#I am sure you all know what I’m talking about
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lexcys · 2 days ago
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★observing rafe cameron x reader
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summary: you were trying everything to hide the fact that you couldn’t stop staring at rafe, unbeknownst to you - he was secretly hoping you were
a/n: this is a surfer!rafe x shy!reader btw!! also this is like pretty much my first ever fanfic so I have no idea what the fuck I am doing so sorry if this is literal ass 😭 no mention of a fem!reader besides the fact that the womans bathroom gets entered
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you felt the heat of the sun on your skin as you stepped out of the twinkie. the soft crash of the distant waves barely audible over the hum of the pogues voices
stepping onto the beach, a surge of excitement hits you. the day you and the pogues have been counting down to all week has finally arrived
you take one final glance into your bag, double-checking for anything you might have forgotten—sunscreen, snacks, a book, and a few other trinkets, satisfied you make your way over to your usual spot ready to take off your tshirt and shorts which hid your swim wear underneath, until you spotted someone out of the corner of your eye
rafe cameron
somehow the kooks had managed to pick the exact same date, place and time to visit the beach as you and your friends
while the others were hastly running towards the water stripping on the way down, paying no attention to the kooks, kie stayed back waiting for you
she was already in her bikini while your clothes weren’t even close to leaving your body and landing on the ground
''you coming?'' she asked, hand on her forehead shielding her from the burning sun
''umm'', taking a quick glance around you searched the beach in a, hopefully, unsuspicious way trying to locate rafe again
glancing down you turned your gaze elsewhere, you hoped the sudden heat entering your body was from the sun and not from the sight of rafe taking his shirt off
''I’ll join you guys later, I’m a little dizzy right now'', you spoke swiftly looking up at her, hoping to not get caught in the little white lie
all though kie nodded, the flicker of confusion in her eyes and a quick look behind you told you all you needed to know
you had never verbally stated your attraction to the him but you were pretty sure almost anybody could’ve guessed with the way you tensed up or seemed quieter and clumsier whenever he was in close proximity
taking off your top and shorts you shot a look over to the pogues who were already splashing and practically drowning each other. you giggled while settling down onto your beach towel before applying sunscreen and laying down on your stomach with a book in hand
even though your book was very interesting, the sight in front of you was much more enticing
rafe was currently riding a pretty common wave, yet you found yourself unable to stop staring
you adjusted your book hoping to hide the fact that you were practically ogling at the cameron boy
he was far enough out that you couldn’t make out the details but you still caught the way his hair stuck to his face, the way his body twisted with the rythm of the wave and the way he… kept turning his head towards you?
it seemed like he was looking for you, looking to see if you were watching him
cheeks burning, you try to push your delusions aside trying to find the passage you were reading earlier
you take another peek at him and by the the time you do, he was already out of the water, walking towards his friends with the biggest fucking grin, beaming with pride and confidence, already seeming to rave about the wave he just rode
hearing jj’s laugh you swiftly adjust and pretend to be reading your book that was definitely more interesting than staring at rafe’s wet body and stupid grin
while jj kept whining about how john b, supposedly, almost drowned him they both settled down on your left, luckily on the side where the kooks were lounging
fortunately he also kept talking which meant you were able to peep right past his face and steal short glances towards rafe
it was almost impossible for you to keep your eyes off of him. it didn’t matter where you would see him, you were always stealing glances or simply staring at him from a distance. others could call this stalking but you liked to call it observing, you liked watching him, but not in a creepy way, more so you were admiring him, he was pretty
you liked his side profile, the way his bangs framed his face, the way his eyes looked in the sun, the way his shirts hung onto his fit body - you noticed the way he was very articulate with his hands, which were always adorned with the same two rings, the way the corner of his lips turned downwards whenever he tried not to smile
noticing him facing you, eyeing your group, the staring quickly stopped
at this point the distance between the two groups was too small for your liking because of course the kooks had to settle down as closely as possible to the pogues - it was somehow impossible for them to keep their distance
given the short distance, whenever you actually were brave enough to look again it seemed like he was meeting your gaze, trying to maintain eye contact
heart beating way too fast and cheeks burning, you turn away from jj trying to initiate a conversation with sarah, who was sitting on your right
after a while of, luckily, managing to keep your head from spinning towards him, to meet his gaze - aside from the occasional looks to jj or john b whenever they were contributing to the conversation - you were desperate to get up, to empty your bladder
you dreaded getting up, fully aware that the beach bar was situated just behind the kooks, it meant walking past rafe and the mere thought of that unnerved you - every step would make you acutely aware of your surroundings, mind racing, until the very thought of moving felt like it might turn your legs into jelly
examining the scene quickly you notice half of the kooks gone, including rafe, they must’ve left when you weren’t looking - you feel a weight being lifted off your shoulders while also immediately feeling a certain misery overtaking you
this unrequited crush was spiraling out of control
strutting over to the bar you take notice of ruby with another girl sitting at one of the tables and kacey talking to the bartender seeming to be cracking jokes instead of ordering
walking past them you try to keep your gaze relatively low to avoid any sort of interaction. turning into the small hallway of the bar you exhale a breath you didn’t even realize you were holding
the calmness doesn’t last long because as you round the corner to reach the toilets you spot him, standing in front of the mens bathroom, phone in hand and looking quite bored
before you get the chance to look away he lifts his head and notices you, he smiles - you smile back, a very awkward smile
relatively quickly you turn your head away and enter the women’s bathroom. your head becoming a blur, suddenly already washing your hands ready to leave the bathroom
he must’ve left already, right?
''topper are you fucking coming, man?!'', you catch rafe through the door
your plan of immediately leaving and paying him no mind, began to falter two seconds after stepping out of the bathroom
''hey, y/n'', you hear from behind you, shit
you freeze up for a second, caught off guard, before composing yourself and turning around
immediately drawn to him, you couldn’t help but notice the way his hair had dried in quite a messy way, his slightly squinted eyes and the slight smirk splayed across his face
''how are you?'' he questions before you had the chance to greet him back
''I’m doing fine'', you manage to exclaim, nearly tripping over your words before adding the usual ''and you?''
you dig in your mind trying to recall the last time you’d exchanged words beyond the usual "hi" or "hey''
''ditto'',
apparently not completely satisified with your answer, he regards you for a moment, the stare causing a warmth to creep up your neck as you shifted uneasily
''why did your friends leave you all alone over there?'', rafe inquired with a raised brow - a hint of curiosity in his tone, ''they seemed to be enjoying themeselves''
letting out a soft exhale you answer him, attempting to maintain eye contact but faltering almost immediately, ''I wasn’t feeling so good'' was all you manage to muster before adding the word, ''dizzy'' in a rather whispered voice, as you lied through your teeth, hoping he wouldn’t see through it
if he did, he didn’t let on ''are you feeling better now?’'
you nod quickly, meeting his gaze
looking up at him with those almost innocent eyes, he can’t help but offer, ''are you sure? I can get you a glass of water'', an unrecognisable sweetness laced his voice, softening his usual edge
taken aback by his unexpected offer you hesitate before denying his offer by simply shaking your head
he let out a quiet snort, a hint of amusement in his eyes as he watched you struggle to give a simple answer
''what book were you reading?'', he asked, his smirk widening as he leaned further back into the wall, clearly amused at the way the conversation was turning into a playful interrogation, as if he found some strange satisfaction in making you squirm just a little bit
you froze, your mind going blank, searching for the title before realising you genuinely couldn’t remember, maybe because you weren’t actually reading the book
like a savior, topper emerged from the bathroom, a flicker of confusion passing across his face as he scanned the scene before moving past you both, muttering a quiet "let’s go," clearly directed at rafe
for a split second, it looked like frustration crossed rafe’s face, fleeting before you could overthink it, flashing you a smile he pushed himself off the wall and made his way past you
but before he completely disappeared out of view, he turned back with a smirk and called over his shoulder,
''hope you enjoyed the show earlier''
oh
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reasonreblogs · 2 days ago
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Same for both. The thing with explaining the reasons with an apology for me is part of the “I recognize how this action was wrong and how I ended up doing this thing that hurt you. I will be making an effort to stop this behavior. I hope you feel okay calling me out on it going forward. I want to assure you that I am aware of what I did, why I did it, that I am going to be working on it, that this hurt you, and that I’m sorry I did this.”
To me the reasons and why it happened shows that they understand and how likely they are to keep doing the same things or if thy ran it, that kind of thing. I’ve had someone who was basically overdosing on Xanax day spent the most horrible shit to me, hitting every insecurity I had about our friendship and after the fact *not* apologize and just said something like “I didn’t reply mean it, I just said crazy shit because I was prescribed a higher dose of Xanax than a person should be.”
Like… okay, I get that… and… it would mean something if you said “I’m sorry, I know it hurt you and I said a lot of things I knew would hurt most. I didn’t know I was prescribed higher dose than I should’ve been until recently and it really fucked with my head in a way that I wasn’t myself.” Instead, I wasn’t sure if she actually meant what she said looking back or if she’d do it again only without her mind being fucked up.
She gave the reason without the apology which made it an excuse and a “so you can’t be upset with anything I said” when she could scroll back and see exactly the things she said to me even if she didn’t quite remember. However, with an apology, I would be able to believe she didn’t mean it and was in a state of mind where she was actively looking to be as hurtful as possible rather than actually believing hat she said. It’s kind of like how some people go turn out to be suicidal try to make everyone around them hate them before going through with it under the notion it’d “hurt less” when it happens. I think of one or two popular youtubers who did exactly that, posting outrageous bigoted shit before disappearing and after hearing they killed themselves, it clicked that’s what they were doing.
As for the telling a story for how thy relate (as I did above actually lol) it’s like… “listen here’s a thing I went through… to me it sounds like what you’re going through, so I hope what I did to get through it helps or if talking to someone who might understand better makes you feel okay talking about this.”
It’s like… it adds some weight or legitimacy to what the person you’re talking to is saying for me. I’d be more likely to take their advice or reflect on how I handle or perceive it vs how they might have. When someone isn’t grasping at all what you’re saying, it turns into defending why you’re feeling and going through rather than being able to just… talk about it.
Idk, been thinking on the nuance of this for a while. I like reasons, I like getting an idea on if this will happen again or not. There’s just a lot of “depends on the person/situation” tho.
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keikikait · 1 day ago
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ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜ (ʀᴀꜰᴇ ᴄᴀᴍᴇʀᴏɴ x ꜰ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ)
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based on a request by @milesdrift
pairing: rafe cameron x kook!f!reader, (not au, both are early to mid 20s)
word count: 10.5k
summary: you reconnect with an old friend while seeking quiet refuge from the midsummers party
warnings: longtime friends to lovers, kook!reader & kook!rafe, emotional rafe comes out for like 2 seconds, drunk rafe, light-medium angst, soft rafe, fluff?, talk of anxiety, topper is a bitch, blackmail is mentioned but it's not actually done, not proofread
a note: ik its long i don't wanna talk about it
please reblog and like, it means a lot! let me know what you think!
*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚*:・゚✧
Although you and Rafe had grown up together, you weren’t the best of friends anymore.
Your father and Rafe’s father, Ward, were business partners. Your father handled the financial side of everything, while Ward was the face of it all. You had spent countless dinners at his house, spent more summer nights than you can remember in his backyard, helping your dad grill. You were a fellow Kook, and while your house wasn’t as extravagant as Tannyhill, you still grew up in Figure 8 with the rest of them. 
You and Rafe were close at one point, spending some of your elementary years closer than ever before. You spent every waking second together, but everything changed when you both went to middle school; he started getting angrier, louder, and soon just completely ditched you for his new friends Topper and Kelce. You spent so much time watching him from the sidelines, and you spent a few years crushing on him, admiring him from afar and just wondering what it would be like to be his. It wasn’t until you went to Kildare Academy alongside him, Topper, and Kelce, that you realised he would never feel the same way. After all, you weren’t exactly a close friend of his anymore.
At least, you thought you weren’t. It wasn’t long after hearing of Ward’s death that Rafe was on your doorstep, drunk out of his mind and soaked to the bone from the rain. It was late, almost 11 PM, and you had let him in, giving him a towel and some of your older brother’s old clothes to borrow for the night. He wouldn’t mind anyway, he was engaged and living in Raleigh with his fiancée, doing something in IT and tech. Rafe eagerly accepted the clothes, although you had to help him change, trying your hardest to keep your eyes and hands from wandering while you helped him out of his old wet clothes.
The dryer hums from down the hall as it runs, tossing his clothes around. Rafe lies on your bed, his legs hanging off the end, his feet flat on the ground. You sit next to him, water bottle in hand, watching him. He has his arm thrown over his eyes, blocking out the soft light of your bedside table lamp.
You swallow, moving a little closer to him. “You okay?”
“Mm.” He grunts in response, still keeping his eyes covered. He didn’t smell the best, the smell of weed and hard liquor practically wafted off of his soaked form. The alcohol, though, seemed to be the main thing that took its toll on him. He was a mess of a man as it was, but when he drowned himself in alcohol like this, you weren’t even sure that it was Rafe in the room with you anymore.
“I heard what happened, I um…” You hesitate, not knowing what to say. “I’m sorry, Rafe.”
“Don’t,” He says, raising his arm from his face just enough to glare at you through the crack in his arm. “Don’t you dare pity me.”
“I’m not pitying you,” You say. “I really am sorry, Rafe.”
“Yeah, you seem real sorry,” He huffs, dropping his arm back in place, blocking out the light again. “Sitting there, staring at me with your big doe eyes.”
Your face gets warm, and you bite back a smile. “I let you in, didn’t I? I could’ve kicked you to the curb. But I didn’t.”
“Mm, you’re such a saint, you know that?” He grumbles, although this time he did let out a bit of a chuckle. He drops his hand down onto his chest, resting it just above his heart as he tilts his head towards you.
You lay down next to him, your shoulders touching, your legs dangling next to his. Your voice is soft when you speak, “Do you wanna talk about it?”
He turns his head towards you, his body following suit, rolling to his side, so his whole body faced you now. He stays quiet for a moment, just looking at you, before shaking his head and letting out a sigh. “What is there to talk about?” He grumbles again. “He got shot and fell off that stupid fucking cliff. Now there’s a big, father-shaped hole in my life now. End of story.”
“Did he ever even fill that hole?” You ask quietly. You immediately regret your words, but it seems like Rafe doesn’t even care.
“I… no. No, not really,” He admits, swallowing around a knot in his throat. “But it’s a hole I was counting on… one day filling. And now there’s no chance for that.” He rolls onto his back again and covers his face with his hands. After a few seconds, you hear his breathing get heavier as his shoulders shake up and down.
He’s crying.
You roll over to face him, wrapping one arm across his chest and over his shoulder. “No, hey come on, it’s okay.”
Rafe doesn’t fight your hold, and he shifts onto his side in front of you, facing you as you pull him into your embrace. He buries his face into your shoulder, his hands grabbing at your sides, holding onto you tightly as he begins to sob.
You rub his back with one hand, the other cupping the back of his head. “It’s okay, Rafe. It’ll be okay.”
His whole body shakes against yours as he cries, his fingers grabbing and clinging tightly onto your sides, like you were the only thing keeping him together. Rafe’s nose presses into the crook of your neck, his warm, shaky breaths ghosting against your skin as he cries against your shoulder. His voice is so soft you almost didn’t hear him. “I want my dad.”
Your heart shatters, and you pull him closer, fighting back tears of your own. “I know, Rafe. I know. I’m sorry.”
His arms wrap around your back, enveloping you in his arms, and his legs hook around one of yours, pulling you in closer to him, as if he’s hoping that if he holds you tightly enough he would be able to hold himself together. For a few long moments, he falls silent, the only sound being the faintest hitch in his breathing every couple of moments. Eventually, Rafe speaks again, his voice muffled against your neck. “I really messed up.”
“No, you didn’t.” You say, tightening your grip on him. 
“Yes, I did,” He whispers, nuzzling himself further against you. You can feel one of his hands trail up your back, his fingers tangling into your hair. It almost seems like he’s trying to melt himself into you. “Everything I’ve ever done… everything I’ve ever said… I did so many things just to try and-and make him proud of me. Everything I did was never enough to make him see me the way I wanted him to. But I still kept pushing, and pushing, and pushing. For what? For nothing. For absolutely nothing,” He takes a deep, shaky breath. “I wanna know it’s not my fault. I didn’t mean it.”
Your eyes well with tears, and you quickly wipe them away. “It’s not your fault, Rafe. You didn’t pull the trigger. You didn’t push him. It’s not your fault.”
His fingers tighten in your hair as his lips drag against your neck, leaving a damp trail across your skin. “I could’ve been a better-a better son,” He whispers against your neck. “I-I could’ve tried harder, I could’ve been better. I-” He chokes back another wave of tears, his whole body trembling in your grip. “He was never proud of me.”
“You don’t know that,” You whisper. “He always talked to my dad about you. My dad said you were all Ward talked about. Not Sarah or Wheezie. You.”
“That doesn’t mean he was proud of me.” Rafe mumbles. His hand that has been gripping your side released its hold on your shirt, his fingertips trailing up your side as he shifts ever so slightly in front of you. His fingers brush against the edge of your shirt, slipping under the baggy fabric and settling against your bare skin. His palm presses flat against your side, holding you, fingers spreading out over your skin.
“You don’t know that he wasn’t.” You say.
He slowly lifts his face from your neck, his fingers gliding along the curve of your side as he pulls away. Rafe swallows hard, his eyes fixed on you. He looks like a mess; his eyes red and puffy from crying, his face red and patchy from wiping his tears away. His eyes flicker down to your throat, and he pauses for a moment, his lips slightly parted as he studies your skin. When he finally speaks again, his voice is nothing more than a hoarse whisper. “I feel sick.”
“Do you need to vomit?” You ask.
“I don’t know.” He croaks, his hand still lingering against your side, his fingers gently brushing back and forth across your skin. Something in his eyes seems a bit… off. Normally, he was loud, and cocky, a bit obnoxious at times, but still somehow charming. Right now, though, he seemed… vulnerable. Broken down. He was exposed in ways that you didn’t even know he could be. You hadn’t ever realised how blue his eyes were before now.
“Come on, honey,” The nickname slips out without much thought as you help him sit up. “Let’s go to the bathroom.”
He doesn’t have it in him to protest your help, and he lets you ease him up and guide him to his feet. He kept one hand around your torso, his other wrapping around your shoulder as he lets you guide him towards your bathroom, practically stumbling behind you as he tried to walk. His grip on you stayed steady, fingers pressing into your side and digging into your skin.
You push open the door to the en-suite bathroom, helping Rafe kneel down by the toilet. “If you need to vomit, just do it. Don’t hold it in, okay?”
He swallows, still stumbling slightly as he knelt there in front of the toilet. “Okay.” He croaks. A few moments pass, and then suddenly Rafe’s whole body tenses up, and he lurches forward at the waist, leaning over the toilet. He gags, the first few being dry gags and coughs, before, after another heave, Rafe lets loose the rest of his stomach contents into the toilet, throwing up everything in his stomach.
You look away, rubbing his back. “There you go. Better out than in.”
He stays hunched over the toilet bowl for several long minutes, coughing and dry heaving. It finally passed, but he still knelt there, heaving and gagging. “I-“ He started hoarsely, a trail of spit dripping out of the corner of his mouth, his eyes still red and puffy. His shoulders shook once, and you could’ve sworn it was another heave, but when he finally spoke again you nearly choked at the sound of how wrecked his voice was. “I need a drink…”
You let out a small chuckle, grabbing some toilet paper and wiping his mouth. “You’re drinking water only.”
He lets you wipe his mouth, and he watches you through tired, bleary eyes. “I-“ He tries to protest, before his face turns a little green again. He grumbles, then sighs, mumbling against your touch. “No booze?”
“No booze.” You say.
“Okay, okay, fine.” He mumbles, sighing again as his shoulders drop in defeat. “No booze, then. Just… I need something. I need to- I need to-” He pauses halfway through his sentence, swallowing hard as he suddenly leans forward at the waist again, hovering over the toilet. He gags again, a thin trail of spit connecting his lip to the rim of the bowl, before he leans back again, gasping and panting.
You look away, quickly rushing back to your bed to grab the water bottle. You head back into the bathroom, rubbing his back as he pukes again. “There we go.”
He heaves and coughs for several more moments before finally collapsing back against your touch, sagging into your hand on his back. His head falls forward, his face against his shoulder, forehead pressed against his arm as it rests against his knee. He looks and sounds like a wreck, his whole body trembling in front of you. He’s a mess. A complete, utter, heartbreaking mess. 
His voice comes up, hoarse and ragged. “You… you called me honey.”
“I did.” You say, wiping his mouth again. You uncap the water and pour some into his mouth. 
He doesn’t argue, his mouth parting readily when you hold the bottle to his lips. He closes his eyes as a few mouthfuls of cool water washes away the taste of vomit, and a soft groan escapes his throat when you pull the water away. When his eyes finally open again, his gaze shifts back to you, and that same look is still in his eyes. The same lost, brokenness that made your chest ache for him.
You hand him the bottle. “Do you wanna stay here tonight?”
Rafe stares down at the bottle, his hand coming up to wrap shakily around it. His fingers linger against yours a moment longer than needed, touching your fingertips for a brief second before withdrawing, his fingers sliding down the cold plastic of the water bottle. After a long moment of silence, he finally speaks, his voice hoarse and raw from the vomiting. “… Yes. Please.” He whispers.
“Come on,” You say softly, helping him to his feet. “There’s a guest room down the hall.”
He lets you pull him to his feet, stumbling to his feet without much resistance. He was clearly exhausted and worn out from vomiting, but even so, when you tried to remove your hold from him, he protested. His fingers wrapped around your wrists loosely, his gaze fixed on you, as if he was practically begging you not to let him go. “No,” He whines. “I… I need to be with you. I can’t be alone right now.”
“Okay,” You say softly, slipping your hands into his. “You can stay with me.”
He lets out a soft sigh, the tension leaving his shoulders as your fingers slide into his. His fingers intertwine with yours, and his thumb brushes against the back of your hand. Although he seemed like he wanted to say something to you - his lips parted, and his gaze dropped to watch your fingers, he seems to change his mind at the last second, and simply squeezes on your hand. After a beat, he gives your hand a tug, gently pulling you towards your bed.
You climb in next to him, already in your pyjamas from earlier in the night. You give him an extra pillow, letting him get comfortable. He lets out a sigh, pulling his knees up towards his chest a bit as he turns his head to face you. One arm slips between the pillow and his head, propping it up slightly, while the other finds its way to your side, resting there on the other side of your body. “Rafe?” You ask, your voice quiet.
“Yeah?”
“Why'd you come here?” You ask. “I'm not, like, upset, but... we aren't very close anymore, you know?”
To answer that question, Rafe reaches his hand that’s on your side up a bit, his fingers trailing up your shirt and settling on your stomach, his palm laying flat against the soft skin of your stomach. His fingers trace soft lines back and forth against your abdomen absently, like he was trying to soothe himself just by touching you. “Because I need someone right now,” He replies after a long moment of silence. “And… you’re the only one that I’ve never been scared to tell I was hurting. Top and Kel… they wouldn’t understand. They wouldn’t comfort me, you know?”
“Yeah, I know,” You say softly. “I’m glad you came back to me.”
“Thanks for letting me in.” He mumbles in response, his fingers still tracing lines over your stomach. It was something that he must’ve unconsciously started to do once he laid his hand against you, but it still sent shivers down your spine when you felt his gentle touch on your skin. 
You pull him into a hug, your voice still soft. “Get some sleep, Rafe.”
Rafe doesn’t protest this time as you tug him into a hug. His arm tightens around your back, and he squeezes a bit in your embrace, drawing himself in a bit closer. He lets out a soft sigh, his face pressing into your neck, and his body finally slumps against you. “Goodnight.” He mumbles against your skin.
“Goodnight.” You whisper.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝
You don’t remember the last time you journaled. 
The morning after, Rafe left in a rush, leaving only a pile of your brother’s clothes in his wake. You spent a little too long staring at the ceiling, the feelings you felt for him so long ago coming back to rear its ugly head. You flipped over, pulling the drawer open and digging around in your bedside table, pulling out the leather-bound journal and a ballpoint pen.
You let your stream of consciousness out, filling out pages and pages about your night with Rafe and your conflicted feelings. You don’t date the entry, quickly shoving it back into your bedside table for another day. You spend the rest of your day stuck in limbo, wondering, thinking about your next interaction with Rafe. What would he say? Would he even acknowledge you? Did Topper and Kelce know about your night together?
You didn’t want this to control you as it used to; spending hours awake at night, wanting and praying that Rafe would see you in the same way you saw him. Praying that Rafe liked you, not whatever Kook girl caught his eye that night. You didn’t want to pine for him anymore, wandering behind him through the desert, hoping he’ll lead you to an oasis. You always wanted him when you were finally fine. You kept journaling, though, filling pages upon pages with your thoughts, whether Rafe was even in them or not. You decided to push him aside, to only speak to him if he spoke to you first. Out of sight, out of mind. And it worked. You didn’t think about him for weeks, even when you would see him at the corner store or at the gas station. He didn’t approach you, so you didn’t approach him.
You had managed to move on again.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆
It was taunting you on your calendar. The Midsummers Party.
You hated it every year. It was one of the town events that gave you the most anxiety. You hated the crowds, the loud music, and the aura that surrounded you; your fellow Kooks thinking that they were better than the people on the south side of Kildare just because their mommy and daddy had more money. You were supposed to hate the Pogues, it was supposed to be ingrained in your DNA, but you didn’t. Why would you just hate someone purely because they didn’t have as much money as you? You were grateful for your life, grateful for the life that your father and mother built for you and your brother. You didn’t want to take it for granted like some of your fellow Kooks did.
Your dress was simple; a flowy, pink, low cut linen midi dress with thin straps, a $35 steal you got from a thrift store on the mainland. You hunted through your closet for your old sandals, putting them on before checking your outfit in the mirror again. You looked cute, which was the most important part. You would spend the entire time sitting in the corner alone anyway, trying to get yourself to relax. You grab your bag and your keys off of your bed, and you’re a few steps out the door when you get a nagging feeling. You sigh, looking back into your bedroom, fingers tapping on the door frame as you start to contemplate.
The journal and the pen join the belongings in your bag before you leave, shutting and locking the door behind you.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝
The Island Club is already lively when you arrive, giving your key to one of the valets. You slip him a large tip before heading inside the country club. The country club is abuzz as you take a step inside, music thumping throughout the house as you pass through the massive front room and make your way towards the outdoor seating. Pogues and Kooks alike mill about, chatting amongst themselves and laughing heartily as they make their way indoors and out. The whole club smells like food, and smoke wafts through the air from the various barbecues that are going on throughout the outdoor patio area.
You were already overwhelmed. The chatter is nearly deafening in your ears, the various sounds of people talking and music blaring from speakers filling your head. You feel like you can’t breathe. You don’t want to be here, stuck in this country club full of people. Everyone here is loud and drunk and happy. 
And you’re drowning in the sea of it all.
Across the country club, leaning against the bar, is Rafe. Midsummers was always fun for him. Loud music, endless drinks and even more pretty Kooks, all there to celebrate one of the most exclusive events on the island. As the sun set, the dance floor was filled with couples, dancing against one another and getting drunk on endless bottles of rum. He stood around a group of his friends, drinking and talking with a smile on his face. His gaze was always drifting out to the sea of Kooks and Pogues before him, but it lingered every so often when a pretty girl passed.
The bar was packed with people, all clamouring and fighting to try and get a drink before the entire bar was empty and the Pogues would end up stuck drinking piss beer from kegs out on the patio. You push your way through the crowd to the bar, squeezing yourself up next to a couple other people and waiting your turn to actually get the attention of one of the bartenders. You fumble with your wallet and get your ID out, managing to order a tequila sunrise; your go-to drink for a fancy, Kook heavy event, something sweet to mask the hard liquor inside but still strong enough to distract you from your impeding thoughts. You grip the edge of the bar tightly, closing your eyes as you take one more deep breath, trying to block out the noisy chaos around you. Just a few drinks and then you can escape to the beach and hope no one will find you.
You look around and meet Rafe’s gaze from the other side of the bar. He’s been watching you since the moment you entered the country club. He flashes you a small smirk, his eyes lingering on you as people bustle and push around you, filling up the bar and blocking him out from you. He watches you for another moment, his body still slouched against the bar, talking to the people around him, before he finally pushes himself up, and starts to weave through the crowd towards you instead.
You grab your drink, handing the bartender a cash tip before turning around, meeting Rafe face to face. “Uh, hey.”
“Hey,” He replies with a charming smile, taking a step closer to you, standing just a bit closer than was strictly necessary. “Fancy seeing you here,” He muses, raising his beer to his lips and taking a sip. “Thought you hated Midsummers.”
“I do, but uh…” You sigh. “My parents want me to be here, so…”
“Right,” Rafe sighs softly, taking another drink of his beer. His eyes flick up and down your form as he does, the corner of his lips twisting up in a slight smirk. “Well, I’m glad I get the privilege of seeing you all dressed up, then.”
You feel your face grow warm. “Yeah, I guess.”
He chuckles at how awkward you are, his gaze lingering on your face for a moment before flicking back down to your body. “You look nice, by the way.” He compliments. It was genuine enough, his gaze lingering over your curves and the low neckline of your dress, before they flick back up to your face.
“Thanks,” You say. “You do too.”
That little compliment sends a jolt through Rafe's chest, and he tries to keep his face as neutral as possible so that you don’t see. He doesn’t get compliments like that often - not genuine ones, anyway. He smiles to himself, his face softening a bit before he catches himself. “Yeah, well, I gotta look good, you know?” He replies, giving you a wink before taking another swig of his beer.
“Yeah, uh…” You look behind him and immediately make eye contact with Topper, who doesn’t advert his eyes. You look away, stirring your drink with the straw. “Well, I won’t keep you. Have fun, alright?” You walk away before Rafe can respond, pushing through the crowd to find a seat.
He lets out a sigh, watching you disappear into the crowd, before pushing himself away from the bar, and returning to the group he was with. Topper and Kelce both look his direction as he comes up to them.
“What was that about?” Kelce asks, raising a brow. 
Rafe shrugs, bringing the beer bottle to his lips. “I’ll catch up with her later.”
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝
You try to enjoy Midsummers. You really do.
You drink your tequila sunrise rather quickly, hoping the warmth of the alcohol with calm your nerves, but it does the opposite. It’s overwhelming - the lights, the music, the people. Every once in a while a hand will grab your ass, or brush against your side as it reaches past you, and it’s all slowly becoming suffocating. Your heart pounding in your ears drowns out the shitty house music, and you feel nauseous as you make your way through the crowd, trying to find the exit to the patio. 
Your escape into the patio doesn’t seem to do much, though. The patio is just as full as the house, people sitting in the outdoor seating to eat and talk while others dance. A bonfire burns in the corner, and a few small groups stand about it, talking and drinking and laughing. You take a deep breath, feeling the cool sea air on your skin as you make your way through the patio, heading towards the beach entrance. You had to get away, your skin already starting to itch with discomfort.
You finally make it to the beach entrance, the sounds of the party in the country club fading slightly as you take in the sound of the ocean instead. It’s cooler here than inside the club, but somehow even the beach is still packed. Couples sit together against the dunes, talking quietly in hushed whispers, and the air is thick with the smell of weed as people pass joints between one another.
You can feel yourself getting annoyed, getting angry. You just wanted some goddamn peace and quiet, away from the loud ass Pogues and the other Kooks with their leering gazes. You walk through the sand, sandals in hand, trying to find an empty spot. It takes a few moments of walking across the beach to finally find an empty spot, surrounded by a cliffside, though it’s not much of one. You’re far enough from the party that the light from the bonfire on the patio doesn’t reach you, and the music and the laughter is faint from far away. Still, you’re just close enough to the country club that you can hear the thumping bass.
You’re surrounded on all sides by couples that have gathered on the beach, too. You can hear their whispers and laughter, quiet intimate moments in the setting sun, and it just seems to make you angrier. You take a deep breath, keeping your eyes on the sun as it settles into the horizon, watching the colours change.
The sun slips behind the horizon, the sky slowly fading from purple and orange to the black of night, lit up only by pale stars and a crescent moon. The air grows colder as night creeps in, a soft breeze sweeping off the ocean, carrying the sound of the waves hitting into a soft roar in your ears. It’s still too loud. The voices of the couples on the beach next to you and the music from the club don’t allow any kind of peace, no quiet moments for you to just breathe.
You set your bag down beside you, digging through it to pull out your journal and your pen. You start to write another entry, undated, just like the rest of them. It’s just pages of your thoughts, your emotions, your feelings, words pouring out of you in the dim light of the setting sun. It’s just your stream of consciousness, all the things you’re feeling and thinking. It feels good, like a release to just unload it all onto the page, and every word that comes off of your mind and into the journal just serves to relieve the growing tension in you. Your shoulders start to droop, your mind too focused on writing and the sound of the crashing waves to pay attention to the couples around you.
The world fades away, and it’s just you, the crashing of the waves, and your pen on the page. Your mind empties and it’s finally so, so quiet, the weight off of your shoulders almost lifting you up entirely. You’re so focused, so deep into your writing, finally having the peace and quiet you were wanting--
The pen nearly flies out of your hand when you jump, feeling someone tap on your shoulder. You quickly shut the journal, your head spinning around. “Jesus, dude! You scared the shit out of me!”
And there’s Rafe, standing there behind you, a grin on his face as he watches you quickly clutch your journal to your chest. He puts out a placating hand, giving you an almost innocent look. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to ruin the moment.” 
You sigh, your shoulders tense again. “It’s fine.”
His face falls slightly, no longer grinning, as he notices just how tense you are. He glances around for a moment, taking in the couples on the beach around you all curled up to one another. He swallows, looking back to you. “You alright?”
“Fine, just…” You sigh again. “Overwhelmed, I guess. I get bad anxiety at things like this. I can normally handle it, but…”
He watches you for a second, studying your face, the way you hold the journal to your chest, the way your shoulders are still tense. The way you’re clearly still on edge. He slowly sits down next to you, the sand shifting under him. He stretches out his legs in front of him, dropping his hands into the sand, and his knee pressed against yours. You slip your journal and pen back into your bag.
He stays quiet, just sitting with you, listening to the waves and the sounds of the couples next to you. He finally speaks after another moment, his voice quiet. “Why’d you come if it makes you so anxious?”
“My parents,” You say. “They expect me to come. I have to, for like appearances and stuff. The ladies at my mom’s book club like to gossip, you know?”
He lets out a quiet snort, nodding. “Yeah, I get the whole appearances thing. This whole party is basically just an excuse for the Kooks to flaunt their money and kiss ass.”
You chuckle, nodding. “Yeah. Exactly.”
He smiles a bit to himself as you laugh quietly, but his gaze still watches you for a moment longer before he turns to look forward, watching the waves as they crash into one another and spill onto the beach. He’s quieter than usual tonight. Usually he’d make some kind of smart ass comment to go with his answer, but tonight he seems almost pensive.
You sigh, leaning your head against the side of his bicep. “It’s just so loud in there and people kept touching me. I don’t know how you do it.”
Rafe’s shoulders tense at your touch, but he doesn’t pull away from you, he just lets you lean against him for a long moment. He swallows a little bit, his hand twitching in the sand in-between you too, before he finally speaks again. “You get used to it, after a while.”
You hum in response. “Is it cool that I’m doing this?”
“Yeah,” He replies quickly, his shoulders finally relaxing as he takes in a deep breath. It’s silent for another moment, but the way his muscles relax under your touch makes it clear that he appreciated it. “Yeah, it’s fine. You can do whatever you want.”
“Thanks, Rafey.” You mumble, the old nickname tumbling out. “I’m feeling better already.”
Rafe stiffens at that nickname, his breath catching in his throat just for a second. He was surprised to hear it again - it had been years since he’d last heard you call him that. He swallows, forcing himself to stay calm as the nickname stirs a little bit of that old feeling in his chest. “Yeah, you look a little better too. Less green.”
You snort. “Thanks.”
He gives you a slight nudge with his elbow, smirking a bit at your snort, but his smirk fades almost immediately, his face falling back into a more thoughtful look. He stays silent another moment, still listening to the waves and the couples around you, but his thoughts seem to be a million miles away. He finally speaks again, voice quiet. “How often do you get anxious? At events like this, I mean.”
“I’m anxious from the second I arrive until the second I leave,” You say. “I’m not built for crowded events. I don’t like when people stare at me.”
He keeps his gaze on the ocean, but his shoulders sink a bit at hearing that. He never knew that, to be honest - he always assumed you were built for these kinds of parties, more at peace with crowds since you were born into it. The fact that you’re just as anxious as he used to be makes his chest ache a bit, and his gaze flicks over to you. “How’re you feeling now, though?”
“Better, now that you’re here.” You say, wrapping your arms around his bicep, leaning against him.
His breath catches again, his stomach jumping when you wrap your arms around his arm, and his hand twitches a bit, like he thought about wrapping it around you for a moment before he stopped himself. He swallows, but he still can’t fight the slight flush that rises up his neck as he stares forward, a small smile twisting at the corner of his mouth. “Yeah? Why, do I just have a calming aura?”
“It’s the familiarity, I guess,” You say. “I feel safe around you.”
Rafe’s shoulders relax a bit more at that answer, his face softening slightly, and his smile grows the slightest bit. He can feel his own heartbeat in his chest still, but he lets out a breath, trying to keep his cool. “Good, that’s uh… I mean,” He swallows, trying to think of what the right thing to say is, before settling for the truth. “I want you to feel safe around me.”
“Good.” You say. You look up at him, your cheek pressed against his shoulder. His gaze flicks back down to you again, and he looks down at you as you stare up at him, before he slowly raises a hand, lightly brushing a strand of hair out of your face. He studies you a moment, his gaze lingering on your face, taking in how calm you look now as you leaned against his side. There was something about you that Rafe was drawn to, and he couldn’t explain why. All he knew was that he loved the way you felt against him. For a split second, his gaze flicks down to your lips, the smallest moment where he’s tempted to lean down and kiss you.
He turns back to face the horizon, sneaking his arm out of your grasp and wrapping it around your shoulders, pulling you against him. You comply happily, wrapping your arms around his waist. He lets out a quiet sigh as you wrap your arms around his waist, his face flushing more as you get closer to him. He rests his cheek against the top of your head, looking forward towards the sea. It was so peaceful - the waves, the cool breeze, the feeling of your body against his. It was just perfect.
He breaks the silence. “You doin’ anything after this?”
“No,” You say, rubbing some of the material of his shirt between your thumb and pointer finger. “Why?”
“Just wondering,” Rafe says, his hand moving up to absently play with the hair at the back of your neck. It sends shivers down your spine, and he smirks slightly, pulling you closer. “Havin’ an after party if you wanna come. Top and Kel already left to get it started.”
“Who’s gonna be there?” You ask.
“The boys,” He says with a slight shrug, running a finger along the side of your neck, tracing it along your skin. “Some people from the club too. But I want you there, if you think you'll be okay.” He adds as an afterthought, his hand settling gently against the side of your neck, his thumb ghosting back and forth against your skin.
“Promise to take care of me?” You ask, your tone joking. 
Rafe chuckles a bit, smiling lightly as you joke. He nods, running his thumb in small, comforting circles against your skin. “I'll look after you. I won't let you out of my sight.”
“Then I’ll do it,” You say. “Should be fine. I’m feeling pretty good right now.”
He smiles, leaning his head down and pressing a whispery kiss to the top of your head. “Good, cause I want you there. Everyone else sucks.” His thumb brushes along your neck one more time before he draws his hand back, returning it to rest on top of one of your arms around his waist. His gaze flicks from the ocean back to you, studying your face again as you leaned against him. “Can I tell you somethin’?”
You nod, looking back over the horizon. Rafe takes a deep breath, his hand absently rubbing up and down your back as he gathers his words, trying to decide how to say this without ruining everything. He was always awkward when it came to things like this, and having a beautiful girl in his arms made it even more difficult to say. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” You ask.
His eyes linger on yours for another moment before he speaks again. “For leaving you that morning without saying goodbye. I was… I was just scared. Scared after losing Ward. I just had to go home.”
You smile softly, squeezing him. “It’s okay, Rafe. I understand. You were going through a lot.”
His shoulders relax as you squeeze him, a soft breath escaping him when you say you understand, and a soft smile appears on his face. He pulls you more snugly against him, his face flushed from your squeeze, and he presses another soft kiss to your head, letting out another one of those soft breaths. “Good, I’m glad you get that. Um… you know I care about you, right? Like, a lot. That’s… I mean, that’s not gonna change. I…” He trails off for a second, hesitating before finally continuing. “You mean a lot to me.”
“I care about you too, Rafey.” You whisper, looking back up at him.
His eyes soften, his stomach jumping. His heartbeat is still quick in his chest - he can still feel it through his ribs. He swallows quietly, a hand slipping up the side of your neck, fingers grazing up until they’re under your chin. He slowly raises your chin up, staring down into your eyes. “I’m glad,” You smile softly, leaning against his shoulder. His gaze lingers on your face for another moment, studying your sweet look a moment longer before he leans down, leaning his forehead against yours. The hand on your neck stays in place a moment, his thumb brushing your jaw, before sliding down your neck again. “You ready to get outta here?”
You nod. “Yeah. Ready when you are.”
He smiles softly, his thumb brushing over your neck one final time, before he slowly pulls away. He pushes himself up, groaning a bit as he straightens, his back popping. He reaches down and offers you a hand. “C’mon, beautiful.” 
Your face grows warm again as you take his hand, putting your bag over your shoulder. He pulls you up with ease, a hand wrapping around your waist to help steady you once you’re on your feet again. He lets out a soft sigh, looking at your face again, before starting to walk with his hand resting on your lower back, guiding you up the beach.
You make your way to the country club. You hang around outside, waiting for Rafe to say his goodbyes, as you wipe your sandy feet off on the grass, slipping your sandals back on. He doesn’t take long inside, giving a few last farewells to the few people still mingling in the country club before heading back out to you, still waiting for him. He can’t keep the slight smirk off of his face as he steps out, spotting you waiting around. “Ready?”
“Yeah, I’m ready.” You say.
He smiles, walking over to you and resting his hand on your back again, guiding you away from the country club and towards the parking lot. His hand drops from your back when you get to his car, but his fingers brush your arm as he walks past you. He unlocks his truck before rushing around and opening up the passenger side door. “After you.” He said with a smirk.
You climb in, getting comfy. His car is always clean, a bottle of sunscreen and a water bottle in his cupholders. Dangling from the rearview mirror is a pear scented air freshener and a photo of him with his sisters Sarah and Wheezie. “Is it at your place?”
Rafe closes the door behind you and quickly walks around, getting into the driver’s seat and starting the car. He doesn’t immediately drive off, though, and instead just starts the car and leans back in his seat, letting it idle for a moment. “Mhm. My new place. That cool?” He asks, glancing over at you.
“Yeah, course.” You say.
“Good,” He says, pulling his seat belt on and pulling out of the parking lot, pulling out onto the road and driving towards his new house. The sun had set a while ago and the drive is peaceful, Head over Heels by Tears for Fears playing softly from the radio as the wind brushes through your hair from the slightly-open windows. You admire him as he drives, watching him quietly sing along, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel.
He doesn’t catch your eyes watching him until he glances over at you for a moment. He smiles when he catches you looking at him, his cheeks growing a bit warmer, but he quickly turns his gaze forward again, focusing on the road. He doesn’t say anything, just taps his fingers against the steering wheel to the beat of the music and keeps driving. As you approach his new house, he turns the radio off, Heat Of The Moment by Asia just getting seconds to start playing. He parks the car, quickly getting out to rush over to the passenger side to open the door for you.
“Thanks.” You say, hopping out.
“No problem.” He smiles, holding out a hand to help you out. When you’re safely on the ground again, he keeps your hand in his, shutting and locking the car before guiding you towards the house. As he does so, he glances down at you, his face growing a bit warmer when he realises that you’re now holding his hand.
He opens the door, the party already in full swing, music blasting while drunk Kooks grind up against each other. The house reeks of alcohol and weed, music blasting through the speakers and people talking loudly amongst themselves. The majority of the crowd appears to be drunk and/or high already, people swaying and staggering around each other, talking and laughing drunkenly. Rafe slips inside, pulling you along with him through the crowd, heading straight for the kitchen, where Topper and Kelce are, beers in hand while they talk to a few of Rafe’s other friends.
“Where can I put my bag?” You ask, keeping it close to you.
He looks at the bag, opening the fridge. “Yo, Top.”
Topper looks over. “Sup?”
Rafe grabs your bag, handing it to Topper. “Put this in my room and I’ll let you snort some lines.”
Topper seems intrigued by the promise of free cocaine, already heading out of the kitchen towards the stairs. 
“Thanks, Rafe.” You say. 
He shuts the fridge door. “No problem,” He watches Topper head off before turning back to you, resting his hand on your lower back. “You want a beer or somethin’?”
You shake your head, getting closer to him. “No, I’m good.”
He smiles softly, rubbing small circles with his thumb against your back. “You sure? Plenty of stuff you can try out.” He nods towards where the makeshift bar is set up in the living room, various bottles of liquor and hard alcohol all stacked up.
You shake your head again, fully leaning against him. “Nah. I’m good right now.”
He smiles, putting a bit of pressure against your back, pulling you closer. He’s a bit buzzed himself, a few drinks into the evening, and feeling good already. He leans down a bit, almost resting his chin on your head. “Alright, beautiful.” You lean against Rafe, head resting against his chest as he talks to his friends for a while, beer bottle in hand. You’re feeling a bit anxious, but all things considered, being right against him is providing you some comfort. Your eyes flutter closed for just a second before you open them again.
Topper approaches, a stupid smile on his face, definitely a little drunk. Rafe smiles, his hand absentmindedly playing with your hair for the time being. He glances over when Topper approaches, seeing the smile on his face. He lets out a snort, looking at his friend. “You snort something already?”
Topper ignores him, hands immediately going to cup your face. “You…” He shakes your head. “I know about you.”
“What?” You ask, trying to pull away.
“I know,” He repeats. “I know what you do.” He doesn’t let you go, his hands lingering on the sides of your face, though his hands are now a bit more rough.
Rafe’s face falls immediately, a bad feeling brewing in his gut. “Top, what are you talking about?”
“You left your journal in your bag,” Topper says, squeezing your face. “I read it. Couldn’t help myself.”
Your heart drops, a chill going over your skin. “What?”
Topper grins stupidly, still squeezing your face in a way that’s making you uncomfortable. “I read it.” He repeats. “You and all of your anxiety.”
Rafe’s eyes fill with dread as he hears that, his eyes widening slightly with terror. He swallows. “You weren’t supposed to read that, dude.”
“Oh, that’s not all!” Topper exclaims happily. “Someone…someone’s got a crush on you, Rafe.” Topper glances over at him. “A big, fat, gigantic crush on you. Half those pages are about you, man.”
You try to pull your face away, but his grip tightens. Your stomach twists and churns, hot, shameful tears welling in your eyes. Rafe’s heart drops into his stomach at Topper’s words, and his gaze flicks over to you almost immediately, his eyes widening when he sees the tears. He swallows, trying to stay calm as he takes a step forward. “Topper, let her go, man. Don’t do this right now.”
Topper lets go of your face, pushing you slightly. “Don’t tell me you pity her, man.”
“She didn’t do anything,” Rafe argues with his friend, clenching his hands into fists. “C’mon, man, you don’t gotta do this. Just leave her alone.”
“Hey, listen,” Topper grabs your arm when you try to walk away. “I won’t tell anyone. All you gotta do is get down on your knees and open your pretty mouth for me, alright? All you gotta do is put my balls in that pretty little mouth of yours, and I won’t tell a soul.”
Rafe pushes Topper away from you, sending him tumbling into the counter. “You’re being a dick, man, don’t say that shit to her. Come on.” 
Topper stands up and shoves him. “Don’t be a pussy, Rafe. She can handle it.”
“I don’t care if she can handle it, don’t fucking talk to her like that.” Rafe says angrily.
“Why do you care?” Topper asks. “You care about this little slut?” Rafe goes to lunge at him but stops himself, and it causes Topper to laugh. “What? You gonna hit me?”
“Shut the fuck up, man,” Rafe says. “Just shut up. Don’t talk to her like that. I won’t let you treat her that way. Quit being an asshole before I fuck you up.”
Topper laughs. “I could kick your ass, man, and you know that.”
“Yeah?” Rafe challenges. “Come on. Hit me.” He slaps his cheek over and over, inviting Topper to take a swing.
“Rafe, hey, stop,” You grab his arm. “Don’t fight. Come on.”
Rafe doesn’t look at you as you grab his arm, his eyes still locked on Topper’s, waiting for a punch, daring his friend to hit him. Topper hesitates, waiting for a moment before finally grinning and dropping his shoulders. “Look at that. She’s got you wrapped around her little finger.”
“You know what? Party’s over,” Rafe says. He cups around his mouth before yelling. “Everyone, get the fuck out!”
Almost immediately, everyone starts heading for the door, the party rapidly dying out as people start piling out into the night. The music dies down as Topper pushes past Rafe, his shoulder checking him on his way out. “Pussy.”
Rafe just clenches his fists, biting his lip, as he stands there and watches everyone leaving. The door slams shut with the final departure, and you look over at him, reaching up to wipe away a stray tear. “You okay?”
When the door shuts for the last time, he turns to look at you, his heart breaking at the sight of the tears in your eyes. He swallows, moving towards you and cupping your face, wiping away the other stray tears off of your face. “I’m good. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m good.” You say softly. 
“Good,” He says softly, sighing. He keeps his hands on your face, his thumb caressing your cheek. “You’re good. I’m sorry about that. I’m sorry about Topper.”
“It’s not your fault.” You say.
“Still,” He sighs. “You didn’t deserve that. That’s not how any of this should’ve happened.” He closes his eyes, resting his forehead against yours as guilt overflows his chest.
Your eyes close and you sigh, leaning into his hands. He lets out a shaky breath, closing his eyes as he just feels you lean into him, a warm feeling going through his chest. He’s not even quite sure what to say, still overwhelmed from the events that have just unfolded in front of him. He just stands there with his eyes closed, pressing his face against your forehead. 
“He was telling the truth,” You say, breaking the silence. “About what he read. They’re all about you.”
He swallows, keeping his eyes closed for a few more seconds before slowly opening them again. “I know, beautiful.” He replies softly, his voice nearly a whisper.
Your stomach twists. “You knew that I liked you?”
“Yeah, I knew,” He replies softly. “I’ve known for a while.” He hesitates, his fingers grazing against your cheek. “Didn’t know you felt that strongly about me, though.”
Your bottom lip trembles as you pull away, trying not to cry. You felt so stupid. “They were… they were older entries, Rafe.” Although deep down, you knew you still felt the same way.
His face falls when you try to pull away, guilt filling his gut, and he quickly moves his hand to catch your wrist, trying to stop you. “Hey, wait, don’t pull away, please,” His eyes look sad when he sees that trembling lip, his grip tightening on your hand. “It’s okay, beautiful, please just stay.”
“No, no, you…” You shudder. “You don’t need to do this.”
“I’m not ‘doing’ anything, beautiful,” He says softly. “Stop pulling away. Stay. I’m trying to talk to you. I… I want to talk to you about this.”
“I know you don’t feel the same way, Rafe,” You say pathetically, starting to cry. “You don’t have to do this.”
He swallows, the guilt just building and building and building as he watches you start to cry, and he can’t stand to watch you cry for another second without doing something about it. He takes a step forward, taking your face in his hands. “Look at me.” You look up at him, whimpering slightly.
He gently wipes away your tears, his gaze locking on yours as he forces you to look him in the eye. His face is soft, his look comforting, and his own chest hurts just from looking at the hurt in your teary eyes. He swallows to collect himself before speaking. “I know they were older entries, but I know you still like me.”
You shake your head, but you didn’t know who you were trying to convince, yourself or Rafe. “Rafe, please, you don’t have to do this.”
He can tell that you’re trying to deny it, and when you start begging him not to do whatever he’s trying to say, he finally just breaks. “Stop.” He says, almost begging himself. His thumb presses against your jaw, trying to still you and get you to look into his eyes. “Please, just stop. Stop saying that I- that I don’t have to say anything. I need to say this.”
You nod, letting him talk.
He swallows again, trying to organise his words and say everything right in his mind before he says it all out loud. It’ll be too real if he does. He holds your face in his hands as he looks down at you, his own chest rising and falling as he tries to find the words. “I know that you still like me, and I know you’ve felt that way about me for a long time. But I just… I’m just terrified I’m going to mess it up. Like I always mess everything else up.”
“You don’t mess anything up.” You say.
He looks away for a moment before looking back into your eyes, swallowing. “Beautiful, I do. I mess everything up. That’s just who I am, I mess everything good up, and I can’t bear the idea of risking messing it up with you too. You matter too much to me. You, like, you actually mean something to me, and I just can’t stand the idea of not being able to be in your life because I messed everything up.”
“How would you mess this up?” You ask softly.
He takes a deep breath, trying to collect himself again. “I don’t know. I don’t know how, but I would. I mean, I screw everything else up, so why should this be any different? I’m gonna get too messed up and act too crazy and do something that pushes you away. And you’ll hate me, or, or worse, you’ll just go away. You’ll walk out of my life and it’ll just be like you were never there.”
“I’ll never leave you like that, Rafey.” You say, leaning into his palms.
He closes his eyes for a moment, feeling you lean into his hands. It feels so good, so right, that he can’t stand it. He lets out a breath before opening his eyes again, swallowing hard. “You say that now, beautiful, but it doesn’t change anything,” He says softly. “I know I’m gonna screw this up, I’m gonna do something that hurts you, and I just can’t stand the idea of ever hurting you, beautiful, I…” He trails off, his chest constricting as he desperately tries to get his words out. “I lost Ward. I'm loosing Sarah to that fucker John B. She doesn’t even go by Sarah Cameron anymore. I can't lose you too.”
“You’ll never lose me.” You say, moving your hands up to cup his.
He closes his eyes for a moment, breathing heavily as he feels the warmth of your hands wrapping around his, your words like a soothing touch to his own soul. It’s like everything inside him just settles at your words, a feeling he hadn’t realised he was craving for the longest time. He opens his eyes again, slowly, before looking down at you. “Promise?”
“I promise,” You say. “I…” You hesitate, sucking in a breath. His chest is a nervous wreck, his stomach twisting into so many goddamn knots as he just waits for your words, his eyes never once leaving yours.
You take a shaky, tear filled breath. “I love you.”
Everything falls silent. Rafe’s mind goes blank, all thoughts just vanishing from his head as those words fall from your lips. All that fills his head is your voice. I love you. I love you, it echoes, over and over and over again, bouncing around his mind like a ball in a dark room. He can’t think of anything else as those words just crash through his head, leaving everything in rubble. His heart feels like it’s stopped, that it’s just frozen in his chest, and he’s speechless.
Your bottom lip trembles again, a fresh new set of tears already welling in your eyes. “Please say something. Please do something.”
When you plead for him to speak or do something, it snaps him out of his daze, and his heart comes back to life. It starts pumping again like he’s run a mile, and suddenly he’s all movement as he suddenly pulls you against him, wrapping his arms tightly around you. He just holds you like that at first, hugging you tight tight tight, his head burying against the side of your neck, letting out a huge breath against your skin.
“You don’t have to say it back,” You say, wrapping your arms around him. “I know it’s hard for you to say, and you don’t have to say it back to me.”
He just hugs you tighter when you say that, his hands clutching at the back of your shirt. “Shut up,” He mumbles against the side of your neck, his voice a whisper. “Just shut up. You stupid, beautiful girl. Shut up. Shut up.”
You let out a small laugh, hugging him tighter.
Rafe hugs you even tighter at the sound of your laugh, his arms wrapped so tightly around your back that you might have trouble breathing soon. His heart is still beating a mile a minute, and he just wants to squeeze all the air out of you, so that you’re forced to only breathe him. He buries his face against your neck again, his voice a whisper when he speaks. “Say it again. Please.”
“I love you.” You whisper into his ear, kissing his temple.
His breath catches in his throat when you whisper those words again, saying them against his ear and kissing his temple, and he can’t take it. He squeezes you tighter, almost afraid you’re going to disappear if he doesn’t hold you tight enough, if he doesn’t hold you close enough. His lips suddenly press against your neck, kissing it over and over, his voice a shaky whisper. “I'll say it. Eventually. I just can't right now.”
“I know.” You whisper.
He buries his face against your neck, still kissing your skin over and over as his mind races, trying to collect himself. “Stop telling me it’s okay. Stop being so damn forgiving, beautiful girl. I don’t deserve it.”
“Yes, you do.” You say.
He sighs against your neck, finally pulling away, though he still keeps his arms wrapped tight around your waist. He doesn’t look you in the eye, his eyes falling to the collar of your shirt, his eyes just locking on the skin of your throat. “I’m a mess,” He says. “I’ve never done anything right in my life. I mess everything up. Why do you want to put up with that?”
“Because I love you,” You say again. “I always have, and I always will. Even if we don’t end up together, I’ll still fucking love you.”
His breath catches to hear you say that. Hearing those three words again makes his stomach twist and his mind go blank, but he finally forces himself to look into your eyes again. He swallows before speaking. “Promise?”
“I promise.” You say, sticking a pinky up.
His eyes fall on your pinky, and for a moment he just stares at it, seeing it in front of his face. When he finally comes to his senses, he lifts a hand off your waist to reach forward and lock his pinky with yours, his eyes locking back on yours. When he locks your fingers together, a warmth rushes through his chest, like a weight has just been lifted off his shoulders, and his eyes grow soft as he stares into your eyes. For a while, he just stands there, looking at you as he takes in the fact that you… love him. That you’re, actually, in love love with him. And he’s standing here, holding your hand in front of him, just trying his best to keep his shit together.
Rafe swallows hard before speaking, “Can I kiss you?”
“God, fuck, please do.” You breathe out.
God, he can’t believe he’s actually hearing that from you - begging him for a kiss. His heart leaps in his chest to hear that, that soft, pleading response, and he barely lets you finish your sentence before he’s suddenly surging forward, pressing his lips against your own. His hands release your waist and instead move up to cup your face, tilting your head back as he suddenly kisses you.
You wrap your arms around his neck and he keeps his hands on your face as he kisses you, pulling you flush against him, closing his eyes. It’s like nothing he’s ever experienced - he’s kissed plenty of girls before, sure, but he’s never felt this. You, you feel so different. He can’t even begin to put into words what it is about you that makes it different, what it is that makes you different from all of the girls he’s kissed before.
All he knows is that it is.
*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚✧*:・゚*:・゚✧
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thelov3lybookworm · 3 days ago
Text
Belonging with them
Day 3: Belonging.
Summary: He knew where he belonged now.
•○●⛦●○•
Word Count: 1150
Warnings: azzie continues being jelly of kaden lolll
A/n: i love hazel sm yall dont get it 🥺 this fic is based on a short i saw on yt and the dad is like the biggest hunk and gave such cassian vibes and he genuinely cried 🥺 i was gonna write this fic for cassian but then i decided to give this to azzie cus he deserves to cry hehe
(if you dont know hazel and kaden, theyre from my mini series overprotective bat. it was a 2 part series which can be found on my azriel masterlist. all the fic in this week will be revolving around these two cuties hehe)
@azrielappreciationweek
ANYWAY ENJOYYYY 🥳
°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°
"I don’t really know where I fit in anymore."
"I’ve been alive almost five and a half centuries and I’m not sure of that, either."
The day he had said those words to Feyre seemed like a lifetime away, as if experienced in a dream centuries ago when he was younger and could not differentiate between reality and what his brain had conjured up. But he knew, it had merely been five years.
The five years he had cherished the most in his life.
He loved his family. He adored the way Rhys and Cassian bickered during their annual snowball fight, the way Amren found a way to slide in a snide remark at every dinner, the way Mor would always be ready to go partying. Above all, he adored how all his family including the Archeron sisters would be ready to help him and be there for him any day. Even in the middle of the night when he did not want to wake up his wife but knew he needed someone to help him with his crying daughter.
But… they did not complete him. He loved them to bits and would readily give his life for them… before he met his now wife and decided she was the one he would spend his life with, mating bond be damned. He had lost all hopes of finding his mate back then after waiting for five centuries.
Imagine his shock when on their wedding day, he felt another thread of gold tying him to his wife.
Now as he sat watching his daughter pet a purring Nuts lounging on the low table in front of him while explaining to him how tea was made, he smiled.
He had found his place of belonging. And it was with his wife and daughter.
Of course, there had to be that boy trying to take his daughter away from him. What was his name? Kade? Kaden? Azriel thought bitterly.
He knew he was being dramatic. His daughter was barely four years at this point, no four year old was going to steal her away.
Hazel turned to Azriel, making him focus all his attention on her. He offered her a smile when she handed him a small pink cup.
"What is this?" He asked, bringing the empty toy to his lips.
She shot him an incredulous look. "It’s the tea you ordered daddy."
"Oh, yeah sorry, I was thinking about something."
She shook her head. "Stop thinking and focus, daddy. Kaden always pays attention."
Azriel stilled.
I am being compared to a four year old boy now? What has life come to.
He sighed, mumbling out an apology even though all he wanted to do was tell her to stay away from that boy.
He did not want to be forced to go apologise again.
She began fumbling with the littered toys on the desk once more, completely ignoring Azriel in favour of mumbling instructions to Nuts, as if teaching him how to cook.
As he watched her move over to the huge armchair and place a cup on it, conversing with what Azriel could only hope was not spirits of the deceased, his curiosity peaked.
Maybe it was a bad idea, but he needed to make sure that she was not getting overly friendly with Kaden.
"Hazel, this tea is amazing." He waited till she giggled before continuing. "By the way, how’s school?"
It was daycare to help her get accustomed to going to school next year, but Hazel insisted she was a big girl and attended big girl school.
"It’s fine. Miss Black gave me a gold star yesterday because I helped her." Hazel was focused on the air she was stirring in her red pot as she talked, lips pursed slightly in concentration.
"Hmm. Who’s your best friend?"
Please don’t say Kaden. Not Kaden. Please.
She turned around to glare at him, and he wondered if by any chance he had said the words aloud. But he knew he hadn’t. Azriel wouldn’t let himself speak without permission from himself.
Her brows bunched up, lips pouting and eyes narrowed, she looked as offended as an old grandma being told her grandchild was full and did not want more food.
"Daddy, it’s you. You’re my best friend." She rolled her eyes.
Azriel watched. He simply watched her return back to stirring her pot.
Cassian had been the one to teach her the eye rolling. Azriel had been amused. Seeing a child barely reaching his knees roll her eyes at him like she had lived five lives was nothing short of funny.
But right now, it felt anything but.
It’s you daddy.
His eyes were prickling, that was his first conscious thought after long moments of silence in his head. His vision was getting blurry, throat clogging. Tell tale signs of a sob session oncoming. But he could not bring himself to care as he stared at this little faeling, who did not even realise what she had done.
You’re my best friend.
Azriel simply sat back against the couch, the cushions pressing against his bare back, and let the tears have their way on his skin.
I’m her best friend.
Even despite the emotions Hazel had brought forth, somewhere in the back of his mind Azriel was rejoicing that her best friend was not Kaden.
Guess I’m never beating the territorial illyrian accusations.
The shadows settled down on his shoulders, swirling softly against his skin as they too watched Hazel play and pet Nuts occasionally. They did not inform him of his wife’s arrival in the living room. They did not have to. He simply felt when her presence was near. The all consuming feeling of love growing stronger in his chest being another indicator.
"Hazel, it’s bath time baby. Let’s go."
Hazel huffed as if what Y/n had said was the most outrageous thing ever. "Mommy, I can’t leave yet. There are customers."
Azriel practically felt his wife’s eyes narrow. "Daddy can attend to your customers."
Hazel turned to look at Azriel pleadingly, her eyes wide and placating before they filled with shock. "Daddy why are you crying!"
Y/n drew closer. "Azzie?"
Azriel blinked, smiling up at his wife before picking up his daughter. "It’s nothing. Just some dust."
Hazel turned to scowl at Nuts. "I told you to clean up properly. Now see, because of you my daddy is crying."
Azriel huffed out a laugh, pressing his lips to her round cheek.
"Let’s go shower baby. I’ll even get your toys, yeah?"
Azriel’s gaze swung to Y/n at the end of his sentence. She gave him a knowing smile.
"Can Nuts come too? Please daddy, mommy!"
"Fine, but no splashing." Y/n pointed a finger at the father-daughter duo, eyebrows raised.
Hazel had begun to whine, but even she knew not to argue when mommy was serious.
°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°
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jockwrites · 3 days ago
Text
selfish - p.b
part: 1
summary: the beginning of “friendship” between you & paige.
warnings: cursing
a/n: hellooooo welcome back to another series, i’m sure this will be fun to write and im excited for you guys to see where this goes!
my eyes drifted across the lecture hall, landing on a familiar face—paige bueckers. obviously, i’d heard so much about the star basketball player, but seeing her in person was different. she was leaning over a textbook, her blonde hair falling forward as she focused intently.
i felt my heart flutter slightly as i took her in. there was something about her demeanor, her strong jawline, and the way her muscles filled out her shirt. i quickly looked away, chiding myself. i kind of forgot i have a boyfriend and what not.
as the lecture began, i found myself sneaking glances at paige every so often. each time, i felt that familiar flutter in my chest. i tried to brush it off as mere admiration for her athletic prowess, but a small voice in the back of my mind whispered that it was more than that. but it can’t be, i have a boyfriend.
after class, i gathered my courage and approached paige as she was packing up her bag. my heart raced as i got closer. “hi, i'm madison. i just wanted tell you i really admire your skills, you know, on the court.”
the voice in the back of my mind was telling me i sounded so very stupid. introducing myself to the paige bueckers? absolutely ridiculous, but worth a shot.
paige looked up and flashed me a warm smile, her blue eyes crinkling at the corners, “hey, thanks! i've seen you around campus. you're in my psych class, right?”
i nodded, feeling a little flustered under her gaze. “yeah, i am,” she stood up and stretched, her arms reaching overhead and making her shirt ride up slightly. i caught a glimpse of her toned stomach and felt a sudden urge to reach out and touch it.
but i can’t be feeling like this. over a girl? no way, i have a boyfriend.
paige's smile lingered as she tucked her book bag over her shoulder. “it's nice to meet you, madison,”she said, her voice low and smooth. “maybe we can study together sometime? psych can be tough.”
i swallowed hard, nodding eagerly. “yeah, that'd be great,” i managed to say. as paige walked away, i watched her retreat, admiring the way she looked with each step. i shook my head, trying to clear it.
what was i doing?
i met up with my boyfriend, jason, later that day. he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close and kissing me deeply. usually, his kisses made my heart race, but today, all i could think about was paige. guilt washed all over me.
no girl has ever made me feel this way, ever. i’ve always considered myself straight, maybe bisexual. but the only reason i’d ever consider myself bi is because i’ll think a girl is cute every now and then.
sure, i’ve kissed a few girls, but i never felt anything. i’ve never felt that kind of connection with girls, ever. well—atleast not the feeling i feel with jason. i love jason, he’s my everything, but i can’t help but shake the feeling of how im lowkey simping for a girl.
one weekend, paige and i had spent the day together. no studying, just hanging out. we'd gone to the park, lay on the grass, talking and laughing. i'd felt so at ease with her, so comfortable. too comfortable, maybe.
at one point, she'd leaned against me, her head on my shoulder. i'd stiffened at first, surprised. then i'd relaxed, enjoying the warmth of her body against mine. i'd even slipped my arm around her, pulling her closer.
it had felt... nice. too nice. i’ve started to love looking at her mouth, wondering what it would be like to kiss her. i'd quickly pushed the thought away, guilt washing over me. i have a boyfriend, i reminded myself sternly. i can't be thinking about kissing paige.
but i couldn't stop thinking about it. days turned into a week, and the memory of that moment in the park lingered. i always remember myself staring at paige's mouth during our study sessions, blushing when she'd catch me looking. i was so confused. it felt so wrong, but so good.
weeks passed and i’d continued to steal glances at paige in psych class, my heart fluttering each time. for the past few weeks we’ve hung out, nothing special but it was great. we would go for ice cream, maybe get my favorite—zaxbys, and it would all be good. but genuinely, it’s horrible being around her.
im in a relationship with someone, yet im falling for another person. that person being a girl. i sound fucking stupid.
our professor announced a big project, assigning partners randomly. my heart pounded as the list was read aloud. “madison cooper and paige bueckers,” she called out.
i froze. there is no way she assigned me with the girl call myself liking. paige and i exchanged a surprised look. a slow smile spread across her face, and i felt my knees go weak. as we gathered our things after class, paige approached me. “looks like we're partners, madison.”
“looks like it,” i breathed, my voice barely audible. her nearness made my pulse quicken. we decided to meet at the library that weekend to start on our project. as i left the lecture hall, i felt a mix of excitement and dread.
i have a boyfriend.
that weekend, i sat across from paige at a worn wooden table in the library. she was leaning over her laptop, her brow furrowed as she typed. i couldn't help but stare at her strong hands, her broad shoulders, the way her hair fell messily over her shoulders.
paige looked up, catching me staring. she smirked slightly. “you okay, madi? you seem a lil… distracted.” i blushed, averting my eyes. “i'm fine, just... thinking about the project.” even to my own ears, the excuse sounded weak.
but that nickname, madi.
i mean—everyone calls me madi. but from paige, her saying it, it sounds heavenly. i don’t want anyone else to ever call me that nickname again now that it’s left paige’s mouth.
i notice madison staring at me—a lot, and it makes me feel a strange warmth in my chest. as we worked on our project, i found myself stealing glances at her too, admiring the way her brow furrowed in concentration, the way her lips parted slightly as she reads.
i start wondering… wondering what it would be like to kiss those parted lips, to run my fingers through her silky brunette hair. i shook my head slightly, trying to dislodge the thought. madison isn’t my type, i don’t think. i know she’s straight, but i could definitely turn her.
then again, she has a boyfriend.
she’s only mentioned him a few times, talking about their dates, future plans and what not. but honestly, he sounds lame. she mentioned he got her flowers & candy for her birthday, what a loser. like seriously? a girl like her? if it was me, i’d go all out.
as the day went on, i became more aware of the subtle signs madison was giving me. the way her eyes lingered on me, the slight flush of her cheeks, the way she bit her lower lip.
i decided to test the waters. as she passed me a printout, i let my fingers brush against hers. i saw her intake a sharp breath, her eyes darting to mine. her skin is soft, smooth like butter. despite the subtle, small action, i could feel how soft and fragile her skin felt.
“sorry,” i murmured, not pulling away from her touch. her fingers curled around mine, squeezing gently. “it's okay,” she whispered back, her voice barely audible. i felt a jolt of electricity at her touch, her response. i was onto something.
paige's fingers brushing against mine sent shivers down my spine. i looked into her eyes, and for a moment, everything else faded away. i felt a strong urge to lean in, to close the distance between us. but then reality hit me like a cold shower.
i have a boyfriend.
i gently pulled my hand away, trying to compose myself. “we should probably focus on the project,” i said, trying to sound normal. i turned back to my laptop, my mind racing. i can't let myself fall for paige, i have to stay loyal to jason or whatever.
but i still don’t understand how im falling so hard for a girl. a girl i just met at that, it sounds alien to me. if you told me 2 months ago i’d be head over heels for this woman, i’d look at you like you needed a straitjacket.
we continued working across from each other, the air thick with tension. i made sure to keep a safe distance, to not let our hands touch again. but being near her was torture. her scent, her presence, the way her voice deepened slightly when she was concentrating... everything about her drew me in.
as the hours passed, i found myself zoning out, my mind wandering to forbidden thoughts. paige's strong arms around me, her lips on mine, her hands exploring my body. i quickly rolled my eyes, trying to clear the images. no, i can't think like this.
i have a boyfriend.
i feel like i’m going insane, there is no way in hell im actually thinking like this. thinking like this about a girl, am i crazy? i think so. but it just sounds so right. i don’t think i’ve ever imagined times like this with jason though.
i mean, we did have sex a few times. but when i met him, i didn’t think like that— it was more of an emotional connection. i wasn’t immediately thinking about what his lips would feel like on mine.
paige seemed to pick up on the change though. she didn't bring up the touch again, didn't act the way she was acting earlier. we worked in near silence, the tension between us palpable but unspoken. as we finished up for the day, i felt a mix of relief and despair.
“not gon’ lie, i didn’t expect you to be this smart,” paige remarked, laughing softly as we packed up. “yeah, i try my best in academics,” i agreed softly. she smiled at me, and i felt my heart ache. why does it have to be her? why do i have to be taken?
“same time next weekend?” she asked. i hesitated for a moment. being around her was torture, but it was a torture i craved. “yeah,” i heard myself say. “same time next week.”
as i walked home, my mind was in turmoil. i knew i should end things with jason, that my heart wasn't in it anymore. but the thought of hurting him, of disappointing my family, held me back. i buried my face in my hands, a frustrated groan escaping my lips.
and no, im not trying to end things because of paige, thats silly—this thought weighed heavy on my mind for months. i mean, very good guy, but things just haven’t been the same. paige, she’s just the cherry on top.
i found myself in an impossible situation. i was falling for paige, but i was committed to someone else. i couldn't keep stringing jason along, not when my heart barely belonged to him.
here’s the situation: me and my boyfriend are falling apart, i’m falling for a girl, and my life is in shambles. sounds crazy right? yeah, i know.
i spent the rest of the week distracted, snapping at jason when he'd try to talk to me, zoning out during family dinners. but can you blame me? my situation is shit. i feel horrible, horrible for doing this to my boyfriend, horrible for falling for this girl.
my mom noticed, pulling me aside one evening. “madison, talk to me,” she said softly. “something's on your mind.” i hesitated. i wanted to confide in her, to tell her about paige, about my conflicted feelings. but i was scared. scared of her reaction, scared of what would happen next. so i chickened out. “it's nothing, mom.”
she searched my face, concern etched on her own. “madison, you can talk to me, you know. whatever it is, we'll figure it out together.” her voice was gentle, encouraging. but i just shook my head, pushing past her to retreat to my room.
alone in my room, i curled up on my bed, hugging a pillow to my chest. all my thoughts weighed down on me like a brick as i realized the mess i was in. i was torn between duty and desire, between what was right and what felt right. and i had no idea how to fix it.
this is the reality of being a girl i guess— or being a girl liking another girl. i’m a mess. i barely know her, it’s only been about a month or two, and they’ve been great, i can say that. but i just don’t get what’s wrong with me. what kind of phase am i going through?
i guess time will tell sooner or later.
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loulovingho · 2 days ago
Note
I think I’m still just stuck on Oliver’s will they / won’t they wanting the audience to long for the relationship quote. As well as Tim quote about Buck figuring out who he is and who he wants. And Oliver’s quote about fighting to be together. I am still hopeful of the potential direction they can take this in. I do think this coming episode will be the make or break in a way. If we see villainizing Tommy (which I don’t think they will based on the way both Tim and Oliver sympathized his decision) then I think its over but if we see Chim and Maddie helping Buck to understand Tommy’s actions then I think there’s still a chance. Also to me having Chim and Maddie talk to him is very interesting. They were a couple that fought to be together, broke up and then found their way back to each other. Having them in the scenes with Buck post break up helps me to feel hopeful about the direction they’re going in tbh. I don’t think it will be resolved at all by the end of 8a. But I do think 08.08 may leave off with Buck deciding whether or not he wants to reach out.
Honestly, all the interviews are bullshit. That’s where I am now lol the actors never know wtf is going on. I think they’ve been told so many things and, like, 2 out of 20 have actually turned into something. There was a load of nothing with madney, henren, and mara. Tim had stated that Eddie would be a little left out while Buck and Tommy’s relationship grew and we got more scenes of Eddie with them than without. Buck struggled for like 10 seconds with whether or not he meant to hurt Gerrard, also nothing came from Gerrard taking him under his wing. The Ortiz storyline was meaningless, and Gerrard’s entire arc turned him into a joke. There was no “hurdle” in Buck and Tommy’s relationship, it was a fucking boulder that came through and splintered it into a million pieces.
Ryan even stated that Tim could change the script in an instant, so the actors have no idea what’s happening at any given time and neither does Tim apparently. I’m pretty sure he goes to ao3, randomly selects a fanfic with his eyes closed, then writes his scripts based off of said fic.
I know some people are being positive and saying Maddie and Chimney will help him see Tommy’s perspective, but I have absolutely no faith in the show or its writing whatsoever. I would not be surprised if we got a, “eh, Tommy’s always been distant. Always a runner and tough to crack. You dodged a bullet,” from Chimney. Not because I believe it’s actually something he’d say, but because the writing is so shit that they’d have him say it to further push Tommy out of the narrative. Then, idk, maybe Buck can go on his little fuck tour 🤷🏻‍♀️
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water-to-drink · 2 days ago
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How They Became Attracted to You
(Characters): Al haitham, Ayaka, Kaeya, Chiori
(Synopsis): First meetings with the most popular or influential students at the academy
(Tags/Warnings): gn!reader, reader is an artist, school au, reader is a transfer student, possible ooc Chiori, (if I missed something lmk)
(Word Count): 1.4k
(A/n): If you all like this then I’ll make a part two, just tell me which characters you want to see
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🦅Al haitham🦅
🦅 The first and only one to best him in a test, a geometry test to be specific. He only came in at 99% while you come in at a perfect 100%
🦅 At first refused to believe that a mere art nerd could get a better score than him and so with as much delicacy as a bull in a china shop Al haitham came up to you and asked you how you got your score
🦅 Being randomly approached by the school’s smartest student you were very nervous and told him that you just did what you learned from class. Seeing that you won’t give him the answer he asks for you to tutor him which you agreed to go it, mostly because you were very nervous under his sharp gaze
🦅 While tutoring it became apparent that you sucked at explaining things to him, don’t get him wrong he already knows the material he just wants to know how and why you got a 100. As these sessions went Al haitham saw how your hands would glide across the paper, the delicacy almost amazed him
🦅 Slowly but surely Al haitham realized that there was more to your shy exterior. You were sassy and quick witted, you could even match his intellect on many topics, he finds himself feeling that he on an equal level with you.
🦅 Now he looks forward to your tutoring sessions, recently you two won’t do any tutoring just do your homework and talk about anything on your mind, the same mind that he finds so interesting and beautiful
🪭Ayaka Kamisato 🪭
🪭 The two of you have seen each other in the hallway before and after classes. She would always see you with a sketchbook in your hands or drawing in it. You didn’t take up too much real estate in her mind, the poor girl has too much going on as the daughter of the Kamisato family. That was until one day where Ayaka was leaving cram school and her chauffeur was stuck in traffic, she was approached by an older man
“What’s a girl like you doing out so late?”
“I’m leaving cram school, sir.”
“Cram school? You kids work so hard, I can show you a good time.”
“Uh, no thank you, sir.”
“C’mon, don’t be so stuck up, live a little-”
“What’s the problem?!”
🪭 There you are, yelling at the top of your lungs, she can tell that you’re scared but you still yell drawing more attention to yourself and the creep in question. Once a lot of people are watching the scene the creep walks off leaving you and her alone
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, I am. I’m sorry that you had to step in.” Ayaka bows her head
“Don’t worry, I saw that you were uncomfortable so I decided to step in. See you around.” You waved goodbye as you walked off and her chauffeur pulled up
🪭 Later Ayaka came to learn that you didn’t know of the prestige that came with the Kamisato name. You came up and scared off the guy of your own volition, thinking that she was just an ordinary girl who needed to be rescued and that is what she’ll continue being to you
🪭 It wouldn’t be hard since you two are in different grades, you being her senior by a year. You would both meet up in a quiet cafe you work at, she learned that it was your family’s business and work there to help your family and to earn some pocket money. The two of you got so close that you even let her look through your sketchbook and Ayaka was amazed by your skills
🪭 When you offered to draw a portrait of her she jumped at the offer. So one day at your family’s cafe you presented her a drawing of her. You drew her as a swordswoman dressed in traditional Japanese clothing and armor, she profusely thanked you and framed it the moment she got home
🪭 There are some nights where if she can’t sleep mainly because of nerves she’ll take your drawing and look at it, thinking about you would quell her anxiety and give her the best of dreams. Just don’t tell her brother, she’s afraid he’ll scare you off
❄️Kaeya❄️
❄️ Is the complete opposite of his adopted brother, he’s known as the school’s flirt and a total playboy. He makes girls and guys alike go head over heels for him, and you, the new transfer student, is on his radar
❄️ He lives for making innocent things like you into a flustered little mess. So when he sauntered over to you and threw his usual flirty remarks, he wasn’t met with a sheepish face nor an oblivious one. No he was met with a look of disgust
❄️ Without saying anything you walked away from him, leaving him bewildered. Did he do something wrong? Everyone falls for him. Refusing to take this laying down Kaeya decides to find out why weren’t you under his spell
❄️ And so he began to make an attempt to learn more about you, your likes and your dislikes, or your hobbies. At first you would just ignore him when he would try to strike up a conversation and after a few weeks he decided to make a deal with you
“Are you serious?” You asked
“Dead serious. We’ll act as friends and if you still can’t stand me in 2 months, then we’ll stop. Does that sound good?”
“Only if you promise to leave me alone after?”
“If you still can’t stand me.” Kaeya threw his signature smirk
“Ugh fine! But no flirting!”
“I make no promises~”
❄️ The two of you tried to act as friends, before it was awkward but soon you got used to his presence and you slowly began to come out of your shell, finally showing your true colors after about 3 weeks of “friendship”
❄️ Kaeya finds himself laughing at your jokes, actually laughing and not the fake laugh he would do when he’s trying to fuck somebody. Now Kaeya’s heart thumps whenever you would laugh at something or wave at him in the hallway. Oh gods, is he in love?!
❄️ He wishes he didn’t have the reputation he has, he wants more than your body, he wants your heart
🪡Chiori🪡
🪡 The president of the sewing club. Chiori and her club members have made various designs, many of them for the theater group whenever they’re putting on a performance. However the best designers have their slow movements, not being able to come up with any designs that are up to their standards. That is what plaguing Chiori
🪡 One day she finds a random sketchbook in the sewing club. Curiosity getting the best of the young seamstress she flips through the book, there she sees the most beautiful character designs, the obvious inspiration from big names like Chanel, Gucci, and Thierry Mugler, but the person who made these designs are unique to them. It all gives Chiori a surge of inspiration
🪡 Immediately she opens up her own sketchbook and begins drafting up some designs, some are amazing but others don’t compare to the designs in the mysterious sketchbook she found. She must find the person who made this
🪡 She hears the door opening and when she turns her head, she sees you looking a bit embarrassed.
“Uh, I left my sketchbook here, have you seen it?”
“Yes, I have.” Chiori picks up the book and hands it to you. “I looked through it.”
“Wait, what?!”
“And I like what I saw, can I make the designs in this book?”
🪡 So every Tuesday you would go to the sewing club and let Chiori bring life to your designs, the two of you would talk about various fashion styles and designers. Chiori is very impressed by your vast knowledge on how different styles and cultures arose, she might even say it rivals her knowledge (but she won’t)
🪡 The more time you two spend together the more Chiori likes you, she would look forward to your presence right next to her talking her ear off about your characters as she worked. Normally she would play music but the sound of you rambling is more than enough for her
🪡 In the privacy of her room Chiori would often find herself drawing up designs for wedding garments for her and yours wedding, she can’t wait for the day you to call her “my wife”
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po3tbbygirl · 3 days ago
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Something happened last night…
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Remus Lupin x fem!reader
CW: mentions of alcohol and slightly suggestive
A/N: I don’t know
Y/n sat at the end of the Gryffindor table, leaning in close as she whispered the story to her friends. She glanced around the Great Hall, spotting students laughing, sipping pumpkin juice, or just waking up for the day. A few teachers wandered nearby, keeping an eye on the noisy room.
Her stomach twisted with embarrassment.
Last night, Gryffindor had thrown its annual Halloween party, inviting students from all houses to the Room of Requirement. Costumes were required, of course. Y/n had grabbed hers at the last minute in Hogsmeade, thinking it didn’t matter much. But when she showed up, she realized the worst: she had accidentally matched with her academic rival, Remus Lupin.
Remus Lupin—her so-called "enemy" in the classroom, the one who always challenged her in every subject. They’d been competing for ages, though Y/n usually managed to stay one step ahead. And now, here they were, in matching costumes, with everyone around them laughing and making jokes. Their friends didn’t waste a second teasing them, giving knowing looks and nudges.
She had tried to avoid him all night, but in the end, the crowd had pushed them together, cheering for "Best Couple Costumes." Y/n looked up at him, frustrated and embarrassed, as she muttered, "I’m going to burn this costume."
Remus smirked, eyes bright with amusement. "No, you won’t. You love me, really. You’ll probably keep it to show your grandkids."
Y/n scoffed, trying to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks. "In your dreams." They bickered back and forth until, somehow, she let him pour her a drink. Then another. Before she knew it, they were laughing together. It felt different—like, for once, they weren’t rivals at all.
“YOU WHAT?!"
"Shh!" Y/n hissed, glancing around to make sure no one else could hear. "It was just a hook-up. It’s nothing."
Her friend stared at her, wide-eyed. "Wait…weren’t you a virgin?"
Y/n’s face flushed again as memories of last night flashed through her mind. She hadn’t expected it, hadn’t planned it. But something about the party—the way he looked at her, or how his laugh sounded that night—had pushed her to do something she’d never thought she would.
“It’s…complicated,” she mumbled, trying to play it off. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe it meant more than she wanted to admit.
The Room of Requirement was filled with laughter and lights, shadows flickering as the party buzzed around them. Y/n found herself tucked into a quiet corner with Remus, away from the crowd. They hadn’t stopped talking since their “Best Couple” award, and somehow, the drinks made everything seem easier, lighter. She didn’t feel like she was talking to the boy who usually made Charms class imposible at all.
He leaned in close, his gaze locking with hers, warm and intense. Y/n felt her heart hammer, a mix of nerves and excitement she couldn’t ignore.
Remus reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her and her damn messy hair, his fingers lingering just a second longer than necessary.
She swallowed, barely whispering, “You’re close. Really close…”
He grinned, a little shy, but not backing away. “Am I?”
Their faces were just inches apart. Without thinking, she tilted her head, and his mouth met hers, soft and hesitant at first. But the kiss deepened, and she felt a thrill run through her, pushing all other thoughts out of her mind. Their rivalry, the teasing, the arguing—it all fell away.
They pulled back just enough to catch their breath, staring at each other in the dim light. He brushed his hand along her cheek, his voice low. “Are you sure?”
Y/n’s cheeks burned, but she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “Yes.”
They found themselves tangled together, feeling the warmth of each other, everything about the moment suddenly crystal clear yet dreamlike. For that night, there was no rivalry—just the two of them, forgetting everything but the connection they’d been denying for so long.
“Y/n.”
She looked up, heart dropping as she saw Remus standing just a few feet away. He looked a bit nervous, his usual confident smirk replaced with something softer, more uncertain.
“Can we, uh… can we talk?” he asked, eyes flicking to her friend, who took the hint and nudged Y/n with a grin before slipping away.
Y/n took a shaky breath and nodded, following him out of the Great Hall to a quieter spot near the staircase. They stood there for a moment in silence, both unsure of how to begin. Finally, he scratched the back of his neck, glancing at her.
“About last night,” he started, his voice softer than usual. “I didn’t… I didn’t expect that to happen. But, uh… I don’t regret it.”
Y/n felt her heart race. She opened her mouth, then closed it, unsure of what to say.
Remus shifted closer, his voice barely a whisper. “I know we’re usually at each other’s throats, but… maybe we don’t have to be. Maybe we can try something different.”
Y/n looked into his eyes, and for once, she didn’t see her rival. She saw Remus, the boy who’d made her laugh, who’d kissed her like it meant something.
“Maybe,” she replied, her voice just as soft, a small smile breaking through.
He smiled.
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mamawasatesttube · 9 hours ago
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as per the poll results, i wrote around 2k of timkon autumnal indulgence today 🌾🍂🥧
The midmorning wind is brisk, and Tim is glad for the scarf he stole from Kon’s wardrobe earlier. It’s cozy and warm, and it smells like him, and every now and then, when Kon’s busy charming a customer,  Tim buries his nose in it just to indulge. Gertrude catches him pressing the end to his cheek once and titters again, and he looks away quickly under the guise of restocking the pickles on the end of the table.
Pretending to be Kon’s boyfriend for the morning shift at a farmer’s market isn’t the worst thing—it’s not like it’s a date, where Kon’s attention would be on him the whole time, and he’d be overthinking every brush of their fingers. It’s easy to fall into step working by Kon’s side, just like on the battlefield; he handles the cash and the logbook, helps Kon keep the tables fully stocked and neatly arranged, and refills the stand of business cards when they run low.
Kon handles most of the talking—he’s the one who can answer questions about the fruits, veggies, eggs, and the farm in general, and the regulars who swing by all already know him. Tim mostly gets to just smile and wave, nibbling on some carrot sticks between refills from the enormous Thermos of apple cider Kon made for them this morning.
It’s surprisingly peaceful, overall. Sure, it’s fast-paced work, especially when bigger groups come through, and it’s not boring, but Tim finds himself taken aback by how serene it is to stand here in the parking lot of the Smallville Community Center, listening to Kon ramble about chickens (“Hennifer and Leon S. Hennedy got into a fight over some squash pieces the other day, and when I went in to break it up, they both unionized to bite me! Can you believe, the audacity of it all!”).
Penny catches his eye from her camp chair, tipping her styrofoam cup of coffee at him with a knowing glint in her eye. “Honeymoon phase, eh?” she chuckles. “When you can’t stop looking at him and swooning. Everything he does makes you melt, am I right?”
“What?!” Tim is not—he’s not swooning. Or melting, or—or anything of that sort! He’s just standing here. Normally. Suavely, even. “That’s not—I’m not doing that!”
Penny laughs at him, actually slapping her knee as if that’s the funniest thing she’s heard all week. “Sure you’re not, sonny. Oh, you have it bad for Conner. I can’t believe he didn’t bring you ‘round sooner!”
Yeah, well, he only asked Tim to be his fake boyfriend last night, so big surprise there. Tim gulps down the last of his cider as the memory replays in his head for the millionth time.
Right before bed, as they were settling down for the night, Kon plopped down next to him, looking oddly uncertain. He was fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, Tim remembers; it stood out at the time, too, because that’s something Kon always does when he gets antsy.
“Hey, Rob,” he said, cheeks pink. “So y’know how there’s the farmer’s market tomorrow? Well, the stall next to ours is run by these two ladies—Gertrude and Penny, they’re super nice, but—well, they keep trying to set me up with Penny’s grandson, and I—man, it’s getting awkward! And, I mean… you’re, you know… you’re my—you’re you, like…”
He trailed off, then, ducking his head, and then reached over and grabbed Tim’s hand. Tim blinked at him, scooting closer, and sleepily lay his head on Kon’s shoulder, and Kon relaxed again at his side.
“So, whaddya say we call tomorrow a date?” Kon’s laughter was nervous, but sweet. “I know, a farmer’s market stall isn’t, like, the most exciting date spot, but we’re in Smallville, so I dunno how high you can set your expectations for that kinda thing, anyway, and hey, it’d get Gertrude and Penny off my back by Bingo next Sunday, so…?”
And Tim’s heart did some weird, flip-floppy, delighted-but-dismayed maneuvers in his chest, because Kon was asking him on a date just to get some old ladies to stop pestering him about his love life. If only it was for real, because he wanted to date Tim, but… Tim will take what he can get, he supposes.
So he said yes, because of course he said yes—how can he ever say no to Kon, when Kon looks at him with those big, soft eyes all full of hope and warmth? Ugh. It’s no fair how cute Kon can be without even trying.
And now here Tim is.
Pining. At a farmer’s market.
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himluv · 3 days ago
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Ok. Here's my first attempt at writing Lucanis and Spite. This isn't my favorite piece of DA fic I've written, but I had to get it out of system.
Also, I am writing Lucanis as demisexual. That is my accepted headcanon, and I am writing it from personal experience.
Enjoy, I guess? 😂
(below the cut because spoilers?)
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Lucanis leaned into his palm where it pressed against the stone just above Rook’s head. He felt drawn to her, pulled across the floor until there was just a feather’s width between them. It was such an infrequent feeling – this wanting – that he almost hadn’t recognized it the first time. Now, the thrum of desire through his body was unmistakable.
But did she feel it too?
“This isn’t a good idea,” he said, offering her a convenient escape route.
She smiled. “Sometimes the bad ideas are best.”
He couldn’t help smiling at that. It seemed she always knew just what to say. Like that night at the cafe. He’d felt a slight thrill at the table, a rush at how easily the conversation volleyed between them. It wasn’t until much later that night, replaying her voice in his head, that he’d ached with realization. She’d been talking about much more than how she liked her coffee.
“You like walking a little too close to the edge.” Again, a warning. He would push, gently, until she saw reason. Because, surely, once she looked close enough, she would turn away.
“So do you.”
She reached for him, and for a moment Lucanis thought she might hook her finger through his lapel chain and tug him toward her. His stomach flipped, his smile widened, and he couldn’t avoid glancing at her lips. Mierda, he wanted to taste her.
But she did not touch him, her hand hovered there at his sternum and a desperate flash of want pulsed through him.
This was dangerous territory. She had no idea just how close to the edge they were. How easy it would be for her to push him off this cliff, and Lucanis would fall helplessly in love.
He looked right at her, his gaze heavy. “At least I know when I’m doing it.”
At the edge of a cliff…
What if he chose to jump?
He closed his eyes, tilted his head and leaned toward her, felt her do the same –
– Crisp air, sunlight on water, smells like trees and magic. Arlathan.
Lucanis’s eyes snapped open and he pulled back so quickly that Rook gave him a startled look.
“I… need to clear my head,” he said. As if he could do such a thing with Spite taking up so much space.
Space, he needed space. Between him and Spite, but also between him and Rook. He needed to breathe. Why did his chest feel so tight?
He stepped away from her, his palm now pressed to his waistcoat as he gave her the tiniest bow. “Excuse me.”
Then he turned and hurried out of the room, ignoring the weight of her gaze on his back. He brushed a hand through his hair, tugged at his waistcoat. Lucanis was not a tall man, but it took surprisingly few strides to cross the dining room and step out into the courtyard. He took a deep, shaky breath and quelled the urge to rub at the constant itch behind his eyes.
This wasn’t like him. He felt jittery, out of control. Perhaps all the coffee mixed with the sleep deprivation had finally gotten to him?
She makes you nervous, Spite sneered.
Lucanis said nothing. There was no point lying to Spite, it would only encourage the demon to keep talking. Instead he headed toward the library balconies – they were the closest thing the Lighthouse had to a rooftop. He needed height. Needed perspective.
Surprisingly, Spite was quiet until Lucanis stood staring out at the blank expanse of the Fade and his heart rate had settled some in his chest.
Finally, the demon asked, why?
Lucanis sighed. “Why what?”
Spite growled, irritated at having to explain himself. Rook. Makes. You. Nervous. WHY?
Lucanis winced as the word rebounded inside his skull. “You don’t have to shout.”
Spite made an unconvinced noise.
“And besides,” Lucanis said. “You know why.”
Make it make sense. We. Like. Rook.
Lucanis pinched the bridge of his nose. “A little too much.”
Ahhhhh. Spite sniffed, as if savoring something delicious in the air. Scared.
Another truth he’d have to let lie between himself and the demon.
Let her in and get cut deep. See inside then turn away. Won’t want you. Oooh, or worse, she does want and then she di–
“Enough!” The word echoed out into the Fade, silencing the demon. “Enough,” Lucanis whispered. He didn’t need Spite to help him overthink all the ways kissing Rook could go wrong.
Want more than that.
The most surprising truth of them all. Lucanis could count the number of people he’d felt genuine attraction for on one hand. The only one he’d ever tried to pursue had misread him so completely he’d just given up.
As much as he longed for romance, he just wasn’t good at it. Love was something meant for characters in novels, or people like Teia and Viago. Not him.
Not love. What?
Before the Ossuary, Lucanis would have had an answer to a question like that. The Crows. House Dellamorte. Mediating peace between Illario’s ambitions and Caterina’s wishes. He liked being a Crow. He was good at it, and had never wanted more, a fact that had vexed Illario and pleased their grandmother.
And it was all gone.
Caterina was dead. In his current state, Lucanis was not fit to take her place as she’d desired. Illario would become First Talon, like he’d always wanted. If Lucanis somehow survived this contract, perhaps House Dellamorte would allow him back. Perhaps the future he and Illario had fantasized as boys might actually come to pass. Perhaps he and Rook…
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps! Bah!
Lucanis sighed and shook his head. Then he and the demon walked back to the dining hall in silence. And in that silence was another, terrifying truth.
For the first time in his life, Lucanis Dellamorte didn't know what his future held.
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thewritetofreespeech · 22 hours ago
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Can I please request Astarion with a flirty yet oblivious plus size Tav? In the way that they do flirt because it's fun and light like their companions/friends with benefits thing, but they think that their feelings are unrequited (because of some slight insecurity about their size) until Astarion is like I actually like you and Tav is like '???' (Idk if that makes sense lol) Thank you!
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“So, Astarion, what is your actual type?”
“My ‘type’,” Astarion repeated at Shadowheart’s question as they traveled, “is such a broad prevue. I can’t think to narrow it down to just a single collection of words.”
“That’s a unique way to say you’re a trollop.”
Tav snickered at Shadowhearts retort, getting a stern glare from Astarion. “What? It was funny?”
“Pft. And here I was going to say you, my dear, but if you’re going to be so incredibly cruel.”
“Aw shucks. Always a bridesmaid I suppose.”
During their journey together, Tav had grown very fond of Astarion. He was a little shit, but deep down he was very funny and undeniably charming (although not for the ways he tried to be). The two of you had picked up a friendly banter over your time together, sometimes even flirty, but only that. And Tav was fine with that. Well aware that a handsome rake like Astarion could have his pick of the litter, and they were just happy to be considered a friend.
Later that night, while everyone was finishing their day and slinking off to bed, Astarion came over to Tav by the fire to sit with them. “You know I really meant it earlier by the way.”
“Meant what?” Tav asked. Lost, by this point, on what he was talking about.
“That you’re my….‘type’.” He seemed loathed to use the word. Even scrunched his nose. Tav just laughed.
“Yeah. Right. I’m sure.”
“No, really, I mean it.” He insisted.
“Come on Astarion, the only way you’d be interested in me is because I’m a a keg instead of a flagon.” Tav gestured to themselves and their full frame. “I have ample blood to spare.”
Astarion frowned. “Yes, your blood is certainly a bonus, but that isn’t why I care for you.” He huffed and crossed his arms dramatically. “Honestly, why does everyone think I’m not being serious when I am?” Astarion asked with a bit of flabbergast. “Is it something about my expression?”
Tav looked more than a bit flabbergasted at his remark. They didn’t really think they liked them….that way. Friends sure. Allies, of course. But romantically? “You…really have feelings for me?”
“Ugh! What is it with you new generation and wanting to put a name to everything?” Astarion bemoaned. “Feelings. Type. Can’t we just enjoy this for whatever…this is? All I know is that out of all the people in this whole wicked world I would want to be stuck with, it’s you.”
“Gee, that’s the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me.” Tav teased.
Astarion frowned again, but then leaned in close to Tav so all they could see was his piercing red eyes. “I could wax poems for you, if you’d prefer. How your eyes are the stars. How your curves are roads I would never get tired of roaming. How your ample bosom feels like a place to call home. All true, but you’re so much more to me than that.” He moved back to sit in his original spot. Wrapping his arms around his knees at his chest as he looked into the fire. “You’re the first person I’ve trusted in…well ever. You mean more to me than just your body. Though, again, that is certainly a bonus. I had hoped….you feel the same about me.”
Tav blushed, but then quickly gathered their voice and told him, “yes! Of course.”
Astarion seemed relieved. Then leaned over to give Tav a simple, sweet peck on the cheek. “Good. Now, get some sleep. We’ll probably have a completely eventful day tomorrow as well. You’ll need your beauty sleep. Not that you need it, of course. I’ll keep watch until the morning.”
Tav smiled, blushed again, and then went to their bed roll. Tentative in accepting Astarion’s confession & feelings, but hopeful it was all true. Perhaps, for once, they could really be the bride instead of the bridesmaid.
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So do Puzzles, Three and possibly the others know about what happened at 2:29 back in Wotfi 2014 or is that one of those “we will never speak of this again” moments?
A lot of people may have forgotten it but I sure as hell didn’t!! >:D
*after watching the video in question-*
SMG3: …
Mr. Puzzles: …
*both turn to SMG4 and Mario*
Mario: Oh yeah! Mario forgot about that!
SMG4: Uh…… my…….. uh…… man, these memories of the original SMG4’s sure are fuzzy! Heh…..
SMG3: … SMG4….
SMG4: Don’t remember anything important happening in 2014-
SMG3: SMG4
SMG4: Damn, the original 4’s memories are all out of whack! Can’t remember anything before 2017-
SMG3: S.M.G.4
SMG4: …
Mario: Never again though. Mario found the spaghetti of his eye in my Amore
Mr. Puzzles: I’m flattered, honestly. But… um… what the fuck??
Mario: And Mario knows SMG4 and SMG3 are much better together. SMG4 never ran out of the room immediately after-
SMG3: I. Have heard. Enough.
Mario: What? About SMG4 running away like a chicken after-
SMG3: Shut up, or I will cause half of the world to end.
SMG4: Awwww. Are you actually jealous of Mario?
SMG3: No! Shut up!
SMG4: Aww come on, there’s nothing to be jealous about!
SMG3: ‘M not jealous…
Mr. Puzzles: To be honest, I am far from jealous considering how much I’ve heard Mario talk about getting you two together before you became a thing, so I know there is definitely nothing there. Besides, that was over a decade ago now.
Mario: But no one else knew before now! Not even us actually! We both completely forgot about it! Besides, it wasn’t that memorable anyway-
Mr. Puzzles: Alright, Dear, now you’re pushing it…
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erinsunmentionables · 2 days ago
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Veilguard—The Apotheosis of Victim Blaming
I am an abuse survivor. Part of the reason I empathize so heavily with Solas is because of this. I’m not the first person to point out that his behavior in DAI has all the hallmarks of an abuse victim, and everything we know about Flemeth/Mythal from the first three games and all supplementary content has characterized them both as abusers. Because victims becoming abusers is indeed a real and tragic phenomenon.
I was so hoping they’d handle the subject with the nuance and maturity we’ve come to expect from BioWare. Instead, we spent all of Veilguard combing through the most painful and traumatic memories of someone who was coerced and abused by a person he trusted, all the while the characters we’re meant to view as good and empathetic people mock him and glorify his abuser, who among other things willingly owned slaves.
Because there is no grey area, Mythal abused Solas just as Flemeth abused Morrigan and her son, and Justinia abused Leliana. And it’s clear this was the intention. It was always the intention. The foundations of it were too strong to remove entirely from the game, but I guess someone higher up wasn’t comfortable acknowledging that women can in fact be abusers, and men can in fact be victims.
So instead we get a group of relative strangers rubbernecking the tragedy of an abused man and going out of their way to heap the blame on the victim. At one point Lucanis literally says that he ‘should have just said no’ which is the kind of talk you hear about victims of assault and abuse all the time from the worst kind of people. I should know, because I’ve had the exact same experience.
It’s not just a disappointment. Disappointment doesn’t begin to touch it. I feel sick and I feel betrayed. I came to Dragon Age with DAI. It remains my favorite (or was, now the whole thing just makes me depressed) because, despite how dark things got, compassion and empathy were always there. The abused always had a voice, however singular, to stand up for them and defend them. Not so here.
There’s a sense of callousness and mean spiritedness that permeates Veilguard. Not sure if that was the intention, but that’s what we got. I couldn’t even finish the game—‘just say no’ was the last straw for me—but against my better judgement I looked into the endings, and really that was my mistake. Because the ‘good ending’ essentially boils down to the abuser oh so magnanimously releasing her victim while a group of strangers gaslight him into submission. I don’t really understand how we got here, but I hope the Devs understand just how damaging a message they ended up with. I know what it’s like to be judged with malignant bias by people determined to hate you while your abuser is lauded and praised. Because abusers are often charismatic and excellent at keeping up a saintly appearance to hide their monstrosity and further alienate their victim. That’s what this feels like.
They can try and retcon it all they like, maybe new players won’t notice, but anyone who remembers the last three games knows better. Flemeth and Mythal may have been victims once, but both went on to use and abuse the people closest to them. Sugarcoating them in the interest of ignoring/making their victims look worse is genuinely vile.
I don’t know who let this change happen, but they’ve contributed to an already skewed public perception about what abuse looks like and how abusers get away with their crimes.
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mint-and-authoress · 2 days ago
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Slime HRT - Progress Report II
<<| ⏯️ |>>
[The video opens with a familiar bedroom setup from previous recordings. In the top right corner a timestamp of ‘10 Weeks’ is shown.]
“Okay, ten weeks. We’re ten freaking weeks into this. I’m honestly really excited for this update actually because…”
[Elise stands back a few feet and rolls up her sleeves to reveal her arms. The skin has shifted from translucent to transparent, and the musculature is present underneath, a mix of bluish-gray and red.]
“Skin’s gone! …Well, not gone gone, but it’s totally cleared up! It’s all see-through now, and that means the muscle’s gonna go next. Which I’m a little nervous about.
“Yeah… that last bit at the end of the first video was my dad kinda outing me on his own because I didn’t have a chance to cover up. And that’s kinda led to this Transspecies Cold War that I’ve been forced to take part in for like… 3 weeks now? Luckily my mother is oblivious to all this so I’ve managed to skirt around that volcanic eruption. Dad hasn’t said a word to me, though, which is a bit weird, but I’m honestly fine with not talking to him. Freeing, in a sense.
“Anyway, important things first! In terms of my transition timeline, I’m actually a little ahead of schedule! Which, don’t get me wrong, it’s really exciting to experience this stuff and confirm it’s all really happening, but also kinda puts a bit of a wrench into my plans. Some gunk in the cogs, I don’t know. I’ve been trying to use more slime puns, but I’m not sure if it’s for me.”
[Elise stares off for a second before snapping back to reality.]
“...Right, the wrench. Problem. Whatever it was. Right, my job! I’m a bit worried about how long I’ll be able to keep working, seeing as though I’m gonna basically have muscular dystrophy advancing throughout my body at a rapid rate. I don’t do a ton of heavy lifting, at most I’d struggle with lifting mannequins but we barely do that. Mostly just hanging clothes and gettin stuff hung up.
“My skin, or my surface now, I guess, is a bit stickier now? From what I can tell, the surface is just a slime’s version of skin; all the goop you’d imagine just comes from underneath to gather sensory input. I guess that hasn’t happened yet because 1) I don’t have that goop yet–the goop that’ll come from all my muscles, I mean–and 2) I still have a human’s nervous system so I can still touch and understand that feeling.
“So far so good, though. No more skin, no more breakouts. Hopefully the muscles are just as cooperative.”
[The segment ends. The next segment fades in and Elise looks notably different. Her hair is gone and has been replaced with a shorter ‘haircut’ made entirely from slime. She wears a t-shirt and long pants. Elise’s surface is still clear but most of the muscle underneath is also gone, the little remaining still in small patches dotted across her body. Her face is also completely eroded away, all that remains is the skull, eyes, and the inner workings of her ears. The slime that makes up Elise’s body is now tinted green. The timestamp reads ‘5 Months.’]
“This is my entry at 5 months during transition. Holy Hell it has been a rough one. As you can see…”
[Elise slowly stands and orients the camera to face multiple parts of the bedroom, most of which has been compartmentalised and/or boxed up. She finally turns the camera to face her once more in the usual shot.]
“I am ready to get out. In fact, I’m actually headed out tomorrow morning to go live with my partner out west. Out in the wilderness, surrounded by nature. First things first, though. I gotta unpack these last months for y’all.”
[Elise starts to roll up her sleeves before seemingly forgetting that she is wearing a t-shirt, which she begins to fidget with.]
“Transition stuff first. Also sorry if I’m a bit spaced out, I’ve been a bit…well I guess I’ll just call myself out on it, I’ve been a bit airheaded recently. Doctors say it’s a side effect of the drugs, which of course it is. All in the name of science or something.
“I don’t want it to come across like I’m not happy; I’m fucking ecstatic and euphoric all the time. Life’s just been a lot lately.
“In terms of the muscular decomposition it actually kinda freaking hurts. Like when it started I just felt sore but over the course of a week somewhere around 14 weeks in I got barely any sleep. Turns out, acid dissolving you hurts pretty bad, actually. It got better when a majority of the muscle was gone but every now and again the body decides to get rid of more and unfortunately I can’t use any ibuprofen or painkillers because they inhibit some yeast growth and I just so happen to be made of the stuff nowadays.
“Also, on that note, no more caffeine, ever, apparently. Yeasts actually really don’t react well to caffeine so I’m really really glad I don’t drink coffee. No more Dr. Pepper hurts the soul, though. F in the chat for no more dr pepper.
“Also, hair. As in, no more hair, anywhere. I think they try to skirt around the fact that you will drop your hair as soon as the scalp becomes goop when they tell the trans girls about their transition. I think I would have screamed if I had the house to myself when I took that shower and my whole head felt very light. Luckily your body becomes very malleable when you take these drugs and after like four days of trying I figured out how to style my goop-hair. I’m usually covered from top to bottom in clothes to stay hidden, though, so I barely ever get the chance. And of course, since the hair is gone, my nails went around the same time. Been having to wear touchscreen gloves just to use my phone, and rubber gloves under those so I don’t seep through.
“Other changes… well, showering is pretty euphoric, honestly. Putting more water in the body kinda expands it in a way. Makes all the mass a bit sloshy but still workable if I don’t overdo it. Makes me all euphoric to have big ol tiddies whenever I want.
“I’m still able to eat normally, but I’ve started to actually digest with my slime. Lately my goal has been to taste without my tongue – which is also gone, mind you, just got lucky that I kept my tastebuds at least a little bit.”
[Elise stares off into the distance once again, seemingly lost in thought. After a moment she recollects herself and sits a bit taller.]
“Most of you have guessed by now that I’d get fired because of my transition, and yeah, that was last week. I warned my boss way in advance that I may slowly lose some physical function during transition but either she didn’t care to research my procedures or hated my guts anyway, either way I got canned for being unable to lift and perform my duties. It’s not so bad, lets me decompress and get ready to move.
“Yeah, I know, the move. Funny, you think I should have mentioned that first, or maybe a few months ago. Thing is, I had no idea I’d be moving out this early either. My transition is happening at an advanced rate for some reason and the doctors won’t be able to say before 6 months anyway so we’re all a bit in the dark about it.
“So last night I was invited to dinner with my parents. Not like an actual ‘going out to a restaurant’ dinner, no this was more like ‘Elise gets to cook and make her parents a nice meal and be forced to sit and talk about uncomfortable shit with them for at least an hour’ dinner. Lucky for them, I’m a bit of a pushover and I actually do like to cook so I made something nice.
“So, an hour and one stir fried chicken dish later, I’m sitting in the living room with my parents watching TV and absolutely trying to not shrink in on myself. That’s been an experience, let me tell you. I can just kinda ball up now if I want. Which I did not want to do considering I was still stealth from my mom.
“Of course, she has to ask how work is going and of course I had to unmask for just one insignificant second and reply that I was let go. There was a bit of a screaming match, and a ride to the hospital for my mother who legitimately had a heart attack from seeing her daughter’s skull and eyes suspended in a slightly green goop. Food colouring, by the way. Way cheaper than hair dye.
“Mom’s alright, she’s an addict so that’s what the doctors are focussed on now. Which unfortunately means that they have to deal with a whole bunch of bills and other lovely little things. Dad took me aside and made it abundantly clear that I was no longer welcome in their home. Hence, the boxes and suitcase that all hold the entirety of what I own.
“In better news, I’m gonna get an apartment with my love and we’ll be all okay by the end of the week. At some point I’m gonna also have to head into Hyper City again, check in with my doctors who all seem to have no idea why my transition is going so fucking fast all of a sudden. I mean, I was on schedule up until like that 7 weeks update and then everything went into like, I dunno, super puberty, and just shot way ahead.
“So, yeah…transition’s going great, just have to bear with all the other stuff that comes with it. I transitioned once, I can do it again. Stay strong, we’ll make it through together.”
[The scene fades to black as Elise reaches for the camera.]
}~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~{
We are so back. With the Biggest. Update. Ever.
Well, not Elise. She's actually going through it af
More slime time! This post's inspiration (imma keep doing this btw, I like giving shout outs to my humble base of 40 followers) comes from both @draconic-lesbian for constant and continuous love and species affirmation, and @reliablegal who somehow derived her own slime biology and affirmed most of what I found to be true :D
catch y'all later when Elise moves into a new place and totally nothing crazy happens~
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justwhisperingfantasies · 3 days ago
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Girl At The Rock Show Part 5
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Characters: Jensen Ackles (xreader). Mac(o.c), Jared Padalecki. Val (o.c). Phil (o.c)
Warnings: Language, Fluff, Talk of abusive/controlling relationship. A hint of PTSD from an abusive relationship maybe. Let me know if I forgot any. 
Summary: Getting dragged to that live show might have been the best thing that ever happened to you. Now you are falling. Falling fast.
Word count: 6.268 words
A/N: Part 5 Y'all. I am having so much fun with this story. Thank you all for the kind words and the inspiration to keep writing.🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 Hope y'all enjoy it. 💗
Please don't copy my work and post it elsewhere.
Like, comments and reblogs are highly appreciated 💗
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
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{} Reader’s P.O.V {}
You plopped in your bed with a heavy sigh. You lay there replaying the day in your head.
“Hey, do you still need a ride to the dealership tomorrow?” Mac asked from your doorway.
“Not necessarily, I can Uber if something came up.”
“It’s not that. I just didn’t know if you wanted Jen.”
“No.” You cut her off. “Sorry, that came out bitchy.”
“You, ok?”
“I don’t know.”
“Do I need to hurt him?”
You chuckled. “No.”
“You wanna talk about it?”
“I don’t know.” You sighed again. Just then your phone buzzed. It was a picture from Jensen. “Well, shit!” you said opening the message.
“What?”
“I forgot about my cowboy hat.” She laughed at your pouty face.
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{} Jensen’s P.O.V {}
He put your bags in the armchair then threw his keys on the coffee table as he slumped onto the couch.  Somehow his house seemed even more empty tonight. He slid his phone out of his pocket debating whether to send you a picture of him in your hat. Fuck it. He jumped up and tossed his hat. He got the angle and his smile just right then snapped the picture.
As he waited for a reply, he figured he had better call Jared. It only rang once.
“Finally, I was just about to call in a search party.”
Jensen chuckled. “What’s up, man?”
“Nothing just hanging out.”
“Yea. What are Gen and the kids doing?”
“Jensen!”
“What?” Jensen asked laughing.
“Tell me about her.”
“Like I said earlier. She just moved to Austin. I met her at the show last night and I showed her around Austin today.”
“And?”
“She smells like caramel and sandalwood, likes Garth Brooks, plays pool better than me, likes Zeppelin, has great banter, and she’s fun. And she’s smart J.P. She went to Columbia. She’s a Cowboys’ fan adjacent.”
Jared chuckled. “What does that mean?”
“Her mama was a Cowboys fan.”
“So, you like her?” He could hear the smile in Jared’s voice.
“No, I just take random girls all over the city and spend the whole day with them.”
“Sarcastic answer. So, you really like her.” Jensen sighed heavily. “What’s so wrong with that?” Jared asked.
“24 hours Jared. I’ve known her for 24 hours.”
“Dude, the first time I met Gen I knew there was something special about her.”
“Yea well, I don’t have the luck you do.”
“Eh. Maybe you’re luckier than you think Jensen.”
“What if.” There was a beep. “Hold on.” He tapped the speaker phone option and opened the text.
Y/N: I expect that hat back in the same exact condition I left it in Jensen Ross.
Jensen chuckled.
“What?!” Jared asked. Jensen explained about your hat and read the message out loud. “Middle naming you already huh?”
“I guess so.”
“When are you gonna see her again?”
“Not sure. She’s supposed to call me tomorrow after she gets her car.”
“Listen Ackles, you can sit around all day and play that what-if game. It’s a waste of time. I’m not saying hop on a plane and head to Vegas, but obviously, you like her. So stop being scared about it and just take it one day at a time.”
“You’re right, but it’s easier said than done my friend.”
Jared chuckled. “Which part?”
“Both.”
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{} Jensen’s P.O.V {}
He stopped mid-bicep curl when “call from (y/n)” came through his earbuds, a smile spread across his face when he heard her name.
He sat the dumbbell down and tapped his earbud. “Well, hey there, sweetheart.”
“Hello, Mr. Ackles.” His smile got bigger when he heard her voice. “Are you at a club? Sir, It’s 10 in the morning.”
He chuckled. “I’m at the gym.” He started walking toward the door. “Hold on a sec”
“Wanna call me back?”
“No.” He stepped outside. “Better?”
“Yes.  So, the gym huh?”
He smiled. “Yep.”
“What are you wearing?”
“Nothing…”
“I’m gonna need proof.”
Throwing his head back he let out a laugh. “How’s your morning going?”
“Pretty good. I got my car and called Erica.”
“Well?”
“I have an interview tomorrow.”
“That’s exciting! Congrats.”
“Thank you. Still a wee bit nervous though.”
“Don’t be you will crush it.”
“Speaking of crushing it, do you wanna finish your workout?”
“Gimme 20 minutes?”
“You don’t have to rush.”
“I was almost done anyhow.”
“Ok then. Talk to you then.”  
He smiled. “Lookin forward to it.”
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{} Reader’s P.O.V {}
Mac sat down in your car as you said goodbye. “What no argument on who hangs up first?” She said, smiling at you.
You rolled your eyes, “Which coffee shop would you like to go to?”
“Ghoul. You will freaking love it.” She put the address in your maps app. You started following the directions. “So, you called him?”
“I called him.” You confirmed.
“And?”
“And nothing. We talked for a few minutes, teased a little, and he was at the gym, so I told him to finish and call me later.” You said following the curve to E St Elmo Rd.
She nodded and turned the volume up as Burin’ For You by Blue Oyster Cult started to play. The two of you jammed for 3 more songs before making it to the coffee shop.
“Well, that was fun.” You admitted as you parked on the street.
“Just like old times.” She said opening her door.
“This is cute.” You said as you walked past the picnic tables to the coffee truck.
“I knew you would like it.”
You looked over the menu. Mac ordered her drink and then looked at you “Maple boob butter please.” The barista gave you the total and you handed her your card.
“(Y/N)!!” who the hell is yelling my name in Austin you thought as you turned around.
Mac didn’t even have to turn around. “Is Jared Padalecki really yelling your name right now?”
“Babe, I hate to tell you this, but if you know their voice without a face, you may have watched the show too many times”
She turned around, “No such thing!”
“Well, well, if it ain’t the O.G Dean.” You said as Jared approached you making him chuckle. “How are.” He cut you off with a hug. Making you let out a small gasp.
“I’m good,” he said releasing you. “How are you?”
“Good.” You told him and Mac cleared her throat.
“Jared. This is Mckinnley. My Supernatural and everything about Jensen and Jared obsessed best friend.
He smiled. “Howdy, Mckinnley.” He stuck his hand out. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Mac, call me Mac.” She shook his hand
“Mac” he repeated, and she giggled “How come you haven’t got her to watch Supernatural yet?”
“I have been trying. James was a stupid.”
“Mac!”
“Shit I’m sorry.”
The barista called out your order and Mac turned to grab your drinks.
“Should I ask?” Jared asked you.
“Long story short. There was a thing, but the thing is gone now. I have every intention of watching it.”
“A thing?”
“My ex.”
“Oh.”
“Yea. He was a jealous, manipulative, controlling douche. I wasn’t allowed to watch Supernatural.”
“And he can rot in hell,” Mac said holding your coffee out to you.
“Look, I shouldn’t have pried. I’m sor”
“Jared it's ok.” You took a drink. Damn, it was good. “Jensen knows.”
“Not my business.”
“Yes, it is. He’s your best friend.”
“Jared, you want your usual?” The barista asked him.
 “Yes, please.” he walked to the window and handed her his card. “Hey,” he turned back to you. “I have an odd request.”
“Hit me, Padalecki.”
 He got out his phone and tapped a couple of things.  “Here.” He handed it to you. The screen was set up to FaceTime Jensen. “Just hit the green button.
“Jared,”
“Oh, come on. he’ll be so confused,”
“Ok.” Jared chuckled as you tapped the icon.
Jensen answered but all you saw was sky. “Hey bud, can I call you back, I promised I would call...”
“Me?”
He looked at the phone when he heard your voice. “Hey!”
“Hi.” You giggled.
“Um got a question for you sweetheart.”
“Shoot.”
“Why do you have Jared’s phone?”
“I pick-pocketed him last night and his phone is just way better than mine.”
Jensen, Jared, and Mac all laughed.
“Why do I hear his dumb laugh then?”
“Hey, buddy.” Jared leaned into the screen.
“What’s up?’
“Hanging out, Grabbing some coffee.”
Jensen nodded. “So, you guys hang out now?”
“Well yeah didn’t you hear?” you asked, and Jensen raised his eyebrows “I’m Jared’s new best friend.”
“Sorry, Bruh” Jared teased
“Alright, I’ll take Mac.”
“Um, the hell you will.”
“You can’t have both of them. That’s just not fair.”
“Well doll face, sometimes life just isn’t far.”
Jensen laughed. The barista called out Jared’s name and he went up to the window.
 “Hey Jared, I’m not stealing your phone. Just going to sit down.” Jensen laughed again.
You and Mac went over to a table and sat. Jared joined you after he grabbed his coffee.
“So, how’d you end up hanging out with Padalecki?” Jensen asked.
“Mac and I wanted coffee. So, we came to Ghouls, and guess who we ran into?
“Oh my gosh. Who?”
“Jared freaking Padalecki!”
“No. Freaking. Way.”
“True story.”
“Hey, can I call you right back?”
“Sure.” He puckered his lips and hung up.
“Ok then.”  You said disappointed.
“I got a 10-dollar bill that says he will be here soon,” Jared said.
“I’m not taking that bet,” Mac said.
“So, (y/n) how was the rest of your date?” Jared asked you.
“Good.”
“That’s all I get? Where’d you go after Paperboy?”
“Wimberly Zipline Adventures.” You narrowed your eyes at him. “Did he really not tell you about it?”
“Well, we didn’t really focus on the activities.”
“You gonna tell me what that means exactly?”
“Nope,” he pretended to lock his lips.
You rolled your eyes. “So, Where’s Gen? How are the kiddos?”
He chuckled. “Gen is working today. I dropped the kids off at school earlier.” He took a drink and smirked. “What’s new with you? Where’s your boyfriend?”
“On his way.” Mac chimed in.
“I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“Yet.” Mac and Jared said at the same time.
You sighed. “I do have an interview tomorrow though”
 “Where’s your interview at?” Jared asked
“Pediatric Associates of Austin.”
“You’re a freaking doctor?”
“Not technically. I would be a physician assistant. I dropped out my second year of residency.”
“Close enough (y/n)” Jared said.
“That’s what I said.” Mac agreed.
“Can I ask why you dropped out?”
Mac looked at you. “it’s ok. My mama got sick and didn’t make it. I lost motivation for medicine,”
“I am so sorry (y/n)”
“Thank you. It was a while ago.” You took another drink. “After debating with Mac, soul searching, and a talk with Jensen I decided I wanted back in.”
Jared looked up and you followed his gaze. You saw a big black Chevy drive by.
“Speak of the devil,” Jared said and you looked at him with furrowed brows. “That was Jensen.”
“In the Silverado?”
“Yes.”
You whipped out your phone.
------------------------------------------
Y/N: What do you want to drink?
Jensen: I’ll get it.
Y/N: Stop being stubborn and tell me.
Jensen: Iced Americano with cream, please.
Y/N: Was that so hard?
------------------------------------------
“I’ll be right back.” You walked up to the window and ordered his drink. You turned around and your knees went weak when you saw him walk around the corner. It baffled you how someone could look so stunning in gym clothes, but he did. He would look in anything or nothing. You shook the dirty thoughts out of your mind. He nodded at Jared as he walked past him. Your heartbeat quickened with every step closer. “Hey there cowgirl.” He said when he got to you.
You chuckled and grabbed his face, bringing his lips down to yours. His arms wrapped around your waist and lifted you off the ground as he kissed you back.
“Well, hello there, Mr. Ackles.” You said when the kiss ended. He smiled his dazzling smile, and he put your feet back on the ground.
“Here Jensen.” The barista said smiling at you guys as she held his coffee out the window “Thanks, Val. “He unwrapped one of his arms and took the coffee. “And thank you.” He kissed your cheek.
“No problem.”  You guys turned to your friends who were in a debate about something.
Mac looked up and saw you walking back over. “Shh,” she told Jared. “But this isn’t over.” he nodded. You sat back in the same spot and Jared scooted so Jensen could sit in front of you.
“So, (y/n) I hear you’re a pool shark.”
“Oh, you did?”
“Yep.”
“From which one?” He pointed a finger at Jensen.
You squinted your eyes at Jensen. He looked up “Look. A cool-looking bird.” Jared looked up, You and Mac started laughing.
“Jensen, did (y/n) tell you she has an interview tomorrow?” Mac asked
“She did,” Jensen said
“Did she tell you where?” Jared asked.
“No, she didn’t.” He looked at you
“Pediatric Associates of Austin.” You told him.
“Dude, that’s you take your kids.” He turned to Jared.
“I know.”  Jared finished his coffee.
“Why didn’t you say that when I told you?” you asked Jared.
“Well, I was caught off guard. Jensen said you went to Columbia, but he didn’t say anything about med school.”
You raised your eyebrows and looked at Jensen. He looked at the sky and pointed. You rolled your eyes and looked back at Jared. “Yep. Pre-med, med school, Internship, and the year and half of residency I did was all through Columbia.”
“Damn. So, you’re like a genius.”
“I wouldn’t”
Mac cut you off. “Yes, and don’t even bother with any trivia game.”  
Your cheeks turned pink. “She’s over-exaggerating.”
Mac shook her head and mouthed no I’m not at Jared and Jensen, they chuckled.
“Well, kids. I gotta get this shit done.”
“Aw come one Padalecki.” Jensen teased.
“Dude, Gen will kill me.”
“Yea… I wouldn’t risk it.  Coffee for the road?” Jensen asked.
“Sure.”
“You ladies want anything else?”
“None for me. Thank you though.” Mac said. Jensen looked at you.
“I’m good. Thanks.” He winked at you.
They guys walked back up to the coffee truck.
“So, I introduce you to Jared Padalecki and you fight with him? What the hell?”
She laughed. “We were not fighting. Just a little debate.”
“A heated debate.”
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{} Jensen’s P.O.V {}
“So, Mac let something slip before you got here and (y/n) told me about her ex,” Jared confessed. While they waited in line.
Jensen pressed his lips in a hard line. “I’d love 5 minutes in a room with him.”
“Seems like you both have been through some rough shit.”
“Her more than me.”
“Jensen. Having the girl, you loved give up because of something you couldn’t control is not easy.”
“It was a mutual decision.”  He said as they moved up.
“Still not easy.”
He sighed “Padalecki, get to the point.”
 Jared continued. “Look I’m just saying I understand your hesitation now. I don’t think it’s necessary, but I understand it.”
“She is pretty great huh?” a smile spread across his face.
“Yeah, I haven’t seen you smile this much in years.” They moved up “Does she know you’re going to Vancouver tomorrow?” Jensen’s smile faded.
“I mentioned it yesterday.” He signed “Full disclosure, I’m not looking forward to it.”
“I know, but 2 weeks really isn’t that long. And it's not like you won’t be texting and Facetiming whenever you can.”
“Good point.” He sighed again.
“Trust me Ackles. I got a good feeling about this.”
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{} Reader’s P.O.V {}
Jensen and Jared made their way back over to the table.
“Mac it was nice meeting you. We will finish that discussion next time.” He held his hand out
“Yes, and you will see my side.” She teased and shook his hand. He chuckled.
You got up as Jared walked over to you. “Einstein.” He opened his arms.
“Sasquatch.” You said opening yours.
“Always a pleasure.” He said as he squeezed you.
“Same, Next time bring the wife. K?” you said sitting back down.
“Will do.”
“Love you buddy.” Jensen put his fist out.
Jared bumped it with his own “Love you more.”  He said turning to walk away.
“So, what are you ladies doing today?”  Jensen turns towards you and Mac.
You turned to Mac. “Uh not sure yet. Maybe hit some shops, or maybe just ride around and jam out.”
“Oh, yeah I wanna see this car.”
“Ok.” You picked up your empty cup and then grabbed Mac’s.
“Thanks, babe.”
“No problem.” You said as you stood up and headed for the trash can. You could hear them talking, but they were talking too low to make out the words. You threw the trash away and turned back around. You gave them a silly grin when you found both looking at you.  
“Y’all ready?” you asked when you got back to the table.
“Yep,” Mac said getting up. “I’m gonna grab a water. Go ahead. I’ll check up.”
“You sure?” you asked. She widened her eyes at you “Alright.” You started walking toward the street. Jensen wrapped his arm around your shoulders.
“Is it the Camaro?” He asked
“How did.”
“45-day tags kind of gave it away darlin’”
“He’s pretty huh?”
“He?”
“Yes, he. I’m still not sure of a name yet though. He smirked at you. “no.”
He chuckled. “You don’t even know what I was thinking.”
“Yes, I do, and no.”
“Fine.” He teased. “I still get to drive it right?”
You clicked your tongue, “Well I guess. 2 outta 3 ain't bad”
“Um, What?”
“Well, you played with my hair, and you do the nose thing, but”
“Really?!” you shrugged and raised your eyebrows. He stopped and spun you to face him. He slid his hand onto your cheek, “Baby you are so beautiful.” In a silly over-dramatic tone.
“Jerk!”
“Bit.” He stopped himself and pressed his lips in a tight line.
You gasped “What?!”
“Fuck! No, I’m sorry.” He closed his eyes and hung his head. “I’m sorry. It’s a Supernatural thing between Sam and Dean. Sam calls Dean a jerk, and Dean calls Sam a bitch.” He rambled on  “I really wasn’t trying to call you a bitch, it’s like a reflex. I…”
“Jensen. I know about the bitch, jerk thing.” You cut him off “Mac and Zoey do it all the time. I’m sorry I was trying to mess with you.”
“Seriously?”
“I’m sorry.” You brought your hands over your face. “I didn’t mean to.”
“Hey.” He said as he grabbed you and pulled you into his arms. Burying your face into his chest You inhaled the scent of Oud Wood. He tightened his arms, and you could feel the tension in your muscles melt. He sighed in relief. “I thought I really fucked up.”
“I’m sorry.” You mumbled in his chest.
“Sweetheart, stop apologizing. I’m just glad you didn’t punch me and walk away.” His chest vibrated on your face as he chuckled, and you couldn’t help but joy in.
“But ya know something Ackles,” you said as you looked up at him. He raised his eyebrows “You’re pretty cute when you ramble.”
He laughed and squeezed you into his chest again.  
“Can I take you out to dinner tonight?”
“Hmm, I don’t know I’m gonna have to check my schedule.”  You teased.
“I’ll pick you up at 6?”
“sounds good.”
He kissed your forehead then your lips. “I’ll see you later sweetheart.”
“Looking forward to it.” He chuckled as he headed for his truck.
Mac stepped beside you “You don’t happen to have a sexy dress for a fancy dinner, do you?” you gave her a blank stare. “Alright, let’s go.”
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{} Reader’s P.O.V {}
You could hear Mac cackling from the other side of the fitting room door.
“Aw poor Jensen,” She tried to check her breath.
You stepped into the lavender dress and opened the door. “Zip me?” you said as you turned your back to her. “I know I felt so bad.” Mac got up and zipped the dress. You looked at yourself in the big 3-way mirror, “I don’t think this one is it boo.” You said posing trying to like it.
“I like the black one better,” Mac told you.
“Me too, but it's so low cut.” You sighed. You walked back to the open fitting room door. Turning around you asked “Hey Mac you think I took it too far? Do you think it will cause..."
“No (y/n). I think you are overthinking this. It will be fine.” You sighed.” Stop he’s not like that and you know it.” You nodded and went back into the fitting room.
“Hey, how’s it going?” the sales lady asked as she walked up to Mac.
“I didn’t like the lavender one. I like the black one, but didn’t like how low cut it was.” You told her as you wiggled into another black dress. You didn’t like this one either.
“Maybe dresses just aren’t for me.” You said, opening the door.
“Oh, I like that one,” Mac said. “But you don’t. Ok next.”
“How many am I going to try before we give up?”
“We are not giving up!” The sales lady chimed in “I have an idea.” She started towards the front of the store.
“She is determined,” Mac said playfully making you smile. The sales lady made her way back to you.
“Alright, Try this one.” Then she handed you a white vintage western-looking dress. You took it and headed back into the dressing room.
You turned to look at yourself in the mirror. “Oh my gosh,” you said pulling the belt around your waist and buckling it. “Oh my gosh, you repeated.”
“Did we find it?” Mac asked.
You came out of the fitting room and twirled. “I love it.”
“Babe!” Mac said, smiling. “That is it. And your boots will go great with it. Aw, and he always calls you cowgirl.”
You giggled. “Well, how could I say no now.”
“Oh, wait right there. We got a necklace the other day that would look great with this.” She went and grabbed it. You lowered your head for her to put it around your neck. “Aw, you look incredible.”
“Thank you. I’ll take ”
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{} Jensen’s P.O.V {}
He wrapped the towel around his waist as he stepped out of the shower.  He made his way across the bedroom floor hurrying to get to his phone before it went to voicemail.
“Jay-rod.” He said after hitting the green icon.
“Hey buddy, I have some bad news.
“What’s wrong?”
“We think Odette has an ear infection. The only time the pediatrician was available was 2. Gen stayed in Houston they have another random acts meeting tomorrow.  What time do you have to be at the airport?”
“2:30, but dude don’t worry about me. Is she ok?”
“Yeah, I gave her some Motrin. It helped with the fever and pain. She’s sleeping now.”
“Ok, I hope she feels better, give her lovins for me.”
“Will do. You could always ask (y/n) for a ride, ya know.”
Jensen rolled his eyes. “I’m not gonna ask her to be my taxi. And I don’t know what time her interview is.”
“I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”
“No.” he turned on his hair trimmer and started trimming around his beard.
“Whatcha doin'?”
“Getting ready for my date.”
“Oh. I’ll let you finish. Have fun bud, Talk to you later.”
“Later.”
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{} Reader’s P.O.V {}
You looked in the mirror when Mac finished your hair. “Oh, I love it.” She did a half-up going back in braids look and curled the hair that rested on your shoulders.
“Good. Now sit down and let me do your makeup.”
“Nothing too.”
“Yes, I know nothing too fancy. Plus, you have neutral colors on anyway.”
“Alright love,” she said as she finished. “You look freaking stunning!”
You stood up and looked in your bathroom mirror. “Mac you are a miracle worker.”
“Please. You’d be gorgeous without it.”
You smiled. “Thank you.”
“Anytime.”
“What time is it?” you asked sliding your boots on.
Mac looked at her watch “5:45. At least you’re not freaking out this time.”
“Yeah, not on the outside.” You heard the doorbell. “Early again.”
“That’s not a bad thing.” She said walking out of your room to go get the door.
You took one last look in the mirror and headed downstairs.
You heard Mac and Jensen in the living room. You took the back stairs to walk out of the kitchen. You stopped mid-step in the living room doorway when you saw him. His shaggy brown hair framed his face. That black suit jacket with brown accents and a black button-up shirt underneath. Black slacks that hugged his hips. You swallowed hard as your heart raced. He licked his lips, and a smile spread over his face.
“Well look at you cowgirl.” He said as he started walking towards you. “You look absolutely stunning.”
“Me? Have you looked in a mirror, Mr. Ackles.?”
“I’d rather look at you,” he said with raised brows. Your cheeks turned pink, and he smirked. “You ready?”
“Yep.” He gestured for you to go first. You started walking towards the door and he followed.
“Do you wanna take my truck or your car?”  He said shutting the door behind him.
“Depends, can you drive a stick?” He gave you an unamused look and you giggled. “We can take Beau if you want. I did tell you that could drive him”
He chuckled. “Beau?”
“Yeah, Mac gave me the idea.” He smiled when the realization showed in your eyes. “Motherfucker. Let me guess, one of your characters.”
“Yeah kinda.”
“Dang it. I really liked Beau.” You admitted walking to the car.
“What Beau were you thinking of?”
“Well, Duke of course.”
He came around to the passenger side and opened your door. Then he made his way to the driver’s side. He sat down and readjusted the seat and mirror. “Why do you have to change it?
“Because it’s lame to name him after one of your characters. Don’t you think?”
“No, and technically you didn’t name him after Beau Arlen.” He started the car. Beau’s engine purred. “He sounds good though. What year is it?”
“He is a 2019 Zl1 6-speed with a V8 and 650 horsepower.” He smiled at you. “Yeah, he’s badass.” Your phone connected via Bluetooth and Teardrops on My Guitar starts to play. He looked at you “What? It’s a cute song. If you have a problem with Taylor Swift, I don’t think this will work Ackles.”
“I didn’t say anything, I just didn’t peg you for a swiftie.”
“I don’t think I’d be considered a swiftie, but I like her music.”
He nodded as he put the car in reverse and backed onto the street.
“Don’t stall him now.” He squinted at you. He rolled along without any problems. He turned right onto Nuckols Crossing Rd and then right again onto Teri Rd. You stayed silent watching him drive. He caught you and chuckled. He Turned right onto N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd then merged all the way left to take the ramp onto I-35 N.
Once on the highway, he put the cruise control on. Butterflies came to life in your stomach when he rested his hand on your bare thigh. You took a deep breath.
“What no car games tonight?” He said, smiling. You couldn’t form words. All you could think about was his hand sliding up under the hem of your dress... “Babe?” His raised voice snapped you out of your dirty thoughts.
You answered with pink cheeks. “Yea?”
“You alright over there?”
“Yep. What’s up?”
“Whatcha thinkin' about?”
“Nothing. Just enjoying the ride.” Oh, and you sure would enjoy that ride. You relax when he downshifted to slow down for traffic and you let out an involuntary sigh of relief.
“You sure you’re, ok?”
“Yep, never better.”  Just thinking about how much I wanna jump your bones. No big deal. Traffic started to go. He got back on to the speed limit and set the cruise again. Your leg tensed this time when he laid his hand back on your thigh. Trying to stop your thoughts you took a deep breath.
“Does my hand on your thigh bother you?”
“No.”
He looked at you with a malicious grin on his face. “Oh really?” he slid his hand up an inch. Your leg muscles tense harder as your core twitches.
“Really.”
He slid his hand another inch up, stopping at the hem of your dress. “You know I can feel your muscles tensing up right?”
“And?”
“And so, I know you’re lying.”
“No. You asked if it bothered me.”
“Yeah.”
You smirked at him “That's not the adjective I would use.”
He chuckled as he downshifted to slow down for exit 234B then got into the left turn lane at the light. Heaven by Bryan Adams started to play. He started singing and the butterflies came back.  He slowed down for the next light. You sighed and looked at it at him. He smiled and kept singing. The light turned green, he grabbed your hand and held it around the shifter as he shifted into first gear. “Oh, once in your life you find someone. Who will turn your world around. Bring you up when you're feelin' down” Your heart melted as he sang along.
He hit the next 3 lights green and slowed for the fourth turning his right blinker on. “I should have brought your hat. It would look good with that dress.”
“Am I ever going to get my hat back?”  you teased.
“Eh maybe. I’ve grown quite fond of it.”
“It’s just a cowboy hat there sweetheart.”
“Yeah well, it reminds me of you.” Your cheeks turned pink again and he smiled.
“Well, can you at least tell me where to find it? So it's easier for me when I break into your house to retrieve it after you leave?”
His head raised as he let out a laugh. “It’s in my bedroom.”
“Hm. Maybe I should break in before you leave.”
He looked at you and raised his eyebrows. “That could be fun.” You giggled.
He turned as the light turned green and then left at the next light. He slowed down and pulled into the valet lane.
“Really? You’re gonna let some valet drive my Beau?” you teased.
“He will be fine.” You crossed your arms. “if anything happens to him I will buy you a new one.”
“Shh, you will hurt his feelings. You can’t just replace him.”
He chuckled. “You’re being ridiculous.”
You shrugged and started laughing. The valet came over and opened your door for you. “Thank you.” You said as you took his hand to get out.
Jensen handed the valet the keys and slipped him some cash. “Take good care of him ok?”
“Yes sir.” The man said handing Jensen the valet slip.
Jensen held his elbow out. You slipped your hand into it. “There. That make you feel better?”
“A little.” You said as the two of you walked to the front door. The sign read Dean’s Italian Steakhouse. “Really?!”
Jensen chuckled. “What? They have the best steaks here.” He said opening the door for you. You rolled your eyes and walked in. With the soft lighting and the chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, this place was so pretty.
His hand found the small of your back walking to the hostess stand. “Mr. Ackles. Your table is ready for you. She eyed him up and down. Well, I guess I’d have to get used to that. “Right this way.”  You followed the hostess to a table in the back corner with 4 chairs around it. Jensen pulled a chair out and gestured for you to sit down. He scooted you up and sat in the chair beside you.
“Pulling out all the stops tonight are we?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He grinned.
“Phil will be right with you.” She flashed a flirty smile at Jensen, but he didn’t notice. You had all of his attention.
“thank you.” He said. She walked away annoyed. You chuckled. “What?” he asked.
“You really didn’t notice?”  you said as you found the wine list.
“Oh, I did. I’m just not interested.”  He said, making you smile.
“Hello. My name is Phil I will be your waiter this evening. Would you like to start with some wine or a cocktail?”
“I’ll have a glass of Riesling please”
“And for you sir?”
“Scotch and soda please.”
“I will be right back.”
Jensen leaned back in his chair. “You really do look amazing tonight.”
You looked up from the menu and smiled at him. “thank you. So do you.” He smiled back. “You don’t need a menu?”
“Nope. I already know what I want.” He winked at you
Phil came back with your drinks. “Do you need more time?” he asked.
Jensen looked over at you. “Go ahead.” You told him. You debated between 2 dishes. You made your mind up and ordered after Jensen was done.
“So, I have a question,” Jensen said. You looked at him with raised eyebrows. “Where did you live before New York?”
“How do you know there’s a before New York?”
“You say y’all, you know the Dukes of Hazzard, and you like country music. I’m thinking somewhere south.”
“So, I can’t be a Yankee and like those things?”
“Also, you said you talked your mom into moving to New York after your dad passed.” He chuckled. “And you just used the term Yankee.”
“Wow look at you Ackles, you paid attention. I grew up in a very small town in Michigan. So, no I’m not from the South, but I inherited the mannerisms and taste from my mama.”
“Let me guess. Texas?”
“Did ya think she was randomly a Cowboys fan? We had planned to move back down here once I got my surgical licenses and certifications.”
“Was she from Dallas?”
“No, Canton.” You took a drink of your wine.
“So how did you meet Mac?”
“Oh, she’s from Saugatuck too.” He gave you a confused look. “That very small town in Michigan I mentioned.  I really didn’t think I had a shot at Columbia, so my mom’s college was my backup school. Mac and I both got accepted at Texas University. She understood that I couldn’t say no when I finally got my acceptance letter from Columbia.”
“Interesting.”
“Yeah, I guess so.” You took another drink, “Your turn.”
“Oh, darlin’ I really ain’t interesting.”
“Right.” You said in a sarcastic tone.
He chuckled. “What do you wanna know?”
“Everything.” His cheeks turned pink as a grin spread on his face.
“Miss your Seafood Risotto and your New York strip. Would you like another glass of wine?”
You looked at Jensen. “I can drive if you wanna drink babe.”
“You sure?” Jensen nodded.” Yes please.”
“Coming right up.”
You were looking at his steak as he cut it. “Can I help you?” He asked.
“Nope.” You looked back at your plate. “Just looks pretty tasty.”
He chuckled. “Ya know you’re lucky you're cute.” He said as he held a bite in your direction. “I usually don’t share my steak.”
“Aw, how sweet. Thank you for letting me put your meat in my mouth.” You took the bite, and he threw his head back laughing. “Damn. That’s a good steak.”
“Probably the best meat you’ve ever had in your mouth huh?”
“I don’t know haven’t had it yet.” He laughed again.” Oh, you meant the steak. Yes, it’s delicious.”
“Yet being the keyword there.” He smirked. “What did you get again?” You fed him a bite. “That’s pretty damn good too.”
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{} Jensen’s P.O.V {}
“Hey, what time is your interview tomorrow?” He asked as he sat down in the driver’s seat of her car.
“8:30. Why?”
“Just wondering.” Should I ask her for a ride? He debated
“What time is your flight?” she asked.
“I have to be at the airport at 2:30.” Or would it be harder to leave?
He pushed the clutch in as he shifted the car into first and gave it gas. “Is Jared taking you to the airport?” she asked.
“Well, that was the plan, but his youngest has an ear infection and Gen ended up staying in Houston. So, he’s gotta take her to the doctor.” He explained stopping at the red light.
“Do you need a ride?”
“You don’t have to.”
“Jensen. It’s not a problem. Mac has to work tomorrow. So literally the only thing I have planned is my interview.”
“I’d appreciate it.” He grabbed her hand and laced their fingers around the gear stick again.
“Like I said. Not a problem.” He heard her take a deep breath, “So any more plans for tonight Ackles?”
“Maybe. Did you have something in mind?”
“Maybe. Is your place far?” She waggled her eyebrows.
“Um..” Really? He was at a loss for words. “N- no, not too far.”
His body tensed as she leaned towards him. “Good.” His breath hitched when he felt her warm breath on his ear. She leaned back in her seat smirking. “Because I’d like my hat back.”
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laundryandtaxesworld · 15 hours ago
Note
Pregnant Tommy my savior. Okay but what if Buck has him blocked??? And like Tommy’s seat in a bad place, so he doesn’t really try to fight back. And Lucy?? Lucy is right there all along with him, being his sole support system
oooh the angst, i love it.
——-
Today 12:30 PM
Tommy: Evan, can we talk? I have something important to tell you.
Tommy waited, anxious. His eyes flitted back and forth between the pregnancy test and the unanswered message. He knew that Evan probably wouldn’t answer, but he just needed an answer just this once.
Evan: No, we can’t talk. You did all the talking you needed to do. [2:30 PM]
The message broke Tommy’s heart when he read it, but that was the price he had to pay.
Tommy: Okay, goodbye Evan. [2:35 PM]
Sent as a Text Message
Tommy closed his eyes. It was going to be okay. Tommy pressed a hand on his flat stomach. It was just going to be him and the baby.
“It’s okay munchkin, it’s all going to be okay.”
——
“What’s going on with you?” Lucy leaned against the lockers. Tommy sighed as he closed his locker.
“I’m pregnant.” Tommy looked over at Lucy.
“What?”
“I’m pregnant, Luce.”
“Have you told Cap?” Tommy shook his head.
“Not yet,” Lucy raised an eyebrow.
“I will!” Tommy insisted.
“Okay, just make sure to tell him soon.
“I will.” Lucy gave him a smile.
“If you need anything I’m here.”
“Thanks.”
——
“Congratulations Mr. Kinard, it’s a boy.” Tommy smiled, he looked at the ultrasound, there he was, there was his baby boy.
“Do you have a named pick out?” The technician asked as she cleaned up.
“I’m thinking about Eli.” Buckley as a middle name went unsaid.
“Eli is a lovely name.” Tommy smiled as he gathered his coat and left the office.
——
The duffle bag dropped to the floor with a thud.
“What do you have in there rocks?” Tommy joked, as Lucy began to unzip the bag.
“That and millions of clothes.” Tommy’s smile faded.
“You really don’t have to do this, I’ll be perfectly fine.” Tommy waddled towards Lucy.
“I want to do this, okay? I want to help my friend.”
“Are you sure, cause that baby might not come for a bit.”
“Or he could come tomorrow and you’d be in a pickle cause no way you can drive yourself safely to the hospital. So just let me stay here and help. Okay?”
“Okay. Thank you Luce.”
“Anytime Tommy.”
——
FIRST: Eli MIDDLE: Buckley LAST: Kinard
SEX: Male DATE OF BIRTH: June 7th, 2024
TIME OF BIRTH: 12:04 AM
BIRTH WEIGHT: 7. 0 LBS
TRIPLETS, TWINS, SINGLE, ECT: Single
CITY OF BIRTH: Los Angeles, CA, USA
PARENT A: RELATIONSHIP: Father
LAST: Kinard MIDDLE: John FIRST: Tommy
PARENT B: RELATIONSHIP:
LAST: MIDDLE: FIRST:
Tommy signed the birth certificate, as he kept glancing towards the blank “parent B” spot. He gave the certificate back to the nurse and looked over at the sleeping baby. It was all going to be okay.
“Knock, knock.” Tommy looked up to see Lucy who had been with him throughout his labor, holding a box of sushi.
“Come in, you really didn’t have to do that Luce.”
“I did, someone needs to take care of you after you gave birth to a whole human. Tommy smiled.
“I did that, didn’t I?”
“Yeah you did.” Lucy set her bag down on the couch and then sat on the edge of the bed.
“I’m proud of you Tommy. You are going to be an amazing father.”
“I love you Luce.” Lucy kissed the top of Tommy’s head.
“I love you too Tommy. You and Eli.”
“Just don’t spoil him rotten.”
“That’s the point of an aunt and don’t tell me he hasn’t had you wrapped around his little baby fingers since that moment you found out.”
“Fine… he has,” Tommy sighed as he looked over at his sleeping son. “I just love him so damn much.”
“I know you do Tommy, I know you do.
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