulled his fingers out of her. He pushed down his jeans and climbed on top of her yet again.

Bradley reattached his lips to her own. Her hands were around his shoulders as she drew in quick breath. "Ready, pretty girl?" He asked and she nodded quickly, desperately.

She looked down, looking at what he was working with. Her lips drew in a gasp as she saw just how big he was.

Bradley pushed himself through her folds. It was slowly and gentle. Every time her breath hitched, Bradley kissed her. But the way he filled her, it was all consuming. She couldn't concentrate on anything other than the way his cock filled her.

He bottomed out with a grunt, his forehead against her own. "Fuck," she hissed, eyes squeezed shut. Nothing had ever made her feel like this, certainly not the other people she had slept with over the years. No, there was just him and nobody else. He was the only thought that entered her mind.

Slowly, he began rolling his hips. Her legs locked around his hips as he rocked his hips against her own. His cock pushed through her folds again and again, his pace building. "That's it, pretty girl," he grunted. "Feel so good."

Every nerve in her body was on fire. Her back arched from the bed, chest pressing against his own. The lines on his back that her nails were creating, Bradley couldn't wait to show them off.

His lips swallowed her moans, her desperate cries. She rolled her hips against his own as he hit every single spot inside of her.

"Fuck," she whispered as she pulled away. But Bradley swallowed it, his lips against her own.

Her walls clenched around him and Bradley squeezed his eyes shut, pulling away from her lips to press his forehead against her own. His breath came out in short puffs, grunts leaving his lips. "I'm gonna..."

But she couldn't even finish her sentence. Her legs tightened around his mid section, holding him close as she came around his cock. Bradley kept going. He pressed himself as close to her as he could get as his thrusts grew sloppy. "Shit," he hissed, her walls still squeezing him.

When Bradley came he slumped forward, his arms barely holding him up on top of her. His cum painted her walls and he kissed her one last time. Sweetly, deeply, slowly. It was nothing like the way he had just fucked her, nothing like the way he had sent pleasure crashing over her.

Bradley pulled out and laid on the bed beside her. His hand was resting on his chest as he stared at the ceiling above him. "That was... amazing," he said through gasps, turning his head towards her.

She sat up. On shaking legs she grabbed a shirt and a pair of pyjama shorts. "Where are you going?" Bradley asked as he watched her move towards the bedroom door.

"I'm gonna shower," she said and pulled the door open.

"Want me to come with you?"

She shook her head and Bradley felt himself deflate.

But that was seven months ago. He hadn't even gotten her name, but she was the best fuck he'd ever had. Bradley thought about her often. Whenever he picked someone up from The Hard Deck, he couldn't help but think of her.

When Jake invited him to another barbecue, seven months after he'd last seen pretty girl, as he had been calling her, Bradley jumped at the chance.

He was unable to stop himself from arriving to the barbecue early. The only one there before him was Bob. Bradley got himself a drink from the cooler and sat himself down as he waited for the rest of the guests to arrive.

Every time somebody walked through Jakes back door and out into his garden, Bradley couldn't stop himself from growing hopeful. It wasn't her. He started to think it would never be her.

He didn't know that she was in the spare bedroom, hand on her swollen stomach as she looked down at the barbecue bellow. She'd seen him the moment he walked in, moustache and hawaiian shirt the same as the day they'd met. She immediately remembered why she had found him attractive in the first place.

She had promised Jake she'd he at his barbecue, but something kept her in the spare room. Fucking pregnancy hormones. But she was craving potato chips. Potato chips that Jake had put outside.

Mustering all of her courage, she slipped on her shoes and made her way outside.

Nobody was looking at her, but she couldn't help feeling exposed as she stepped into the garden. Even in the sunshine she wore loose pants, a tank top hugging her seven month bump.

Bradley didn't notice her as he sipped his beer. He had long since given up looking for her. It seemed as though she wasn't coming.

But then she walked in front of him.

"Pretty girl!" Bradley said through a gasp as he stood up.

She completely froze up. "Shit," she squeaked and turned around. "Hi," she said, giving a small, awkward wave.

"Hey-"

But then Bradley spotted it. Well, how could he not? Her bump was huge; she looked ready to explode. "Wow," he said, swallowing nerves. "You look... different."

"Save it," she said and walked away, going to sit with Bob, Natasha and their potato chips. (She didn't know them any better than she knew Bradley, didn't even knew their names, but she needed to get away from him).

Bradley downed his beer. In two gulps it was gone. He placed it down onto the table behind him and strode over to Jake at the barbecue.

"Is it mine?"

"Huh?" Jake asked as he looked away from the barbecue. "What the fuck are you on about?"

Bradley's nostrils flared as he looked at her across the garden, watched her as she got acquainted with Bob and Natasha. "You know what the fuck I'm on about," he said. "Is the baby mine?"

Jake let out a dry laugh. "That baby is a Seresin and that's all that matters."

"So it's yours," Bradley said, his voice defeated.

Immediately Jake began to fake barf. He clutched his stomach as he pretended to throw up onto the grass. "Gross, Rooster. That's my fucking sister." He turned the sausages. "Yes, you're the babies father. Happy?"

No Bradley wasn't happy. He walked away from the barbecue, instead striding over to her. When Bob met his eyes, saw the fury in them, he stood up and pulled Natasha with him, leaving Bradley alone with the woman he had gotten pregnant.

"Jake is your brother," he said as he sat in the seat Bob once occupied. "You didn't tell me that."

"You didn't ask," she replied bitterly as she placed a potato chip between her teeth.

Bradley couldn't stop himself from staring at her bump. Fuck, she looked incredible. He swallowed the lump in his throat and forced himself to look in her eyes. "Jake said its mine."

"It's not an it," she spat. "He's a boy. And he's mine."

"But I am the father, right? Like, without my sperm you wouldn't have been able to get pregnant, right?" He challenged. It was taking everything he had to not let himself get frustrated.

She picked at her nails. "I suppose so," she mumbled and laid her hand against her bump.

"Were you never going to tell me?"

She sucked in a breath and looked up at the blue sky above her. "You were a one night stand, somebody who's name I didn't know," she said. "How was I supposed to find you? And, what was I supposed to say? 'Oh hey, remember that girl you slept with at Jakes barbecue? Well I'm pregnant. By the way, whats your name?'"

Bradley sucked in a breath. She wasn't right and, by the look on her face, she knew it. But there was nothing they could do to change it now. Instead, he held his hand out towards her. "My names Bradley," he said as she placed her hand in his. "What's yours?"

[scorpioriesling]

Invisible String - Part 2

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

Pairing(s): Eris x reader

Warning(s): light angst if you squint. Please be advised; future parts might not be suitable for all audiences. Proceed with caution.

Summary: You'd taken the nanny position for the royal family over a year ago, not expecting what would come of it or how close you'd grow to the child you cared for. Things became tough for Eris when his wife left him and his daughter, and he found it increasingly harder to raise Riley himself. He soon realizes, you've provided a lot more than the typical job description duties for his daughter... and maybe for him, too.

SR’s Note: I added in the advisory so that younger / uncomfortable readers won't begin the series without knowing or expecting potential risks in content to come. For those who enjoy or look forward to content as such -- get excited! Nonetheless, I hope readers will enjoy this series that came to me in a dream one night. (; Much love to all.

Tags: @cynthiesjmxazrielslover @talesofadragon @rcarbo1 @mandziaaa @lilah-asteria @a-frog-with-a-laptop @kitsunetori (inbox me or comment if you'd like to be added!)

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You paced back and forth awkwardly around your room, not sure what to do with your time. Normally, you'd give Riley a bath and see her off to bed -- but not tonight. Her father had come home during dinner today, and you almost couldn't believe your eyes when he'd materialized before the both of you in the dining room.

Gods, you'd never seen her so excited to see him come home in all the time you'd known the two. She truly missed him when he was gone, just waiting to see her dad come home at the end of the day. You understood; to be honest, you worried some nights when he would be gone late, always apologizing like his timing was the end of the world. He failed to realize that it was his safe return you were more concerned with.

You paused, shrieks of laughter heard from the opposite end of the Wing and you smiled to yourself. Padding over to your open doorway, you peeked your head out, listening as Eris' faint voice spoke with his daughter, saying something that had her giggling once more before you heard the distinct sound of her door latching shut. You retreated back into your room, trying to find anything to busy yourself as the sound of his shoes drew nearer toward your room.

"Could I offer any help with the last of those?" Eris asks, leaning casually against the doorframe as he gestures toward the stack of heavy boxes piled in the corner of your room. You turn, crossing your arms and then uncrossing them, not quite finding a comfortable position.

"Um... well, I could probably get them, tomorrow." You shrug, biting on your lower lip. Eris' eyes study your face for a long moment before he chuckles, walking over to the pile and pushing up his sleeves with such grace. He lifts the top box, his arms flexing under the weight as he adjusts his grip under the edges.

You try, really, really hard not to stare.

"I'll leave these outside to be picked up in the morning, unless you needed them to be kept for something?" He asks, and you all but shake your head before he heads out of your room, leaving you in awe. You shake your head, get it together. That is your boss, for Gods sakes. You take a deep breath, pushing your hair behind your ears before reaching for the next highest box, barely reaching the upper rim before its contents nearly spill over on top of you.

"Cauldron damned-" your curse is cut off when the box doesn't completely dump out on to you, but is caught haphazardly between your hands and one of Eris'. His other one is wrapped around your waist, preventing your impending collision with the floor.

"Woah! Woah," he says, his voice much closer than you expected and you open your eyes you'd inadvertently squeezed shut. He loomed over you, holding you so close to his chest that you sucked in a breath, your eyes widening when they met his peering down at you.

"I'm..." you made to stand, and he lifted the cardboard from your hands. "I thought I could help with that one." You said sheepishly. He chuckled, glancing sidelong at you.

"Always trying to do everything," he muttered. "Honestly, I'm just surprised to hear Y/N actually say a bad word out loud."

You set your hands on your hips, raising an eyebrow and ignoring his teasing remark.

"This is my mess, anyhow. I was just trying to help."

He turns, heading for the door once more.

"Allow me to help you for once, hm?" He says, winking and walking out. You roll your eyes, irritated at how warm your cheeks feel. You flit about the room, putting random smaller items away and folding a few articles of clothing as Eris makes the last few trips. When he comes back in for the final time, he sits on the edge of your bed with a sigh, running a hand through his hair.

You look to him, noticing his exhaustion from the day again. "Thank you," you say, and he looks to you again. He offers you a small smile, leaning back on his hands.

"For all that you've done, helping you move a few boxes is incomparable." Your lips curve upward as you place a few more of your skirts inside the drawers of the dresser, averting his eye. After a few shared moments of quiet, he speaks again.

"This room... its... I'm glad someone is using it again." He says, his hand running softly over the duvet. You glance at him, his fallen expression puzzling as you go about tidying up.

"Oh?"

He's quiet again before he looks at you. "I used to avoid coming in here, after... well, after Selene left." He says quietly, and you pause. The air feels thick, you try to keep breathing evenly as your mind races.

"She... the two of you didn't share...?"

"No." He whispers, looking at the floor. "She thought only mates should share a room."

You shoved the drawer closed, walking slowly to the bedside and sitting next to him.

"I'm sure this is common knowledge by now, but our marriage was simply a transaction, a sign of goodwill between our courts." He let out a humorless laugh. "No magic, golden thread there."

For everything he'd done for his court, all the battles he'd won, every fight he'd fought and all he'd witnessed... this was a subject he rarely discussed, as it seemed tomdrag him down the most.

"Eris..." You said softly, reaching out a hand timidly and placing it on his arm. He braced lightly against the touch, and you leaned closer. "I'm so sorry that you were treated that way-"

He sniffed, his hand rubbing along his jaw quickly before he stood, your outstretched hand slowly retracting with the distance between you two.

"It's alright. Nothing for you to worry about, anyway." He flashed a humorless half-smile, and you stared up at him with concern. You could tell it was a tough subject for him, and you definately didn't want to pry; but he didn't exactly have many other people to open up to.

"Well... alright then." You say defeatedly. He nods, turning and heading for the door. He looks over his shoulder only once more before closing the door behind him.

"Sleep well, Y/N."

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

"Apple juice, please?" Riley asks, and you pour her a fresh glass, delivering it to her awaiting hand. She sips quietly, then blinks a few times when you sit down beside her. "Oh -- thanks!" She smiles.

You nod, silently praising her good mannered habits. You could still remember when you arrived at the Forest House, the little spitfire was ordering people around at the ripe age of three. "Give this!" and "Do that!" was all she managed, and though her heart was pure, you did encourage better etiquitte; luckily, it stuck.

"Daddy said he have a surprise," she swung her legs under the table, some of her juice swishing in her cup. You raised an eyebrow.

"Did he, now?" You weren't sure what she was talking about, or if there really was a surprise at all. Eris had made haste this morning, rushing past you this morning on his way out the door. He'd barely kissed his daughter goodbye before he was on his horse and halfway to the border-

"He did! He said he had one." She insisted, and you nodded in understanding. What it could be, you had no clue.

"Well, lets finish our dinner so we're ready when he gets home, yes?" You suggest, and Riley agrees, jamming the last of her chicken nuggets into her mouth and chewing with maximum effort. You shake your head, smiling at just how normal the girl was. You were just glad she found joy in chicken nuggets still, and didn't request challenging dishes every meal quite yet.

Insisting on wearing her fluffy pink footie pajamas, Rylie then sat in your lap on the couch, her stuffed beagle clutched in her hands as you brushed out her wet-clean locks.

"Braid it pretty?" She asks, and you leaned in, kissing the top of her little head. She grinned, holding her little beagle's head to her lips and kissing it's head just the same.

"Anything for you, Riles," you say, getting to work on the long strawberry strands. She sits very patiently for a four year old; that is, until you've secured the band at the end of your work and the front door creaks open.

"Daddy!" She's up in an instant, running to the door with glee and clinging to her father's leg the moment she spots him. You stay seated a moment longer, listening from the living area but not quite ready to see Eris yet. After the tense conversation last night, you couldn't help but feel... awkward, after the conversation.

After a few minutes, Riley has retreated to the living room looking rather dejected. Your brows knit as she stalks toward you, her beagle hanging limply from her fingers.

"Daddy says bedtime. You take me please?" She says, looking down at the floor. You frown, your hands lifting under her arms as she wraps her legs around your waist.

"Of course sweetie," you try to sound upbeat, but she only lays her head on your shoulder. You pet her head, wrapping your other hand around her to keep her propped up against your waist as you make your way to her end of the Wing. You look around as you go, not seeing any sign of Eris on your way. He literally just got home, what the Hell could he possibly have to do right now?

Once you reach her room, you place her gently atop her plush duvet, her eyes half closed when her head touches the pillow. You pull a loose blanket over her legs, knowing sometimes she gets cold at night, and kiss her little cheek one last time before moving toward the door.

"Y/N," she whispers. Your eyes meet hers in the dim light, your fingers stalling as they reach for the glowing tableside lamp.

"Yes dear?"

"Can you please read? Please?" Her bottom lip trembles. "D-daddy always reads... he reads my book..." she sucks in a breath of air, and you rush over to her bed, taking her little hand in yours.

"Yes, of course honey!" You say, hoping she will feel better. "I would love to read you a story," you look left and right, searching for any tomes near her bed. She lifts a limp hand, her finger pointing to the book resting at the opposite end of her bed.

"You'd like that one? The Kissing Hand?" She nods, one tear slipping free and running down her cheek. You hastily grab the book, and she scoots over, making a space for you to lay beside her. You scoot close, reaching an arm around her and she snuggles close as you flip open the book. Her little fingers wipe her tear from her cheek, and you begin to read.

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

You weren't sure when you'd drifted off, but when you slipped back into consciousness, your back ached from its cramped position on the small bed. You looked around, the darkened room coming into view as well as the peacefully sleeping babe next to you.

You must have fallen asleep reading to her, you thought. Surely you'd left the lamp on though; its glow would come in handy now as you tried to slip silently out of her embrace, sneaking out in absolute darkness. At least the door was still cracked open.

You'd stumbled around quietly enough and made it down the hallway to the kitchen, the clock on the wall coming into view.

Four in the morning. Gods.

You kept walking, feeling along the walls until you found your bedroom door, and let yourself inside.

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

You woke up that morning to the delicious smell of cinnamon and sugar, the comfort of your plush bed surrounding you as the first light of day drifted through your curtains. You yawned, stretching out your arms and slowly opening your eyes.

Ahh, what a lovely morning.

Morning. The sun was out.

You threw the covers off of you hastily, your bare feet hitting the cold wood floors in a rush as you lunged for your door handle. Riley was surely awake by now, and surely starving. You bounded down the hallway, your steps faltering when you heard her familiar ramblings from the kitchen and registered the smell of food wafting through the air.

As you approached, you watched in pure shock as Eris stood over the kitchen island, his hand holding his daughters as he helped her spread icing over a tray of steaming cinnamon rolls, smiling and talking along with her. He hadn't noticed you walk in; but she sure did.

"Y/N! Finally! You're awake!" She squealed happily, and you forced a smile, still confused by the scene before you. Eris looked up then, his eyes meeting yours only briefly before he went back to the treats he was making.

"Good morning Riley," you said hesitantly, stepping closer toward the island. Eris' eyes flicked up again, snagging on the silk pajamas you'd changed into before collapsing onto your bed last night. You crossed your arms over your chest.

"Good morning. Eris." You said, and his mouth pressed into a thin line.

"Morning Y/N." He said plainly before turning to Riley, lifting her off the counter and setting her on the ground.

"Bunny, why don't you set the table," he handed her the silverware and a few plates. "And we'll join you in just a few minutes?" She nods, skipping into the dining room, as Eris braces his hands against the countertop, his eyes locked on yours once more.

You stare back, shrugging when you can't understand the point of standing in silence. "What?" You ask. He sighs, biting the inside of his cheek.

"Y/N, I'm sorry for the... discussion. We had. The other night, it was... highly, unprofessional." He nodded, looking down at the pan of cinnamon rolls once more. You raised an eyebrow, a soft laugh erupting from your lips and causing him to flick his gaze to you again.

"What is funny?" He asks, seeming a bit taken aback.

"Nothing, no," you say, smiling softly at him. "I just... Eris, I live in your home. I spend every day with your daughter. I think we're beyond professional, aren't we?" You say. He cocks his head to the side, a small smirk curving the side of his lips.

"I suppose we are, then."

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

"Daddy. These cimanim rolls. Are. Delicious!" Riley grins with delight, Eris' expression a mirror of his daughter sitting next to him at the table. You watch the two and your heart swells; one day, you could only dream of having something so special as that.

"Why, thank you Princess!" Eris says, and she holds her chin high. You shake your head at her, and Eris' eyes meet yours, his face giving away exactly what he's thinking. After a few more quiet moments, he speaks up again.

"Bunny, I wanted to ask you about doing something fun today," he says, and Riley immediately perks up.

"Fun?" She asks, and he nods.

"In the Town Square, there is the Autumn Festival, and it would make me very happy as your daddy if you would go with me-"

"Yesss!" She shrieks, every single one of her teeth showing as she smiles in excitement. You can't help but feel so happy for her -- she deserves time with her father, and he's finally home to spend it with her, doing something she had been longing to do anyway.

"Ohmygosh I can't wait! I will wear my Princess dress so everyone knows I am a Princess, okay," she explains hastily, only pausing to take a sip from her glass of milk.

Eris nods, looking to you. "I figured you may appreciate at least a day off as well," he adds quietly, and you offer him a gentle smile. Truly, you didn't need one, but you appreciated his consideration all the same. Riley doesn't quite catch the incinuation, though.

"Y/N, you have to wear a dress. You can't borrow from me this time because you're too big," she says, hopping from her chair. "You have a dress?" She asks. Your eyes meet her dad's and his mouth opens to answer first.

"Bunny," he starts. "I don't think Y/N was going to come today," he explains. Rileys brows knit in confusion as she looks at him.

"Why not?"

"Well," he says, trying to tread lightly. "Maybe Y/N has other things she would like to do today. It's okay though; just me and you can go." He says, but Riley looks to you, her eyes looking you up and down.

"What... what else do you want to do though?" She says, and you chuckle.

"Riley, honey, today you can go have fun with your daddy, alright? Me and you play here everyday," You reason with her. She doesn't let up, and Eris studies you from across the table.

"Daddy -- can Y/N just come too?" Riley says. You sigh, looking to Eris for help, but he only stares quietly at you, a small smile on his lips.

"I really will just stay here-"

"Yes." Eris says, and you meet his eyes, Riley spinning in happy little circles at the end of the table. "Y/N can absolutely come with us today."

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

[star-girl69]

Cowboy Like Me

Clarisse La Rue x Fem!Reader

—-

Part One - The Last Time

Part Two - Cowboy Like Me

Part Three - Tomorrow Never Came (coming soon!)

Part Four - Living Legend (coming soon!)

Part Five - Pretty When You Cry (coming soon!)

—-

synopsis: 15 years later, you’re still climbing into clarisse’s arms and knowing she’s gonna leave.

a/n: personally i love life but idk about y’all and creds to @nvirskies for helping me w bits of this 🫶

Cowboy Like Me - Taylor Swift

warnings: y’all already know what’s happening

—-

“And I… I’m scared.”

You hum, adjusting yourself in your seat so your heart doesn’t break.

“It’s okay to be scared. I’m scared all the time.”

Jane is one of the sweetest kids you’ve ever met since becoming the Camp Half-Blood therapist thing. After your traumatizing years, watching Clarisse come and go, years spent in her bed- you found yourself wanting to tell someone.

You wanted to scream. You wanted to cry. You wanted to feel safe, especially when she was gone.

You wanted to tell someone that you hated Clarisse La Rue’s guts and also you loved her so much you weren’t sure if you could ever get over her.

So, you became that person.

“You’re allowed to be scared, though,” Jane continues. “I can’t. I’m a daughter of Ares, Y/N. If he sniffs out weakness then he’ll never love me.”

Your conversations with Jane have by far been the hardest sessions you’ve ever had. They remind you so much of what you went through 15 years ago. Of what you watched her go through.

“And you’re human, Jane. To fear is to be human. You’ll always be part human, the same way you are part god. That’s what being a demigod is,” you smile.

“It’s just… human?” she says, nose scrunching.

“All of the emotions you feel, the ones you hate, the ones that distract you- those are the ones that come from your mortal parent. Ares cannot take those away, no matter how hard he tries.”

You let the kids spread around the rumors that this room is magical and soundproof. In reality, the Gods just don’t care enough to listen.

—-

It took a long time to get Chiron and Mr. D to see the benefits of having an actual licensed therapist at Camp. They were hesitant, but you insisted, so they gave you a one month trial. It took even longer to get someone to actually come talk to you, but after Jane blew up on one of her siblings and hurt them, she came to you.

She came to you crying, saying she hated being like this, she hated being so explosive. And it was slow, but you helped her, and now she has coping mechanisms and now the entirety of the Ares cabin and a good portion of the camp scrambles for appointments with you.

Jane always comes at 6:30 on Fridays. She eats her dinner quick and runs across camp to your office at the Big House. Sometimes she cries, sometimes she squeezes a stress ball so hard she might actually crush it, but she always talks. She always opens herself up, she learns and she grows.

After that hour, you turn around and lay in your bed, and you think about Clarisse.

You think about when she comes back, you’re not so cold anymore but your heart is frozen over. You cry, she asks you not to cry, not when she’s here. She did the impossible, she survived.

But you see it in her eyes. The thrill. She will do it again and again for him and you will be left there.

And as much as your aching heart tells you to forget about her- she’s yours. You’re hers.

She calls you baby and pretty girl even though years of stress has caused crows lines around your eyes. You are still trapped with her, like some sort of wretched mirror- except you’re gazing into another world where you’re both still young. Where you’re both still happy. Where she didn’t leave.

You think about that alternate reality a lot.

You think about it tonight.

You come to your room and you lay on your cold bed, wrap an arm around your waist and imagine the pillow under your head is her chest. It’s embarrassing. It’s embarrassing to love her so much that you pretend she’s still here. It’s embarrassing that you pretend you have all the answers- the campers look up at you like you do have all the answers, but you really don’t. You know absolutely nothing. But you’re good at pretending.

The first time she visited camp she came to your room, cockily leaned against the door, and said something about how she had to meet the woman all of her younger siblings were gushing about. That night ended with her crying softly against your chest while you ran your hands through her hair.

And before, you went to colleges only an hour away from each other. When you were stressing about exams, when you got a bad grade, when the nights were cold and you missed her- you drove an hour and knocked on her door, and she let you in, into her bed, into her arms. She didn’t have let you into her heart, because you were always there.

When her roommate left for a few days for a family emergency, she asked her friends to take notes for her and drove to you. She stammered when you opened the door, tried to explain that she just couldn’t be alone, not anymore, not without you- and so she spent the next few days waiting in your room while you were at classes. You would sit in her lap while you did your homework, or she would just stand behind you at your desk and play with your hair. And you would spend your nights in her arms.

The second time she visited camp she didn’t say anything when she knocked on your door, and you just let her in. You spent the night laughing and reminiscing until you cried and she smiled sadly and asked you not to, and you tried for her, but you couldn’t. How can she expect you not to cry when she’s the one making you cry? When she’s cried herself over what happened between you?

The third, fourth, fifth, all the times she came to camp she would come to your door and sometimes you would cry, sometimes she would cry- sometimes you both would cry. Because how cruel is it to be held by the woman you love and know it’s not the girl you love? How cruel is it to know change?

—-

It’s not that you choose to love Clarisse. If you could choose, you wouldn’t love her. You would forget all about her. You dream about falling and hitting your head, waking up with a blank slate that’s untainted by her.

You don’t choose to love Clarisse.

Your skin doesn’t love her, not anymore- your cells replace every few weeks. And it’s been 2 months since she last came to camp. It’s your bones that love her. It’s something fundamental inside of you. Loving her is like moving- it takes so many little nerves and neurons to make it work- but it feels like nothing to you. Your bones love Clarisse.

And your bones surround your heart, and they trick you into loving her.

Every time she comes back you’re shocked by the way she isn’t her younger self. She’s older, there’s lines on her face, and she cut her hair a few inches shorter a few years ago. She carries herself different, partly because she’s grown and she’s learned to appreciate life a little more- she walks softer. And almost because you know she hurt her hip years ago, and you’ve spent nights kissing it and saying that she’ll be fine if she just gives it a little longer to heal.

You like to think that the reason she’s still able to go on quests and do everything she does is because of your healing touch.

But you see it sometimes, the way she walks softer, especially now after a long day. Its not that it hurts her, she’s just scared of putting a bit too much pressure on it so it does hurt her.

You watch her from the window. Smaller kids run past her, she’s listening absentmindedly to Abby James, the current counselor of the Ares cabin.

You giggle as she puts her hand on Abby’s shoulder and firmly says goodbye, pushing her off into the other direction- Abby is probably the most social Ares kid you’ve ever met. She’s a chatterbox, not in a bad or mean way, just a fact. Her long black hair swishes behind her as she turns, crossing her arms, and you’re sure you’ll be hearing about it in your next session.

You move back to the small couch- right by the door of your room. You sit there like you’re not expecting her, and you wait until you hear her footsteps up the stares to fix your hair and breathe in and out slowly.

She knocks.

“Come in,” you say, throwing your feet onto the coffee table and picking up a book about the history of psychology.

“Y/N,” she says. The door shuts behind her, she leans back against it.

“Hi, Clarisse,” you say, reduced to a child now that she’s in your presence. Now that you can look at her and see that she’s not her. “How are you?”

She snorts, walking past you and sitting in the armchair you sit in for your sessions.

“I don’t wanna play that shit tonight.”

“Hospitality?”

“Whatever you wanna call it,” she smiles, her feet touching yours on the coffee table. You feel a little breathless. You close the book, you weren’t even reading it, throwing it onto the coffee table.

She stares into your eyes.

“How have you been?”

You roll your eyes, but that just makes the tears more prominent.

“How is that any different?”

“‘Cause it’s you. ‘Cause I like hearing your voice.”

She leans back in the chair and gestures to you, so you cross your legs and sit up. You bite back the tears like a hyena with a fake laugh.

“Uh, I don’t know. The usual. All of my sessions are going good, not that I can really tell you. Why don’t I turn on some music?”

“Sure,” she says, leaning her face into her hands.

You walk past her and towards the bookshelf on the opposite wall, body screaming at the way your bare legs brush against her clothed knee.

It’s an old record player, somehow making the cut as not electronic enough to attract anything bad.

You don’t bother checking what you were last listening to. You just put the needle at the start of a song and hear the organs, the grand piano.

“I like this guy,” Clarisse says.

“Jeff Buckley,” you chuckle, smoothing down your camp t-shirt, adjusting your pajama shorts.

Looking out the door I see the rain // Fall upon the funeral mourners

You stand there for a moment longer, pretending to adjust your bookshelf, because you know you’ll start crying when you turn around and look at her.

So I’ll wait for you, love // And I’ll burn // Will I ever see your sweet return? // Oh, will I ever learn?

“Come back,” she says. She was just watching you avoid her. You could feel her eyes on you. You stiffen. “Please,” she adds, softly.

“It’s embarrassing,” you mutter, wiping the tears away.

“I’m just as embarrassing then, seeing how many times I’ve cried in this room. We cancel each other out.” You don’t turn, you can’t do it, you can’t let her see how much this effects you. “I don’t like it when you cry. Please, Y/N, come back.”

You take a deep breath and turn around, wanting to walk past her again, curious to see if she’ll reach out and pull you into the chair with her.

But she doesn’t get the chance too, because your eyes are blinded by tears, and the place where the rug curls up is always making you stumble. Except on days when she’s here, you’re so drained of everything, so you trip completely.

Your knees slam against the hardwood floor, Clarisse tries her best to catch you, but she was a foot too far to reach you- even with her fast reflexes.

And now you’re on your knees in front of her, crying even louder with burning knees.

“Y/N,” she breathes, and you drag yourself towards her, sobbing like a baby until you’re at her feet, resting your head in her lap. “Hey, it’s okay, it’s fine. I trip all the time.” You both know you’re not crying about that.

You press your face into the space between her leg and the cushion to muffle your loud cries.

You grab her legs, feral, nails digging through her cargo pants- but you don’t even reach skin.

“I love you so much, Clarisse,” you sob. “I love you. Don’t leave me tonight. Don’t leave me.”

She breathes out, it’s silent and you bite your tongue.

“I’ll stay tonight,” she says. “I was always gonna stay tonight, you don’t have to ask, baby.”

“Say you love me,” you whisper. “Say it, please.”

“I love you,” she says, her lips in your hair. “Of course I love you. I’ve always loved you.”

There is a certain desperation with demigod relationships. And you feel it now, you feel the desperate hands and the yearning hearts as you cry at her feet. And you feel your knees burn as you kneel before her. You listen to Jeff Buckley croon about love gone while you cry at her feet.

You can’t be embarrassed in this moment. Part of you feels like this is all just Clarisse’s problem, for being so beautiful you still love her, for leaving you and never putting you first. She has to hold you and fix you, she has to deal with the wet pant leg full of your tears. But really, you just want her to hold you. You just want to pretend she never left in the first place.

It’s never over // She is the tear that hangs inside my soul forever

—-

“Are you hungry?” you ask when you finally let go of her, pushing her away as you wipe your wet face.

She studies you for a moment.

“Yeah,” she says, honestly. “What’cha got?”

You reach under the coffee table for the box of snacks you always keep incase someone gets hungry during a session. You’ve both moved to the couch for more space, Jeff Buckley is still going in the background- you’ll have to get up and flip it over soon, or put on something else.

She rifles through the bags of mortal snacks until she finds a bag of salt and vinegar chips.

“Thanks, baby,” she mutters, tearing into the bag. You lean against the couch and just watch her. It could be like this all the time. If she would just stay.

She tries to feed you one, but for some reason that feels too intimate and you shake your head. She shrugs and eats it, even though it was pressed up against your lips a second ago.

That’s the one thing you don’t do. You kiss each other everywhere, except for the lips. You touch her everywhere, except for her lips.

You cry in her arms and she kisses your head, she runs her hands down your body but doesn’t kiss you.

And you’re scared of it. You’re scared of kissing her. You still feel like you can leave, even after all the nights together, if you just don’t kiss her.

She gestures to the curtain that separates your bedroom from where you see campers. “I like the new curtain. Flowers,” she says.

You rake your eyes over the carefully crocheted patterns, pink and blue and yellow, purple and green and red, all turned into pretty flowers.

“A few kids from the Demeter cabin made it for me,” you smile, thinking of how proud they had been to give it to you. “It’s so beautiful.”

“It is,” Clarisse says, but she’s not looking at the curtain anymore. “Jane was talking about you all day,” she says after a moment. “She really loves you.”

“I love her. If she hadn’t come to me, then no one else would have, and I probably would have gotten thrown out. I don’t even know where I would have gone.”

“You could’ve come to me. You can always come to me.”

You have her address pinned to a bulletin board next to your bed.

“Yeah,” you mumble, playing with a loose thread on the back of the couch. “She reminds me a lot of you, you know.”

“Really?” she chuckles. “How?”

“I can’t tell you, silly. Doctor-patient confidentiality.”

“Well, you said she’s like me. So just tell me what I’m like.”

“Okay,” you mumble, thinking over every moment you’ve spent with Clarisse, every session with Jane. “Well, you have very big emotions. It’s hard for you to control them. But, you never really feel them. You never get to the root of the problem. So, when something actually happens, all you know how to do is recognize that you’re angry. You can’t figure out why.”

“You’re good at this shit,” she mumbles. You laugh.

“Hm, you forget that being a demigod means you’re half human, too. And you’re very loyal. You’re loyal to the wrong people, sometimes.”

She crunches up the empty bag of chips and drops it onto the coffee table.

“Don’t do that,” she says.

“Do what?”

She rubs her socks against your knees. “I jus’ wanna be here with you, right now. Don’t say anything else.”

“You asked me about Jane.” You scoff and she glares at you, but her feet are still touching you, and you sigh. “I’m sorry. I jus’ wanna be here with you, too.”

She stares at you for a long moment, unblinking. When she finally looks away, she’s rubbing tears out of her eyes. You move to sit on your knees, leaning towards her.

“Clar, don’t cry,” you say. “What happened?”

You take her face in your hands, so she can’t wipe away the tears. Staring into your eyes, she’s forced to let them fall. She puts her hands on your waist.

“Sometimes I jus’ think about how you’ll never forgive me.”

You don’t know what to say to that.

“Let’s not talk about that right now, Clar. C’mon.”

“Is this room soundproof?” she asks, suddenly. You frown at first, not knowing what that has to do with anything- but then you remember.

You let the kids assume it’s soundproof in your early sessions. But eventually, when they ask, you tell them the truth. You tell them it’s not.

And when they get scared and ask if their godly parents will hear them- you put your hand on their arm and say no. No, they won’t hear you. It’s not that they can’t, it’s that they won’t. They won’t care.

“No. It’s not.”

She shakes her head and laughs.

“So, what? You just sit here and tell these kids that their parents don’t love them?”

“Because they don’t. A God’s love is not a human’s love, Clarisse, why-why dont you get it? It’s different. It’s just different. It’s not necessarily bad, it’s just not what these kids need.”

“You make them think that their parents don’t care about them.”

“Because they don’t! Fuck. They don’t, okay!”

She stares at you for a long time after your outburst.

“What is wrong with you?” she mutters, not necessarily mean but more genuinely curious. She truly believes your wrong in your hatred of the Gods.

“What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with me? I spend my entire day helping kids. I spent my entire day handing them tissues, hugging them, teaching them coping skills. I have devoted my entire life to making sure no one ever felt how I felt. How am I the bad guy for helping them place the blame on who it really should be placed?”

“How you felt?”

You shuffle, sitting up taller.

“Yes, how I felt. How I feel. You don’t know what it was like for me, Clarisse. You don’t know what it was like to sleep without you and know that you were probably gone-”

“What the hell do you think I did every night of that quest?”

“But I didn’t leave you, Clarisse! I didn’t leave you. I have been waiting for you for years. You are the one who leaves me over and over again. And you- you have someone. I have no one, except for you. No one.”

Clarisse has a father. She has someone to blame, if she chose. She has someone to pray to, to cry to, to guide her.

What do you have? The unclaimed daughter of no one? The only person you belong to is Clarisse. And here she is, staring at you like you disgust her.

The anger falls away, because at your core you’re still a lonely 16 year old who needs her to come back, who needs to be claimed, who needs to be loved.

You’re a licensed psychologist. You know that you have deep, deep abandonment issues. You know that Clarisse is at the root of them. But the part of you that’s just a girl, your bones that will always love her, she’s everything to you. She’s all you have.

“Please don’t make us fight,” you cry, hands pressed to your cheeks. “You’re making me cry, Clarisse. Don’t make me cry.”

You watch her change entirely. It goes from the woman who can’t understand you to the girl who knows only you.

“I hate it when you cry,” she says, softly, a gateway back into her arms.

You throw yourself against her, trying your best not to cry for her, but you fail. Her lips are in your hair, your head against her chest. She smooths down your hair and begs you not to cry. Because for some reason, this feels like too much. For some reason, this hurts her the most.

Clarisse is self destructive just like you.

She helps you to your bed. She touches the flower curtain as you walk past.

Clarisse knows she’s hurting you and she knows you’re hurting her. You know you’re hurting her and you know she’s hurting you.

She takes off her uncomfortable clothes and slips under the blanket with you.

Clarisse loves you the same way you love her. Not by choice, but by nostalgia, by hope. She loves you because of what might be. You love her the same way. You both hope that one day it’ll all work out.

She tucks the blanket around you and cups your face. She tells you she’s sorry and whispers “I love you” one more time. You put your hand on her hip, the other pressing against your chest. You say you love her too. You say you love her so much you’re reduced to this less-than thing in her presence.

Clarisse doesn’t understand you. You don’t understand her. She’s nobody’s son, and you’re nobody’s daughter. You try to go about your day without her but you think about her on you so much.

It’s hard to do well on these nights when you know she’s gonna leave you. So you cry, you pretend, you relish this one night in her arms.

“I promise I don’t mean to hurt you,” she whispers. “I don’t. I love you so much. I want you to be happy, but I can’t let you go.” She traces her nose along your jawline. “I can’t let you be happy away from me.”

And it sounds so horrible and cruel, but the way she hurts you is so beautiful you can’t be bothered. She only hurts you because of love. Because she loves you, because she loves her father.

“I know,” you breathe. “I know everything. I don’t mean to hurt you either, I know exactly how you feel.”

A single tear falls down her face. “I can’t help but hurt you. I can’t help but let you hurt me.”

“I know, Clarisse,” you mutter. You press your lips to her cheek and swallow the salty tear falling down her face. “It feels so good, I know.”

Clarisse is a sadist like you. Clarisse is a masochist like you.

Clarisse is addicted to the pain just like you.

—-

me when i’m in an toxic and cosmically doomed relationship contest and my opponents are clarisse and y/n: 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

let me know if you cried in the comments below! 😘

—-

taglist:

@lvrue @t-wylia @laughingcheese037 @kroumi @urdeadpoet @colezb @rey26 @harmzilla @elliewilliamsbae @amberfreemansburntface @kyuupidwrites @neverwaakeme-up @shark1008 @liballer @heyimadison @nvirskies @pnsteblnme @mar2ss @restellsss @ravisinghs-wife @marsconer @evangelinexo @randomhoex @luvrrish

[too-much-tma-stuff]

Let's Fill Our Home with Warmth (part 12)

Prev | Masterpost | Next

Later Jason and Danny lay sprawled out in bed together, the last of the bruises fading from Danny’s skin as Jason traced absent little patterns over Danny’s back. Danny was purring softly between little sniffles, finally calm but still recovering. Jason kissed Danny’s shoulder and he purred louder, giving Jason a soft, tired smile. 

Jason smiled back and reached over to the bedside table for his phone, he was pretty sure there had been a notification while they had been fucking. Ya, one from Dick saying he had stopped by to check on them but heard… noises, so he’s left the takeout on the balcony. Imagining Dick’s reaction made Jason snort, at least Dick wasn’t a prude so he probably wouldn’t be too traumatized by hearing his little brother having sex. Danny gave a questioning little trill and Jason shook his head, putting his phone back down. 

“Dick left take out for us on the fire escape. I’m gonna go grab it. You have a shower, okay Moonlight? I’ll join you in a minute and then we can have dinner. We’ll both feel better once we’re clean and we’ve had something to eat,” Jason promised.

“Alright, don’t take too long,” Danny sighed, propping himself up and kissing Jason before sliding out of bed and heading to the washroom without bothering to grab any clothes. Jason lingered on the bed to admire Danny as he walked away before he got up and grabbed a pair of PJ pants so he could go grab the food. 

He smiled when he saw the bag, from a Thai place they’d been to with Dick so he knew what they might want, it was pretty damn thoughtful really. He put the bag down on the table and locked up again before going to join Danny in the shower, sliding under the water behind him. Jason wrapped his arms around Danny’s waist, and the other man immediately started purring. He leaned back against Jason and tilted his head to the side, baring his throat to Jason, who took the invitation to kiss along the graceful column of Danny’s throat drawing out a soft sigh of pleasure.

“How are you feeling now, Beloved?” Jason asked softly, it was a pet name he’d picked up from Talia. Ya she had been a mixed bag, but he’d spent a lot of time with her, and he respected her.

“Much better,” Danny assured with a little smile. “You’re not actually mad are you?”

“No, of course not,” Jason agreed, giving Danny a squeeze before letting go and reaching for the soap. “You were very brave doing all that, and ya, it could have gone better, but I don’t blame you. Besides, we handled it didn’t we? Nothing to worry about.” 

Danny nodded and stole the shampoo from Jason, pressing against his chest and starting to wash his hair for him. Jason chuckled softly but tilted his head into Danny’s hands and let him pamper Jason a little. 

They washed each other, and once they were both clean they grabbed some comfortable clothes and ate together, snuggled up on the couch watching a movie. There would be no patrol for either of them tonight, they were too tired after the meeting, and still recovering. Their haunt would just have to look after itself for one night, they would get back to it tomorrow and fix whatever small problems managed to go wrong during their day off.

They fell asleep on the couch, tangled together with the TV still playing. Jason woke up when the movie ended and turned off the tv, carrying Danny to bed instead of waking him up. Jason lay down with Danny curled up half on top of him, his cool breath tickling Jason’s throat. He shifted and got comfortable again and didn’t wake up. 

Jason was awake though, and was having just a little trouble going back to sleep. He was sure in the days to come they would be checked on by their friends, maybe even some of the members of the Justice League. He tried not to hope one of them would be Wonder Woman. He had idolized her as a child, and he wanted her to understand him. But if she did come and she was disappointed with him too, he thought it might break his heart, which was why he was trying not to hope she’d come.

Though now that the heroes knew he was back, and they knew Danny was powerful he wondered how long it would be before they reached out for help with something, and what it would be. Actually something from Danny’s other world, or something like Trigon? It didn’t really matter, they still had to live in this world and they didn’t want it to end, so they might as well help right? 

Maybe once they saved the world once or twice everyone would get off their backs and stop calling them villains. Jason didn’t like it, being a villain. He didn’t feel like a villain, he was still trying to do the right thing, make the world a better place, in his own way. And Danny had always been a hero, he lived to serve. He didn’t seem to care what anyone thought about him besides Jason, and Ellie now, but Jason couldn’t help but think that somewhere deep down it bothered him too.

Jason stroked his thumb over Danny’s cheek gently, he gave a soft chirp in his sleep and shifted closer, it made Jason smile, his heart feeling warm in his chest. Things were fine the way they were, but they could be better. He hoped this was the start of things getting better. He wanted Danny to get the recognition he deserved, that he’d never gotten when he was an actual hero. Whether he would get it or not, he deserved it.

With Danny tucked safe in Jason’s arms and his mind full of pleasant fantasies about the future they deserved, Jason finally drifted off to sleep.

-------

Danny woke up first the next day, it happened rarely but when it did it meant Jason hadn’t slept well so Danny carefully phased out of Jason’s arms without waking him and went to put coffee to go. He would start to make breakfast for them, but he knew he wasn’t good at it and Jason had gently but firmly banned him from the kitchen. He considered ducking out to get them breakfast sandwiches from the nearest deli but he didn’t want to be that far away from Hood yet. After how yesterday had gone, if Jason woke up and found Danny was gone he might freak out, and Danny didn’t want that. 

So instead he just made coffee and went back to the bedroom, waking Jason with a gentle kiss. Jason hummed and stretched, opening his eyes halfway and smiling a little when he saw Danny. Early on, when they’d just moved in together, it was about a 50/50 shot that Jason would lash out at Danny for waking him before he processed who it was and that he was safe. Now he almost never did unless he had a nightmare, he had fully internalized that he was safe in their home, something that made Danny so happy he felt like he might burst. Instead he handed Jason his cup of coffee, fixed just the way he liked it, and curled up next to him with a contented little chirp.

Jason took a sip of his coffee and sighed contentedly, leaning his head against Danny’s hair. “No nightmares?” He asked in a sleepy mumble. 

“No, I was too tired I think,” Danny replied with a subtle shrug. “You?”

“No, Stayed up for a bit worrying about shit, but no nightmares.”

“You should have woken me.”

“Nah, I was fine and you needed your sleep. Besides, being able to hold you and have your weight on me was all I really needed anyway,” Jason assured Danny before he could get in his head about it. 

“Fair enough. Talk to me about it when you’re ready too, okay?” Danny compromised and Jason nodded.

They drank their coffee in silence, easing into the day before even getting up for breakfast. Finally they got up and headed to the kitchen, deciding to just have cereal for breakfast because Jason was too tired to cook. Danny was fine with that, he really liked cereal! Though his enjoyment was nothing compared to Tim, who they had learned was borderline obsessed with the stuff. 

Jason’s phone kept dinging through breakfast but he ignored the texts at first. If it was really important someone would call, and it was too early for business otherwise. After the fifth notification he gave in and checked it with a groan.

“The Teen Titans are texting us. Big Bird too. They want to know how we’re doing and if we can meet up today to sort of debrief about the meeting. They’re also asking about a number for you,” Jason said, glancing up at Danny, who groaned as well. He didn’t really have a phone, he had modified necessary tech like the coms to work around him, but given how tech fritzed around him, and Jason was the only one he really needed to contact, he hadn’t bothered with an actual phone.

“I should probably do that huh?” Danny said ruefully. “I’m not carrying it on patrol though!It’s going to have to be built like a fucking brick to work and it would ruin my figure!” He exclaimed with a dramatic pout, making Jason laugh and shake his head. 

“Whatever you want Danny, they can use coms to contact you on patrol anyway.” Jason agreed, even though he knew damn well Danny could literally store things inside his own body when needed. Maybe doing that with the phone would break it no matter how well fortified it was? It didn’t really matter. “What about visiting them today?”

“I’m not sure,” Danny hesitated, fidgeting with his spoon. “We’ve never left the Alley for two days in a row. Maybe we should meet tomorrow after making sure that everything is alright?” 

“Danny, it’s not a child, we don’t have to supervise it constantly. I’m damn sure if anything went really wrong someone would have called us. We can spend some time with our family. After that shit show yesterday it might do us some good.” Jason put his phone down and gave Danny his full attention again, there was something more behind this hesitance. 

“You’re right, of course you’re right. It’s just… Nevermind, it’s silly. Of course we can go if you want to.”

“No, it’s not nothing. Please tell me what’s bothering you Sweetheart,” Jason encouraged sweetly. 

Danny sighed, hesitated, opened his mouth to speak and closed it again. He shook his head and took a deep breath, biting his lip like he did when he was trying not to cry. Jason pushed his chair back and walked around the table, resting his hands on Danny’s shoulders bracingly. 

“I just don’t want to lose another home,” Danny finally managed to choke out and Jason’s heart dropped.

“You’re not,” He promised, leaning down to hug Danny from behind. He pressed his face into Jason’s strong bicep and sniffled, taking deep breaths that shuddered with the effort of keeping himself together. “You know, we haven’t wanted them to visit us here much because of our reputation, but I’ve decided I don’t care. Hey, maybe knowing we have powerful allies will make people even more intimidated by us. Let’s invite them to come to us so we don’t have to go anywhere.”

“Are you sure? You don’t have to coddle me,” Danny said, his voice damp but stubborn.

“Of course, we’ve already had Nightwing and Robin coming and going anyway, I don’t think this’ll make much difference. We can check on everything to make sure nothing is about to blow up before they get here. And if anything does go wrong while we’re distracted we’ll have backup,” Jason decided. If anyone decided to question their allegiances Jason and Danny could make an example of them and remind everyone it wasn’t their place to question Crime Alley’s lords and protectors, even if they were still relatively new.

“Ya, you’re right. That sounds perfect,” Danny agreed, nuzzling against Jason before pushing him gently away. “I’m okay I promise, I’m just a little raw after thinking so much about the past recently.”

“Ya I get that,” Jason sighed, slipping back into his own chair while Danny went to get more coffee. 

“We’re doing well though,” Danny told Jason, gesturing for his mug, Jason handed it over so Danny could get him a fresh coffee as well. “My big sister wanted to be a psychiatrist and therapist and I internalized enough of her rants to know how healing works. We’ve built ourselves a safe place for our outbursts and our healing. You’re lashing out less and I’m dissociating less and facing my feelings more. I know I’m still bad about putting you first and ignoring my needs, but you call me on it and get the truth out of me. We’re getting better.”

“Ya, we are,” Jason agreed. It was helpful to both of them to have things laid out straight like that. Otherwise it was way too easy to focus on how things are now and forget how far they’ve come, and then it could feel like they’re not making any progress at all. “We’re not isolating ourselves anymore either, we have some support outside of just each other.”

Danny nodded and handed Jason his now full coffee mug. “We’re still pretty damn codependent though,” He said with a wry little smile as he sat down across from Jason again.

“Ya. Any plans of changing that?” Jason asked with dry humour.

“Hell no,” Danny laughed, nudging Jason’s foot with his own and smiling at him. “I’d drag you out of Tartarus Hercules style.”

Jason laughed and shook his head again, and refused to think about how Danny had mentioned being functionally immortal, and how frustratingly human Jason remained in comparison. 

----------

They decided not to let the Teen Titans into their nest, that was still just for family, but their largest safehouse would have room for everyone. Jason and Danny had worked together to haul in a bunch of chairs and make the place comfortable and clean. Then they split up and Danny went on patrol as Hyena while Jason bought and made snacks and made sure they had enough plates and cups. 

Danny had better senses than Jason, and with his increased strength and durability he was more likely to make it out of a scuffle unscathed even if he was alone. And since Danny couldn’t cook for shit this was the best division of labor. Jason did a fair amount of cooking, but he bought a lot too, because he knew that Impulse would be coming and there was no way that he could make enough food for both a member of the flash family and Danny on such short notice. Stuff from the local bakery and grocery store would have to do for the most part, and some home made cookies and snacks, which would have to be guarded from the two big eaters.

Danny had returned home safe of course, helping Jason with the finishing touches and mixing up some punch. Jason told Danny they didn’t need it, the canned drinks they had would be enough with the people they were having over. But Danny insisted that punch was good! And they shouldn’t pass up an excuse to make some, so Jason let him do it. And it turned out that he wasn’t alone in thinking that judging by how excited Dick got about the punch, only dimmed slightly when Jason informed him it was not alcoholic. 

The entire Teen Titans team had shown up, and Nightwing, none of them were in costume though. It surprised Jason and Danny and Jason felt a little silly that he was wearing his helmet at first, and he took it off quickly. This was just a gathering of friends, and it was lovely. At first he and Danny had been busy darting around playing host, making sure everyone had what they needed, and soon their apartment was full of joyful noise. 

Now that everyone was settled Danny was sitting in a chair and Jason was sitting on the floor with his head propped against Danny’s knee, with Danny running his fingers through Jason’s hair. Kon had stared at them for a long moment before he went and flopped down at Tim’s feet. Whatever Tim had been saying trailed off into spluttering and he blushed deeply when Kon leaned back against his leg, grinning up at Tim impishly. Tim scowled at him, but despite his attempt at looking reproachful he hesitantly carded his fingers through Kon’s hair as well. 

When he looked up and caught both Jason and Danny smirking at them, Tim flipped them off with his free hand, blushing all the way to his ears. This was… really nice, next time they should host the party at their nest. It would feel good to fill their own home with this sort of warmth. They weren’t really talking to anyone right now, Danny was speaking softly with Ellie next to him off and on, but mostly they were just basking in the company. This was something neither of them thought they’d have again after the losses of their previous families, it was nice, and Danny thought it would make him cry later.

 “Hyena?” Kon asked suddenly, underneath the noise of the general chatter, but with both their enhanced hearing Danny heard it no problem. He looked up, giving a questioning hum. “What does Kon mean?” 

Danny choked and sat back in his chair suddenly, his expression almost panicked as the noise in the room stopped. Even if they hadn’t heard Kon’s question, they had seen Danny’s response, as he stared back at Kon.

“What does my name mean?” He asked again, just as softly, but this time everyone heard. 

“Are you sure you want to know?” Danny asked softly. “It’s not nice. You like your name well enough don’t you? Why not just… keep it that way? And it probably should be Superman you ask about it, he named you right?”

“He did, but I think that he would lie. If I’m going to confront him about it I want to already know what it means.”

The logic was sound, Danny nodded slowly, considering.

“Maybe not tonight Kon,” Tim said, resting a hand on his shoulder. “We’re really here for them aren’t we,” he gestured at Jason, Danny, and Ellie. “Maybe we should try to keep things light.”

“No, it’s alright,” Danny said, shaking his head. “If you’re sure?” He confirmed, and when Kon nodded he sighed. “Kon means… abomination. I’m sorry, it means abomination in the house of El.”

“Oh,” Kon said softly, and Danny saw Tim’s grip tighten on Kon’s shoulders. “Ya… Ya that’s not good, but I can see why he-”

“NO!” Ellie snapped, sitting forward in her chair and glaring at him. “Don’t make excuses for them! For either of them. Even if Superman didn’t agree to be cloned, that is no excuse to treat a living, feeling being like he’s treated you! You deserve better, and if you want to name yourself you should.

“My creator named me, literally the feminine version of his name,” She said, gesturing at Danny. “And considered me a failure because I ended up being female, I named myself Ellie, and Phantasm. You are your own person, You choose your identity! You choose your family, and you have good people around you. You decide what your name means.”

“Ya… I was mostly fine with Kon because it already worked as a short form for Connor, which is what you called me,” He said, smiling a little up at Tim, who smiled back bashfully. “But still… He could have told me any time. Or offered me a new name, I would have accepted. But he still… After all this time that’s still what he thinks of me?”

“Who cares what he thinks of you,” Ellie scoffed.

“Ellie stop, you’re being insensitive! You’re letting your anger speak, you remember how devastated you were when Vlad rejected you, and you still had me to love you,” Danny scolded her gently. 

“It’s okay, to care what he thinks about you,” Jason spoke up, looking Kon in the eye levelly. “It’s okay if you always want something from him that he can’t give. I may not be a clone, but I know what it’s like to have shitty parents. It gets easier, especially once you’ve learned everything you wish they had taught you, on your own or with your friends.” 

Kon mulled that over, and then nodded, leaning back against Tim’s lap. “Ya…” He sighed before shaking his head, probably filing all that angst away to process at a more conveniently time. “Hey Hyena? How do you speak Kryptonian?” He asked, and the abrupt change of subject startled a laugh out of Danny. 

“I speak every dead language, or at least understand them,” Danny explained with a little smile and Tim whistled softly. 

“Seriously? How many is that? What counts as a dead language?” He asked, and as he started quizzing Danny slowly conversation picked back up, though Kon stayed quiet, Danny stepped up to fill the gap in the conversation and they let Kon and Jason just… think, and process, surrounded by friends.

[tortillamastersblog]

➶The Bet - Part 4 | Kate Bishop➴

Pairing: Kate Bishop x reader

Warnings: angst with happy ending

Summary: Being known as the quiet and reserved student, you mind your own business and stay out of people’s way.

Kate Bishop is the exact opposite. Outgoing, bubbly, and loud, she’s the definition of a popular girl, so it comes as a surprise when she asks you out on a random Thursday afternoon.

(A/N: I couldn’t find out what college Kate goes to, so I’ve decided to just put everyone in NYU. . .)

Previous Part | Masterlist

_______________________________________________

The fundraiser is as boring as I thought it would be, but at least it has an open bar which is where I’m sitting currently, waiting for the bartender to pour me another glass of wine.

Riley is talking to Professor Lopez close by, asking some questions about our newest assignment. There are other students, faculty members and sponsors are all around us, mingling and enjoying their evening.

I’m honestly not that bored, but the evening has gone on long enough for my liking, and I’m just waiting for Riley to wrap things up so we can go home.

“Y/N?” A hand on my shoulder makes me spin around and when my eyes land on Grace, of all people, I can’t help but gape at her.

“H-Hi, Grace.” Stunned, I don’t object when she pulls me into a quick hug before taking a seat on the bar stool next to mine. “What are you doing here? Last time I checked, you weren’t a student at NYU.”

She smiles shyly and tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. “Yeah, you’re right, but my parents are alumni and they were invited to the fundraiser, so I came with them and—“ she looks at her hands in her lap—“Riley might have mentioned you’d be here tonight, too, and I wanted to see you, you know, since it’s been a while since we last spoke. I’m sorry if that’s too forward, I just, I like you and if you’re up for it maybe we could get to know each other a little better?”

Of course Riley told her I’d be here, and I bet Grace is the reason she invited me to come along in the first place.

Little shit.

I want to be mad because I told her not to play matchmaker, but the way Grace smiles nervously when she looks back up makes me drop all my defenses. It’s honestly very endearing that she was so eager to see me again and even though I’m not looking for a relationship, getting to know her won’t hurt anybody and it will help take my mind off of Kate.

So, I smile and signal for the bartender to come over. “Alright then, but I must warn you, I’m not looking for anything romantic at the moment, so this is strictly platonic, okay?”

Grace’s eyes widen and she nods eagerly. “Oh, yes, of course, that’s fine. I just want to get to know you a little better.”

My smile brightens. “Great then. What would you like to drink?”

Time with Grace goes by in a blur, and before we know it, it’s nearing midnight and the fundraiser is coming to an end.

We’re both a little tipsy, and I can honestly admit that the night took a turn for the better when Grace decided to sit with me. She’s funny and quick witted, and I see myself being friends with her in the future.

Riley already went home a while ago because she was feeling a little under the weather, and I just know I’m going to have to take care of her tomorrow, making her soups and bringing her cold medicine.

It’s fine though because she’s been there for me every day for the last couple of weeks, so the least I can do is deal with her runny nose and disgusting coughs.

“Do you guys want anything else to drink?” the bartender asks when he approaches Grace and me with a polite smile, interrupting our giggles. “Because if not, I’ll go ahead and start closing the bar.”

I glance at Grace. Her eyes are glassy and her face is slightly flushed because of the almost two bottles of wine we shared. “No, I think we’re done, right?”

She eyes our empty glasses before nodding. “Yes, thank you.”

The bartender smiles again and gets to work on cleaning the bar.

“So,” Grace says, turning her attention back to me. “Where were we. I know it’s getting late, but I kind of don’t want this night to end yet.”

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips, and I’m about to agree, but then someone bumps into me from behind, spilling their cold and sticky drink down my neck.

“Ah!” I squirm and spin around, my eyes widening when they land on who bumped into me.

Kate.

I didn’t think she’d be here, but her mom helped organize and fund tonight, so I’m not surprised.

“S-Sorry,” she slurs, slumping against the bar. She reeks of alcohol and her blue eyes dart around, unfocused, until they land on me. That’s when realization hits and she straightens up immediately, swaying on her feet. “Y/N. . .Shit! I-I’m so sorry!”

I would scowl and snap at her for spilling her drink all over me, but she seems to be really out of it, so I don’t. “It’s—uh— it’s okay,” I say awkwardly.

Grace hands me a napkin from the bar and I take it with a thankful smile, getting as much of the champagne off my neck.

“I’m really s-sorry,” Kate slurs again. She steps forward and reaches up as if to help me clean up, but then she trips over her own feet and bumps into me again.

“Woah, careful,” I warn, catching her just in time before she hits her head on the edge of the bar.

“I’m sorry,” she whimpers, holding onto my arm around her waist. “I’m so sorry.”

She sounds close to tears and I hate how it makes sympathy tug on my insides. She’s obviously not just talking about spilling her drink, and under any other circumstances I would’ve shut her down immediately. Not now though. She’s vulnerable and hurting, and even after everything she’s done, I just can’t bring myself to push her away.

“It’s okay, Kate. It’s fine.” I glance at Grace who’s watching us with an understanding look.

She’s not dumb. She knows something’s up and instead of getting jealous or asking questions she just sobers up and asks, “Do you want me to call a cab so you can take her home?”

I want to say no because Kate getting home safe is not my responsibility, but then again, if this was anyone else, I’d help them. Also, neither her friends nor her mom are around, so I agree. “Yes, please. That would be very kind,” I say lowly, adding, “I’m really sorry. This is not how I thought the night would end.”

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.” Grace smiles sympathetically and excuses herself to go make a call.

“She”—Kate hiccups and leans against me— “seems nice.”

“She is. Now come on, let’s get you home.” I get off the barstool and tighten my arm around her to make sure she doesn’t stumble again. She reeks of alcohol, but her perfume still makes my head spin, and the feeling of her hands on my arm makes my skin tingle.

I hate feeling like this. I wish I could just tell my body to stop reacting like this. She has this unexplainable grip on my heart even though we only went out like four times, and I don’t know how to stop it.

I should hate her, but I can’t. After seeing her in class yesterday, I’ve come to realize she’s hurting too. She’s no longer hanging out with Greer and Franny, she’s getting horrible grades lately and from what I’ve heard she’s no longer going to her fencing classes.

Now, I know most people wouldn’t bat an eye at that. They’d say she deserves it and move on, but that’s not how my parents raised me. Especially not my dad. He taught me that people make mistakes and even though some things are unforgivable, life is too short to spend your time holding a grudge. I know he’d also chastise me right now if I just walked away and left Kate alone, drunk and confused, so I push what she did to the back of my mind and focus on making sure she gets home safe.

“Where’s your mom?” I ask, taking my jacket from the back of the barstool.

Kate shifts slightly in my hold to look at me with her glassy blue eyes. “Left earlier,” she mumbles with furrowed eyebrows. “Why are you being so nice? Why are you helping me? You should— You should hate me.”

I sigh and put my jacket around her shoulders before guiding her to the exit of the venue. It’s cold outside and I don’t want to risk her getting sick in just a dress. “I don’t hate you, Kate.“

“But you should. It’s like you said, I’m selfish and cruel,” she says, trying to get away from me, but I pull her back by wrapping my arm around her waist again.

“That’s. . . not true,” I admit. I’ve come to realize that what I said to her before I stormed was a little too over the top. I was just so hurt and fired up by what I found out that that was the first thing that came to mind. “You’re neither of those things, and I’m sorry I made you believe that. You made a mistake, and you hurt me, really badly, but that doesn’t make you a bad person.”

Kate stops abruptly, making me stop as well, and looks at me with wide eyes. Her bottom lip is quivering and it looks like she’s about to break down in tears. “I don’t— I don’t know what to say, Y/N. I just know that if I could go back in time and undo what I did, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I—“

“Stop,” I interrupt softly when I see Grace approaching us with her phone and jacket in hand. “Let’s not talk about this right now. You’re drunk and I want you to be sober if we’re going to have this conversation.”

“You want to hear me out?” she asks, her eyebrows furrowing. There’s a spark of hope in her eyes, but it looks like she’s trying not to get too excited about it.

A week ago, I would have never even entertained the thought, but it’s all getting kind of old and I hate to see Kate so down in the dumps. After all, I still have some feelings for her, and even if we never get to be friends again (much less more than that), I want to clear the air between us.

“Yes, but not now,” I say just as Grace steps up to us. Kate blinks back a few tears and lets out a shaky breath, gripping my jacket around her shoulders.

“Cab’s waiting outside,” Grace informs us, smiling softly before addressing me. “I guess I’ll see you around then?“

I nod. “Of course. Tell Riley to give you my number so we can stay in contact.”

Grace smiles and even though it’s less bright than it was all night, it’s still genuine. “Alright. Good night.”

“Good night, Grace.” I smile as well, and squeeze her forearm when Kate and I move past her to go outside.

The cab Grace mentioned is idling right by the door, and after confirming the ride with the driver, I help Kate into the back seat.

She thanks me quietly and leans her head against the window, staying quiet the entire ride until we make it to her apartment building.

I pay the driver and get out, helping her out as well before taking her inside.

“Okay, here we go,” I say, letting her fall onto her bed. “Is it okay if I take your shoes off?”

Kate mumbles a ‘Yes’ into the pillow and I crouch down to take off her heels, placing them on the floor next to the bed before getting back up. Then I pull the comforter out from underneath her and drape it over her, making sure she’s covered properly.

“Do you need anything else?” I ask when she closes her eyes and lets out a deep breath.

“No,” she whispers. “Thank you for taking me home.”

I pat her leg over the covers and step back. “You’re welcome. Now get some sleep. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

She hums and not even a second later, she’s fast asleep.

“Y/NNNN,” Riley whines which makes me smile and roll my eyes.

“I’m coming, you big baby.” I push open her door with my elbow and enter her room. The cup of tea and bowl of soup on the tray I’m carrying sway a little, but I manage not to spill anything as I carry it over to the bed and set it down on Riley’s lap.

Like I predicted, I’ve been roped into taking care of her because she’s sick, but I’m really not complaining.

I did give her a bit of a talking to earlier though because of the whole fundraiser-Garce-meddling thing, but that was short lived since she apologized profusely before breaking out in a fit of coughs.

“Thank you,” she says, picking up the tea and taking a careful sip with her eyes closed. “You’re a lifesaver.”

I sit down on the edge of the bed and smirk. “I know.”

Riley scoffs which makes her cough slightly before taking another sip of tea.

She doesn’t have a fever, but she’s sluggish as hell and coughs and sneezes every few minutes. She’s also a little pale, but that’s to be expected.

I’m honestly a little surprised I’m not sick because unlike her, I haven’t been talking care of myself properly lately. I went for runs when it was cold and raining, I barely ate, and my sleep schedule has been basically nonexistent.

If anyone should be sick, it should be me, but no. Riley caught it and I can’t help but think it’s some kind of karma because she meddled in my life even though I told her not to.

Speaking of meddling. . .

“So, how did it go with Grace?” she asks, hiding a sly smile behind her mug.

I raise an eyebrow. “Really?”

“What?” She tries to sound innocent, but her voice is unnaturally high. “I’m just asking.“

“Sure you are.” I deadpan and smack her thigh. “You set us up, you little shit.”

Riley shrugs and busies herself with the soup I made. “Well, did it work?”

“No. She’s nice and I want to be her friend, but that’s all we’ll ever be,” I explain, watching as Riley blows on a spoonful of soup.

“Hmm. Alright then. Did anything else happen after I left?” she asks and even though she sounds nonchalant, I know she knows something because otherwise she wouldn’t ask. I honestly don’t know why she always thinks she so slick with it.

I level her with a bored look. Not answering isn’t an option because she’ll just keep pestering me about it, so I just go ahead and tell her what happened with Kate.

“She spilled her drink on you?!” Riley shrieks once I’m done. “Do you think she did it on purpose so you’d talk to her?”

I shake my head and run my hand through my hair. “No. Definitely not. She was really out of it. I doubt she coulf have done it on purpose even if she tried.”

“Okay, but what does that mean now? You’re going to talk?” she asks, slurping some soup off her spoon.

“Mhmm.” I get back to my feet when I hear my phone ringing in the kitchen. “We’ll see what happens after.”

Riley nods in approval and says, “Good,” before shooing me out of her room.

I hurry into the kitchen and sigh inwardly when I see that it’s Kate who’s calling. I mean, I told her we’d talk today, but it’s barely noon and I wasn’t expecting her to call this early.

Let’s just get this over with.

I pick up my phone and answer the call. “Hey, Kate.”

“Alright, you wanted to talk, so. . . talk,” I say the moment Kate opens her front door.

When she called me half an hour ago, she thanked me once again for taking her home before timidly asking me to come over so we could talk.

Now, she looks taken aback by my directness and swallows nervously. She nods though and gestures for me to come in first.

There are dark bags under her eyes and she looks a little hungover, but I can tell she’s made an effort to look nice.

She’s not wearing anything fancy, but she smells freshly showered and has her hair in a high ponytail. The purple sweater she’s wearing fits her perfectly and her washed out jeans look comfy and stylish at the same time.

“Uh, do you want anything to drink? Maybe some coffee? Or tea?” she asks politely as I take off my shoes and jacket.

I can tell she’s scared of me just turning on the spot and leaving again, so I agree to a cup of tea and follow her into the kitchen. The tension between us is so thick, you can almost cut it with a knife since neither one of us is saying anything and I just want to get this over with as soon as possible.

“So, first,” Kate starts once we’re sat at her table, “I want to start this by saying I’m sorry again. What I did— I mean—What happened it-it was never my intention to hurt you, but I did, and for that I’m truly sorry.”

I stare at my steaming mug and run my finger along the handle. She’s obviously not done talking, so I stay quiet, listening to her take a shaky breath before continuing.

“The bet— It wasn’t my idea. . .“

I want to scowl and tell her that she still took part in it, but I promised myself I’d let her speak, so I stay quiet.

“Greer and Franny made it because, well”— I look up and see a faint blush creep into her cheeks—“I’ve had my eyes on you since orientation a year ago. You were kind to everyone, but so shy and reserved it bordered on unapproachable. I wanted to talk to you and get to know you, but I never knew how. I took several classes just because you were in them, but I still couldn’t get myself to talk to you unless we were in a group for a project together.”

My stomach flips involuntarily at the revelation that she took up some classes just for me. I had no idea she liked me all this time. She never said anything, but I guess I can’t fault her for assuming I don’t want to be approached since I know I’m reserved and introverted.

I leave campus as soon as class ends and never stick around for small talk whether it’s with a professor or some other students. Not because I don’t want to though, but because I get really awkward sometimes and that makes me anxious which is why I tend to avoid interacting with strangers.

“I constantly talked about you with Greer and Franny and they tried to get me to just approach you, but I was scared. That lead to relentless teasing for months on end until a couple of weeks ago. We’d just gotten out of class and Greed and Franny saw how I watched you make your way to the library. They teased me until I couldn’t take it anymore and I just snapped.”

I know where she’s going with this and I hate how the hurt she’s caused slowly makes way for sympathy and understanding.

“They teased and teased, until I snapped and told them to just drop it. . . They didn’t though and started betting on whether I would ever ask you out.” She takes a deep breath and clutches the mug between her hands until her knuckles turn white. “It made me so mad because this was you we were talking about. . . I just— I wanted to make them stop and prove them wrong—That I would ask you out eventually! But that just spurred them on further and before I knew it, I was roped into the bet.”

She dares to look up and the regret shining in her blue eyes makes me feel bad for her. It doesn’t change the fact that she did what she did, but it’s a start and I want her to keep talking.

“I know that I should’ve never agreed to it, but I did and I can’t go back now and change it, no matter how much I want to. I should have asked you out just for the sake of it, and not because of some bet, but I know that without it, I never would have had the courage to actually do it.”

I find myself smiling sadly. I understand where she’s coming from because I’m no stranger when it comes to troubles talking to people. Yes, it’s messed up that she asked me out the way she did, but now I know that even without the bet, she wanted to get to know me. As fucked up as it sounds, it gave her the courage to talk to me and I know that if it weren’t for the bet, we’d still be strangers right now and Kate would still be pining after me in silence.

“When you said yes,” she continues, her voice cracking, “I couldn’t believe it. Talking to you was so. . . easy. You were so sweet and it made me sick knowing that I could have just asked you out without the bet. I felt— I felt so incredibly guilty, I almost blew the whole thing off right then and there because you deserved so much better, but at that point I’d wanted to ask you out for so long, that I just couldn’t bring myself to tell you the truth.” She wipes away a tear and sniffles slightly. “After all, I did want to get to know you, and I though I could just forget about the bet and go out with you for real, but Greer and Franny just kept adding to it and I didn’t know how to stop it without telling you the truth.”

I let out a shuddering breath and place my hands flat on the table. “And then I found out,” I say.

“And then you found out.” Kate nods and sniffles again. “The look on your face that night— It broke my heart and I realized I’d made a huge mistake. I knew all along what I was doing was wrong, but when you found out, I just— I wished I’d never agreed to the bet. I wished I’d just left you alone. That way you would’ve never looked at me the way you did. You would’ve never been hurt. I— I never meant to hurt you. I swear I—“

“I know.” I wipe at my own tears and push my untouched tea to the center of the table. “I believe you, but I” — my voice cracks and I clear my throat—“I need some time to process all of this.”

Kate’s chin quivers, but she doesn’t cry. “I understand,” she whispers, standing up as well when I get to my feet.

I thought I was ready to talk, and I definitely appreciate the insight into why Kate acted the way she did, but it’s reopened some wounds and I need some time to process it.

I go to the door and put my shoes and jacket back on, feeling Kate watching my every move. Until I’m done though, I don’t look at her, but when I finally do, I can tell she’s trying her best not to break down crying.

“I’ll call you, okay?” I say quietly. I don’t want her to think I’m just turning my back on her again because I’m not. It’s like I said, I have a lot of thinking to do, and I can’t do it while she’s around.

“Okay,” she whispers and the way her voice wavers makes me want to pull her into a hug.

I don’t though, obviously, and open the door with a thin lipped smile. “Bye.”

Kate can’t bring herself to return the smile, so she simply raises a hand in goodbye with her head hung low. “Bye, Y/N.”

4 months later. . .

As soon as Kate exits the locker room and her eyes land on me, she drops her bag and runs to me.

“You won!” I exclaim when she jumps into my arms, her legs wrapping around my waist. Riley, Greer and Franny take a step back to give us some space while everyone else either watches us fondly or just passes by without a second glance.

“I did!” she giggles and beams before leaning down and pecking my lips a couple of times.

Smiling into the kisses, I tighten my grip on her legs. “I’m so proud of you,” I whisper against her lips.

Kate leans back a little and brushes her thumbs over my cheeks. A bashful smile is pulling at her lips and she leans down to kiss me once more. “Thank you.”

She just won the national fencing championship and I couldn’t be prouder.

After our talk four months ago, we slowly started to reconnect. It started with her bringing me coffee and handing me paper roses with little notes attached to them until I eventually couldn’t take it anymore and just asked her out.

She still apologizes for what happened sometimes, but I’ve moved on and I keep reassuring her that I’m no longer hung up on it.

It took a little longer for Riley to forgive her too because she’s very protective over me, but she eventually came around too and the two of them get along great now.

Kate also made up with Greer and Franny since she cut them off out of guilt after I found out about the bet, and they even, for good measure also apologize to me for what happened.

Grace has also become a good friend of mine and we hang out from time to time. She admitted recently that she used to be interested in dating me, but then quickly dropped it when she realized I’d never fully be hers after she saw the way I looked at Kate at the fundraiser. I didn’t know I looked at Kate a certain way that night, but apparently I did which just goes to show I was smitten with her all along even though she made a mistake and hurt me.

Kate kisses me one more time before unwrapping her legs from around my waist and sliding down my body until she’s standing on her own two feet. She’s grinning like a kid in a candy store and when she grabs my hand and intertwines our fingers I feel the same giddiness wash over me.

“Great, now that you’re done sucking faces, how about we go out and celebrate?” Riley asks, returning to our side with Kate’s bag in her hand.

My cheeks turn red at her choice of words, but Kate owns it and stands up straighter, taking the bag from Riley with a thankful nod. “Absolutely. What did you have in mind?”

Greer and Franny also join us with smiles. “Pizza?” They say in unison and everyone agrees.

Kate’s medal glints in the sun outside of the venue on our way to the car and I can’t help but press a kiss to her temple as we walk to my car.

I’m so proud of her and no matter what happens in the future, I know nothing as trivial as a stupid bet will ever come between us again.

“You okay?” she asks with a slightly confused smile, her eyes sparkling with adoration as she looks at me.

I squeeze her hand in mine and nod, feeling my heart flutter at the way she looks at me. “Never been better, Darling.”

_______________________________________________

Phew! The last part is finally done. I’m so sorry for the long wait. For some reason it was incredibly difficult to write this last part. I also didn’t want to post just anything after the story got so much love.

I hope you guys are happy with how things turned out.

Love you all!

- Soph

(Not proofread yet)

Tag list: @vyvvycg

[optimist-pine]

Granny

Summary: You and Daryl have a secret confusing love language of insults

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1,236

Era: Seasons 1-5(ish), The quarry - Alexandria

It had started shortly after your first encounter with Mr. Dixon. Simply a passing (slightly pointed) comment - nothing more - as some of you gathered around the fire that night.

Dale stands near the flames, removing a whistling pot from the heat. "Anybody want a cup of tea? Kettle's hot."

"Why dun'cha ask granny over there?" Daryl suggests, nodding towards you with a snigger. Merle's not around tonight, and so it seems he's found a way to create a bit of entertainment.

Your head snaps up when you realize you're the butt of the joke, hands stilling as you set down your work. A crochet hook or knitting needles find their way into your hands as often as that damn crossbow ends up in his; usually when it's too late in the evening to be doing anything else. "You know what? I would love a cup of tea. Thank you, Dale." You reply, taking the steaming mug that's passed to you with a smile that melts into a pointed glare the second Daryl's eyes meet yours.

The corner of his mouth twitches mischievously. "Somebody get out tha' fancy china an' the biscuits an' we'll have ourselves a real tea party." He's prodding the coals with a stick, and in the darkness, the slope of his shoulders brings to mind the image of a caveman. The thought amuses you.

You nod your head, contemplating. "Hmm... I'd be down for that. In fact, I have a feeling we might even be in the presence of a tea party expert." You say knowingly. Sophia and Carol sit cuddled up to your right, and the little girl looks curiously up at you, cradling a well-loved teddy bear. You turn to the child, lowering your voice. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about tea parties, would you?"

She curls into herself a little, shyly. But at her mother's gentle urging, she nods her head, a tiny smile appearing on her face.

You clap your hands together. "It's settled then! Tomorrow we shall have a tea party." The last part is aimed at Daryl - you feel proud of yourself, but the confused look on his face makes you question why. It's like you've taken his accusation as a challenge to prove just how grandmotherly you can be, and funnily enough, he's probably right. You're actually looking forward to hanging out with Sophia tomorrow; she's a pretty cool kid.

Carol tuts softly. "After school." She adds.

"After school." You agree, shooting Sophia a conspiratorial wink.

Every time Daryl spots you working with your yarn he can't resist the urge to tease you about it. Maybe it's because you take every jest in good humor, or maybe it's because you always have a quick, witty comeback. He's never quite figured it out, but somehow it's become a staple of your interactions. Even though so much has changed, he's oddly glad that this hasn't.

One night, in the dead of winter, as the wind howls through gaps in the window frames you get an ornery glint in your eye. Daryl's already found your behavior suspicious, whatever current yarn project you've been committed to hasn't made a single appearance the entire evening. And the way you keep glancing at him almost nervously is... unsettling.

When he looks up again you're walking towards him, hands tucked behind your back, trying so hard to look casual that it doesn't take long before all eyes are on you. You stop in front of him and promptly shove a box in his face. No, not just a box. It's a present, wrapped perfectly in polka-dotted gift wrap with a glittery bow to top it all off.

He stares back at you, wondering what punchline he's missed.

You roll your eyes. "It's a gift, Daryl."

"Why?" He asks. He'd trust you with his life any day, but right now - with that box - he absolutely does not.

"Well, why don'tcha just open it and find out?" You taunt, shaking the present just a smidge.

He takes the box, feeling awkward and clumsy as he tears away the paper. Having never opened a present before - at least nothing like this that is - feelings of stupidity and excitement and pressure blend within him.

He dumps the object into his palm. It's cool and smooth to the touch; a black mug with white writing that says "World's Crankiest Grandpa".

You're trying so hard to withhold from laughing that your face is turning pink.

"Think ya could get yer money back on this one?" He asks, spinning the cup around to critique it.

You slap his arm lightly. "Ah, Dixon, you're no fun."

"She might'a hit the nail on the head there." Rick chuckles.

You sit back down, finally pulling out your yarn like all is now right in the world. "Ah, I found it a couple days ago. Couldn't resist. S'pecially not after the dream I had where you were yellin' at the walkers to 'git offa yer damn lawn'..." You shudder. "Took me a bit to get that one outta my head."

That earns quite a few laughs from the rest of the group. Once again, you've managed to lift the mood of those around you. It seems to be a habit of yours.

He turns the mug over and over again, running his thumb across the letters. He knows it's only a gag gift, but he's not blind to the effort that went into it. And it's not an exaggeration to say that this silly mug is by far the most thoughtful gift he's ever received.

He hangs onto that mug, using it proudly every day. Of course, it garners the occasional question from the new folks, but he doesn't mind. Soon enough he's got a matching handmade hat, scarf, and gloves as proof of your continuing love for the grandmotherly hobby.

When the prison falls he misses those gifts severely.

But then, Alexandria. The day he comes across you there on the porch in a creaky rocking chair, with your cup of steaming tea and a ball of yarn, the once-familiar urge to say something a little stupid and a lot annoying takes over.

He stoops down and leans in. "Where's yer glasses at, old lady?"

You wave your hand to shoo him away. "Ah, git yer muddy boots off'a my porch ya ol' geezer." You nag, the smile you're trying to hide peeking out like a sun ray from behind storm clouds. He holds his hands up in mock surrender, clomping down the steps. But it's not like he's trying to hide his own smile or anything... Not at all.

When he returns home that evening, there, sitting on the end of his bed, is a small box. It's perfectly wrapped in paper that's covered in birds and trees, encircled with a pristinely hand-tied bow. He can't deny the flutter of excitement as he plops down to unwrap it. It's like Deja Vu, the coffee mug tumbling into his palm. This time it's white with black lettering that reads "I don't always roll a joint, but when I do, it's my ankle".

With a snort he falls back onto the bed, letting old memories wash away the burdens of the day. However he can, whatever it takes, he'll hold onto the hope that you'll both end up old and gray and worn someday - together.

[rootedinrevisions]

One of Them Girls: Part 2

Part 2 of One of Them Girls! This was a story that I wrote about a month ago. Hope you guys all enjoy it! Many more parts to come!

Tyler's truck rolled to a gentle stop in front of the house you rented with your roommate. The rain had let up slightly, but a fine mist still hung in the air, adding a sense of calm after the intensity of the night. Tyler turned off the engine and looked over at you, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"We're here," he said quietly, almost as if he didn't want the night to end.

You nodded, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement fluttering in your chest. "Thanks for the ride," you replied, your voice equally soft.

Tyler got out of the truck and quickly came around to open your door. He held out a hand to help you down, his touch warm and steady. You both walked up to your front door, the porch light casting a gentle glow around you.

"Thanks again, for everything," you said, looking up at him.

Tyler's smile widened. "Anytime. I had a great time tonight."

You both lingered for a moment, neither wanting to break the spell of the night. As you reached to take off the hoodie Tyler had lent you, he gently placed his hand over yours, stopping you.

"Keep it," he said, his voice firm but kind. "I have plenty of others."

You hesitated for a moment, but his earnest expression made you smile. "Alright, thanks. It's really warm."

"It looks good on you," he replied, a playful glint in his eyes.

Finally, Tyler took a small step back. "Guess I should let you get some rest," he said, though he didn't seem eager to leave.

"Yeah, I should get inside," you agreed, even though part of you wanted to stay out there with him a little longer.

As you turned to unlock the door, Tyler's voice stopped you. "Hey," he said, waiting for you to look back at him. "Can I call you tomorrow?"

A smile tugged at your lips. "I'd like that."

Tyler's eyes brightened, and he took another step back. "Goodnight, then."

"Goodnight, Tyler."

You watched as he walked back to his truck, giving you one last wave before climbing in. You stayed on the porch until his taillights disappeared down the street, then finally turned to go inside.

You turned the key in the lock as quietly as possible, pushing the door open just enough to slip inside. The house was dimly lit, and you hoped your roommate had already gone to bed. Her room was right off the living room, and you didn't want to wake her.

But as soon as you stepped inside, you were greeted by the sight of her sitting on the couch, a blanket wrapped around her, and a cup of tea in her hands. She looked up, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.

"Well, well, well," she said, setting the cup down. "Look who decided to finally come home."

You sighed, a sheepish smile tugging at your lips. "I thought you'd be asleep by now."

"And miss hearing about your night with Tyler Owens? Not a chance," she teased, patting the spot on the couch next to her. "Come on, spill."

You kicked off your shoes and walked over, sitting down beside her. "It was...interesting."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with your vague answer. "Interesting? That's all I get? You were out with Tyler Owens, and all you can say is 'interesting'?"

You laughed softly, shaking your head. "Okay, okay. It was more than interesting. It was actually a really great night. We talked, danced..."

Her eyes widened with excitement. "You danced? With Tyler Owens? Oh my God, tell me everything!"

You gave her a play-by-play of the night, from Tyler's initial approach to your game of pool, the dance, and finally the ride home. She listened intently, hanging on to every word.

"And then," you continued, "he walked me to the door and told me to keep his hoodie."

Her eyes narrowed playfully. "Wait a minute. Did you kiss him? Because I feel like you might be leaving out some juicy details here."

You blushed, shaking your head. "No, we didn't kiss. He almost did, but the bartender called last call and interrupted us."

She leaned back, looking satisfied. "Almost kissed, huh? That's still pretty hot."

You nodded, feeling a warmth spread through you at the thought. "He asked if he could call me tomorrow."

Your roommate squealed, pulling you into a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you! I knew something good would come out of tonight."

You hugged her back, feeling grateful for her support. "Thanks. And thanks for waiting up for me."

"Of course," she said, pulling back and giving you a serious look. "But now, you need to get some sleep. Tomorrow's a new day, and who knows what it'll bring."

You nodded, feeling a mix of exhaustion and excitement. "You're right. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," she replied, still grinning.

As you made your way to your room, you couldn't help but smile. Tonight had been unexpected, but it felt like the start of something new. And you couldn't wait to see where it would lead.

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. You reached for your phone on the nightstand, the screen lighting up with a new message. Tyler's name flashed on the screen.

Tyler: Hey, Good Morning. Had a great time last night. Want to meet up later? I know a place with the best breakfast tacos.

You stared at the message, your mind still foggy with sleep. A small smile crept onto your face, the memory of the night before making your heart flutter. You wondered if it was just a friendly gesture or something more. You quickly texted back, trying to sound casual.

You: Morning! Breakfast tacos sound good. Where and when?

You set your phone down and buried your face in the pillow, letting the warmth of the blanket envelope you. Your roommate's voice echoed in your mind, teasing you about last night, and you couldn't help but blush at the thought of Tyler's smile and the way he held you close.

The phone buzzed again, pulling you from your thoughts.

Tyler: How about 10 at Joe's Diner? See you there.

You grinned, feeling a rush of excitement. You weren't sure what this meant, but you were ready to find out.

You stretched and got out of bed, the promise of breakfast tacos and seeing Tyler again urging you to start your day. After a quick shower, you stood in front of your closet, staring at the rows of clothes, feeling more indecisive than usual. You rifled through your options, pulling out a few different outfits and tossing them onto the bed.

You tried on a pair of jeans and a casual top, but it felt too ordinary. A skirt and blouse seemed too formal. Finally, you pulled out a sundress—a light, flowy dress with a floral pattern. It was a bit nicer than your usual attire but still comfortable and not overly fancy. You slipped it on, feeling a little more confident as you looked in the mirror.

Just then, your roommate walked by your room and paused, taking in the sight of clothes strewn across your bed.

"What's going on in here?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "You never stress about what to wear."

You turned to face her, smoothing the dress nervously. "I have a... uh, breakfast date with Tyler. I just wanted to look nice, I guess."

Your roommate's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and excitement. "A breakfast date? With Tyler Owens? And you didn't think to tell me?"

You shrugged, a sheepish smile on your face. "I wasn't sure if it was a date date or just a friendly thing. But I figured I should make an effort."

She grinned, stepping into the room to give you a once-over. "Well, you look great. That dress is perfect. Not too fancy but definitely cute. He's going to love it."

You blushed, grateful for her encouragement. "Thanks. I hope so."

She winked at you. "Just be yourself. He obviously likes you for who you are."

You took a deep breath and nodded, feeling a little more at ease. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks."

With one last look in the mirror, you grabbed your purse and phone, ready to head out and meet Tyler.

You arrived at the diner, your heart fluttering with a mix of nerves and excitement. As you parked your car, you spotted Tyler already seated at a table by the window. He looked relaxed, wearing a casual button-up shirt and jeans, his cowboy hat resting on the seat beside him.

Taking a deep breath, you glanced down at your lap, trying to steady your nerves. Was this really happening? You were about to have breakfast with Tyler Owens. Shaking off your doubts, you got out of the car and started walking towards the diner entrance.

Tyler noticed you as soon as you stepped out. A smile spread across his face, and he stood up, making his way over to greet you. His presence, confident yet warm, made you feel a little more at ease. "Hey there," he said, his voice cheerful. "Glad you could make it."

You smiled back, feeling a bit shy but pleased by his warm greeting. "Hey, Tyler. Thanks for inviting me."

He tipped his hat slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "Wouldn't miss it for the world. Ready for some breakfast tacos?"

You nodded, the excitement bubbling up again. "Absolutely."

He extended his arm in a gentlemanly gesture, and you walked together into the diner, feeling a sense of anticipation for what the morning would bring.

As you both settled into your seats and placed your orders, the conversation began to flow more easily. Tyler started by sharing a bit about his life on the road.

"You wouldn't believe some of the things we see out there," Tyler said with a chuckle. "Just last month, we were chasing a storm in Oklahoma, and we ended up in this tiny town with the friendliest people. They insisted we stay for their annual pie-eating contest. I swear I've never eaten so much pie in my life."

You laughed, imagining Tyler in the middle of a pie-eating contest. "Did you win?"

He grinned. "Second place. Turns out, storm chasing doesn't prepare you for competitive eating."

The waitress brought over your breakfast tacos, and you both dug in. The conversation shifted to your life in the small town.

"So, what about you?" Tyler asked between bites. "What do you do when you're not wrangling farm animals?"

You hesitated for a moment before deciding to open up. "Well, I've always loved writing. I used to dream about being an author, maybe even a journalist. But I didn't think I had the way with words to make it a profession. So, I stayed here, helping out on the farm while figuring things out."

Tyler's eyes lit up with interest. "Really? That's awesome. What kind of stuff do you write?"

You felt a bit shy but continued. "Mostly short stories, some poetry. I've started a few novels but never finished them. It's more of a hobby than anything."

"I'd love to read some of your work," Tyler said genuinely. "I bet you're better than you give yourself credit for."

You smiled, appreciating his encouragement. "Maybe someday. What about you? Any hidden talents besides storm chasing and pie-eating?"

Tyler laughed. "Well, I used to be pretty good at rodeo. Did some bull riding back in the day. That's actually how I got into storm chasing. Had a near-miss that made me rethink my life choices. Figured chasing storms was a safer bet than getting thrown off a bull."

You raised an eyebrow playfully. "Safer? Really?"

He shrugged, grinning. "Safer might be the wrong word. More exhilarating, for sure."

As the meal went on, you both shared more stories and laughs. Tyler told you about his favorite storms and close calls, while you talked about your favorite books and the stories you've written. The conversation flowed naturally, making you feel more connected with each passing moment.

As the meal went on, you both shared more stories and laughs. Tyler told you about his favorite storms and close calls, while you talked about your favorite books and the stories you've written. The conversation flowed naturally, making you feel more connected with each passing moment.

As the meal began to wind down, you decided to address the check. "You know, Tyler, you paid for my tab last night. I think it's only fair I take care of breakfast."

Tyler shook his head, a mischievous glint in his eye. "No way. This is on me."

You crossed your arms playfully. "I insist. It's only fair."

He leaned back, smiling. "You're not going to win this one. Southern gentleman, remember?"

You laughed, knowing you were in for a playful argument. "We'll see about that."

As you got up to use the restroom, you shot him a determined look. "Don't you dare pay for this while I'm gone."

Tyler just grinned. While you were away, he motioned to the waitress and handed her his card. "Run the check on this, please. And make it quick."

When you returned from the bathroom, you saw Tyler signing the check, the waitress already having run his card. You threw your hands up in mock frustration. "Tyler!"

He looked up, feigning innocence. "What? Just keeping my promise."

You shook your head, unable to keep from smiling. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Tyler stood up, offering you a hand. "I've been called worse. Ready to get out of here?"

You took his hand, feeling a warmth spread through you. "Yeah, let's go."

As you both left the diner and walked towards your car, a sense of reluctance settled over you. The breakfast had been delightful, and the conversation had made you wish the morning could last longer. Despite your enjoyment, you knew Tyler likely had other commitments, maybe a storm to chase or something equally urgent.

You reached your car and turned to him, trying to mask your disappointment. "Well, I guess this is goodbye for now," you said with a small smile. "Thanks for breakfast, Tyler. It was really nice."

Tyler smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting the same sentiment. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time too."

You hesitated for a moment, then added, "Can I give you a hug before you go?"

Tyler's expression softened, and he looked like he was about to respond when he paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "You know, instead of saying goodbye now, how about we extend this a little bit? I was thinking..."

You looked at him with curiosity. "Thinking about what?"

He gestured vaguely towards the town. "There's a farmer's market happening today. Maybe we could check it out together? I'm sure it'll be fun. They have all kinds of interesting stalls and food."

Your eyes widened in surprise and delight. "A farmer's market? That sounds great! But I didn't think you'd have time for that."

Tyler shrugged, his grin widening. "I'm a bit of a sucker for local markets. And besides, I'd love to spend more time with you if you're up for it."

You felt a wave of happiness and relief. "I'd love that. Let's go!"

As you both walked towards the farmer's market, the morning sun started to warm the air, making everything seem a little brighter. You chatted excitedly about the different stalls and what you hoped to see, feeling a renewed sense of joy at the unexpected turn of events.

Tyler glanced over at you, his smile reflecting genuine pleasure. "I'm really glad we did this. It's been a while since I've had a chance to just wander around and enjoy the day."

You nodded, sharing his sentiment. "Me too. It's been a while since I've had a morning like this."

As you approached the market, the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere welcomed you both, setting the stage for a perfect continuation of your day together.

As you and Tyler arrived at the farmer's market, you were immediately struck by the vibrant array of colors and the cheerful buzz of activity. Tyler led the way, and you followed eagerly, taking in the sights and sounds around you.

The first stall you stopped at featured an array of beautifully crafted leather goods. Among the collection were journals with intricate, handmade leather covers, each one adorned with unique designs. Your eyes lit up as you perused the selection, your love for writing and books shining through.

Tyler noticed your interest and leaned in to comment, "These are some impressive journals. You look pretty captivated."

You smiled, running your fingers over the soft leather of a journal. "I love these. There's something so special about a handwritten journal, don't you think?"

Tyler nodded. "Definitely. I can see why you'd be drawn to them."

As you continued to browse, you couldn't resist the temptation to pick out a journal that you particularly liked. Tyler watched with a grin, clearly enjoying your enthusiasm.

Next, you wandered over to a stall filled with baked goods and mini pies, the sweet aroma wafting through the air. You couldn't help but smile at the sight of the freshly baked treats displayed before you.

Tyler chuckled as you took in the array of pies. "Looks like you've got a sweet tooth."

You laughed and turned to him, recalling your earlier conversation. "I guess you could say that. Hey, Tyler, want to grab a homemade pie? Remember, we were talking about that last night."

Tyler's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'd be up for that. But only if you promise not to make me share it with Boone."

You playfully nudged him. "Deal. Let's see what they've got."

After choosing a couple of mini pies, you both continued to explore the market, chatting about the different stalls and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The morning sun bathed the market in a warm glow, making everything seem even more inviting.

Tyler and you wandered through the various stalls, each one offering its own unique charm. You found yourself laughing and enjoying the day more than you had anticipated, savoring the simple pleasure of spending time together.

As you and Tyler reached the end of the farmer's market, Tyler noticed a serene little pond with a walking path meandering around it. The water sparkled gently in the morning sun, and the scene was so tranquil that it almost seemed like a hidden gem amid the bustling market.

"Hey," Tyler said, glancing at you with a smile. "How about we take a break and sit on that bench over there? It looks like a nice spot to relax and enjoy the view."

You looked over at the bench by the pond, appreciating the thoughtfulness of the suggestion. "That sounds perfect," you replied.

Tyler led the way to the bench, and you followed, feeling a mix of contentment and anticipation. As you reached the bench and sat down, the gentle breeze from the pond carried the soft scent of blooming flowers, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

Tyler settled beside you, and for a moment, you both simply enjoyed the serene view. The sun's rays danced on the water, and the occasional ripple added a soothing rhythm to the scene. You glanced over at Tyler, who was staring at the water with a thoughtful expression.

"This place is beautiful," you said softly, breaking the comfortable silence. "I'm glad we came here."

Tyler turned his head to look at you, his eyes meeting yours with a warmth that made your heart skip a beat. "I'm glad too. It's nice to have a break from the chaos."

As you continued to talk, the conversation naturally slowed, and you found yourselves drawn closer together. Tyler's hand, resting casually on the bench between you, brushed against yours. The touch was light, almost accidental, but it sent a shiver down your spine.

You looked at his hand, then back at him, and found him gazing at you with an intensity that made your breath catch. He shifted slightly, his face inching closer to yours, as if drawn by an invisible force.

Just as you began to feel the electric tension between you, Tyler leaned in, his eyes flickering between yours and your lips. You could feel the warmth of his breath on your face, and the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of you.

But just as his lips were about to meet yours, a loud voice pierced the intimate moment. "Last call for coffee!" the vendor from the market called out, abruptly ending the peaceful bubble you'd been in.

Tyler pulled back slightly, a mix of surprise and disappointment in his eyes. He cleared his throat and gave a sheepish smile. "Guess that's our cue to head out."

You nodded, trying to hide your own disappointment while feeling a flutter of excitement at what almost happened. You stood up from the bench, feeling a bit dazed but happy.

Tyler offered you a hand to help you up. "Shall we?" he asked with a playful grin, and you took it, feeling the warmth of his hand lingering on yours.

As the two of you make your way back towards the parking lot, the sun casts a warm, golden hue over the small town. The conversation flows easily between you, and Tyler's thumb gently rubs the back of your hand, making your heart flutter. The connection between you feels natural and comforting.

When you reach your car, you turn to Tyler with a hint of disappointment. "I guess this is where we say goodbye," you say softly, trying to keep the sadness out of your voice.

Tyler looks at you with a mix of regret and curiosity. "Do you have any big plans for the rest of the day?" he asks.

You nod, a smile tugging at your lips. "I've got to head over to the farm and help with some animal chores. You're welcome to come by if you want."

Tyler's eyes light up at the invitation, but his phone rings, breaking the moment. He glances at the screen and sighs. "It's my crew," he says, sounding conflicted. "There's a new storm system forming, and we need to chase it."

You can see the internal struggle on his face, and you give him a reassuring smile. "It's okay. I understand how important this is to you. Go do what you need to do."

Tyler hesitates for a moment before nodding, his expression showing how much he wishes he could stay. "I promise I'll come back to visit once the storm's passed."

You both linger for a moment, the goodbye feeling more significant than you'd expected. Tyler gently takes your face in his hands, his eyes searching yours. He leans in and presses a soft kiss to your cheek.

You give him a playful grin. "You missed."

Tyler's eyes widen slightly, and a mischievous smile spreads across his face. He runs his tongue across his bottom lip, clearly intrigued by your boldness. Leaning in, he meets your lips with his in a tender, lingering kiss. It's as if time stands still, the world narrowing down to just the two of you.

When you finally pull apart, Tyler's gaze remains locked on yours, a genuine smile lighting up his face. "I'll be counting the hours until I see you again," he murmurs.

With a final, meaningful look, you both part ways, each carrying the warmth of the kiss and the promise of a reunion.

[agaypanic]

Benny weir x reader. Can you do one where Benny gets an online gf but have never met irl but she knows everything about the gang and him included the supernatural parts. Anyways Benny is like ALWAYS bragging about her but the gang fully just don't believe she's real. So reader flies out and decides to move to where Benny lives to surprise him. She tries really hard to wait to surprise him when he gets home from school but she just caught a glimpse of him while he was messing around outside the school and just couldn't resist running up and kissing him! Benny is? Shocked. The gang is? Shocked. Reader is? Love sick. Once Benny realized who it was he started to get so excited and not believing she was actually here all while Ethan is just like, who tf is this hot girl that's trying to get in Benny's pants rn?. And Benny has to literally make reader say she's his gf to make them believe him finally-🐇

Summer Love (Benny Weir X Reader)

Masterlist

Request Something!

Summary: Benny’s friends don’t believe him when he tells them he has a girlfriend.

A/N: I’m having the reader move because of her parents’ work instead of just for Benny bc idk it feels a lil weird for a teenager to move for their s/o and not even telling their s/o that they’re moving

***

School had just ended for the summer, and you were racing home. Your boyfriend had made a habit of facetiming you when you were out of school, but you were hiding something from him that you really wanted to keep a secret.

After greeting your parents, you went to your room. It was filled with boxes, bubble wrap, and suitcases. Your boyfriend couldn’t see this. It would ruin the surprise.

Suddenly, your phone started ringing. You pushed everything off your bed and ensured there was nothing out of the norm around you. Deciding that everything would look fine, you answered the phone. “Hey, Y/n!” His regular grin widened when you popped up on his screen.

“Hey, Benny!” You and Benny met last summer when he was taking a road trip and went through your town. You were waitressing at the diner he and his grandma stopped at. Usually, you’d roll your eyes whenever some rando tried flirting with you, especially when you were working. But there was just something different about Benny.

It might have been the fact that he was a warlock, but he insisted that it was his amazing charisma.

“So, how was your last day of school?” He didn’t see anything out of the ordinary with your surroundings, or if he did, he didn’t say anything.

The two of you talked for about an hour before you got a text from your mom. It said something about her needing your help loading boxes into the moving van that your family had rented. You sighed.

“I gotta go; my mom needs help with something.”

“Okay, Baby. I’ll talk to you tonight?”

“Of course, Bens.” After saying your goodbyes, you hung up and ran downstairs to help your mom.

“How was your talk with Benny?” Your mom asked as you carried a heavy box out of the house.

“He didn’t suspect a thing.” You didn’t like keeping secrets from someone you cared about, especially one this big. But you knew it would be totally worth it.

“What are you gonna do when we’re on the road?”

“I told him that people were fixing the power lines on our block starting tomorrow, so we can only text or call until the power and wifi are back on. But no facetime.”

“Smart. How are you gonna surprise him?”

You hauled the box into the van, dusting your hands off.

“Still figuring that out.”

***

After lengthy drives and your parents constantly switching between driving the car or the moving van, you had finally made it to Whitechapel, Ontario. Your dad was offered a promotion in one of the corporate offices of his company, which just so happened to be in the same town that your long-distance boyfriend lived in. To say you were ecstatic to hear the news was an understatement. You remember grabbing your phone as fast as you could, about to call Benny, when you paused. Something this big shouldn’t be told over the phone.

So you decided to just tell him when you saw him. Now, you were just debating on how to do it.

After unpacking a good amount of your stuff into the new house, you told your parents that you were going to explore Whitechapel. It would give you both time to think about how you’d surprise Benny and time to get used to your new surroundings.

Whitechapel was very beautiful when you didn’t think about the freaky supernatural stuff that your boyfriend and his friends encountered almost daily. Even if you didn’t have Benny, you think that you’d still be delighted about this move.

After walking through the park and getting lunch at some little restaurant, you decided to go by the school you would be attending after the summer. It was a decent walking distance from your new house, thank goodness. As you approached the courtyard in front of the main entrance, you heard lots of laughing and talking. There was a group of kids about your age messing around. As you caught the face of the tallest boy, you started to panic.

You must have forgotten that school was going for another week in Whitechapel. Because instead of hanging out at the park or someone’s house, it looked like Benny and his friends were just now leaving school.

If it was just Benny, you’d be all over him by now. But he was with his friends. And his friends were convinced that you didn’t exist. Sure, this could have easily been disproven by a phone or facetime call. But something always prevented you and Benny’s friends from interacting for some reason. One or the other being busy or faulty internet were the main things. But Benny had also shown them pictures of you, and they didn’t believe him.

You had to do something. You were just standing there like a weirdo while your boyfriend and his friends were messing around across the street. You needed to make a decision, either run to Benny or run away from him and figure out how to tell him later.

“Benny!” You yelled as you crossed the empty street. A look of recognition crossed his face before becoming confused. He heard your voice, but there was no way you could be in Whitechapel. “Benny!” He turned to the sound of your voice.

“Y/n?!” He shouted back with an incredulous tone. He started to run towards you, and the two of you met on the sidewalk. He kissed you the second you were in his arms. Months of being apart amplified the passion; you two didn’t even care that his friends were gawking at you.

“Why is Benny making out with her?” Ethan asked. “Who even is she?”

“Maybe he paid her a million dollars,” Erica replied, looking at the scene in front of her with slight disgust.

“Wait, you can do that?” Rory asked.

“What are you doing here?” Benny asked you, refusing to let go of you. “Why didn’t you tell me you’d be here?”

“Surprise.” You smiled. Seeing him on your phone was nothing compared to seeing him standing before you. He looked so pretty, especially when he was smiling at you with a smile that he only gave you. A lovesick smile, as if you were the person for Benny. “You have no idea how much I wanted to tell you, but I wanted to surprise you.”

“Mission accomplished; this is crazy.” He kissed you again. “How long are you gonna be here?”

“Oh, you’ll be seeing a lot of me, Bens. Let’s just say you should change my address on your phone.”

“No way.” He muttered. “Are you serious?”

“Surprise again.” He kissed you to the point where you almost lost your breath, but you didn’t care in the slightest.

“This is probably the best day ever, holy crap.”

“Uh, Benny?” One of his friends called out, making the two of you remember that they were even there. “Wanna tell us what’s going on?” Benny turned around, you still in his hold. He brought you to his friends.

“Guys, this is Y/n. My girlfriend of almost a year that I keep telling you about.” His friends kept looking from you to him. “Y/n, this is-”

“Oh, don’t tell me. I got this.” You pointed to each person before naming them. “Erica, Sarah, and Rory, the vampires. Ethan, seer. And Benny, greatest warlock I know.” Your boyfriend blushed at the compliment and even more when you kissed his cheek.

“Right as always,” Benny said.

“Benny, you told her about us?” Sarah asked, somewhat panicked.

“Of course I did. That’s what you do with someone you’re dating; you tell them stuff.”

“Benny, I know that you’ve been pretty insistent on the fact that you have a girlfriend.” Ethan sighed. “But going as far as to hire someone and tell them very personal stuff about us? That’s crazy.”

“E, I didn’t hire her. She’s my girlfriend.” Benny groaned, frustrated that this debate was still going, even though his girlfriend was standing right in front of his friends. “Y/n, tell them.”

“I’m genuinely Benny’s girlfriend.” You said. “I wasn’t hired to do this; I’ve been dating him for almost a year. We met last year when he and his grandma were on a road trip.”

“I still kinda don’t believe this,” Sarah muttered. You shrugged.

“Well, it’s your guys’ loss if you don’t believe us, I guess.”

It took showing photos, messages, and even questioning Benny’s grandma. But at the end of the day, Benny’s friends finally believed the two of you. They apologized to you for not believing you were real and to Benny for not believing he really had a girlfriend all this time. 

“So, besides thinking you didn’t exist, what did you think of them?” Benny asked you as he walked you home.

“They were pretty cool. I’m kinda scared of Erica, though. She has a very intense energy to her.”

“Don’t worry, she’ll warm up to you. It just takes time.”

“How long did it take for her to warm up to you?” He sighed.

“Still working on it.”

[joeys-babe]

Joey B Imagines: Holly Jolly Christmas

————————————————————————-

Summary: Christmas Eve and Christmas morning fun with Joe. The last days of your week in Cincinnati with your boyfriend before you go back to Athens.

(Part one to - Part 2)

Warnings: Fluff, mentions of sex.

Pairing: Joe Burrow x reader

Imagine universe: Everlasting Love

————————————————————————-

December 24, 2023

The love and warmth flowing through the house were off the charts tonight.

It was Joe and I’s first Christmas Eve that we would spend together.

Last year, we had only been dating for five days when Christmas rolled around.

My parents weren't exactly fond of me spending the night, two hours away, with my twenty-six-year-old boyfriend as a nineteen-year-old either. Especially, since I'd be missing Christmas with them.

I still don't know how I convinced them to let me have Christmas with Joe this year, but I won't question it.

Tomorrow morning after exchanging gifts with Joe, he'd be driving me back to Athens.

Though I was glad it wouldn't be two months till the next time I saw him, I'd prefer not to even go a week without seeing Joe, but you can't always get what you want.

I'll savor the time with him as much as I can though, and I know Joe’s doing the same.

The sun had just gone down, and Joe had just put some wood into the living room fireplace.

Now, the Christmas Eve festivities begin.

Joe said he had a cookie craving, but after dating the man for a year I knew he was not a baker.

“Can I help?” - Joe

He had just walked into the kitchen from the living room, to find me opening the box of cookies he requested.

“Joe, honey, you sure?” - you laughed

“What does that mean?” - Joe

“You aren't exactly a baker, baby.” - you

Joe made his way behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, laying his chin on my shoulder.

“You’re always telling me to try new things. I can start right now.” - Joe

“Why do you want to? I thought you'd avoid helping me like the plague.” - you

His arms squeezed me tighter as he explained himself.

“I just wanna be with you right now, as much as I can, to savor our time together while you're with me.” - Joe

“You’re willing to bake just to spend time with me?” - you giggled

“Baby, I'm willing to fuckin’ skydive.” - Joe

I put the box back on the counter and turned around in Joe’s arms. Looking up into those eyes, I felt my chest tighten up.

Like it was so overwhelmed with love it hurt.

“I love you, Joe.” - you

“I love you too, y/n.” - Joe grinned

He craned his neck to kiss me, so I raised to my tiptoes to meet his perfect lips.

After a minute of kisses, I pulled away to start baking.

I was making classic sugar cookies but putting Hershey's Kisses on top.

“So, first, we have to put the dry ingredients in a bowl.” - you

Joe grabbed one of the bowls I had set out and quickly placed it in front of me, the small act making me giggle.

After getting the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl, I handed Joe a whisk.

I felt like a mom letting her young son help her make cookies, and that thought resurfaced when Joe flung a bunch of the mixture out of the bowl.

“Shit.” - Joe deadpanned

“It’s okay, baby. The dry ingredients are hard to mix.” - you

After taking the whisk from Joe’s hand, he stepped to the side to let me finish his job.

Once that was done, it was time to move on to the next step.

“This might be easier… wanna use a hand mixer, Joey?” - you

“Sure.” - Joe

I plugged it in and handed it off to Joe, who was looking slightly intimidated.

“I’ll put everything in there, you just mix it, okay?” - you

Joe nodded his head, and I put the butter and granulated sugar into another bowl.

He looked adorable, waiting for me to tell him to start.

I gave him a nod and Joe slowly started to mix the contents up.

“How do I know when to stop?” - Joe

“When it's fluffy.” - you

Joe was doing great, but at one point, I was buckled over laughing at the sound of the beaters hitting the side of the bowl repeatedly when Joe lost control of the mixer.

“Don't laugh at me!” - Joe

A second after he said that, it happened again. I couldn't help but laugh, and this time Joe was laughing with me.

I moved behind him and laid my head on his shoulder blade when he turned the mixer off, and the content sigh that escaped his lips told me he liked the contact.

“Baby…” - Joe

“Mhm?” - you

“I've never felt as happy with someone as I am with you.” - Joe

“Feelings mutual, Joey. I love you.” - you

“I love you too. I just wish things weren't so hard.” - Joe

“Me too. Soon though, I promise, I'll be with you every day.” - you

“Can’t wait.” - Joe leaned into your touch

I contently stood behind my boyfriend, relishing in his touch, when seemingly out of nowhere, he remembered the task at hand.

“Wait, baby, what's next?” - Joe

“Oh shit, the cookies. Uhm, we have to put eggs and vanilla extract in what you just whipped up. Then add the dry ingredients.” - you

Joe grabbed the bottle of vanilla extract, thinking it would be simple enough for him to do without messing up.

So he thought.

When he went to open the glass bottle, his hand slipped, and he dropped the bottle onto the counter. It broke, and the extract went all over his pink sweatshirt.

My reflexes quickly grabbed the rest of the bottle before the rest could spill out, the lid was the only part that shattered. I thought everything was okay, but that was until Joe spoke up.

“Are you shitting me! Why can't I fucking do anything right!” - Joe

“Joe, baby, calm down. Did you get glass on you?” - you

“No…” - Joe mumbled

He looked down at his sweatshirt and let out a loud, annoyed groan.

It was stained for sure, and sadly, it was my favorite one of his sweatshirts. The bright pink Nike top always looked so good on him, and I loved stealing it.

“Just take it off, I'll get the stains out.” - you

“You just want me to take my shirt off…” - Joe

Deciding to play along with his pouty statement, I put my hands on Joe’s shoulders and bit my lower lip as I looked straight into his eyes.

“So what if I do? Are you gonna take it off for me?” - you

“Yes… ma’am.” - Joe stuttered

“Atta boy.” - you backed away and Joe pulled his sweatshirt over his head

After he pulled the sweatshirt over his head, he handed it to me. I put it on the chair to tackle later, and when I turned back around I couldn't stop myself from admiring my boyfriend.

Joe was toned, not too much, the perfect amount. His chest was my biggest obsession, and those veiny arms… god, he was a work of art.

My gaze trailed down his flat stomach, where the slight blonde happy trail ran from his belly button and down.

Knowing what it led to.

Knowing how good he made me feel with what that little patch of hair led to.

It made me hot all over.

“y/n, the cookies…” - Joe

“Oh- yeh!” - you snatched your eyes away from Joe’s body

I hurriedly busied myself with mixing the vanilla into the mixture before turning back to Joe.

“You wanna crack an egg? I know you can do that because you make eggs for breakfast all of the time.” - you

Joe felt a flutter in his stomach. He loved how much I was trying to make him feel useful.

“Sure.” - Joe smiled

He executed the step with no problem, and now that the combination of everything was mixed, it was time to add the dry ingredients.

When I grabbed the bowl containing it, I heard Joe grimace beside me.

“I have beef with those dry ingredients.” - Joe

I looked up at him just in time to see his stank face as he stared down the bowl. His look made me let out a snort, and he laughed with me.

Soon, they were mixed into the wet mixture, and Joe was pleased to see that it was turning into sugar cookie dough.

Joe helped me scoop the dough into balls on the cookie sheet.

I slid them into the oven and set the timer from the recipe.

“Thank you for helping me, baby.” - you

He wrapped his arms around me and placed a huge kiss on my lips.

“I didn't do much helping, more messing things up.” - Joe chuckled

“It’s okay. I had fun with you nonetheless.” - you

“Good, I'm glad.” - Joe grinned

A few seconds of silence went by till I spoke up.

“While we're waiting, what else do you want to do?” - you

“Uh, we can… decorate the gingerbread houses I bought.” - Joe

“Ooo, yeah!” - you

——

A few minutes later, Joe and I sat at the bar with our separate gingerbread house kits opened and spread out.

“Have you done this before? You act like you have a system.” - you

“I’ll have you know, I'm actually a reigning gingerbread house decorating champion.” - Joe

“Where? Within the team?” - you laughed

“My family Christmas. I've been winning it since LSU.” - Joe

“Oh really?” - you grinned at him

“Yup. If you're lucky I'll teach you my ways.” - Joe

“Mmm?” - you

——

“Joe, how is your’s staying together?!” - you

It was thirty minutes later. The cookies were on the cooling rack, and I was struggling to keep a gingerbread house together.

Looking down at my house, which had a caved-in roof with two walls, I muttered something under my breath.

Struggling might be an understatement.

“What was that?” - Joe

“Nothing.” - you sighed

My gaze shifted over to Joe’s perfectly intact gingerbread house. The roof had M&M’s in the colors black and white, alternating in a pattern.

He was already done with the structure, so now he was just adding random stuff onto it. Including using green icing to make grass on the plastic base.

“Baby.” - you whined

Joe tilted his head to look at me, wanting to know why there was a slight annoyance in my tone. I watched his eyes flick down to my pile of icing and gingerbread, and he had to bite the insides of his cheeks to not laugh.

My glare intensified causing him to giggle, but he leaned forward to press his lips to my forehead.

“looks beautiful, baby.” - Joe

“It looks horrible, Joe!” - you

“I was talking about you.” - Joe laughed

I felt my cheeks heat up as he said that, averting my gaze to anywhere but his intense eyes.

“Oh wait, do you want a cookie before we go to bed? It's getting late.” - you

Joe chuckled at my pathetic attempt to shift the mood and subject before answering.

“Please.” - Joe

I got up from my barstool and walked over to the cookie sheet. They were small so I grabbed a napkin and placed two on it, sliding it across the island to Joe.

“Thank you, my love.” - Joe

“You’re welcome.” - you grinned and bit into a cookie yourself

——

“Our last sleepover…” - Joe sighed

I was already lying in the bed when Joe crawled in beside me.

“For now.” - you smiled

Joe pulled me into his chest with a content sigh and squeezed my waist tight.

My hand lingered over his naked body, having just gotten out of the shower and opted for no undies. When I reached his hip, he grabbed my hand gently and pressed a kiss to my knuckles.

“Can I just hold you tonight?” - Joe

His statement set off butterflies in my stomach. Joe and I had engaged in at least a round a day this entire week, enjoying each other while we could. Hearing him say he just wanted to hold me made me feel so loved, and gosh, was he sweet.

“Of course.” - you

That night, Joe and I held each other so tight.

——

December 25, 2023

Loved.

That's the only way I could describe how I felt.

Christmas morning with Joe was amazing, making me look forward to my future with him even more.

I mean, I was sure my future had Joe in it.

He had to be because after he came into my life, I was sure I wouldn't know how to live if he left it.

We had just exchanged gifts and smiles never left our faces.

Currently lying on top of Joe, my face smashed into his chest as he rubbed my back with a big hand, I could never feel more content than this.

Christmas music played softly on the TV, and at the same time, we looked at my bags by the front door.

“I love you.” - you both whispered at the same time

Joe and I laughed softly, his hand on my back trailing to cup my head.

“I love you too.” - you both whispered again

——

“So… when is the next time I'll see you?” - Joe

Joe and I stood on my front porch. It was around three in the afternoon now and my family was getting Christmas dinner ready inside.

My bags sat next to us, our arms around each other, holding one another as close as possible.

“When I get my schedule, I’ll tell you every single day that is free to come to Cincinnati. Anytime you're here to see your parents, if you can… stop by, okay?” - you

“I will. I'm not going two months without you ever again.” - Joe

Just then, one of my cousins came out onto the porch telling me to come inside because dinner was being served.

“Just a minute.” - you

They nodded and turned back into the house.

“I love you so much. Remember that okay? Even when I'm not there in person to tell you, just know I love you with my whole heart.” - Joe

“I love you too.” - you

I felt tears well up in my eyes and then spill over onto my cheeks. Joe quickly kissed them away.

“None of that, okay? It's not goodbye forever, just a temporary one.” - Joe

“Okay. Okay, yeah. I'm gonna see you again. This isn't goodbye forever.” - you reassured yourself

“That’s my girl. Uhm, I think they're gonna shoot me if I keep you up any longer so…” - Joe

“Bye, Joey.” - you buried your head into his neck

“Bye, baby.” - Joe

I leaned in and pressed a long kiss on his lips, never wanting to break away, but knowing I had to.

Joe stepped away from me and took a few steps back.

“You go ahead. I'll feel better if I see you walk in safely.” - Joe

I walked away slowly and turned towards the door, reaching for the doorknob and opening it before turning around to look at Joe one last time.

He gave me a sad smile and it gave me enough reassurance to walk into the house and shut the door behind me.

Everyone in the living room stopped and looked at me.

My mom's eyes flicked from my sad face to Joe’s through the window.

I watched him look at the door and then down at his feet before slowly walking back to his car.

Before he could reach for the handle he felt something cold hit his nose. Joe looked into the sky and saw that it was snowing. It was a white Christmas.

Joe smiled to himself and flinched at the sound of a door being slammed.

He looked around before his eyes landed on me. I was standing on the roofed porch as I watched the snow fall from the sky.

“It’s snowing!” - you

Joe stood there and admired me; his girl, the woman he was in love with, the one he thinks is his forever.

Slowly, I walked off the porch and over to Joe, who was leaning against his Porsche with a wide grin on his face.

The snow collected in his blonde hair, and as I admired him, he pressed his soft lips onto mine.

When we pulled away, all we could do was look into each other’s eyes… and just smile.

“Merry Christmas, Joe.” - you

“Merry Christmas, y/n.” - Joe

————————————————————————-

Authors note: RAHHH. This was one of my favs.

Request for this fic;

Hope you enjoyed! 💕

[littledovesnow]

a/n: hi hello here is 2.4kl of young!coriolanus x fem!reader <3 should i continueeeeee?

------

The margins of your notebook paper were running out of room, and Dean Highbottom didn’t seem to be nearing the end of his lecture. You weren’t even sure of why there were lessons and lectures about the war, you and your classmates were all old enough to remember living through it a mere decade ago.

You stifled a yawn, perking up when you saw the Hunger Games creator plop back onto the chair in the center of the lecture hall, hands already reaching for the bottle of morphling on his desk.

“Don’t forget, the top 24 students are to meet tomorrow morning in the Great Room. Do not be late.”

The rush of students leaving the room caused you to slow as you gathered your things, chewing on your lower lip out of nerves. No one knew what required the students to come back after hours, but there were rumors of it involving the Plinth Prize.

Coriolanus met you outside of the hall, small smile on his face. You were thankful for Tigris for setting you and her cousin up, as the icy blond known for his wits and sharp demeanor, was often the sole ray of light in your day-to-day.

“Have you heard for certain that this meeting tomorrow is about the Plinth Prize?” You asked, lacing your fingers with your boyfriend’s slender ones.

Coriolanus frowned, shaking his head. “No, I doubt it is about that. More than likely some absurd dedication gala, perhaps Plinth paid his way into University early.”

It was no secret the Capitol students thought lowly of their fellow classmate, ostracizing him not long after the Plinths gained access into the Capitol.

“Hm, I suppose so.” You pondered.

“Why? Did Dean Highbottom say anything?”

Shaking your head, you thanked Coriolanus as he opened the door for you, following you out into the brisk, afternoon air. “No, but Festus was gossiping again to the others. Saying how he’s got a lucky ticket into the Plinths’ pockets.”

“Festus didn’t even complete Dr. Gaul’s assignment last week.”

You let out a small laugh, coming to a stop at the roundabout in front of Citadel, looking up at your boyfriend. “You know, you and your family are always welcome for dinner. My mother has been wanting a reason to show of the new dinnerware one of the Avoxes found.”

Having been friends with Tigris for so long, and dating Coriolanus over the last few years, you weren’t privy to their financial woes, but you never pushed your own family’s wealth onto him.

“I promised Grandma’am I would help prune her roses tonight.”

“Oh, you softie. Better not let Arachne hear you have a heart, Corio. Word might get out.” You poked him in the bicep, teasing smile on your face.

Coriolanus rolled his eyes, pressing his lips to your own before parting ways.

------

The room was alive and the chatter was loud when you stepped into the meeting hall for Dean Highbottom’s announcement and the reaping.

Having spotted your boyfriend and fellow classmates, you marched over, heels ponding on the marble floor.

“Oh, there she is. Your Coryo has been lost without you.” Arachne quipped, flute of posca in her hand.

“Well, at least someone cares about me. Can’t say the same for you.” You bit back, Coriolanus choking on his own posca as he wrapped his free arm around you.

Felix Ravenstill, who had just been at the buffet table, openly laughed at your remark.

“Now, now, children, let’s not ruin the mood.” Clemensia teased, giving a warm smile to you and Coriolanus.

“This lamb is scandalous; you guys have to try it!�� Felix said, sucking the juice of his finger.

You made a face, stepping closer to your boyfriend as Festus chided Felix for his lack of manners.

“Hey, we’re here for the Plinth Prize, right?” Felix asked, setting his now empty plate on the tray of a passing Avox. “Because I heard my father mention that Dr. Gaul is here.”

You felt Coriolanus tense at the mention of the head Gamemaker. “What? Why would she be here for that?”

The group shrugged, Arachne catching the attention of the group as she chided the family of the hour, who had just strolled in. “Why the face, Y/N? Not a fan of your boyfriend’s friend?” She asked, smirk on her face.

“He’s not my friend, Arachne. I simply tolerate him.” Coriolanus spit back. “He’s District.”

You softly jabbed your elbow into your boyfriend’s ribs, noticing Sejanus was walking over to the circle.

“Hi, Sejanus.” You greeted him with a friendly smile, much to the dismay of your boyfriend. “Made it to the reaping.”

“Yeah, for once.” Festus added, earning a chuckle from Felix and Arachne.

Sejanus smiled at you, though his voiced a reply to Festus. “Yes, and you made it to graduation, Festus. We’re both shocked.”

You hid a smile in Coriolanus’ arm, Arachne’s questioning about the Plinth Prize garnering your attention.

“Now, now, I’m not going to ruin my father’s news. I know no one here actually likes him, but they do like his money.” Sejanus spoke, looking at the red-lipped girl. “You know what that’s like, right Arachne?”

Before anyone could reply, Dean Highbottom called the room to attention, and the anthem began playing, signaling everyone to take their seats.

You slipped into a chair between Coriolanus and Clemensia, tucking your cheek between your teeth. Coriolanus took your right hand in his left, twisting the ring on your pointer finger mindlessly.

“Good luck, Coryo.” You whispered, though you knew he was a shoe-in to win the Plinth Prize.

He didn’t reply, seemingly in a trance as he stared at Dr. Gaul.

“Clem,” You whispered, leaning to your other side. “Why you do think Dr. Gaul is here? The reaping doesn’t usually require her attendance.”

Shrugging, Clemensia had the same look as you. “Maybe something special for the tenth anniversary?”

You pondered that thought, only for your questions to be shut down when Dean Highbottom and Dr. Gaul announced that this year, the top 24 students would be mentoring a tribute. “The best mentor will receive the Plinth Prize.”

“What?” You asked, the sudden question capturing the attention of the students around you. “What do you mean best mentor? The best mentor will be the one who’s tribute wins the Games!”

“Miss Rosewing, mind your manners or I will demerit you on the spot.” Dean Highbottom spoke, silencing you.

Coriolanus’ knee was shaking, a telltale of the anxiety coursing through him. His family was depending on the Plinth Prize to keep there apartment, to afford food, to survive.

Arachne, who was just as distraught as you, spoke up this time. “What if I get the pathetic runt girl from one of the poor districts like 8 or 12? They’ll die in two minutes just as they did last year!”

“Now, now, Miss Crane, your role,” Dean Highbottom spoke, gesturing to the two dozen Academy rouge uniforms seated in front of him. “Is to create spectacles out of these tributes. Victory is only part of the considerations for the Plinth Prize. Your future rests on this last project.”

You heard Coriolanus swear under his breath, his hand moving from your own to on your knee, something to ground him in the moment.

“Oh, one more thing,” Dean Highbottom added, grabbing a small index card form his desk. “If you are caught cheating and giving your tribute an unfair advantage, you will have no future at all.”

You all sat in silence as the reaping played on the large screen in front of you, some cheers rang out from students who got tributes from the first few districts, though Sejanus’ outburst at getting a tribute from his home district broke the tension.

“District ten boy, Y/N Rosewing. Girl, Arachne Crane.” You hummed, looking at the boy in the screen.

“Oh, you’ll Iike this one, Miss Crane.” Dean Highbottom smirked from his spot. “District 12 girl, Coriolanus Snow.”

You snapped your neck to look at your boyfriend, who wore an unreadable expression on his face. “Coryo,” you whispered, sorrow in your voice.

He was one of the first out of his seat when the group was dismissed, and you were quick to follow.

------

Behind a pillar out front, you found Coriolanus staring out into the main road, watching cars go to and fro, silent.

You stepped next to him, looking up at his face. “It’ll be okay, Coryo.”

“Hah,” he laughed bitterly, looking down at you. “You don’t have to worry about a thing. You can just go back to your fancy house and and maids and full kitchen. I needed the Plinth Prize, Y/N.” He spoke, pure anger in his face.

You were taken aback, not used to seeing this side of Coriolanus. “Then make sure you show that tribute how to win the Games.”

“How?”

“You saw her sing when she was up on that stage. Give the Capitol a show. A reason to want he to win.” You suggested. “We have time to meet with the tributes tomorrow at the zoo. Figure out what she’s good at, then use it to your advantage, Coryo. Use it to win.”

------

You were livid when you walked into the zoo, seeing your boyfriend in the cage with the tributes- the animals.

Lucky Flickerman was talking to them, and you nearly burst a blood vessel when you saw their linked hands. This was not what you meant when you advised your boyfriend to figure out what Lucy Gray was good at.

Once the cameras and microphones were out of the way, you marched over to where the two were still talking. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Lucy Gray looked between you and Coriolanus, who had half a mind to have a sheepish look on his face. “Who’s askin’?”

You looked her up and down, in the bright dress Arachne likened to a clown the previous day. “Did you force him into that cage? Get your little friends to threaten him?” “Hey, Y/N, she didn’t do anything.” Coriolanus spoke up, stepping between the two of you even though there was a gate in the way. “This is Y/N, my girlfriend.”

Lucy Gray’s lips formed an O, and she had an apologetic look on her face. “I wasn’t aware, I do apologize.”

You hummed, taking one last look at your boyfriend before heading over towards Arachne and your tribute, water bottle in hand.

“Tanner,” you smiled, passing the water bottle between the fence posts. “Do you need any medicine, are they feeding you?” You asked, kneeling to get some bread out of your bag.

Your tribute, Tanner, was grateful and kind as you two spoke, a stark contrast to Arachne and her tribute, Brandy, who she was teasing with water.

“Arachne, watch-” You began to advise the girl, though her tribute was too quick, and in the blink of an eye all Hell broke loose.

You watched in what felt like slow motion as Brandy smashed the glass bottle into Arachne, piercing her in the neck.

“No!” You cried, moving to cover the wounds with your hands. You vaguely felt glass poking and breaking skin in your hands, and gunshots from the Peacekeepers.

Arachne wasn’t a friend, but she was a classmate, someone who you had spent most of your life sitting around. You tried to save her, but the blood gurgled up and out, life draining from her eyes.

“Arachne, hey- don’t, it’ll be okay! Someone’s coming, just hold on!” You cried, aware of arms pulling you off of the deceased mentor.

------

Coriolanus was discussing getting a guitar for Lucy Gray when he heard the noise.

Looking over, he felt his heart shoot into his throat when he saw Arachne, you, and a mess of blood on the ground. “Y/N!” He called, trying to evade the Peacekeepers between the two of you.

The tributes were ushered back against the wall of the cage, the public and mentors ushered out of the zoo.

Coriolanus saw the dead tribute on the ground, and you were on top of Arachne, hands to her bleeding neck. “Let me go, that’s my girlfriend!” He begged the Peacekeepers, their hold on him unwavering.

He finally broke free of their grasp when one of the tributes threw a rock over, and Coriolanus darted over towards you, pulling you off of Arachne’s body.

“It’s okay, hey, look at me.” Coriolanus walked the two of you away from the scene, all while you were still in a panicked daze.

“Can you hear me?” He asked, moving some hair out of your face. “I need to know you’re with me.”

You finally met your boyfriend’s eyes, breath slowing down a bit. “Arachne- she-”

“I know, I know.” Coriolanus felt his heart break at the look on your face. “Deep breaths, okay?”

You nodded softly, taking a few shaky breaths, looking down at your hands.

Coriolanus followed your gaze, frowning when he saw a few pieces of glass in the palms of your hands.

He led you over to one of the medics, who seemed to be the zoo’s veterinarian. “She was cut trying to save our classmate. Can you help?”

The vet nodded, having you sit on the ledge near him. “I don’t have any morphling, this will hurt. I apologize.”

You nodded, still breathing heavily from the adrenaline leaving your body. Coriolanus stood next to you, rubbing your upper back and keeping an eye on everyone around.

“Will she need stitches?” Coriolanus asked, frowning when he felt you wince as a larger piece of glass was taken out of your palm.

Nodding, the vet pointed to a small section under your thumb. “Only here I believe. You will want to get this looked at in a proper hospital. Make sure no infection is present.”

You nodded once, looking away as the vet began threading a needle to stitch your skin.

Coriolanus fished a water bottle out of his bag, unscrewing the top and offering it to you. “Dr. Gaul better just call off these games. One tribute is already dead, what is the point?”

You hummed, thanking the vet as he finished stitching your hand. “I don’t want to think about the Games right now.”

Nodding, you and Coriolanus slowly walked back to the Corso, back to the Snow penthouse.

[gretavanmoon]

A Perfect Ten - Part 1

Josh x female reader - FWB

8.4k words

+ So this story started out as part of the Fidelity Series, but after a few asks for a part two, I figured why not, let's rebrand it a little bit ;) Story loosely based off of "Finish What Ya Started" by Van Halen

+ After befriending your coworker Josh at your new workplace, the both of you realize you need each other in more ways than one. Things might get a little cloudy as an ongoing judge of actions takes place, leaving the both of you wrapped up in a back and forth neither of you saw coming.

Warnings: Smoking, Drinking, Cursing, Drug Use, Mention of Breakups and Heartbreak, Sadness. Smut: Kissing, Touching, Dirty Talk, Praise, Heavy Flirting, Oral M!receiving

New town, new job, new life. 

That’s always how things went in the movies, and every time, the girl always got her happy ending.

The idea is there, and you were beyond ready to do whatever it took to make it happen. How hard can it be, right?

After you’d managed to knock the first new off your list when you moved out of your ex’s house and to the next city over, the “job” part was next in line. After a week of filling out applications, you finally landed on the perfect selection, a serving job at Angelo’s Pizza.

You’d started this new job about about three months ago, and you finally felt like you were getting your footing with the flow of things. You’d been a server for as long as you could remember, but getting used to a new restaurant with new people and new menus and management could sometimes prove to be difficult. You were handling it with as much grace as you could, and the money was killer, so you stuck it out.

“You coming to the bar with me tonight?” your new favorite coworker, Josh asked as he stared into the kitchen from the expo window, rolling a pile of round coasters across the countertop. 

“Mmmh…” You mumbled under your breath. “I dunno, I’ve been here since lunch and my feet are absolutely killing me.”

”Ugh don’t be such a prude, Y/N,” he responded, taking a pepperoni and cheese in one hand, and a supreme in the other. “We’ll be sitting down the whole time. Ya know. In barstools.”

“Shut the fuck up,” you teased, elbowing him in the ribs. “I guess so, but I can’t stay out late like last weekend. I open tomorrow.”

“Oooo, a clopen. That sucks. Well, I don’t. So I can get drunk, and you can watch me.” He flashed you a giant smile before taking off with the pizzas in hand, disappearing into the sea of people seated in the crowded restaurant.

Josh had befriended you on your very first day, comforting you after your manager harshly scolded you for ringing something in incorrectly. 

“Don’t worry about it,” he’d said as you pouted in the chilly walk-in. “I still fuck my shit up all the time. The cooks don’t really care, plus if you mess somethin’ up, we get to eat the fucked up pizza.” That was the only thing he said to you the entire day, but it really stuck with you, immediately making you feel a lot better about your tiny mistake. 

Now, after a few months of working side by side with Josh, you’d actually gotten to know each other fairly well, and you’d even go as far as calling him one of your good friends. You’d managed to get to know all your coworkers on a surface level, but Josh actually took the time to listen to you when you spoke, and showed real interest in the things you had to say, no matter how menial. 

He was cute, and around the same age as you, but there was something about Josh that you couldn’t put your finger on. It was something that struck you, making him stand out from the rest of the guys you worked with. His aura pulled you in, and the way his eyes sparkled in the neon that covered the walls of the restaurant didn’t help the fact that he sometimes made your heart skip a beat. You decided that it was just his looks, though, catching you off guard every once in a while as you were around him more. Most importantly, he made you feel welcome. Like a good friend should. 

The more you got to know Josh, the more open he became with you, and you quickly learned that his real personality outside of work was a little bit different than when you were on the clock. It’d become almost a habit, now, joining Josh at his favorite dive bar down the street when you’d both end up on the same closing schedule. It was like Groundhog Day, Josh would ask you to come out, you’d find an excuse to turn him down, but you always left Angelo’s with your hand in his as you tiredly dragged yourselves down the street. Sometimes other coworkers would join you, but it was always the two of you left shutting the bar down, joking and laughing with one another as you waited for your Ubers.

Josh was quickly becoming a norm for you. A fun, platonic norm. And though you were both flirty with one another, it never felt as though it would go past anything but that. Just friends. And you were very content with that. 

So tonight, as things wound down and the patrons closed out their tabs, you felt as if you really could use a nightcap or two to reward yourself for not making even one mistake on your orders today.

As you tied the oversized trash bag closed, you met eyes with Josh as he skillfully swiped the mop across the sticky, sauce-covered floor. 

He grinned when he saw you looking, making your stomach drop. “What?” He asked, biting his lower lip in as he staved off a full-on smile.

“Nothing. Just thinking about how you roped me into going out again tonight,” you said with faux aggravation.

Josh sucked in his teeth as he plopped the mop back into the big yellow bucket, rolling it over to where you stood. “Actually, I asked you out with me for another reason. I wasn’t kidding when I said I was gonna get absolutely shit hammered, tonight.” His tone was serious rather than silly, and you instantly felt like something was wrong.

“What’s the other reason?” You pressed, lifting the bag from the can. “Everything okay?”

He shook his head and swallowed, opening the double doors to the kitchen to go and dump his bucket. You followed closely behind him with your trash. 

“Eh, not really. I’ll tell you all about it when we get there. Let’s lock this bitch up.” He flashed his eyes to the floor as he spoke, which was unlike him. He always spoke with such confidence and effortless ease that his dismissal of looking you in the eye struck you as strange. 

The two of you finished up your closing tasks and said goodnight to the line cooks, grabbing up your things from your lockers and stuffing your aprons back inside. Josh was quiet the whole time, again striking you as out of the ordinary. You hadn’t known Josh long, but you did know him well enough to know that something was off, and he wasn’t handling it well.

“Think I’m going straight for liquor tonight,” he said as you walked arm in arm down the crowded sidewalk to the bar. He tilted his head back, blowing a puff of air above you as if he was trying his hardest not to cry.

“Damn,” you answered. “You must really be going through it, friend.” It was also unlike Josh to drink liquor; each time you were around him, he’d always chosen draft beer. 

You both stepped inside the dimly-lit dive bar, letting the old smoky smell and sticky floors envelop you in their right-at-home feeling. You both took up camp on two stools at the end of the bar, closest to the back wall. The bartender Roy approached you, throwing down two bar napkins in front of you as you got comfortable in your seats. 

“Evenin’, guys. Sex on the Beach andddd, Josh, we’ve got a Kolsch and a pale ale on tap, and also a—“

“Jack Daniel’s. Neat, please,” Josh interrupted Roy, causing him to contort his face with surprise. 

“Been waiting on you almost five years and never known you to drink liquor. But, alright…” Roy responded as he left for a minute, returning and placing your drinks in front of you. “I’ll keep the tab goin’.”

It was silent between the two of you for the first couple of minutes, both of you sipping your drinks as you relaxed your muscles from the long workday. Finally, you decided you would have to be the one to speak first, for once. 

“Okay, spill. What’s got you on the hard stuff tonight?” you asked, turning to face Josh in your stool. 

He leaned on his elbow, his tight black t-shirt squeezing his toned arm just right. “I got dumped last night.” 

You felt your eyebrows jump to your forehead. “What?! Oh my god, I’m so sorry, Josh���I didn’t even know you had a—“

“Nah, it’s okay. I could kinda tell shit was going sideways, anyway, ya know? Almost expected it. But, still doesn’t make it hurt any less.” He disconnected his eye contact, tilting his glass back all the way and finishing off the last bit of his whiskey. 

You were almost stunned speechless. You hadn’t seen Josh show any emotion that even came close to sadness before, and you struggled with how you were going to react. 

Roy brought the bottle of Jack over, filling Josh’s glass with another two fingers. Roy gave you a quick look of intrigue, questioning Josh’s actions in the same way that you were.

“How long were you together?” you asked, tiptoeing with caution, given that he might not want to go into much detail. 

“Four and a half years,” he said blankly. 

“My god, are you serious?!” you choked out with disbelief. 

He nodded hard as he kept his eyes trained on the bar in front of you, spinning his stool in tiny tight circles. “Yeah. Long time.” He sipped his drink again. 

“I really am sorry, Josh. That’s a long time to be with someone for it to just...” you placed a hand on his arm as you spoke. 

He crossed his arms in front of him. “Yeah, it’s fucked,” he growled, leaning back in his stool. 

“You wanna talk about it?” you asked. 

“No, that’s why we’re here.” He slammed his hands on the bar top, motioning for Roy to refill your already almost empty cocktail. 

Roy brought your new drink over, stirring the drink with the tiny straw for you. Josh lifted his glass into the air, forcefully clinking it against yours. “To moving on!” He said, finishing the drink off once again. 

——

An hour or so later, you and Josh had managed to find yourselves significantly intoxicated again, engaged in a deep passionate debate. 

“Ever since they banned smoking indoors, the American bar scene has been fucked!” Josh drunkenly yelled overtop of the loud music and large crowd that had joined you inside the bar. 

You had to laugh. “Josh, not everybody loves breathing that shit in! It makes some people really sick!” you challenged. 

“Ah, hell. You come into a bar, you expect to be around smoke, all there is to it. All there is to it!” He crossed his arms and shrugged his shoulders in defiance of your argument. 

“You can go outside and smoke, Josh. Easy as that. Just get over it!” The two of you were glassy-eyed and giggly, feeling your liquor take hold of you as you talked. Josh brought about a warmth in you that you’d never experienced before, and you’d be lying if you said your…attraction? to him wasn’t amplified when you were drunk. 

No, not attraction. 

Something else…

You had no idea what to label the feeling, because you’d never felt it ever before. You took it in stride, though, embracing the completely new emotion as it came. It was almost like you craved his attention, and fed off of him engaging with you. You wanted to please him, but not in such a way that was sexual. 

…You didn’t think. 

No. You just craved his recognition. Wanted his eyes on you and no one else. Wanted to make him laugh, be the one who made him forget about everything else. It wasn’t a jealousy thing, it was a matter of possessiveness. You wanted to protect him like a best friend. And anyone who dared cause him unhappiness would have to deal with you. 

‘Is this insane thinking?! Am I crazy for this?’ You drunkenly asked yourself as you washed your hands in the bar bathroom sink, giving yourself a disapproving look in the mirror. Probably, maybe…but he seems to feel the same about you... You had noticed that the second you’d inadvertently struck up a conversation with another guy at the bar, Josh quickly stole your attention away again, bringing up a whole new topic of conversation that had nothing to do with the last. 

He charmed you. Drew you in. Challenged your thoughts and opinions…made you talk like you’d never talked before. Laugh like you’d never laughed. 

“You’re really smart, Y/N. I didn’t really notice that about you, before,” Josh smiled as he leaned over toward you on the bar. His cheeks were tinted the prettiest pink from the alcohol, his eyes twinkling from the flash of the old TV above you.

“Uhh, thanks, I guess?” you chortled, feigning being offended. 

“No I mean, you surprise me. Keep me guessing, every time I turn around. Never had a friend like that before. I’m usually so bored with everyone I meet. You make me like, think. Ya know?” He explained as you nodded sweetly in understanding. You knew you were blushing. 

“Last call!!” You heard Roy yell across the still-crowded room. You made blurry eye contact with Josh again. 

“Damn, we didddit agin,” you stammered. “Let me pay, you’ve had a hard couple’a days.” 

“No no no, no you don’t. I asked you here, my treat. Plus, my drinks were fuckin’ pricey tonight.”

“But Josh, let me treat you, for once...” You jutted your bottom lip out as you begged him. You watched as his eyes landed on your lips, stealing his attention again. Suddenly, you felt excited. 

“Alright, alright. But I’m leavin’ the tip,” he agreed. “I just needed some sympathy…that’s all I wanted tonight.”

“And you got it, didn’t you? You forgot all about your messy breakup?”

“For the most part, yes,” he laughed. “But I like to look at the long run, ya know? Like to take each step, one by one. Let myself live in the sadness, as long as it helps me heal.”

You scoffed as you signed your name on the receipt and pulled your coat on. “Psh, Josh, didn’t you just cheers me and say ‘to moving on’?”

He stood from his stool, wrapping his right arm around your neck tightly. The smell of his cologne mixed with the remnants of pizza filled your senses, temporarily making you dizzy as he squeezed you in his grip. 

“I did, Y/N, I did. But I’m also drunk, now. Sooo. And also, I don’t really wanna go home yet. ‘M gonna walk you to your Uber then hit up Chauncey’s…they stay open ‘til 2.”

You turned in his grasp, your face within inches of his as he still held you tightly. “Don’t go back out, Josh. No sense in drinkin’ your sorrows away by yourself.” It felt like you were outside of your own body; all you wanted was to go home and strip down and crawl into bed, but for some reason, your mouth told Josh that apparently you didn’t want to go home, either. “Come back to my place. We’ll have one more drink, and we can share the blunt that TJ gave me yesterday.”

“TJ? The line cook?” Josh seemed surprised. “You letting strangers give you drugs now, Y/N?”

“He’s hardly a stranger, Josh. Why, you jealous?” You teased, while also testing the waters of what the hell this feeling the two of you apparently shared could actually be. 

“Fuck no, I’m not jealousss. I’m…I…” Josh opened his mouth, but nothing came out after that. “I don’t know, I just—“ You were still tightly wrapped up in the crook of his elbow, his face so close to yours that you could smell the liquor on his breath as he struggled to speak, his hooded eyes bouncing around the room as he slurred. 

You decided to save him. “It’s alright Josh. You don’t have to come over. I’ll smoke it allllll by myself…” you sneakily wrapped your arm around his back, giving it a couple playful pats. 

He looked down at you through his lashes, his jaw clenched tightly together as he pressed his mouth to your ear. “You really want me to come over?”

You nodded. “I do. Come on, it’ll be fun.” More than anything, you wanted him to know you were the reason he had such a good night, and the reason he was able to forget about his breakup.

“Okay, jackass. You talked me into it. Let’s go get high.” He released you from his grasp as you confirmed your Uber on your phone, and your overwhelming satisfaction of claiming his attention again propelled you out the door. 

——

“Cute place. You decorate it yourself?” Josh teased as you both entered your apartment. It was only half-decorated and you hardly had any furniture, spending most of your days working and saving up money to finish furnishing it. 

“Shut up, dick head!” You shoved him backwards as he laughed. “I haven’t finished making it cute yet.” You pulled the bottle of liquor from the cabinet, shaking the little bit that was left. “I know you’ve been drinking whiskey, but…vodka’s all I’ve got.”

“Ah, it’ll work.” Josh responded, plopping down on your couch. “M’already fucked with a hangover tomorrow, might as well do it up.” You caught sight of his pretty light brown curls sitting on top of his head, and you felt another rush of that strange excitement soar through you. 

You made the two drinks and joined him on the couch, pulling the blunt up under your nose as you breathed in its earthy scent. Josh took the drink from your hand, raising his eyebrows as he watched you smell the rolled marijuana. 

“TJ usually has good shit, I will say,” he winked, sipping his drink. 

You pulled your feet up underneath you on the couch, scooting yourself closer to him. “Thought you said I shouldn’t take drugs from strangers…”

“I never said you shouldn’t, I just meant that next time you should get your weed from me.” He spoke without a care, taking the blunt from your hand and bringing it to his own nose. 

“Ah, well I was unaware I could do that, Joshua.” You snatched it back from him, taking the lighter from the table in front of you and lighting the end of the blunt. You inhaled the smoke slowly, noticing that Josh hadn’t responded to you. 

You glanced at him, finding the most devastating half smile on his face. You swore you felt your skin tingle. 

“Did you just call me by my government name, Y/N?” He whispered, leaning his head down to you. 

You exhaled the smoke you didn’t realize you were holding, nodding slowly. “Yeah, you mad about it?”

You passed him the blunt. “Nah, kinda liked the way it sounded, actually.” You watched as his lips made a perfect O around the tip of the blunt, and you found yourself wondering what kind of lip balm he used to get them to look…like that…

You felt your eyes grow heavy as your first hit found you, the THC entering your system quickly. Josh must have noticed, as he giggled at your appearance. “Told you TJ had good shit.”

“I swear to god I’m already fuckin’ high…” you laughed, taking another big hit. 

“Mmm, no baby, you’re crossed. But not all the way. Yet.” Josh’s voice was gritty and buttery all at the same time. And the fact that he called you baby had you feeling that same feeling again. He calls everybody baby, though…all the girls at work…you’re not special. 

The two of you sat and smoked until the blunt was a roach, and the air around you was thick with haziness. Your entire body was heavy and floaty, and you swore you could feel the blood pumping through your extremities. The conversation with Josh was so easy, so effortless, and the way the two of you held the complete attention of one another continued to astound you. 

“So tell me about you. What’s your real story?” Josh asked, the both of you sitting facing one another completely, now. 

You sipped your vodka drink. “What do you mean, real story?”

“I only know a little bit about you, where did you come from? What’s in your past?”

You took a deep breath. “Well, believe it or not, Josh, I kinda just got broken up with recently, too.”

“No way, you’re kidding. When? What happened?” He pressed. 

“Ahh, about a month before I started at Angelo’s. I’m from about twenty miles away, up north a bit. Came here looking to start completely fresh. Still close enough to my family, if I need them. Ya know…” you trailed off. Josh’s eyes were telling you to continue. 

“I got dumped, too. After a year of being with him. I thought we were serious, but apparently not. It didn’t hurt me too bad, I’m alright. Liking my new life pretty well, actually.”

Josh dramatically leaned back on the couch cushion, throwing his free hand over his face. “Ugh, god…how embarrassing. You handled bein’ dumped like a goddamned rockstar. I’m over here down in the dumps.”

You couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s okay, Josh. Four and a half years is a lot longer than one…”

“You’re right, I guess.” He sat back up, bringing his attention back to you. “So what was his reason? What was his last straw?” He asked, moving his face closer to yours. Your body was vibrating from the alcohol and the weed, and the presence of Josh sitting so close to you on your couch. You were positively buzzing. 

“He uh, didn’t really give me one. Just said it was over,” you whispered, feeling your emotions flying all over the place. Josh’s hand reached up, twirling a piece of your hair between his fingers. “He also said I was a bad kisser, or something stupid.”

Josh winced at your words. “A bad kisser? I highly doubt that, Y/N…” 

“And why do you doubt that?” You giggled. 

“Because. I have a hard time taking my eyes off your lips, I can only imagine how hard it would be to take my lips off of them…” he smirked a little, laughing through his nose. 

“You’re fuckin’ stoned,” you laughed, leaning your face onto his hand. 

“And? I speak nothing but the truth, baby.”

“Mmmhm, yeah. Shut up,” you complained. 

“I’m serious. I bet you really are a good kisser. That guy was just…stupid.”

“Maybe I’m a horrible kisser, how would I ever know?” You shrugged, feeling your body about to jump out of your skin simply from having this conversation with Josh. 

He held his first two fingers up, motioning for you to come here. “Come on. Show me how you like to kiss.” 

“What?! No, I’m not gonna do that,” you blushed, pulling away from him with shyness. 

“Baby, it’s me. I’m just trying to judge your kissing skills. I’ll be completely honest with you, tell you if that guy was right or not,” Josh said, holding his hands out to the sides. 

You stopped, staring at him through your slit eyelids, trying to figure him out. He met you with sincere eyes, and though you were both extremely intoxicated, you didn’t feel uncomfortable in the least. 

“I’m serious. Just kiss me,” he ordered matter of factly. “S’no big deal.” 

You took a deep breath, feeling the air surrounding you heavy with normalcy, but also heavy with yearning. 

You slowly pulled yourself in closer to him, gently wetting your lips as your mind went back and forth on whether or not to do this. Your breath became a little chopped, nerves bursting through the wall of your drunken carelessness. 

Finally you were close enough to feel his breath on your lips, and your hands naturally shot up to cup his jaw. He clenched it, his eyes falling heavy again as his breath caught. Your heart was absolutely pounding from your chest being in this close proximity with him. 

“Do it,” he whispered. “Show me.”

You finally let your lips press gently to his, your hands still cupping his jaw, as his hands sat comfortably in his lap. The feeling of them was exactly what you had imagined. Soft, supple, and sweet, with the tiniest bit of sting on them from the leftover liquor. You finally exhaled, pulling away a bit to gauge his reaction. 

“You can get into it, baby,” he smiled, urging you to push through your nerves. “I’m just here to help, s’just me…” his voice was like honey, the sound of it tearing through your body as he motivated you. 

You leaned in again, this time letting yourself be a little more brazen, a little more steadfast as you worked to prove your ex wrong. Worked to impress Josh. Worked to show him. You opened your mouth a little, letting your tongue skirt across his bottom lip. The flavor of him almost knocked you down. 

You began to get into it some more, letting your high take over, and letting your guard down as you found yourself really, really enjoying kissing him. You perched up a little bit, moving to your knees to get a better stance. 

“Mmmhmm… keep goin’ baby…” Josh mumbled when you broke away for a second. His words urged you on, and you felt brave enough to push your tongue further into his mouth, but only a little. You didn’t want to overwhelm, just experiment. His tongue met yours in the process, tasting each other for the very first time. 

Your hands curled up in his hair, squeezing at the roots a bit. He let out a little whine, so quiet that you almost didn’t even hear it. It ignited something inside you again, and you knew you had to drive it home. Had to prove yourself. You pulled away for a second, hissing in air as you bit his bottom lip, pulling it out a little and making eye contact before pressing into him again, both of you moving in such unison that you were fully involved in the sultry kiss, now. 

At this point you felt like you were teetering on the thin line of platonic kissing; you were still trying to prove yourself, but also…he tasted so good…

You felt the need to be touched. You reached down and grabbed Josh’s wrists, pulling them up to rest on you- one hand on your thigh, and the other around the back of your neck. You wanted reciprocation. He obliged, and as you licked into his mouth, his hand squeezed into your thigh, strong and needing. His fingers felt like burning embers on your leg, and you wished that you had changed into shorts when you got home. 

His hand pulled at the back of your neck, burying your mouths further into one another for a few seconds as you watched his brow furrow, his eyes peeking open just a little to take you in. 

“Fuck, baby…he was wrong, you proved him so wrong…” Josh said, smiling against your lips as he delved back in. Your mind was swimming from his words of praise, and you decided that though this was simply an act between friends, you knew that you could kiss him all day long, never tiring of the feeling of his lips on yours. You were completely surrounded by him, by his warming presence. His scent, his sounds, his touch… It was all too much. You felt like you were drowning in him, but you didn’t dare try to pull yourself from his waters. 

Your hands squeezed at his hair one last time as you let them drift down his cheeks and neck, tickling the back of it before rolling across his shoulders. You slowly brought them down to his pecs, and finally rested them on his cheeks again, pulling his face away from yours for a split second before landing one last peck. 

When you finally disconnected, you took in the sight of him…hair disheveled, eyes black and glazed, and his hands still rested gently in the places that you put them. 

“Holy fuck…” he breathed. 

“Oh my god, was it bad? It was bad, wasn’t it? He was right, I’m a horrible kis—“ you were completely cut off by Josh’s lips on yours again, this time forcefully pulling you into him. This kiss was pleading, unbridled, and wanting, and each time you pulled away, you both were panting with want. 

“What the fuck are we doing?” You breathed when you broke away. 

“Kissing contest,” he answered, his hand respectfully staying on the back of your neck. “I think I’m winning, though…” 

“Mmm, I don’t know about that��” you said with a bit more confidence in yourself after seeing how you made him feel. 

“Yeah you’re right,” he agreed through an inhale. “You’re kicking my ass at this experiment.” He drove his tongue into your mouth again, but it didn’t make you want to retract…it made you want to pull it in further. You began to feel the heat that the two of you were emanating, and the sweat that was forming on your skin. 

You’d be lying if you said you weren’t completely turned on, but you would never let him know that. You couldn’t. You’re just friends. One friend helping another get over his ex by having a kissing contest. Makes total sense. 

Finally you pulled away again, covering your mouth with your hand. You laughed, making Josh in turn laugh with you. “Well? What’s the verdict? Was he right?” You asked. 

“Fuck no, he wasn’t right. You’re a hell of a kisser, Y/N.” Josh’s smile stretched all the way across his face, completely blissed out in his high. His hand came up to shyly wipe at his eyes as he huffed a breath. “God damn, you left me a panting mess, baby.”

Your heart stopped at his words, feeling more confidence in yourself than you’d felt in a long, long time. Suddenly, the wildest idea to ever come across your mind escaped right through your lips. 

“Josh, we’re just good friends, right?” you asked. 

“Yeah, baby. Real good friends,” he wiped his hand across his mouth before extending both arms across the back of your couch. 

“Do you—do you care if I finish what I started?” you asked in an absolute moment of weakness. The look on his face turned up into surprise, and you weren’t sure how he was going to react to your question. 

“What uh, what do you mean, Y/N?” 

You moved toward him again, wanting to feel him again. Feel his hands on you again. Be the center of all his attention again. 

“Can you judge something else for me, Josh? I’ve always wondered how well I…performed…and who better to be the judge than my very good friend? Who will be completely honest with me?” 

WHO even are you?! You felt like a person outside your own body. The confidence he was giving you was…

“This ain’t no way to treat the broken-hearted, baby…” he replied, his voice a soft breath of air as his head lulled backwards. You paused again, unsure how to take him. “But I’ll be your judge…”

“Really? You will?” You asked, feeling vulnerable, but also wanting to show out for him. 

“Mhm. If that’s what you really want…” He bit his lower lip into his mouth, letting his eyes fall onto your lips like they had been doing all night. 

“Just friends…” you reiterated. 

“Just friends,” he parroted, lightly tapping your cheek with his hand. 

This was absolutely something you never did, and definitely wasn’t something you could ever even see yourself doing with Josh, of all people. You were supposed to be making him forget about his ex, letting him talk through it… hell, he was just dumped twenty-four hours ago. But there was something other-worldly spurring you on, whispering in your ear to just do it. And he was letting you. Was it wrong? Maybe, probably… but honestly, where was the harm in it? You were both obviously into each other, and as long as you were just making each other happy, you didn’t see anything wrong with it.

Besides, this new need to make him think about nothing but you at every single second was making your head spin, and you wanted his focus completely on you, right now. You moved to press your lips to his again, letting things naturally heat up so that you could continue on with your intentions. You took a deep breath, confidently removing yourself from the couch, placing yourself in the floor in front of him. It was at this second that you were extremely thankful for your liquid courage, and the fact that you were too stoned to care about much else besides pleasing Josh. He almost made it easy. 

“Ten,” Josh said out of nowhere. 

“What?” you asked. 

“I give your kissing a ten out of ten. Seriously,” he said, smiling from the corner of his mouth as he ran his hand along your arm, peering down at you as you kneeled on the floor. 

You felt your face turn beet red, and you halfway didn’t really believe him. 

“Stop playing, you don’t have to be nice,” you erred.

“M’not just being nice. Seriously, I rate it a ten,” he stated, and you knew by the sincerity in his voice that he was telling the truth.

“Wow. Didn’t expect that, honestly,” you pulled a few strands of hair behind your ear. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Now, you gonna finish what ya started, or not?” There was a darkness in his tone that you hadn’t noticed yet, and it made your stomach turn over with nerves. But even more so, it lit a fuse in your chest that was slowly burning, ready to explode at any given second. And with each passing minute, you wanted to impress him even more. 

You maneuvered yourself on your knees, gripping his thighs and pulling them apart so that you could place yourself between them. Your hands stayed there on his legs, squeezing and kneading at his muscles as you moved your hands closer and closer to where you both really wanted them to be. You could almost physically see him getting harder through his dark jeans, and you could hear his breathing picking up, too. 

You let your hands drift to his groin, squeezing the muscles there as he leaned down in his seat, giving you extra space as his head fell back on the cushions. You found the button on his jeans, pulling the fabric sideways and undoing the button with one hand and unzipping the zipper. 

“Damn, alright…” Josh laughed, holding his hands up. “Show off.”

You took that as a tiny win, and decided to keep it going, playing on his words from earlier. ‘You keep me guessing at every turn…’

You pushed your hair back behind your shoulders, and leaned yourself down, letting your mouth meet his boxer-covered dick. You nipped your teeth lightly at it, making him hiss. You could tell just from this little bit of contact that he was well-endowed, and you felt your mouth physically watering for him. You needed to taste him. Your lips bounced around, peppering little kisses all over… the indirect contact making his hips jut up a little. 

You sat back, motioning with your hands. “Pull them down for me,” you demanded of him, and he gave you the sneakiest smirk, leaning back and pushing his pants and boxers down far enough to spring himself free. 

You weren’t wrong. He was perfectly sized, and it reassured you that you were okay with going forward with this. What you did notice, though, was he wasn’t as hard as you wanted him to be. Your hands rested on his thighs again as you sized him up, licking your lips as you prepared yourself. 

Josh had been the one urging you on all night, but suddenly, it felt like there had been a little bit of a shift. You finally brought your moistened lips to him, licking little circles around his tip, starting slowly at first, then picking up a little bit of speed. You swirled and gently suckled, and you felt him take in a big breath of air into his lungs. You glanced up at him, finding him looking up at the ceiling as he bit his lips. 

“What’sa matter, Josh? You okay?” you pressed, knowing that you could stop at any second, if that was what he wanted. 

“No, yeah. I’m fine. I’m sorry, I just… this is the first time someone else…since…” he didn’t need to say anything more.

“God, yeah. I’m sorry, your breakup is so fresh, I’m sure this is more mental than anything, for you…” you agreed as you sat back. “We don’t have to–”

“No. Yes we do, Y/N. I’m just…” You could tell Josh was having a hard time with his words again, for the second time tonight. 

“Just what? You can tell me…” you tried comforting him, placing your hands lower on his knees.

He swallowed, placing a sweet hand on the side of your face. “This is the first time I’ve um…been…with a woman…in a very long time.”

“Oh,” you muttered, his sentiment catching you off guard a little. You hadn’t realized you never even asked the name of his ex, let alone any details about the relationship.

“But it’s okay, Y/N,” he smiled, letting his thumb brush your cheek. “I may be wallowing in my sorrows, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want this, want you to do this. Just…in my head a little bit,” he admitted, putting a hole through your heart.

You sighed. “It doesn’t feel wrong?” Your voice was tiny as it escaped you. 

He quickly shook his head side to side as he layed back on his elbow behind his head. “No. That’s what’s making me freak out a little, it doesn’t feel wrong in the least,” he swallowed. “Maybe I…Maybe I wasn’t as in love as I thought I was.”

You smiled a pitiful smile as you rested your elbows on his knees, taking a deep, recentering breath of your own as the heavy air fell silent around you.

“You’re really fuckin’ pretty, Y/N,” he complimented you out of the blue, his thumb still grazing your cheek. “And I’m really into you.”

“You are?” you asked.

“Yeah. I know we said we’re friends, but friends can do this. Right? Doesn’t stop the fact that I’m attracted to you.” His glossy words made your stomach do flips again as you realized maybe his feelings were the exact same as yours. Unexplainable, but still overwhelmingly good.

“Yeah. I really think friends can do this,” you agreed. And you were serious. If you were going to be this person for Josh, then he could also in turn be this person for you. 

“Plus, the feeling of your lips on my cock just now…” He laughed through his nose. “Might be in competition with your ten out of ten kissing. And you hadn’t even shown me what they could do, yet.” He stopped there, biting both his lips into his mouth as he slid his hips down again, cocking an eyebrow. 

Good god, you’d hoped he would have a little bit of a dirty mouth. 

“You want me to keep going?” You asked. 

“Fuck yeah, I do. I gotta judge your skill, don’t I?” He played, removing his hand from your cheek and running it through your hair. He gripped it a little, making you stiffen your neck. Your eyes flashed to his, and you didn’t even need to say anything, he knew what you meant. He nodded, giving you the go ahead, and you prayed that he wouldn’t remove his hand from tangling up in your hair. 

You slowly leaned down to him again, starting things up just as you had before. Your tongue swirled on his tip, wetting it in circles as you let the saliva build up in your mouth. Around and around you took it, descending further and further onto him with every rotation. You heard him breathe out, his hips shaking a little beneath you. As you got as far as you could get, you pursed your lips down, tightening them around the base of his dick before sucking hard, pulling up and off of him completely. His hand tightened in your hair, showing you that he was liking it so far. 

He let out a groan, followed by a little laugh. “Fuck yeah, Y/N…”

You quickly found a rhythm, letting your head begin to bob as you worked your tongue and cheeks, alternating forceful suction mixed with light little pops of your lips. His hips were jutting with every movement, and the sounds that were coming from him were enough to keep you going, keep you striving to impress him…

You took him in your hand, gripping at the base and using the saliva that had dripped down as lubrication to move your hand, twisting and pumping it. “Jesus Christ, you’re…” 

You took a second to glance up at him, seeing his jaw tightly clenched and his chest heaving with labored breaths. He brought his other hand down, pulling the hair that had drifted down away from your face, pulling it all back to the nape of your neck and holding it tightly there. You nodded, letting him know you were okay with him guiding your movements. 

“Mhm,” you hummed on him. “Show me how you like it.”

He let out a choke of breath and readjusted in his seat, spreading his legs wider for you. He gripped a little harder on your hair, pulling you up and across his stomach, your faces almost touching as he brought his mouth close. He didn’t say anything, just hissed through his teeth as he scanned over your face. He then used a little bit of force to push your head back down to where it was, and you resumed your work. 

Fuck, what the hell is happening… your chemistry with Josh was absolutely off the chain. You felt like you would follow every command he would ever give you, let him use you in the worst ways, completely trusting him to do as he pleased. You were absolutely yearning to satisfy him. 

“I’ll show you exactly how I like it baby, but this is your show, remember? You’re calling the shots…” he growled, his voice deeper and more grating than it was earlier. You shrugged one shoulder, replacing your hand around his base. You moved it up and down opposite of your mouth, making his whole body start to shake. Your tongue worked on him, as your mouth drifted down as far as it could possibly go, with the help of Josh’s light guidance.

The weed had contributed to your slow, languid movements while the alcohol made your inhibitions fly out the window… the beautiful combo of the crossfade sending you both into a blurry and slow-motioned entanglement. You swore you could listen to his noises and praises on repeat as they dripped from his lips, quiet and comforting, as devious as they were.

“So fuckin’ pretty, Y/N… so fuckin’ pretty…” he mumbled, lightly thrusting himself into your mouth as your neck began to ache a little. “Slow and steady, just like that…”

He puffed out a quick breath with a blow of his lips, and you could tell that he was enjoying himself just as much as you were. Normally, you would finish up the job, and expect repayment, but getting Josh to even feel the tiniest bit of pleasure at your hand was enough. It was that draw, that need to make him feel good. Keeping him and him only in the spotlight. And if you had to guess, you were doing a pretty good job at it.

After a few seconds, his movements became jostled, and his once slow grinding movements started to falter. You felt him start to throb in your mouth, and you knew it wouldn’t be long until he was crumbling beneath you, all at the mercy of your mouth. 

“Hey, you want me to–” he said, suddenly shuddering. 

You nodded again, pleading with him to let it all go. You wanted the whole thing, wanted him to have the full experience. You needed to see what he tasted like. 

His breath started to pick up as he gripped your hair tighter, his hips pushing his dick further into your mouth as you let him graze the back of your throat, tears pouring from the sides of your eyes. “Come on baby, come on… just a little bit longer…fuck…” 

Finally, he was letting it all go, filling up your mouth as you swallowed his bitter-sweetness down, savoring the taste of him on your tongue. His whole body went rigid as he came, shaking and jerking as you worked to make sure not a drop was left behind. You squeezed your hand around him, pulling him up into your mouth. His whines were like music to your ears, pathetic and pitiful as he worked to come back down to earth. 

“Son of a bitch, Y/N… that was…” he said as you sat back up, wiping your mouth off with the back of your hand. He caught your jaw in his grasp, squeezing your cheeks together and forcing you to open your mouth. He pulled you closer, bringing you in for a heated kiss that left you smoldering for him. 

When you finally pulled away, you met eyes with him, and you could tell he was completely blissed out. “S’been a long time since I’ve had anything like that.” He admitted, pulling your back up to sit by him on the couch again. 

He tucked himself back in his boxers but decided to forgo buttoning back up. “Really? Even in a four and a half year long relationship?” you asked. 

“Ah, I dunno. We were long distance, so… it was few and far between but. Really I meant being with someone who actually showed passion about making me feel good. You know what I mean?”

You couldn’t help but smile. That was exactly what you wanted out of this. For Josh to feel that you wanted to be there. 

“Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. I just…wanted to make you feel good,” you admitted, shrugging one shoulder up as you brushed your disheveled hair back into place. “So, what’s my rating, huh? Give it to me straight.”

Josh closed one eye and looked up with the other as if he was thinking really hard. “Uh, nine and a half.”

Your mouth fell slack, and you felt the soreness in your jaw joints. “Ah! Why the half?!” you argued. “Not a ten?”

He chuckled. “Would be a ten, but I only took away the half because I know that I won’t be able to feel you like that all the time.” You both stared at one another as you let his words sink in. 

Could you, though?

“And because I feel like you were holding back, a little. Weren’t you?” he pressed. His statement took you by surprise, because he was right. 

“...Maybe…”

“You shouldn’t have. It’s just me, remember. Guess you’ll have to show up and show out next time. See if you can get a perfect ten,” he said with nonchalance. 

“Next time?” you spat without a thought. 

He shrugged, squeezing his hand around your thigh. “Sure, why not? If you want to, of course. Might be fun to have a little situation we’re both comfortable with… no strings attached type thing…”

You ran over the idea in your head, not really seeing anything wrong with it. You nodded, agreeing with his outlandish proposal.

“But, there is one thing, Y/N,” he swallowed, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head. “Obviously I… um. I didn’t make you feel good, tonight. But, just give me some–”

You cupped your hand over Josh’s mouth. “Josh, honey, shut up. You don’t have to explain it to me. I understand, and it’s okay. If we’re gonna do this, it's all gonna be in good fun, right?”

He nodded from behind your hand. “Right,” he mumbled. 

“And I certainly didn’t feel uncomfortable with you, so. I’m pretty positive we could just sit here and look at each other and we would have a good time,” you laughed, pulling your hand from his face. He caught your hand in his, and gave it a sweet squeeze. 

“Not sure I’d be able to sit by you for too long without something happening. You’re a fuckin’ treat, Y/N. I swear.” His eyes traveled down your body again, and you watched his gears turn as his gaze drifted over your breasts. “Thank you, for tonight.”

“Thank you,” you whispered. “We still friends?”

He took your chin between his fingers. “Yeah. Good friends.”

As the air between you finally started to settle and the intoxication turned into sobriety, you realized that the night was nearly about to turn into morning. You didn’t have to be at work until 11, so you were going to be able to get at least a little bit of sleep before your shift tomorrow. 

“It’s too late to get an Uber, Josh. Just stay here,” you more demanded than suggested, pulling the blanket from the back of the couch and tossing it overtop of his lap. You stood, stretching your body as you made your way toward your bedroom. 

“What, you not gonna invite me to your bed?” He asked, throwing you off. 

“Uhh, I mean, sure–”

“I’m kidding, Y/N. We’re friends. Friends don’t sleep in beds together. Friends sleep on couches.” You watched as he burrowed himself under the puffy blanket and made himself horizontal.

“Maybe one day you’ll end up in my bed.” You tossed the joke over your shoulder, walking down the short hallway. 

“And maybe one day you’ll get a perfect ten.”

xoxoxo jules

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[nev3rfound]

here with you : j.m

something a bit different, my love for pedro is only growing and this series is breaking my heart.

sweet night in with joel, pre apocolypse. (established relationship between joel x fem reader) 1.2k

lotta fluff (cause this man deserves it), implied smut but not explicit, no spoilers for tlou. 

Sitting on the sofa, your eyes wandered over to the clock. It’s already gone 8.

With a sigh, you rearrange the couch cushions, nestling yourself in as you change the channels knowing you’re in for a late one tonight.

A few hours pass by the time you hear his truck pull up outside, catching the reflection of the headlights dimming in the glass frames of photos lining the wall.

The door quietly opens and closes, of course, he’d be conscious of waking you, hell, he’s had plenty of practice. “Wondered where you got to.” You call out, letting him know he doesn’t have to pace around silently or attempt to.

Joel chuckles to himself, hanging his jacket up on the crooked hook, and watches it slip off once again before trying to straighten the hook. "I gotta fix that damn thing."

Lifting your head up from the warm spot you formed on the sofa, a tired smile graces your lips. “You’re home.” With a sleep heavy voice, you lift your arms up, motioning for him to join.

"I told you not to be waiting up on me." Joel begins to walk toward you, each step heavier than the last which you can’t help but note. His eyes barely manage to remain open, and his usual half smile sinks.

“Come ere.” Tugging on his top, he almost collapses into you, muttering an exhausted apology. "What kept you this time then?" You ask, glancing down as you run your fingers through his greying brown tufts.

Joel groans under his breath, shuffling you both so you lay on your side, his hand cradles your back to keep you both on the sofa. "Tommy got the wrong part, had to fix three hours of framin'."

Chuckling under your breath, Joel furrows his brows at your response. "You really blaming your brother? Again?" You nudge him lightly, weening a hint of a grin from the man. "Anyway, Sarah rang whilst you were out."

You can feel Joel's grasp on you tense and explain. "She rang to say how much fun she was having, surprisin, I know. Half expected her to ring telling me she upset the poor girl for her stance on the new Britney album or something." Resting your hand on Joel's your fingers glide along the back of his hand, feeling the rough skin and splinters.

"Sounds like Sarah alright." Joel mumbles, tiredness now coaxing his voice.

With a heavy sigh, you roll yourself off of the sofa with a thud. “Come on,” Lifting your body up, you take a hold of Joel’s hand, tugging it lightly. “we’re going to bed, Miller.”

“Okay,” Joel yawns, sluggish movements following behind you up the stairs and into his room. “’least it’s Saturday tomorrow.” He rubs his eyes, flinching as you switch the bedside lamp on, illuminating your sweet smile.

“You know what that means?” You raise a brow teasingly.

“Oh, I think I got an idea.” He chuckles lowly before rushing to your side, tackling you onto his bed, and trapping you under his frame, listening to your laughter fill the room. “Breakfast in bed, right, sugar?”

Wrapping your arms around his neck, urging him closer you lightly kiss him before answering. “And all the extras, just for you.”

“Now that sounds like heaven to me.” Joel mutters into your lips before kissing you once more and begins to run his fingers along your neck and down your chest whilst the other supports himself above you. “I gotta admit though, Saturday is a long time away.” You hum in agreement, mischievousness lacing your gaze.

“I mean, we might as well treat ourselves a little bit earlier than planned, no harm in that, right?” You shrug playfully.

Tugging on your trousers, Joel smiles to himself. “None whatsoever.” He adds, reaching over to turn the lamp off.

*

Daylight starts to filter through the blinds, daring to peek through the thin cotton curtains and splay across you both.

Joel is the first to wake, as per usual. He squints at the sunlight, shifting slightly only to find himself stuck.

Looking down, his gaze softens. You’re using his arm as a pillow, nestled into his chest lazily with one arm slung across his torso and the other curled into your own chest.

“Mornin’,” Joel whispers into your hair. With his free hand, he brushes your hair from your eyes and tucks it behind your ear.  

Having missed his whisper, Joel leans closer and brushes his lips across the top of your head. “Huh?” You mumble, curling up into the sheets, tugging them over your head. “Oh don’t tell me I hogged the bed again?” Tiredness laces your morning voice, but the sight of your sleepy smile warms Joel’s once cold heart.

“For once you’re good.” Joel tells you. “However, I could do with my arm back before it loses all feeling.” He wiggles it, catching your attention as you avert your gaze to the trapped limb in question.

With a swift movement, you’re kneeling upright and notice the indent you’ve left on his arm. “I better not have drooled on you.” You sigh. “I didn’t drool, did I?” You ask, feeling heat creeping up your neck as Joel simply looks at you. “Joel?”

Waving your hand in front of his face, he remains quiet, just taking this moment in for all it’s worth.

Lifting the dead weight, he can feel the tingles of sensation begin to course through.

“You didn’t drool, darlin.” Resting his functional arm, he cups your cheek which is slightly indented from leaning on his arm all night along with part of the pillow’s pattern.

“Then why you smilin’ like that?” Resting your hands on your hips in a playful fashion, Joel can’t help but feel his exterior soften further.

“If only you could see yourself in the mirror.” He shakes his head, tugging you back into his embrace. “So intimidating.” He feigns fear, watching your eyes roll into the back of your head and laugh dryly in response.

“So funny, Miller. Yet here we are, must’ve won you over somehow.” You remind him, now resting your head on the cool pillow as opposed to his arm.

Shuffling to be at level with you, words fail to form a valid response. He knows it’s true, somehow, you weaned your way into the rock he called a heart. With time, you chiseled away at it without realizing it. Every smile, laugh, and interaction he saw you have with Sarah and Tommy. He didn’t realise the concrete lacing his veins slowly began to crack until he felt it pumping blood back through to his heart, hearing it beat once more.

“Yeah, whatever you say.” He comments, resting his hand on your cheek. What he wished he could say was so much deeper, the thought hovered in his mind, but the words failed to follow.

“Come on then,” You take his palm and kiss it before sitting upright and throwing back the covers. “got breakfast to make, handsome.”

Joel watches as you head out of the room and into the bathroom. He leans back in bed, taking it all in, the simplicity of it all and the joy it brings.

Feeling the full sensation now return to his arm, pins and needles having passed he too sits upright, realizing you’re worth all the pins and needles, as long as he gets to see you smile in the mornings.

[wolfjackle-creates]

Bring Me Home Arc 2 Part 13

Happy Wednesday! This arc is over 20k already. How many of you didn't realize that? I've got a longer segment for you this week. There wasn't really a good place to end it and this brings us to the end of the scene. If you like banter, this segment is for you.

Story Summary: Tim and Danny are both neglected by parents who care more about their work than their families. They deal with this by spending too much time online and find each other playing MMORPGs. They keep up their friendship as Tim becomes Robin and Danny becomes Phantom and don't bother keeping secrets from each other.

First, Previous

Word Count: 2.2k

-----

Jeremy couldn’t help but add, “Be sure to mention us to your dad, Timothy. It’s been ages since we’ve last been able to meet at a gala!”

“Yes, sir,” said Tim. Not that he’d be following through. Assholes. Danny pushed him up a wide staircase that framed the entranceway to get to the second floor.

“Exactly like my parents,” he told Sam.

“I swear, if I didn’t have Gradma Ida, I’d go insane. My room’s this way.”

Sam’s room was so large that not only did she have a double bed and vanity, but also a couch and enough cushions that they were all able to spread out comfortably. Tim and Danny took beanbag chairs next to each other. His friends took the couch while Tucker took a space on the floor and promptly pulled out a laptop and two PDAs. Sam settled in a rocking chair.

Tim laid out the goodies they’d gotten from the corner store. “We brought snacks.”

Sam grabbed a bag of chips. “Thanks. So what’s on the agenda for the night?”

Cassie asked, “Is there anything we can do about the ghosts?”

Danny buried his face in his hands. “I don’t know. I can’t get a close enough read on them to see where any are. And there’s so many that even if I knock one out of a human, another would just take it’s place.”

“Any idea what they might be after?” asked Tim. “The ones last night were wearing uniforms like police officers. And we saw the news report from your school earlier. That one looked like a werewolf.”

“He was wearing a collar,” added Bart. “And his outfit also appeared to be a uniform of some sort, though not a police one.”

All of them stared at Bart.

“You don’t think he was there willingly,” said Sam.

Bart shrugged. “Didn’t look that way to me.”

Danny groaned and leaned over until he was resting his head on Tim’s shoulder. “What am I supposed to do with that? What do I do if he’s not here to attack the town?”

Tim wrapped his arm around Danny to hold him steady. “How much sleep were you able to get between last night and now?”

“Unno,” mumbled Danny. “Three, four hours?”

Cassie clicked her tongue at him. “How about you get some rest tonight and we can figure it out tomorrow. We’ll take the night in shifts and if there’s a large-scale attack again, we’ll wake you up.”

Tim sighed. “Much as I hate to admit it, Cassie’s right. You need to sleep.”

Danny snorted into his neck and Tim couldn’t help the way his cheeks heated at the feel of his breath. “Like you’re one to talk.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Tim rolled his eyes. “We all know I’m not a good role model. Do as Alfred says, not as I do.”

“Wayne family moto!” Conner teased. Tim gave him the finger.

“Just one thing to do first,” said Bart.

“Yeah,” added Tucker. “I need to fix up Conner’s phone.”

“Two things, then,” amended Bart.

“What’s the other thing?” asked Sam. “I feel like I’m out of the loop.”

Cassie leaned back and looked up at the ceiling. “The Fentons gave us a tour of the lab. We want to arrange a system to get Danny out of Amity if things go bad.”

Tim noted how both Tucker and Sam tensed and exchanged a look. Then Sam nodded. “We’re in. And since you are who you are, which, Danny, we will be talking about how you kept Justice League connections from us later, we’ll trust you to be able to do it.”

“Don’t be mad at him,” protested Tim. “I made him promise to keep my secrets. It wasn’t safe for him to discuss it.”

Tucker waved a hand in the air. “We understand. Doesn’t mean we’re not frustrated with him. Don’t worry about it, though. Your secret’s safe with us.”

Tim bit his lip. “Please. It’s vitally important for my family’s safety that nothing gets out.”

Conner snorted. “Plus Batman would murder you dead if he found out you let anything slip.”

Tim groaned. “Don’t remind me. I’ll have so much paperwork. And would probably be benched for forever.”

Bart laughed and flicked a chip at him. “We’d kidnap you and help you prepare a new hero identity!”

With Danny still leaning on him, Tim couldn’t even catch the projectile and it hit him on the forehead. “I’ll take you up on that if I ever do get benched permanently.”

Sam cleared her throat. “As amusing as this all is, what’s the plan with Danny?”

Danny groaned, but didn’t move. “I don’t need one, guys. It’s not as bad as you think.”

Bart snorted. “Dude, your parents showed us an iron maiden.”

Danny shook his head. “Dad’s the only one who’s been shut up in that. And that was for threatening me and Jazz with it.”

“Um… what?” asked Cassie. “Why does everything you say make me feel more concerned?”

Tucker spoke around a mouthful of jerky. “Because his parents are mad scientists.”

Sam nodded. “No one lives in the houses on either side of his. And the value of every building on the street has plummeted due to proximity.”

Cassie shook her head. “How the hell have they been allowed to do all that? And why haven’t their driver’s licenses been revoked? We saw how they drove that tank of theirs.”

Tucker snorted. “No cop or city official is brave enough to go up to Jack ‘I can run through brick walls’ Fenton and tell him he’s not allowed to do something.”

Sam laughed. “And even if they were, Maddie Fenton has a blackbelt and will hold a grudge.”

“Last night it also seemed like she knows her way around that arsenal she’s got,” said Tim.

“Yeah,” said Danny. “Mom’s the one you’ve got to watch out for when my parents go on the hunt.”

“Okay.” Tim was already thinking up ways to neutralize them. “Us four should be able to handle them. What about Jazz? Is she someone we’d have to worry about?”

Danny pushed himself up and made sure Tim could see him rolling his eyes. “Jazz would never do anything to hurt me.” It was clear Danny believed his statement completely. And, honestly? After all the stories Danny’d told him and meeting Jazz in person, Tim was inclined to believe him. Though Danny wasn’t done. “And my parents would stop if they had any idea I was Phantom.”

Neither Tim nor Danny was as certain about that statement. Glancing around, everyone else seemed to have the same doubts.

“Well,” said Tim. “You know me. And I’ve told you about B. ‘Backup plans’ is my middle name. I’ll feel more comfortable if we have one.”

“Fine.” Danny flopped over until he was laying across Tim’s lap. “But don’t expect me to help.”

Now it was Tim’s turn to roll his eyes, but his fingers were gentle as they brushed through Danny’s hair. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever. So, it’s Maddie we’ll have to outsmart. I doubt Jack’s strength is any match for Conner or Cassie.”

“I can get you access to the Fenton house,” said Tucker gesturing to his laptop. “Even if they activate the home defense system.”

Tim nodded. “Thanks. I’ll also get you communicators so you can reach me in case of an emergency.”

“Perfect,” said Sam. “We’ve each other’s cell numbers, too.”

“Yep,” said Tim. “But phones should only be used for civilian identities. If you need the help of heroes, please use the communicators. It’s best to keep things as separate as possible.”

Conner nudged Tim’s foot with his own. “Yep. Tim here won’t let us refer to him by name when he’s in costume. Even if we’re all alone in our own base behind two dozen layers of security.”

“Need I remind you who trained me?”

Cassie laughed. “He’s even worse. You should hear my aunt go on about him.”

Tucker was watching them with interest. “Who’s your aunt?”

Bart disappeared from his spot only to reappear next to Tucker to whisper in his ear.

Tucker’s eyes widened and he stared at Cassie in wonder. “That is so cool! Could you get me an autograph?”

Cassie laughed. “Why so surprised? You know who I am. Did you think I wouldn’t know her?”

Tucker blushed. “Yeah, well. Excuse me for being distracted by the ghost invasion we’re dealing with.”

Tim cleared his throat. “I think we’re getting off topic. Now, we have a way into the Fenton house. Tucker, could you get us all the way into the lab?”

“Easily. I’m fully in all their systems and they’ve no idea.”

“How will we know he’s in trouble?” asked Bart.

Tim bit his lip. “Danny and I already have a system in place where if we don’t hear from each other within seven days without prior warning, we reach out to someone. For me, it’s B’s butler. For him, it’s you Tucker.” He nudged Danny only to realize he had passed out his lap. Tim couldn’t help the fond smile he gave and shook his head. “Tomorrow I’ll propose decreasing that to three or four days.”

Conner nodded. “If none of us hear from one of you for more than four days, we’ll come. Probably me, Bart, or Cassie since we can travel faster.”

Tim grimaced, but nodded. Sometimes it really sucked being the only baseline human in the group.

Bart gave a thumbs up. “I can usually be somewhere in minutes if I’m not tied up doing something else!”

Sam looked them over critically. “You know he’s gonna insist that goes both ways. If you guys don’t check in, he’ll go to you if he can.”

Tucker began typing away on his laptop. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner. I’m setting up alerts on the Fenton lab. If they start recording any experiments on an actual ghost, I’ll get a notification. If there’s any indication it’s Phantom, I can have the alert forwarded to you.”

Tim nodded. “Good. Do that.” He looked at his team. “We’ve seen the Fenton’s weapons and some of their fighting skills by now. I don’t think we’ll have any issues subduing them if necessary.”

“Nah,” agreed Cassie. “We can handle them.”

Back to Sam and Tucker, Tim asked, “Do we know what their weapons can do to humans? What risks they pose?”

Sam grimaced. “The small blasters are fine. But some of the bigger weapons? Like the bazooka or the missiles? Those have caused damage to the roads and buildings beyond what the ghosts do.”

“Have there been any casualties?” asked Cassie.

Tucker shook his head. “No. Thank God. It’s all been property damage so far.”

Sam nudged him. “Not quite. You’re forgetting Wes’s brother. Jack broke his arm two weeks ago when he shot at the Box Ghost and knocked over the pile of bricks that was being used to rebuild Mr. Nguyen’s store.”

“Ugh, right. I think I was trying to block that debacle from my mind.”

Tim sighed and shook his head. “I knew it was bad, but Danny really downplayed it.”

Sam shrugged. “Yeah, well, this is life in Amity right now.”

“I suppose so.” Tim looked down at Danny who was frowning even in his sleep. “I think I’m gonna get him in a bed. Where will we be sleeping?”

“Probably a good idea,” agreed Sam. “Do you want to share a room?”

“Yeah, if you don’t mind. We haven’t had any one-on-one time yet. Which is a shame for our first in-person meeting!” Tim laughed and ignored the looks his friends were shooting him as well as the grins Sam and Tucker were exchanging. “Though with our lives, I should’ve expected something like this rather than a purely civilian meeting.”

Sam laughed. “Yeah, probably. This is about par for the course for us. Take the room across the hall. If you need the bathroom, if you exit my room, turn left and it’s two doors down on this side of the hall.”

Tim shifted so he could lift Danny up. Despite the shuffling, Danny didn’t open his eyes, though he did grumble indistinct protests.

“Just getting you in a bed,” said Tim.

Conner grabbed the bag that had their belongings in it and opened the doors for Tim. While Tim settled Danny in the bed, even having to remove shoes and socks, Conner separated their things so he would have everything he needed.

“Thanks, Kon.”

“Anytime, Tim. Get some rest yourself, okay?”

Tim huffed a laugh. “Sleep is for the weak.”

Conner shook his head. “You say that and yet at the end of basically every mission, you pass out for twelve hours and are useless for two days.”

Tim stuck out his tongue. “I do have homework to do. And I want to keep my eye on the local news channels. And I need to check in with Bruce again before he flips. Let me know when your phone is working?”

“Will do. See you tomorrow.”

“Night.”

-----

Next

So! They now have a working system for how to find out if Danny's in trouble and to get him out. Hopefully they won't have to use it! (I mean, we all know where this is going. I presume you've all read the original prompt and fill that started this mess.)

Also, thanks to a comment on the last post, I wanted to clarify the relationships in this fic. If you've gotten Core Four (Tim/Kon/Cassie/Bart) vibes from this... Yeah. You did. If you've gotten Everlasting Trio (Danny/Sam/Tucker) vibes from this... Yeah. You did. I'm going to write those groups as a sorta QPR. Eventually, we will have romantic Danny/Tim (hence I've been tagging this Dead Tired) on top of those QPRs, but that won't really happen for a while. First Danny will date Val and Tim will date Steph. Danny will have another relationship, too, that I'm keeping secret for now. None of those are likely to get any page time as I am planning a time skip after this arc. But they will be referenced by characters. The actual Danny/Tim won't happen until after the rescue scene from the original fill. (Which I'm sure you can imagine will be changed quite drastically now that all these characters know each other.)

I no longer do tag lists, but if you head to the Subscription Post, you can set up notifications for when this updates!

[faretheeoscar]

Luna Llena

Join the TagList! • Main Masterlist • Buy me a coffee! • Linktree

Post for Moon Knight-Cember of this year, hosted by @crystaljelly64

Content: Jake Lockley angst

A/N: English is not my first language so I'm sorry if there’s any mistakes, no proof read.

Word Count: 1k

The city of Cairo was silent beneath Jake Lockley as he sat on the edge of a crumbling rooftop. Silent, but not still. The faint hum of distant voices, the echo of shoes on uneven stone, and the occasional bark of a stray dog wove together to remind him that life moved on, even when his own felt stuck.

La Luna Llena, with it's moonlight spilled over him like liquid silver, pooling around his slumped shoulders and trembling hands. His knuckles were split, blood smeared across his palms in a patchwork of dried and fresh wounds. He flexed his fingers experimentally, wincing as pain shot through them. Another night, another city, another fight, and another body—his own—battered and bruised. (The full moon)

Tomorrow, Steven would wake up fresh and whole, Marc would take his turn in the afternoon to layback and try to figure out how to jumble his new routine with Steven, and Jake? Jake didn't paint in that panorama, he would have to go back home tonight after the battles, would patch up the wounds, smooth the cracks, and hand over the reins like none of it had ever happened, so they could go on with their motions, with not a clue of his own existence in their life.

Above him, the moon hung low, pale and watchful. A full moon, round and radiant, like a beacon cutting through the endless darkness. Jake chuckled dryly, a sound more bitter than amused.

“You’re the only one who listens, Lunita,” he muttered, his voice barely more than a whisper. “Always here. Always watching.”

His gaze drifted upward, catching the glow of his eternal companion. Khonshu might claim dominion over it, but Jake knew better, because the moon itself? He knew that it was his. Jake had known its light long before the god’s grating voice invaded his mind. It had been there on lonely nights in a dingy cab, on long drives from city to city. It had followed him from London to Cairo to New York and back again, a silent witness to his unyielding sacrifice.

He let his head fall forward, chin dipping to his chest. Exhaustion wrapped itself around him like a suffocating cloak. How many nights had it been since he’d truly rested since he assumed the full responsibility of the Moon Knight? Days blurred into weeks, weeks into months, honestly, Jake didn’t know anymore.

“I’m tired,” he confessed, his low accent thick with weariness. “You hear me? Tired. Of all of it.”

He raised his hands, staring at them as though they belonged to someone else. In a way, they did. These were Steven’s hands, soft and careful when he worked at his new well deserved job at a museum that finally credited all his knowledge. They were Marc’s hands, steady and fierce, that once gripped a pistol or a blade with unwavering confidence, but now used them for exercising, keeping the body strong, amongst the rougher tasks that came with trying to build furniture and arrange the whole disaster of an apartment that he was learning to share with Steven. Jake’s hands? Were another story, to protect the other parts of himself, they were force to only came alive only in shadows, in blood and pain, when the world was at its worst.

“Tomorrow, Steven’s gotta get to work, and Marc’s got his plans. But me?” He shook his head, a low hollow laugh bubbled up in his throat. “I’ll stitch myself up, hide the bruises, and keep moving. No one’s gonna ask how I’m doing. No one even knows I’m here.”

Except for the moon. It knew. It always knew.

And Khonshu, of course. The god’s presence had been mercifully quiet for the last hour, but Jake knew it wouldn’t last. It never did. Khonshu demanded. Jake delivered. No thank-yous, no rest, just orders barked like a drill sergeant to his last soldier.

“Do you know how much I give?” he whispered to the moon, his voice cracking. His Spanish flared in his frustration, a soft growl beneath his breath. “Cuánto me cuesta—how much it costs me. Every night, every fight. And I... I don’t even get a name, a life...”

The moon offered no answer, how could it? But its light seemed to grow brighter, Jake smiled faintly, a sliver of warmth breaking through the frost of his despair.

“Gracias, Lunita,” he murmured, his voice barely audible. “For sticking around.” (Thank you, Moon)

The moment of comfort was fleeting. A sharp cry for help cut through the night, distant but clear enough to set Jake on edge. He stiffened, his hands balling into fists as Khonshu’s gravelly voice slithered into his mind.

Another lost soul cries out, Lockley. You know what must be done.

Jake squeezed his eyes shut, teeth grinding. “Ya se, ya se" he muttered, forcing himself to his feet. “I’m on it.” (I know, I know)

The weight of exhaustion clawed at him, begging him to ignore the call, to turn away for once in his life. But Jake Lockley didn’t turn away. Not when there was a life to save, a threat to neutralize. He didn’t get to rest. That wasn’t his purpose.

The black mask materialized over his face, merging seamlessly with his suit as his body was cloaked in the sharp, shadowy armor of the Moon Knight. The pain in his body dulled, replaced by the adrenaline of the hunt. He looked up at the moon one last time, its soft glow a silent goodbye.

“Catch you later, mi Lunita” 

And then he jumped, vanishing into the shadows below, cause that’s what all Jake Lockley knew, to be and exist in the shadows, at least for now...

dividers credits to @sister-lucifer

Thanks for reading! Reblogs and comments are kindly appreciated!

@eyelessfaces @howellatme @ierofrnkk @silvernight-m @ingoldthewizard

@midgardian-witch

[discount-shades]

Sleepy Baby Part 10

a/n: All the feelings.

Pairing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin X reader

Warnings: People were mad I didn’t put a warning last time so Angst

Word Count: 2200 ish

Summary: Jake and Kisses shouldn’t be left alone to think.

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Jake stood in the middle of the street, hands on his head. He slowly dragged his palms down his face and let them fall to his side as he watched your taillights fade into the distance. By the time he realized what he had done wrong it was too late. The red lights shrank and eventually disappeared as you turned the corner. 

Jake was past crying. There was a yawning feeling deep in his chest where his heart usually beat. A car honking its horn at him for blocking traffic finally drove him back into his house. He walked in and sat on the couch. That numb aching feeling spreading throughout his torso. 

He had heard about nothing but the hiking trip all week.. You had been nervous and excited to hike in a desert and had dragged him to a sports store to buy every electrolyte chew they had and had been tasting them all week before declaring pink lemonade the best one and packing it in your daypack for the hike. 

He had thought it was the hike you were excited about. It wasn't the hike. You were excited to have friends of your own. He hadn’t even noticed in the few months you had been together that you were always with him and his friends. He thought it was a choice you made. He never stopped to think about how it was because you didn’t know anyone else. 

He had completely taken over your life, and when you finally had plans of your own he had tried to cancel them on you. You probably thought the worst of him. Not only had he spent months searching for you, he had imposed himself on your life and then did everything in his power to isolate you from everyone else but his own friends. He would be lucky if you would even let him explain his mistake. 

Not only that but you loved him and you couldn’t tell him. Terrified was the word you had used. He had been so overbearing that you were terrified of loving him. He loved you more than everything. You were it, the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and he had ruined it. 

It was then that the tears came. Deep wracking sobs that shook his frame. He did not know how long he sat there gasping for breath and crying into his hands. When he was finally able to stop he had a dull headache pinging at his temples. 

Unfolding himself from the couch and stretching his back from the hunched position he was in he made his way to get a drink of water. Leaning against the counter he looked over and saw your backpack all set up and ready to go for your hike tomorrow. 

You had planned to spend the night at his place. All your hiking stuff was at his house and you were at yours. Jake chugged the rest of his water before frantically gathering all your hiking things, your shoes, and the clothes you had laid out before you had gone out tonight. 

After one last search around his place for anything he missed he grabs his keys and heads out the door. Even if he ruined everything else he would not ruin your hiking trip with your friends. As he drove a hundred scenarios of what might happen went through his mind. You slamming the door in his face, you refusing to answer, you not being home. They all seemed to end in more heartbreak. 

Your car was parked in the drive but all the lights were off. Jake sighed. Of course your lights were off. It was nearing midnight. Not wanting to wake you up he parked on the street and settled in to wait for the morning. He wasn’t going to knock and wake you up. He would give you your things in the morning when you woke up.

- - -

You roll over for what felt like the hundredth time. You weren’t used to sleeping alone. Whenever you couldn’t sleep Jake would just reach over and touch you and it was usually enough to calm your mind enough to sleep. On really bad nights he would pull you into his chest and wrap his arms around you. The steady beat of his heart against your back and the feel of lips against your shoulder, soft breaths moving over your skin, always worked to soothe you to sleep.

But Jake is gone, his scent is faint on your sheets and you are alone. The only thing you wanted was to lay in his arms and hear the slow steady beats of his heart. To feel his fingertips trail over your back as he kisses you gently. To see the cheeky smile on his face as he whispers promises of a future together, or outrageously flirty comments and words of love. You had run from Jake, and the future you wanted, and it was cutting you up inside.

You had left before he could ask you to leave. Jake had only ever seen you calm about your past, he had only seen you in command of your emotions. He has never seen the messy parts that you keep hidden, the parts that you only talk about with Jenn twice a month during therapy. You had avoided sharing these parts with him for this reason and now it was too late. 

You had unloaded all of your hurt, and trauma, and heartbreaks on him. Worse, you had yelled at him that you were too damaged and chicken shit to tell him you loved him. You replay the words you said in your head and angrily punch your pillow. Why couldn’t you keep all your shit locked down for one disagreement? 

You could have just said you wanted to spend time with your friends. Instead you had yelled at the man you loved, the man who loved you, for including you in his life. For introducing you to his friends. You yelled at him for wanting to spend time with you.

You check the time, it was after midnight. You groan and walk through your house to get a drink from the kitchen. As you walk through the living room you glance out the window. Jake's truck is parked outside your house. The streetlights cast enough light that you can see him sitting in the front seat and your heart stutters at the sight of him. 

You walk to the front door stopping with your forehead pressed against it, your hand frozen on the lock. Part of you wants to get it over with, the other part wants to hide away. Schrodinger's Relationship. You won’t know if it is dead until you open the door. Flipping the porch light on you, flick the lock and step out.

You shiver in the evening air. When he sees you Jake gets out of the truck bringing with him some bags. Your heart breaks. It must be all the things you have left at his house. He must want to end the relationship fast if he is bringing it over in the middle of the night and you focus on breathing through your nose so you can at least accept the end with some dignity. 

“Hey,” Jake's voice is soft and unsure as he stops at the bottom of your steps. 

“Hi,” your voice comes out choked.

“I always wanted to see you in those pajamas,” Jake gives you a sad smile as he nods to what you are wearing. You look down and see the bleach stained t-shirt and oversized rainbow unicorn shorts.

“Well, I had to give you something to think about.” You try to smile back but end up biting your lip when it trembles to keep from crying. You stand there in the cold drinking in each other's presence and you can see a tear roll down Jake's cheek in the porch light. 

“I, um,” He clears his throat, “I brought your hiking things.” His voice is strained and he is working his jaw trying not to cry. “I know how much you are looking forward to going with your friends.” 

“Oh,” is all you can think to say. Nothing about this is going the way you expected it to. You had forgotten all about the trip in your heartbreak. “Thank you,” you walk down the steps and reach out to grab the things Jake hands you, reveling in the brush of his fingers across your skin. 

You hug your bag to your chest and look up at Jake waiting, not wanting him to leave. “I’m sorry Kisses,” he whispers. His eyes are red rimmed and it looks like he has been crying. “I thought it was the hike you were excited about but I get it now.” he takes a deep breath when you open your mouth to speak.

“Just hear me out, Kisses,” Jake is speaking quickly now. “I know I fucked up and I am so sorry, I can’t even explain how sorry I am,” he slows slightly when you don’t interrupt. “It wasn’t on purpose, I didn't mean to keep you away from your friends,” he sees you frown. “It was an accident and I won't ever isolate you again. Forgive me, Kisses, please.” He takes another breath, “I don’t want you to be scared of me.” 

You look up at Jake, confusion on your face. “You’re not mad at me?” your question is a whisper.

“Why would I be mad at you?” Jake is equally confused.

“Because I yelled at you.” Jake lets out a strangled huff of laughter. “And I just unloaded all my personal shit on you when it's not your problem.” Jake reaches out and takes the hiking things from your arms and sets them on the ground before curling one hand around your ribs and pulling you closer. 

“Kisses, that barely counts as yelling.” He gently cups your cheek and runs his thumb back and forth over your cheekbone locking his green eyes with yours. You press your cheek into his hand. “And I want your problems to be my problems.” You sigh as he rests his forehead against yours. You stand like that together, before you wrap your arms around his neck and bury your nose in his collarbone, breathing in his scent. 

His arms wrap around you immediately, holding you like he is afraid you would slip away if he lets go. Your tears hit his shirt and you can feel his tears on your shoulder. The tension is leaving your body as you stand in his arms. The stress and uncertainty of the evening falling away. “I don’t think you are trying to isolate me Jake, and I’m not scared of you,” you whisper into his shoulder. 

He pulls back and looks at you, hope shining in his eyes. “I just think you were being a butthead.” He lets out a broken laugh of relief and pulls you back into a hug, this one more relaxed, like he is no longer afraid you will leave. “I just wanted you to realize I wanted to go with my own friends and, by the time you realized that, I was so upset that everything else came out and I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize, and I promise I will listen better and not be such a butthead.” Jake says as he begins to rock back and forth. “I want you to tell me things.” He squeezes you tighter. “I love you so much, and I want you to feel safe with me.” 

“I do feel safe with you,” your words bring a smile to his face. He leans down and brushes his lips to yours. It is a kiss of love, safety, and relief. 

“You should head in.” He whispers when you begin to shiver in the night air. 

“Only if you join me,” you lean down to collect the hiking gear. “We should probably talk more.”

“Tomorrow when you get back,” he readily agrees. “You need to sleep for your hike tomorrow.” He pulls the gear out of your hands carrying it for you as you head toward the door. “What time do you have to be up?”

“Grace is picking me up at 7:00 so we can get most of the hike done before it gets too hot.”

“Wow.” Jake raises his eyebrows. “And I need to use sex to get you awake before 9:00 on a weekend.”

You laugh softly, your heart feeling lighter than it has for hours. “I like to think of that as a win-win.” 

When you reach your bedroom Jake strips to his boxers and crawls in next to you. His arms wrap around you and you can feel his heartbeat against your back. Lying in his arms with his scent surrounding you you can feel all the tension of the evening leave your body. As sleep begins to claim you, you feel Jake's lips press against your shoulder and the last thing you hear is his whispered “I love you.”