#Gator Tillman x original character

[sadhours]

scumbag blues: 1) first it giveth

gator tillman x f!original character

contents: 18+ minors dni, sex work, mean!gator, slow burn, enemies to lovers, smut, oral (m receiving), p in v, rough, anal play, choking, lots of dirty talk, unprotected sex, lots of spitting

The sheets are fresh, it’s the first thing Gator smells as he and Daisy walk through the doorway. She leans against the closed door, locking it and batting her lashes up at him. Big blue eyes behind false lashes and a scattering of sun sprouted freckles dusting the apples of her cheeks and bridge of her nose. Gator feels a little dizzy at the sight but his dad doesn’t approve of her, tells Gator he better stop paying for her services but he can’t help himself. Winds up at the Inn at least twice a week. Bills fresh from the ATM tucked neatly in his wallet, burning a hole in his pocket. Gator’s hands find her hips, holding her in place while his body crowds her tiny one. He’s a good seven inches taller than her. He gets off on the size difference, likes knowing he can easily throw her around.

Daisy’s fingers find the zipper of his utility vest, her pink stained lips parting as she tugs it down and smoothes her hands under it, pushing it off his shoulders. Gator lets it fall to the floor, cringing at the thud it makes as it hits the hardwood. Daisy then moves her hands to make purchase over his chest, making his skin chill with goosebumps. She gently squeezes his hips, blinking up at him with those coquettish eyes. Turns Gator to putty in her hands like that. Wills himself to stop thinking about how much dick she’s ran through today. Tells himself she don’t look at those men the way she’s looking at him. Daisy promises so, has Gator believing it like it changes anything.

Roy wouldn’t let him and even if he did, Daisy ain’t gonna stop turning tricks. Her dad thinks this is an Inn, but they make money ‘cause his little girls turned it into a brothel. Her mothers scarce, like his own. Gator doesn’t ask her personal questions like that. They keep it professional. Though he knows it ain’t, knows Daisy brings him to her personal bedroom and not one of the rooms for rent. Lets her rest her head on his chest after and tell him about her dreams. Kisses her stupid before he inevitably leaves.

“S’nice dress you got on,” he mumbles, “Put it on just for me?” It’s a white one, short with big flowy sleeves and her cleavage just about pours from it.

“Bought it just for you,” Daisy replies, fishing her manicured fingers in his pocket and retrieving his lime green vape. She holds it up, “You know the rule.”

“Dumb fuckin’ rule,” he grumbles but takes it from her, taking a deep pull from the little box and tilts his head back to exhale the smoke out towards the ceiling. He passes it back to her and Daisy side steps him to put it in her desk. Gator’s got a not so good habit about reaching for it while they’re in the throws of passion, Daisy ain’t a fan of the acidic fruity vapor in her face during sex. So she made a rule, it stays in her desk drawer until after he’s paid her.

“Gator,” she scolds, furrowing her brows as she looks at him.

“I’m just saying,” he raises his hands in defense before trailing to the bed. He sits on the foot of it, clicking his tongue and nodding to the ground before him. Daisy complies, getting on her knees and starts unlacing his boots with her French tip nails and looks up at him with those big eyes again. “Good girl,” he praises, placing his palms on the comforter.

Sometimes he makes her lick ‘em but he’s feeling sweet tonight. She looks a little too innocent for that right now. So he just watches carefully, humming in approval when she gets one boot off and massages his sweaty, socked foot. Daisy smiles, flush rising up her neck which has Gator thinking this part gets her real excited. Has half a mind to reach between her legs and find out. Daisy rubs her face against his knee, bouncing a bit where she sits before she moves onto the other boot. She doesn’t spend as much time in massaging that one before she’s reaching for the button of his cargos, Gator moves to unclip the strap on his thigh but Daisy stops him.

“Keep it on for now,” she pleads, pulling his cargos down as far as they’ll go with the strap on.

“Yeah? Got yourself a cop kink?” Gator teases.

“More like a Gator kink,” she mumbles and immediately looks like she regrets it, eyes wide and cheeks ruddy. She bites her lip and moves her hand to palm him through his underwear. He can’t dwell on what she said for long after that, hot pleasure rising up his legs as his cock twitches from the attention. A long, low groan pushes from his throat and she shushes him. Her daddy’s bedroom is next to hers.

“C’mon, stop teasing,” he hisses.

Daisy raises a brow, lips quirking into a smirk before she’s nudging her nose against his clothed cock. Gator gasps and his hips lift off the mattress for just a second. And then Daisy sniffs and Gator’s a little self conscious, knows he’s been sweating in these cargos all day. But Daisy groans softly and takes another whiff, squeezing the bottom of his thighs and lets out a moan.

“You’re nasty, ya know that?” Gator exhales shakily and Daisy rubs her face against his boner and tells him he smells so good. Pheromones or someshit, he doesn’t know but he knows it turns him on that she likes his scent. His cock fills out even more and he grabs a hold of her head, pressing her face flush against his briefs. Daisy mouths at his length through the fabric, digging her fingers into his thighs. “You fucking love that cock, don’tcha, darling? C’mon, show daddy how much you love it,” Gator groans out, loosening his grip on her head.

Daisy takes a breath as she pulls away, immediately hooking her fingers into the waistband of his briefs and pulls ‘em down to get his erection out. Gator has to bite his lip to stifle the moan rising up his throat as she grips the base of him in her hand and licks a broad stroke up the underside of his cock. Daisy’s a real pro when it comes to head. Experience, Gator knows but she acts like she needs to suck it. Like she’s hungry for his cock. Daisy delivers kitten licks to his slit, moving her head with the motion before she wraps her lips around the head, giving a hard suck before taking him as far as he’ll go, hot and wet enveloping his cock. It twitches in her mouth and Gator pathetically moans out a “Oh, dear lord.”

He can feel her smile around the mouthful of him, has his hips rolling up on their own volition. For fucks sake, it feels so good. All the stress from work and his dad just dissipates like a switch. Gator’s sure that Daisy was put here on earth to service his cock, that’s what God made her for. And fuck, if he could marry her he’d do it in a heartbeat. Daisy pulls his cock out of her mouth with a pop before slapping it against her tongue and swallows before she asks him, “S’that feel good, daddy?”

“Yeah it does, sweetheart,” Gator bumbles out, “Get your mouth back to work.”

Daisy obliges with a giggle, running her pouty lips against the tip before slipping it between them. She sucks on his head, stroking him with her hand. Keeps her eyes locked on his face, like she’s eager to watch him fall apart. Like her whole self worth depends on whether or not she can make Gator cum. And he’s a fucking asshole.

“Aw, darlin,” he laughs softly, “You can do better than that, can’tcha?”

Daisy huffs through her nose, eyes squinting at him as she squeezes his cock in her hand but she clearly can’t help herself, as stubborn as she may pretend to be, she really just wants to please him. So Daisy sinks her mouth down on his cock, takes him until the head pushes against the back of her throat. She blinks quickly and Gator can see the tears prickling the corners of her eyes, slipping out and down her cheeks. Watches with his breath held as she exhales through her nose. He scoops her blonde hair up in his hands and holds it like a pony tail at the crown of her head, using the leverage to move her mouth as he pleases. Fucks her pretty little mouth until his balls are covered in her drool. Bucks his hips with it, reveling in the gagging sounds she makes around his length.

Gator’s real close to pulling her off, feels his orgasm is inching in quicker but it’s just too good to make her stop. He ain’t leaving here without filling her pussy though, it is what he pays for anyhow.

“Slower,” he whimpers out, hating the way it sounds on his ears but Daisy complies, pulls off of him and strokes him languidly in her hand. She blinks up at him, those eyes wide like she’s never done this before. The mortgage being paid for this place says something else though.

“Such a sweet girl,” Gator coos, “Do whatever you’re told.” He pats her bicep, “Up. Show me how wet y’are.”

Daisy flushes, standing up on shaky legs and lifts her dress above her waist. Her thong is white, slick soaked through and glistening on her thighs. Gator reaches forward and presses his fingers against the damp material. He moves them firmly up and down, Daisy rolls her hips into it and Gator lets out a low chuckle.

“Reckon you’re a good whore or… it’s only my cock that gets you soaked like this,” Gator muses, tilting his head as he pushes her panties to the side and gets his fingers against her folds. “Huh? You get this wet for those other fuckers?”

Daisy gasps, fingers grasping at the bunched material of her dress as she gazes down at his face.

“Answer me,” Gator demands when Daisy’s eyes glaze over from pleasure, his fingertips moving against her aching clit.

“No,” she whines, because it’s the truth. There’s bottles of lube hidden away in every single room. It’s nothing but men her fathers age and then there’s Gator. Handsome and around her age. Fucks her like he owns her. She won’t tell him he does. That she’s looking forward to their scheduled appointments. Cleans her room for him, wears clothes bought just for him and is soaking wet in anticipation. Hell, he’s the only client who gets to fuck her raw.

“That’s right,” he purrs, pulling his hand back and leans back against the bed, “Touch yourself for me.”

Daisy puts on a show, pushes her panties down mid thigh and spreads her lips with her fingers, giving him an eyeful of glistening folds. Rubs her pretty little clit in slow circles for him. Makes these breathy, quiet moans as she does it. Gator watches with an unimpressed expression that has Daisy insecure and eager to please. She slaps her pussy and inhales sharply at the way his eyebrows raise, moving to sink her fingers into her warm core. Fucking herself all slow and exaggerated, walls clenching around the digits and the desire to have his cock stretching them starts to get unbearable.

“Taste yourself,” Gator instructs.

She obliges instantly, shoving her fingers in her mouth and humming around them. Gator grins, eyes crinkling and Daisy clambers on top of him. Smashing their lips together desperately, grabbing his face and rocking her hips against him. Gator grabs her ass, squeezes it before delivering a harsh smack to the right cheek as he licks into her mouth. Daisy has a strict no kissing rule, but most of her rules go out the window when it comes to Gator. As much as she despises who he is, she’s overwhelmingly attracted to him. It’s carnal, animalistic the way they make out and rut against each other. Gator gropes her wherever he can, pressing his cock against her dripping cunt and rolling his hips. The most delicious slide, slick coating his shaft as he drags it through her folds. Their muffled moans fill the room as they writhe against each other. Daisy’s so goddamn wet Gator can feel it dripping down to his balls. He grabs her hair and tugs her back, breaking the kiss with strings of salvia still connecting their lips.

“Take that fucking dress off,” Gator demands, “Now.”

Daisy fumbles to pull the hem up and over her head, body exposed to him and his hands take advantage, smoothing down her sides and then back up to unclasp her lacy white bra. She tosses it aside and rolls her hips into him as his hands cup her breasts, thumbs grazing against her pert nipples. Daisy elicits a loud moan and Gator’s pinches her nipple and tugs it.

“Shh,” he scolds, “Don’t want your daddy knowing what an easy slut his little girl is.”

“Fuck,” Daisy gasps, hands moving to grab Gator’s wrist and forearm. His words produce a wave of euphoria laced shame, coating the length of his cock in even more slick. He uses her secret to blackmail her all the time, get dirt on her clients and get free services from her when he gets power hungry.

Gator hums, smirking up at her and says, “Does that make you wet? Screwing for money when daddy’s in the next room? Fuck, you’re such a whore. Picked the perfect profession.”

“Shut up,” she pleads in a moan.

“Ah ah,” Gator purses his lips as he smooths his hand up to wrap around Daisy’s neck, “I know you don’t wanna spend the night behind bars again. Soliciting a deputy and all.” Gator tsks, “Better behave.”

“Yes, sir,” Daisy gasps, feeling light headed with the pressure Gator’s got on her windpipe. Tells herself it’s part of the service, that she isn’t massively turned on by the power Gator truly holds. “I’m sorry, Deputy Tillman… I’ll be a good girl.”

“Music to my ears, darlin,” Gator drawls before giving a squeeze to her throat and letting go.

“How do you want me?” Daisy asks, breathlessly as her fingertips ghost down the swell of his biceps. She ignores the dumb tattoo peeking out of his sleeve.

“Ass up, face in the pillows,” Gator instructs and Daisy moves quick to get into position, thong still draped at her knees. Gator gets up, she can hear him undo his thigh strap and carefully placing it on the dresser before she feels him peel her underwear the rest of the way down. When she feels Gator’s hips pressing the globes of her ass, she knows he’s undressed. The tip of his cock grazes her fluttering hole, causing a whine to raise out of her throat and she pushes her ass back at him, desperate to catch the head of his cock in her hole and sink down on it. But Gator has other plans, grabs handfuls of her ass and spreads her cheeks before jiggling them in his hands. Watches her asshole flex from the motion and he spits on it, moving his thumb to spread his saliva against the hole she doesn’t let any other man touch. Hasn’t told Gator he’s the only man whose fucked her ass.

Gator spits again, uses it as lube to slip his thumb inside her asshole and groans lowly as Daisy’s toes curl.

“That’s it,” he coos, “Such a good little whore for me.”

Daisy keens, grabbing onto the pillows as she pushes her ass back at him. He spanks her with his right hand, so hard she’s sure she’s got an angry, red print of Gator’s large hand on it. Then he’s grabbing the base of his cock, swirling the head of it around Daisy’s clenching, dripping hole. He slips it in, but keeps it shallow. Just the tip.

“C’mon, Daisy,” he says condescendingly, “Fuck that dirty hole on my cock.”

Daisy’s head is swimming with just the tip, the notion that this is work completely vacated her thoughts. This is pure pleasure, all play and no work. Daisy fully believes in this moment that she exists to be used by Gator and God’s a real kind son of a bitch for giving her that purpose. She rolls her hips back, sinking down on Gator’s cock and he gasps. Her eyes are rolling back as he fills her up, all the way down to his tight balls. His cockhead presses into her g-spot so deliciously Daisy cannot hold back the guttural moan punching through her lips. He’s the only client to make her cum, to make sex enjoyable.

“Fuckin’ hell,” he exhales, “Tight little cunt, no matter how many dicks you take.”

His filthy words make both her holes clench around him. Gator wiggles his thumb and then uses the grip he’s got on her to drag her up and down his cock. He’s so thick and she’s squeezing him so tight. Can’t imagine not taking Gator raw. Needs to feel him without the stinky, thin layer of latex.

“Christ,” he moans softly, “Just keep squeezing that dick. You love it so much.”

Daisy fucks back against him, her nipples brushing against the bedspread as her tits sway with the motions. The sensation spreads hotly down her spine. The wet sounds of Gator’s cock sliding in and out of her cunt fill her ears, sprouting goosebumps over her skin as desperation starts to take over her. With each thrust of their hips, their skin meets with a sweaty slap and the tip of his cock brushes against her g-spot. Gator keeps letting out these low grunts, right hand gripping her hip tight enough to leave bruises. All the marks on her skin are left from him.

“So wet,” he chokes behind clenched teeth, “My little whore, all fucking mine.” He slaps her ass, “Yeah? I own this tight fuck hole, don’t I?”

“Yes,” she cries out, the slapping sounds of their skin gaining in tempo as Gator pounds into her relentlessly.

“Say it, bitch,” Gator seethes, moving her hand between her shoulder blades and pushing her harder against the mattress, “Tell me who owns this fucking pussy.”

Daisy turns her head, though her voice is still slightly muffled as she whimpers out, “You own this pussy, Gator owns me…”

“Damn fucking right,” he grunts. And just as he slips his thumb out of her ass to grip her hips, his radio goes off.

“Gator, do you copy?” that static laced voice rings throughout the room but the deputy ignores it, drilling into Daisy at breakneck speed, pushing involuntarily little yelps from her.

“Gator, you there?” Again, the voice comes through. “Gator,” in a singing tune.

“Fucking useless pricks,” he pulls out from Daisy and climbs off the bed. She sighs as she flips onto her back, rubbing her pussy as she watches his plump ass while he walks over to his vest.

“I’m fuckin’ busy,” he says into the radio and drops the vest, turning and grinning from ear to ear as he sees Daisy laid back, running her fingers through her folds as she eyes his hard cock.

“Fuckin’ busy or busy fuckin’?” The voice replies as Gator makes it to the edge of the mattress, stroking his cock while his eyes rake over Daisy’s body. “You with that whore again, ain’t ya, Gator?”

He rolls his eyes and climbs back on the mattress, gets between Daisy’s legs and slaps the head of his cock against her pussy, “Ignore ‘em, they’ll leave us alone.”

Daisy is used to what everyone says about her. Hell, the majority of Stark County Sheriff’s Department has paid for her services. She’d be amiss to ignore the realization that Gator talks about her to them, though.

“You tell ‘em about me?” she giggles, moving her hands up to play with her nipples while Gator drags the tip of his cock through her folds.

“Sure do,” he mumbles, “Tell ‘em you let me fuck your ass for no extra charge.”

“You get a flat fee,” Daisy admits, looking up to see his gelled back hair coming undone, the longer strands flopping out. He’s so frustratingly good looking, can’t help herself to grab his arms and pull his lips to hers. As Gator kisses back, he slips his cock into her hole which makes Daisy moan against his lips. Her legs come up to wrap around his waist and her arms drape around his shoulders.

He grinds into her cunt nice and deep before snapping his hips, head of his cock hitting her cervix in a way that has her body jolting and nails dragging down his back. Tears fill her eyes at the sharp sensation but Gator doesn’t relent, pounding into her pussy with abandon. Daisy has to bite his lip to stifle her cries but the assault makes Gator growl and break the kiss, pulling back and wrapping his fingers around her neck. Not applying too much pressure, but pressing her into the bed while he hammers his hips impossibly faster and harder, face all contorted in frustration and pleasure.

“Ya wanna bite me, bitch?” he grunts out.

Daisy whimpers, eyes rolling back in her head as Gator drills into her. Euphoria radiating all over her body as Gator slams against her g-spot repeatedly, turning Daisy into a drooling, incoherent mess as her voice attempts to apologize. Gator pouts, his thumb stroking her cheekbone as he slows his thrusts.

“Poor girl, make you cockdrunk already?” his voice is just a tad shaky, like he’s struggling not to fuck her into oblivion. “We just barely started, darlin.”

That’s another thing different about Gator as a client, the sex lasts hours. They usually do it more than once. Rest of her clients can barely last five minutes. Daisy wouldn’t complain though. Four hundred bucks for five minutes of laying on her back isn’t bad. Course, Gator gets a discounted price. Half off. It started because she actually enjoyed herself, had a rough time considering it work. Until he would leave, drop the cash on her dresser and not talk to her until he showed up for their next appointment. Gator makes her remember its work.

He drags his fingers down her arms before grabbing her wrists and pinning them above her head, leaning down to connect their lips again. Daisy whimpers against it, squeezing her legs tighter around his waist and trying to chase the europhoria she felt just seconds ago. If he hadn’t slowed down she would’ve came. Gator likes to take his time, really drag it out of her. He can’t do anything without making it convoluted and difficult. Which he proves by shoving his cock as deep as it’ll go, their skin flush and then stills his hips. Pants into the kiss, moves his free hand up to squeeze her tit again. Daisy flicks her tongue against his and he wraps his lips around it, sucking on her tongue as he attempts to penetrate her even deeper. Fruitless, his cocks into the hilt, balls pressed against her ass.

The kiss quickly devolves into the pair of them moaning into open mouths, Gator thrusts but barely pulls back. And his cock is so hard and firm, Daisy’s squeezing around it with all she’s worth. Fuck, they’re libel to get stuck like this. Animals in heat. Pleasure swirling around in her stomach, bleeding down to all her nerves. They’re as connected as they’ll ever be, in the most raw and guttural way they can be. She opens her eyes as he pulls back, whimpers when his cock goes with him and she’s left feeling empty. Gator spreads her legs, looks down at her cunt and let’s a line of spit drip from his lips to her pretty, fucked bright pink pussy.

“Think it’s time you earned your money,” he pats her thigh, “Ride me, cowgirl.”

Daisy knows she’s well earned her money as is but she isn’t gonna say no to riding Gator. Gains a bit of her power back in that position. She nods enthusiastically and straddles Gator once he’s on his back, smoothes her hands through his chest hair and grazes her fingertips against his nipples. It earns her an almost pathetic moan from the man and Daisy’s giddy on it. She grinds her slicked up pussy against his hard cock, the slide easy from how soaked he gets her.

“C’mon, now,” he quirks an eyebrow, “Get on that cock and show me what you’re worth.”

Daisy licks her lips, lifts herself up and grabs hold of Gator’s erection, the head easily catches on her hole and she sinks down on him. Her puffy lips fall open as he fills her, a saccharine moan pouring out of her. He hums, eyes locked on where their bodies connect.

Then he directs her, “Slow. Wanna see it all. Need to see your pussy swallowin’ that cock.”

Holding onto his thighs, she leans back and slowly lifts her hips. Up until just the tips inside. She watches Gator’s expressions intently, his brown eyes blown wide with this hazy lust in them. Cheeks flushed and breathing heavily. His lips are swollen from the kisses.

“Take that cock, baby,” he mumbles out, sounding so delightfully dazed.

Baby. The word goes right to her head, makes her stomach fill with butterflies. Daisy complies, sinking back down on it and repeating the languid motions a few more times before she can’t take it anymore. Needs it faster and harder. Gator turns into a bumbling puddle, moaning out as he encourages her, “That’s it, yeah. Fuck yourself on my dick. Oh, yeah…”

“Gator,” she whines out, milking his cock with her tight cunt. Bouncing on his cock, squeezing his thighs for leverage. Her eyebrows pinch together and her mouth hangs open, chasing that burst of ecstasy only Gator can give her.

“Yeah, you filthy little slut,” he seethes, teeth clenched as his eyes dance around from their sexes up to her eyes and down to her tits.

Daisy huffs, moving a hand so she can rub erratic circles against her throbbing clit. Balancing herself on the one hand still plastered on Gator’s thigh. Feels the way her legs burn from exertion but she’s too focused on chasing the orgasm teasing her insides. Rides him like a woman gone mad. Gator’s moans turn breathless and border on whimpering, be it by her cunt quickly working his cock or her animalistic determination to get herself off, it’s doing something to him.

“Really workin’ for it, yeah?” Gator babbles out, “Gonna make yourself cream all over my cock, baby?”

“Feels so fucking good,” she heaves through pants.

“Mmm,” Gator’s hands snake around her hips, his own legs spreading which makes Daisy falter and she lets out a frustrated whine. “Don’t stop,” Gator tells her, fingers digging into her skin.

He begins thrusting up at her, the pair of them relentlessly humping each other. It’s a little sloppy, but the force of Gator’s hips pushes her over the edge. Intense waves of absolute heaven rippling through her, mouth open in a silent scream as she writhes against Gator. Vision gone absolutely white, riding out her orgasm blindly. Gator growls a laugh while he watches, reveling in the way her face scrunches and contorts as her body starts to buzz all over. He’s following close behind, before Daisy’s orgasm even finishes she feels his hot, thick seed filling her and leaking down the sides of his cock. Makes her cry out, body collapsing on top of him as he wraps an arm around her and fucks up into her, emptying all he’s got in her sore, used hole.

“Gator, Gator, Gator,” she chants breathlessly in his ear, tears trailing hotly down her cheeks as the aftershocks of her orgasm have her rolling her hips against him. Imagines he’s her husband. Imagines this is a marital love. That when they’re out in public they don’t hate each other.

He hums, pressing a sloppy kiss to her cheek before he’s pushing her off of him. Daisy lays on the mattress beside him, panting as she tries to catch her breath. Gator’s panting too, turns on his side and grabs her hip to pull her close. Drapes his arm around her as his lips find hers and they share lazy kisses.

“You let anyone else cum in ya?” he wonders aloud, lips dragging along hers. He hopes not. Can’t be too sure of her answer anyhow. She is a working girl after all. He pays her to be what he wants her to be. He still fantasizes about knocking her up, telling his dad he’s got no choice but to be with Daisy and keep filling her up with babies. She’s on birth control though, has that chip in her arm he hates so much.

“Gator,” she sighs as she presses her hand to his jaw and kisses him softly, “You’re the only one I let fuck me raw. Therefore… you’re the only man who's nut in me.”

He cringes, “Don’t talk like that. S’not ladylike.”

“Haven’t you heard? I’m not much of a lady,” she kisses him again, can’t stop kissing him.

[seabreeze1969]

Strawberry Pancakes

Summary: Gator Tillman meets OC stripper. She is reluctant to give him a dance, but ends up enjoying it a little too much. He is more than happy to break some rules with her.

Tags/Warnings: strippers, thigh riding, lap dance, power dynamics, paid intimacy, dirty talk, teasing

Chapter One

~Gator

It was the second Friday of May. Every other Friday he found himself sitting in the back of The Tender Trap, a local strip club, with an envelope in his pocket as he waited for a militia man to collect the hefty support of Sheriff Roy Tillman, his father. It was an easy job. That’s why his father gave it to him. At least it was supposed to be easy. But things never came easy to Gator.

As his lazy gaze glossed around the small club, his heart caught in his throat. He wasn’t met with Roxy or Crystal, the usual dancers who would throw him winks every now and again. He saw a young woman he’d never seen before. He was sure if she had been there any of the other Fridays he would’ve known.

Her legs were toned, but covered in stockings forcing him to imagine the bare skin underneath. As his gaze slithered further up skipping over her bare stomach to her breasts he started to feel his pants tighten. The white laced cups pushed up her small tits and had them spilling out over the low top. And finally he reached her face. Her bouncy brown curls framed her soft face, and he couldn’t help but let his mouth fall open as he caught her big doe eyes.

He knew he must’ve looked like a moron sitting there with his jaw on the floor, but he couldn’t help himself. She was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen in person. Something straight off of one of those raunchy old bikini posters he tacked behind his bed.

Before he could stop himself his feet carried him over to the seats closest to the stage where she was entertaining two other men. The closer he got the more her eyes narrowed at him and she suddenly seemed familiar, “Wait a minute. Aren’t you the doc’s kiddo? Miss Grey?” He’d seen her only a couple times when he had to visit the local clinic after a job went sideways, and she looked vastly different in layers of clothes and thick rimmed glasses. But she had given him that same narrow look.

“No, sir,” she shook her head, her full lips turning into a pout, “My name is Candy.”

“Hah, yeah sure it is,” he huffed a laugh, “Anyways, aren’t you a little too smart to be dancing around half naked?”

And then it was her turn to laugh, “If smarts had anything to do with it you’d be the one in heels up here, sheriff.”

“Ouch, sour Candy. You trying to hurt my feelings, girl?” Gator mocked hurt feelings, putting his hand over his heart.

“Were you trying to hurt mine?” She shot back.

“No. How about you make it up to me with a dance?”

“Aren’t you on duty?”

“Nah, I just dress like this for fun,” he hooked his thumbs into the bulky sheriff’s vest, showing it off.

“Won’t it be a bad look for your father?” It was true his father’s election was going to be up soon.

“He’ll be alright. You running out of excuses?” Gator checked.

“I could just say ‘no.’ If you don’t want to take a hint,” she condescended, and that just made him want her all the more. No way in hell was she gonna say ‘no’ to him. He had all the power he needed in the envelope, who would even notice if a couple of the hundreds were missing? Taking less than a second to decide he pulled out the envelope and started counting out the hundred dollar bills that he definitely should not be spending at a strip club.

“Are you deaf? Or just dumb?” Candy frowned, but as he continued to count them she changed her tune, “Holy smokes, where’d you get all that?”

He waved three hundreds at her, “How bout that dance?”

Her mouth opened and closed a few times, struggling with the decision, but then she nodded in defeat, “Let’s go.” She hopped off the stage, and took his hand in her own. Her hand was trembling, until she squeezed him a little harder, and he pretended not to notice it. Pretended he was far too preoccupied with the way her ass swayed back and forth in her little white lace underwear.

In the private room there was one lone chair in the center with dark velvet couches surrounding it. As she stepped into the room her white undergarments turned dark red with the lights. She led him to the chair in the center of the room, shoving him down roughly. He made a show of it for her, collapsing into the chair even though he was barely moved from her hands pushing his chest, “Take it easy, baby.”

She ignored him, sliding her hands across his chest into his leather jacket, to slip it off, taking his vest with it. She hooked it on the back of the chair, which still left him in his bulky hoodie.

“That’s more like it, sweetheart,” he grinned as she walked in front of him again. He drank her in once again now that he had her all to himself. Her slim ankles wrapped in the white plastic straps of the clear high heels that were giving her an extra half foot at least. She looked a little unsteady as his gaze raked up the stockings, lingering on the smooth bare skin of her upper thigh. He imagined for a moment how her legs would wrap around him, how he’d grip her hips. The swell of her hips was accentuated as she took a small step toward him, shifting her weight. As his eyes moved up he found her chest rising and falling in quick breathes, her breasts spilling out of the wired corset cups on every intake. Her blush went all the way down her neck, and when his gaze flickered up to her eyes she cast hers to the floor.

“Don’t get all shy on me now,” he admonished half-heartedly, pleased with her little show of innocence. It was charming.

She took another deep breath, drawing his attention back down to her breasts once again, and unballed her fists, starting to undo the bottom of her corset top. He watched her struggle with the little wire clasps that ran up the front for a long minute before he finally huffed a little laugh, “You need a hand?”

She looked up at him with those big brown eyes, and he wondered if it was more than just a show. Then she frowned and gritted, “Shut up.” And he knew it wasn’t. And that made his cock twitch in his pants. She finally got all the clasps undone and then tossed the offending garment on the couch beside her, unable to hide her pride at getting the damned thing off. She locked her arms in front of her, covering up her exposed nipples. He barely caught a glimpse of the pink skin. And then she seemed to realize what she had done and forced her arms behind her back, sticking out her chest.

“I’ve never done this before,” she finally confessed, but he had gathered that.

“I can tell,” he chuckled, “This might be the worst strip dance I’ve ever seen.”

That seemed to set something off in her. He was good at setting people off. Her cheeks were puffed out in anger as she slowly sank down to her knees, not bothering to hide her disgust at the old tile floors. And then she crawled on her hands and knees to him, swaying her hips and holding his stare like it was a challenge. He kicked his boots out on either side of him, making room for her between his thighs. Then he locked his fingers behind his head and reclined a little, the picture of unbothered, indifferent to her. And he saw exactly what he wanted. That angry determination swirling in those narrowed eyes as she let her cheek rest on his inner thigh.

She ran her hands up his shins, to the expanse of his muscular thighs. He felt the heat of her palm reach the bulge of his hardening cock, straining under his cargo pants. Her brow went up in accusation, “For the worst dance you’ve ever had, you seem to be enjoying it.”

“I’m easy,” he shrugged. Then her tongue was licking a stripe over the outline of his dick and his mouth fell open as he was unable to maintain his cool attitude toward the half naked woman between his legs. That had to be against the rules.

Before he could recover she was swinging her hips to the low vibrations of the bass that penetrated the room. She came up to her full height, giving him an eyeful of her breasts, making his mouth start salivating. Maybe he had just fallen for an act of innocence. Massaged them in his face, letting her head roll back as she let a small moan slip past her lips. His hands were moving on their own, in an attempt to assist her, when she slapped them away, “Hands by your side, deputy, or I’ll use your stupid cuffs on you.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he drawled out slow, gripping the sides of the chair to keep them there, but her threat just turned him on even more. Having her handcuff him sounded like a damn good time to him.

She swung one leg over his so her back was to him, and crawled down the slope of his leg, leaving her ass high in the air, and his hands squeezing the sides of the chair as she bounced a little on his leg. And then in time with music she was snapping back to sitting upright and grinding her hips just an inch above his thigh, letting him see that she was actually getting wet. Then she stepped out again, twisting to face him and kicked one of his boots so his legs came together before she sat in his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and playing with his hair just enough to make his head lull back and seek her fingers. He hadn’t felt a touch like that in years, something intimate and gentle. Hell, if he knew a strip dance felt this good he would’ve started skimming money a long time ago, but he had a feeling it was just her making him feel this way.

She bit her lip, trying to contain a grin, and he felt like he was losing the game he had set up. But she made losing feel good.

Then the song switched from fast paced to a slow jam and she lit up, standing to dance in front of him once again. She was familiar with the song, mouthing the words as she ran her hands up her body and tangled them in her hair the way his hands wanted to. While she mouthed the explicit lyrics, he imagined her in his ear whispering filth only he would ever hear.

Her body rolled in time with the slow beat and she ran her hand down between her breasts, over her flat stomach and dipped between her legs for just a second before she pulled her hand back and ran her tongue over them, her tongue that was nearly on his dick when he had ticked her off. “You want a taste?” she asked, tilting her head curiously, and only then had he noticed his mouth had fallen open in want. He only nodded, sticking his tongue out as she stepped closer to him again with her outstretched hand. Her fingers were glossy from her spit as she brushed them gently over his upper lip, avoiding his tongue, and then pulled back, leaving him running his tongue along his lip trying to taste her. He thought maybe she was wearing some kind of strawberry chapstick as he savored a distant artificial sweetness.

He hummed his approval, and when he caught her eye again her pupils were blown wide. He could nearly see himself reflected in them. He was in a similar state. And then she stepped one leg between his and slowly lowered her hips onto his thigh, grinding on him in time with the music. Her skin was hot, like her entire body was blushing. It gave him goosebumps under his jacket where her warmth couldn’t reach.

And then she made a noise in the back of her throat that had him choking on the air in the room, which was suffocating him with a palpable heat. It wasn’t an over the top moan like from the porn he usually watched, it was a whine she had tried to hide but it slipped past her lips anyways. It was the sexiest thing he had ever heard in his life.

She bit her lip and looked at him apologetically, “Hah, sorry.” And the weight of her lifted up, before his hands flew out to stop her.

“No, don’t stop,” he lifted his knee in a jerk response, applying more pressure to her clit. He pulled and pushed her waist back and forth over his thigh, making her breath quicken. She was so sensitive, shaking like a leaf as he pushed his thigh up hard against her, with intention. He wanted to give her that friction which clearly affected her. His eyes traveled down her body to find a wet spot on his camouflage, “Gonna make a mess on my trousers, girl.”

She looked away in embarrassment as he looked up at her in awe. Her lower lip trembled as he leaned forward, bringing his hand to cradle her cheek. He was completely entranced in her glowing red face. He wanted to stop the anxious tremble of her lip, soothe her embarrassment away however he could. But he found no words, instead leaning in, and letting his eyes slip closed as he brushed his thumb down her bottom lip. He could feel her sharp intake of breath nearly against his mouth. He can’t remember wanting something as simple as a kiss with such an intensity before.

She shoved at his chest and stumbled backwards, catching herself on the edge of the couch. His head was spinning from the whiplash as he watched her catch her breath moving as far away from him as the couch would allow.

“No kissing the clients,” she finally spoke after a few beats of heavy breathing.

“No? Just everything else?” He joked a little, trying to recover his own breathing and will his raging erection to go away. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as she started clipping the corset back on.

He stood and slid back into his leather jacket and vest, slicking his hair back which had gotten a little disheveled when she played with it earlier. Then she awkwardly put her hand out and he remembered what he had promised her for such a nice private dance and handed her three hundred, “That’s some technique for your first time.”

“I’m a quick learner,” she nodded, gripping the cash like he was going to snatch it back from her and run. She led him back out into the main room without so much as looking at him and then ran back to the locker rooms, still a little unsteady as his eyes followed her out.

“I’ve been waiting out here for nearly a half hour,” complained Henry, getting up from the bar when he saw Gator. He barely understood the words, too busy thinking about how there was no way in hell he could wait another two weeks to see her again. She gave him a high he knew he’d be hooked on until the day he died. He figured he’d be a married man and still jerk off to her.

“Boy! You hear me? When your daddy hears about you fucking around--” Henry started to threaten, finally pulling Gator’s attention away from the girl. The shove of the white envelope into Henry’s chest cut him off.

“My daddy ain’t gonna hear about it, unless you want me burning this money up and telling him you fucking backward ass hillbillies lost it,” he said it softly with a half smile, contrasting the shouting of the older man who got even angrier as he lost his power.

“We’ll see about that. Don’t make me wait while you’re getting your dick sucked. If you’re daddy don’t make you answer to him. I’ll make you answer to me. Understand, son?”

“Maybe if your wife was better at it you wouldn’t have had to wait so long,” Gator leaned into the man, his hand hovering over the gun in his thigh holster.

“Alright, your time's coming, boy. Your time’s coming.”

“Whatever you say, Henry,” Gator grinned at him, “I’ll see you later.” He waved himself out and hopped into his truck.

He reached for his vape in his pocket, taking a long drag reigniting the buzz in his head that was worked up in the back room of The Tender Trap. He was trying to remember the way her face looked when she moaned, but his memories weren’t coming out right. He needed to see her again. And soon enough he was hard again as he drove back to the Tillman Ranch. The road was lonely and dark that night as he started to touch himself.

[buckysgrace]

Every Little Thing Masterlist

Gator Tillman x Daphne Williams (Fem!OC)

Daphne Williams has slowly been filling the hole in her heart for the past three years. She poured herself into traveling, into meeting new interesting people and learning new tricks and habits. She’s finally moved on and found herself a caring fiancé who she’s sure her parents will adore. There’s only one person she could think of that would ruin her happiness: Gator Tillman.

(18+ smut, cheating, references to underage sex and homophobia, cheating, unplanned pregnancy)

The Bones

My Heart Can't Tell You No

Passionate As Sin

Religiously

December

Blue

I Keep Looking

Cowboys Never Cry

Butterflies

Springsteen

Sand in My Boots

Photograph

The Last Time

Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

Colder Weather

Rock and A Hard Place

Forever and Ever, Amen

Why Won't You

Meant To Be

Bubbles

Life With You

Here Comes the Sun

Roses in the Rain

Take Your Time

Love Me Like You Mean It

Strangers

Slow Burn

In the End

Linda

Second Chance

Smoke & a Light

Extras :

Williams Family Lore

[thefatedthoughtofyou]

A Sweatervest and Squeaky Shoes

Gator Tillman x Kirby Rivers (OC)

[ Kirby's Bio ] [ Part One ] [ Part Two ]

♤ Summary: Kirby sneaks into the hospital to see Gator after everything that happens at the ranch.

♤ Warnings: canon x oc paring, nonbinary/trans oc, oc uses he/they pronouns, mentions of Gators torture, blind Gator

♤ A/N: once again for you my dearest! @jozstankovich 💚 Reblogs and comments are cherished and loved! 💖🍒💖

♤♤♤♤

Kirby's shoes squeak against the shiny hospital floor, he winces, runs his hands down his front for the millionth time since he left home. They feel ridiculous, a fucking sweatervest over the one, semi nice, t-shirt they have. He huffs, takes a deep breath, and ducks into the elevator.

It hadn't been hard to find out Gator's floor and room number. All the FBI agents milling about weren't exactly quiet. The issue would be getting into the room.

Kirby's fingers drum against his pant leg, his only nice pants as well. Black jeans, a little baggy, but they looked nice with the outfit. He tugs at the neckline of his shirt, uncomfortable, always are when they're wearing so many fucking clothes.

The doors slide open and Kirby pops his head out first. Checking both ways like he's crossing the street. Nobody there. Not a nurse or doctor in sight. He steps out, aims for casual as he walks down the hall, following the signs to the room number he'd overheard.

The nurses station is empty as well. The first person he sees is the gaurd on the door when he peeks around the corner. Kirby drops their head against the wall.

"Fuck." He breathes, his eyes move down the hall and land on the still empty nurses station. He runs back to it, hears footsteps behind him and ducks behind the desk.

He watches the guard walk around the corner and down the hall they'd come from.

"I'm headin down now." The man says into the radio on his shoulder. The radio crackles, Kirby doesn't understand what's said, but hears the man's response.

"Oh who cares if the door isn't guarded for ten fuckin minutes. Where's he gonna go? He's can't fuckin see. He ain't goin anywhere. I'm comin down." He's annoyed, Kirby hears the elevator doors open, and then close. They shoot back to their feet and run, their shoes squeaking the whole way. He rounds the corner too fast and nearly falls, runs into the wall and rights himself before jogging the last few steps to the door.

"Ten minutes." Kirby whispers to himself, rests his hand on the doorknob, just now realizing it might be locked. His heart pounding in his chest, he rests his head against the door, digs his teeth into his lip, and presses down.

The handle moves. Kirby nearly yells in celebration but hunches his shoulders and holds it in, pushes the door open the smallest possible amount, and quietly ducks inside. He turns once he's in, rests his back against the door, tries to catch his breath.

But his eyes adjust to the dark quickly, and he sees the curain pulled around the bed. His stomach twists, his heart kicking back up again. Their hands are sweating, they wipe them on their pants and take a few small, squeaky, steps forward.

"Who's there?" Gator's voice. He sounds scared, Kirby hears rustling as he moves on the hospital bed.

"It's me." Kirby says, his voice small to his own ears, and he realizes that might not be enough.

"K-Kirby?" His voice falters and shakes and it pulls Kirby forward. They move fast, ducking under the curtain, nearly getting tangled when they stand back up. His hands find the foot of Gator's bed and he pulls himself up, swats at the curtain until it falls away from his shoulders and then he turns.

Gator's eyes are covered, bright white bandages wrapped around his head. His hair is no longer neat and slicked back, strands falling into his face where they've come loose. There's dirt, and blood, Kirby's sure, staining the skin of his face and hands.

Kirby hears the whimper that leaves him, his hands clutching his stomach as he takes a few steps around the bed. Gator's head turns with the sounds of his shoes. And seriously what the fuck was on his shoes that was making them do that?

"Yeah." Kirby finally says,

"It's me." Their voice soft. Gator listens to the last few steps, and then hangs his head.

"How'd you get in here?" He asks, his fingers, dirty and bloodstained around the nails, pick at the sheets. Kirby swallows, hard, wipes at the tears falling over his cheeks.

"I uh," he clears his throat, tries again,

"I snuck past the guard. He went downstairs. Someone else is comin up I guess. Ten minutes." He repeats the time again, glances at the door, has no idea how long it's been. Gator nods, slowly.

"You'll be in trouble if they catch you in here." He's frowning, Kirby can see his eyebrows drawing down, pressing into the bandages.

"I've been in trouble before." Kirby says, teeth worrying into his lip, their hand twitches toward Gator, fingers jumping and dancing near his leg.

"Not this kinda trouble." Gator says, turns his head away, stubborn as always. Kirby huffs, grabs the chair by the bed and drags it loudly across the floor, scoots it close to Gator's bed and throws himself into it.

"I don't care! Gator. I just-" he sniffles, wipes at his face again.

"I saw the ranch on the news. They said people were dead." Kirby bites at the last word, takes a deep shaking breath he knows Gator can hear. Gator drops his head back onto the pillow behind him.

"I'm not dead." He sighs, fingers twitching on the bed sheets, and Kirby can't take it, he reaches out and grabs Gator's hand, presses his palm flat over the back of it, curls his fingers under and holds on. The rough material of the cast presses deep into his skin, he doesn't care, barely feels it. Just feels the skin underneath.

"I can see that. And I knew that. They said- they said you gave him up. Roy. On the news. They said a lot of other stuff. But I didn't really hear it." He cleared his throat again, another sniffle.

"Are you cryin?" Gator asks, his hand pressing up into Kirby's.

"No." Kirby denys immediately, watches the corner of Gator's mouth twitch.

"Shut up." He says, squeezes Gator's hand.

"I'm okay." Gator whispers it, turns his hand under Kirby's and slides his fingers between theirs, the best he can.

"Are you? What happened? Did your dad do this to you?" Kirby sniffles again, drags his free hand under his nose and keeps his eyes on Gator's face. He shakes his head slowly, his messy hair bunching up against the pillow.

"Not him. Same guy who did this." He wiggles his arm genlty, his hand clenching Kirby's as he moves it.

"Wh- I don't- why?" Kirby stammers, hates when he does that. Scrunches his face up at the bad memories of stammering through school, and rubs at his eye, pushing his knuckle deep for a distraction.

"Cuz I fucked up. I couldn't let it go." His lip wobbles, Kirby watches him pull it between his teeth and slam his head back into the pillow, once, hard.

"Hey! Don't. Just- don't do that." Kirby's on his feet now, his hand on Gator's head, moving some of his hair away from his face.

"I'm so fuckin stupid. I just couldn't let it go. And he fucking left me there. He just left me." His voice is strained now, Kirby can see his throat clenching. They bite their own lip, watching Gator's face, can he cry like that? Is there even anything behind the bandages to cry.

Kirby swallows around the fire in their throat and leans down, tucks their head against Gator's neck. He feels Gator's arms move around him slowly. His cast hard against their back, his other hand on their shoulder, gentle, moving slow, so he doesn't dislodge the IV in his hand.

"You're not stupid. You're just- so fucking stubborn Gate." Kirby sniffles again, rubs his tears and his nose on Gator's shoulder and pulls back. Gator's hand moves down his arm as they pull away, not wanting to stop touching him. Kirby doesn't ask who left him. Doesn't need to.

Kirby sees the small smile fade as Gator sits there. They move their fingers over his forhead, then along the bottom of the bandages. Kirby cups his face, smiles when Gator leans into the touch.

"Thanks for comin to see me." He mumbles, his casted hand moving to cover Kirby's, genlty, pulling it away from his face. He rests their tangled hands on the bed again as Kirby sits back down.

"Wild dogs couldn't have kept me away." Kirby sniffles again, but his chest feels lighter, with Gator in front of him, awake. Alive.

"What about a room full of spiders?" Gator asks, his finger pressing into Kirby's palm, just feeling him, touching him.

"Oh fuck that. You would'a been on your own sir." Kirby tells him, matter of fact. The laugh that bursts out of Gator makes Kirby smile so big his cheeks burn, tears falling again as Gator snorts and rubs at his nose carefully, shaking his head gently.

"Gee thanks." He says, voice flat.

"Hey. I got past the wild dogs man. Okay? I tried. I did my best." Kirby teases, bites his lip. Pulls Gator's hand to his mouth and kisses across his knuckles. His stomach fluttering when Gator presses his fingers into his lips, moves them up to his cheek, his thumb moving over Kirby's lips in their place.

"Seriously." Gator says, his head leaning forward.

"Yeah. Anytime. Told you I'd be there for you." Kirby shrugs, knows Gator can't see it. It doesn't matter.

"Are you- will you be able to see? When those come off?" Kirby asks, they pull Gator's hand back down, resting on the bed again. Gator's fingers twitch in his hold, he sniffs loudly, his other hand moving to fiddle with the bottom of the bandages resting on his cheek.

"They don't know yet. Not for sure. Said my left eye looked promising. Whatever that means." He shrugs, leans his head back again, sighing deep in his chest.

"I think it's what they say when they mean it's better than nothing." Kirby shrugs too, their eyes glued to Gator's face, their fingers twitch against the bedding. Curiosity burning under the surface.

"What did he do? Exactly. To your eyes?" Kirby blurts,  cringes when Gator turns his head toward him slowly.

"Sorry. Don't- you don't have to- answer that. Sorry." Kirby frowns down into their lap, shaking their head at themselves.

"He heated a knife in a fire and cut my eyes out. Or... he tried too. Guess he missed the left one." Gator's voice is emotionless.

"Jesus christ. What- fuck." Kirby says, oh so eloquently. Gator snorts, nods.

"Yeah. That sums it up pretty well." He says, noding again, his mouth a tight line.

"I shouldn't have asked." Kirby says, voice quiet.

"You wouldn't be you if you didn't." He says, quiet, Kirby's head whips up, there's a small tilt to Gator's mouth, like he wants to smile. Hell, that is a smile for him.

"Yeah?" Kirby asks, smiling, feeling giddy. Gator's not mad. Not mad that he can't control his fucking mouth. Gator nods, gives Kirby's hand a squeeze.

"Wish I could see you." He sighs, head falling back again.

"Oh yeah? How come? I haven't changed much in three days." They tease, teeth digging into their lip. Their cheeks feeling warm at the thought, that Gator wants to see them.

"Just tryin to image the looks people gave you when you walked in." Gator muses, his head turning, toward Kirby, even though he can't see them.

"What do mean?" Kirby frowns.

"Your clothes aren't usually hospital appropriate, is all." He shrugs again. Kirby makes an offended noise in his throat.

"I have nice clothes ya know? I'm actually dressed quiet well, currently. Thank you very much." Kirby scoffs, yanks his hand away from Gator's and crosses his arms over his chest. He watches Gator smile, can tell he's doubtful, even without the normal look in his eyes.

"Oh yeah? What'er you wearing?" He asks, voice teasing already. Kirby looks down at himself, at the sweatervest he immediately regretted, and grimaced.

"Umm ya know what? That's not- that's neither here nor there. I'm here. With you. That's really all that matters." Kirby rambles, pats at Gator's hand. He chuckles, grabs for Kirby's hand and misses.

"Are you wearing something embarrassing?" Gator asks, smile on his face.

"You have to tell me if you are. I'm wounded. It's only fair." His hand reaches toward Kirby. They scoff again, tucking their legs up under them on the chair.

"How's that fair? I didn't wound you!" He swats at Gator's hand gently as he laughs.

"C'mon. Tell me what you're wearing." Gator pushes, his voice all curled at the edges and sweet. Kirby sighs.

"Ughh. At least buy me dinner first." Kirby mutters, scrambling around in the chair til his knees are tucked up under his chin, Gator's eyebrow twitches up, clearly amused.

"I'm wearing a sweatervest okay? Do not laugh! It's from one of my foster moms and it's very cozy. Okay? So just, hush it." Kirby points at Gator, accusingly. Gator can't see it, but he raisies his hands in surrender anyway.

"What color is it?" Gator asks, biting his lip.

"It's like a blue grey color. With black and white argyle down the front?" Kirby looks down at himself, smoothes his hands down his chest again, his feet falling to the floor.

"What's- which ones argyle?" Gator asks, frowning.

"The diamonds." Kirby tells him. He nods, seems to think for a second.

"Is it soft?" He's worrying his lip between his teeth again.

"Yeah. Here." Kirby stands, walks the two steps to the bed and takes Gator's hand, moves it to rest on his stomach. Gator's brows twitch again, suprised at the softness against his skin.

"I got a black t-shirt on under it." Kirby mumbles, ignores the way Gator pressing his fingers into his stomach makes him feel hot. More hot than all the fucking clothes he's wearing.

"And just some black jeans. No holes or nothin in 'em." Kirby scratches at the back of their neck, watches Gator pull the materal of the vest between his fingers, then watches him smooth it back down. His hand presses to Kirby's stomach again and he ducks away with an awkward giggle, rubbing at the spot Gator's hand had touched.

"Sorry. Ticklish." Kirby explains, grabs at the chair and scoots it a bit closer, til his legs hit it and he falls into it.

"Figures." Gator sighs.

"What?" Kirby frowns.

"The one time I can't see you, you're actually wearing clothes." Gator shakes his head.

"I wear... clothes." Kirby drawls, knows it's only a half truth, really, at best. Gator snorts a laugh.

"Sure ya do. Pretty sure this the first time you've ever worn an actual shirt around me." Gator says, the eyeroll is implied.

"You got a problem with my clothes man?" Kirby asks, tucks one knee up under his chin, smiles when Gator moves his head toward him again.

"No. I'm just sayin, ya know, just my luck that I can't see ya when there's nothin to look at." Gator's fingers move nervously against the sheets, tapping out random little rhythms.

"I mean not that I was... lookin. I'm just- just sayin." He sighs deeply, turns his head away as his cheeks and neck turn red. Kirby bites their lip.

"I saw you looking Gator." Kirby says, through a smile, presses his lips to his knee when Gator turns back to him.

"What? When? I thought I was bein subtle." Gator scratches at his cheek, his fingers brushing the edge of the bandages again.

"You weren't. At all. Like, not even a little." Kirby shakes their head at him.

"I saw you looking like, the second time you came to me for weed dude. It's why I invited you inside." Kirby tells him, chin resting on his knee now, he sees Gator's eyebrows jump up his forehead.

"What did you- did you think somethin was gonna happen?" Gator asks, sounding scandalized. Kirby laughs, shakes his head.

"No. But I figured inviting you in might make you relax. Get your hands out of your pockets and your shoulders down from around your ears. You were so tense man." Kirby chuckles at the memory.

"I didn't know if it was because you were buying weed. Or because of me." They sigh.

"Saw you lookin and figured maybe it was cuz of me. Or maybe it was both. Either way, inside was away from prying eyes." Kirby shrugs, reaches out and takes Gator's hand again.

"I didn't mind you looking. Just- wasn't sure what you were thinkin when you were." They squeeze Gator's hand, he squeezes back.

"I wasn't sure at first. I mean I wasn't- that's not something- that's allowed. In my house." Gator shakes his head. Kirby nods.

"I know. That's why I never did anything. Or said anything. I figured- if you wanted to do something about it, I'd just let you." Kirby turns Gator's hand in his, his fingers walking over the cast, moving to his arm and up his shoulder.

"Let you go at your own pace. Find your own way." Kirby scratches at Gator's shoulder and then drags his hand back down his arm, Gator sighs, leans into the touch.

"I'm just glad I figured it out." Gator mumbles, rubs at his nose.

"Glad I was brave enough to do somethin about it. That night. After the lake." Gator smiles, his body relaxing into his bed more.

"Me too." Kirby smiles, watches Gator for a moment.

"I should go. Let you get some rest. Are they- are they taking you away?" He'd been afraid to ask, his voice shaking a little, his heart picking up again.

"Yeah. Don't know how long. But my step mom. Or- my old step mom. Nadine. Or- she's goes by Dorthy now. Dot. She's- she said she'd visit. Bring me cookies. Anything else I need too." Gator shrugs, tries to play it off. Kirby sees his chest flutter, watches his lip wobble.

"I'll come visit too. Everyday if you want? I'll visit so much you'll get sick'a me." Kirby perks up, scoots forward in his chair, perched on the edge like a bird. Gator frowns, his hand going still in Kirby's.

"You'd come visit?" He sounds uncertain, like he thinks it might be a trick.

"Course I would. Snuck in here to see ya didn't I?" Kirby assures him, watches Gator's lip tremble again before he drags his teeth over it, he nods, swallows hard.

"Okay. Th-thanks." Gator stammers, Kirby opens their mouth to answer but the door clicking open cuts him off. Gator squeezes his hand, hard, Kirby's eyes are locked on where the door would be if there was no curtain.

"Shit." He breathes, barely makes a sound.

"Don't you worry. I won't be a minute." A woman's voice says, high and thick with that accent Kirby's come to enjoy so much. He moves his eyes to Gator when he loosens his grip. The door clicks shut again. Footsteps, coming toward them. The curtain pulls to the left and brings them face to face with a small mousy woman. Her eyes widen when they land on Kirby.

"Oh. Hey there." She says, easy, her suprise fading fast. She glances at the door, then back to Kirby.

"You sneak in during the shift change?" She asks, voice lowered. Kirby swallows, nods, too frightened to speak. She nods back, gives him an adorable smile.

"That was my plan too if they wouldn't let me in." She scrunches her face, her eyes land on Kirby and Gator's hands, their fingers still laced together, Kirby pulls their hand free quickly, shoves both hands into his lap.

"You a friend'a Gator's?" She asks, sweetly, as she moves around the other side of the bed.

"This is Kirby Na- sorry. Dorthy." Gator grimaces at his mistake. The woman doesn't seem to notice, just smiles at him, and then at Kirby, her hand moving to Gator's head, fingers dragging smoothly through his hair.

"It's a pleasure to meet ya Kirby. I'm Dorthy. Gator's... Gator's friend too." She hesitates, her eyes dropping to Gator's face and then back to Kirby.

"I saw you on the news ma'am." Kirby says, manners from a foster home long gone kicking in. She smiles at him again, and it's soft, and warm, and feels safe.

"Oh yeah? I'm sure I looked a mess." She shakes her head, laughs a little.

"You looked fine. Looked nice. Just- looked like a mom." Kirby shrugs, and she had. She'd looked a little rough around the edges, but ultimately, she'd looked like a mom, trying to get back to her kid.

"Well that's sweet of ya to say." She waves him off, looks back to Gator, her hand still in his hair.

"There gonna be takin him in about ten minutes. I just wanted to say goodbye. Til I see ya again." She leans down, kisses Gator's forhead. He smiles, nods, his teeth embedded in his lip so hard Kirby's worried it'll bleed. He's trying not to cry. Can't speak because of it.

"If you give me five minutes I'll distract 'em so you can sneak out. If ya want?" She's looking at Kirby again. He stares, doesn't mean to, but she's... odd. In a good way. Like she understands things, sees things the way Kirby does sometimes.

"Okay. I mean yeah that'd be- thanks." Kirby nods. She nods back, kisses Gator's head one more time, walks around the bed to Kirby.

"It's very nice to meet you Kirby." There's a weight to her words that Kirby feels deep in his chest. She doesn't know him, doesn't know them at all, but she means it. Kirby reaches out, takes her hand, shakes.

"You too ma'am. Really." He stands, she smiles, tugs him into a quick hug, just a tight squeeze, and then she's gone. The door shutting slowly behind her. When Kirby turns back, Gator is reaching for him, casted hand outstretched. Kirby grabs it immediately, crowds close to him on the bed.

"You gotta go." Gator whispers, pulling Kirby's hand to his chest.

"I know. I don't wanna." Kirby breathes, his head dropped to Gator's shoulder.

"Will you do me a favor? Before you go?" Gator asks, his voice shaking, Kirby can feel him trembling.

"Of course. What is it?" They ask, leaning up so they can see him. Gator's head is turned towards him, if he could see, he wouldn't be looking quite at him, just off to the side.

"Will you kiss me?" He licks his lips.

"I mean like really kiss me. So I know what it's like? So I get to have that? With you. Before I go." His head droops, his shoulders shake, Kirby thinks he might be crying, best he can. They take a deep breathe, and reach out, cupping Gator's face and tilting it up again.

"I'll kiss you anytime you want." Kirby whispers, breathes it like a promise against Gator's lips and then kisses him. Slow and deep. Gator clings to him, both hands fisted in the back of his shirt, pulling them closer. He whines into Kirby's mouth and groans when he pulls away.

"Any time you want." He breathes again, teeth dragging over Gator's bottom lip as he pulls back. Gator chases his lips, leans forward and groans again when Kirby presses their hand to his chest, stopping him.

"I'm gonna miss you." Gator breathes, and it sounds broken, his voice wrecked.

"Naw, you won't. I'm gonna be there every day 'memeber?" He moves his hand up, from Gator's chest to his hair, moves his fingers into it, scratches them against Gator's scalp and smiles when he hums, presses into the touch.

"You'll be sick'a me in no time." Kirby leans down, presses another quick kiss to his lips. He sees Gator open his mouth, to argue, he's sure. When they hear a crash in the hall, voices yelling, moving away from the door.

"That's my cue. I'll see you soon Gate. Real soon." Kirby squeezes his shoulder and moves away, keeping his eyes on Gator til he's at the door. Gator's hand raises in a wave, his fingers wiggling over his cast as the other hand presses to his lips. Kirby smiles, tears falling down his cheeks, and ducks out the door.

He steps into chaos, Dorothy is down the hall a bit, laying on the floor, hand to her head. The gaurd on Gator's door and three nurses surround her. She meets his eyes through the guards legs and winks. He nods to her, still smiling, and bolts down the hall, his shoes screeching against the tiles as he runs and runs, ducking into the elevator and out of sight.

[psychotic-nonsense]

"I'm sorry."

It's the first thing Steve says after everything.

After getting Vecna Cursed. After nearly dying. After a hallucination of Eddie saved him. After running through a looped forest. After finding sanctuary in Steve's memory of that Starcourt bathroom. After Eddie reveals himself as Eddie.

It's the only thing he can think of. It's not big enough to fit everything, but it's the only thing that fits in his mouth.

"Don't be."

Maybe that's the only thing Eddie can think of too. The only thing Eddie can bear to say.

Because don't be can't stop Steve's eyes from watering when he sees the vest in his closet. Don't be can't stop Steve's feet from dragging him to the cemetery every evening to clean Eddie's graffiti-covered tombstone. Don't be can't stop Steve from sitting beside Wayne and listening to him talk about the Eddie he remembers. Don't be can't stop Eddie's body from showing up in Steve's dreams, nor Eddie's corpse from his nightmares. Don't be couldn't keep the pain away enough, didn't stop Vecna from latching onto it while Steve was walking alone in the woods.

Don't be isn't enough for what Steve wants to hear. But even stuck here waiting, hoping, for someone to get Steve out, there just isn't enough time.

"I miss you."

"...Why?"

Eddie says it back so quickly, so quietly, like it's just unfathomable to him. Maybe it is, considering their last memories. But their eyes meet and he looks just as sad, just as longing, as Steve.

"You were my friend."

Steve can't help but say it like that. Like they were friends for years instead of days. Like Eddie was that important to him in their final moments. Like his heart really aches for Eddie every second of the apocalypse.

Can't help but say it like he means it.

"I wish we could've had more time..."

Steve's voice cracks a little there as he turns away, hiding. It's all he wants. It's all Vecna used to entice him with. It's all that's keeping him going, to finally fulfill the last request Eddie made. It's all he has left to feel close to Eddie.

The Eddie that's sitting right next to him, silent, his sight weighing on Steve's skin. Conscious and aware and the real Eddie. Trapped in Vecna's head as a backup power source, yet who still risked everything to come save Steve. Who Steve will never see again because killing Vecna means killing Eddie for good, and his heart doesn't want it, is begging for another solution...

But for once, his broken head overpowers his shattered heart.

"Maybe we did."

Eddie takes Steve's hand. Meets Steve's surprised look with his own small smile of hope. They're both suddenly tearing up, eyes glistening with life in this gray stall.

"Maybe in another world, we got a second first chance. A first second chance. Maybe even a third, or fourth. Maybe in a different life, we had everything we wanted. Because you, Steve Harrington, are too good for me to be doomed to meet just once."

And for a moment, Steve sees it. Feels it. Versions of them connected through the universe.

Little kids playing in the lake. One with bruised skin and shaved hair, loud but unfathomably lonely. One with a bruised heart and soft eyes, timid but stubbornly hopeful.

A rockstar with glittering chains, center stage in the spotlight. A set of eyes in the crowd or behind the curtain, watching only him.

A werewolf and a vampire, two cryptids of horror, meeting in the dead of a full moon night to feel safe with the only other one who understands.

A future where they won, where the only death was the one that mattered. A process of healing and learning, coming home to a family every single day.

A world without pain, without their hell, where two high schoolers found freedom from their shackles and company in each other. Hiding away together in the dark corners of the town.

Steve even sees other versions of them. Versions that he knows were originally never supposed to meet, yet forces so much greater than them pulled them together.

A metalhead drug dealer, constantly getting into trouble with one nail-bat-weilding cop.

A criminal's fugitive nature leading him to a rugged trailer park, and the dangerous owner within one such home.

An eccentric king in an old coliseum, always choosing one particular warrior as his champion.

A young programmer being pulled away from his work by sobs above his apartment, running upstairs to check on the law student that recently moved in.

Two actors, finding an easy friendship in the months of filming one season of a show that would change their lives.

In that moment, Steve's overwhelmed by the closeness he suddenly feels with the soul beside him. Falling into tears, he pulls Eddie into a tight hug, holding him so so close to convey everything he can't say. Feeling Eddie hold him back, hearing everything Eddie can't say in return.

Familiar music comes on outside the stall. Robin's voice calls out to him, telling him to come home.

And when he does leave, Steve hopes that someone out there will understand that he never can. Because here in Eddie's arms is the only place that will ever truly feel like home.

"Thank you... for everything, Eddie."

Thank you, Steve. For everything and more..."

--------------------

- List of AUs, in order, after, "Versions of them connected through the universe": Childhood Friends / Rockstar!Eddie / Werewolf!Steve & Vampire!Eddie / Eddie Survives / No Upside Down & High School

- List of Multiverse Steddie AUs, in order, after, "...yet forces so much greater than them pulled them together": Eddie x Gator / Baron x Michael / Geta x Sean / Keys x Eric / Quinn and Keery

[jaebeomsbitch]

There’s nothing you hated more than being sick. You felt helpless and useless, leaning against your partner for help when you despised relying on others. Nonetheless you sit quietly next to him feeling the heat of his arm radiating deep into your skin as you cough and sniffle.

You wipe your nose with your sleeve standing up and slowing, swaying with dizziness.

“Woah, hold on. What do you need baby?” He asks softly holding onto your wrist, thumb tracing your inner wrist comfortingly.

“Need a blanket” you murmur, wiping more snot against your sleeve. He pulls you down softly onto his lap.

“Got one here sweetheart, where it’s always at” he says, pulling the blanket from the back of the couch where it always hangs.

“Oh” you blink, as he spreads the soft fabric over the two of you, tucking in the edges under your thighs.

“Better?" he asks quietly, his fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns onto your thigh.

When you nod sleepily, he leans in and whispers into your ear, "Good. Now let's try to enjoy this movie, yeah? No more coughing allowed - I want to hear those sweet little gasps of yours when the scary parts come on."

[floredaqueen]

I apologize for being silent! I do wanna post more but I'm being to get picky with it!

Meanwhile, I will be posting tid bits of my progress work! It will keep me motivated and hopefully keep you guys interested!

[springfaekohaku]

A Rabbit Cannot Pretend To Be Bigger Than Itself II

Chapter 2

Gator’s introduction to his new temporary “home” was a quick one. It must’ve been because of the fact he cannot see, but everything went like a flurry of voices, being directed by the chains attached to his cuffs and how the environments changed from the sound of a plane, to a engine of a bus with other prisoners like him and the gravel beneath his feat.

It was much quieter and eerie in the Federal Medical Centre. His process of being checked out, records being collected and approved, his medical records in the system and medication to be scheduled at a timely manner everyday. Some to be taken everyday and others to be taken every few days, the chronic migraines he gets now is debilitating, his right arm thankfully out of that hideous cast and fully healed, however mentally, it’s a different story, as he has to take antidepressants every day now.

Time seems to go fast when he’s just existing and going along with everyone else’s seeing eyes. How they control and direct his every move and actions, whether it’s to make sure he doesn’t trip on a step or to be prepared for a body search as they give him new khaki green and white prison clothes. He has no control, he doesn’t have dignity or pride here, the ball is in their court and he knows he’s better off than his father — that’s for sure. He can imagine the treatment and process of Roy being put in Federal Imprisonment, which will most likely not be a welcomed one. Gator feels that there’s a likely chance that his father would flourish in prison, take charge and become like a wolf, create his own pack and live a comfortable life despite being behind bars.

He’d make do, something Gator will have to do as well, but in his own way. Gator will not be like his father. Never.

This is a new start for him, this rehabilitation, this isolation and confinement, he will serve his time and during it — he will become a better person. The rabbit knows its place now, it can use its nose to sniff out its environments, use its body to feel and huge ears to hear, its teeth only meant for food and not the flesh of other creatures or people.

The blind man is escorted by the elbow to his new cell, thankfully which is on the ground floor and easily accessible and closer to the main security box and inside courtyard with tables for leisure. He hears commotion, meaning everyone is still awake and it must be daylight with how active everyone is. Gator hears the guard talk, he didn’t pay attention enough to get his name. He has a very strong Texan accent, it makes him envision the man with a full moustache, a stubble on both sides, his hair brown and medium length with a sharp jawline. His hands feel bony but his grip is strong, it’s oddly reassuring — knowing he at least is in the hands of someone that’s not gonna lead him astray or snap like a twig. If Gator would fall due to a misstep or by simply tripping on his own feet, at least this guy would catch him and pick him up easily, because Gator is no small guy.

But, Gator knows there are bigger guys here. He can hear them clearly, their booming voices, deep and masculine while others are meek and quiet — it’s quite the spectrum. He can’t pretend to be a wolf like his father, he’s a rabbit, a blind rabbit at that and he needs to remember that.

“Well, here is your cell,” the Texan guard states, “Number 8. Now, just stay right there as I open up the cell door okay?” Gator feels his hands grip leave his elbow and it must be because he’s so touch starved but he misses the human touch already.

Gator simply stands and he’s grateful that while in hospital, as he recovered, he learned how to stand by himself without falling or felling like the world is tilting on its axis; it took him a while to feel right in the darkness but he did it. He hears the jingle of keys and the insertion of said key for his cell to be unlocked, iron bars being parted and slid across.

It felt like the guard took ages but Gator feels his hand on his elbow again and his voice cutting through the commotion, “Now, I will be back with your amenities, toiletries and cane. You, just sit here on your bunk bed below and sit tight alright?” The guard explains, as he settles Gator down.

Gator notices immediately how the commotion gotten a little more quieter when stepping through his cell, his shoes don’t echo when they walk towards his bed and the guards voice doesn’t bounce off the walls; it feels secluded and like it’s his domain now. The young man can only nod as he’s placed on his new bed, the mattress isn’t like his own in his old room but it’s better than nothing. He hears the sounds of keys and his cell door close again and the telltale sound of boots walking away. All he can do is think and go over his thoughts so far as he waits.

Firstly, a cane? Gator wasn’t sure how this whole thing was gonna work out, he never heard of a blind person in prison before, he never thought he he’d be one but here he is. He’s heard horror stories from Roy how folk in prison will use anything they have to maintain order, to protect themselves or use to hurt others. Shanking is the one he’s heard of the most, he knows of certain gangs and certain people you have to look out for and steer clear from. He doesn’t know how this will work, but if they give him access to a cane, then surely it means he’s protected enough that no one will steal it or use it as a weapon right? He’s already at a disadvantage, he doesn’t even know what he looks like now. Sure, he’s had Dot to take care of that while he was in hospital, but he knows he’s already lost some weight, that he doesn’t look intimidating or anything like the rest. He’s just a rabbit in a place full of other creatures, sure, maybe he’ll find others like him but he’s unsure how he’ll approach that.

Secondly, he misses Dot immensely. He’s already thought of her multiple times since departing from her. But, he holds onto that hope and knowing that she’ll visit with his favourite cookies makes him smile.

After some pondering, he hears whistling and the sounds of boots again, jingles of keys and his cell door opens once again.

“Alrighty, I’m back with all your things.” The Texan guard announces, Gator can tell he said it with a sly grin.

“Now, I’ll set your stuff up with you so that you know where everything is and you’re accommodated as well as possible.” The guard says and goes to Gators side, “We’ll do this together and then you have free leisure to yourself until dinner time. Okay?” Gator nods, holding out his elbow and the guard takes it like they’ve done it hundreds of times before.

Gator is given a small thorough tour of his cell. He’s had objects placed in his hands and his guard labels them as he guides Gator to place them on the sink, on his small wooden desk and on his bed. He made sure that the young man knew where the toilet was and where the rolls were kept as well. In the end, the cell didn’t have much but it worked for Gator, because it means less hazards. His guard tells him the wooden desk is light and has rounded corners as well. His sheet bedding was already on, but the Texan guard gives him some extra blankets and another pillow for comfort. It might mean he has to do more laundry but Gator didn’t mind, not if it meant he can spoon the pillow without any judgement or onlooking eyes at night.

As Gator is set back down on his bed again, the guard coughs and clears his throat, “Now, Gator, I need to get back to my station. I hope you settle in well, if you need anything, just give a holler alright? Dinner will be announced in a few hours.”

Gator hears the same pattern of sounds again and turns his head towards his opened cell gate and opens his mouth, he stutters but finds his voice.

“T-Thank you…ah?” The pattern of sounds break and he hears the guards voice hitch. The man gives a slight huff and chuckle, “Austin. But the names Officer Garcia to you.” Gator knows he must’ve turned his head because he could hear his voice clearly. He gives a small grin in return.

“Thank you, Officer Garcia.” Gator says and with that, the Texan guard now known as Officer Garcia walks out and closes his cell door, locking it and his footsteps faded away. His whistle of an old tune carries down from the open hall of cells and cut off as he exists past the security box.

Gators day was mostly travelling and being processed, his stomach grumbles in protest but he’s tired. He feels for his fold up cane on his bed and tugs it close to him, this is his eyes now, this will guide him and is now an extension of himself.

It hasn’t hit him just yet.

He knows it will.

But for now, he only wants to sleep. So, he kicks off his shoes, places his cane under his pillow and searches blindly for his blanket. It’s thin but a nice material and enough to keep him warm, the weather is different here and definitely warmer, but Gator yearns for that weight to be over him and make him feel held and secure.

He ignores the faint sound of other prisoners and guards, he evens out his breaths and thinks of Dot, he thinks of his favourite metal bands and cookies.

His body curls up in a fetal position and he’s never felt so small before. Like he’s a kid again. He thinks, on the verge of sleep about his childhood, his bringing and moments of comfort and happiness. Maybe, he’ll dream of him in another life where he was taken away and saved by Dot, where he lived happily and comfortably as a rabbit, that way, he’d still have his eyes and vision, where he never ended up in prison…dreaming of a better life.

So, he falls asleep.

And he dreams.

[sadhours]

scumbag blues • battery acid

gator tillman x f!original character

previous chapter • masterlist

cw: 18+minors dni, unsolicited dick pics/videos, mean texts, drinking, kind of smut??? Gator tries

Daisy’s depressed. She’s been turning away clients left and right. The money from Roy keeps the bills paid but it’s tighter than before and her pops has noticed. Says something about it when Daisy’s cooking him lunch.

“I don’t know why things have taken such a turn, Daisy,” he sounds stressed. “We haven’t had a single guest in two weeks.”

“It’ll turn back around,” she assures him, “always does.”

Her mothers voice rings in her ears. Same mantra about how women have to take care of things. How women have a magic money maker between their legs and they’d be fools not to take advantage.

Her phone vibrates in her pocket, she pulls it out and looks down at the notification. Gator. Hasn’t had the guts to block him like she should. She slides it open and is met with a photo of his cock. Hard as hell. He’s on his bed, she can see his cargos bunched up around his ankles and his combat boots. He’s sent You can’t quit me, baby along with the photo and she hates the way it ignites a flame in her stomach. She locks her phone and shoves it back in her pocket, resuming the can of tomato soup she’d been heating up. She wishes Gator would just give it up. There’s plenty of other women for sale in this county. But she knows he likes her. Their sexual chemistry is undeniable. And she’s certain Gator hasn’t been with any other woman. Yet, she doesn’t even know how many men she’s been with. It’s unfair. She can’t quit this. And that’s what Gator deserves, so she’ll have to quit him.

She butters up the bread for grilled cheeses, determined to get out of this funk and start taking clients again. Her mother would tell her she’s pathetic. Gator’s always been a client, he started out as such and it’d be laughable to think they could be more. It’s a god damn pipe dream and they both know it.

—

When Daisy reads his message but doesn’t respond, Gator gets furious but his cock is still hard. The arousal mixed with the anger facilitates in a bit of harassment on his end. He records himself jacking off, mumbles about how he knows she wants him. How she’s gonna watch it later and play with her pretty pussy. Which he fully believes. Records himself cumming, muttering, “Wish I was cumming in your tight hole, baby.”

Again, Daisy opens the messages and doesn’t respond. And now that Gator’s cock is softening, the anger takes over and he sends a handful of messages.

Whatever, bitch. Ur not even pretty. Just fucking easy.

Ur used up.

Probably should get tested. God knows ur fckn infected. Nasty slut.

Fuck u bitch

Then, Gator realizes these won’t help his case in any way so he sends another.

I’m sorry. Just miss u and I ain’t good at controlling my temper

The last message never delivers and Gator’s feeling like a pathetic loser with his cum drying on his stomach. Cleans himself up and grabs his keys. He needs to get as drunk as humanly possible. Fuck, he doesn’t care that it’s only noon. This pit of dread filling him needs to be released and alcohol can dull it. The Esquire Club opens at 10 am. He’ll be with like minded company. And well, if it’s two blocks from the Inn, that’s just a coincidence. He isn’t hoping that Daisy’ll wander in desperate for money. Definitely not.

The place is dead when he gets there aside from a couple of dudes rambling about sports. Gator doesn’t keep up with football anymore. Too bitter about high school. He would’ve been scouted, out of this shithole and never would’ve touched Daisy Way if that prick hadn’t busted his ankle. Swears if he ever sees that fucker again, he’ll kill him.

The hours drone on, Gator filling his belly with cheap whiskey and countless beers. Is absolutely stumbling around when the sun goes down. There’s girls in here tonight. Ones that know Gator’s the sheriff’s son, girls that touch his biceps and ask if he’s ever had to shoot anyone. He tells grandiose stories, fibbing on the extremities. Yeah, he sees a ton of action. Yeah, Gator’s a fucking badass. He’s a fucking winner.

He gets one of the girls in the bathroom, a brunette with heavy makeup and a short skirt. Has her leg propped up on the graffitied toilet. Limp dick in his hand as he tugs it, pleading internally for it to fill out but it just fucking won’t. He knows it’s the whiskey, his whole body is fucking numb. But he can’t help but think that if this were Daisy bent over for him, he’d be hard as a rock. It’s pathetic and it’s weird, but he grabs hold of the girl's hair and tugs her head back so he can grunt into her ear.

“You want me to fuck you, Daisy? Huh?” he laughs, “Want me to stretch you out so bad?”

“My names not Daisy?” the girl replies, confusion dripping in her voice.

“Shh,” he hisses, pulling on his cock and focusing on the fantasy, trying to will his dick to life. Nothing. He balls his fist up and slams it against the stall, “Fuck!”

He shoves his flaccid length back into his cargos and barrels out of there. Leaving the girl stunned and exposed. He’s a fucking loser. If he goes by the Inn, it’ll be pummeled into his head what a fucking loser he is. Somehow, he winds up at Faye’s apartment building. Hits the buzzer. Over and over until he hears her sleepy voice.

“Who is it?”

“Faye, it’s me— er,” he hiccups, “Gator. Can I come up?”

“Gator, it’s the middle of the night,” she sighs, “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Please,” he whines, hates how pathetic he sounds, “I have nowhere else to go. I won’t be fucking weird. Okay? I just… please, Faye.”

A beat of silence. Then the buzz and a green light. Gator tugs the door open and stumbles inside, looking down the hall until a door opens. Faye steps outside, rubbing her eyes and she’s wearing a long, flowy nightgown. She lets him inside and because of his intoxicated state, he clings onto her and fucking cries. Like the pathetic loser he is. But she wraps her arms around him.

“Gator, what happened?”

“I’m… I’m such a fucking loser,” he sobs, “I ruin everything.”

Faye squeezes him tighter, rubs his back soothingly. “Oh, Gator…”

She pulls back and puts her hands on his face, “I’m gonna make some tea. Sit on the couch and we’ll talk about it. Okay?”

She’s so good. So pure. So sweet. Gator hiccups and nods, moving to rub his fists against his teary eyes. Then he trudges to her living room, waiting for her to return.

[sadhours]

scumbag blues • dead end friends

gator tillman x f!oc

previous chapter • masterlist

cw: 18+ minors dni, violence, masturbation, roy, sex work

🤍🩶🤍🩶

Working the ranch after a gnarly night of drinking at for the faint of heart. Gator pukes about ten times while he’s out there, five of them when he’s shoveling shit. Roy looks as happy as a clam. The few times he sees Gator working, he laughs and claps him on the back, bellows out a bible verse Gator ignores. Works harder when he’s angry though. Takes his frustration out on the labor. Makes his body tired by the end of the day.

As he showers, his sick mind imagines strangling Daisy ‘til her face turns blue but it shifts. He’s still choking her but she’s smiling, that pretty cock drunk expression on her face while he mercilessly pounds into her pussy. Can fucking hear the squelch of it and Daisy’s pornographic moans. His dick fills out despite himself, he punches the tile of the shower wall ‘cause he’s so pissed at himself. Of course his anger towards her would facilitate itself as sick and twisted horniess. Imagines slapping her face and pulling her hair but in his mind she cries out in pleasure, begs for more and writhes in the sheets. Because she would, because he’s seen it a hundred times. Daisy loves it rough, loves being told she’s a worthless slut, that she’s addicted to his cock, she’d babble agreements. She’d cum all over his cock.

Gator wraps his fingers around his base, squeezes tight as he clenches his eyes shut. Flashes of Daisy in the many positions he’s put her in, folded up like a pretzel and he tries to remember the way her pussy feels, all wet and clenching around him. Gator spits down on his shaft and spreads it with his fist, tries to recreate how Daisy feels but it ain’t as good. He can picture her face all fucked out, drooling and crying about how good it feels. Pictures her tits, same ones he swore were fake the first time he seen ‘em, bouncing in time with his ruthless thrusts. What makes him cum is imagining her cumming on his cock, crying out in pleasure and calling him daddy. Spurts white, thick ropes on the tiles. Eyes clenched tight while he catches his breath.

What she’d said to him the night before floods his thoughts. Sends Gator spiraling. Has him planning on visiting the evidence room and then heading to a big empty field, artillery packed tight. Shooting at shit usually makes him feel better. Gator considers that maybe getting some other pussy might suffice. Daisy ain’t the only hooker in Stark County. But she is the prettiest. Probably the cleanest.

—

Daisy’s folding sheets when the bell chimes. She’s wearing a delicate floral dress, white with navy flowers and her hairs tied up in a haphazard bun, allowing the air from the fan to reach her sweaty neck. Housework days are the worst. She wanders out of the back room to the front desk, not surprised to see Roy standing in the lobby. Hands in his pocket and a smile that says he’s privy to what she said to Gator the night before. But she knows Gator didn’t tell him, she’s a little worried. Hopes Gator is okay, but Roy wouldn’t be smiling like that if Gator hurt himself.

“What happened to your door?” Roy asks, looking smug as can be.

“Your son happened,” Daisy raises an eyebrow, “I gotta replace that. Lord knows how much that’ll cost.”

Roy pulls out a stack of cash, lays it out on the desk and smiles, “That ought to cover it.”

“Sheriff— I, it feels wrong,” Daisy sighs, looking down at the money. “I really shouldn’t accept it.”

“It’s a gift,” Roy says, “Be rude of you not to.”

Daisy picks up the bills and tucks them into the lockbox, sighing. She opens her mouth to speak but Roy interrupts her, “A token of my appreciation. Whatever the hell you said to him sure as day worked.”

“I banned him,” Daisy says, “Told him he couldn’t have my pussy even he offered a million bucks.”

She isn’t sure why she’s bragging, but she wants to impress Roy, wants him to really know she did a good job. Because it was hard saying that to Gator, even if his cruelness inspired it.

“Well, I ain’t seen him clean the stables that good since he was a kid, so it worked,” he taps his fingers against the desk.

Daisy blurts it out before she can help herself, “I care for Gator. I don’t like hurting him. Hell, Sheriff, I’d quit this shit in a heartbeat if he wanted me to.”

Roy’s face hardens, anger clouds his eyes as he looks at her, “My boy’s not gonna marry an impure woman. Now, if he’d been only sucker to defile you, that’d be a different story. But that ain’t the one we’re in, and I know that if I pay the right price, I could get an hour with you in one of them rooms. And the lord don’t take too kindly on that, so I won’t, but the sin runs deep in your veins, girl. And, God almighty would smite me if I allowed that into my family. So, Daisy, cut your losses. Don’t you go fantasizing about that possibility, ‘cause it won’t ever be one. Gator’s my only son, and he’s barely useful at that. You tainted him enough, but you will never taint him more than you have. And I’ll make sure of that.”

Daisy’s throat tightens as tears fill her eyes, she fantasizes about the possibility of Gator on his knees for her in a god honoring way more than she’d like to admit. If she thinks about it too much, she’ll come to the realization she’s in love with the fucker and Roy’s just spelled it out loud and clear that he won’t allow it. So she can’t daydream too much. Knows it’s a god damn pipe dream anyways. Gator don’t love her, never will because she knows this is the ideals he grew up with. Looks at her as damaged goods never worthy of a ring. And it’s the smack in the face she needed.

“I understand,” she swallows the lump in her throat, “Thanks for stopping by, Sheriff. It’s been a real pleasure.”

“A real one, I’m sure,” he rips his hat at her because he saunters out. Leaves Daisy stunned, tears in her eyes as she tries to forget about all the real pleasures she’s had with Gator. Sure she’s had them because she’s in love with him.

—

“Daisy,” Daphne smiles, red hair blown from the wind as she steps into the lobby. Her skin is kissed with sun, her cheeks filled with cheer as she skips into the space between them. Wraps her arms around Daisy’s waist and pulls her tight against her, squeaking out an “I’m in love!”

Daisy smiles, hugging Daphne back just as tight. Thinks to herself that she’s also in love, but she’s gotta move past it. Hates that in the two weeks since Roy’s last visit, all she can think about is her feelings for Gator. Hitting her like a damned semi truck. Making work difficult when she’s closing her eyes, picturing the deputy beneath her just for the men to ask her to look at them. Hates that her mothers distant voice is in her head, telling her to keep it together. She ain’t raised her to fall for a client so easily.

“Daphne, you been gone three years, I sure as shit hope you fell in love,” Daisy mumbles as she squeezes her best friend. “Tell me about the lucky fella.”

“Sean,” Daphne gushes, hands wrapping around Daisy’s elbows as she pulls away. “We met on the mission. He’s an actor.”

“An actor?” Daisy smirks, “Shit, we got so much in common already!”

Daphne rolls her eyes but her smiles genuine, dreamy even. “We’re engaged.”

“You Christian’s move so quick,” Daisy teases, guiding Daphne to the couches in the lobby. “Is he sexy?”

Daphne squeals, hands rushing to her face as she stomps her feet in excitement, “The sexiest man I’ve ever seen.”

“He ask your daddy?”

“The night we got in, at dinner,” Daphne extends her hand to show Daisy the rock.

“Oh, fuck, he’s loaded, ain’t he?” Daisy’s eyes bulge as she inspects the ring.

“That don’t matter,” she waves her hand but her eyes tell Daisy everything she needs to know. “I lost it to him.”

“You harlot!” Daisy scolds sarcastically, “How was it? Worth the sin?”

“So worth it, first two weeks we couldn’t stop, I was so dehydrated,” Daphne admits, squeezing Daisy’s knee.

“Ain’t so bad, huh? I always said, you gotta try it to see if it’s worth spending the rest of your life with,” Daisy grins, though her mind slips to Gator. Can’t imagine better sex. Can’t imagine a better man to wake up next to and her makes her heart hurt. Daphne’s quick to catch it.

“Gator?”

Daisy sighs, “Sheriff’s paying me not to see him. I haven’t had an orgasm in so long.”

Daphne frowns then, “You like Gator so much, why let Roy in the way?”

“I don’t like Gator,” Daisy says sternly, eyebrows furrowed.

“Daisy,” Daphne scowls, “You and I both know that ain’t true. You had a crush on him since you were thirteen, and then, what, you’ve spent the last five years gushing about him. You can’t lie to me, babe.”

“I love him,” she admits, the first time out loud. Sounds ashamed when she says it ‘cause she is. “But the sheriff really don’t want us together. And I ain’t about to wind up in jail just ‘cause I love that man. It ain’t worth it. Imagine what my daddy would do without me— god forbid, he knew what I was doing here.”

“I’m just saying,” Daphne starts, “maybe this life is worth leaving behind if Gator means so much to ya.”

“Gator wouldn’t marry me anyways,” Daisy admits, “His daddy wouldn’t let him and really, last time I saw him I banned him from the Inn. Motherfucker punched the damn glass on the door. Trashed my client's car.”

“Would he do that if he didn’t want you so bad?” Daphne challenges, “Gator’s just as sick with love as you, darling, he’s just gonna be too stubborn to admit it first.”

“I miss him,” Daisy confesses, “Not even the sex part, I just miss being around him. He made me feel something, ya know?”

“I do know,” Daphne smiles, squeezing Daisy’s knee, “I’m not running from my something. You shouldn’t either.”

Daphne’s right but Roy’s scarier than the truth.

[buckysgrace]

Time With You

Gator Tillman x fem!oc

Flufftober 2024

Gator and Daphne get their kids ready for Halloween.

Gator dug around in the pantry, trying to recall where he had hidden the last bag of Halloween candy that they had purchased for their trick or treaters. They were going to leave it out on their porch, but they would be gone. 

It was already pitch black outside, the stars hidden behind thick clouds as the wind blew heavily against the house. He didn’t see how anyone would be out, as thick snowflakes had already begun to flutter down against the windows. Hopefully it wouldn’t get too bad as they still needed to make their way up to the school.

He yelped when he caught wind of her in the reflection of the window, his hand falling to his chest as his heart momentarily stopped. The bag of candy almost went flying before he roughly gripped it to his chest, keeping it safe. He breathed in deeply, trying to get his pulse back to normal as Piper stared up at him curiously.

“What are you again?” He asked as he took a big gulp, tilting his head before he bent so he could see her better. She reached her hands out, giving his fingers a little squeeze as he examined her. 

“Coraline, daddy!” She reminded him, her brown hair hidden away underneath a blue wig. He had been selected to go back and braid her hair earlier, after she claimed that her mother hadn’t done it in the right way. He didn’t mind. He took longer to do it as he relied on how it felt for the most part.

Daphne waddled her way in a second later, hand brushing over her swollen belly before she held the yellow raincoat out towards Piper. She jumped in joy, giggling as she slid it on over his shoulders. He was still confused. “Right,” He nodded his head as he blinked in confusion, “Who is that again?” He whispered towards Daphne, not wanting to earn another eye roll from his daughter. She had accused him of being uncool a week ago, as he didn’t know who someone named Jojo was. He still didn’t. 

“We watched the movie last week, remember?” She hummed as Noah ran in after her. He was still only partially dressed, only in his socks and undies. She lifted him gently onto the chair, then began to brush her fingers through Noah’s hair again to get it slicked back, “The one with the talking cat.” She stated as she glanced at him. 

“Oh, that one.” He wrinkled his eyes in confusion, trying to remember which movie that had been. They were watching Hocus Pocus tonight, so it couldn’t be that one. Or maybe it was, but he didn’t recall anyone dressing like Piper was. 

“Do you know who I am?” Knox spoke up, giving his hand a little tug from his weak side. His messy hair was hidden underneath a red hat and he looked completely different than his twin sister did. 

“Hm,” He smiled as he picked up Knox, getting a little giggle from the six year old, “I think you’re a firefighter?” He questioned slowly, like he wasn’t quite sure. He’d grown to become quite fascinated with them recently. 

“Yeah!” He grinned from ear to ear, adjusting the little hat on the top of his head. Gator thought of the last run in he’d had with firefighters, how they’d beaten his team at the baseball game they’d thrown together. 

“They’re cool, I guess.” He teased as he gave Knox’s cheek a little kiss, frowning at the way his expression fell. 

“You guess?” He asked, tone broken as a look of disappointment spread over his features. Gator felt his heart break that time, not meaning to offend him. 

“I mean they are. They’re so cool. The best.” He encouraged him, giving him another bounce until he was beaming again. Sometimes he forgot how soft and sensitive his son was, but he wasn’t bothered by it. He just didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

“I can put out fires!” He continued on, holding onto Gator tightly as he carried him into the living room, “Like Pokey.” He stated, trying to drop his head against Gator’s but being unable to do so with his hat.

“You mean Smokey?” He asked with a little laugh, ensuring that there were no hard toys on the couch before he sat them down. Knox thought it over for a moment before he nodded his head. 

“Yeah, him too.” He replied, wiggling over as Piper crawled up on Gator’s other side. He winced at the feeling of her sharp knees against his side before he relaxed, situating her better.

“I’m ready to go.” She stated, bearing Daphne’s smile as she pressed her fingers against his zipper on his chest. Daphne and him had allowed the kids to pick out their costumes this year, which had been Minion onesies. He looked like a joke, but he thought it would be good. No one would recognize him. Daphne always told him that, but he didn’t quite believe it. Or he was just paranoid. 

“As soon as Noah is ready.” He reminded her, adjusting her wig on her head so it wasn’t so lopsided. He wondered how long she’d stay in the wig and considering she hadn’t taken it off yet, he supposed she’d be in it for the next few weeks. 

“He’s slow.” She whined, giving him a dramatic shake before she began to kick her arms and legs out. He held onto her stomach, keeping her from falling onto the floor. 

Piper got along fine with Knox, probably because they shared the womb. And Knox also got along well with Noah. But Noah and Piper did not get along, not at all. Possibly because they were so close in age, or because they were so similar. At times it was like they enjoyed making each other mad. 

“Be nice,” He chuckled softly as one of her wild limbs fell against his bad side, “It goes on for a long time anyways.” He blinked his sore eye a few times, not that it would do much good. He couldn’t see shit from it anyways. 

“But I really want candy.” She replied as she clicked her yellow boots together. He laughed, sitting forward so she could plop her feet onto the ground again. 

“I do too,” Knox nodded his head in agreement, “But I can wait.” He added, smiling brightly as he hugged onto Gator’s arm tighter. He rubbed his back gently, glad that at least one of them was patient. 

“Okay,” Daphne’s voice carried in through the kitchen, her footsteps filling the room before being overpowered by Noah’s loud steps on the floor, “He has a surprise for you.” She added as she leaned behind the couch, tapping his head so Gator would look in the right direction. 

“Daddy, I you!” Noah proclaimed proudly, holding his little hands on his hips. His dark hair was slicked back and he wore a pair of camo pants and a black sweatshirt. Attached to his wrist was a toy leash, linked to a stuffed german shepherd. 

Penny had come into their lives two months ago, a former detection dog that had apparently been too aggressive to be adopted as Daphne had claimed. He had argued with her at first because of the danger towards their kids and because he didn’t need a service dog. He was fine on his own. But she had convinced him that Penny was neither a danger or here to help him. Even though she flocked to his side. 

And she had yet to be aggressive, although she did get pretty intense when she caught wind that he had popped one of his nightly gummies into his mouth. He had tried to become sneaky with it, but she always knew. 

“Cool,” He grinned, feeling flattered as he knelt down to get a better look at him. He looked just like Gator too, just like Knox did. More often than not, people assumed they were twins. Or that they were all triplets, “You look even more handsome than I do.” He added, kissing his flushed cheek.

“Isn’t it sweet?” Daphne cooed, giving Noah’s shoulder a little squeeze as she fluttered her eyelashes multiple times. She had been fairly emotional this time around, or maybe she was also thinking about how he had missed out on her last pregnancy and delivery. He still felt a lot of guilt about that. 

“Hormones?” He questioned, holding his arm out as Noah snuggled up to his side. He buried his face into the crook of his neck, his nose cold against his skin. 

“They’re a bitch.” She spit out as she gently dabbed her fingertips at her eyes, trying not to mess up her mascara. Her red hair was braided out of her face, her bangs covering her eyebrows as she took a deep breath. 

“Bad word,” Knox said, his brown eyes widening, “Did you hear that?” He turned towards Piper, covering his mouth with his hands as he giggled. 

“I apologize.” Daphne said sincerely, her plump lips pressing into a smile. She was wearing a burgundy color on her lips, the one that he loved so much. 

“Uh uh, that’s a dollar!” Piper shook her head, holding her hands on her hips in a similar manner that Daphne did when she was sassing someone. His girls were too similar to one another. 

“Pay it up,” He teased along with the kids, giving Noah another kiss on his head. Years ago he had been terrified that he wouldn’t bond with his youngest while had been locked away. He was glad that wasn’t true, “And then we can go.”

“How much is a dollar?” Noah questioned as Gator worked on getting his winter jacket on him, then carefully sliding his orange mittens onto his fingers. 

“One hundred pennies.” He hummed softly, double checking to make sure his boots were tightly laced before they went outside. Noah preferred to be barefoot and in as little clothes as possible, but it was far too cold for that. 

“How much is a penny?” He piped up next, eyebrows furrowing together in curiosity. He met Noah’s big brown eyes, unsure of how to answer him. 

“Uh,” He stalled for a second, “You know, your mom was better at math than I was.” He said with a little laugh, holding the door open for them. He met Daphne’s eye, sending her a sly wink as she adjusted her yellow hat on top of her head. 

“Mommy!” Noah exclaimed, reaching for her free hand as Knox occupied her other hand. He began to ramble the question off again, speaking too fast to allow her to actually answer. 

“Funny,” She teased Gator, rolling her pretty blue eyes, “Let’s go get some candy.” She replied as she walked them out the door, ensuring that they were all out before she unlocked the car.

“You sure you’re okay to walk around?” He asked her seriously, knowing she’d been more exhausted here lately. She only had a few more weeks left, just under a month. He was nervous. 

“I’m pregnant, not broken,” She grinned as she kissed his cheek, “But thank you.” She walked down the steps slowly, accepting Piper’s outstretched hand so she didn’t trip again.

“Maybe we’ll have twins again,” He smirked, bidding Penny a quick goodbye before he locked the door, “Or triplets.” There was supposedly just one little baby nesting there, but he wouldn’t mind more. Their names were still a work in process as they had decided to wait until they officially met their baby this time. 

“You really do think you’re funny,” She shook her head as she opened the car door, “I’m very amused.” She added, holding a hand out to help the twins inside. 

“Daddy is funny.” Noah added a second later, beaming from ear to ear as he glanced back at him. He chuckled as he picked him up, accepting his little hug. He buried his nose against Gator’s neck again, his nose even colder from the breeze that continued to hit them. 

“Thank you,” He grinned proudly as he worked on getting him buckled into his car seat, “Does everyone remember what to say?” He looked at all of them, shifting a bit so he could see the buckles better. 

“Treat please!” Noah stretched his legs out happily, clapping his hands together as a bright smile spread across his lips again. 

“You didn’t say it right.” Piper said quickly, looking at him surprised. Knox shrugged his shoulders. 

“I think he said it close enough.” Daphne spoke up from the driver’s seat, shifting it back and forth until she was comfortable. Piper scoffed. 

“But it wasn’t right,” She corrected, “It’s trick or treat.” She told Noah, looking at him expectantly as Gator successfully got the buckles tightened around his little tummy. 

“Uh,” The little boy turned towards Gator again, eyes wide, “Trick or treat!” He said instead, giggling in joy. He chuckled as he bent over to kiss the top of his head, glad that he didn’t take anything to heart. 

“That’s better.” Piper nodded as she turned her attention back towards Knox, looking proud of her younger sibling for once. The dirt crunched underneath his feet as he took a step back, gently shutting the door. 

“How much candy do you think you’ll get?” Daphne asked, waiting until he was buckled up before she began to back out of the rocky driveway. He turned in the seat again, spinning around as far as he could so he could get a good look at the kids. 

“This much!” Knox exclaimed as he held out his arms as far as they would go, almost bumping his hand into Piper and Noah’s faces. He usually had to sit in the middle to keep the other two from fighting. 

“That’s a lot,” Gator grinned at him, “Are you going to share?” He teased, knowing that he’d get candy even if he wanted to or not. He supposed that was the good thing about them having a bedtime still. 

“Maybe.” Knox stated bashfully, giggling as he brought his hands back up to his cheeks. Gator assumed that meant no. 

“I share!” Noah said, kicking his feet around wildly, “It’s nice!” He nodded his head eagerly, looking at the other two like he expected them to agree with him. They were all cute. 

“I’ll have more candy than you.” Piper stated, instantly beginning to frown as Noah wrinkled up his nose and began to snort like a piggy. It was his new favorite comeback, although Gator had no idea what it meant. Just that it annoyed his sister to no end. 

“We’re going to have a lot of fun anyways.” Daphne spoke up as she looked in the rearview mirror, locking eyes with Piper for a moment. 

“And you always have to pay the candy fee,” Gator added as he locked eyes with each of his children, ensuring that they stayed curious while he spoke, “Otherwise the goblins will getcha.” He added, laughing as the three of them began to shriek. They’d probably end up crammed into his and Daphne’s bed for the rest of the week, but it was worth it. 

[buckysgrace]

17. Forever and Ever, Amen

Gator Tillman x fem!oc

Hugh announces some surprising news to the entire family.

Then

He was thirteen when Nadine stumbled into his life.

He supposed that force was a better way to describe it. She had disrupted the delicate balance that was his home life, even if it wasn’t technically her fault. Still, he enjoyed having her company. It made him feel less lonely in his big house, even though he wasn’t allowed to play with her that much. 

“Who are you?” Daphne peered up at Nadine, her dark eyebrows pulled together inquisitively like she was trying to decide if Nadine was kind or not. Her eyes were narrowed, like she was trying to decide if Nadine was friend or foe. 

Nadine had only been at the ranch for a few days, but Gator’s parents had business with the ranch that had left the two of them swiftly dropped off at the Williams’ house. Ruby had spent some time outside on the porch, speaking to his mom in a hushed whisper. “I told you,” Gator whined, “This is Nadine.” He reminded her again, although he had already told her over the phone the day that Nadine had arrived. Daphne parted her lips in a silent understanding, her big blue eyes locking onto Nadine like she was one of the new animals her father had purchased. 

“Oh,” Daphne drew out slowly, “Where did you come from? How old are you? Do you like dollies? I have a pony, do you want to meet her?” She spit out all at once, nearly toppling over out of her seat from how close she had moved to Nadine. 

Nadine’s eyes widened, clearly taken aback by Daphne’s attitude. Gator flushed, wishing that he would’ve warned Nadine about how Daphne could be. She was eleven now, but still acted a little too naive at times. 

“Let the poor girl speak, Daphne.” Ruby walked around a second later, shaking her head before she waved her hand so that Daphne would sit up straight again. 

“Sorry,” Daphne blushed as she settled back into her seat. It only lasted a second before she wiggled closer again, “We can play dress up too if you like that.” She smiled a little sweeter, looking excited at the aspect. Nadine seemed to relax as she nodded her head in agreement. 

“Dress up sounds fun.” She said softly, her blue eyes locked tightly on the way Daphne’s features broke out into excitement. 

“Cool,” Daphne grinned widely, showing off one of her little gap between her bottom front teeth, “You can wear some of Noelle’s stuff.” She said quickly as she hopped out of her seat. She tugged on Nadine’s hand, nudging her upstairs. 

“Where are you going?” Gator protested, not wanting to be left alone. August wasn’t back yet, which meant that he might have to play nice with Oliver. He didn’t want to do that. 

“Uh to my room,” Daphne said incredulously, “Are you coming or what?” She yelled over her shoulder as she walked upstairs. He stumbled out of his seat, not wanting to be left behind as he joined them. 

Daphne had a steady hand as she applied color onto Nadine’s eyelids. He thought the q-tip like brushes were odd, along with the funny looking palettes. He wasn’t sure if it was even real makeup. 

“Daphne can you-,” August stalled as he held the door open, “Whose this?” He paused, his eyebrows cocked wide as he stared at Nadine. He leaned against the doorway, his body relaxing as he watched her. 

“I’m Nadine.” She gave a soft wave, smiling kindly before she looked away again. Gator felt his own eyes narrowing, quickly understanding the look in August’s eye. He’d had a girl problem recently. 

“Go away, August,” Daphne grumbled, “She’s my friend not yours.” She said quickly before she began to dabble a glossy pink color on Nadine’s lips. 

“She probably doesn’t want to play with a bunch of kids.” He challenged as he jerked his chin back towards her. Daphne’s cheeks heated up, looking frustrated at once again from being referred to as a kid. 

“I don’t mind.” Nadine spoke softly, looking as relaxed as ever as she kept her eyes glued to the way Daphne was continuing her work. 

“Ha,” Daphne replied as she stuck her tongue out towards him, “Now go away.” She demanded as she reached for one of the stuffed animals on the floor. She threw it, narrowly missing his head as it bounded down the hallway right before August slammed the door shut. There was a loud shriek of protest, sounding like Oliver had become a victim from the attack. 

Daphne kept them busy as they played from game to game. Sometimes it was a struggle to keep up with her imagination, but Gator enjoyed it. Nadine was a lot quieter, a lot calmer than the two of them. She only seemed to calm down once they were all called in to get cleaned up for dinner. 

“Sorry, the office was busier than usual,” Bruce grumbled as he strolled through the door. He gave Ruby a brief kiss on the lips before he kissed Noelle’s head and then Daphne’s. He ruffled Gator’s hair the same way he did to August and Oliver before he paused, “Uh hon, I don’t remember this child.”

“That’s Nadine!” Daphne replied in excitement, “She’s like Gator’s big sister now. And she likes horses too!” She said happily as she wiggled around in her chair again. Bruce raised an eyebrow as he glanced towards Nadine before he turned to his youngest daughter again. 

“Can she speak for herself?” He challenged, but still looked amused as Ruby began to serve him his dinner. August snorted, looking a little pleased with himself before Ruby gave him a warning tap on his shoulder. 

“Well yes,” Daphne replied back, too excited to listen to Bruce’s grumpy tone, “But I wanted to answer for her because we’re friends. See?” She held up the little beaded bracelet, waving it around wildly. Nadine raised her wrist in response, a shy smile on her lips as she showed off her matching one. 

“She’s staying with the Tillman’s for a while,” Ruby answered softly as she sent Nadine another wave, “They’re picking up some cattle so I said we could watch them.” She finally sat down, looking a little tired as she gave Bruce a squeeze on his shoulder. 

Dinner passed easily after that and Gator didn’t miss the confusion on Nadine’s features. Bruce was similar to Roy, but he was also very different. They didn’t sit in silence at dinner, Bruce made sure to ask them all the same amount of questions and seemed genuinely interested in what they had to say. He was always a little harder on August, but Gator figured that it had to do with him being the oldest. 

`They all helped clean up after dinner. He scraped off the leftovers into a bowl then handed the dirty dishes to Daphne. She washed them, while Noelle dried them. August worked on scrubbing the table down while Oliver silently swept the floor. It was routine, it was nice. No one got yelled at for doing it wrong either. 

“We could play monopoly,”  Daphne suggested as she balanced on one leg that night, “Or Life. Or Twister. Or I could make August give up his Xbox.” She rambled as she listed off everything that came to her mind. They had made their way into the basement. There was more room, with an extra sofa, mattress and TV. 

“What about Mario Kart on the Gamecube?” Gator asked instead, feeling like that sounded a lot more fun. He felt bad that Nadine was still quiet. He hoped that she understood that she did fit in. Daphne seemed to be a big fan of hers.

“That’s fine,” Nadine said in agreement, “I’m alright with whatever you guys usually do.” She agreed with them, looking quite content as Daphne rushed over to set up the Gamecube. She hummed to herself, filling the room with sound as he wondered what thoughts Nadine was hiding behind her stoic features. 

////////////////////////////////

Gator woke up to the sound of the rain.

He rolled over, his feet cold from the lack of blankets. He groaned, trying to tug them back over himself but to no avail. Nadine and Daphne had cocooned themselves together underneath all the blankets. Each time he tried to grab at them, one of them shifted it closer to themselves. 

He drifted upstairs, making plans to head into the spare closet that held all the extra pillows and quilts. He was sure he’d be left with the scratchy ones, but he supposed he couldn’t be a beggar. 

“She could stay here,” Gator heard Ruby pleading with Bruce down the hall, speaking in hushed tones so that no one else could hear them, “Linda and Roy have so much going on right now. We’re already used to a full house, it wouldn’t be that different.” She protested, sounding more desperate than he had ever heard her. 

“It’s none of our business who they take in.” Bruce whispered back in the same manner, but sounded frustrated as if they had been arguing about this for a while. Gator crept closer, doing his best to stay quiet even though he knew he shouldn’t eavesdrop. 

“She could help me out,” Ruby tried again, “And she could share a room with Noelle or Daphne. We could  make it work.” She sounded chipper, like she could somehow convince Bruce. Gator found himself frowning, not wanting to lose the one chance he had at gaining a sibling. 

“She’s the same age as August,” Bruce dismissed her entirely, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He sounded serious this time as he spoke. Ruby sighed deeply, sounding like she was debating on her next choice of words. 

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for her to stay there,” Ruby said at last, “It just doesn’t feel right.” She breathed out harshly. Gator crept a little closer, curious as to what she was going to say. 

“And why’s that?” Bruce sounded more stern this time around. Gator took a step back, not wanting to hear Bruce treat Ruby the same way Roy handled Linda. He winced as the floor creaked, stiffening as he knew that he had been caught. He pulled a sheepish smile to his lips as Ruby turned around the corner. 

“Hey,” Ruby smiled brightly at him, all of the worried lines on her features disappearing as she stepped forward, “I didn’t wake you, did I?” She asked worriedly as she fumbled her fingers through his hair. 

“No,” He lied, “I just couldn’t sleep.” He shrugged his shoulders softly, trying to keep as nonchalant as he could. She nodded her head, looking fine with that answer as Bruce rounded on them. 

“We’ll talk about this later,” Bruce said dismissively as he gave Ruby a warning look, “Try and get some sleep.” He added towards Gator a second later. He gave his shoulder a soft squeeze, then added an even softer smile before he walked away.

“I was about to have a cup of tea, do you want some?” Gator loved his mom, but thought that she sometimes had a hard time loving him. Roy was always telling her that she was doing something wrong, that she was babying him. He never heard Bruce say that to Ruby. She was softer, sweeter. 

When he was here, Roy couldn’t say that. Bruce never seemed to complain about it either. Ruby treated Gator in the same manner she treated her sons. She’d let him curl up against her side, rest his head on her lap and would kiss injuries the same way she did to the rest of her kids. 

“Okay,” He nodded his head. He watched as she worked, thinking about how his mom never drank tea, “Why do you not want Nadine to stay with me?” He asked at last, furrowing his eyebrows together as he tried to come up with his own answer. Had he already done something wrong? 

“Oh, it’s not about you,” She said softly as she pushed a teacup towards him, “It’s just a lot on your mom. And she’s only had a little boy to deal with, plus, I know how to handle girls.” She said with a sly smile, making him nod his head in agreement.

“Right,” Gator replied as he took a soft sip from the warm tea, “I want a sister though.” He told her seriously. He’d always wanted a sibling. He felt like he missed out some, especially when he watched the way Daphne interacted with her siblings. They fought, but they also loved each other a lot. 

“You could still have one,” She nodded her head, “And my kids are like your siblings too.” She told him as she took a sip from her own cup. She looked deep in thought for a moment. He watched her, thinking that Daphne had her same eyes. 

“Not Daphne though?” He asked a second later, unable to help himself as her name just came to his mind. She laughed as he spoke. 

“Not Daphne,” She grinned as she watched him, “I still need grandkids from you two one day. A long time from now.” She winked, teasing him as he curled his nose up in disgust. 

“Ew.” He said, feeling his face flush at the thought. Having kids with Daphne? There was no way. She was just a friend.

Now

How are things?

He texted her the day of her appointment, still slightly worried about what had been wrong with her bloodwork. He hoped it was nothing bad. But then again, he supposed that Hugh could’ve given her some odd disease. 

Good, maybe we can talk later?

Her message made his eyebrows raise. He supposed it was harmless, but there also seemed to be something hidden in there. He quickly answered her.

Is everything alright?

He stared at his open messages, praying and hoping for a quick response from her. 

I hope so.

Her message was odd and did nothing to soothe the jitters in his veins. He paused, about to call her when Roy burst into his room. He looked at him unimpressed before he jerked his head down the hall.

“Get ready.” Was his simple statement, giving Gator no time to question him before he was back out the hallway. Gator stumbled out the door, trying to figure out exactly what he needed to get ready for. He couldn’t tell if this was personal or business. 

“Where are we going?” He breathed out harshly, almost tripping down the ends of the stairs. He paused, taking in the way that Karen was getting the girls adjusted. Personal. This was something personal. 

“We were invited over for dinner,” Roy huffed as he adjusted his hat, “Is there some issue?” He snapped, sounding a little more cranky than usual.

“No,” Gator said, slightly alarmed by his tone, “I was just curious s’all.” He shrugged his shoulders, trying to keep his cool as he quickly slid on a pair of his boots. He was still taken off guard, trying to figure out just where they were heading. He supposed that Ruby must’ve overcooked again. 

“Do we get to throw flowers yet?” Jessica asked as she furrowed her eyebrow and tugged on Gator’s hand. He sighed, unsure of how to explain to her that she probably wouldn’t be one for a while.

“Probably soon,” He nodded his head, feeling a bit bad for lying to her as he helped her out the door. She pouted her lips out, seemingly disappointed before Karen took her and lifted her into the truck, “What did Ruby make?”

“It’s not there,” Roy dismissed him as he clambered into the front seat, “It’s at Daphne’s. Her husband invited us over.” He remarked, trying to make a subtle dig but it didn’t work this time. Gator knew something that he didn’t. 

He stood there for a moment, wondering if he was walking into some sort of trap. He had heard stories of wives confronting their cheating husbands in front of large groups to humiliate them, but never the other way around. He didn’t think that Hugh could do that. Nor did he believe that anyone would really care.

“Are you coming?” Roy asked, looking annoyed at the way Gator lingered outside of the truck. He quickly cursed before he made his way inside, trying to sort out if there was some connection between Daphne’s messages and Hugh’s invitation.

The drive there wasn’t long but Gator was left in his nerves the entire way. He kept unlocking his phone, his thumbs brushing over his keyboard as he tried to think of some message to send Daphne. He doubted that she’d answer him. He didn’t like feeling like he was blinded. 

He still thought it was a bit funny that Bruce had kicked them out of the house, so soon after their marriage. He was more than happy to get rid of Hugh, that much was certain. Gator wondered where Hugh would go after. 

Maude and Jessica approached the open door first, bustling inside the already busy room. Karen was quickly after them, trying to keep them away from the walls that were only half painted. Gator lingered about, observing the room and then everyone’s behavior. Everything seemed normal. Except Daphne wasn’t around yet.

He debated on how to ask first, before he went towards Noelle who was sprawled out by herself on the couch. The furniture was all shifted about, still close together as part of the living room had yet to be finished. Despite the candles, everything still smelt like fresh wood. 

“Is Daphne here?” He looked at Noelle in confusion, not seeing her anywhere nearby as he walked towards where Noelle was positioned on the sectional. She sighed deeply, like his presence was irritating. He was used to it by now. She’d been like this his whole life. 

“I haven’t seen her,” Noelle shrugged her shoulders as she continued to inspect her nails, “Hugh told daddy to get pizza and said they had big news.” He furrowed his eyebrows together in confusion, feeling like this was all odd. It didn’t sound like they were celebrating a divorce. 

“Hugh set this up?” He searched for clarity, wondering why he would do such a thing. It wasn’t like he’d received a very warm welcome from any of them. Something was off, he just couldn’t put his finger on it. 

“Yeah,” Noelle narrowed her eyes as she looked at him, “What do you know?” She asked as she leaned forward, like she was trying to read his expression. He remained stoic, not needing another one of her siblings to know of their affair. 

“Nothing,” He responded as he backed away as if he could prove his innocence, “I don’t know anything.” He said at last, crossing his arms as if to make a point. 

“I don’t believe you,” She said at last as she pointed a finger at him, “You’re hiding something too.” She told him seriously as she furrowed her eyebrows tightly together. He scoffed, even though he was hiding something. He wouldn’t tell Noelle. He didn’t trust her.

“What about your secret?” He challenged in response, not liking being so easily called out. Her eyes widened for just a fleeting second before she quickly rolled them and turned in the other direction. It was a bit of a low blow, but it was the truth. 

There wasn’t much time for her to investigate him again before he heard footsteps gliding down the stairs. He walked around the sofa, already recognizing who it was before she stepped into the room. Her eyes widened in surprise, clearly taken aback by everyone in the room. 

“Hugh,” Daphne’s smile was tight, her eyebrows knitted in confusion as she glanced around at everyone, “What’s going on?” Her hair was wrapped up in a bun on top of her head with loose strands in disarray. She looked a little green around the edges and her mascara was smeared around the corners of her eyes as if she’d wiped them for too long. 

“I thought we should celebrate the big news,” He said as he ushered her forward, pushing her smaller body until she was on display. She didn’t look dressed for a celebration either. Her leggings had cat hair on them and her shirt was a few sizes too big, one that he suspected had been one of his old ones. The thought made him smirk. 

“Wait, wait,” She tried to protest, “What are you-, what’s everyone doing here?” She peered around at everyone in surprise, looking a little horrified as she tried to gain control of the situation. He rubbed the back of his neck, a little worried at how stressed she looked. He really hoped that Hugh wasn’t going to spring something on them. 

“To celebrate the baby!” The words tumbled free from Hugh’s tongue, making Gator take a few steps back until he hit the back of the couch. He blinked, almost positive that he had heard Hugh wrong. There was no way. 

“You’re pregnant?” Ruby was the first one to speak, grinning as Daphne planted her feet and continued to look horrified, “Oh congrats. That’s amazing!” She wrapped her arms around Daphne, giving her a little squeeze as her eyes remained wide. 

“It’s great news, isn’t it?” Hugh grinned as he bent low to kiss the corner of Daphne’s mouth. She quickly tugged away, almost as if she had been slapped as she stared up at him. Gator couldn’t find any words of congratulations on his tongue. He felt angry, jealous. He’d been so determined that Daphne was his when she really wasn’t. 

“So great,” Bruce responded dryly, only changing his tone when Ruby nudged him, “I’m so glad I’ll finally be a grandpa.” He tried again, but didn’t have the energy to humor anyone with his fake enthusiasm. Gator felt like the walls were slowly caving in and as if his lungs could no longer work. He hadn’t had an asthma attack in years, but he felt the similar dread forming in the base of his chest. 

“I uh,” Daphne shook her head, looking lost and a little terrified as different forms of congratulations were thrown her way, “I didn’t want to announce it like this.” He turned his attention towards the floor, thinking that the wood looked far too clean as her eyes fell onto him. He didn’t want to look at her. 

“It’s your family,” Hugh reminded her with a sweet tone, “There’s not a better way to do it.” Gator was sure that he was all up on her, parading her around and their unborn baby. He knew it wasn’t right to be so jealous, but he was. It should be him. 

He left without another word, turning on his heel as he was sure no one would notice anyways. It took everything in him to keep from slamming the door behind him. Fuck this. Fuck her. He wouldn’t be used in that way. Not now, not ever. 

He paced on the steps, grumbling curses underneath his breath as he wondered how he could let some girl turn his entire life upside down. Fuck. His hand shook as he brought his vape up to his lips, taking inhale after inhale as the warm setting sun burned the tops of his shoes.

The door opened but he didn’t need to look over to know who it was. He felt stupid as he stared off into the distance, wondering how he had ever thought that they’d had a chance. 

“You’re pregnant.” He spoke bitterly as he stared ahead, his heart hammering as he held back a rush of nasty accusations on the tip of his tongue. He couldn’t look at her right now. 

“Gator,” She breathed out roughly, “I was going to tell you. This was all ambushed on me. I didn’t want anyone else to know this early.” She said frantically, sounding like she was close to tears as she roughly gestured her hands around. 

“Why would it be any of my business?” He snapped at her, feeling bitter as it settled around him. She tilted her head, looking at him in disbelief as she gently shook her head. She scoffed, then laughed to herself like it was funny. The realization washed over him next, like a cold dunk in the crick as he parted his lips in understanding.

Oh.

“So the baby is-?” His tongue rolled around awkwardly in his mouth as he spoke. He straightened up his form as he looked down at her, noticing the softness that formed around her features. 

“Yes,” Daphne said, her skin a little green as she watched him, “What do you think?” She chewed on her bottom lip, cocking an eyebrow as she twisted her fingers together. He fell silent, noticing that she wasn’t wearing her wedding ring either. The anger rushed out of him, disappearing as a breeze hit them. 

“I think that’s amazing,” He spat out truthfully, “Really great. That’s incredible. A baby, wow.” He rambled for a moment, shaking his head as he tried to think of the right thing to say. He was excited, truly. He was just unprepared. His little tantrum earlier had been rash, but he was glad to know he wasn’t being used. 

He was going to be a dad. A father. He didn’t know how to process that as he roughly swallowed the words. He wasn’t upset, but he didn’t know if he’d be a good one either. He hoped so. 

“You’re nervous.” She said simply, her eyes crinkling as an amused smile tugged on her lips. He watched her as he nodded his head in agreement, bringing the vape back to his lips so he could twist out the new nerves that had formed inside of his stomach. 

“Yeah,” He nodded his head, still smiling as he resisted the urge to hold onto her, “How far along are you?” She walked forward until they were out of sight from the window, smiling as she took his hand in hers. He looked down at how tiny her hand seemed to be in comparison as he rubbed his fingertips across her open palm. 

“About five weeks,” She chewed on her bottom lip as she looked at him, “Hugh had my phone. I think that’s how he knew.” She whispered softly, her eyes swimming with worry as he was sure they shared the same thought. He was sure that if Hugh had seen their messages that he would’ve said something. 

“He doesn’t suspect anything then?” He asked her softly as he linked their fingers together, just for confirmation. She shook her head slowly. He almost wished that Hugh had looked. It would’ve made things a lot easier. 

“Apparently not,” She breathed out, “I should’ve just told him. Now everyone thinks the baby is his.” She huffed in frustration as she glanced back towards the house. He didn’t want her to get too stressed out. He was sure her miscarriage must’ve been partially due to stress at the time. It wasn’t a pleasant thought. 

“S’alright,” He mumbled as he rubbed his thumb into her palm gently, “We can work through this together.” He told her truthfully. It was a mess right now, but they’d be able to figure it out. In all honesty, he didn’t care what Hugh thought or said about the situation. He knew it would be easier to just come clean. 

“It’s embarrassing.” She groaned as she leaned forward, fully hiding her face into the crook of his neck. She continued to whine, shuffling on her feet as he wrapped his arms around her waist. He pulled her in for the first real hug they’d shared in years. He soaked in her warmth, pulling her closer as she nuzzled her face deeper against his skin. He pressed his chin against the top of her head, suddenly feeling like everything was alright. 

“On the bright side,” Gator drew out softly, “I don’t think Hugh will want to stick around after this.” He chuckled softly as he rocked them back and forth. She clung to him tightly, sighing deeply as her eyelashes fluttered against his neck. 

“I’m scared.” She breathed out slowly, her voice barely above a whisper as he rubbed his fingertips down her spine. He wanted to pull her closer, then wondering how fast they could make it to his truck without anyone noticing. Perhaps it wouldn’t be bad to leave. 

“It’s going to be alright,” He promised as he kissed her temple, “Things will be easier this time. I’ll take care of you.” He promised her as he peppered a trail of kisses down to her lips. She giggled softly, the sound absorbed by the soft touch of their lips meeting. 

“I know,” She whispered softly once he pulled away, “But what do we do now?” She looked at him worriedly as she flicked her eyes up towards him. He paused for a moment, but really didn’t know how to answer her.

“You need to end it with Hugh first,” He said at last, “Then everything else will fall into place.” He said at last, feeling like it would be better for them to start slowly than to announce it to everyone. He didn’t want to cause a scene, no matter how badly he wanted to be with her. It wasn’t worth doing it in that manner. 

He snuck back in a few minutes after her, taking a bit longer to breathe in what had just happened. He was going to be a dad. He was going to have a baby. He was excited, but it also made him want to vomit. He had no idea how to be a dad. 

The buzz from his excitement was still coursing through his veins as he walked back inside, exhaling one last cloud from his vape before he was forced into such close proximity with everyone. Part of him didn’t even care about keeping it a secret anymore, but he would for her behalf. 

He ignored the way Roy’s eyes fell towards him, an accusatory look in his expression that Gator shrugged off. He joined August, listening to whichever bitch he was venting about this time as he tried to keep himself from staring after Daphne. They were going to have a baby. 

“A baby will be so nice,” Ruby gushed out over the cheap pizza place Bruce had ordered from, still looking as if he’d just been stabbed, “The two of you will have a cute baby.” She grinned as she watched them, looking like she was already planning on when she’d be able to hold the baby. Gator shifted in his chair, hoping she’d be just as excited when she found out the truth. 

Daphne nodded deeply as a soft smile fell to Hugh’s lips. The bastard was still clueless. She circled the tip of her pizza in a cup of ranch, fluttering her eyes dramatically as she took a large bite before she began to speak. 

“I hope the baby has Gator’s eyes.” She breathed out dreamily as she took another bite from her slice of pizza. She munched on it, closing her eyes as her statement waved through the air around them. 

He stopped chewing, resisting the urge to spit out the crust of his pizza from how dry it suddenly felt in his mouth. The side conversations stopped as eyes darted back between the two of them. She stayed oblivious as she opened her eyes, a tiny smile on her lips until she realized everyone was staring. He swallowed hard, wincing at how roughly the food traveled down his throat. 

“What?” She looked at them confused with a raised eyebrow, “Is something wrong with the food?” She asked in confusion, peeling her cheese back like there was something hidden underneath it. Gator shifted lower in his chair, completely aware of the look Roy was sending him.

“Daph,” August coughed to cover up his laugh, eyes flickering in mischief, “You just said the wrong name.” He said in amusement, once again wearing that shit eating grin as he turned towards Gator. Gator felt himself grumbling, his eye twitching as he resisted the urge to toss his drink towards him. 

“Name?” She looked at him confused, tilting her head before she glanced towards everyone else. Hugh stared ahead, blinking in confusion like he was hearing it all over for the first time.

“You just said you wanted the baby to have Gator’s eyes.” Oliver said this time, a little more agitated as he turned to fully face Daphne. She froze, her fingers tightening into fists on the table as she refused to look at anyone. 

“Oh,” Daphne paused, her blue eyes widening in shock, “I said that?” She laughed nervously, her face burning like she’d been out in the sun too long as everyone continued to stare at her. Gator avoided the way Karen stuck her nose up, how she sent Roy a knowing look. 

“You did.” 

“Hm,” She stopped again, her face and neck burning as bright as a tomato, “I uh, I had this whole thing rehearsed and -,” She stopped herself quickly, covering her hand over her mouth before she stood and bolted down the hallway. Her chair nearly teetered backwards from how roughly she stood, but Oliver quickly grabbed it to balance it out as Hugh stared in disbelief.

Gator was all too aware as all the attention shifted towards him. He pulled a stiff smile to his lips, his face suddenly feeling hot, “I really like this pizza place.” He said simply, feeling like his insides were slowly curling up and sinking inside of him. His face felt too hot as he was thrown off from her sudden revelation. 

“You bastard,” Oliver said suddenly, “You’re going to ruin her.” He snapped towards Gator, looking like he was second away from flipping the table. August only laughed, making Gator want to bury his face that much deeper into his hole. 

He wished that Oliver was wrong, but the sad truth was that he probably wasn’t. He cared deeply for Daphne, but he had secrets that he couldn’t share with her. To keep her safe, of course. Partially. And because he didn’t want to lose her when she found out the truth. 

“Oliver,” Ruby looked at him surprised, “Not now.” She brushed him off quickly, smiling stiffly as she glanced back towards Hugh, who was stony faced. This wasn’t exactly how he wanted it to go, but maybe there wasn’t anything wrong with ripping the bandaid off. It would all be over with now. And he didn’t really feel bad for Hugh either, he had been shitty towards her. 

“You and her,” Hugh looked up towards him, “You were with her the whole time?” His brown eyes locked in on Gator’s, looking determined as he searched for any cracks in Gator’s demeanor. 

“Uh,” Gator wasn’t sure how to sit, where to place his hands or where to look, “Um, yes.” He said honestly, figuring that there was no other way around it. Everyone was going to find out, one way or another. 

“Wow,” Bruce spoke suddenly, making Gator hide further into his chair, “You know you could’ve done this a few years ago. Or before she was married. Congrats.” He sounded a little amused towards the end, so amused that Gator swore he winked in his direction. He suddenly seemed more chipper than he had a few minutes ago. 

“Bruce!” Ruby shouted in shock, shaking her head like she couldn’t believe what he’d just said. Bruce shrugged his shoulders innocently as Hugh continued to stare towards Gator. “What?” He asked in disbelief, “Everyone congratulated Hugh, I was just being the first one to say it to Gator.” He gestured towards Hugh, then towards Gator as if to make a point.

“Well,” Roy drew out softly, “I sincerely apologize for how my son has acted.” He smiled tightly, but was clearly agitated by the look in his eyes. Suddenly, Gator felt like he was twelve again. Ruby opened her mouth again, looking like she was going to protest before a sound from the doorway tore their attention away. 

“Hugh,” Daphne finally reappeared, looking quite small as she stood in the doorway, “Can we talk?” She nearly whispered, holding her gaze down as she shifted from foot to foot. He winced, wishing there was something he could do to make it easier on her. He suddenly wondered if he should join her, or if that would make it all worse. 

“You’ve already humiliated me,” Hugh spoke raspily, making Gator turn his attention down to his plate to hide away from his glare, “Just say what you have to say.” He sat back in his chair and linked his fingers together, looking quite relaxed as he waited for her to speak. 

“I think you should talk in private,” Ruby said quickly, “We don’t need to hear this.” She shook her head, desperately looking like she was trying to help Daphne take control of the situation. 

“It’s fine,” Hugh said dryly, “Just go ahead. Get it off your chest.” He said plainly, looking rather interested as he held eye contact with her. 

She paused, looking scared as she continued to fiddle with her fingers. Gator shifted in his seat, beginning to join her before Noelle shoved him back down. She shook her head, giving him a look before she reached over and grabbed her sister’s hand. She squeezed hard, looking like she gave Daphne the bit of confidence that she needed. 

“I’m in love with Gator,” She said at last, breathing in shakily as she looked around, “And I think he loves me too. I’m, um, I’m sorry about what I did to you. I shouldn’t have dragged you through this mess and I’m, well, obviously ashamed of my actions but I don’t regret them. But I am sorry.” She glanced at Gator briefly, sending him a look that made his insides warm. She quickly looked away, nodding her head as she laid out the facts plainly. 

“That was something, dear.” Ruby smiled tightly, looking more stressed than what Daphne did at this point. She kept glancing towards Hugh, like she was waiting for him to do something rash. He was quiet, far too quiet before he roughly rose and walked upstairs.

“It’s alright,” Noelle tapped Daphne’s hand softly, “You did good.” She reassured her, smiling softly in reassurance. Daphne nodded her head, looking a little green again as she glanced towards Gator. He took her free hand, engulfing her hand in his as he tugged her closer. Maybe it wasn’t the right time for everyone else, but it felt good to him. 

“I do love you,” He told her softly as he kissed her knuckles, “Very much.” He added gently, unsure if it was the right time to be so public with her. She sighed softly, looking relieved. He could tell that she needed this. Things would be okay. 

“Enough to streak around the farm.” August snorted as he spoke up, making Gator shoot a glare his way. Eyes snapped up once again as another uncomfortable tension filled the room. 

“What?” Bruce looked up horrified, “You know what-, I don’t want to know actually.” He held up his hands and then quickly shook his head, like he had finally absorbed all of the information. Ruby exhaled deeply, patting his shoulder as she looked deep into her own thoughts. 

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” Roy spoke up, rambling for a moment as the air turned tense again. Gator felt a knot forming between his shoulders. 

“Thanks, dad,” Gator replied dryly, “Congrats. You’re going to be a grandfather.” He did his best to pull a smile to his lips, even though he knew that Roy wasn’t happy. Daphne squeezed at his hand softly, dragging his attention away as he glanced up towards her again. 

Everyone was quiet and Gator was fairly certain because they all fit into one of those boxes. August had run through just about every girl in this town, meanwhile Oliver and Noelle both had settled for different tastes than what was expected. Daphne rested against him, wrapping an arm behind his shoulders as he rubbed his fingertips against her skin softly. 

“A baby is still exciting,” Noelle said this time, “I hope you have a girl.” She replied joyfully, leaning over to poke and prod at Daphne’s tummy. It was still flat, hiding any proof away. Gator wondered if she had a developed tummy at all when they lost their first baby girl. 

The rest of the dinner was still a bit awkward, everyone tiptoeing through the obvious tension. Except for Oliver. He threw insults and little jibes whenever he got the chance. Ruby ended up escorting him out before everyone else.

Gator lingered behind after everyone else had left, feigning an excuse so he didn’t have to face Roy. He wasn’t ready for the lecture he was about to receive. He didn’t really need to go back. He really wanted to stay with Daphne, to be there to support her. 

“So,” Daphne teetered awkwardly from foot to foot, “Where should we stay tonight? Hugh is still upstairs.” She peeped her head over the corner before she shuffled back towards him, smiling sheepishly as she wrapped her arms around his waist again. 

“Maybe we should check to make sure he didn’t, you know.” He made a concerned face, shaking his shoulders as he held onto her. He bent down and kissed the top of her head, glad that he had her back. Everything was definitely awkward, but he was happy that they could be together now. 

“Gator,” Daphne laughed quickly, “That’s not funny.” She shoved at his shoulder gently, whispering like she was trying to make sure that Hugh couldn’t hear them. He bent over again, kissing her temple sweetly. 

“It kinda was,” He mumbled, “Do you want me to check?” He asked as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She still looked a little frazzled, but that didn’t matter to him. He gripped her face, squeezing it softly before he pressed his lips against hers. She giggled in response, squealing against his lips before he pulled away. 

“I’ll come with,” She said as wiped his spit away from her mouth as her blue eyes filled with amusement, “Or is that very smart? I really don’t know what to do.” She admitted as she gave his hand a soft squeeze. 

“No need,” Hugh drew their attention away, making their eyes snap up towards the stairs as Gator quickly took a step back, “Can I take the spare room? Just until I get moved somewhere else.” He said stiffly, his eyes still fiery as he looked towards Gator. 

“Sure,” Daphne spit out awkwardly, “Yeah that’s, that’s fine. Do you want to talk or-?” She looked at him briefly, looking like she wasn’t sure what else to say as Hugh pushed past them. He carried his bags on his shoulders and his art supplies in his hands as he ignored her question. 

“I guess we can stay upstairs then?” He teased her softly, speaking only once he was sure Hugh could no longer hear them. She sighed as she leaned against him, hiding her face again as she nodded her head. 

“Do you really want to do this?” She asked him softly, pulling away to look up at him with her bright eyes. He traced the curve of her cheek, glancing over the freckles that decorated her nose and soft cheeks. He nodded his head softly.

“There’s no one I’d rather do this with,” He told her truthfully, “Baby or not. I want to be with you.” 

[sadhours]

scumbag blues • go with the flow

gator tillman x f!oc

previous chapter • masterlist

cw: 18+ minors dni, sex work, mention of drugs and cannabis, roy tillman

🤍🤍🤍🤍

Campbell is arrested. Daisy sees it on the news the next morning as she’s preparing breakfast for the random couple that stumbled in here not knowing what Stark County actually uses the Inn for. She tries not to think about Gator while she cooks, which is difficult because the last time she’d seen him, he cooked her breakfast which… that was fucking weird, right? Her dad laughs, standing at the counter while Daisy prepares the food.

“They got the bastard,” he shakes his head, “Did you help them out?”

“That’s why I was with Gator yesterday,” she lies, smiling to her dad while she mixes pancake batter in a bowl.

The news cuts to Roy as he makes a statement, Gator standing proudly next to him. The pair of them looking all too smug. There’s a handful of drug pushers in Stark County they know about and they do nothing to stop them. Aside from stopping and stealing their supply, for Gator and his buddies to have fun with. Gator mentions to Daisy that they don’t ever actually arrest the guys. But this Campbell guy, was just passing through and he was a good cover for them. A nobody to explain the opioid abuse in Dickinson and where it comes from. It actually makes her sick. Then again, it’s the same corruption that keeps her safe in her home. Sweeping her prostitution under the rug. She knows if Roy truly had a problem with Gator seeing her, he could arrest her and Gator wouldn’t have a lick of power in it. Yet, he doesn’t.

She pulls her phone from her pocket and shoots Gator a quick text.

Good job. Shame you didn’t need my help after all.

As she serves the couple the complimentary breakfast, they point to the TV and the husband says, “You guys have a safe community thanks to those guys, huh?”

“The Tillman family has been keeping this county safe for decades,” she lies through her teeth, smile not quite reaching her blue eyes. She’s bitter. About Gator. The things he said to her. Calling her a hole. Acting like she’s nothing to him in front of his father, yet she hears the gossip. Knows that Roy is ashamed of his son, thinks he isn’t good enough. She has half a mind to tell Gator, tell him his father isn’t as great as he thinks he is. That Gator doesn’t have to be just like him because Roy already knows he’ll never be.

All Gator wants is to be just like his dad, strong and powerful. It shows in the worst ways. Daisy’s seen Karen walking around with bruises, knows that’s all Gator knows. How he would treat her if by some miracle they became more than transactional. Yet, she liked being slapped by him during sex the other night and it makes her sick to her stomach.

“You two enjoy your breakfast,” she smiles at the couple and excuses herself back into the kitchen to work on dishes.

Her phone vibrates in her denim shorts and she fishes it out, scoffing as she reads Gator’s reply.

You help me in all sorts of ways, darlin

Hates the way his words have her stomach filling with butterflies. Daisy hates Gator. Well, she wishes she did.

—

“Thanks for staying with us,” Daisy tells the couple as they’re checking out. As they’re parting, Roy walks in. Tall, ten gallon hat and big, lined coat. He tips his hat at the couple as they cross paths and once they’re out the door he smirks at Daisy.

“Didn’t know you accepted couples,” he quips, “Maybe Karen and I—“

“They’re regular guests,” Daisy interrupts him, her stomach curling at the thought of Roy wanting her. Hell, his sons had her every which way. She’s done disgusting things with Gator she can only assume Roy would disown him for. “What do you want?” she asks.

“Need you to stop seeing my boy,” Roy tells her point blank.

“Feel like this is a conversation you oughta be having with Gator,” Daisy raises a brow, “I offer a service and he’s the one walking in here for it.”

“Gator’s… weak. You distract him and I need him sharp as a tack. You’re gonna stop seeing him,” Roy insists, pulling out a stack of cash.

“Sheriff, with all due respect, I’m not going to stop seeing him if he’s the one initiating it. Gator’s appointments are honestly what’s keeping this place afloat,” Daisy eyes the wad of bills in Roy’s hand, “A one time payment from you ain’t gonna cover it.”

Roy chuckles, “I know. The boy lives rent free in my house. Every paycheck he has goes to you.”

“Exactly,” she smiles, “I’d be bad at my job to say no to that.”

Roy sighs, “I’ll pay you weekly. A thousand cover his bill?”

“A thousand a week?”

“Yeah, I hear your rates are about $500 an appointment and I know Gator’s over here twice a week,” Roy says and Daisy doesn’t correct him, doesn’t tell him she gives Gator a discount but she does admit something.

“He’s here more than twice a week.”

Roy frowns, counts out another five hundred bills and sets the stack on the desk. “Should’ve figured. You’re the prettiest girl in the county. $1500, then?”

“That… Sheriff Tillman, I can’t… I work for my money,” Daisy argues and he chuckles, low and dangerous.

“This will be work. He’s gonna come here, you’re gonna turn him away and $1500 a week is in your pocket,” Roy insists, “And you're not gonna tell him I’m paying you.”

It’s a fair deal. Except Daisy is also weak. Unsure if she’ll be able to turn Gator away when he comes in with those eyes. But really, $1500 a week helps a lot. Considering Gator almost never pays the rate she usually charges. And she lets herself think about all the times she doesn’t even charge him. Soon enough, the money on the desk is looking more appealing than Gator.

“Fine,” she mumbles, “But I need more. Not money. Gator’s gonna be mad, he’s gonna try to arrest me for soliciting to get back at me. I need to know that won’t happen. That I will be safe and my pops will not find out about what I do.”

Roy nods, “You hold up your end. I never forget a friend, and we’re friends, now. Aren’t we, Daisy?”

“Yeah,” she sighs as she picks up the stack of cash, “We’re friends.”

—

It’s not long before Gator’s strolling in. A whole two days. He’s got this fucking grin on his face as he looks at Daisy, struts to the desk and smoothes his hands over the oak. Daisy sighs and blinks up at him.

“Busted some asshole for pot,” he holds up the baggie and bites his lip, “Let’s have some fun.”

He looks handsome. Daisy hasn’t had an orgasm since the last time she seen him and it’s driving her a little mad. But, Roy is scary. Scarier than anything Gator could do, so she holds her ground.

“I’m booked,” she shrugs, “Sorry.”

“Come on,” Gator scrunches his face up, “Would you rather suck on some old balls or smoke this pot and cum on my face?”

Oh. That again? He’s… Daisy has to be strong, she can’t give in so easily. She pouts, “Sorry. You’re not my only regular. And as ya know, I don’t pick favorites.”

“That’s bullshit,” Gator snorts, “Sometimes you don’t even make me pay. If that don’t make me a favorite, I don’t know what would.”

Daisy shrugs again, “Money. Can’t afford to be canceling on my clients.”

“I’ll give you extra,” Gator insists and Daisy shakes her head.

“Sorry, Gator. Call next time,” she frowns.

“You’re fucking kidding,” Gator scoffs, “You’re turning me down? I just said I was gonna eat you out.”

Daisy wants to scream, she wants to say yes and have him lick her out right on this desk. But more than that, she wants to keep Roy happy. He terrifies her.

“Sorry,” she shrugs again, “Maybe call up that girl you’re courting.”

“Oh, fuck you. Is that what this is about?” he laughs, bitter and dry. “You don’t even have a client, huh?”

Daisy grins, grabbing the check-in book and slamming it down in front of him as she points to the name scribbled at the bottom of the page. A name she knows Gator will recognize. A co-worker.

“Like I said, call up your girlfriend,” she bites, scowling up at him.

Gator scoffs before pulling from his vape and exhaling the acidic, false fruit scent in her face. Turns on his heels and slams the door behind him.

Soon after Gator peels out, Deputy Douglas steps in all smiles for Daisy and she takes a deep breath before putting on the charm. Saying hello, handing him his key and winking. She’ll find herself in his room soon enough, though the whole time she’ll be pretending it’s Gator to make it bearable.

[buckysgrace]

Something Blue

Not really a series but will be doing little blurbs under Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for Gator and Daphne's little family <3

CW: Smut and fluff

“What do you think you’re doing?” Gator asked, tilting his head down to the toddler who was trying to pull himself onto the counter.

Noah smiled sheepishly, his brown eyes full of mischief as he bounced on the tip of his toes again. His shirt and pants had been discarded, tossed away as he moved around in only a pair of undies.

“Cookie,” He pointed out, staring up at Gator with a bright grin as he pointed towards the cabinet again, “Pwease, pwease!” He encouraged, grinning like he already knew what Gator’s answer would be.

“Just one,” Gator responded as he pulled the chocolate chip cookie free from the bag, smiling as Noah let out a shrill squeal, “And don’t tell anyone.” He responded with a wink, satisfied as Noah quickly nodded his head in agreement. 

The summer months were quickly approaching, the sun hot and breeze cool as it swept in through the open windows. The twins had finished their first semester of preschool, which was only half days. It wasn’t too long for them to be away. 

Knox had passed out not long ago on the couch, making Gator wish that Noah would do the same as he really felt like a nap sounded good to himself. Noah still hated naps, would rather do anything but sleep. He was a handful, that was for sure. 

Piper was with Daphne, getting their last few accessories for the wedding. Which meant that they’d come home with painted nails and a handful of bags from whichever shopping mall they’d decided on. Piper had found a little handbag that she liked to carry around and insisted that her toy card worked just like a real credit card.

“Where’s your clothes at?” Gator asked, picking Noah up as he followed the trail back towards the living room, “You’re not teasing me with my bad side, are you?” He asked him seriously, watching the way Noah paused for a moment to think about it. 

“I don’t know,” Was his response as he shrugged his shoulders, more focused on munching his cookie down, “It yummy.” He said, little crumbs dancing off onto his tummy as he moved back towards the TV. 

“Can I have a cookie?” Knox’s head popped up over the couch, half of his face red and his hair messy from how roughly he’d been sleeping. Gator chuckled, nodding his head in agreement. He couldn’t ever really tell them no. 

“Of course you can have a cookie,” He said with a smile, “Do you see your brother's clothes?” He asked as he pulled another cookie free. He walked over, holding the cookie out towards him. 

“Not over here,” Knox said, smiling brightly as he took the cookie from Gator, “Thank you. Where’s mommy?” He asked, furrowing his eyebrows together as Gator joined him on the couch. Noah appeared instantly, gripping his knees as he pulled himself up onto his lap.

“She went shopping with sissy,” He answered, waiting as Noah got himself comfortable. He laid back against Gator’s chest, wiggling his toes before he sighed deeply. Knox might be attached to Daphne’s hip, but Noah was attached to his. His little buddy, “Are you excited for tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” Knox replied with a smile, “I get to hold the ring!” He said proudly as he moved onto his knees, grinning from ear to ear. Sometimes it was hard for Gator to tell which of his sons looked more like him. Today he thought Noah did, as Knox’s brown locks seemed to look just a bit more red than usual. 

“Hey,” Noah spoke up quickly, “Me too.” He said quickly, his brown eyes wide and full of panic like he feared that Gator had forgotten about him. He’d spent many afternoons tracing their faces and listening intensely to the tones in their voices to feel like he knew what they were thinking without questioning them. 

“Both of you,” Gator confirmed with a nod of his head, “It will be a lot of fun, don’t you think?” He asked, hoping that they’d all have fun with it. He had never planned on marrying Daphne with three toddlers running around, but he thought this made it even better. 

“Papa said it’s about time.” Knox added as he nodded his head along, making Gator sigh as he nodded his head along. He’d heard that more than once as well. He had just taken his time, there was nothing wrong with that.

He’d nearly lost his cool when he finally proposed, well he sort of did. It had all been fine, going perfectly to his plan until Daphne had almost swallowed the ring. She ended up having to hack it up, her face red and lips a shade of blue. That was the last time he listened to any advice from Wayne. 

“I’m sure he did,” He grumbled in response, “Oh look, there’s mama's car.” He said, hearing the car far before it pulled into the driveway. Knox’s features wrinkled up into delight as he raced out of the seat, rushing to be the first one to greet them at the door. 

Piper strolled in first, a green hand bag over her midsection and sunglasses over the top of her head. Her lips were shiny, and nails were deep purple. Gator slowly slid Noah off of his lap, figuring he better help them carry whatever inside. 

“Did you see how expensive gas is?” Daphne huffed as she came in next, carrying two handfuls of plastic bags, “It’s ridiculous.” She shook her head, but quickly curled her lips into a smile as Knox tugged on her pants. She dropped the bags, kneeling to kiss at his cheeks. 

“Mhm, gas was the expensive thing?” Gator asked, raising his eyebrows as he leaned against the couch. He counted twice, confirming that there were at least eight bags. She grinned as she stood, walking towards him slowly.

“I had to finish getting stuff for our trip,” She quickly defended herself, smiling as she pecked his lips twice, “How were my boys?” She smiled as she turned away, leaving his gaze lingering against her ass as she bent over again. 

“Cookie!” Noah exclaimed, smiling as he held up a soggy crumble of what he had left, “Hewe, mama.” He said happily, waiting for her to take a bite. She blinked slowly, her smile frozen as Gator did his best not to snort. 

“Oh I’m okay, baby,” She responded as she kissed his flushed cheeks, “Mama’s all cookied out.” She said as she wrinkled her nose, moving back towards the bags as he found his attention getting drawn away. 

“What about you?” He asked as he lifted Piper up into the air. He still liked holding them and feared the day that they’d get too big, “Did you get everything you needed?” He asked, poking at her bag playfully. It was most likely filled with hair ties, candies and different chapsticks that she always took from Daphne. Sometimes there would be change. 

“Yeah,” She said as she held her fingers out, showing off her nails dramatically, “Do you like them?” She asked worriedly, like she didn’t know what his opinion would be. He looked at them, pretending to inspect them in the way she liked. 

“Very pretty,” He said with a grin, watching as the two boys took turns tugging on Daphne’s skirt as she put a few things away in the fridge, “Are you going to get your hair done tomorrow?” He asked her, curious as to how she’d want it done. She was very particular. There had been more than one meltdown because she had insisted her sock was on wrong. 

“No,” She said as she rested her head against his shoulder, “You do it best.” She said as she inhaled deeply, sounding like she was tired from her shopping day. He rubbed her back gently. 

“Okay,” He said, grinning as he tucked the young girl close to him, “I can do it.” He promised her, rocking her back and forth as he enjoyed their moment together. He found himself doing that a lot with the kids, still fearing that they might feel as if they didn’t have enough time with him. He felt guilty all over again. 

“Daddy,” Noah approached him once again, “Want juicy.” He furrowed his eyebrows together, his lips pouting out as he began to tug on his jeans this time. 

“What do you say?” Daphne drew out, popping her head out from the pantry door. Knox was holding up one of the bags, handing her different items to put away. Noah gasped before he turned towards Gator again. 

“Pwease?” He asked, fluttering his eyelashes as he held his hands together. Gator chuckled as he nodded his head, using his free hand to touch the back of his head as he directed them back towards the kitchen. 

Rounding the three of them up that night for the wedding practice had been a nightmare. No one had seemed to want to go, even though any other time they were all excited to go for a car ride. Noah cried the whole way there, his missed nap clearly catching up to him. He’d missed most of the ceremony, finally passing out in one of the pews and refusing to move. 

Knox had frozen in the church, despite him knowing everyone else who was there. Usually Ruby was able to draw him out, but not even that worked. He stayed hidden behind Daphne, brown eyes wide as he peeked around at the other ten people that were there.

Piper had plopped herself into the back row, arms tightly crossed around her chest as an angry pout stayed glued to her face. It had taken a lot to finally get her to speak, to get some little answer out of her stubbornness. 

“It’s just practice,” He instructed her, trying to convince her that the wedding wasn’t happening tonight, “You don’t have to be dressed up yet.” He told her, trying to calm her down. She wanted her big pink dress. That’s all she wanted. 

“But mommy is.” She pointed out, bearing Daphne’s same irritated features as she continued to stare ahead. He sighed deeply as he slowly pried her hands free. 

“Mommy is always dressed up,” He said playfully, dramatically, “We don’t have to do it tonight, unless you really want to.” He added, squeezing her hands in hopes that she wouldn’t make them go all the way home to get it. She turned towards him, staring for the longest time. 

“I want these bows in my hair,” Piper directed as she shifted forward a little bit, “Please and thank you.” She added at last, nodding her head as he quickly obliged once she pulled them free from her little purse. 

He found Daphne a little later, thankful for Kurt’s many questions towards the priest as he followed her towards the front of the entrance. He stared at the vast decorations, thinking about how bland Roy’s own church had been. He shook his head, not wanting to think about his father at the moment.

“Maybe eloping would’ve been better,” She whispered softly, laughing as she leaned against him, “Oh, I hope it goes better tomorrow.” She replied as she rested her cheek against his shoulder, making him smile as he moved his arm around her waist.

“It will,” He said confidently as he glanced around, finding it safe enough to take a hit from his vape. He passed it to her next, watching the way she took a deep inhale and held it in her lungs. She closed her eyes as she exhaled, looking a little relieved, “And if it doesn’t -, that’s fine too. We’re not doing it to impress anybody.” He told her seriously, quite enjoying the way their three littles made their lives more hectic. 

“As long as we can keep the kids from fighting.” She said as she leaned against the wall with him, her blue eyes twinkling like bright gems. He couldn’t wait to see her tomorrow, to see how stunning she looked. 

“That’s the important part,” He said with a smile, leaning down to brush his lips against hers gently, “We’re getting pretty damn good at this.” He told her, feeling a little more confident in his parenting skills. Sometimes he still got scared, worried that he’d get too irritated and accidentally snap at the kids like his father did to him. It took a lot of reassurances to remind himself that he wasn’t Roy. 

“Gator Tillman,” She responded playfully as she held her hands on her hips, “Don’t you curse while we’re in the lord’s house.” The little white dress she was wearing bunched against her thighs, leaving him a little distracted as he peered at her freckled thighs.

“We’ve done worse things in churches.” He reminded her, feeling a little cocky as his lips turned into a soft smirk. Her features burned brightly, turning red all the way down to her collarbone as she narrowed her eyes in his direction. 

“Your father’s church didn’t count,” She said firmly as she took his hand, “C’mon, before they think we ran off.” She said as she pulled him forward, using her free hand to fan herself. He grinned, listening to what she said. She was usually right. 

Their last rehearsal went a little smoother after that. Piper stood proudly, showing off her braid and the big bow in her hair. Once Noah was finally awake he gripped Knox’s hand tightly, keeping him comforted and by his side so he wouldn’t feel quite so nervous. It was fine. Everything was fine. 

“Okay, what does everyone want?” He asked after the dreaded rehearsal was over. Part of the deal had been that they’d all go out to eat after as long as they behaved, which they had; for the most part. He also had a hard time saying no to them. Fatherhood was a lot softer than he thought it would be. 

“Chicken!” Noah yelled quickly, “And mac and cheese!” He giggled as he stood once again, leaving Daphne trying to convince him to sit down. Gator turned fully to watch him, prepared to pull him over if he did it again. He had a habit of trying to crawl onto the back of the booth seats. 

“Daddy I want the cheese burger.” Knox said as he paused his coloring, keeping neatly in between the lines. Gator was fairly certain that Knox had gotten his artistic skill. 

“Cheese sticks!” Piper said loud and proud, smiling as she began to scribble on her paper again. Noah began to tap his palms against the back of the seat, making Gator tug him away and onto his lap. He squirmed for a moment before he looked back at Gator, then started to giggle again. 

“You just want cheese sticks?” Daphne asked as he looked at Piper curiously, confirming that was what she wanted. They all had different appetites, but she seemed to be the pickiest by far. 

“Yesh.” She said, messing up on her words a little bit as she turned her attention back to the paper. Gator met Daphne’s eye, shaking his head a little bit as he looked at her amused expression. He exhaled, giving Noah a soft squeeze as he rambled on about something he had seen. 

“Mama, can I get a pop?” Knox asked suddenly, gaining the interest of his other two siblings. Their heads snapped around as they all shouted out at once, wanting the same thing. It made Gator laugh. 

“Oh me too!”

“I want one!”

“Just one little pop,” She said quickly as she blew her bangs out of her face, “Just one, okay?” She said as she looked at each one of them, meeting their eyes playfully. Noah clapped his hands as Gator shared a smile with Daphne. Sure, they’d be a little hyper later but it would be fine. They’d survived through worse things. 

“Mhm,” Knox said as he nodded his head quickly, “I promise.” 

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The next morning was harder to get them all rounded up. As the mornings usually were. Knox wanted biscuits and gravy, but Piper wanted oatmeal, meanwhile Noah wanted eggs and bacon. They eventually decided on pancakes, which was a lot easier than making three separate meals.

“You come and do my hair,” Piper said as she clung to Gator’s hand, “You promise?” She asked before they all separated. The boys would be coming with him, while Piper would be sitting in with Daphne and her bridesmaids while they got ready. They had hired someone to do hair, but apparently they weren’t good enough for her standards. 

“I promise,” He said as he nodded his head, “Daisy said she’d take you over to me when you’re all done getting dressed.” He reassured her as he bent low to kiss her soft nose. She had a lot of Daphne’s features; reminded him of how Daphne looked at this age actually. 

“Okay,” She responded as she gave his hand one last squeeze, “If you say so.” She fluttered her hazel eyes wide like she didn’t want to go. He kissed her temple softly, promising her that everything would be alright.

It didn’t take long for him or his crew to get ready. August was one of his groomsmen, along with Kurt, Nick and Michael. Some friends he’d had for a while. Oliver had been invited, but was currently living his best life in Australia with Hugh. It was an odd adjustment, but they made it all work.

On Daphne’s side she had Noelle, Daisy, Lucy as well as Maude and Jessica. They would be walking down with August, tasked with keeping him on his best behavior. If that was at all possible. 

They had snuck in a few shots, which Gator quickly hid from Knox and Noah’s view so they wouldn’t grow curious. Especially Noah. He was worse than Birdie, always in someone's business. He just wanted to know everything.

“Hello,” Daisy peeped her head in, blue eyes searching until she found Gator, “Where are you doing Miss Piper’s hair at?” She asked curiously, opening the door just enough so Piper could stick her head through.

“Piper!” Knox exclaimed gleefully, his smile stretching from ear to ear as he spoke as if he hadn’t seen her for the longest time. Piper giggled as he quickly walked forward, giving her a tight hug.

“We can go next door,” Gator responded a second later, tightening the cap on his shot glass as he messily shoved it into his pocket. He was hoping the alcohol would give him a little boost, make him feel less nervous than what he was, “That should work.” He said as he walked towards them, following them down the hall. He was grateful the church let them use the spare rooms, but it still felt odd to be in here. Like he didn’t belong. 

“Here you go,” Daisy said, holding onto Piper’s hand as she led her inside, “I’ll wait outside.” She said with a smile, giving them both a wave before she left once again. Gator smiled as the little girl turned her attention towards him. 

“Well, hi there,” He smiled as he bent over, getting a good look at Piper in her little dress. It was a soft pink, poofy towards her knees and covered in white and mauve flowers on the sheer material, “You look beautiful.” He told her seriously, a little saddened at how quickly they were all growing. He wanted them all to stop. 

“Thank you,” She giggled as she held her hands out, smiling brightly as he sat her in the chair, “It’s like a princess.” She said proudly as she fanned her hands over the curve of the dress. It made him smile as he caught the action of the corner of his eye. 

“You do look like a princess. See,” He grinned as he worked on braiding the top of her hair back, focusing on how it felt instead of how it looked. It always turned out better that way, “I told you I’d do your hair.”

“I so excited, daddy.” She drew out quickly, messing her words up just a little bit. He let it slide, thinking about how badly he’d miss the baby talk when she grew older. He slowly reached the end of her hair, keeping it pinched between two fingers as he drifted his other hand across the braid. He nodded, confirming that it felt right. 

“I’m excited too,” He said as he wrapped the big pink bow across the braid. He left part of it down, showing just how long her hair had grown. Sometimes he felt remorseful, thinking about how much they’d grown while he’d been locked away, “You look just like your mama, you know that?”

“Really?” She asked eagerly as she turned to look at him. He lifted her from the chair gently, nodding his head as he bent to her level once again. He wanted all of his kids to know just how important they were to him. 

“Mhm,” He said as he hugged her softly, “So pretty, smart and kind. And a little sassy.” He added playfully, watching the way she scrunched her nose up from his words. 

“Me?” She said with a giggle, “No way!” She began to shake her head quickly but then stopped, bringing her hands up to her face like she was worried she messed up her hair. He moved the strands aside gently before he stood. 

“Yes way,” He said as he picked her up and gave her cheek a quick kiss, “Go ahead and go back with Daisy. I’ll see you soon.” He promised her, watching the way she skipped back down the hallway. He shook his head softly, wondering how he’d manage giving her away one day. He didn’t like that thought at all. 

It wasn’t much longer and he was standing at the front of the church, his hands shoved deep into his pockets as the music slowed down around him. He felt like the world had stopped, came to a complete halt as the doors revealed Daphne. 

She looked stunning. Her hair was curled in loose waves, her bangs framing her face as the veil settled over her face. It was sheer with lace designs settling over the bottom of it. It matched her dress, the same one that he’d seen so many years ago. 

It hugged her nicely around the wait but drifted across her body in a soft manner. It dipped low on her chest, showing off just enough cleavage before it connected against her shoulders. It was long sleeved, sheer and hit against her thumbs. It hugged around her waist for just a second before it drifted neatly against her long legs.

He suddenly felt like it was hard to breathe, like he’d been hit by something very hard and very heavy and it had stolen all of the air from his lungs. She looked like an angel. 

“Woah,” He said as she approached, his hands shaking as he moved the veil back from her face, “You look beautiful.” He told her softly as he traced his thumbs across her soft features gently, careful not to smudge her makeup. 

“So do you,” She giggled softly, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at him, “Hi.” She whispered under her breath, her blue eyes gleaming like sapphires as she stared up at him. He reminded himself that it was too early to kiss her. Not yet. He had to wait.

“Hi.” He exhaled harshly as he shook his head, unsure of how he’d gotten so lucky. He’d made many mistakes, but she was never one of them. He just wished that he could’ve fixed things sooner, made her his earlier. He quickly stopped himself from going down the same old road, knowing there was no point in lingering on the past right now. 

His gaze stayed locked to her the whole ceremony, afraid that if he looked away he’d no longer be able to see her again. He had her image memorized in her mind; just in case one day he glimpsed at her it would be the last. 

Marriage with her honestly didn’t feel any different than the past few years had. Or his whole life really. It was like they were already set to be together long before, their whole lives set out to be with one another before they even realized it.

He certainly felt the same sparks as he pushed her into the secluded bathroom and struggled to keep her dress up over her hips. Their kiss was messy but sweet; sensual but dirty all at the same time. He craved the feeling of her mouth against his. 

“Gator,” She moaned out, the sound ringing in his ears in a beautiful melody as he slid his hard cock inside of her wet hole. She squeezed around him tightly, her wet walls sucking him in deeper as he slowly thrusted into her, “Feels so good.” She gaped, cheeks red as she turned her attention from the mirror.

He groaned as he held onto her hips, watching the way his cock disappeared inside of her. He gripped at her flesh, pulling her closer as the music from the reception rang off around them. He moved his lips to the crook of her neck, needing something to kiss as he dragged herself against the curve of his cock. 

Her moans were better than anything he’d ever heard before. He sighed at the way his cock throbbed inside of her, his mind feeling a little fuzzy at the way she cried out when he hit her bundle of nerves. He could always tell by the way her features tightened, how her lips parted wide and her eyes rolled just a bit. 

“Feel so fucking good,” He mumbled against her skin, grunting into her as her pussy leaked around him. The sound of their flesh meeting filled the bathroom, leaving him craving more as he dug his fingertips into her skin, “My good girl.” He reminded her, fully intent on having her forever now.

“God,” She sighed, her body shaking against him as she began to rut her hips back. She whimpered deeply, her body spasming as her pussy clamped down around him, “Fuck, fuck!” She cursed, coming undone underneath him as he began to frantically rub his fingers against her swollen clit. He wanted to savor her, but he knew that there was no time right now. He could have her as much as he wanted later.

“Daphne,” He groaned as he rested against her, pulling her close as his cock spasmed inside of her warm, wet walls. He came with a grunt, pressing into her deeply as his cum filled her, “Mhm. You’re a dream.” He spit out, sighing deeply as he rested lazily against her for a moment. 

“You’re funny,” She said with a laugh, still breathing hard. She always tried to brush away his compliments for whatever reason, although he knew that without a doubt she was the prettiest girl he’d ever met, “That was nice.” She teased as she held onto her dress for a moment.

He smirked as he caught her eye, slowly pulling her panties back over her slender legs. He fixed her dress a moment later, content with the way she looked. He wanted her to feel him as she walked around. It turned him on that much more. 

“I’m the luckiest guy,” He reminded her, grinning as he pressed his lips against her cheek repeatedly. They’d already stumbled through their first dances, struggled to get the kids food and listened to their friends repeat their sappy speeches, “I’ve never been so happy.”

“You keep saying that,” She said with a shy giggle with her cheeks red as she held onto him, “I’m very lucky too.” She added seriously, but he knew without a doubt that he really was the lucky one. He could live thousands of lifetimes and never deserve her. 

Noah appeared, having long discarded his jacket and a few of his buttons loose as he tugged on the end of Daphne’s dress. His little belly stuck out a little bit, probably full of cake and punch. 

“Why don’t you go play with Billy?” Daphne asked as she bent next to Noah, “He’s about your age. He likes to play.” She reminded him as she pointed towards the little boy who was rushing around near them. 

“He bites,” Noah said as he wrinkled his nose, “His daddy too.” He replied as he glanced towards Kurt, shaking his head as he held his arms out. He kept rubbing at his eyes, his hair wild in a way that Gator knew that he was growing tired. Poor sleepy boy. 

“How many pieces of cake have you had?” Gator asked as he bent down towards him too, grinning at the way the little boy shrugged his little shoulders. 

“Thwee,” Noah answered honestly, “It yummy.” He smiled as he held his hands out towards her, sighing deeply until Daphne held onto him. 

“Oh my goodness,” She said as she picked him up, “What are we going to do with you, little cake monster?” She teased as she brushed her fingers across his tummy, making him squirm in response. 

“Noting,” He giggled as he held his hands up to his chest, smiling as she tickled him, “Mama, you siwwy.” He replied as he pushed her bangs from her forehead. Gator paused as he looked down at the other two that approached him. 

“I’m the silly one?” Daphne asked as Piper reached for his hand, her braid still locked in place as she leaned against his leg. He smiled as he bent once again to pick her and Knox up, holding them close to his chest.

“Should we go dance?” He asked them both, enjoying the way their eyes widened as they nodded their heads in encouragement. Noah’s little head was already resting on Daphne’s shoulder, seconds from drifting off into his dreams.

“That sounds nice,” Daphne said as she took the first step down, guiding Gator in a way that he’d grown used to, “A big family dance.” She added with a smile, making him realize just how lucky he really was. 

[buckysgrace]

18. Why Won't We

Part eighteen to Every Little Thing!

Gator Tillman x Fem!oc

Gator and Daphne adjust to their new life.

CW: Hand jobs, fingering, handcuffs, Gator and Daphne call each other daddy and mama lol

“Are you moving in with her then?” Roy questioned him within the following week, one morning over breakfast as Gator was getting ready to head out for his shift. He was going to visit Daphne before he left. She was temporarily back at her parents house, deciding that it was for the best for the time being. She said she didn’t feel as rushed finishing the rest of the house either. 

Hugh had indeed found some shitty little apartment but Gator couldn’t understand why he had decided to stay. He would likely get deported once Daphne was officially divorced from him. At least he hoped he would. He didn’t want Hugh around Daphne anymore. He was still partially fearful that she might change her mind about them. He was still debating if he could find something to arrest him for, lock him away for forever. 

“Yeah,” Gator mumbled softly, “We were talking about adding onto the house, you know, not rushing it anymore. We might bounce back and forth with her parents and here until it’s finished.” He shifted back and forth awkwardly, still unsure of how this conversation would go. Roy hadn’t said much about the subject, which was almost worse than him demeaning him for it. 

Bruce seemed to be the only one that wasn’t tiptoeing around the subject. He was ecstatic, proclaiming the news for everyone to hear. It was embarrassing, but Gator was glad that someone seemed to be on their side. Especially since they’d turned into the talk of the town. 

“Oh don’t bring her here,” Karen said quickly, looking stunned, “The girls don’t need to be a part of that situation.” She shook her head in disbelief as she turned her attention away from where the twins were eating, looking like there was no way she’d allow Daphne to stay here. He wasn’t sure how she’d manage to turn on her so quickly. 

“There’s no situation,” He replied quickly in defense of Daphne, “We love each other, what’s the problem?” He asked her seriously, feeling like things were working out for Daphne and him on their own timing. Even if it wasn’t the right way. 

He’d spent every day with her the past week and it hadn’t been awkward or tense. He hadn’t realized how deeply he’d missed her, how deeply he craved her until he officially had her once again.

“You’re doing it all backwards,” Roy replied as he shook his head, “But at least you’re not humiliating yourself by begging for her scraps. When are you marrying her?” He muttered underneath his breath as he took another gulp from his coffee cup. He looked towards Gator seriously, demanding an answer. 

“I don’t know,” Gator mumbled, “She has to get an annulment and go from there.” He replied as he tapped his fingertips against the counter. In truth, he hadn’t thought much about marriage yet. He had a feeling she wouldn’t want to quickly jump into another wedding after she had just finished having one. At least she wouldn’t have to get another dress. 

“I don’t think Bruce will have an issue figuring that out.” Roy snorted to himself, looking a little amused at the thought. It was odd to think that Bruce seemed to be their biggest supporter at the moment. He was almost more giddy about it than Gator was. 

“Probably not,” Gator agreed, “Soon. It’ll probably be soon.” He said at last, feeling like that was a good enough answer. He’d have about nine months to figure it out. He supposed it would only be kind to wait until after she had a baby, that way she didn’t need any more alterations to her dress. 

“Roy,” Karen turned towards him again, “I don’t want-,” She began to whine again, looking frustrated before Roy held his hand up to cut her off. She winced, stepping back several feet like she had expected to be hit. 

“I didn’t ask what you wanted,” Roy shut her down just as quickly, “Watch the tone. Daphne has always been like family. She can stay here.” He nodded at Gator, giving him the go ahead before he turned back to his newspaper. Gator lingered for only a moment, meeting the fiery look in Karen’s eye before he walked out the door.

The drive to Daphne’s was as short as usual and he got an odd sense of joy when he realized that he could technically call the house theirs. They’d probably be living there for a long, long time. He wondered if she’d want her own farm animals or if they’d just keep lingering on their parent’s farms. He supposed it’d be safer to help them for right now.

“Mornin’,” She greeted, smiling brightly as she held one hand in the air to shield the sun from her eyes. Her hair was flowing in the summer breeze. She had on a green shirt that matched the white skirt she was wearing. It was decorated with green grapes that reflected nicely off of her skin tone, “You’re up early.” She teased as he stepped out of his cruiser. 

He took long strides towards her, grinning as he cupped her jaw and brought her closer to him. He paused for just a second, letting their noses brush together before he brought his lips down against hers. She tasted like honey, her lips slightly sticky from the lip gloss she’d put on earlier.

“That was nice,” She breathed out harshly as they pulled away, her blue eyes wide as she looked up at him, “Good morning to you too.” She laughed softly as she tugged her lips into a smile and began to brush her thumb across his shoulders.

“Just missed you,” He grinned as he placed another chaste kiss to her lips, “Find anything special today?” He questioned, looking down at the basket between them. She shrugged her shoulders as she lifted the little cloth material, showing off the chicken eggs she’d collected. 

“Not really,” She smiled as she put the cloth back over the eggs, “I can bring you something for lunch today. I have that interview.” She reminded him, looking a little eager at the aspect. He thought otherwise. He wasn’t sure if he wanted her to do it at all.

“You should rest,” He reminded her, still trying to piece together how close in this pregnancy as she had been to when she’d lost the first baby, “There’s no rush to getting back to work.” He reminded her, thinking that he preferred for her to be home right now. He honestly didn’t want her to have a job, not when it meant her getting more stressed out. He could care for her.

He pressed his thumb across her skin softly, wondering what she’d look like in a few months when her belly swelled. He chewed on his bottom lip, a little fearful that her pregnancy might go the same way that it did last time. He knew that she was just as scared, if not more, for the same reason.

“I would be doing office work,” She huffed softly, “It’s not that dangerous.” She smiled as she looked at him, shaking her head in disbelief like he was saying something silly. He didn’t think his words were funny at all. 

“You should relax,” He dismissed her, “It’s healthier. You have that option.” He reminded her, feeling like she should make that choice. He didn’t want her to stress herself out or for her to get into any danger. 

“I haven’t gotten the job just yet.” She watched him for a moment, her eyes gentle as she scanned over his features. He was sure she was reading him, the same way he was reading her. He didn’t think she was broken, but he thought this would be the best way to protect her. 

“So there’s nothing wrong,” He grinned as he leaned over to kiss her temple repeatedly, “You can help your mom and Karen. Just no heavy lifting.” He told her quickly, smiling at the way she scoffed in return. 

“I’m not going to break.” She reminded him quickly, her eyes raising as if she was trying to remind him that. He nodded his head as he brushed his finger over his chin. It was easy for her to state that, but it was harder for him to agree to it. 

“You might,” He chuckled, “Just take it easy, mama.” He teased her, enjoying the way her cheeks flushed as she squinted up towards him again. He squeezed her cheek playfully, hoping that she’d understand his point. 

“I feel awkward being here when you’re not.” She admitted as she furrowed her eyebrows together and gently let herself rest against his touch. He was sure it had everything to do with Karen. He could only imagine the things that she’d been saying to her. 

“Don’t feel that way,” He told her seriously, “They know you.” He nodded his head reassuringly, knowing that Roy still cared for her at least. Karen really didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. 

“That’s not the issue,” She sighed softly, “Everyone looks at me differently now.” She told him truthfully. He knew what she meant. He’d gotten the same looks from people. He didn’t think that Karen would be one to gossip that quickly, but he wasn’t sure whom else to blame either. 

“It’s because you’re my little whore,” He grinned as he brushed his thumb against her cheek, earning a groan of protest from her, “I’m just teasing you. Ignore them. We’re happy, that’s all that matters.” He told her quickly, but he knew it was easier said than done. This weekend he’d treat her to something special, let them get out of this bitter town for a few hours.

“You’re right,” She said softly as she stood on her tippy toes to press her lips against his again, “Have a good day at work. Be safe.” She said sweetly, her eyes flashing like sapphires as he felt a rush of reassurance again. 

/////////////////////////////

Dinner that night was awkward. His house didn’t have the same relaxed atmosphere as hers did. He almost preferred the constant teasing by August and Bruce to the silent treatment they were both getting here. Maude and Jessica weren’t even speaking, like they had picked up on the uncomfortable tension. 

Karen had cooked pork chops, but they were slightly too overdone. So overdone that by the time he got it chewed down his jaw was aching. The potatoes and green beans weren’t too bad, he supposed. Daphne was at least munching them down, but he couldn’t tell if it was out of nerves or because she was that hungry. 

“It’s good,” She complimented as she stabbed another roasted potato, “Thank you for having me over.” She smiled kindly, trying to make some sort of conversation as she nodded towards Karen and Roy. Karen, as usual, ignored her. Roy simply nodded, his smile brief. 

“When do we get to be flower girls?” Maude asked this time, furrowing her eyebrows as she looked towards Daphne confused. He gulped hard, realizing how confusing this must be towards them. 

“Uh,” Gator coughed, covering up his mouth as he dropped his hands to his lap, “It’ll take a little bit longer.” He answered for Daphne, noticing the way her face had flushed. She pulled her glass of water to her lips, taking a big gulp before she used her palm to wipe the excess free. 

“Are you dating Gator now?” Jessica giggled as she asked her question, looking as if it was very important to know. Maude giggled in response, covering her mouth like it was a big secret. Daphne’s lips twitched softly as she slowly began to warm up. 

“Yes,” Daphne spit out, “I am.” She grinned as she looked towards him, her expression warm and inviting. He suddenly felt nervous, completely lost in the way she was looking at him. He��d never had someone bear that expression towards him before. 

“Why?” Maude asked again, wrinkling her nose up like she couldn’t figure out what it was. Gator paused for just a moment, waiting until Roy and Karen were distracted before he stuck his tongue out at the both of them. They erupted into a fit of giggles, only to be shushed. He quickly decided that he wouldn’t quiet his future child for laughing at the table. 

“He’s funny,” Daphne decided at last, “And he makes me really happy. And I love him.” She added a few more reasons quickly, her cheeks turning pink as a smirk formed on his lips. He could feel a teasing tone coming forth as he turned towards her a little better. 

“Gross,” Maude replied as the same time Jessica said ew. They both wrinkled up their noses in the same manner, “Yucky.” They said in agreement as they shook their heads. He chuckled softly, thinking about how he’d once thought the same way that they did. 

“When you’re flower girls you’ll have to see us kiss.” Daphne teased them as she leaned forward, her face scrunching up as the girls set off into another chorus of disgust. Gator felt his heart flutter as he admired her features; admired the effortless way she was able to tease them. 

“Oh no,” Karen spoke up quickly, “That is not happening anymore.” She shook her head quickly, dismissing all of them. Daphne quickly sat back, looking a little embarrassed as Gator rolled his eyes. He was sure Karen would eventually come back around to it. 

“But mom-,” Maude started this time, her eyebrows furrowed in frustration before Roy waved his hand to silence her. Karen looked a little triumphant, like she already knew that Roy would be on her side. 

“Girls,” Roy said sternly to silence them, “Don’t whine. We don’t even know if a wedding is happening now. Unless Gator has proposed since our last conversation.” He shot Gator a harsh look before he turned back down to his plate. Daphne flushed again, mirroring the warmth that Gator felt on his cheeks. 

Dinner trudged on after that, just as awkward and tense as what it started with. Daphne no longer tried to make conversation, resorting to being quiet as everyone waited for Roy to finish. Sometimes Gator wondered if he just enjoyed seeping in the tense atmosphere from everyone else.

They did the dishes together while Karen worked on getting the twins ready for bed. Roy lingered about, sipping on his drink of choice as he watched Fox News. Gator did his best to block it out, too focused on the way Daphne kept pretending to splash him with the water.

It was risky, but they waited until Roy finally retreated towards the room before they slipped into the shower together. It took everything in him to keep his hands to himself, trying not to let his dirty thoughts rush down to his cock. But it was difficult when he was around her. 

“Maybe we should stay with my parents,” Daphne told him after, whispering as he finished drying his hair, “Obviously we’ll see them both equally for holidays but,” She stopped for a moment, “I can’t stand Karen.” She added at last, glancing towards the door like she feared Karen might hear her. 

“That changed quickly,” He teased her as he joined her on the bed. She grinned as she scooted a little closer, resting on her side as she brought her palm up against her chest, “Not many people like Karen. She’s a bit of a bitch.” He said truthfully, wrinkling up his nose as she began to brush her fingers through his chest hair.

“I wasn’t going to say that,” She drew out with a playful smile, “But she can be rude.” She stated at last, looking a little more blissful. He dragged his eyes over her features, a little enamored with the way her eyes twinkled in his room. 

“Mhm,” He nodded in agreement to her, “We won’t have to stay here long.” He reassured her, excited at the prospect of having their own place together. He’d never really thought about his future in that aspect, but he knew she had. He just figured his future was wherever she was. 

“It’s weird lying in your room,” She said a second later as she rolled over on her back, “I feel like all of these bikini models are judging me.” She giggled out as she looked around the room, examining the walls. 

“Probably because they’re not as hot as you.” He teased her, amused at the way her nose crinkled back up again. She shook her head before she rolled her eyes dramatically. 

“Oh you’re funny,” She grinned at him, “You have jokes, huh?” She smiled as she crawled over top of him, gripping both of his hands as she straddled his waist. He squeezed their fingers together, swaying her back and forth for a moment. 

“It’s not a joke,” He told her seriously as he rolled her back onto her back quickly. She squealed, laughing as he situated himself between her legs. She huffed, trying to blow the loose strands of hair from her face as he traced his fingers back up the length of her arms, “You’re very sexy.” He told her truthfully, taking advantage of her temporary trance to snap the handcuffs along her wrists.

“Hey,” She wiggled her head back and forth, moving her hair out of the way so she could fully see him, “Now you’re taking it too far, buddy.” She laughed breathlessly, though her eyes were wide in surprise. 

“Am I?” He cocked his eyebrows as his lips curled into a smirk. He hooks his fingers along the band of her pajama pants, enjoying the way that her body shivered as he quickly yanked them down her legs, “Just missed you. You did so well at dinner.” He mumbled softly as he slid his body down the length of the mattress.

He wrapped his long fingers around her ankles, squeezing them softly before he pushed them up towards her chest. She gaped, taken aback for a moment as he positioned himself between her legs. He rested his legs underneath her thighs, watching the way she slowly wiggled herself up higher to get a better look at him.

He traced his fingers over her clothed pussy, enjoying the way she rolled her hips up against his touch. He leaned forward, kissing a pattern down her soft thigh as he breathed in her sweet aroma. He kissed along her clothed mound, earning a low moan from her lips.

He slowly dragged her panties down her hips, groaning as he took in her puffy pussy. He moved three of his fingers up to her wet folds, pressing down on her softly to savor the feeling of her against his fingertips. 

“S’pretty,” He grinned as he looked up at her, noticing the way her lips were parted and how her eyebrows were furrowed, “Prettiest tang I ever seen.” He complimented as he slid his middle finger lower, slowly letting it slide within her gleaming hole. 

“Gator,” She whined as she held her head back, trying to keep her burning features away from him. She moaned, her walls fluttering as she eagerly invited his finger inside, “Mhm. Feels good.” She mumbled softly, keeping quiet like she was fearful of someone hearing them. 

He slowly pumped his finger inside of her, rolling his tongue around in his mouth as he waited to see just how loud he could get her. He glanced down between their bodies, in awe at the way her cunt easily swallowed his finger.

“She takes me so well,” He praised, enjoying the feeling of her slick dripping along the length of his finger, “Your tang is so tight. My little whore takes my fingers so well.” He smirked, watching the way her flush spread down her neck. 

He pressed another one inside of her, stretching her softly as he slid his digits against her slick walls. He groaned at how wet she was, how warm she felt as he slowly curled his fingers up into the way she liked.

“Oh,” She gasped, moaning softly as she pressed her heels against the mattress and began to grind herself against the length of his fingers. He watched in amusement, feeling his cock beginning to throb at her actions as he let her tease herself, “Right there. Oh fuck.” She cursed, breathing out harshly as he moved his thumb up to play with her clit.

“Feel good?” He mocked her, teasing her as he continued to slowly drag his fingers inside of her wet walls. He could feel his cock aching against his boxers, begging to be freed to feel her stretched around his thick girth, “You’re such a little slut. You know that, right?” He mumbled as he kissed her inner thigh, enjoying the way her blue eyes shot down towards him.

“Yeah,” She crooned as she rocked herself harder against his fingers, searching for the spot inside of her that made her twitch in pleasure. He watched in interest, enjoying the way she fucked herself on his fingers, “Wanna feel your cock, daddy.” She begged him, making a moan slip free from his lips. 

“Mhm,” He hummed playfully as he rested his body next to her, enjoying the way she tugged on the headboard as he began to grind his fingers deep against her spongy walls. He slowly rocked his cock against her hip, enjoying the way her moans fell from her lips, “Soon.” He promised, even though he had other plans.

He licked at her left nipple, enjoying how hard they were in the cool air as he began to rub his palm against her aching clit. Her moans grew louder as she began to cry out, pressing her hips up roughly against his fingers. He curled them deeply, pressing against her bundle of nerves as he traced his teeth along her nipple gently. 

“God,” She spit out, whining deeply as her leg shook against his throbbing cock. He groaned as he spit against her tit, watching the way it slid down the valley of her body before he moved his lips up the curve of her neck, “Daddy, oh fuck!” She cursed again, whining as she pressed her legs tightly against his arm.

She shook around him, moaning deeply as her sounds filled his ears in a melodic symphony. He groaned, licking up the curve of her neck before he pressed his lips hard against hers. He kissed away her sounds of pleasure, licking at her plump lips as she squirmed underneath him.

“Such a good girl for daddy,” He teased her, his warm breath fanning over her face as he slowly withdrew his fingers from her wet cunt. He groaned as he brought them up to his mouth, taking his time to swirl and lick her slick from his fingers, “Taste so sweet.” Her eyes were wide with lust as she stared at him, tugging on the handcuffs once again. He laughed, feeling a little proud of himself as he slowly slid his boxers down the length of his legs. She exhaled harshly, staring at his hard cock in want as he slowly wrapped his fingers around his girth.

He groaned, putting on a little show for her as he gave his cock a few quick tugs. He was eager to do more, to touch himself more in depth but quickly stopped himself. He wanted to feel her, desperately needed to feel part of her against himself. 

He moved up her body, straddling over her chest as a small gasp left her lips. She stared up at him in interest, her mouth opened widely as she wiggled harder underneath him. He pressed on her shoulder for just a second, urging her to stop her movements. 

He pinched her nipples, enjoying the way she cried out as he slid his cock between her slippery tits. He pressed them together, watching the way her eyes crossed temporarily before she looked up at him again.

She was breathtaking. Her features flushed, pink lips parted in bliss as her eyebrows were raised slightly on her forehead. He leaned over again, puckering his lips as he let a glob of spit fall onto the corner of her mouth.

She moaned loudly, sticking her tongue out eagerly as she licked his saliva away. He took the moment to squeeze her perky tits harder against his cock, groaning at the feeling of her flesh against his girth.

He moved slowly, exhaling roughly as he rocked his hips along her skin. The sensation from the lube left it easier to move, making his cock easily slide against the curve of tits. He groaned at the sensation of his balls dragging against her chest.

“Fuck,” He breathed out, his eyelashes fluttering shut before he quickly opened his eyes again. She was too pretty to ignore; too captivating as he watched the way she greedily stared at his cock, “You wanna taste it, mama?” He teased her, watching her eyes dilate as she slowly nodded her head.

He was rock hard, throbbing as he pressed his pink tip against her lips. He slowly traced the curve of her mouth, watching the way her lips puckered out against his tip from the motions. She flicked her tongue out quickly, taking a few languid strokes as another groan left his mouth.

“S’nice,” She breathed out harshly, eyes bright as she pressed a quick kiss against his slit. She licked at it softly, rolling his precum around her mouth before she swallowed dramatically. He stroked himself slowly, nearly unable to handle the teasing, “Please, daddy. I wanna suck your cock.” She spoke lustfully, whispering the dirty words like they used to do once upon a time.

“Greedy bitch,” He cursed as he slid his fat tip through her lips, sure that he took her by surprise at the way her eyes widened. She moaned against his skin, making his whole body vibrate in pleasure. He felt his fingers clench together into fists to his sides as he resisted the urge to grip her hair and rut his cock into her mouth as he pleased, “Such a good whore, taking daddy’s cock like that.” 

She slowly licked around his tip, then rolled her tongue along his veins as she invited him inside of her warm mouth. He felt his eyes flutter at the sensation, a small whimper falling free from how good it felt. He felt her hollow her cheeks as she slowly began to guide herself up and down the length of his cock. 

He traced his fingertips up her shoulders, up to her elbows before he finally reached her wrists. He held onto the cuffs for just a second, squeezing one last time before he freed her. She moved like lightning, gripping a hold of his thighs as she eagerly began to move her mouth along his cock.

He groaned as he looked down at her doe eyes that seemed to mirror the same pleasure that he was currently feeling. Drool leaked from the side of her mouth as she gagged around his cock, the tip of him hitting the back of her throat with each of her frantic movements. 

His cock felt heavy against her tongue as she slowly rolled it across his veins. He could feel a bead of sweat forming on the back of his neck as she rolled him deeper and deeper inside of her warm mouth. He rocked his hips forward, unable to help himself as she released one hand from his thighs. 

She closed her eyes then, furrowing her eyebrows in concentration as she took him as deep as she could. He hissed in pleasure, snapping his hips forward harshly as he thought about how good it would feel to have her mouth completely engulf his cock.

She pulled away with a cough, her eyes brimming with tears as she quickly stroked him in her hand. He grunted a little louder, completely chasing his high again as he began to rut his cock against her slippery palm.

“Feel good, daddy?” She teased him as she kissed the base of his cock, licking softly as she continued squeezing her fingers around his thick girth. Her words raced across his body, spreading through his veins as the pleasure grew warmer through his body.

“So fucking good,” He hissed out frantically as he continued to fuck himself into her hand, a small cry leaving his mouth as she began to lick at his balls. She moved her tongue slowly, teasingly as she rolled each one around in her mouth, “Jesus.” He grumbled as he gripped a hold of the bed post for support. 

“You wanna cum on my face?” She whispered seductively, her eyes wide and flirtatious as he watched her in bliss. He nodded his head quickly, the muscles in his stomach clenching tightly together as his thrusts became more frantic and slow.

He spit out a flurry of curses, the pleasure white hot in his body as he came through clenched teeth. He whined, grunting as she continued to roll her hand up and down the length of his cock as spurts of white cum landed across her chin and cheeks. He huffed, pressing roughly against her hand as the last little bit oozed out between her tits.

“Oh,” She exhaled in awe as she stared down at it, the white on her face sticking out from her flushed features, “S’nice. You did so good for me.” She praised him gently, sending him a sly wink before she reached down to kiss at his softening cock again.

His thighs shook a bit as he rolled off of her, plopping roughly against the mattress as he did his best to catch his breath. His mind was swirling, pleasure still racing up his body as he blindly reached next to his table for some tissues.

“Let me see,” He mumbled as he reached over her to wipe her face clean. She blinked slowly, her features wrinkling up cutely as she smiled in appreciation. He held onto her face gently with one hand as he did his best to wipe his mess away in a soft manner, “S’all better.” He teased her, quite preferring to see her covered in his cum.

“Thank you, daddy,” She teased him again, earning a soft groan from his lips before she quickly covered it with her mouth. She moved her lips against his deeply, almost desperately as she kissed away his soft sounds, “How will I get used to this?” She laughed a second later, almost looking to be in disbelief.

“You’re telling me,” He smirked as he moved a little closer to her, pulling her against his chest as he grazed his eyes across her pretty features, “What are you doing later?” He asked her, even though it was a ridiculous question. They were living together, yet he still felt like he needed to ask her out the proper way. 

“I have an ultrasound,” She said softly, “Do you want to go with?” She chewed on her bottom lip as she knitted her eyebrows together, looking like she really wasn’t sure how he would respond. He tilted his head, almost offended by her reaction. 

“Is there a reason I wouldn’t?” He asked her seriously as he tilted her chin in his direction so she could look at him better. She licked at her bottom lip, looking like she wasn’t sure how to answer him at first. 

“I just thought you might be busy working,” She said as she shrugged her shoulders softly, “I just don’t want to bother you.” She wrinkled her nose softly before she glanced down to her hands, like she was afraid of how he’d react. He kissed the side of her cheek, wishing he could erase the wall that continued to stay between them. 

“I’ll take the day off,” He reassured her, “We’re gonna do this together, remember?” He reminded her as he moved her messy hair from her face. He watched the way her expression softened before he leaned down to kiss her lips again. 

“I know,” She leaned against him, “I’m just nervous about it all.” She admitted to him. He ran his fingers across her tummy gently, wondering when she would begin to show. She didn’t look like she’d gained any weight thus far. 

“I understand,” He told her truthfully, “But I’ll be here the whole time.” He told her, hoping that it might make her feel a little better. This time, he didn’t want her to go through any of it alone. Or for her to feel like she had to. 

“Good,” She smiled as she held onto him, “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She mumbled softly, making him feel a little better. 

[buckysgrace]

29. Linda

Part 29 to Every Little Thing!

The next day was smoother. He ignored his phone and was pleasantly surprised that he didn’t have Roy breaking his door down. Things felt a little smoother, like things were finally going to get better. 

He pushed the stroller around while Daphne searched through her list on her phone, marking off the various things that she needed. Grocery shopping wasn’t the most extravagant thing, but he liked doing it with her. He liked to watch her, how she’d wrinkle her eyebrows together in concentration and squint her eyes as she tried to examine which brand she wanted. 

“C’mere,” He grinned as he picked up a fussy Knox, “Oh is that better?” He laughed, watching the way he stretched his little limbs out. He rubbed his fists against his eyes, roughly brushing the sleep away before he yawned widely. 

“Do you want to get diapers?” Daphne asked him suddenly, turning to face him as she gripped their very full cart. He kept his features stoic, doing his best not to laugh. He knew why she was trying to get rid of him. She liked to explore the store on her own. He was sure he’d be hunting her down in a few minutes. 

“We can’t get it together?” He asked her curiously, bouncing Knox as he began to coo. He had apparently found his voice while he was sleeping last night. He kept making little sounds, shrilling loudly in excitement. 

“It’s all the way in the back,” Daphne laughed as she leaned over the shopping cart, “Please. There’s nothing else we need over there. I just need to get the vegetables and we’re done.” She smiled sweetly, her expression like honey as she batted her eyelashes at him.

“Yeah, yeah,” He answered a second later, “Leaving us with the dirty job, huh?” He teased Knox, tickling his little tummy before he headed towards the back of the store. It was fairly busy despite being so early in the morning. 

Knox babbled along, cooing loudly as Gator searched for the right brand of diapers. He nodded his head along, answering to Knox’s sounds before he picked out the right one. He balanced the diapers in his free hand, grinning at the way Knox had successfully gripped his sunglasses. 

He furrowed his eyebrows together and blew little bubbles from between his lips as he delicately balanced the sunglasses in his little fists. Gator was a little worried he’d toss them on the floor, but he did a good job of holding onto them tightly. Gator held him a little closer, suddenly aware of how fast he was growing. 

“You alright?” He asked as he approached Daphne again, noticing how she was slightly paler than usual. He almost wondered if she was having another wave of morning sickness until he noticed how tightly her features were knitted together. 

“Yeah,” She responded as she looked over her shoulder, “Some guy just came up. He asked about you?” She questioned him as she held her thumb over her shoulder, looking confused as she shook her head gently. 

“Oh yeah?” He asked softly as he wiped away the drool from Knox’s mouth. Knox giggled again, bouncing in his arms and shaking his sunglasses around in his free hand. 

“He talked funny,” She said a second later, making him freeze, “Kind of like in riddles.” She said a little slower, looking over again as if she was trying to find him. He stopped bouncing Knox as his heart began to hammer roughly inside of his chest. 

“What did he say?” He asked gently, feeling his fingers twitch. He had his gun tucked in behind his pants, hidden away for safety. He had an urge to reach for it, to grab her and rush her out of the store. 

“Just basically said he knew you,” She said as she knitted her eyebrows together, “I think.” She shook her head, still looking confused as she reached her hands out for Knox, who had begun to squirm. 

“You didn’t catch what he said?” He tried to sound as casual as he could as he handed over Knox to her. She kissed his head gently, bouncing the little boy as she shrugged her shoulders gently. 

“He was hard to understand,” She mumbled, “And I’m awful at riddles. You know this.” She laughed like it was funny, but all he could feel was the large hole slowly dragging him further down. He was fucked. It hadn’t been Munch he killed the other night, it had been someone else. 

He felt the air in his lungs turn to ice as he suddenly came to the horrible realization that Munch knew who Daphne was. Which meant he probably knew about the twins and where they left. He exhaled roughly, suddenly feeling like he might get sick. 

“What’s wrong?” She asked him gently, tilting her head as her expression blossomed into worry. He shook his head quickly, not wanting to scare her. She was delicate at the moment. She didn’t need to worry about anything else. 

“Nothing,” He replied, “I was just thinking about who it might be.” He smiled softly, doing his best to remain calm as he felt his heart beating roughly inside of his chest. He quickly grabbed the cart, ushering her along as she pushed the stroller behind him. He looked around carefully, moving slowly just to be safe. 

“Is he some new friend?” She asked him a second later, moving a little faster to keep up with him. He started to unload the cart quickly, wanting to get out of here as quickly as possible. He knew the house would no longer be safe. He didn’t know where to go. If he told Roy, he’d be pissed. This was his own fault. 

“No,” He answered quickly, “Nothing like that.” He stacked it all on the belt, his hands shaking as he tried to get his nerves to settle down. They were okay. For just right now they were fine. 

He worked fast to take the bags out, not really caring where they landed as he tossed them inside. Daphne looked at him in confusion but he ignored all of her questions. Out. They needed to get out. 

“We’re not going home?” She asked him a few minutes later, glancing out the window as he pulled into her parents house. He’d made his mind up on the way there. It wasn’t safe to go back to the house. Not yet. 

“Not yet,” He said quickly, “In a few minutes. I have a surprise.” He tried to make it sound better than it was. He didn’t want to tell her that someone was out for them, for him. He had a feeling Munch wouldn’t care how he hurt him. 

“Oh?” She blinked, looking at him in confusion as he unlocked the car. He had plans to toss all of the groceries inside of her parents house, then leave her and the twins there while he got their bags ready. It was too dangerous for her to follow him. 

“I thought we could go ahead and take a vacation,” He mumbled underneath his breath, “Somewhere warm, yeah? Doesn’t that sound nice?” He asked her, turning to face her in hopes that she took the bait. She drifted her eyes across his features as she slowly nodded her head in agreement.

“Okay,” She replied gently, “So soon? I mean, like right now?” She shook her head in concern, looking like she couldn’t make sense of what was happening. He squeezed her hands gently. 

“Right now.” He told her seriously, nodding his head before he hopped out of the truck. He scooped all of the bags up in both of his hands before he walked up the porch, moving quickly as he brought everything inside.

“Oh,” Ruby smiled as she looked at him bewildered, “I didn’t need any groceries.” She said at last, still smiling as she watched him drop them off.

“We don’t need them,” He said softly, “Well, except for the baby stuff. We’re going to go on a little vacation.” He explained as quickly as he could, still having no idea where they would go. He could figure it out on the drive there. They just needed to get out of here for a while.

“A vacation?” Bruce looked at him curiously as he wrinkled his eyebrows together, “Does Roy know?” He asked a second later, though Gator was fairly certain he knew the answer. He pulled a stiff smile to his lips before he shook his head no.

“Heat of the moment,” He said at last, “Do you care to keep Daphne and the twins busy?” He asked, glancing out the window to notice her struggling to get the diaper bag out. Ruby perked up at that.

“No, we don’t mind,” She answered eagerly as she put her jacket on, “I’ll go help.” She said quickly, sounding excited as she left to help. Bruce lingered for a moment before he slid his coat on.

“What’s with the rush?” He asked finally, his features relaxed as if he knew enough to not get mad. Gator chewed on his bottom lip, not wanting anyone else to get hurt.

“She just deserves it.” He answered simply as he walked out the door. His hands were still shaking so he shoved them into the pockets of his leather jacket. Daphne looked towards him, her eyes softening as he approached.

“Where are you going?” She asked gently, leaning against him slowly. He pressed himself closer against her, soaking in her warmth as he thought about how screwed up the situation was. He had fucked up. He was scared. He just didn’t want her to know that yet. He’d have more than enough time to explain himself on the road. 

“I’ll be back,” He responded, looking in at where Ruby and Bruce were taking the kids out of their car seats, “I need to talk to my dad.” He said truthfully. He needed to explain what had happened, why he needed to be gone for some time. 

“About the case?” She asked him gently, “Is he mad?” She looked at him worried, wrinkling her eyebrows together as she brushed her fingertips over his jacket. He exhaled roughly. 

“No, no,” He shook his head as he lied, “It’s nothing about that. He mentioned something about the barn being in bad shape. I was gonna work on it with him.” He replied instead, hoping that she would believe at least one more lie. He felt terrible lying to her, but it was for her own good. 

“Oh,” She replied, “It’s going to collapse?” She looked up at him softly, her blue eyes bright and gleaming as she took him in. He hated himself suddenly. He didn’t want anything to happen to her. 

“He thinks so,” He told her softly, “So don’t go around there. I don’t want you to get hurt.” He replied gently, hoping that she knew just how much he was in love with her. It pained him to think about something bad happening to them. 

“I don’t want you to get hurt either.” She told him gently as she reached a hand inside of his pocket, then squeezed at his fingers. He nodded his head, feeling a little more reassured at the feeling of her skin against his own. 

“I won’t,” He promised her gently, “I’ll be right back. Wait for me here.” He told her instead of asking, fearing what might happen if she went to the house on her own. He exhaled, thinking about how he’d need to get Birdie too. 

He walked over towards the ranch, inhaling the brisk cold as it settled inside of his bones. He felt paranoid at the way he kept glancing around, but he was sure something was wrong. Munch had only ever left a symbol before, but that didn’t mean he’d do worse this time around.

He thought that Daphne and the twins would at least be safe around Bruce. Perhaps Munch didn’t know about her family. That could buy him some time. He walked around his cruiser, preferring to keep it parked on the ranch so Daphne wouldn’t have to see when he came and went on his little trips. It was wrong of him.

“Where’s Roy?” He asked Bowman once he approached the property, confused at the lack of people around the property. Bowman leaned against the side of the railing, looking unimpressed as he looked down at him. 

“Today’s the debate,” He drew out slowly, “He got Nadine. Out in the barn.” He jerked his head in that direction, making Gator’s mouth go a little slack. He didn’t recall locking her in the barn to be part of their plan.

“Thanks,” He said, inhaling deeply as he shook his head, “Can you have him call me when he gets back?” He asked him, knowing that by the time Roy returned he’d be long gone. He glanced around, wondering if he should take another vehicle to be safe. 

“Of course,” Bowman replied, “You look troubled.” He commented, looking like he knew all as Gator scoffed underneath his breath. 

“I’m not,” Gator defended himself, “Daphne’s just been sick.” It wasn’t a complete lie. She did have bad morning sickness. He looked away again, feeling like he was wasting time by standing here. 

“Maybe she wouldn’t be if you’d stay off of her.” Bowman laughed, looking amused at his own joke as Gator felt his face flush. He rolled his eyes, shaking his head but still a little grateful that Bowman had never said anything about him and Daphne. Bowman had been unlucky enough to catch Gator and Daphne in a very compromising situation a long time ago. 

“Thanks,” He mumbled as he rubbed his thumb against his chin, “Is the barn locked? I wanna drop in real quick.”

He could tell by the sounds and the expression on her face that she’d been meddling with something, or trying to at least. 

“Shouldn’t you be at the debate?”

“Dad wanted me to hang back,” He mumbled as he approached her, confirming that the chain was in place before he stood in front of her, “What did you tell the FBI?”

“Me? Nothing.”

“I saw you,” He replied quickly, “With those two agents at the hospital.”

“That is a thousand percent on you,” She piped back, “They came to me.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re sloppy as shit,” She answered, sounding more angry as the seconds went on, “And that leaves folks asking questions.”

He stood

“Why were you kidnapped? Why did your house burn down?” She questioned him, “I never told anyone.” She told him, her voice soft as she continued to hold his gaze. He stared at her eyes, feeling like she was being truthful. 

He nodded his head in agreement, feeling a little awkward at how he felt like he needed to thank her. He didn’t need the FBI on his case next, not when he was sure Munch was close by. An awkward tension lingered between them as he thought of why he’d come here in the first place. 

“Gator, I saw your mom.” She changed the subject first, almost making him feel as if he’d been hit as she chose her topic. He drew his eyes back down to her, shaking his head as he tried to process her words. 

“What?” He asked her, sure that he had heard her wrong as he felt his eyebrows furrowing further down on his forehead. There was no way she’d seen his mom. No way. She was gone, long gone. 

“Linda. I saw Linda. She’s safe,” Nadine answered quickly, “She didn’t want to leave you. She wouldn’t. If she had the choice. Understand?” She whispered this time around, like it was a secret between the two of them. 

He felt his features relaxing for a moment, then hardening back together as he thought over her words. If Linda was nearby, they would’ve heard something from her. She was gone. He didn’t know why, but he was sure that she was gone. Never to return. Nadine was taking him as some sort of fool. 

“He was going to kill her, “ She continued on as he looked around the room in disbelief at her words. She had to know that it wasn’t true, “So she had to go to save herself. But she was coming back for you. I was bringing her back.” He kept blinking, kept shaking his head as it became too overwhelming for him. 

“Just-,” He shook his head, his tongue feeling numb in his mouth, “What the fuck are you talking about?” His arms felt like they weighed a hundred tons as she leaned forward to clasp her hands around his left wrist. He took a few steps forward, leaning down closer to her despite his own protests. He felt like he was a teenager again, sitting by his window and hoping that he’d see his mom come strolling down their driveway. 

“I’m saying, your mom, she made it. She got away and she’s safe and I can take you there, if you help me,” She told him quickly, desperately, “But we have to go right now.” He stared down at her, feeling a rush of emotions hitting him. Nadine seemed genuine, but perhaps that was the worst part of it. She was putting on an act, trying to knock him down a few pegs to make him weak again. He wasn’t weak. He knew better. 

“You’re such a liar,” He told her, “You never told the truth, not once in your life.” He spat out, reminding her of just how badly she’d lied to him. She had lied about taking him with her, just as she was lying now. 

“I swear I can take you to her.” Her eyes were glossy, glazed over as she continued to dig her fingers into his flesh. She was hanging on to the hope that he would give in, that he would betray his dad. He had no reason to believe her. 

He ripped his hand free, feeling even more on edge suddenly, “No. You’re not going anywhere.” He was going to leave her here to rot, just like she had done to him. He turned away, moving back towards the door. It had been a bad idea to come here. 

“I have to get to my daughter,” She said at last, sounding more desperate than before, “You can’t understand that because you don’t have one, but she needs me.” She looked like she was close to tears this time. 

“I have a daughter,” He said finally as he looked back at her, “And I’m sure your kid would be better off without you anyways.” He was still angry with her, still bitter after all these years. She deserved what she got, just as he had deserved all the punishments from Roy while she was gone. It was only fair. 

“Did you ever wonder why you’re not named Roy?” Her question came out loud as she moved to her side on the bed, staring at him expectantly with flames in her eyes. He lingered, even though he knew he should move on, “Huh? You’re the fifth boy in a long line of first-born Roys. Your name’s supposed to be Roy, but your dad said he took one look at you in the hospital; this pale, puny lizard and he knew you’d be a loser for life.”

He stood there, exhaling harshly as he absorbed all of the information. It hurt to think about, but deep down he knew it was true. His dad never explained to him why his name was different, only that it had fit him. His heart began to beat slowly inside of his chest as he felt his blood heating up in a fresh wave of anger. 

“He said he’d rather have his name die out than have you carry it,” She carried on with venom in her voice, “Ask him.” She challenged, fully knowing that he wouldn’t be able to do it. He didn’t want to know. If he asked, he was sure that Roy would be honest. He hadn’t proved himself to be a good son yet and now here he was, running off with his family as soon as his mistakes caught up to him. It was pathetic. 

“Hope you die in here, Nadine,” He told her, staring ahead where he could make the snow from the wooden planks of the door, “Never see your daughter again.” He spat back, feeling the venom curling inside of his own chest. It was always the same with them, even when they were younger. They aimed to kill. 

“No you don’t.” She said softly, her features and gaze softening as she watched him. He didn’t mean it because he wouldn’t want to be in her position. He didn’t want to lose his kids either, but he kept his tongue still from rolling the remorses free. She didn’t have to know how he felt. 

The door slammed open, taking them both by surprise as he jolted back. Daphne’s features were wrinkled tightly together in anger, her eyes flashing as she parted her lips to say something as he felt his heart slowly coming to a stop. 

She met his widened brown eyes, his hands coming forward to stop her as she stepped inside. The angry look on her features faded into shock as she looked around. Nadine sat forward quickly, shouting something out as Gator quickly gripped Daphne’s bicep and dragged her across the wooden floor. 

“That’s-,” Daphne paused, her feet dragging as Gator pushed her out of the door, “Was that Nadine?” She breathed out, looking taken aback as she blinked her eyes quickly. She stared up at Gator, her jaw going slack as she watched him lock the door. 

“What are you doing here?” He hissed in response, dragging her far away so she couldn’t listen to Nadine from inside the barn. He closed his eyes, knowing how badly this would be. She had seen her. 

“Gator,” She breathed in deeply, “Was that Nadine? Chained up?” She continued to shake her head, staring back at the barn as if she had imagined it all. He wished she had. 

“C’mon,” He pulled her forward, “It’s not important.” He tried to dismiss her worries, at least for right now as he pulled the cruiser door open for her. 

“You said you weren’t going to get her.” She stared up at him in alarm, her blue eyes wide like she was begging him to tell her otherwise. He looked back at her, feeling at a loss of where to go from this. It was bad. This was all bad. 

“I never said that.” He dismissed her, shaking his head as the frustration grew inside of him. This wasn’t how he wanted her to find out. He glanced around, feeling like it was even more urgent for them to leave. 

“Oh my God,” She breathed in deeply, looking like she was beginning to break down again, “Oh my God. What do we do? We have to free her. Maybe if we let her go she won’t talk about you. She’ll act like this never happened.” She held her hands up to her head as she spoke, her eyes glazed over as she shook her head back and forth. 

“Daphne-,” Gator sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he quickly shook his head in frustration, “Just get in the car.” He told her quickly, begging her so they could go. There was too  much to explain to her right now. They just needed to leave. 

“What’s going on?” She asked him seriously, her voice shaking as he shook his head once again. He rubbed at his jaw. 

“Get in the car.” He told her firmly this time, watching as she quickly ducked inside. He exhaled, making sure that she was safely inside before he shut the door behind her. 

“Oh Jesus,” She breathed out as she sat down, covering her face with her hands, “What are you doing?” She turned towards him, her eyes bright as the tears strolled down his cheeks. He looked at her, dumbfounded with himself. He didn’t want to make her upset.

He stared ahead for a moment, really not sure what he was doing. All of the lines had become blurred, mixed as one as he took a deep inhale. He wished he could take it all back suddenly. He didn’t want her to get mixed up into this mess. It was too late now. 

“Gator,” She turned towards him, looking at him seriously, “Do you realize what could happen? Have you thought about what you’re bringing our kids into?” She shook her head, wrinkling her eyebrows together as she watched him. He rested against the seat, feeling at a loss. 

“I’m not bringing them into anything.” He responded, mumbling underneath his breath as he wished it to be true. Everything was fucked. They needed to leave. Right now. 

“They need you,” She told him sternly, “And I can’t be a part of whatever this is.” She moved her hands about, still stressed out as he drove back down the driveway. It was close enough to walk, but he didn’t think it was a good idea to try and trudge her through the snow in this state. “What does that mean?” He asked her softly, feeling a little worried at her words. He didn’t do all of this just to lose her. 

“Whose that?” She asked him instead, sniffling as she faced forward. He pulled into the front of the ranch slowly, feeling irritated before he hopped out of the car. He slammed the door behind him, feeling irritated as his anger swam inside of him. 

“You need to drive away,” Gator huffed out as he walked with meaning towards the front of the gate, “I’m going to shoot you for trespassin’.” He warned, still feeling the feelings of anger from his previous conversation with Nadine. 

“Not until I talk to Mrs. Lyon.” Witt answered, looking determined as he balanced awkwardly on his sore leg. Gator honestly didn’t know what he was thinking coming out here on his own. Did he not know what Roy could do? 

He took it upon himself, shooting his next warning into the middle of Witt’s windshield. Witt jumped, scattering back as Gator lazily pointed his gun towards him next. He didn’t think about Daphne in the car, knowing that there was no going back now. She would see who he really was. 

“Next one goes in your head.” He said gruffly, watching the way Witt slowly gathered his senses and pulled his car door open. Gator waited, needing him to leave before he did something stupid. He was too on edge at the moment. 

“I know you don’t think they’re coming, consequences, they’re almost here.” Witt spoke up again, breathing out his own little warning before he settled into his seat. It was enough to make Gator scoff. He was already fucked. He knew that. He didn’t care about what the law was at the moment. It was just about putting as much distance as possible between his family and Munch. 

“Bye bye,” He mocked, ensuring that Witt got in his car before he turned around, “You see him again you shoot on sight.” He told the two men that were waiting, looking rather dumb at the tight way they clutched their rifles to their chest. Sometimes, Gator didn’t understand the point of Roy’s security. It was clear some of them had never shot a gun before. 

He got into the car, taking off quickly after Witt’s car. He turned in the other direction, heading towards the William’s farm as Daphne’s quick breaths filled the silent car. He gripped his fingers around the steering wheel, knowing that she wouldn’t look at him the same again. 

“You just shot at his car!” She replied in horror, her eyes wide as she stared at him, “Why would you do that?” She asked him curiously, making him shrug as he brought the vape up to his lips. He drove down towards their house, wondering if she’d even want him to go with her now. He wouldn’t blame her. 

“He’s on private property.” He said at last, though his voice went raw for a few seconds. He kept his gaze straight ahead, too afraid to turn towards her in case he broke down. He couldn’t. Not just yet. There was no point in crying. It would all be over soon. 

He left the car first, leaving her to stumble behind him as he unlocked the front door and went inside. He raced up the steps, feeling like he might collapse if he stopped moving. The anger was fading away, the adrenaline as all he was suddenly left with was Roy’s voice nagging in the back of his mind. 

“What are we doing?” She asked him softly, watching as he shoved various baby clothes into the many diaper bags that they had. He wasn’t sure how they’d bring everything, but he’d figure it out. He reminded himself of the money, knowing that could get them fairly far as well. 

“We’re leaving.” He hated the way his voice shook, how he had to clear it and blink away the blurry gaze in his eyes. He feared that she would change her mind, to say that she wouldn’t go with him. 

“Leaving?” She asked him incredulously, “But we need to help-,” 

“Daphne,” He snapped, not meaning to but fully overwhelmed, “Please. Just-,” He inhaled deeply, “Help me out. I’ll explain everything after. Please.” He told her seriously, feeling a little sick as he stared at her. She parted her lips, nodding her head softly as she moved to help him. 

She took his hands, squeezing them tightly as he continued to will himself to stop shaking. He closed his eyes, counting his breathing as he tried to ignore how overwhelmed he was. He was going to be fine. They were going to be fine.

“We can leave,” She said softly as she moved a hand up to cup his face, “But you know you need to free Nadine. You know what’s right.” She told him gently, bringing his chin up towards him as he slowly nodded his head in agreement. He knew what was right.

“Do you hate me?” He asked her, worried about what she might say. She looked at him for the longest time as he searched for the disappointment in her eyes. He didn’t see any, just concern. 

“No,” She said softly as she looked at him, “I don’t hate you, but you need to fix this first. Then we leave.” She nodded her head, giving him a reassuring squeeze before she helped him finish packing. He lingered against her touch, wondering how he could be so stupid. 

“I’ll take this out,” He mumbled softly as he took the bags, “Do you want to start on our stuff?” He asked her, watching the way she held eye contact with him. She brushed her hands against one of the quilts on the back of the rocking chair. 

“Only if you promise that you’ll tell me everything once we leave.” She said softer, watching intensely as he nodded his head in agreement. He had plans to do so anyway, but he could promise this one thing for her. 

“I will,” He told her as he kissed the side of her cheek, “I’ll be right back.” He carried their things down, pausing for a second before he headed to the basement. He swooped up the bag of money, then the guns that he had hidden away. He figured that he’d need both of them. 

He walked outside, enjoying the cool breeze against his warm skin as he carefully set everything outside on the porch. He stared at the keys in his hands, then turned towards the barn that seemed very far away suddenly. Nadine didn’t deserve to suffer. He would free her. She deserved to see her daughter, even if she didn’t keep her promise to him. 

He cursed underneath his breath as he slid down their few steps, almost falling onto the ground before he balanced himself again. He barely had time to stand up straight before he felt something crash against his face, the pain spreading through his body before everything went black.