#Can't wait for my comments/Ask Box to be filled with jACkeT

[what-yadoking-likes]

Oh the irony of me, someone who has yet to own, let alone PLAY Payday 3, doing analysis on this poll...

The winner, with 27.3% of the vote: New Heists (Syntax Error, Boys in Blue, Diamond District, Houston Breakout).

Obviously, we like it when our little game about robbing banks and shooting cops has more maps where we can rob more banks and shoot more cops. The feeling in the community at large was that the 8 heists the game came packaged with at launch were... insufficient. I think no matter how excellent the starting 8 heists could have been, there would have always been a feeling that there just aren't enough heists to launch with.

We all know that Payday 2 received content updates, both paid and free of charge, for many years after its initial launch 11 years ago. At launch, Payday 2 had 12 heists for players to choose from. So from a direct, apples to apples comparison point, Payday 3 had fewer heists at launch. I doubt any of us had honestly expected the total number of heists at launch to even come close to the now more than 70 on offer in Payday 2, given how long it took Starbreeze to get to that figure. But fair to say for the price tag of Payday 3 (base game, not even going into the bronze/silver/gold editions at this stage)... people were rightly not impressed. So, I'm not totally surprised that people are happier now that there are more heists to play.

Taking into account the relaunch-cum-revamp of Murky Station (now renamed Turbid Station) and relaunch-cum-revamp of Cook Off and other heists, we're now up to a total of 14 heists for us to play. It is to be noted that another new heist is coming soon (Fear and Greed, aka the Wall Street heist).

Joint second and third place: Clover returning as a heister, and Operation Medic Bag overall.

The road to Hell is often paved with good intentions. I'm certain no one wanted to release a game that didn't work because of catastrophic server overload and was rammed with bugs and glitches that would take weeks to fix. In a sense, Operation Medic Bag is nothing new. If you've been in this fandom for a long time (@hoxooster I'm looking at you), you'll know there's been no shortage of drama. Console players got straight up abandoned throughout Payday 2's life cycle. If nothing else, the existence of Operation Medic Bag itself is a sign that the devs are actively working on solutions with the intent of implementing these as a priority to improve quality of life in-game, as well as hopefully drawing in new players and giving people who rightly stopped playing the game due to its shoddy launch something to return to.

But. This seemingly benevolent behaviour did not come easily. I remember Almir Listo being kinda... tetchy? On streams when people were making valid complaints. It's gonna sound silly that this is the example I'm gonna use, but it always stuck with me how his reaction to complaints about Hoxton's redesign was 'Well people can get a haircut'.

Like... yeah? We know?? We're not fucking stupid?? But there's a professional way to air that without patronising your player base who, guess what, WANT to play the game you've made! He could've said ANY number of things that would've been better:

"Of course, Hoxton's ponytail is iconic. It's something he's had for many years now and we know fans love it. But with this redesign we wanted to show that the heisters are older, their tastes have changed, they've changed since their retirement." Idk. I'm not a PR person, but sometimes neither is Almir et al.

Those who've been around since Payday 2 may remember the microtransactions/Vlad's Safes fiasco that actually led to Ulf Andersson leaving the company because he was just DONE.

Am I glad for players that Operation Medic Bag exists? Yes.

Do I think a lot of the features that have come about as a result should have been in the game at launch? Yes.

Do I think the devs/PR team could have and should have handled things better in the immediate aftermath of launch day? Absolutely. As an Orthodox Gemini, I neither forgive nor forget easily.

CLOVER'S RETURN!

I am genuinely really happy that this option got 18.2%/joint 2nd place in this poll. I posted before about how disappointed I was that some people were downright entitled and petulant when it was first revealed/leaked that Joy would be returning as a heister, with the addition of Pearl happening simultaneously. The AMOUNT of times I saw people commenting with single words of their fave. Good GOD. I do not suffer people who have been spoiled by their parents and given anything and everything they've ever wanted well at all, and the number of people going JACKET jcket WHERE'S JACKETTTTTT was genuinely so irritating to me.

... So I am pleased to see that so many of you did choose this option. Clover is cool and she offers something a bit different than Joy as a returner - she has history with Hoxton, for example, who was already on the roster as an OG heister. That relationship is interesting - we like it.

I don't know if people also had the upcoming return of Houston to the crew in their minds when they chose this option, but I'd be remiss not to mention the younger Steele brother here. We know he's coming back and he's gonna be playable - we know it's happening very soon.

Do I think they missed a trick by not having him released as an unlockable after playing and completing Houston Breakout? Yes. Yes, I do.

Do I think the reason for his inactivity is a good one? No. No, I do not.

I don't think it's a deal-breaker for anyone at this point. Essentially, Houston is a carrot for Starbreeze to wave in front of their content-parched loyal donkeys - err, fans - to ensure continued player engagement for the foreseeable.

... there is more analysis I want to do, but I'm going to cut this short here - I have been writing and thinking about this for the past 40 minutes or so, and I have other stuff I want to do.

I will come back to this with more thoughts and commentary about the other answer options and comments that people left, which were all really valid and good points that I probably should have thought of myself.

For those of you who have Payday 3 (my current machine is on its last legs and can't run it), & play/have played it tell me: we're approaching 1 year post-launch at this point, so...

Soz if I missed anything, feel free to blast me in the comments.

RBs appreciated for a wider blah blah blah

[radiant-reid]

Bonjour cate! we all know Reid can be dominant but i honestly cant stop thinking about him fucking reader with a 12 inch (or more) dildo and i wondering if you could write a blurb about that </3 only if u want to of course

i've never written something like this so i hope i did it right and tbh i don't even know if this is possible ? this isn't everyone's cup of tea so you've been warned. 18+ and i think this is size kink ??

Spencer's dirty texts throughout the day mean that by the time he gets home (probably after being painfully hard on the metro), you're in the bedroom in your favorite lingerie waiting for him.

"Hi, beautiful." He says when he walks in, tie already loose. His suit jacket is quickly thrown over the armchair, and you figure he left his satchel in the study.

"I've been waiting so long." You complain halfheartedly.

Spencer raises his eyebrows, prompting you to continue. "Careful or you might spend the night over my knee."

There are worse ways to spend an evening, but the box in his hands draws you away from that option. "What's that?" You ask.

"A gift." He answers ambiguously, now shirtless and walking over to the edge of the bed.

He opens it for you to see the toy while watching for your reaction, and you're shocked at first. You're not new to toys. It's a style you and Spencer frequently participate in. But you've never seen a dildo as long as the lilac one in the box is.

"Did you get this delivered to the BAU?" You ask first. It's not the most important question, but it's the one stuck in your mind.

He laughs slightly. "I did not. I don't need them knowing..."

"That you like to fuck your girlfriend with dildos?" You fill in for him with a smirk.

"Basically." He nods. "'Rearranging your guts' was your way of putting it."

You can't help the overwhelming need to touch him, and you reach forward to help him out of his pants while he leans down to kiss you since you've missed that step.

"Is that actually going to fit in me?" You wonder as you touch his cock over his boxers, which you're unable to forego a comment about. "I mean, I usually only get this small thing."

He's gripping your jaw in an instant, angling your chin up, so you have to look at him. "This is your last warning." He informs you, and the tone sends chills down your spine. "Don't make me punish you."

"Sorry." You apologize with a pout, hoping that will persuade him to forgive you.

He accepts it, if his lips firmly against yours are anything to go by. You let him lead the kiss while tracing the outline of his cock teasingly.

"As much as I love this." He pulls back to whisper, flicking the strap of your bra. "It's going to have to go."

You take it off, and his fingers are on your nipples in an instant, making you whimper into his mouth. "So good."

"It's going to get better." He assures you, moving you so you are propped up against a few pillows and taking your underwear off. His index fingertip is at your hole immediately as he holds your lustful gaze. "So wet." He teases, slipping it in just enough to make you need more.

You resist the urge to grind against him, knowing this early in the game it wouldn't work. Instead, you go with begging. "Please, more. I want to fit your toy in me."

"That desperate to please?" He asks.

"Always for you." You answer, sweetly smiling at him.

It gets you what you want, and his finger begins to push in and out of you quicker, another one quickly joining it.

You can't resist the loud moans that stream from your lips, and you know it's getting him more enthusiastic. So much so that you get the head of the dildo at your hole before you're even close to coming.

"Is it going to fit?" You ask him again. The width is fine, but the length...it's long.

"It will," Spencer assures you. "And you'll tell me if it doesn't."

It's a question, even if it's not phrased like one, and you agree. "I will."

"Relax." He tells you, softly pressing the tip further into you. He helps out by rubbing your clit, getting you wetter.

After having Spencer so many times, the width is barely anything, but the length starts to get tricky once it surpasses his. He's slow with it, an unspoken agreement, and he lets you adjust before moving further, kissing you between each break you silently ask for.

You feel it bottom out inside of you, completely contained in your walls and it makes you drip more while you let out a breathy moan.

"Good?" Spencer asks, although he can see the clear pleasure on your face.

"So fucking good." You answer. "Holy shit. I feel so full." He takes your hand, and you're unsure of why until he rests it against your lower stomach and you feel the bump. "Is that-?"

"It's higher than when I'm inside you." He observes as his fingers brush over your clit.

You lean up to kiss him again before asking for what you really want. "Can you fuck me with it?"

"Of course, baby." He promises. "I want to see you come around it."

He's less gentle knowing you've adjusted, pulling it out a few inches before slamming it back in and making you moan like crazy. He's good with his cock but he's also fucking amazing at keeping a good pace while fucking you with a toy.

"You're doing so good." He tells you. "Always my good girl."

"Fuck, Spence." You moan, arching your back up as he continues to fuck you with the dildo. "Please, can I cum?"

His thumb draws quicker circles around your clit, clearly intent on one outcome. "Yup. Cum on the long, fake cock for me." He orders,

That tone, the toy deeply inside you, and his skillful thumb all work in tandem to have your eyes rolling back in your head as you cum, pulsing around the dildo.

You're breathing deeply, panting when you finally open your eyes again to find him eagerly grinning at you.

"You're okay?" He checks.

"So okay." You assure him. "That was amazing, but I really need you in me now."

He's also more than happy to oblige that request.

[starlightsearches]

As soon as I saw your Cherry Pie/Eddie tags I RAN over here to beg you to PLEASE write something for it 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

Pour Some Sugar On Me

hey bestie!! can't find the original post that inspired this because tumblr's search feature is literally evil. I think the original post was about pour some sugar on me, but I kept it ambiguous. this got very carried away from me, and i'm sorry for the wait. i hope you enjoy!!

✨ requests open for my 2k celebration ✨

Eddie Munson x Stripper! Reader

Warnings: NSFW-ish, language, smoking and drinking, no mentions of s4 plot, Eddie is inexperienced and awkward, stripping, lap dance kind of (it's mostly just grinding), i do not know how 80s strip clubs worked, and i think that's it! let me know if I missed anything 💖 comments and reblogs are always appreciated 🥰

Eddie snaps his fingers against his driver's license, letting the plastic thwack it makes fill the deserted parking lot. He's looking at the birth date printed right below his goofy-ass picture, the numbers 1967 dark on the front.

Unlike most of the IDs he's had in the past, this one is real. And his.

An honest-to-god twenty one year old, although he's never felt more like a kid. Eddie smiles humorlessly, slipping the card inside his wallet.

Happy birthday to me.

He leans his shoulders back against the rough brick with his hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets, watching the neon sign at the edge of the parking lot flash blue, then yellow, then white against the cracked pavement and the weeds that grow there. The building itself isn't that special—just a brick box without windows—but the sign caught his eye, driving around the back roads of whatever fucking town he's in.

He was hoping to find a bar, maybe drink his first legal beer before crashing on the mattress in the back of his van. Then he saw the sign.

Heaven's Door. Gentleman's club.

No gentleman have gone inside, as far as Eddie can tell—just drunk truckers with deeply lined faces stumbling in and out every hour or so, and some locals who must visit often enough that the bouncer doesn't even ask for an ID.

Fucking stupid. He rolls his eyes at nothing, taking the keys from his back pocket with shaking hands.

His grips not good enough, fingers all clumsy with anticipation and fear. Eddie flushes red, embarrassed like he's got an audience as the keys hit the concrete with a metal jangle, cursing himself under his breath. Before he can reach for them, they're swallowed up in a triangle of yellow light.

There's a crack in the door beside him when he turns to look, the one he had assumed was an emergency exit. There's no sign of an emergency inside—no screaming or gunshots or thick, roiling flames. Just a pretty girl with wide eyes and a jacket about a million times too big hanging all the way down to her thighs.

It's been a while since Eddie's seen a girl, besides the nice old ladies at the diners he goes to for every meal. He could charm any of them without breaking a sweat, have them fawning over his easy manners and cheeky smiles. Sometimes he even got free dessert out of it.

He wishes he could find some of that fucking charm now.

"Oh."

Eddie's got nothing to say in response, making heavy and prolonged eye contact with your bare knees through the lines of your criss-crossy tights.

He snatches his keys from the pavement and stands, running a hand through his hair, but his fingers get caught in the tangles. Maybe Eddie should just cut his loses and run, but his feet won't carry him anywhere.

"Oh,"—his hands aim for his pockets and miss, leaving him arms hanging at his sides all lanky and awkward— "Uh, hi."

There's this journey you're going through—Eddie can see every mile of it on your face. You look at him with hesitant eyes, taking in the sneakers and the jeans and the frizzy hair and, he's sure, his deer-in-the-headlights stare.

The outcome to your mental math must work out in his favor, because you smile at him.

"Hi,"—your smile doesn't go anywhere, just bleeds into your voice until your words are all tinged honey-sweet—"are you waiting for someone?"

Eddie knows he's kind of dumb, but he gets what you mean. You gotta be able to tell that he's not that kind of guy—the kind that girls tease and flirt with and, you know, wanna fuck. Especially not girls like you. He wonders if you can see it written on his face, if the freak label followed him all these miles from Hawkins just to hover over his head, blinking like that fucking neon sign.

Eddie's also wondering if you came out here looking for a guy who was supposed to be waiting for you. And then he swallows down his jealousy like bile.

"What? Oh. No, I just—"

You let the door fall shut behind you, cutting off the light like you've cut off the end of his sentence. You just look up at him through your lashes, reading all his thoughts like they're printed across his skin.

It's been a long time since Eddie's seen a girl. It's got him feeling all kinds of strange.

He watches your steady fingers as they reach inside one of the jacket pockets and pull out a pack of Marlboro Reds, and you watch him. Eyes a little sharp and curious, traveling his features as you slip one of the cigarettes from inside, placing it between your lips. He takes another from the pack when you offer it, hoping you won't notice he's trembling.

“So," you mumble the word around the end of your cigarette, holding the end over your lighter's flame. You let your shoulder blades fall back against the brick, stripping him naked with that same stare, "if you’re not a perv, and you’re not waiting for somebody, what’re you doing back here?”

Your fingers brush against his palm when you pass him the lighter. It's just skin against skin, but that's not the way it feels traveling across his palm and up his wrist, giving him some kind of jittery contact high.

The first words that come to mind are the ones that tumble from his mouth.

"Who says I'm not a perv?"

He lets his head fall back against the brick, just hard enough to set in an ache. Jesus, Munson, get better jokes.

You roll your eyes at him, unphased. "Please. I can spot a perv—occupational hazard."

You wave a hand at the building behind you, and then give him this look. A look that says you can't hide from me, so why even try?

Maybe that's what has him reaching for his wallet, sliding his license from the little clear pocket. Feeling like you've already seen past any front he could put up, so he might as well show you the rest of him.

Or maybe he's just really, really lonely.

You take the ID when Eddie holds it out for you. He lets the little plastic square fall out of his line of sight, staring down the gravel by his shoes, digging the toe against the asphalt.

It's quiet in the parking lot, just chirping crickets occasionally interrupted by a muffled beat whenever the main door opens around the corner, and your soft breathing when you nudge his shoulder with your own.

"No shit. Is this real?"

Eddie nods, letting some smoke out of his nose. The cigarette's relaxed him, or maybe it's just that he's given you something else to look at, something to take the heat of your eyes off him.

Your thumb pets over his picture, gentle, like you're afraid it might smudge. "Edward, huh?"

He flushes. "Eddie."

"Eddie," you repeat. He hopes you'll say it again. He's starting to feel the night air through his jacket, but he thinks he could stay out here all night if you just kept saying his name.

He's still soaking in the glow of it when you gasp.

"Wait a second,"—you put your hand on his arm, denting the leather with your grip—"oh my god is it-?"

Fuck. He didn't think you'd notice. "Oh, yeah. I guess it is."

Eddie's gonna tell you that it's not a big deal. Tell you he's gotta get up early and so it's time he heads home—without mentioning that his home is the back of a van and the only thing he has to wake up for is another day of driving until his tank runs out.

But you're already tugging him around the corner.

"Oh my god, you have to have a drink with me!"

"Uh, I don't think-" but Eddie follows you anyways, even though he protests, taking little stuttering steps all the to the door.

"Hey Sal," —you're talking to the bouncer, passing his license over with your free hand—"my friend Eddie's looking for a drink."

Sal's bigger and burlier than he ever looked from Eddie's vantage point around the corner, but he smiles at you sweetly from behind his big, bushy beard.

"Having a good night, honey?"

Eddie swears you glance at him out of the corner of your eye. "I think I'm about to."

Sal glances at Eddie's ID and passes it back without any comment, just an amused look on his face. Eddie feels like telling him I don't know what's happening to me. I don't know what I could have done to end up here.

The more he looks at the bouncer, the more he feels familiar, just a little. He kind of looks like Uncle Wayne, with the little lines at the corners of his eyes.

He can almost hear his uncle's voice, saying who cares how you got here, son? Enjoy what you can while it lasts.

And he never really thought he'd live to see his twenty first birthday.

You've still got his hand in yours when you brush past the beaded curtain hanging in the doorway, rattling pleasantly behind him when you drag him through.

It's not as bad as it could be. You'd think a small-town strip club would be sleazy, or run down, but Eddie doesn't feel any of that. It's intimate with the lights low and the thump of the music from the speakers. Men sit around at circular tables, watching the girls dance and drinking beers, the glass bottles shining with condensation.

Eddie barely notices the girls though. Your hand is soft against his own, warm, and he's afraid you might notice how sweaty his palm is.

You deposit him at one of the stools in front of the high bar, letting the bartender know to treat him right until you're back. He's already sipping from his second beer when you're back at his side.

"Hey there, birthday boy."

He's feeling the drink already, and the atmosphere, and the anticipation of you and your smiles, so he'd like to say something funny—finally feeling like he could get you back for all the teasing you'd done back in the parking lot. Then he gets a good look at you.

"Je-sus Christ."

He almost chokes, hand pressed to his chest like you're gonna give him a heart attack, because that's how he feels. Looking the way you do—tits barely covered by thin, barely-there fabric, and those little criss-crossy stockings stop mid-thigh, topped with little bows.

And everything else—besides the little triangle between your hips that he doesn't even dare look at—is bare skin.

"You okay?"

You're laughing at him again, but he doesn't mind as much this time because your tits are jiggling, and he's staring and you don't say a word about it.

"I'm fine," he manages, "you just surprised me, sweetheart."

That's gotta be the alcohol talking. He wishes it would shut up.

Until you slide in closer, arm brushing against his now that he's slipped out of his jacket, trailing goose bumps over his skin when you fiddle with the chains at his wrist.

"So, birthday boy,"—you glance at him through your lashes—"you wanna dance?"

Fuck yeah, he does. But Eddie's trying to play it cool, trying not to ruin something he shouldn't even had a chance at. The words to unlock that door aren't coming to him, though.

You're more worried about rejection than you've let on. You drop his gaze, sliding your fingers from his skin.

"Or I could get one of my friends to do it, if that's what you're looking for."

You're talking about the girls on stage, gyrating to the music while they're showered with dollar bills. He's hardly looked at them. Too busy waiting for you to come back.

"No," he's shouting a little bit, before he manages to get a hold of himself, "no, definitely not. I—uh—yeah. Let's- let's go."

You take his hand, guiding him over to a more private area and pushing him into a seat.

Eddie lands with a little huff. It's too bad he let all his air out just then, because there's no way for him to breathe when you pet your hands over his shoulders, hovering just out of range of his lap.

"Any requests for a song?"

You slip in the tape he asks for. He's met with gritty vocals and a flood of guitar, the blood rushing through him laced with adrenaline. He'd heard the song on the radio a few months ago, at a second-hand store somewhere in Kansas. It had taken him a few days and a handful if miles before he found a copy of the album for himself.

And there were a lot of songs he liked, but this was the one he'd worn the tape down for. This was the one he played when he was feeling a different kind of lonely, the kind he'd never get used to. He'd lay on the mattress in the back just right to avoid the squeaky springs, the rough scrape of denim over his thighs.

All those nights, he realizes, he was picturing somebody who looked a lot like you.

He feels your weight in his lap, your arms wrapping around his shoulders. So solid against him because you're not a dream this time around.

You cut right to the chase, grinding down against his crotch and his whole body jolts at the contact. It's not like Eddie's masturbation habits were that healthy before, but all the alone time he has now definitely didn't fix that. Plus, he doesn't have to worry anybody hearing him parked on the side of some highway.

So he lets out a noise at the feeling, and it's louder than it should be—a guttural grunt he can't catch behind his teeth.

"Sensitive?" you whisper, right up against his ear. You've collected his stringy curls in one hand, lifting them up off his neck and tugging just a little. His breaths are coming out sharp, but he manages an answer.

"Yeah," he mumbles, cheeks flushed, his chest hot and tingling where he can feel the press of your tits, "guess I am."

You lean back, just enough he can see you smiling at him. "Don't worry, honey. I like that."

Your hips move sinuously against him in time with the music, just watching him with wide eyes and wet, parted lips.

"F-fuck, that feels good."

Eddie's eyes roll back, his neck barely able to support his head with the way the rest of him has tensed, thighs and core tight because he really doesn't wanna cum in his fucking jeans right now.

"Yeah?" you ask, leaning in close to his taut neck, hot breath caught in the little drips of sweat on his skin.

You scratch your hand down his shoulder, take hold of his middle finger before dropping it against your bare thigh.

"You can touch me, Eddie."

He's pretty sure that's not allowed, at least from what he's heard. But nobody's rushing to stop him when he grips your thighs hard enough to dent them. Eddie's starting to think that this isn't an average lap dance.

You flip around quick enough he can't miss the feel of you too much, your ass pillowy against his cock, stiff in his jeans. But the real excitement is in your hands, guiding his up over your torso, collecting body shimmer as he goes, rings snagging on the fabric. You stop him right over your perfect tits.

"Holy shit."

He tries to whisper to himself, but you're right there, laying your head back on his shoulder, biting at your lip while he massages at your breasts.

He wonders if he's doing this right, until he can hear your soft, little moans in his ear. And that's better than any fucking song in his collection.

The music is gone. He's not sure how long ago you noticed, but you haven't pulled away from him yet—still bumping your hips against his just to feel him twitch.

Eddie clears his throat before he speaks. He feels like his voice is gonna break.

"I don't- I've got cash in my car," he says. It's not enough for what he got, but he'd give it to you anyway.

"Don't worry about it. It's on me."

His hands slip down from your tits, resting at your waist instead. Eddie doesn't want to stop touching you, but he's gotta take care of the situation in his jeans ASAP.

You've gotta feel his urgency, because you're still moving against him, long, slow strokes of your hips that would barely be noticeable if he weren't ten seconds away from bursting.

"You know, my shift ends in like, twenty minutes."

Eddie's not sure what to do with that information. He can't imagine you mean what he thinks you mean.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," you whisper, leaning back so you can look him in the eyes. "I was just thinking, maybe when I'm done, we could go back to mine? Your birthday's not over yet."

You pet a finger over his zipper, tongue peeking out from between your lips. Even the way you blink is sexy.

Eddie's practically tripping over his words he's so eager.

"I'll wait for you out back."

[spn-rewrites]

01x18 (part 3)

Season One Episode Eighteen: Something Wicked This Way Comes

catch up here

AN: hey all, the final part of episode 18 is here! let me know what you think, and as always, my ask box is OPEN! if you wanna be added to the taglist to be notified when the next episode is up, leave a comment!

Word Count: 3.8k

Synopsis: dean breaks down, YN is resentful, and a Shtriga is dead

Your leg bounced up and down anxiously waiting for Dean to come back to the hotel. Sam ran his hand through his hair, tugging on the ends in frustration. Your palms began to sweat and you were eager. Eager to put this son of a bitch down once and for all.

Dean burst through the door then and you jumped to your feet, rushing over to him. "What happened?" You can only imagine how Dean reacted when he found out Dr. Hydaker was the Shtriga. You bet that vein on the side of his forehead popped out.

"You know, I can't believe we didn't see this before," Sam said before Dean could answer. You glanced back at him. He was right. How did you not see it? "Doctor is the perfect disguise."

"Did you keep it together?" You ignored Sam and asked the other brother, looking up at him. His eyes softened just a little bit and he nodded his head. He was sweating. You could see the drops slowly making their way down his neck.

"Yeah, I kept it together. Of course, I kept it together."

"Not of course you kept it together, remember when you found out the shapeshifter was the bartender in Denver? You tackled him across the bar," you reminded him. Dean chuckled and rubbed his face with his hand.

"Yeah, yeah. That was a bar, I'm not gonna open fire in a pediatrics ward," he said. You let him pass you and he took off his jacket, throwing it on the bed with force.

"You tackled a shapeshifter over a bar?" Sam asked, suddenly intrigued. You went to the bathroom and grabbed a rag from the hotel closet. Probably a pile of unwashed, unused towels that have been sitting there for ages. You ran it under cold water and when Dean turned back around, you handed it to him. He mumbled "thanks" and dabbed the sweat away before throwing the towel down the same way he threw his jacket.

"That's beside the point," Dean grumbled. "It wouldn't have done any good. The thing is basically bulletproof unless he's chowing down on something. And third," he paused, glancing over at you, "I wasn't packing which is probably a good thing because I probably would have burned a clip in him."

You chuckled softly and he shook his head, glaring at you from across the room. You picked up his sweaty towel and threw it in the bathroom with the rest of the used towels from all the showers you three have been taking. You were surprised you didn't call for housekeeping yet so you made a note to do that. Then, you decided that was futile.

"You're getting wise in your old age," you tease. A small smile played on his lips and then it disappeared.

"I think I know how we're gonna get it," he said.

"What do you mean?" Sam asked. He was leaning against the kitchenette counter, his muscles popping out of his t-shirt. His eyebrows furrowed and before Dean even spoke, you knew what he was going to say.

"The Shtriga works through siblings, right?"

"No," you interrupted. "No."

Dean snapped his head over to you and you felt your breathing catch in your throat. It wasn't often you two disagreed, or argued, or anything, really. You always went along with what he said because he was usually right, but he couldn't be this time. You couldn't do that.

"You think it's gonna go after Michael tonight?" Sam asked. His eyes danced between you and Dean. Neither of you spoke. The silence filled in the dots for the younger brother, anyway. "We gotta get him out of there," he said.

"That'd blow the whole plan, wouldn't it, Dean?" His name all of a sudden felt like tasted like acid coming out of your mouth.

"You wanna use the kid as bait?" Sam sounded just as appalled as you did, and you were grateful that he had your back. It was easier that way. Dean shrugged and looked at his brother, breaking the eye contact with you. "That's completely out of the question, are you insane? No."

"Sam, it's the only way - if this thing disappears, it could be years before we get another chance." Dean's voice was raising and you were glad it wasn't at you but you felt the need to finish the argument that you started.

"He's a kid, Dean. We can't just dangle him in front of that thing like a worm on a hook," you take a few steps forward, inserting yourself into an argument you'd otherwise run away from. The boys yelling at each other always made you want to hide under the covers and disappear.

"Dad didn't send me here to walk away," Dean said through gritted teeth. His face was turning red and there was that vein.

"Send you here? He didn't send you here. He sent us here," Sam said, gesturing between you three. A team. You were a team. You and the boys. When was Dean going to remember that?

"This isn't about either of you," Dean snapped. He turned away from his brother and ran his hands through his hair. "I'm the one that screwed up. There's no telling how many kids have gotten hurt because of me. This is my fault!"

Your lips parted and your mouth fell agape, watching him walk to the window. Your hand wanted to reach out to him but you stopped yourself. "How is that your fault?" You croaked out, your voice barely above a whisper. Too scared to make him crack.

He didn't speak and Sam signed impatiently. You didn't look at him, but you wanted to send him a glare. Tell him to shut up. "Dean, you've been hiding something from the get-go. Since when does Dad bail on a hunt?" Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. "Since when does he let something get away?"

Dean turned around and sat down on the couch and your feet carried you to him. You sat down next to him and put your hand on his shoulder. He didn't immediately brush you away, which was a good sign you thought, so you pushed your luck. "Dean, he's right. You've been acting weird this whole trip. Talk to us," you begged. Talk to me, you thought. You had a pang of resentment for Sam. Dean was never this shut down before Sam came back. You swallowed that feeling and shook it away.

"Fort Douglas, Wisconsin. It was the third night in a crappy room and I was climbing the walls, man. I needed to get some air," Dean started to speak. You could almost feel his heart race speed up as he spoke. "You were sleeping, Sammy, I didn't think - I didn't think that it would come for you. I didn't even know what Dad was hunting, you know? I came back and there it was. I was gonna shoot it, I swear, but Dad came back and he tried to kill it but the thing ran. He just grabbed us and booked after that," he finished.

You always had a soft spot for John Winchester. After all, he did take you in after your mother died. He helped you move past your grief, him and the boys. You knew he was hard on Dean. You always knew that but hearing it made your skin crawl.

"He dropped us off at Pastor Jim's three hours away and by the time he got back to Fort Douglas the thing was gone," Dean added. You squeezed his shoulder and he looked over at you. His eyes were soft and his hand landed on your knee.

"That's not your fault, Dean," you whispered.

He ignored you and kept talking, tears pooling around his eyes. "Dad never spoke about it again. I never asked but he looked at me different, which was worse. You know? Not that I blame him. He gave me an order, and I didn't listen, and I almost got you killed."

"You were just a kid," Sam said from where he stood in the kitchen. When you looked at him, his eyebrows were furrowed. You could see it under his hair that always fell in front of his eyes. He was rubbing his palms on his biceps out of stress.

"Don't. Don't," Dean scolded. He didn't look over at his brother. You wondered if he could even bare it. "Dad knew this was unfinished business for me and he sent me here to finish it."

"But using Michael? I don't know, Dean. What if one of us hides under the covers?" Sam suggested. You sighed and leaned back against the couch, letting your hand fall down off Dean's shoulder. Your fingertips brushed down his back and you could have sworn he shivered. He squeezed your knee and you prayed Sam didn't see. You looked up at him and his eyes were focused elsewhere.

"It won't work. It's gotta get close enough to feed. It'll see us," Dean said. He did have a point and you hated that your heart almost agreed with him. You didn't want to, so you pushed it down. "I don't like it, either. But, it's got to be the kid."

"Fine," you agreed. The words felt foreign coming out of your mouth and Sam looked at you like you were crazy. His eyes went from yours to your lips to your eyes again and then to your knee. "He's right, Sam."

"He's right? There's got to be another way," he argued. You shook your head and your leg started to bounce again and Dean pressed his pam into your skin making you stop.

"There isn't," you said.

+

You decided to leave it up to Dean to convince Michael to help you. It sounded insane if you put yourself in Michael's shoes. Clearly, he thought so, too, because he was holding up the phone in the hotel lobby and threatening to call the police. "You have to believe me, okay?" Dean begged. "This thing came through the window and attacked your brother. I've seen it, I know what it looks like 'cause it attacked my brother once, too." Michael looked between Dean, then Sam, and then you. You nodded your head, hoping it would reassure him, and then he slowly put the phone down.

"This thing - is it like, it has this long black robe?" Michael asked. Your heart jumped. His nose crumbled up in fear.

"You've seen it?" Dean asked, answering his question with his own.

"I thought I was having a nightmare," Michael said, averting his eyes away.

"I'd give anything to not have to tell you this, but sometimes nightmares are real."

"So why are you telling me?" Michael asked. His eyes were glassed over and you were surprised he was reacting so well. You often think back to when you first learned about the monsters under the bed and you weren't nearly this composed. You remember yelling curse words at a Winchester or two.

"Because we need your help," Dean explained.

"My help?"

"We can kill it, the three of us, it's what we do. But we need your help to do it."

"What? No."

"Michael, listen to me, this thing hurt Asher. It's gonna keep hurting kids unless we stop it. Do you understand me?" Dean reminded you of John at that moment. When he would tell Dean what to do on hunts. Sometimes, you were reminiscent of those times. When John was in charge and you felt like a kid and sometimes, when Dean didn't feel the need to protect everyone and everything, he felt like a kid, too.

In the end, Michael said no to helping you. His face scrunched up and a tear fell down his cheek and he told you to get out and this time, you did.

In the hotel room, you wrapped one of the too-thin sheets around your shoulders and plopped yourself down next to Sam in defeat. He couldn't help but chuckle at Dean, who was rightfully upset that he couldn't convince Michael to help. "What did you expect?" Sam asked. He wrapped his arm around your shoulders, tucking you into his chest and you happily settled in. "You can't expect an adult to do something like that, much less a kid."

"He has a point, you know," you tell Dean. He looked between you and Sam and you wanted to push him away from you but you didn't.

"So now you're on his side? Pick on, YN."

You were stunned. You straightened your shoulders and Sam's grip tightened. "There are no sides, Dean. We're a team. Teams don't have sides," you snap. Dean let out a sigh and shook his head, turning away from you.

"You're right. I'm sorry," Dean mumbled just as a knock sounded on the door. Dean stiffened, you could see it in his shoulders, and then he answered the door. You could see the blonde hair on Michael's head peaking out from behind Dean. You stood, Sam's arm falling on the bed and you let the blanket drop. He had changed his mind.

"If you kill this thing, will Asher get better?" Michael asked.

Dean glanced back at you before replying, "honestly, we don't know."

"You said you're a big brother?" Michael asked. Dean nodded his head. "You'd take care of your little brother? You'd do anything for him?" You felt Sam's hand grip yours and you let him hold it as Dean nodded his head again. "Me too. I'll help."

+

In the living room of Michael's house, you set up Sam's laptop which was connected to a night vision camera that Dean was installing in the boy's room. Sam sat down next to you, instructing Dean on where exactly to place the camera. You needed to see the window. Michael was tucked in his bed, instructed to stay under the covers and not to move.

"Do you think this is gonna work?" You ask Sam. You can hear Dean giving Michael instructions, telling him about the guns you have strapped in all your jeans. There was John's voice again, coming from Sam's speakers.

"It has to, right?" He replied. You nodded your head and then laid it on Sam's shoulder. You hated this. You felt like it was twisting your insides. The later it got, the worse you felt. 10pm. 11pm. Midnight. It was now 3am and you were starting to question if the Shtriga would even show up and you hoped that Michael was sound asleep.

"You sure these iron rounds are gonna work?" You asked, running your fingertip along the neck of the gun you held in your lap. It was starting to make an indent in your hip, so you took it out. Dean made sure the safety was on before he let you put it on your lap.

"They're consecrated iron rounds," Dean corrected. "And yeah, it's what Dad used last time." His voice was cold and concentrated and when Sam spoke next, his voice was the complete opposite.

"Dean, I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"You know, I've given you a lot of crap about always following Dad's orders, but I know why you do it," Sam said. Dean groaned and Sam chuckled and you squeezed Sam's hand. It was always about Sam.

The display on the laptop had been the same the entire night, but something moved in the frame that caught Dean's attention, seemingly just in time for the Winchester heart-to-heart. "What is that?" Dean asked, leaning into the screen. You and Sam leaned forward, too. It wasn't the tree branches, although its fingers were thin and gangly like the ones outside of the hotel. As it crept its way to the window sill, you grabbed your gun and the boys grabbed theirs, cocking them. You felt like you had to move as if you were walking on shattered glass. One false move and Dean would be a failure. You couldn't fail. Not for him.

"Now?" Sam asked as the Shtriga loomed over Michael's body. The boy was awake, shaking under the covers. Dean's face was focused and he was waiting for the right moment. He shushed his brother.

"Not yet," he said. The Shtriga needed to be feeding. That was the only way but your intestines twisted once more.

"You guys go, I'll watch the camera, okay? Tell you when," you whispered. Dean nodded, agreeing with your plan and the boys inched off the couch, carefully tip-toeing to the bedroom door. They didn't dare cross the threshold. They didn't dare breathe.

You held onto your gun tightly, watching the camera as if your life depended on it. But it wasn't your life, it was Michael's. It was Asher's. It was all the little kids that may come after if you fail. You focused so hard, so intently, everything around you went black. It felt like you were watching in slow motion. The Shtriga took one step. Two steps. Three steps until its face was inches away from Michael's. Not now. Not now. Not now. It reached for its hood and you waved the boys forward, your feet not far behind.

The guns started going off and you caught a glimpse of Michael rolling under the bed. The shots fired until the Shtriga was on the ground. "Michael, are you okay?" You called when it was quiet.

"Yeah," he called back. A breath you didn't know you were holding, expelled itself from your lungs and your shoulders dropped. You tell him not to move and Dean goes forward to investigate the Shtriga. When it didn't move, his shoulders relaxed.

Something inside you was aching, something was not right. "Dean," you started to tell him but the Shtriga was no longer laying lifeless on the ground, it was going after Dean and you didn't hesitate but to shoot. It barely flinched, throwing Dean across the room and then flying at you and Sam. A scream escaped your lips as Sam threw himself in front of you, the Shtriga wrapping its twig-like fingers around his neck. Sam struggled to reach for his gun and you could've started to shoot. You probably should have started to shoot, but John's voice was in your ears. It has to be feeding, he said. So you waited. You waited until Sam was no longer struggling and the Shtriga was taking his essence and then you called out for it and when it looked up, you shot it right between the eyes.

The Shtriga fell to the ground, for good this time, and you dropped to your knees next to Sam's head. "Are you okay?" You asked. He coughed but gave you a thumbs up anyway and you couldn't help but muster a smile.

"You okay, little brother?" Dean asked as he pushed himself off the floor. Wooden planks from the bookshelf he was tossed into were all around him but he smoothed out his jacket like nothing had happened. You helped Sam up and you smoothed out the pieces of hair that live in front of his eyes and he hugged you. Your whole body shook when Dean put three more bullets into the Shtriga behind your back. "Just for good measure," he said.

Michael peaked his head out from the top of the bed, watching as the three of you tried to catch your breath. "It's ok, Michael. You can come out now," Dean said. The boy stood up and walked over to you but he didn't say anything. There wasn't anything to say. His gratefulness was written on his face.

+

You wanted to wait until Asher was home, but you knew you couldn't linger for that long. After you got some rest, it was time to pack the Impala. You tried to wash off the night before in the shower, but you ran out of normal towels so you slept in your sweat. At sometime in the night, your sweat and Sam's mixed together and you woke up smelling like sex despite not having any. You didn't have any clothes that didn't smell like him.

As fate would have it, the boys' mom pulled into the parking lot as Dean was finishing packing the car. You were surprised to see Michael dart out the front door, but maybe that meant he actually got some sleep after you left. Dean slept on the couch outside of Michael's room last night, dipping out before the sun reached the highest point in the sky.

"How's Ash?" Michael asked his mom.

"He's going to be fine. They can't explain it, but he's going to be fine," she said, a smile plastered to her face. "It's a miracle."

Dean smiled over at you and Sam and you smiled back. You were happy for him, how could you not be?

"They're gonna keep him overnight for observation and then he can come home," she explained as he smoothed down her son's hair.

"That's great," Dean said.

"How are the other kids doing?" You asked.

"Really good," she replied. "A bunch of them should be checking out in a few days. Dr. Travis said the ward is going to be like a ghost town." You let out a sigh of relief, Sam squeezing your arm next to you. You smiled up at him and he bumped his shoulder against yours.

"Dr. Travis? What about Dr. Hydaker?" Dean asked.

"He wasn't in today, must have been sick or something," she told you. In the end, he was right there in front of you all along. You wished you could go back and know from the beginning but when it all turns out okay, those are the good days so you tried not to sit with your regrets.

Michael and his mom headed back to the hospital and you turned around to the passenger side of the car, your hand on the handle waiting for Dean to unlock it. "You know, it's too bad," Sam sighed as he followed you.

"They'll be fine," Dean said.

Sam leaned forward, putting his arms on the hood of the car and he looked over it at his brother. "No, Michael. He'll always know there are things out there in the dark. He'll never be the same." Dean hadn't seemed to consider that thought before and maybe it was because this life, the things in the dark, was all he ever knew.

"Sometimes I wish that I didn't know," you admitted. You never said that aloud before, probably because you weren't sure if you meant it or not. The things that went bump in the night were scary. The hotels were uncomfortable. Sitting in the car for too long was hard on your back. But you had the boys. Wasn't that enough?

"You do?" Dean asked, sharpness in his voice. You shrugged and looked down at your old shoes.

"Sometimes I wish I had that innocence. Don't you?" Sam added. You tapped your toe against his but didn't look up.

"I guess if it means anything, sometimes I wish you both could, too." You looked up now. Dean's eyes were tired and his facial expressions were soft, you wanted to reach out to him but he opened the car door and tucked himself inside, and then the feeling was gone.

taglist: @matchamendes@stuckupstucky@sillydecoy@kaelyn-lobrutto24@liztorr1212@icanreadbookstoo @rachael-mae @jessewa26 @sundownridge@givemebooksorgivemedeath@alienemilyyyy@teenwaywardasgardian@mpmarypoppins @mellowlandrun @liv0679 @slytherinrose

[t0th3-ark]

More Than Metal

Gavin Reed x Android!Reader: Part 2

Warnings: cursing, guns, alcohol use, crime scene, blood

Part 1

Analyzing Sample…

[Analysis Complete]

Sample Contains:

Thirium 310: 96%

Blood: 2%

Human Plasma: 2%

Analyzing Thirium…

Model ID - AP400

Serial Number: #495 345 12-8

"The fuck are you doing?" Gavin interjects. (Y/N) looks over at him as she kneels at the puddle of blue blood, fingers to her lips. VN opens her mouth to speak but Gavin holds up a hand. "Y'know what? I don't wanna know." Reed scoffs walking into another room.

○ Follow Detective Reed

□ Contiune to Investigate

● Follow Detective Reed

(Y/N) stands, following Gavin from a distance. Gavin glances around the blood stained apartment. "This is so gruesome shit." He mutters. VN tilts her head.

○ Question tactics

□ Urge him to continue working

◇ Leave to investigate in another room

X Continue to follow

■ Urge him to continue working

"Detective, I believe we should collect evidence. You seem distracted." (Y/N) states, hands behind her back. Gavin glares at the android. "You don't get to order me around, plastic." He grits.

○ Question tactics

◇ Leave to investigate another room

X Contiune to follow

X Contiune to follow

(Y/N) remains silent LED flashing blue. Gavin shakes his head kneeling down to inspect the floor where the victim was killed. (Y/N) stares at the blood splatter on the walls.

Analyzing Splatter…

[Information Acquired]

WEAPON: Kitchen knife

ANGLE: 43.2°

VN blinks. "The deviant was an AP400 model, a caretaker. It lived here with it's owners." Gavin looks up at (Y/N). "And how do you know that?" He ponders aloud. "I analyzed a sample of thiruim, there," She says, pointing to the floor. Gavin cringes. "That's fuckin' gross." He murmers. "The deviant was injured. It's blood was mixed with the victims, meaning, it couldn't have gotten far." (Y/N) explains. "We should proceed to the station to interrogate the survivors." She says. "I thought you said we needed to collect evidence." Gavin says, crossing his arms as he stands. "We have gathered enough information from this location." (Y/N) concludes. Gavin laughs, mockingly. "Look at you, smarty pants." Gavin teases, getting a confused blank expression from the android. "Never-fucking-mind. Let's go, dipshit." Gavin growls, walking out. (Y/N) hesitates, wanting to ask him if he was angry with her. That didn't matter. Why did she care?

Gavin walks through the automatic doors of the DPD. He heads by his terminal throwing his keys on the desktop. Hank watches the two walk back in. "Hello again, (Y/N)." Connor says, nodding at her. He smiled. VN nods at him. Androids weren't programmed to smile. Where they? "Good afternoon, Connor." She says, flatly. Hank snorts, grabbing her attention. "I fail to see what is humorous about our interaction, Lieutenant." She says, eyeing Anderson. Hank raises his hands as if he were surrendering, turning back to his computer. "Fuckin' androids." He mutters. "Would you hurry the fuck up? I don't have all day." Gavin says, impatiently tapping is foot on the floor. "Yes, detective." (Y/N) obeys. Connor's LED swirls yellow as he watches her go. "I have an unknown feeling." Connor says to Hank. "I think you may be worried, kiddo." Hank says, frowning. "And you wanna know somethin'?" Hank says, leaning towards Connor. "Me too."

Gavin huffs, slumping down in his desk chair, spinning around mindlessly. (Y/N) watches him, eyes following him as he spins. Gavin stops, glaring at her. "What did I say about the fuckin' staring, tin can?" He complains. "I apologize." VN says, looking somewhere else for his comfort. "Fuck it." Gavin announces. "I'm going home." He says, getting up from his chair. "I beleive we still have work to do, detective." VN says, her LED swirling blue. "Yeah well, Fowler can bitch at me tomorrow about it." He says, walking past her. VN quickly follows him. "I do not believe it is wise to leave your work unfinished." She says, referring to the stack of paperwork on his desk. She watches him swipe his card to clock out. He doesn't say away but holds his middle fingers up at her, with a strange expression. VN watches him exit. Her LED swirls yellow.

○ Follow Detective Reed

□ Stay at the Precinct

● Follow Detective Reed

(Y/N) walks through the automatic doors, following Gavin out to his car. Gavin glances over his shoulder, seeing her following him. He groans, stopping at his car. "What do you want?" He demands, unlocking his car. She stands on the other side of his car.

"I was assigned to help and assist you. I do not think leaving work to drink is a good idea, so I will be going with you to the bar." VN says, opening the car door and getting inside. Gavin stands there, mouth open. "Wait a damn minute." He protests, bending down to look at her sitting in the car. "You ain't doing shit! Get the fuck out." He orders. "I'm afriad I cannot comply, sir. According to your current physical and mental health, drinking alone could put you in danger." VN says, maintaining eyecontact. "Get out." Gavin says again. He wants to pull out his gun and shoot her brains out but something in him doesn't have the strength too. He's tired.

Yet another silent drive. Gavin's radio is turned up on a dangerously high level. VN isn't bothered but is worried about the effect on her partners ears. She concludes it is best to not comment, due to his recent outbursts. Gavin pulls up to Jimmy's, a local bar, and parks his car. Gavin opens the car door, putting his keys in his jacket. VN exits after locking the car doors. She walks behind the detective, deducting that he didn't want her by his side. She notices the package of cigarettes sticking out of his pocket. She assumes he has a lighter as well, somewhere on his person. 

Scanning...

[Jacket Scan Complete]

FELINE HAIR: 

• Burmese

• Chartreux

OTHER:

• Zippo Lighter (Sliver) 

    • Engraving: "Love you little bro. -Elijah"

• Cigarettes (Marlboro 12ct.)

• Car Keys (To: Camaro, Model: 2023)

• Stain - Front: Coffee (2 days old)

• Stain - Collar: Lacrimation from tear ducts

VN stops analyzing as they enter the bar. Gavin exhales, pretending he isn't being followed by a tin can. (Y/N) looks around. It's dimly lit, quiet. Music plays and it smells of alcohol, cigarettes, and cigars. She puts her hands behind her back, following Gavin to the bar. He pulls out a stool, hopping on top. A bartender, assumed to be Jimmy, saunters over to her partner. VN stands close to a wall, analyzing every detail of the bar. "Hey, kid." Jimmy says to Gavin. VN attempts to give Gavin privacy with the bartender but can't exactly turn off her sensors. " 'Sup." Gavin sighs, leaning against the bar. Jimmy chuckles, glancing at the out of place android against the wall. "That yours?" He teases, gesturing to (Y/N). "Don't give me that, J." Gavin scoffs. Jimmy laughs, boisterously. Gavin can't help but smile a little. Jimmy was pretty cool and he gave great philosophical advice. 

"Watcha want to drink, son?" Jimmy asks, turning to the wall of drinks. "Brandy on the rocks." Gavin says, pulling out his box of cigarettes and his lighter. Jimmy sighs. "Rough day, huh." He says, pouring his drink. (Y/N) watches carefully. She started to get an unknown sensation across multiple sensors in her being. She scanned herself for malfunction or errors. Nothing. VN tilts her head to herself. What was that sensation? It wasn't an error or a malfunction? Possibly a glitch. She shakes it off watching the detective. The sensation returns. She attempts to flush her systems, but it remains. She ignores it, concluding it was a glitch. "You can say that again." Gavin says. Jimmy slides him his drink watching him closely. "You look tired, kiddo." Jimmy comments, leaning against the other side of the countertop. Gavin chuckles. "Everyone says that. I'm fine, J." Gavin lies. "C'mon, Gavin. Talk to me. It's a slow night." Jimmy pries. Gavin sighs, lighting the cigarette between his fingers. He raises it to his lips, taking a drag. He looks down at his drink.

VN glances around the room, unintentionally listening. The sensation had left. She wasn't alive. She couldn't feel. It was a simple glitch. "It's been hard without him." Gavin says, taking a sip of his brandy. This peaks VN's intrest. "I know. You seem to care about him a lot." Jimmy responds. He must know more than she knows about the situation. Gavin glances at the android that accompanied him, downing his drink. Jimmy sighs again. "Is that thing givin' you trouble?" He asks, grabbing the glass to refill it. Gavin takes another drag of his cigarette. "Yeah it is. Fuckin' Fowler assigned it to me or whatever." Gavin says, words full of spite. VN feels the sensation return. Her LED blinks yellow.

Analyzing...

[Analysis Complete]

Malfunction?

[Access Denied]

(Y/N) blinks, LED pulsing red. She straightens her posture, ignoring the sensation, yet again. Jimmy nods, following Gavin's story. Gavin takes a swig of his drink again. "You two get along?" Jimmy asks, tapping on the counter behind him. "Fuck no." Gavin snickers. Jimmy smiles, almost sadly. "The things been following me around like a dog. Gets on my fuckin' nerves." Gavin sighs, finishing his second glass. (Y/N) notes his blood alcohol content. Jimmy grins at the detective. "Maybe she's there to help you. Ever thought about it that way?" J asks, grabbing his empty glass again, pausing. "Oh, that's utter bullshit. Don't side with them, Jimmy." Gavin spits, putting out his cigarette in the ashtray on the bar. "I'm only sayin', maybe it's there for a reason, kid. You look like shit. It could help you, y'know." Jimmy shrugs, filling his glass again. Gavin snorts, feeling the buzz kick it. "Thanks, J. How nice." Gavin teases. "Give it a chance, Gav." Jimmy pushes. "No way in hell am I trusting a piece of plastic." Gavin argues, gladly accepting his third drink. (Y/N) decides to step in. "Detective," She starts. "Fuck off." Gavin grits, waving his hand at her. Jimmy watches the two. "I beleive you've had enough." She states, hands behind her back still. "This is only my third so fuck off." Gavin growls. He usually had a better alcohol tolerance but not today.

"Your BAC is nine point two and increasing. This can impair your judgement and functioning." (Y/N) says. Gavin laughs. "You're not my babysitter, tin can." He says, lifting the glass to his lips. VN snatches the glass out of his hand, putting it on the bar. "What the fuck?" Gavin hollers, clambering out of his chair, almost falling in the process. "The alcohol had already taken affect, impairing your vital judgment. It is time to leave, sir." (Y/N) says, sternly. Her LED blinks yellow, analyzing his next move. Gavin reaches for his gun, which VN anticipated. She reaches forwards, knocking the gun out of his hands. "Hey, hey, hey!" Jimmy shouts. "No blood on my floor!" He says. A few people have formed a crowd around Gavin and the android. "Detective, we are leaving." (Y/N) says, picking his gun off the floor and pocketing it. "You fuckin' piece of shit," Gavin slurs. "You think you came come in and- and fuckin' steal my job, huh?" He raises his voice, grabbing her by her uniform again. (Y/N) looks down at him. She notes the pain, evident behind is glassy eyes.

○ Let Detective Reed continue 

□ Render Detective Reed unconscious

■ Render Detective Reed unconscious

"Detective, I apologize, but this is for your own good." She says, gaining a confused look from Gavin. She presses her fingers into the point where his neck and shoulder meet. Gavin crumbles to the ground, (Y/N) catching him before he hits the ground. VN wraps his limp arm over her shoulders, hoisting him up. "I apologize, sir." She says to Jimmy. "Eh, don't worry about it. His drinks were on the house anyway." Jimmy says, waving her off. "Take care of him, okay?" Jimmy says. (Y/N)'s thiruim pump falters for a moment, catching her off guard. She scans herself again, not finding anything wrong. The crowd had disappeared, seeing that there would be no fight. She gives Jimmy at curt nod before bascially dragged her partner out the door.

(Y/N) had successfully put Gavin in the passenger seat, starting his car. She pulls out into the road. She had located the detective's apartment, following the coordinates. Once she arrives, Gavin is still unconscious. She drags him out of the car. It would be easier to carry him in her arms, so she does. Walking up several flights of stairs, she reaches his apartment door. She glances down at the keys on his key ring and then at the lock, analyzing the differnt key prongs and the internal structure of the lock. She selects the correct key, unlocking the door. Several cats, greet her at the door. A Burmese and a Chartreux cat. They purr and meow at her as she closes the door. (Y/N) scans the apartment. It's quite messy. The trash seems as if it hasn't been taken out in weeks, pizza boxes litter the counter and differnt files and papers litter the living room. (Y/N) contiunes, walking into Gavin's bedroom. Clothes cover the floor, along with an unmade bed. She sets her partner in the bed. She surveys the room again, finding the comforter on the ground. She nods to herself.

(Y/N) carefully removes his jacket, hanging it on a hook behind his bedroom door. She covers him with the comforter, studying him. He seems peaceful. His face, relaxed. No tension is held between is eyebrows. She tilts her head, reaching towards his face. There it is. The strange sensation in her sensors. She gently brushes his hair out of his eyes, almost mesmerized by how peaceful he is, compared to when he's consious. (Y/N) quickly pulls away as he rolls over in the bed, grunting in his sleep. She looks around his room again. It was very unorganized. She walks over to his half empty dresser, pushing the folded clothes back in order. She closes the drawers, gently. VN then, straightens the differnt colognes and pictures frames on his dresser. One catches her eyes. A picture of, what she assumes is Gavin as a teen, and another male. She tilts her head, the male seeming familiar. She straightens the frame, ignoring it.

VN picks up the dirty clothes off the floor, placing them in the hamper in the corner of Gavin's room. She could see the floor now. She turns off the lamp on his nightstand, straightening the things on top if it as well. She looks around the mostly clean room, leaving Gavin's room. She then drags the overflowing laundry basket out of his room. She closes the door behind her, seeing his cats staring at her. She looks down at the Burmese one as it rubs against her leg. She watches them pad off into another room. (Y/N) looks down the short hallway seeing the bathroom. She peeks inside. It was spotless. Strange. She walks into an empty room, what she assumes to be a guest room. It holds nothing. She walks out, going back to the main living room. Papers, magazines, files, newspapers. You name it. She grabs the file box in the couch, picking up all the papers and files, organizing them alphabetically. It took all but thirty minutes an twenty seconds. She puts the file box beside the couch. She puts all of the magazines and newspapers neatly on the coffee table. She picks up all of the empty and half empty coffee mugs, placing them softly in the sink. She would load his dishwasher later. 

(Y/N) straightens his crooked TV on the wall. She then proceeds to organize his movies by type, then alphabetically. The living room was finished. She clicks on the lamp, closing the curtains. The sun was setting outside. It was six twenty-two. Androids didn't need sleep but she decided that when she finishes she would enter low-power mode to pass the time. She heads to the kitchen. It was filthy. (Y/N)'s LED circles blue. She grabs all of the dishes that were dirty and puts them neatly in the dishwasher. She puts the soap in, turning it on. She grabs a trash bag, placing the numerous empty pizza boxes inside. She empties the trash putting the bags by the front door. The cats come back in, hearing her working. "Hello." (Y/N) says, kneeling beside the cats. She looks at their collars. Coco and Bean. Who knew the detective liked cats, owned them, and gave them matching names. (Y/N) stands, beginning to wipe down the countertops, that were dusty and covering in crumbs. She puts the leftover pizza that wasn't old or moldy in the almost empty refrigerator. She rolls up her jacket sleeves disinfecting the grime in the sink. She notices his landlines blinking on the counter. She lets the chemical sit in the sink, walking over to the phone. Twenty new messages from the same number with the name Eli. She concludes it would be best to leave them be. 

(Y/N) had loaded the washing machine with Gavin's dirty clothes. She had taken the towel from the dryer and folded them neatly, placing them in the linen closet. She rinses the sink next. Spotless. The apartment looked organized and neat. Nothing like the detective from the outside. It was currently twelve forty three. She blinks, hearing the dishwasher stop. She unloads it putting the coffe mugs, plates and utensils back in their respective places. Ealier, she had hauled the trash down to the dumpster behind the apartment complex. She was satisfied with the outcome.

(Y/N) completed all of the detective's laundry leaving it neatly folded ontop of the washer and dryer. She didn't want to disturb his slumber by putting away his clothes. She was finished. VN puts the detective's gun in a drawee in the kitchen. She walks over to the couch, sitting down. The cats jumps up, one testing in her lap and the other lying down beside her. She was interested in why the cats liked her so much. She'd have to research it later. She decided to enter low-power mode.

Low-Power Mode Loading...

[Entering Low-Power Mode]

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-LOW-POWER MODE ON-

taglist

@sweet-sage-tea, @bts17army

[aestheticallyholland]

NEVER NOT | THE PARTY . . .

❃ PAIRING tom holland x fem!reader

❃ DISCLAIMER i do not own the artists (and the reader) that are going to portray the characters, but i do own some of the their names. the plot of the story is inspired to the book and movie 'to all the boys i've loved before' but with changes. the gifs and photos used in this series are edited by me but i get credits to the originals. also, this series is first posted in wattpad by me. PLEASE DO NOT REPOST IT SOMEWHERE ELSE !

❃ WORD COUNT 3.3k words

WANNA BE ON THE TAGLIST? feel free to comment on this post if you wanna be added to this series' taglist to get notified for updates !

NEVER NOT MASTERPOST | LEI'S LIBRARY

"Say it before you run out of time. Say it before it's too late. Say what you're feeling. Waiting is a mistake." - anonymous

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

[ november 07, 2015 . . .]

IT WAS A SATURDAY MORNING and Y/N had woken up early in the morning to make her very own chocolate cupcakes.

It was her mom's very own cupcake recipe that was written in the 10-year old notebook. As Y/N and her older sister were growing up without their mother, they have learned to cook and bake but Y/N was more on the baking side, and Aria was more on the cooking side.

As Y/N was pouring in the cupcake batter into the cups, Aria was going down the stairs, her hair still a mess from waking up. She saw what her younger sister was doing and smiled to herself.

"It's early in the morning, Y/N." Aria suddenly blurted out that caused Y/N to startle and almost poured too much in a cup.

Y/N stopped and glared at her sister with her poker face. "Morning."

Arian walked towards the countertop and sat on the high chair. She watched Y/N as she continued to pour the remaining batter. "Take your time, Sis," Aria said that made Y/N chuckle.

Once Y/N was done, she placed the cupcakes inside the oven and closed the door, and set the time. She took off her apron that was around her waist and placed it down the table.

"How're things going on in school?" Aria asked as Y/N sat down beside her.

"Different," Y/N answered and wiped her sweat. "Ever since you graduated, I only got to hang out with Erika."

"You still never change. You have to socialize more with people, you know?" Aria said and Y/N just rolled her eyes at her sister's statement.

"People I meet are mostly not my type of people, except for Erika of course," Y/N said and Aria just laughed. "What?"

"I just miss being schoolmates with you. It's different too when you're going to college already." Aria said and looked out the window that was in their kitchen.

Y/N stayed silent for a while, didn't know what else to talk about until she remembered about Aiden and Aria.

"How are things with A-Aiden?" Y/N asked trying not to make her voice shake. Aria looked at Y/N and smiled.

"Great. There were things I knew about him that he didn't mention when we were just friends. You know he's making a song dedicated to me? I can't believe that guy is so talented." Aria said. Y/N felt a pang on her chest as she was listening to her sister. She loves her sister so much but she just can't help the pain that was still on her chest. It may not be as painful as before but it was still there.

"Are you okay, Sis?" Aria asked and at made, Y/N blink, and her thoughts faded.

"Y-yeah. I'm alright. I'm happy for you guys, really." Y/N gave a smile and her sister sighed in relief. Aria suddenly stood up and wrapped her arms around Y/N. Y/N placed her head on her sister's shoulder and hugged her back.

A doorbell rang inside their house and both sisters pulled away from each other.

"I'll get it. Check your cupcakes first." Aria said and walked going to the front door and Y/N went to the oven to check the cupcakes.

She tested the cupcakes by sticking a toothpick and to see if there were still anything sticking to the toothpick and there was. She closed the oven again until she heard her sister from the door.

"Y/N! How come you didn't tell me that you have a boyfriend in school?" Y/N's eyes widen as soon as she heard that. She immediately remembered who it was and she ran going towards the front door.

Why was he here on a Saturday?

Y/N saw Tom standing by the doorstep while her sister was holding the door.

"T-Tom! What are you doing here?" Y/N asked nervously and went closer to Tom and gave a kiss on his cheek. Tom didn't expect that from Y/N and she saw him smile.

Why the hell did you do that, Y/N?

"Just wanted to see if you're up for Harrison's party tonight," Tom said and before Y/N could answer, Tom interrupted her. "Erika is going to be there, don't worry."

Y/N looked at him for a while and he gave her that look of you-have-to-come-with-me-it's-on-the-contract. She gave a smile and finally answered. "I'll be there, babe."

"I'll pick you up by 5 pm." He turned to her sister, who was just there in their entire conversation. "It's nice to meet you, Aria."

"You too," Aria said and Tom waved to them as he was walking away and Aria closed the door.

"How come you never told me that, Y/N?" That was the first question she asked the moment she closed the door.

Y/N sighed as she knew she has some explaining to do but she can't tell the truth.

Let's do this.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

It took almost the whole day to explain to her sister about Tom and more of her school life that she hasn't mentioned to Aria.

It was already almost 5 in the afternoon and she was getting ready for the party that Tom mentioned.

"What the hell should I wear?" She asked herself as she looked at herself in the mirror. "Why does it take your time to figure out what to wear, Y/N? It's not like Tom's gonna care." Y/N continued.

Would he?

After several minutes of talking to herself and looking for clothes to wear, she decided to wear a blue floral printed jumpsuit and a denim jacket. She grabbed a blue scrunchie and tied her hair into a high ponytail. She collected a bunch of scrunchies since she was a kid and her mother would always give her one.

She smiled at the thought of her mom until she heard an unfamiliar honk from a car outside their house.

She quickly grabbed her phone and a small purse and ran downstairs towards the front door before her sister will open it again.

She reached downstairs and looked at the living room where she saw her sister sleeping soundly on the couch. The TV was still on and Y/N smiled at her sleeping sister.

She opened the front door and revealed the curly brown-haired boy. Also known as her boyfriend. Pretend boyfriend to be specific.

He wore a denim jacket and blue shirt below it. His pants were also dark blue denim and he wore sneakers. He had a smile on his face as soon as she opened the door which also made her smile back.

"Hey, babe." He said and that made her feel her cheeks heat up.

"Don't call me that. My sister is sleeping so you don't have to pretend." Y/N said and that made Tom chuckle.

"Right." He said. "Is your father home?" He asked.

"He's still at work," Y/N answered.

"Good. I'm not ready to face him, yet." Tom said and grabbed Y/N's hand. "Let's go?"

"Wait." She said and let go of his hand and went back inside the house to get something in the kitchen. Tom looked at her confusingly until she came back with a box in her hands. She let her hand intertwine with Tom's hand and smiled at him.

"Let's get going." She said. They walked together hand in hand until they reached Tom's car. He opened the door for her like a gentleman and she said thank you before going inside.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

"What's inside the box?" Tom suddenly asked as they were waiting for the red light to go green.

"These are the cupcakes I made this morning," Y/N answered.

"No wonder why something smelled good this morning when your sister opened the door." He said and that made Y/N chuckle before speaking.

"This recipe came from my mom's notebook. Basically, I have been baking ever since I was little. My sister is better at cooking though and she also has my mom's notebook on that." Y/N said when the green light suddenly appeared in the traffic light. Tom drove straight before talking again.

"How come your mom is never home?" Tom asked.

Pain suddenly filled in her chest when he asked that. It has been almost ten years but she still could feel the pain inside.

"She's gone now," Y/N answered but smiled at Tom. Tom glanced at her when she answered and suddenly felt guilty for asking.

"I-I'm sorry for asking, Y/N. I didn't know." Tom said.

"It's been ten years, Tom. It's okay. At least she's in a better place now and I have something that will remind me of her." Y/N said. It has been the first time that she and Tom are having a deep conversation.

She looked out the window when she suddenly felt Tom's hand on hers. She looked at him and his eyes never looked away from the road. "I'll be here for you, Y/N. Not just a pretend boyfriend but also a friend." He said and smiled.

She smiled and was glad that she and Tom are friends now.

"I trust you, Tom."

Do you really?

Yes.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Tom parked on the side of the house of his best friend, Harrison. He turned off the engine of the car and got out. He jogged towards her side and opened the door again for her.

"Thank you, again." She mumbled and got out of the car and heard the door closed afterward.

The loud music can be heard outside of the house and could feel the ground shaking because of the people dancing inside. This was her first time going to a party with someone she didn't really know.

Y/N and Tom walked together inside the hall where no one is and Tom stopped his tracks to face her.

"Give me your phone." He blurted.

"Why?" She asked him confusingly.

"Do you trust me?" He asked.

Of course, she did so she got out her phone from the pocket and gave it to Tom. He opened the phone and went to the camera app and took a selfie of his face.

Y/N laughed at his action. He gave the phone back and said, "Make that as your wallpaper."

"What about you?" She asked.

He took off the scrunchie from her hair and placed it around his arm

He got his phone out as well.

"Hey!" She exclaimed. The phone camera was facing her.

"Smile," Tom said.

She rolled her eyes before giving a smile to the camera.

"You can't lose that scrunchie. That's my favorite one." Y/N said.

"Of course I won't, love." He replied.

After, Tom looked at the picture and appreciated how pretty she looked before making it into his wallpaper. He showed it to her and that made her chuckle. He kept his phone and grabbed her hand and pulled her going inside.

"Let's go." He said.

"Maybe I should just go home-"

"Nope. You agreed, love."

Both of them went into the room hand in hand and the loud music burst to their ears. Not a lot of people were dancing but most of them were just sitting and chatting with one another with red cups in their hands.

They walked towards the table with people shooting ping pong balls to the red cups. A familiar blond-haired guy was there and looked up when he saw Tom walking towards them.

"Hey, mate!" They did a bro hug with each other and gave one ball to Tom to let him shoot. He aimed for the ball and of course, it went in one of the cups. The boys cheered and went to Tom and all that Y/N could do was giggle at their action.

After that Tom went towards you and asked: "Want anything to drink?"

"Just juice, please. Not really into that alcohol drinks." She answered and smiled at him. Tom gave her a smile and walked away with Harrison to get some drinks.

She was left alone and looked around to see her best friend but she couldn't form the number of people inside the room. She decided to sit down on the couch that was empty and wait for Tom to come with their drinks until she saw her least favorite person in the world.

"Oh hey, Y/N. Didn't expect you to be here." Camille said with her friend beside her. "Mind if we sit down?" She asked.

Y/N motioned her hand to let them sit on the other couch and rolled her eyes secretly. She didn't want to encounter them here. Not now. Not ever.

"So." Camille's friend suddenly spoke and looked at you. "How did you and Holland get together?" She asked.

Y/N was star-struck by the question and glanced at Camille's face who was just rolling her eyes at her.

"It's a long story," Y/N said as she tucked her hair to her ear and faked a smile.

"Oh, we have time-"

"Elise, stop," Camille said to her friend. "They're still a new couple so I don't think she's comfortable talking about that." She continued and Y/N could hear the sarcasm in her voice.

"That sucks."

"Hey, babe." Tom suddenly appeared out of nowhere with drinks already in his hands. He kissed Y/N's head before sitting down beside her until he saw who was sitting near them.

"Hey, Camille. Didn't expect you to be here." He said as he placed down the drinks and looked at her. Y/N was just looking at Tom.

Camille looked at both of them and gave the fakest smile to them.

"Don't worry. We're just leaving." She said but Y/N could sense the curiosity about her but she was forced to go with Camille. They both stood up and went with other people.

Tom sighed and Y/N could still feel the sadness in Tom's face but he shrugged it off and wanted to enjoy his time with Y/N instead. He took off his phone from his pocket and opened it to the camera.

"Let's take a picture together." He said and held the phone up. Y/N adjusted herself closer to Tom and smiled with him. There was also one pose where Y/N pressed her lips to Tom's cheek and he smiled and took a picture of it.

"You're doing it." He said as he snapped the picture with a big smile.

"They really are together," Elise said to Camille as they were standing in the corner with drinks in their hands. Camille's grip on the glass was firm when she looked at the couple and she could feel her head getting hot.

"Whatever."

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Tom excused himself from Y/N and went inside the restroom to wash his hands and face. He removed the scrunchie that was in his arm and placed it beside the sink. He smiled when he saw the scrunchie and thought of Y/N. He was happy with how much time they're spending together. He knew he will never regret his decision.

His thoughts were interrupted when someone went inside the restroom and his eyes widen when he saw who it was.

"Oh, hello Tom. Didn't see you go in." Camille said in a fake way and Tom could sense that. He always does.

"I was just washing my hands and I'm leaving." He said but before he left, she noticed the scrunchie that was on the sink and suddenly grabbed it.

"That's Y/N. Give it back." He said.

"Among all girls, you chose her. How?" She asked and was twirling the scrunchie around.

"She's-" Tom stopped and could not think of anything that would describe Y/N. They have been just pretending and getting to know for almost a week.

"She's different, Camille." He said and that stopped her from twirling it and just looked at him. "I'm sorry, Camille but I can't deal with you right now."

Did he really just said that? Didn't he want her back? Why is he talking to Camille like that?

Camille just looked at him in disgust. "Alright then." She said and tied her hair using the scrunchie. "Have fun with her. But you'll soon regret this, Tom." Those were her final words before she walked out of the restroom.

She was the one who broke it off with him so why does it bother her so much?

Tom shrugged it off and fixed his hair before going out of the restroom to meet Y/N again.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

"It's weird that I didn't see Erika and even Harrison that much in the party today," Y/N said as Tom was driving her back home.

"They were probably together somewhere," Tom said.

"That's weird. She always tells me stuff like this." Y/N said. "Maybe because it's Harrison."

"Haz didn't tell me anything about them," Tom said and turned left and parked the car outside her house. "We're here." He said.

"I just realized that I left the cupcakes inside your car," Y/N said. "I'm just glad they aren't ruined or something." She got out of the car with the box in her hand again. Tom closed it and just chuckled at her act.

They walked silently towards the front door. "Thanks for tonight, Tom. Didn't know that it would be fun to attend a party despite people getting in the way." She said and Tom chuckled again because he knew who she was talking about.

"I still can't believe we lasted a week. I thought we wouldn't because I thought you hated me." Tom said and scratched the back of his neck.

"Same feeling." She answered. "It feels nice to be your girlfriend. Camille just wasted a great guy."

Tom smirked at her and said, "You think I'm great?"

"Take that as a compliment, Thomas." She said.

"Don't call me that." He argued.

"Yes, I will." She said and Tom just rolled his eyes playfully.

"I should head home now. My mom would kill me if I'm home by the morning." Tom said.

Y/N noticed the box of cupcakes that was still in her hand and decided to hand it to Tom. "Here. Let your mom taste it. She will love it. I guarantee you."

Tom received it and said, "She will. Thank you."

Y/N opened the front door and looked back at Tom with a smile. "Good night, Tom." She said.

"Night, darling." He replied with a smile and walked away going to his car. She watched him walk away until he closed the door to his car and started the engine.

She closed the front door and locked it before going up to her room. She dropped her purse as soon as she reached the bedroom and collapsed herself to the bed. Many things have happened today which are good and bad ones. She thought of Tom and that made her smile until a vibrate came from her phone. She grabbed it and saw a notification from Instagram:

[Instagram]: tomholland2013 tagged you in a post

She looked at it with confusion and decided to check it out and as soon as she saw it, she smiled widely.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

She commented on a kissing emoji on the post and waited for how many seconds until Tom replied her back with a heart and a kissing emoji. She placed her phone on her chest and smiled. She didn't know what this feeling was but she felt happy about it.

❃ TAGLIST @allthisfortommy @kait4073 @lovebittenbyevans @l0ve-0f-my-life @spiitfiires

[itsjustmyfantasyroom]

Jealous

It’s in the tile ;)

Warnings: FLUFF

Enjoy x

Throughout yours and Rafael’s relationship, things seemed to be going pretty well. Just like every couple there were fights here and there. You guys thought your jobs would get in the way, but they didn't. You had never felt insecure with Rafael, he was so loving, caring and attentive, which he felt the same from you.

It was coming up to your 1 year anniversary and things had changed just enough to make you feel something was wrong. He was always with Liv, on his phone a lot and was distracted from you. You tried not to let silly things run through your mind, until one night in the squad room.

You guys had just finished dinner, Rafael was there as well. A case came in that he wasn't sure he wanted to take to trial. You guys had all the evidence on the board and were all discussing the case. Liv made a comment, Rafael commented back and from there it went back and forth. You rolled your eyes at Sonny. You felt how they were talking was boarder line flirtation. So you let it continue for a bit till you snapped,

"LOOK, this isn't getting anywhere" they both stopped bickering and looked at you as you stood up from your chair "If you two are going to keep bickering like an old married couple, let us go home"

You turned and walked back to your desk. Liv had dismissed everyone after that, but she and Rafael stayed at the conference table. You picked up your bag and walked out onto the street before anyone could stop you or ask what's wrong. Tears came to your eyes as you walked. Rafael was moving on, something had changed and you finally knew what was going on, him and Liv. He didn't even come after you, which your Rafael would have.

"Is Y/N Ok?" Liv asked him

"She knows something is going on, but she can't put her finger on it" he answered back. He knew what you were thinking he seen it in your face just now. Of course he wouldn't tell Liv that.

"I better go, good night Liv"

“The book should be at my place tomorrow. Night Barba”

He walked into the bullpen half expecting to see you waiting for him, but your bag was gone.

You walked into your guys shared apartment and just stood there taking everything in. It had been 6 months you guys had lived together, both your things mixed together. Your books in with his, your CD's in with his, and more photos around. All this time he was worried about you finding someone younger and leaving him, when it was him that was leaving you for someone his age.

On his way home in the cab, Rafael looked out the window thinking about everything. He knew why you were upset, he could see it now. He was distracted from you, but it wasn't the reason you thought. He hoped he wouldn't be too late when he got home to try and explain as much as he could without giving everything away. He kicked himself for staying longer to talk to Liv, he should have ran after you.

You had showered and were sitting at the table with a cup of tea, you had sadness and madness running through you. You had so many things running through your head. The biggest one was where would you go if you had to leave tonight. You were snapped out of that chain of thought when the front door opened. Rafael walked up the small entrance hall, rounded the corner and looked into your eyes,

"Hermosa you didn't wait for me"

He looked so sad. He took off his jacket and laid it over the back of the couch and came and sat across from you at the table.You shrugged your shoulders.

"You and Liv, huh"

"It's not what you think Hermosa"

You butted in

"It's not what I think? What I think is that you carried on that I would leave you for someone my age, when in return you’re leaving me for my boss" you spat out. He huffed at you and frowned.

"That's not that's going on I just said" his voice was more firm and raised a little.

"Then what's going on Rafael? It's been all about Liv lately, I've been pushed aside"

"Wait-Hermosa, are you jealous?"

"N-no, I just-"

"Oh mi Amor come here"

He stood up from his chair walked over to you and pulled you towards the couch. He pulled you into him and hugged you, running his fingers through your hair.

"Hermosa nothing is going on with me and Liv, my heart belongs to you, it always has and always will" You pulled away from him with tear filled eyes and wet cheeks. "You just need to trust me, it will all make sense soon I promise"

****

A couple of Saturday’s after, it was the day of your year anniversary. Rafael made you breakfast in bed.

"I have to go into the office this afternoon to run over some paperwork. But I'll be back at 6"

You were sitting on the couch watching some hospital show when your phone chimed,

4.20 pm- Rafael: Something is waiting for you at the door Hermosa xx

You jumped up and walked to the door opening it. On the door mat was large red rectangle box with a medium red rectangle box on top, both with a white ribbon around it. On top was a white piece paper with Rafael’s hand writing, you pulled the note out of the ribbon;

"Be ready at 6, wear what's in these boxes. I love you always"

You picked up the boxes and took them into the bed room to open them. In the big box was a black silk slip dress, with thin straps. It was beautiful. You then opened the smaller box which had a pair of black slides with a tiny heel and a black clutch with a big sliver heart on it.

You looked at the time, it was 4.30, you ran to the bathroom showered, washed your hair and shaved. You jumped out dried and started to get ready. You decided to curl your hair and pull it back on the left side with pins and put on some make up. You walked into the bed room, and found a strapless bra and slipped the dress on. It sat just below your knees showing off the curves of your body, you then filled your clutch with everything you needed.

6 on the dot there was a knock at the door, you walked to it and looked through the peep hole

"Who is it?"

"Your date Hermosa" you giggled to yourself and opened the door.

There was Rafael in a grey two piece suit and navy button down holding a white rose. He looked you up and down and drank in your beauty.

"You look beautiful Hermosa" he lent in and kissed you lightly on the lips. He had worked out just the right technique that he could kiss you getting minimal gloss on his lips.

"You look so sexy Rafi" he laughed gruffly and give you a wink.

"This is for you" he handed you the white rose.

Rafael had recreated your first date. Dinner at the same place and dessert at the cake shop in Brooklyn. It was such a beautiful night. You guys where finally back at the apartment kissing each other while leaning on the door. He pulled away and looked you in the eyes.

"When I open the door, everything will make sense way I was so involved with Liv"

You pushed the door open and saw a trail of white rose petals and candles. On closer inspection they were battery operated ones. You turned back to Rafael with a huge smile on your face. You started to follow the rose petals and candles that lead to the bedroom. When you opened the bedroom door you stepped back in shock, stepping into Rafael who wrapped his arms around your middle.

There were candles and rose petals everywhere, all over the floor and bed. In the middle of the bed surrounded by more petals was a bottle of champagne, two glasses and a red leather covered book. Tears came to your eyes and you spun around and hugged Rafael.

"Liv was helping me plan all this"

"I'm sorry" you pulled back looking into his eyes, he lent in and kissed you lightly.

"Let's not worry about that now. Let's have a drink"

You both took your shoes off and sat on the bed. Once the glasses where full, Rafael handed you the red book.

"This is for you"

"Rafi, you done so much, I haven't gotten you anything, we agreed not too"

"I have all I need- you"

You sat your glass on the bed side table and opened the cover of the book, you gasped in surprise and put your hand over your mouth as tears filled your eyes again. It was a picture of you and Rafael on the front page with the words above it, in his hand writing;

"All the reasons I love you"

Every page in the book was filled, some pages had yellow legal pad paper stuck to it.

"I never want you to think I don't love you or that I want anyone else. You walked into my life when I needed you the most when I didn't know I needed you at all. I love you Hermosa, with all my heart. Happy Anniversary mi Amor"

"Happy Anniversary my Rafi"

[kezibun]

A storm of a hunt part 3

Part 1

Previous

Next

You hesitantly tell him your name, maybe he was actually just being nice?

"Huh… cool name..." He mumbles.

A waft of coldness crawls over your skin, making goose bumps rise. You can't stop the shiver that follows it.

 "Oh shoot." Papyrus sighs. "That damn heater." 

He stands up, then kicks the little heater a few times and presses the button, but nothing happens. He seems to give up on the heater and you watch him as he walks over to the box labelled torture. Your whole body is tense but you keep you're eye on him as he rummages through the box. He's looking for something that you can be sure of.

 After all this was he really going to hurt you? After what's been said? What will he find in there? What does he want? Maybe he's looking for something to tie you up with. 

 He's just playing some kind of sick game again, like everyone else in this hell hole. You shouldn't trust anyone, not even down here. You just can't especially since all you've been met with is manipulation, lies and treachery. 

Maybe now you could try to escape, slip away while his back is turned. But as you try and sit up, a sharp pain burns in your side, there is no way you're going anywhere while you're in this agony. You sit back down and instinctively hold your injuries, not that it helps. Why does everything hurt worse once you've had a minute to rest?

 Papyrus comes over with something. It looks like a big metal tin. How Is he going to hurt you with this?

He kneels on the floor, setting the tin down, he's filled it with wood and sticks. Then he snaps his fingers over it, an orange spark floats down settling on a twig, it fizzles briefly as it sets alight. The fire is slow to grow but it already feels warmer than the small space heater. The flames grow and dance as they cast an amber glow. You're mesmerised for a moment.

"Do your injuries still hurt?" His question snaps you out of it.

"Yeah, those traps did quite the number on me." You say with a nervous laugh. 

"Let me check your HP."

"Wa-"

In that second the world around goes dark, an encounter? You feel fear creep over you, this wasn't good. 

"-It…."

Damn is he going to fight you? Or just check you like he said? If this was going to be like any of the other monsters you'd encountered before? you're sure it won't be fun.

You look over to your HP. There's something weird about it, it doesn't seem right, and that makes your stomach churn with even more nerves. You don't know what's wrong but It can't be good.

 He stares at you intently for a second.

'Papyrus cheeked your stats he doesn't seem happy with what he sees.' 

It's your turn now. His name is yellow, you know what that means. You're tempted to take a peek at his stats but you really don't have the energy right now and you're pretty sure he won't appreciate it. You are definitely not up for a fight, so you choose mercy. Everything fades back to normal. That wasn't so bad.

He then just walks out, leaving you behind and alone. The only sounds that keep you company are the crackling fire in front of you and the howling wind outside. 

You sigh and huddle up by said fire, pulling the jacket around you again as you wonder what on earth he saw that he didn't like. You hope whatever it was won't get you hurt. How did you ever end up in this situation? If only you could remember.

 You feel the warmth of the fire almost wrap around you as it seeps in and you finally start to thaw. Your toes almost sting like pins and needles as the feeling starts coming back to them. 

It wasn't long though until Papyrus was back, he entered silently like he'd just appeared in the room.

He holds a brown paper bag out to you, "Eat this." 

You take the bag, inside is a donut with black icing and a purple cobweb design on top. You usually would have been suspicious of such a gift, just in case it was poisoned. But at this point you don't really care, you're just happy to get some food. All you can do now is sort of trust him right? as much as you might dislike it. What other choice do you have?

"Thanks." 

You take a bite of the donut, the first flavour you get is sugar, it's very sweet, there also seems to be a bit of a spiced flavour then you taste the weirdest thing, you're hit with a faintly meaty flavour like chicken, mixed with a slightly fishy taste? and there's a dubious crunch to it. Then following it is a sandy texture that tastes smokey, but it's all then taken over by the alcoholic aftertaste that hits next. Despite the weirdness it's actually pretty good, better than snail pie to say the least, possibly the second best thing you've eaten since falling down here, the first being that candy that kept you alive through the ruins. You finish off the whole donut.

Wait. A sudden strange feeling washes over you, you feel the urge to check your stats. Did you just level up? That's kinda mysterious but cool, why would that have happened?

He then sits in front of you.

"What are you doing?" You ask.

"Your wound…How's it?"

"It um... feels a little better."

"Let me check it?" He asks.

You pause and take a moment to think. "I… don't know…" Is the only reply you could conjure up.

"It's ok."

He pulls the jacket off your shoulder.

"Hey don't." You grab his wrist.

He takes your hand and moves it off his wrist with a scowl. Then he pushes your ripped top up enough to see your wound. 

You flinch as his cold phalanges brush against your skin. 

"Sorry." He mutters, but he doesn't stop what he's doing, he looks over your badly wrapped wounds.

Now that he's so close you notice how his cheekbones seem to have a faint rusty glow to them, and he's actually pretty cute. No you can't be thinking like that. He's a skeleton monster that just hunted you down in a snowstorm, and scared you half to death. Not to mention you're now in his torture shed.

"The trap had some magic that stops it healing. I'm gonna to treat it. Can I… um...?" He gestures to your injuries and you fill in the gap.

You think for a minute… Is it smart to let him treat you? Probably not. But it might be your only chance, if anything he's saying is true.

"I did a pretty shoddy job with wrapping it up didn't I? Just be careful... I'd rather not die today you know…" You mumbled. Maybe that hint was a little too obvious, you feel like you basically just yelled please don't kill me. Would it be better to just beg for your life? Would that get you anywhere? Could you let go of what little pride you have left?

"You're lucky. I... can't have you dying yet." He takes his phone out and gets a first aid kit from his inventory. "Could ya hold your shirt up?" 

You do as he asks and hold up your top, the cool air is sharp to your newly exposed skin, you can't help but shiver some more.

"You humans sure feel the cold don't ya?"

Is he trying to strike up a conversation? Or just making an oddball comment?

Either way you don't really answer him… 

And with that he quickly warms his hands over the fire before he ever so carefully unwraps your bloody makeshift bandage. You watch his every move carefully, making sure there's no foul play. He then gets out a small round pot from the first aid kit, it's white with a green symbol on the lid.

"This'll sting but it'll help."

He applies the light green cream, it has a peculiar scent that can only be described as warm and kind, but it feels like he's just rubbed nettles over your flesh, that means it's working right? For you're benefit you hope. He then wraps your wound up, it's not too tight but definitely tighter then whatever you'd managed before. He pulls his jacket back around you. 

"You should try and get some sleep." He pats your head before he sits down next to you. 

"Are you staying?" 

"Yeah. Rest. I'll stay guard."

"Why are you helping me?" You query.

"It's complicated." He huffs. "No more chit chat. Just sleep already." He pulls the hood over your face roughly.

"Ok." You yawn as you lean into the corner of the shed, the wooden wall is cold and hardly an ideal pillow but you are so tired it barely bothers you, you close your eyes and soon enough you're asleep. 

. . .

"MUTT! have you lost your mind?" 

"Hush M'lord, They're sleepin'."

"YES SLEEPING AND NOT DEAD." 

"I can't kill em." 

You open your eyes slightly, stirring awake from the commotion and loud voices. 

You see Papyrus and the other skeleton, his brother?

"Then let me at the darn human." He snaps.

"M'lord you can't." Papyrus stops his brother from getting closer.

"AND WHY NOT!?"

"I told you. I need to figure it out. Trust me."

"You're going soft, don't forget your duty Papyrus! You have a week! NO THREE DAYS! Figure out whatever the heck you need to then get rid of that pest, that rodent." He starts walking off. "If Alphys finds out, I'm dead, this will be the end of my malevolent career. The Queen will have our heads for this! YOU KNOW THAT RIGHT?" He huffs as he storms out. 

You're still so tired… your eyelids are too heavy to keep open… With this new silence you can't stay awake for even a second more.

[luv4fandoms]

Cookies with the king (spn Crowley x Reader)

Nonny requested

And I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to write some domestic Crowley, so I hope you enjoy it nonny!

If you have any ideas for some Castiel or Crowley one shots (Christmas-y themed if you'd like) feel free to request them, I'm still accepting a few 😊

Words: 2,494

Pairing: Crowely x Reader

Warning: Fluff, Crowley's charm

The faint tone of music was the first thing to hit Crowley when he appeared in the bunker, followed by the faint smell of sweets. He knew what time of the year it was, and how humans often celebrated it by cozying up to a warm fire, an all too predictable boy meets girl christmas love story playing on the tv, sweets, and ah yes, lots of drinking and family fun...lovely. Though this time of year was also good for business, lots of lonely and lost saps willing to strike up a deal for some holiday cheer. As he followed the scent and music though, he soon realized that the bunker was quite empty.

Making his way to the kitchen he gently opened the door, eyes landing on your form as you mixed together ingredients, singing softly to the music that played from your phone.

"Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore, faithful friends who are dear to us,  gather near to us once more" you sang along as you placed dollops of batter onto the cookie sheet.

"Faithful friends huh? Yet you're here all alone" A rough, accented voice spoke from behind you, causing you to jump and turn around. You hadn't been expected anyone, the bunker was protected, and besides, you were just a researcher not a full hunter like the boys. But as you eyes landed on none other than the king of hell himself, your body relaxed. The relationship you and Crowley had was far less tense than the one he had with the boys, maybe it was because you appreciated his wit, even when it was aimed against Sam and Dean. Or maybe it was his charm? His voice certainty added to the mix...no you wouldn't really consider Crowley a dear friend, but he had always intrigued you.

 

"They had a hunt" you shrugged, turning back and finishing up the first type of cookies before putting them in the oven. 

"So they left you on one of you humans most precious holidays?" He asked while making his way over to where you were setting up ingredients for a different kind of cookie. You simply shrugged.

"A hunt's a hunt...They said they would try to make it back tomorrow, after all, it's only Christmas Eve" You stated as you measured things and filled the mixing bowl. Crowley watched you in silence, truth be told he was fond of you. He wasn't sure why, maybe the way you held yourself, you weren't a hunter but you still stood your ground when you needed to. Then other times, like now, you were soft, a domestic soft that had him wanting this more often. That thought had him trying to clear his head, lest it go down the path of you living in hell with him, a loving wife and commanding queen...a thought he had been having far too often recently. His gaze moved back to you, finding you staring at him as of waiting...waiting for an answer to a question he didn't catch.

"What was that Darling?" He asked, giving you his attention. He watched your lips turn up into a soft smile before you went back to your baking.

"I had asked just what the king of hell was doing this Christmas eve? Surely you have better things than to sit around with little ole me" you stated with a light laugh, but there was a tone in your voice, so small but he caught it instantly...Loneliness.

"Perhaps I simply wanted to keep my favorite researcher company" He shrugged, truth was that he came here to find Moose and Squirrel for a business inquiry, but he wasn't about to leave you like those idiots had.

"Keep me company huh?" You raised an eyebrow, watching him from the corner of your eye. You ignored his words about you being his favorite. Ignored the warmth it spread from your stomach up at the possibility that this wasn't just a one-sided interest. It was true you weren't close friends, but that didn't stop you from daydreaming about the king himself, no matter how much you knew you shouldn't. Crowley's presence alone commanded attention and respect, he was powerful, but you always felt like there was something else there, just below the surface, something that he didn't want anyone else to see. You thought about that for a moment, before an idea crossed your mind.

"Well if you wanna keep me company, how about you help me?" You smiled, pulling the dough out of the bowl and flowering the counter before placing the dough down.

"I think I much prefer watching you" he smiled, leaning against the island behind you, shaking your head you made your way over to the spare aprons and grabbed one.

"No sir, you wanna keep me company, you can help" you smiled, holding the white apron out to him, he looked at it then at you, still not moving.

"Please?" You asked, you hoped you hadn't made him want to leave, you just wanted to uncover that more domestic side you knew that was buried deep deep down in him. With a sigh he unbuttoned his suit jacket and layed it across the back of one of the chairs, leaving him in only his black button down before he grabbed the apron and slipped it on. You watched as he began rolling up his sleeves, stopping at his elbows before his eyes darted to yours. You let out the shaky breath that you didn't even know you were holding, unsure why you found the simple act of him rolling up his sleeves so appealing, unless it was simply because it was the most skin you had ever seen Crowley show.

'Dear Chuck get ahold of yourself woman, this isn't medieval times, it's just his arms!' you smiled despite your thoughts and quickly made your way back to the dough, grabbing your rolling pin and flowering it. 

"So, what would you like me to do?" He asked, his voice lower and suddenly right beside your ear, hot breath fanning across your neck as you suppressed a shiver. 

"W-why don't you roll out the dough and I'll grab the cookie cutters" You stated, your voice wavering for a moment before he nodded and took the rolling pin. You went to go grab the cookie cutters, but couldn't help sparing a glance back, watching as he worked. It was odd to see the king of hell rolling out dough, but in a way it also seemed...normal 

"If I can't simply watch you work, the same rules apply to you darling" he said with a smirk, stopping for a moment to look back at you. You let out a chuckle to disguise the embarrassment of being caught as you grabbed the cookie cutters labeled "Christmas".

"Sorry, just not used to seeing the king of hell in the kitchen" you smiled as you returned to his side, the dough all rolled out.

"Yes well, don't expect it often" you smiled at his comment as you began cutting out the dough.

"So, where did we learn this recipe hm? Back of a cake mix box?" He asked, turning to lean his back against the counter while he watched you work.

"Actually, I learned it from my grandma, she and I used to bake every year while she told me stories of her childhood in Dingwall" you replied, catching his attention.

"Dingwall? Your grandmother was"

"Scottish? Aye" you smiled at him.

"Huh" he smiled back, going quiet as he settled on simply watching you work,this time, you let him as you placed the first pan of cookies onto the tray. Trees, snowmen, and snowflakes. Next up were the gingerbread men, and a few extra.

"You've got to be kidding me" Crowley stated with a roll of his eyes as you cut out and placed down the angel shaped cookie.

"What?" You giggled

"Really?" You could see the agitation on his face as you cut out another angel shape. 

"I promised I would make a few for Cas" you stated, before walking back over to the cookie cutters and looking through the Halloween cutters.

"But how about this?" You asked, walking back over with a devil shaped cutter, complete with horns, a tail and pitchfork.

"Not accurate" he started

"But better than the bloody angel" you couldn't help but giggle at his clear jealousy over a cookie shape.

"Here" you spoke, cutting out a small crown shape and placing it onto the devil's horns.

"More accurate?" You smiled.

"You're getting there kitten" he smirked, the nickname causing heat to raise to your cheeks and you quickly looked down, cutting a few more out before turning back to him. 

"Can you reroll this while I put these in the oven?" You asked, pointing to the dough.

"Magic word?" He asked with a smirk while pushing off of the counter.

"Please" you smiled, earning a nod before he began working the dough again. You took the two pans and made your way over to the oven just as the timer went off. Grabbing the other pan out you set it on the counter before putting the other two in. The both of you worked like that for what seemed like hours, you talked about random things, mostly him asking about your life, though you did get him to spill some stories about not only hell but his life before he became a demon.

He watched you as you placed the last batch of cookies in the oven, the others lovingly placed onto plates for when the boys returned, you always thought of them, even when they left you behind on your own. In his opinion, you were far too good for them, a light in the darkness of their lives...Much like you were to him. He knew he should turn around and leave, the life he lived was not the life you deserve, you were far too kind for hell, that he knew now...But still he couldn't move, couldn't push himself away from the counter and out of the bunker, away from you, you were a weakness to him, but damnit did he want it. Want you, want this, soft music playing, the both of you in a calm, almost serene kind of relaxed as you talked. He found information about his life spilling from his lips before he could even catch it, and yet, he didn't care, the way your eyes lit up with every little detail you learned made him think that maybe...This wasn't just one sided.

You placed the last cookie on the plate, your mind running over everything Crowley had told you about himself, you never thought you would learn so much about the king of hell, and yet, you wanted to know more. This whole night had been something out of one of your daydreams, it was calm, intimate, and well...domestic, almost as if you were just a normal husband and wife and not a researcher and the king of hell himself. You wonder if this is what he would be like, as a husband, sure you knew that he had to be tough to rule hell, but maybe...Around a wife. No, you can't let your mind wander too far, your lives were very different, and besides as much as you wished for this, this calm, serene sense of home with him...You knew this was more than likely only one-sided. 

"Snow falling gently to the ground

'Tis is the night before

And in my heart there is no doubt

That this is gonna be

The brightest holiday

'Cause here you are with me

Baby, baby, I can't wait"

You heard the snap before you even registered the fact that the dirty dishes were washed and placed neatly in the drying rack, turning you came face to face with Crowley, a playful smirk on his lips as he watched your shock slowly turn into playfulness as well.

"That's cheating" you laughed, he simply shrugged.

"I call it convenient" 

"That is true" you smiled before adding.

"I should have you around more often" and just like that, a switch had been flipped and his eyes met yours, still a bit playful, but you could see the seriousness in them as well.

"Would you want that? Being around me more often" he asked, his voice low as he watched you for any signs that would halt his next move.

"To spend this special time of year with someone who

Makes me feel the special way that you do"

Your heart felt like it was running a marathon as you looked into his eyes, how come you never realized just how pretty they were? Maybe you had just never been close enough to see the way the light caught them, either way you could feel yourself falling more and more even though you knew he wanted an answer. Did you want that? Being around him more? Crowley may have started this evening out as just someone you slightly knew, but he was far more than that now. 

"Darling?" He spoke, his accent thicker as he watched you just as intensely.

"Yes" you spoke, your words barely above a whisper.

"Yes?" He asked, wanting to make sure that this truly was what you wanted because he knew, knew that as soon as he had you, he wouldn't be able to let you go.

"Yes, I want you around more often, I want to spend more time with you...Like this" You told him, watching as the smile spread across his lips, not a smirk, but an actual smile, one that  reached his eyes.

"I'd like that too Darling" he spoke, and heaven help you but the only thing you could think was.

'If you don't kiss me I might just die'

And either he read your mind, or read your face, but that playful smirk rested on his lips once more as he pulled the hand from behind his back that you hadn't even noticed he had hidden. In it, was a sprig of mistletoe that he looked down at before meeting your gaze again.

"I figured you were more of the traditional type" he stated, raising his hand above you both so that the mistletoe dangled right above your heads, you could help the giggle that escaped you, or the smile when he used his free hand to grab your waist and pull you flush against him. Your hands coming up to cup his face as you both got lost in each other's eyes once more, before he slowly leaned in and gave you, what you hoped, was the first of many breathtaking kisses.

"Walkin' with you in a winter's snow

Kissin' underneath the mistletoe

People smiling everywhere we go

It's Christmas eve and they can see we're in love"

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it ^_^ let me know what you think.

[rixxy8173571m3w1p3]

September Song (2/3)

I’m sorry @kitten-wrath that this took so long, but I do hope you like it. @hoodoo12 @xerxezra thanks for brainstorming with me. Also, Ice Cream Rick belongs @porkchop-ao3. References to the flowers can be found here (The Language Of Flowers) and pizza rolls here (Sick Day)

Also, special thanks go to @her-victori for reading a majority of my fics in a short span of time. You Rock! As well to random anons who leave me sweet words in my ask box.

If you haven't read the first part of this fic then here's the link. (Read Part1 Here)

In this fic the reader tries to be more reserved and mature for Rick, but what will he think?

______

Chapter 2: These Precious Days

The mom and pop ice cream parlor which could be found at the edge of town offered over twenty flavors and twice as many topping options. Rick thought you'd prefer this quiet atmosphere over the crowd that would've surrounded Ice Cream Ricks truck in the Citadel; he was right. Though it really was a shame since Ice Cream Rick was actually pretty nice. After ordering, you two sat by the window with the best view of a lonely backroad and a white GMC truck.

“I-I-I like that you went for the rainbow jimmies.” Rick commented as he popped a mini gummy bear into his mouth.

“Hmm? Yeah, I like the texture.”

Which was true, but it wasn't the whole truth. You loved sprinkles on just about any dessert they could be placed on. They were fun, colorful, and your dad's favorite topping. They reminded you of good times. You continued. “And they're a classic. Wouldn't you agree?”

“I-I do. Would you say that y-your favorite flavor?”

Savoring the flavor of your chocolate ice cream, you nodded. “Yeah.”

Smiling softly, he seemed to be ruminating on this information, before storing it away and eating a spoonful of his pistachio ice cream. After a little while, he managed to get a bit of it on the side of his mouth, which made you giggle. And because old habits die hard, you picked up a napkin and wiped his face clean. Under your fingertips, his skin had that masculine roughness that came from constant shaving. Of course, you were familiar with it, but these slight reminders that came about by chance never failed to amaze you.

However, you were quick to pull your hand back because he wasn't a fan of public displays of affection, though it seemed to have the opposite effect, with him reaching out and placing your hand back on his cheek, and leaning into it. “I'm glad y-you were able to come with me today.”

Seeing as the shop owner was in the back room, you relaxed a little. “I am too.”

Rick was always a little funny when he got sentimental, which was why it didn't surprise you too much when his eyes bore through you as he said. “Me encanta estar c-contigo.”

“Rick,” you began, wanting to let this facade go and declare every single word of affection your heart felt inclined to say, but just as soon as you thought you were going to crack, you restrained yourself, and simply said. “your ice cream is going to melt.”

Several beats of silence passed, and he acknowledged what you had said, but he went on. “You - I-I sometimes wish I could carry you in my pocket, and have you look after me all the time, but th-that's silly isn't it? It's not realistic, and that w-would be selfish.”

“If it's you, then I don't think it is. While it wouldn't necessarily be practical to miniaturize me and carry me around, isn't the beauty of a relationship knowing that you're always on someone's mind and that they are out there somewhere caring and thinking about you?”

“Certainly, but what I-I meant to say is that it'd be nice if this was our life. If I could keep y-you and if you and me ugh - all th-the time…we - if we….” he faltered, fixing his eyes on something else in the room.

“You don't mean eating ice cream do you?”

With a sigh, he relinquished the hold he had on your hand, “N-no.” and continued to eat his ice cream; resigned, and slightly embarrassed. You couldn't help but feel a slight disappointment. It's not like he wanted to say the magic words. Right?

________

After ice cream, you two visited the bookstore on the corner of Kinder St and Lavue Ave; which had not only a coffee shop but a toy store connected to it. As soon as one entered into it, you were met with the latest best sellers, books on travel and wellness, as well as souvenirs; it was one of few places that didn't bother you if it was cramped. To your left next to the window were those mint boxes which said Adventure Awaits, and it filled you with gladness as picked one up; thinking of little things you'd put in it after all the mints were gone. For his part, Zeta-7 seemed to know exactly what he was going for, disappearing in the back where all the used books were. Not knowing whether to follow or look around, you just did as you pleased.

Past the Keychain holder, above the box of mini hands, you found a Mister Rogers mug. You loved that wholesome old man who used to teach lessons and play with puppets on PBS; Rick reminded you of him too. On the label, it said that when you added hot water to the mug, Mister Rogers would change from a suit jacket into his cardigan. Seeing as Zeta-7 hadn't returned yet, you decided to buy it and continued to look around until he soon returned with an older book in hand. “I-I-I hope I hadn't kept you waiting long.”

Facing the bookshelf, pulling out books that you were mildly interested in, you answered. “I knew you would show up eventually.”

Noticing the stack of books you had, he asked sweetly. “M-m-mi corazón, do you want me t-to hold those books for you? They look a-a little heavy.”

You weren't sure how long you could keep up this facade of being mature and not melting into a puddle everytime he said things like that, with him being as darling as he was. Nonetheless, you nodded and he lightened the burden on your arms.

“Wow,” he brightened. “I-I didn't know you liked Alexandre Dumas.” And picking out another book, he wondered. “Have y-you ever read this?”

“The Man In the Iron Mask? No,” you admitted sadly. “but when I was in high school I did read about a third of The Count of Monte Cristo. I even have a postcard that my old English teacher sent me from Europe that had a picture of one of the buildings that was used in the movie.”

“That's s-s-so cool. Do - do you enjoy classic literature?”

Wholeheartedly, you replied. “Isn't it the best kind?”

“I-I-I don't know,” he softened. “but I don't know what I'd do without them.”

You thought of his home library then, with its eclectic mixture of languages, colors, and topics, and it made you feel warm in your soul. “If your home library tells me anything, it's that you have a healthy appetite for books.”

He glanced at your lips after you said this, but made no attempt to follow whatever thought which might've come to mind. Instead, you two carried on a lengthy discussion on books, how many were a social commentary of the time period, and how they influenced the world you lived in. For once you didn't have to pretend you knew something you didn't, cause you did know. Quite intimately in fact. And within the small spaces between shelves and bodies, where you'd normally feel claustrophobic, you were safe amongst all the friends you had yet to meet amongst the pages, and with Zeta-7 whose warm words and tall body shielded you from the curious eyes of the cashier.

_______________

A stack of books sat quietly in the back seat of his car. Crickets chirped, and there were random feral cats here and there, but there was only you and him as far as you were concerned. September Song by Willie Nelson played on the car radio as he led you into a natural waltz next to the town lake, and moonlight reflected in his eyes. If you hadn't been so afraid of drowning, maybe you would've preferred to dance on the dock, but like this, it felt right.

Oh, it's a long long while

From May to December

But the days grow short

When you reach September

When the autumn weather

Turns leaves to flame

One hasn't got time

For the waiting game

With your head resting on his chest, he hummed along to the melody. More than once you heard a sniffle but assumed it was just Zeta-7 caught up in the moment again.

Oh the days dwindle down

To a precious few. ..

September, November. ..

And these few precious days

I'll spend with you.

These precious days

I'll spend with you.

You thought every day spent with him was precious, and you had to admit that you weren't sure at the beginning of your relationship if it would've worked out, but you were glad that the both of you took a chance, and had been pleasantly surprised ever since. And after all this time, now that it was the fall again, you wondered what the next year and the year after that would be like; the possibilities are endless. However, your train of thought was broken when Zeta-7 stopped dancing and stood there; covering his face, wanting to disappear.

“Rick?”

“I'm - I'm sorry, but I-I-I-I can't do this.”

“Can't do what?”

“I-I-I can't pretend that everything's o-okay. Something's th-the matter isn't it?”

“No there isn't.” you denied.

“Then why are y-y-you so quiet? Are w-we breaking up? Are you - are you leaving me?”

You literally wanted to smack yourself for being such an idiot. “No! Why would you think that?”

Using his phone, he paused the music and passed a hand through his hair in an attempt to calm himself. “Y-y-you haven't been yourself all evening. I thought for a moment that maybe th-things were alright back in the bookstore, but you - I know y-you were holding back. I know how much you love books, and writing is y-y-y-your passion, but you were hesitant in sharing your opinions on either subject. M-mi corazón,” he pleaded, the lines about his forehead and mouth deepening. “please b-be honest with me. Is this it?”

“No, it's not.”

Your plan, which you thought has been working went horribly wrong. So much for trying to act like an adult for once. Man, you only wanted to entice him, which you somewhat succeeded, but because of your stupid games, you'd led him to believe that you were unsatisfied with your relationship. If anything, you were unsatisfied with how you handled this. “Believe me Ricky, you haven't done anything wrong. In fact,” you sighed, your chest aching from the bloom of anxiety. “you've only been sweet and charming. But I….oh, I was only trying to impress you.”

“Huh? Wh-what?”

“Exactly. Whatever I thought I'd accomplish, it…..I only managed to mess it up. Again. You probably wouldn't get it,” Or maybe he would, but you weren't feeling like yourself. “but sometimes I feel like all you did was pull me out of my little bubble so I could wreak havoc. I'm not any different from hundreds of other versions of me, am I? Cause, if I'm like them, then how did I end up with you? How did I get so lucky to be with someone so wonderful? I hope they are happy because I am with you.”

With a hand pressed over his heart, a single tear made its way down his cheek. “M-me too. I'm so happy with you.”

“Somehow, despite all my inadequacies, you want me. I mean, is it stupid to believe that I just wanted to be different from all those other copies? That I just wanted you to think I was mature?”

Zeta-7 looked at you with a wistful hope in his eyes.“No, it's - it's not stupid. You - you did that f-for me?”

“Who else dear honey man of mine? Maybe it can't be helped and I'll just be what I am,” you confessed. “but for a moment I wanted to be different. So I gave myself the look and didn't overreact. And most of all, kept my mouth shut so you wouldn't get bored of my rambling. I know I talk too much.”

“N-no, that's not - have I led you t-to believe you weren't good enough?”

“Not on purpose, but I can't help but feel that way sometimes. We both know I'm not that special. I mean, the only impressive thing I've ever done is eat 37 pizza rolls, and not kill the flowers you gave me. I'm so sorry,” you cried, “I'm sorry you got stuck with an idiot.”

He pulled you in for a tight embrace, smoothing out your hair. “D-don't ever say that.” he cooed. “You're - you're clever, lovely, and always give me something t-t-to smile about.”

“Anyone can do that.”

Pulling back a little, he gave your shoulder a squeeze and softened. “N-no, not at all. Y-you give away dreams, smiles, and kindness. You're reliable, and I-I can trust you. And there is no one in the universe th-that could compare t-to you when it comes to being the perfect woman. If anything, I'm th-the defect here.”

“No, you're perfect Ricky.”

Placing a lock of hair behind your ear, he continued. “I'm glad y-you think so, but this isn't a-about me. You - you dressed up today, in a-a elegant dress that I'd n-never seen before,” and pressing a kiss behind your ear, he whispered with a little gleam of pride in his eyes.. “wearing the perfume I-I-I made you. Smelling like a-a dream.”

Again, how anyone considered this charmer a doofus you'd never know. “I had been saving it for a special occasion.”

“Everyday with you is - is special.”

“Oh Rick. That's…thank you.”

Pointing at your feet, “And I noticed that you're closer t-t-to my height today, but your feet must be hurting by now. Would y-you like to take them off?”

Oh, your feet were screaming. And now that you weren't pretending, you slipped out of your shoes which made you lose about four inches. Picking up your shoes and shoes and dusting them off, he continued. “That must feel better. I-I-I had to wear heels for a case once. It ugh - it's not practical when y-y-you have to run.”

“Right? I don't see how other women do it, cause I can't. I'm not even sure why I own them. I should just burn those things.”

You'd say it was half relief, half joy that made him laugh wholeheartedly at this, and you didn't see how it could be so funny. You poked him and pouted, and he delighted in this. “See?” he chuckled, looking at you in that funny way he did from time to time.

“See what?”

“This. This is th-the girl I fell in love with,” he stated matter of factly. “the one who likes t-to be comfortable, speaks her mind and prefers those jeans with th-the rip on the side. Not to mention those graphic t-shirts. Or cute pj's.”

Your breath caught a little at this confession. How could the smartest man in the universe adore an impertinent person like you? Maybe the same way you could love the smartest man; you just do. In your girlish voice, you said. “I only wanted you to be proud of me.”

Holding you a fraction tighter, he pressed a light kiss to your temple and chuckled sweetly. “Y-you already do princess. Today y-you made an effort for me, and that's impressive, but honestly, I want you t-t-to be comfortable and dress up how y-you like. You as yourself is what impresses me, because you have s-s-so much spirit, and I - that's what makes y-you gorgeous.”

This time you didn't even try to hide your blush.

“Oh Rick, hearing you say that really does make me feel silly. Why did I do this to myself? What was I thinking?”

“I believe y-you're still trying to figure it all out like the rest of us, and I can't get mad at you for th-that because you're wonderfully human. You had good intentions, and th-that's what counts.”

“Can you forgive me?”

“I al-already have.”

TBC

[killerqueen-18]

Chapter One| Bullshit

2009

“ATHENA GILBERT! You better be up when I get up there! Don’t make me get the water bucket!”

The teenage girl shoots up in her bed. Her hair is sticking every which way. The shaggy black dog jumps off the bed alamed by the yelling in the usually quiet home. “You wouldn’t!” Athena yells back to the woman.

“Watch me!”

The girl pauses as if testing the woman, then she hears her Aunt Jenna in the hallway bathroom filling up a bucket. Athena jumps out of bed and runs to her own bathroom. “I’m up!”

Athena washed up, and put on some mascara and chapstick. She looks at herself in the mirror and sighs at her tired reflection. “You got this, ‘Thea. It wouldn't be the first time people ask 'Are you okay?', 'How's your family?'. All the stupid questions, and you will not snap." Athena says, to herself.

"And now I'm talking to myself... Great, I'm turning into Elena." The girl says groaning, walking back to her room. Athena looks at her dog who was laying on the bed. “Lucky asshole. I want to sleep.”

The girl grumbles to her dog about being lazy, but she goes ignored as the dog huffs at her. Athena looked through her closet and found what she wanted to wear for the day. She puts on a yellow top, black and yellow plaid pants, black heeled boots, and she tossed her black jean jacket over the top. Athena left her hair in his natural waves then moved onto jewelry. She placed it on a watch and silver rings and necklaces, then grabbed her black bag on her way out her room.

"Your first day of school, and I'm totally unprepared... Lunch money?"

Athena hears Jenna say as she makes her way down the stairs to the kitchen. "Thank you." Athena says, grabbing the money in which the woman held up -  giving one of the two twenties with her brother.

"Thank you." Jeremy says, smirking at Athena. She knows he'll either buy drugs or food, most likely the first one. But she let him grieve his own way just as she did. "Shut up." She says, pushing the boy away when he kissed her cheek. The girl then then walked to the back door to let the dog out.

"Anything else? A number two pencil? What am I missing?" Jenna says, mostly to herself. Athena and Jeremy down there coffee they’ve stolen from their sister. "Don't you have a big presentation today?" Elena says, attempting to pour her third cup of coffee.

"I'm meeting with my thesis advisor at.... Now. Crap." Jenna says, looking down at her watch. "Then go. We'll be fine." Elena says, letting Jenna run out the door. It was silent in the home for a moment and they all enjoyed the calm before the storm, until the eldest sister spoke up while Athena filled her dog’s water and food bowl.

"You okay?" Elena asks, looking at the youngest Gilbert. "Don't start." Jeremy says in annoyance, walking out the house with a slam of the door.

Athena sighs, and goes to the door and yells to the black dog. “Sirius! Breakfast!”

The dog runs into the home happily and runs to his food bowl. Elena watches her sister wash her hands, and speak up as the girl grabs a hand towel. "’Thea?"

The green eyed girl grabs her house keys from the counter, patting Sirius’ head on her way past. "Nope, sorry not sorry, but you're my sister not my councillor."

"Bonnie-" Elena starts.

"Care’s picking me up!" Athena yells, walking out the door to her best friend who was waiting. “See you at school!”

"How-" Caroline starts, as her best friend gets in the car. "Finish that sentence and i'll rip your tongue out." Athena says pointing, and glaring at the blonde girl.

"Alright." Caroline says, throwing her arms up starts then backs out of the driveway. "Just... Crying and talking about it isn't going to bring them back, Care." Athena says, after a few minutes in silence.

"Okay, I'll stop but it might make you feel better?" Caroline says, as she pulls into the parking lot. "Wanna make me feel better?. . . Help me feel alive." Athena says, with a double meaning. They climb out of the car and meet behind the car.

"Come on, Care. You can go ask how Elena is doing." Athena says, as they walk towards the school. "Yeah and maybe she won't bite my head off." Caroline says, playfully glaring at her best friend.

"Sorry, not sorry." Athena says shrugging, making them both laugh. "Hey, I have to go talk to Katy. She wanted to talk about the bonfire." Caroline says, looking around for said girl.

"I don't like Katy." Athena says, disgusted. "I know."

"Fine. Go away. Cheat on me with... Katy. Just know I gave you the best sixteen years of my life!" Athena yells dramatically after Caroline, as the blonde walks away. "I don't know her!"

"First day of school and already embarrassed Caroline in the first hour... Check." The girl says, walking through the doors happily. "God, can't people mind their own goddamn business." She says, seeing the looks she was getting. She then runs into someone much to her dismay.

"Seriously? Can't even walk the goddamn halls without someone irritating me." Athena says, to herself. "Sorry.” The stranger mumbles, as he steadies himself and the girl.

“It’s whatever.” Athena says, adjusting her bag on her shoulder, then looks up at the boy. The girl looks at the boy who had sunglasses on his face. She tilted her head at the boy curiously having never seen the boy before. “Who are you?”

“Uh, I'm Stefan Salvatore." The boy says, putting his hand out.

"New?" Athena says, raising an eyebrow. Only to get a nod from the boy making her sigh knowing she should act nice, so she puts on a  bright smile. "I'm Athena Gilbert."

"Like the-" Stefan starts. "Yup. Goddess of war, half-sister of Apollo and Artemis, and the daughter of Zeus and Metis." Athena says, almost annoyed.

"Right." Stefan says, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. "You know it's pretty stupid to wear sunglasses indoors. Has anyone ever told you that? It's like you're trying to draw attention to yourself with the whole dramatic 'I'm too cool for school' bullshit." She says seriously, stunning the boy. The girl seemed to be proud of herself and nods at the boy.

"I'm walking away now… Bye." Athena says, walking away spotting her sister with Bonnie at her locker. The green eyed girl sighs, and walks up to the two. "Hey Bon-Bon."

The two girl’s stop talking and watch as the green eyed girl goes through her locker. Elena was hoping one of their shared friends would get the girl to talk about her feelings, but she failed to get Caroline to talk to the girl about the crash. It wasn’t that Caroline didn’t care about Athena, the blonde just knew how the girl’s brain worked.

Bonnie kept shaking her head and Elena - who was motioning for Bennett to speak to Athena for her - but she sighed, giving into the eldest Gilbert’s request. "Hey, ‘Thena. How-"

"Are you really going to waste your breath? My answer is always the same." Athena says, rolling her eyes. She shuts her locker and smiles at the Bennett girl. “I’ll talk when I’m ready. Just… let me be for now.”

"Right." Bonnie says smiling, she’s missed the blunt comments from the Gilbert girl. The three walk side by side towards the direction of their first class. "Hold up. Who's this?" The Bennett girl stops in front of the office.

"All I see is back." Elena says, with a tilt of her head. Both Gilbert’s hum looking at the boy in the office. "It's a hot back." Bonnie excuses.

"New kid. I just talked to him and I already forgot his name." Athena says, with a hum. It was only eight in the morning - ten minutes before class started - and the girl was already bored out of her mind. "I'm sensing Seattle, and he plays the guitar." Bonnie trails off, ignoring the girl’s comment.

"You're gonna run this psychic thing into the ground, huh?" Elena says, smiling. "Psychic?" Athena says laughing, looking at the girl.

"Pretty much." Bonnie says, shrugging her shoulders jokingly.

"Jeremy, good batch, man."

Athena hears a boy say from down the hall, then she sees Jeremy walk to the bathroom. She doesn’t think too much about it and ignores it but her older sister - by a few months - can’t seem to let the boy slide away.

"I'll be right back." Elena says, then storms off into the boy's bathroom. "Elena! Seriously!" Athena says with a groan, as she follows after her sister.

The girl bumps into a boy as he storms out of the bathroom, she sidesteps the boy and continues her way into the boys bathroom after Elena. Athena walks past the wall and sees Elena standing behind Jeremy who was at the sink.

"Great. It's the first day of school, and you're stoned." Elena says, grabbing the boy's shoulder and turns him to her as she checks his eyes. "Elena, chill out." Athena tries.

"No, I'm not." Jeremy says, scoffing as his eldest sister. "Where is it? Is it on you?" Elena starts to check the boy, and patting down his sweater.

"Stop. Chill yourself, all right?" Jeremy says, pushing his sisters hands away from him. "Chill myself? What is that, stoner talk? Dude, you are so cool." Elena snaps.

"Elena stop!" Athena says, stepping in between them. She hated when her sister became hypocritical. Athena and Jeremy knew the girl continued to sit in the cemetery alone, while they stayed in the rooms. "I don't have anything. Are you crazy?" Jeremy says, looking down at the middle sibling. Sadly, she was the shortest of the three, but she held her own.

"You haven't seen crazy, Jeremy. I gave you a summer pass. But I am done watching you destroy yourself. No, you know what? Go ahead, keep it up." Elena shouts looking past her sister. "Elena enough! You're our sister not our mother... She died in that goddamn car crash!" Athena snaps, pushing her sister away from them.

It becomes tense between the three as they look at a temperamental Athena. The girl always had anger issues, but she had her father that helped her get that side of her under control. Whether it was boxing classes, art, meditation, and everything under the sun, all of it went out the window when her father died. He was the main reason way the girl didn’t lash out, and now that he was gone… the girl became unpredictable.

"Athena-" Elena says, trying to put her hand on the girl’s shoulder but Athena flinches away. "Walk away, Elena, before you make me angry." Athena snaps, glaring at the girl.

Elena looks between Jeremy and Athena, and sees the glares directed towards her making her sigh. She nods, and walks out the bathroom without another word. Athena lets out a breath she didn’t know what was holding and leans against the sink as if to bring herself back down to earth.

"I'm sorry." Jeremy says, softly. He watches as the girl’s shoulder raises and falls as she breathes but he gets a weak shrug in response. "We've all got our own coping mechanisms. No one can tell you when to get over something."

The five minute bell rings making the girl stand up straight, and turn to her brother. "Look I got to get to Tanner's but uh… Please just get to class… For me?"

"Sure." Jeremy says, kissing his sister's head.