#Love her duffle coat

[fanofflames]

Toga doodle 🔪🩸

[b0ng05]

Hi(gh) Milf! Wanda Maximoff x Stoner! Reader Pt.1

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Word Count: 3333

Prompt: Billy and Tommy are coming home from college for winter break, Wanda couldn't be happier. Until they show up with her least favorite guest. Enemies to lovers type of vibe 🥴

Warnings: Age gap, smoking, Angst

Also, Not Proofread 💅

Masterlist

Pt.1 Pt.2

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Wanda had always been a supportive mother to her boys, she’ll love them no matter what. They were her babies and could do no wrong in her eyes. Now, just because she’s supportive doesn’t mean she always approves of their choices. Like she didn’t approve of the way Tommy had wanted to bleach his hair over and over, mostly because she was worried about the health of it. Or when she didn’t approve of the boys wanting a pet lizard, but let them have it anyway to make them happy. Or how she doesn’t approve of Billy’s newest choice.

Billy had begun college and he had started making new friends. While that was great, there was one friend in particular that Wanda thought might be a bad influence on her son. Her name was Y/n, and as of late, Billy had chosen her to accompany him everywhere. They were like Dumb and Dumber, but put them together with Tommy when he’s home and it’s the Three Stooges.

From the first day Y/n had entered their home, Wanda could smell the reefer off the younger woman from three feet away. That accompanied with the stupid goofy grin on her face and Wanda instantly knew the girl was stoned. It wasn’t that Wanda didn’t approve of smoking, she just didn’t want her boys getting sidetracked with that new hobby and letting their grades slip in college, or getting mixed with the wrong crowd, nonetheless, she trusted them enough to ensure that themselves. And most of the time when the kids did visit back home with their new friend, Y/n was the only one stoned, and that only fortified the trust she had in her boys.

It was mid December, the air outside had grown cold and snow had begun to coat the ground in cold powdery layers. The Maximoff household smelt of fresh baked gingerbread cookies and a hint of cinnamon apples. Wanda had begun her baking when the boys told her they were driving home for Winter break. She was excited to see her kids for the holidays, to hear what she missed out on while they were away. She had kept herself pretty busy when the boys left home. She appreciated the free time to figure out who she was outside of being a mother, she had always had her own interests, but when the boys came along, they became her whole world. But now, she had time to try new hobbies and adventure out. She was happy, and it was a bittersweet yet tremendous feeling. So she softly hummed out a tune as she mixed together the cookie dough in the kitchen aid before her, lost in a peaceful bliss.

What Wanda’s kids forgot to mention to her, is that they were bringing Y/n with them for Winter break. Y/n had nowhere else to go for the weeks off, it was either go with the twins or be stuck on campus, the second choice didn’t sound too appealing. So, with a stash tucked in her duffle bag, she hopped in Billy’s suv. They had picked up Tommy from his dorm on the other side of campus, and began their journey back to the Maximoff home. The car was filled with the quiet hum of the wheels along the road and soft music playing in the background, the playlist courtesy of Billy. The twins occasionally chatted about school and the freshest gossip, the atmosphere was warm and comfortable.

As the car cruises down the highway, Y/n’s eyes fall to the window, her mind getting lost in a haze that wasn’t weed induced. Y/n felt guilty, of course she did. She may be stoned all the time, but she wasn’t a complete idiot. She felt as if she was invading the Maximoff household; it was clear to her from the first interactions that Wanda wasn’t necessarily the biggest fan of hers. Whether it was due to her poor introduction or whether it was how she dressed and acted, she couldn’t chalk up which one rubbed Wanda the wrong way. She didn’t want to impose herself into their home, but she didn’t have a different home to go back to. Her plan this winter break was to be out of Wanda’s vision as much as she could. Whether she had to hide away in the guest room all break, or if she had to duck out in Billy’s room. Anything to avoid the fake sugary kindness and judgemental glances.

Billy pulled over to a gas station along the side road, grabbing his wallet. He unbuckled his seatbelt, turning in his seat so he can view both passengers easier. “Alright, I’m running in to grab something to drink, you two want anything?” Billy asks, turning to look at Y/n and Tommy, who was sitting in the backseat with a bag of doritos in his lap.

“Redbull,” Tommy says through a mouthful of chips. Billy cringes, turning to look at Y/n, expecting to see the same reaction, instead he’s met with the sight of her staring off into space, lost in her own mind.

“You alright?” Billy lightly taps the back of his hand to Y/n’s shoulder to grab her attention from the dashboard. The woman jumps at the contact, eyes flying up to meet his.

“Y-yeah I’m good. Just- thinking about something. What did you ask?” She sheepishly requests, scratching the back of her neck.

“Want something to drink? I’m running in.” Billy gives a warm reassuring smile. He knew she was a bit spacey, whether it was the weed or her natural demeanor, he didn’t care. To him, she was good company either way. The day they got assigned to that group project together, he didn’t think much of her, just another person that was gonna slack on their end of the work. But as he got to know her, there was a lot more to her than the simple one-track mind that people assumed was in there. When the other two people in their group project had decided to slack off, she had helped him pick up the weight and finish the project with an A. When Billy saw her effort, he decided Y/n was someone worth keeping around. He knew Y/n was smart, the humble kind of smart. She may have put on a facade in front of others but behind it was a beautiful personality that just needs a little more effort to get to know. And in Billy’s opinion, the effort was well worth it.

“A monster would be great, thank you.” She smiles back. Running a hand through her hair to push it out of her face. Taking a deep breath to shake the lingering thoughts from her mind, blinking them out as she turns to face the boys.

“See, she has manners, unlike SOMEBODY.” Billy jokes, whipping his head to look back at Tommy, who comically whips his head to look behind him for the culprit. Billy snorts at his reaction, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Billy, who’s back there?” Tommy asks, his voice quivering, imitating genuine concern. A dramatic, chip-dust covered hand over his chest to clutch his imaginary pearls. His eyes wide and mortified.

“I can’t with you-” Billy bites back a laugh, shaking his head as he gets out of the car. He closes the door before walking into the gas station. Once Tommy sees that Billy has entered the store, he reaches up to the passenger seat, smacking Y/n in the arm with his hand. Y/n gags at the doritos dust he leaves behind in wake of his touch. Quickly wiping her arm clear of any lingering chip dust while grimacing.

“Dude, break one of those joints out.” Tommy requests, a cheeky grin on his face. He wipes his hands off with one of the wet napkins in the backseat, something Billy kept back there specifically for Tommy after a particularly harrowing trip to Wing Stop in the past. Y/n chuckles and rolls her eyes, shaking her head playfully at his request.

“No way, you know Billy is paranoid about his car smelling.” Y/n reasons with a mischievous grin. “Just wait till we get to your place, we can hide out in your old treehouse again and smoke.” Tommy huffs exaggeratedly and leans back in his seat, “Why can’t you be like, ‘sure Tommy, we can go outside the car and smoke?’” He mimics Y/n’s tone.

“It’s cold, I’m not freezing my ass off out there.” Y/n laughs, glancing back at him. He scoffs and retorts, “As if the treehouse won’t be cold.”

“That’s different because we can plug in the space heater up there.” Y/n points out. The treehouse was something Tommy and Billy’s dad had built for them before his and Wanda’s divorce. He put extra care and work into making it the best treehouse the boys could ask for. As over the years Vision’s efforts proved themself, the treehouse had held up tremendously well, only thing different was the red paint that began to fade in shades.

Billy exits the store, a plastic bag in his hand as he enters the car, passing the bag to Tommy to deal out.

“Ew, did you get sparkling water? What are you?” Tommy playfully mocks his twin, passing the bottle up to Y/n so she can put it in the cupholder. At his words, he receives a chuckle from the woman and a glare from Billy through the rearview mirror. “Gay,” Y/n responds for Billy, “He’s gay.” Snorting when Billy smacks her upper arm in a playful scold. Tommy snickers, passing Y/n her monster from the bag before cracking open his own Redbull.

“Says the other gay,” Billy quips, his lips quirking upwards. Y/n grins, a mischievous glint in her eyes, “Takes one to know one.” She jokes, cracking open her can and taking a sip.

Billy and Tommy laugh at her words, settling back in their seats for the rest of the journey. Billy buckles back in his seat, beginning to drive again. Their trip to the Maximoff household is almost complete, only a few more hours ahead of them. The winter clouds brewing a snowstorm above them, dimming the daylight that remained. The heat of the car warmed Y/n’s cheeks, her eyes turning heavy and tired with the comfort. The sound of Britney Spears echoing in the car and filling the silence. Her eyes settled on the fields passing by, and it wasn’t long before her eyes fell shut and soft snores emitted from her.

A few hours later, the tires roll into the driveway, the snow quietly crunching beneath their weight. As Billy pulls the car into park, Tommy reaches up into the passenger seat, delivering a firm but gentle hit to the woman’s arm to wake her. The trio exit the car, collecting their belongings before making their way to the front door. It was painted a bright white with royal blue detailings and a golden doorknob to compliment the colors. A green christmas wreath with bells and ribbons hung from the center. Billy went to grab his keys from his pocket, but before he had the opportunity to pull them out, the door flew open.

Wanda stood before them, a big excited grin on her face as she opened her arms for her boys. She was wearing a grey christmas sweater with black reindeer patterns, a pair of black leggings and fuzzy socks on her feet. Her hair was tied back in a messy bun, a small flick of flour littering her cheek. The big grin on her face dwindled slightly at the sight of the familiar y/h/c in front of her. Nonetheless, forcing the grin again to welcome them.

“Boys! Hug your mother!” She teases, pulling the twins into her arms. A small tinge of annoyance tweaked at the back of her mind, not knowing her boys were gonna have a guest with them. Her least favorite one at that. When they pull away from the hug, Wanda gives the best fake smile she can produce. Her green eyes looked the younger woman up and down, taking in her appearance. The younger woman was in jeans, a hoodie, and an old worn out winter hat, no jacket despite the cold temperatures.

“Hi, Ms. Maximoff,” Y/n pipes up with an awkward smile and a half wave. Not really knowing what to do, especially under the older woman’s intimidating gaze.

“Y/n, nice to see you again. Are you staying with us for Winter break?” She asks, praying the answer was no, but not getting her hopes up entirely. She knew that the chances of the girl coming for a quick visit was very unlikely. “Yeah, we didn’t want her to be alone in the dorms for Christmas.” Billy informs, trying to make his mother seek a little empathy for the girl once he notices the look in Wanda’s eyes. At the words, Wanda’s annoyance dwindles slightly, showing some understanding. She gives the warmest smile she can, opening the door to let them all in. “C’mon, don’t want anyone getting a cold, do we?” She says, nodding her head to gesture to them to come in. Wanda slightly grimacing at the whiff of weed on the younger woman’s hoodie as she passes through.

The group piles in, slipping their shoes off by the door before making their ways to set their belongings in their respective rooms. Y/n silently cursing the fact that the guest room was next to Wanda’s room instead of next to the boys. It would make hiding from Wanda a little harder than anticipated. Y/n sat on the edge of the bed with a sigh, mind flicking through anxious thoughts as she eyed her backpack. She grabbed a joint out, making her way into the bathroom connected between the guest room and Wanda’s. Locking both doors and cracking open the bathroom window, Y/n lights her joint. Letting her anxious worries turn into a comforting euphoria as she leaned against the wall, blowing the smoke out the window. Exhaling her worries out with grey puffs. Anxious thoughts dwindling, it wouldn’t be too hard to stay out of Wanda’s way right? All Y/n had to do was stick to the guest room or stick to Billy and Tommy like a parasite. It wasn’t that Wanda was too intimidating to be around. Maybe it was- despite the point, Wanda was stunning. Y/n didn’t do great around pretty women, she turned into a blubbering blushing mess. And especially older women, and Wanda hit both points dead center. She was absolutely stunning, effortlessly so. As Y/n smoked, she couldn’t help but let her mind wander thoughts of the older woman. How cute that speck of flour on her cheek looked, the whimsical pastel gingerbread men on her fluffy socks, every quirk and trait that had Y/n enamored-

'No- no, absolutely not enamored, this is my best friend’s mother for gods sake.'

Wanda was taking the cookies out of the oven, her mind sorting through her thoughts as she set the baking sheets on the stovetop. She began using a spatula to take the cookies off and set them on the drying racks. But the question lingering in her mind is, why didn’t Y/n have anywhere to go? She knew that Y/n never really mentioned her family but Wanda just chalked that up to the younger woman being a rather private person. From what Wanda had observed being around her, Y/n didn’t talk much, only jutting in with the boys when they’re joking around. Wanda knew nothing about her besides the fact that the younger woman was an English major that liked smoking the good kush and was unreasonably good at Mario Kart. That last one she learned when the boys came home for a weekend with her and they all ended up playing a few rounds while Wanda sat on the couch and observed with a content smile. As much as Wanda disliked the younger woman, she was a good kid despite the smoking. Y/n was always a help after supper, offering to do the dishes up as a ‘thank you’, cleaning up after herself, just random chores to help. Maybe, Wanda could try to make peace with the woman. Maybe a few weeks of winter break with her boys and Y/n couldn’t be so bad… Right? She just needed to try to be more understanding, maybe get to know her better. It was for the boys sake, right? Not the fact that she did find the younger woman attractive and a little endearing. Especially with how nervous and bashful she looks whenever Wanda is around, or that cute glimmer in her eyes when she won Mario Kart last time. What was she thinking? It's her son's friend, she can't think like that.

Then the scent hit her.

Wanda ran over to the oven, whipping it open and using an oven mit to take out the last tray of cookies. Slightly burnt and crispy as they clung on to the baking sheet. A small unconscious pout falling on her lips, her brows furrowing as she sets them on the oven. Turning off the oven and shutting it closed. “Damn it,” Wanda mutters, tossing the oven mit on the counter before making her way over to the cookies on the drying rack. Their gold hue mocking the burnt ones. Letting out a sigh, she turned to walk out of the kitchen to give them time to cool down. As she makes her way up the stairs, a faint smile graces her lips, hearing her boys chat in their room as they unpack. She goes to her bedroom to grab her phone off it’s charger, but pauses in her steps. Her nose tipping up as she sniffs the air, smelling something familiar, something burning. Her eyes widen slightly as she makes her way to the connected bathroom, knocking heavily.

“Y/n, you better not be smoking in my house!” She calls through the door, annoyance peeking through her tone.

Y/n freezes, eyes wide in fear and embarrassment of being caught. Quickly snubbing the joint out in the sink and stuffing the remaining half in her hoodie pocket. Panic filling her mind, what happens when she leaves this bathroom? Is she gonna be kicked out? Is she gonna get a lecture from Wanda?

She didn’t know, but boy was she scared to find out. But she took a deep breath, mustering up her courage before unlocking the door and opening it, revealing the brunette before her. Wanda’s eyebrow quirked as the scent grew stronger.

“Hiiii, Wanda.” Y/n drawls out, giving a guilty smile, sheepishly lowering her head to brace for the woman’s reaction. But to her surprise, a small laugh breaks past Wanda’s lips.

That guilty smile tugged at Wanda’s heartstrings in a way she couldn’t help. A small smile that Wanda tried to fight back, and a hint of amusement in her eyes, but she quickly tries to cover both.

“If you’re gonna smoke, go outside.” She reminds, lightly flicking the younger woman in the forehead before entering the bathroom to light a candle to get rid of the smell. Y/n’s eyes widen almost comically, surprised that Wanda didn’t raise her voice.

“Sorry, I know.” Y/n’s cheeks flush pink as she scratches at the back of her neck. Her eyes following as the older woman enters her bedroom again, standing before her.

“It’s alright, just don’t let me catch you again.” Wanda hums playfully, “Now c’mon, I need you and the boys to help me decorate all those cookies, wouldn't want my baking to be for not.” Nodding her head towards the door with a small smile, Wanda heads out into the hall.

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Authors Note- Okay, how are we feeling?

[mountainsandmayhem]

BDSMaid - Chapter 8

Series Summary: After recently graduating you take what is supposed to be a job to save money before you go back to university to get your law degree. Your best friend offers you a job cleaning luxury homes for clients you’ll never know. Easy. Simple. Mundane. Until one of your clients is home and everything you felt was missing in your life starts to fall into place. This goes against the NDA you signed and you could get fired. Or worse, you could fall in love.  WC: 5.5k TW: I will put them below the cut for those who want to avoid spoilers. This is more of an original character, there have been some descriptions of reader throughout the series. A/N: How can I make a note when I have words?! I'm just so grateful for how many people have fallen in love with this story this year. It's crazy to me that I posted my first fan pic on December 23rd 2023, expecting about 3 people to see it and waking up to 100's of notifications. 2024 has literally been whirlwind, I've made so many wonderful ladies here and have grown more and more confident in my writing abilities. Thank you @lotusbxtch for being my forever beta for this series (probably an unhealthy crutch, but so be it haha). Thank you @for-a-longlongtime for letting me bounce ideas off of you and giving me a new insight to how sweet girl or Joel would think. @mermaidgirl30, @alltheirdamn and @littlevenicebitch69, what would I do if I couldn't scream about this story with you?! Ok eww, I'm done being sappy. Enjoy! Dividers and headers by @saradika-graphics

My Masterlist || Series Masterlist

TW: use of sex toys (vibrator and butt plug)

You

When you walked into your small apartment on Sunday, Odette was wrapped up in a blanket watching TV. She looked you up and down with a knowing smirk. It was pretty obvious based on the way Joel’s sweats and hoodie hung off your body that you were with a man all weekend. So, after she agreed to keep it between the two of you, you told her absolutely everything. It was freeing to finally be able to discuss Joel with one of your friends. The two of you spent almost six hours going over every detail of the last few weeks, and after ordering pizza and splitting a bottle of rosé, you had all the validation you needed. He loves you. And you love him, too. 

As the weekend rolls into the week, you still have not come down from your happy, little Joel Miller-shaped cloud. There’s not a single doubt in your mind that he is it. You have never let your walls down with someone like you have with him. It was always easier to just do it on your own; you could always count on yourself.  For the first time in your life, you can confidently say that you’re ready to let that go. It’s time for you to let someone take care of you for once. When he texts you on Monday to make plans for the following day, you decide that you’re going to tell him how you feel.

When Tuesday finally comes around, you practically skip up to his house. You have a duffle bag of items in one hand: your outfit for this evening, make up, and a change of clothes in case you spend the night. Wearing his clothing home was fun and all, but you won’t be doing any sort of walks of shame again. Clasped tightly your other hand is your company-provided caddy full of cleaning supplies. Just as you’re about to place the supplies on the front step, the large front door opens.

“Hi, Freckles,” Joel's voice coats every inch of your skin in warm honey. He shines an absolutely knee-weakening smile down at you. As per his usual JMKink attire, he’s in perfectly fitted black dress pants, expensive looking black dress shoes, and a pressed, crisp white dress shirt. The sleeves are rolled to his elbows and your mouth waters at the way his bare forearms look.  

“Hi,” you beam up at him, not holding back your ear-to-ear grin as you glow under his attention. “I wasn’t expecting you to be here!”

“I have to leave soon, but I have something for you.” He steps out onto the front steps and grabs everything from you before you follow him inside. You change into the white keds that Jamie gave you on your first day at Maid Discreetly before heading towards where he’s standing in the kitchen. There are three boxes on the kitchen island; two small black ones and one white one that you recognize immediately. He pushes that one towards you first. 

“This is your new iPhone,” he says with a wink and you feel your cheeks flush.

“Thank you,” you say shyly.

He shakes his head, “No, thank you for not fighting me on this. That cracked screen...”

“I know,” you say, raising a hand to stop him. You deepen your voice, “It’s a hazard, sweet girl.”

He laughs like he did that night at the Shibari class, deep and from his gut; it’s the most beautiful sound you’ve ever heard and your heart swells at the possibility of getting to hear that laugh for the rest of your life. “Exactly. These other boxes…well, they’re for you, but also for me.”

You raise your eyebrows curiously as he slides the smaller of the two black boxes across the smooth marble of the island. His bottom lip slips between his teeth as you pull the top off of the first box. Sitting on a bed of white tissue paper is a small metal plug with a pink heart-shaped diamond on the end. 

“Mister Miller! Scandalous!” You gasp, feigning shock and surprise.

He laughs again as he asks, “Is that ok?”

“Very much so,” you respond with a smile before opening the next box, which is slightly bigger than the last. A black, U shaped piece of silicone sits in the box, along with a small plastic rectangle that looks similar to a key fob. “What’s this?”

“That, my sweet girl, is a remote vibrator. I was thinking that maybe you could wear both of those while you clean my house today. I can control that with the remote from a close distance or from my phone anywhere in the world.” 

Every hair on your body stands on end as your clit throbs in excitement. “Yes, I would really, really like to do that!”

“Good girl,” he says with a wink, holding a hand out to you. His fingers link with yours and just the slightest touch from him sends sparks up your wrist and straight to your racing heart. He grabs your new toys and leads you up the stairs. Your giggle is laced with arousal when you come to a stop in his enormous ensuite. After placing the toys on the counter he pulls you in, his free hand cupping the back of your neck before he slams his lips into yours. He kisses you hungrily, and you meet his energy, kissing him back as if you’re drunk with passion. His teeth nip your bottom lip as he pulls away. You’re so insanely, maddeningly in love with this man that you almost forget how to stand as he steps back.

“Take off your pants, sweet girl.”

You do as he says, eagerly unbuttoning your company issued black dress pants before sliding them down your legs. He stops you before you remove your thong, breathing out a heady ‘fuck’ before hooking his thumbs through the bright pink lacy waist band and sliding them down your legs. 

“Put your hands on the vanity and bend over for me,” he instructs with bated breath. He watches your reflection in the mirror, looking right into your soul as always, as you follow his instructions.  

You smile lovingly at him, clocking the way his throat works as he swallows hard at the sight of you bending at the waist, pushing your ass out for him. “Fuck, how did I get so lucky? All of this, just for me?”

“Just you, Joel,” you breathe, slipping your bottom lip between your teeth. 

He slides open a drawer and takes out two small bottles before turning on the water. He pops the top of one bottle, using the contents to wash both toys, then steps back behind you with the second bottle in and the plug in his hands. A warm laugh leaves your lips, “Always so prepared, Mister Miller.”

“With a pretty little thing like you in my life, I better be.” He clicks the top of the lube open as he continues, “Ready? I’ll go slow.”

“Mm-hm, I’ll tell you if it’s too much,” you coo, your body thrumming with the anticipation of his touch. 

“I know you will. No safeword right now, okay? Just say stop, and I will.” He spreads the lube around your tight ring of muscle with his thumb. Every muscle in your body goes slack under his attention and you sigh as your lashes flutter against your cheeks. “Good girl, just relax for me.”

After a few minutes of teasing you with the pad of his thumb he switches to the plug. The cold metal makes you jump. He reassures you by squeezing your hip as he murmurs, “You’re ok, baby.”

He swirls it gently at first, slowly applying more and more pressure before it slips in on its own and you whimper at the feeling. “Does that feel okay, sweet girl?”

“Mmm, yes,” you smile at his reflection in front of you. The amber glow of the LED lighting behind the mirror accentuates the honey flecks in his eyes. Everything about the way he’s looking at you feels overwhelming. It’s like when you first step foot into a hot tub on a cold winter's night. The sting of the swirling water is almost too hot as you sink further in. For a second you consider getting out, but then every single cell in your body adjusts and you can’t imagine not being wrapped in that heat.

“Now this one,” he says, holding up the black u-shaped vibrator. He adds a bit of lube and then guides your hips further back with one hand before kneeling. Your pussy clenches against nothing as you glance over your shoulder seeing him on his knees behind you. He practically whimpers, “God, Freckles, this pussy. She’s so gorgeous.”

A shy smile turns your lips upward. Joel starts to work the toy inside of you and you gasp out a moan. He moves the bulbous head of the toy back and forth until it slips in on its own accord, just like the plug did. Your breathing quickens at the pressure on your g-spot and clit; the toy isn’t even on yet and it already feels so good. Joel’s lips sponge against the globes of your ass, then your hip as he stands. “Are you ok, sweet girl?”

“Yes, Mister Miller,” you respond, your breath catching in your throat as you stand. 

“Good. Now put your clothes back on and get to work.”

Before you can bend to pick up your discarded clothing, he pulls you into his arms and brings his lips to yours. The kiss is so soft that it steals your breath, and you almost blurt your feelings for him right then and there. He keeps one arm wrapped tightly around your waist while the other snakes up your body until his large palm cups the side of your face. This kiss, compared to the one from earlier, is different in every way. Where that one was rough and passionate, this one is gentle and almost lazy; a content moan rumbles from his chest. Before pulling away, his warm tongue swipes sweetly across yours. 

 “See you later, honey,” he whispers, then kisses your forehead and walks away.

Honey, he called me honey. Everything about the last few seconds feels so goddamn domestic, and your potential life five years from now flashes through your mind. 

You're standing in this bathroom, getting ready to head to the law firm you work at. Joel, no longer just your dom but also now your new husband, puts a fresh latte on the counter for you, then helps you with the clasp of your necklace before kissing that sensitive spot behind your ear. ‘See you later, honey’.

The rev of Joel’s Jag pulling out of the garage snaps you out of your daydream. You get dressed and walk back downstairs while opening the Maid Discreetly app. To your surprise, cleaning Joel’s office isn’t the first task. Instead, you’ve been asked to wipe down the kitchen, then vacuum the main floor, stairs and upstairs rooms, and finish off by dusting his bedroom. All of it seems very doable in the next four hours, and just when you think you’ll probably be done early and have time to properly get ready for your night out, Mister Miller reminds you that he has the remote to a very distracting detonator. 

The first few times the vibrator comes on it’s subtle, just a light buzzing against your clit. It’s enjoyable, almost like a tickling massage, but after almost an hour and half of being gently teased at random you can feel your frustrations start to reach a boiling point.

You: Mister Miller, you’re torturing me Joel: Oh, sweet girl. We’ve only just begun. You: *pouts* Joel: That’s not going to get you what you want. Be a good girl and get back to work. I have a meeting. 

You check off the kitchen and main floor tasks and then move to the stairs. You decide to start at the top, sitting on the stair below it and scoot down to save your back. You’re also hoping that the pressure on the toy will make it strong enough that you can finally come. Joel turns the vibrator on again and you whine out in frustration when your plan fails. The slight hum against your clit stops and you mutter something about Joel being a sadistic bastard under your breath and continue your backwards ride down the stairs. As you reach the halfway point the vibrator comes to life at an intensity so strong that you drop the hose of the vacuum and dig your nails into the plush carpet of the stair tread. 

“Oh, fuck,” you breathe, squeezeing your legs together as he brings you right to the edge. Your orgasm builds quickly, and just as it’s about to take you, the vibrations stop. 

Joel: You better not have come You: Please, Mister Miller. I was so close Joel: Not yet, babygirl  

Joel continues this throughout the afternoon. Every ten minutes or so, the black u-shaped torture device inside of you comes to life; always at different intensities and for varying times. 

Torture device might be a bit strong, the discarded box of feelings says from the back of your mind. We both know you’re enjoying it. You don’t know when she decided to come back, but at least she’s keeping you honest. 

It’s been about three hours by the time you get to your last task of the day. The vibrator buzzes gently as you grab a duster and head into Joel's bedroom. You bite back a smile seeing his bed, the white fluffy sheets neatly tucked in. You can’t help but run your fingers across the soft duvet, remembering how it felt against your skin, remembering how he felt above, behind, below and beside your naked body.

Joel: You doing ok? Do you need to use your safeword? You: I’m okay, Mister Miller. I REALLY need to come, but this is the best day I’ve ever had at work.

When 3:30pm hits, you’ve finished everything in the app, and are so wound up from being teased that you’re fighting from taking the vibrator out and making yourself come. Everytime the vibrator comes on, you break out in goosebumps, the hair on your body standing on end, but when he turns it off, your cheeks flush in frustration and a wave of heat rolls through you. You know Joel will take care of you when he gets home and sees how badly you need it. He talks a big game, but you see the way he folds when you beg. 

Joel: I’ll be home in about 40 minutes, Tommy won’t shut up about concrete. You: I need to come so badly, Mister Miller. I’m throbbing, please!  Joel: Soon. Just breathe, sweet girl. You can do this. 

You need to distract yourself, and you know Joel’s office usually gets pretty dusty, so even though it’s not on your list, you grab your cleaning supplies and slowly open the door. It’s as it usually is: small piles of papers on the desk and a few things out of place on the book shelf. You put the books back and dust the shelves, then run the duster over the blinds before cleaning the window.

Joel: Goddamn, he’s still going on about fucking concrete. How’s my baby doin? You: Horny, I’m trying to distract myself

The vibrator comes to life at the lowest setting. Once again, it’s not enough to make you come, just enough to tease and taunt. You could cry at the frustration of it. 

You: That’s not helping, Mister Miller Joel: What’s not? You: Hilarious. Please? Joel: Nope. I love watching you come, hearing the whiny little gasps you make, so not until later

You move towards the desk. Just as you reach to tidy the stack of papers, the vibrations against your clit hit at an intensity you haven’t felt yet today. You fall forward, gasping for breath, as the papers scatter to the floor. You’re about to fall into the pleasure, feel those waves of nirvana that you so desperately need when the vibrator turns off and you’re left with nothing. You bite back an agitated yell. 

Joel: See you in less than half an hour, sweet girl. You better not have come.  You: I didn’t. I promise. 

You’ve never read anything on Joel’s desk before, but you notice a familiar emblem on the first piece of paper you pick up. It’s a short, handwritten note, and as your eyes scan the few sentences, your heart leaps into your throat as your stomach simultaneously falls to the floor. You read through it once and then twice, trying to make sense of the information in front of you. After blinking hard a few times, you read it again. 

You feel like you’re being ripped in two. 

Joel, Thank you for your generous (and anonymous) donation to the law library. I’ll be sure to find her application and review it myself. See you at the club's anniversary party in a few weeks.

You flip the note over and back again, reading it through one last time. It’s not signed by anyone, just black ink on eggshell white, the University of Austin letterhead at the top. The letter and the room start to spin. You stumble towards his desk chair and breathe through the wave of nausea that hits you; your mind reels at what you’ve just learned. Anger, disbelief and sadness all push against your prefrontal cortex, fighting to be the winning emotion. You want it to be anger – anger is so much easier to deal with. Yelling and telling Joel to fuck off would make you feel so much better, but overwhelming sadness and disappointment ultimately become the victors. 

He doesn’t believe in me.

The realization feels like knives along your skin. Everything he said about how you could do it, or that you’d get in…that was all bullshit. He paid for you to get in, and then – and this is the part that hurts the most – he made you believe that you did it all on your own. Your lungs feel like they’re filled with glass as you force yourself to take slow, controlled breaths. 

He doesn’t believe in me.

Tears prickle behind your eyes but you force them back. You will not cry, not when you’ve been through this before and came out stronger. Your parents didn’t believe in you, and you proved them wrong, graduating early and making it on your own in Texas for the last four years.

I can prove Joel wrong, too.

You shut your eyes tight. You don’t need him; you don’t need anyone. But if that’s true, why does his sexy smirk flash behind your eyelids? The glass moves from your lungs to your veins; everything hurts, and you scold yourself for letting him get this intertwined in you. 

Never again, you tell yourself. Stick to your plan. Law school. Get in with a good firm, pass the bar and become partner; then worry about a love life. 

You walk to his bedroom, removing the toys and cleaning them off before changing into the black leggings and beige crew neck sweater you brought. You gather your hair into a claw clip and head downstairs. With your bag by the door and the letter still clutched in your hand you lean back against the kitchen island and wait for Joel. 

He doesn’t believe in me. 

Joel

The drive home feels like it takes forever; granted, Tommy talking about fucking concrete for almost an hour felt longer. At dinner tonight, he’s going to explain from the beginning. He prepares himself for the worst, for your anger or hurt. He won’t be able to live with himself if he’s hurt you, but anger he can deal with. He knows it’s selfish, but you yelling at him over this would make him feel better. 

Finally, he turns into his neighborhood. The sight of your slightly rusty SUV parked on the street spreads a familiar warmth from his heart to his toes. Mine, he thinks to himself as he pulls into his garage. He knows you’re going to be so tightly wound from all the teasing you endured today, and he plans to very slowly unwind you before you go for dinner. The way you fall apart for him is so beautiful, and after almost four hours of being brought to the edge over and over again, he can’t wait to have your writhing and shaking with a simple flick of his tongue against your clit. But first, he’s going to kiss every inch of your skin while occasionally clicking the vibrator on at its lowest setting. He almost trips over your bag as he comes into the house, and when his eyes meet yours, he knows something is wrong.  

“Baby?” His voice cracks in concern at the look on your face. He mentally runs through the rolodex of facial expressions he’s seen from you, and he hates that he can’t place this one; it’s not anger or sadness, and it most definitely is not excitement or curiosity. Your soft lips are turned down in the corners, arms crossed and eyes soft. “What’s wrong?”

Your arms uncross and you hold out the letter he should have shredded weeks ago.

His stomach does a free fall. Disappointment. The look on your face is disappointment, and that is so much worse than anger or sadness. 

Fuck. 

You

Joel walks towards you with slow, measured steps while carding a nervous hand through his curls. You force yourself to continue breathing, fighting against the tears that threaten to appear. He takes the letter from you and rips it in half; you drop your eyes, watching as the two halves of paper flutter to the ground and then slide away from each other along the marble. You shake your head at the symbolism of it, hugging your arms tightly against your body again.

“I thought you believed in me,” you say, trying not to sound as gutted as you feel. 

“I do, sweet girl,” he says, stepping so close that his black leather dress shoes line up with your socked feet. You look up as he continues, “I swear I do. You - you got in on your own. Please, just let me explain.”

His eyes line with tears and moments that you overlooked over the last few weeks playback like a movie. The first day in this kitchen he said he knew the dean of admissions. The flash of anger when you went to the Shibari night and his response of “all of them?” when you said you didn’t get in. The way he insisted you open the letters before the anniversary party. He knew, he fucking knew all along that at least one university would accept you. Dread settles in your stomach, turning the shards of glass under your skin to icicles. Berkeley.

“Did you pay off Berkeley, too?”

“I didn’t pay anyone off.” He’s calm but firm in his response, which just seems to piss you off more. 

You roll your eyes, gesturing to the ripped paper on the floor and scoff. “Did you pay off Berkeley, Joel?”

The two of you stare at each other for a few heartbeats, and you don’t back down as more tears gather along his bottom lash line. He shakes his head in defeat, burying his hands in his pockets and breathing slowly a few times before whispering, “No.”

“Why would you do this to me? This could have ruined my entire career.” You try to keep your voice calm, but how dare he stand in front of you holding back tears. 

“I’m sorry, sweet girl. I wasn’t - I just…I’m sorry,” he flounders.

“Why, Joel?” Your eyes dance along his face. You aren’t sure what justification you're looking for or hoping for. The dream of staying here died the moment you picked up that note, but you can’t go to California without knowing why he did it. 

He opens his mouth, shaking his head slightly and then closes his mouth. He takes a deep breath through his nose, blinking away the tears. “Because I don’t want to lose you, Freckles. I should have told you, I was going to tell you tonight. That donation isn’t the reason you got in…you did that on your own. I just…well, I just sped up the process. And I’m so sorry you found out like this.”

You scoff again. “I thought my consent was the most important thing to you.”

His eyes widened in shock. “It is, sweet girl.”

“I didn’t ask you to meddle in my life, Joel. And I certainly didn’t ask you to speed along the process. What happens if I become a Supreme Court judge and someone finds out that you bribed a university to get me?” He goes to speak, but you raise a hand to stop him and continue. “And don’t tell me that you didn’t bribe anyone, because that’s exactly how this looks and you know it. You wouldn’t be looking at me like a guilty puppy if you thought what you did was right.”

His hands come to cup your face. The warm coffee eyes that usually dance rhythmically around your face are replaced by shifting dark glass beads laced with fear and loss. The warmth you normally feel when he touches you is gone. His eyes flick to your lips and then back to your eyes before he speaks. 

“Freckles, I lov-”

Your still raised hand covers his mouth, clamping tightly to his face to stop him. 

“Please don’t,” you whisper, swallowing the lump in your throat and keeping your palm pressed to his soft lips. Your heart pounds behind your ribs in response to what he was about to confess. If he tells you what you so desperately wanted to hear just hours ago, you know you’ll crumble. You’ll let him take you up to his bedroom and apologize in a way that only he can. You’ll spend the night planning how you can do long distance while you’re in California. You’ll let him interfere with the plan…again.

“Don’t say that to me right now, I can’t hear that.”

He nods into your hand slowly, his eyes soften, and you try to memorize every bit of amber in his otherwise black brown eyes. This will be the last time he looks at you like this, and the realization seems to suck the air out of the room. You wish you could bottle up how it makes you feel when he looks at you like that; the way it comforts you and shuts off the narrated to do list in your mind that’s always growing in your mind. 

“Joel, if…if you feel that way, then you’ll let me go,” you tell him, voice just above a whisper. He lets out a shaky breath through his nose, the heat of it warming your hand. One of his hands leaves your face to wrap around your wrist, but he doesn’t pull your hand away or step back out of your grip. Instead, he runs his thumb in small circles along the soft, smooth skin there, and you swear you can feel the whorls of his thumb tattooing themself on you, trying desperately to stay with you forever. 

“You’ll understand why I have to go to Berkeley now,” you continue. “I have been working so hard for this. And for years, I have been doing it all on my own. I’m so close, Joel…so close to finishing what I started when I was, like, seven years old. So, please, I’m begging you…please do not finish that sentence.”

You drop your hand from his mouth, his grip going weak as he lets you slip out of his grasp. He looks small, almost deflated in front of you as he stumbles back a few steps. The silence between the two of you feels heavy. 

It’s over. Whatever this was, or could be, is over, and you both know it. 

When he finally speaks, it’s a sad whisper. “What about when you’re done?”

“A lot can change in three years, Joel,” you respond, mostly to extinguish the flicker of hope in your chest. It’s better for you to push him away now than to hope that he’ll be there when you graduate. No one has ever been there for you, and this is proving to be no different. You step around him and head to the front door, biting down hard on the inside of your cheek as the tears threaten to reappear while you get your shoes on. 

“Freckles, wait.”

You close your eyes, facing the door with your hand on the matte black knob. His dress shoes click on the shiny marble before his large hand comes to rest on the door beside your head. This is the exact position you were in after accidentally catching him in his office. You keep your eyes glued to the door and after a sniffle, a quiet clearing of his throat and a whispered, heartbreaking ‘fuck’, he continues. 

“I really am sorry,” he says, his voice hoarse. “This is not how I wanted this to go, but you know what you need and I respect your choice. These last few weeks have been so much more than I could have imagined, more than I deserve. You have brought me back, sweet girl. I know you probably don’t believe a word of what I’ve said tonight, and that’s ok, but with you, I felt that pull that I’ve been waiting for. I felt it the minute your cleaning caddy fell to the ground and I locked eyes with you. If you were anyone else, I would have let you run out of here and then had you fired. I chased you and I’ve been chasing you ever since, even though I know you are meant for more and that this could only ever be temporary for you. This was always going to be the end for me and a well-deserved, hard-earned beginning for you.”

He takes a shaky breath in and you open your eyes, but you don’t look back at him. “Regardless of all that, I meant what I said in my office that day. Starting this with you would be it for me. A lot can change for you in three years, and I want you to experience everything in California. But for me, it’s you. It will always be you.”

Your chest feels like it’s going to cave and your knees threaten to buckle. “I have to go, Joel,” you grit out, forcing your voice past the boulder that’s formed in your throat.

“I know, and I’m so proud of you, sweet girl,” he whispers, dropping his hand and stepping back. The heat of his broad body and leather-and-ash scent disappear from behind you, and it feels like you’ve been plunged into freezing, uncharted waters. 

You get in your car and drive, unsure of where your final destination will be. After driving around Austin for a while, you find yourself parking outside of the Maid Discreetly office. You take a minute, deciding what you are and aren’t going to tell your best friend before heading in. Jamie’s office is impeccable as always, not a single smudge on the glass desk as she types on her laptop, looking effortlessly perfect.  

“Hey, babe!” she says with a smile as you cross the threshold.

“How’s your dad doing with the California office?” you say, trying to act casual.

“Oh my god!” she practically shrieks as she jumps up from her chair. “Did you get into Berkeley?”

“That depends,” you say, raising one shoulder. “Does he have a job for me there?”

“Holy shit!” She runs around the desk and wraps you in her arms. How she can move like that in stilettos is beyond you.

“Careful, you’re gonna break an ankle,” you deadpan. The weight of what just happened with Joel almost dissipates. Jamie pulls back to look at you, her eyes scan your face and you feel exposed.

“Why aren’t you more excited? What’s wrong?”

Shit. 

A sob leaves your throat and you collapse into Jamie’s open arms. She pulls you into her office with one arm and closes her door with the other, then leads you to the couch along the far wall. As soon as she gets you seated, you manage to explain everything between sobs and very unattractive nose blowing.

This is supposed to be one of those exciting moments of your life. You did it: you got into the school you always dreamed of and you're moving to California; a place you always felt most at ease in. Yet, it’s all clouded over by having your heart wholly shattered by a man that you actually thought was going to be the love of your life. Someone who showed you he cared, showed you that he’d always be there. 

But it was all a lie. 

[lvnleah]

— home at last | jen beattie 🎄

find the twelve days of Christmas masterlist here!

The house was quiet when you walked through the door, the soft scent of pine and cinnamon lingering in the air. Outside, the December sky was fading into night, the first dusting of snow beginning to fall, each flake adding to the magic of the evening. You had just finished a long day at training with Arsenal, but your heart was set on one thing now—Jen was finally coming home.

After months of long-distance and hectic schedules, Jen’s Christmas break had finally arrived, and it was the first time you’d be able to spend the holiday together since her move to Bay FC. You had missed her more than you had words to describe, her absence leaving a palpable ache in your chest. The empty space beside you in bed, the quiet dinners, and the late-night phone calls had all made the distance harder, but now, the wait was over.

The sound of the front door creaking open made your pulse quicken. You turned from the kitchen, where you were putting the finishing touches on dinner, to see her standing there, coat slung over her shoulder, a large duffle bag at her feet, and that familiar, warm smile on her face.

“Babe,” Jen said softly, her eyes locking with yours, and your heart swelled at the sight of her. She looked tired but happy, the weight of the season’s stress finally melting away now that she was home. “I’m finally here.”

You didn’t hesitate. You crossed the room in an instant, wrapping your arms around her, breathing in the scent of her—familiar, comforting, and the only thing that felt right. She held you tight, lifting you off your feet in a spontaneous spin before gently setting you down.

“I’ve missed you so much,” you whispered, your voice breaking slightly as emotions you’d kept bottled up for weeks flooded out.

Jen brushed a lock of hair from your face, her fingers tracing the side of your cheek as she gazed down at you. “I’ve missed you too. So much.”

The two of you stayed like that for a moment longer, just savoring the reunion. The chaos of the outside world seemed to disappear, leaving only the feeling of warmth and love that filled the room.

“Come on, let’s get you settled in,” you said, pulling away just enough to take her hand and lead her toward the living room, where the fireplace crackled softly. The Christmas tree stood in the corner, adorned with ornaments both new and old—some from the early days of your relationship, others gifted from friends and family over the years. The house felt more alive with her here.

Jen’s eyes sparkled as she took it all in, her lips curling into a soft smile. “I’m so glad to be home for Christmas,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

You led her to the couch, where you had already set up dinner—her favorite homemade shepherd’s pie, fresh from the oven, with a side of roasted vegetables and the beginnings of Christmas pudding for dessert. “Dinner’s ready. I hope it’s okay, I made your favorite.”

“Perfect,” she replied with a chuckle. “I’m starving.”

As you both sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily, just like it always had. You caught up on everything from training to the latest team gossip, both of you laughing at the silly stories that only football could produce. But amidst the chatter, there was something more, something unspoken. The quiet joy of being together after so long apart.

After dinner, the two of you curled up together on the couch, the Christmas tree lights twinkling softly in the background. You laid your head on Jen’s shoulder, the weight of the world somehow lighter when she was near.

“I’m so proud of you,” you said softly, your voice filled with admiration. “You’ve been working so hard, balancing Bay and everything else. You deserve this time off more than anyone.”

Jen leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the top of your head. “I’ve been working hard to get home to you,” she whispered. “That’s all that matters.”

As the night wore on, the two of you shared stories, wrapped presents for the family, and even took a walk outside to see the snowflakes drifting down under the soft glow of the streetlights. The world felt perfect in this moment—right here, right now—with Jen by your side.

Later, as you both stood in front of the Christmas tree, Jen handed you a small box, carefully wrapped in festive paper. “I know it’s a bit early, but… I couldn’t wait to give this to you,” she said with a grin, her eyes full of warmth and love.

You smiled, unwrapping the box carefully, and when you opened it, you found a delicate bracelet with a small charm shaped like a football—a nod to both your careers and the life you had built together. Your heart fluttered in your chest as you met Jen’s gaze.

“I thought it would be perfect,” Jen said softly. “A reminder that no matter how far apart we are, we’re always connected. I love you.”

Tears filled your eyes as you hugged her tight, the weight of the words and the gesture settling deep in your heart. “I love you too, Jen. More than anything.”

And as the night drew to a close, the two of you settled into bed, wrapped in each other’s arms, ready to begin this Christmas together. The love and warmth you felt that night were all you needed to know that this would be the best Christmas you’d ever had.

[eternalsams]

Story Of My Life ⇴ J.Seresin

pairing: Jake Seresin x gf!reader

content/warnings: implied sex, fear of abandonment, unexpected pregnancy, angst, mention of breakup, discussion of abortion (I won't tolerate any hate messages about it), mention of a parent's death

summary: Jake panics when you start pulling away from him and he feels like he's destined to end up alone.

words count: 2.3k

notes: English isn't my mother tongue so please take that into consideration.

masterlist

"Honey, I'm home!" Jake called as he passed the front door with a smirk stretching his lips. But only the silence answered him in the apartment. To your defense, he was home early and he didn't text you or call you to tell you. He wanted to surprise you. The smile on his lips fell and he slightly frowned as he dropped his duffle bag at the foot of the coat rack. He opened his flight suit he still had on and step out of his shoes as he did everyday. But usually you would greet him with a kiss and little talks. He'd seen your car in the parking lot so he knew you were home. Maybe you were in the shower? His usual cocky smirk reappeared on his face as he imagined surprising you by joining you behind the shower curtains. Now, that would be a greeting! "Baby?" He called again as he awkwardly rid himself of his flight suit and his socks, only staying in his briefs and his sweat-wet shirt. The fresh air of the AC bringing goosebumps to his exposed skin, he got closer to your shared bedroom but stopped in his tracks when he met the closed door. You never closed the bedroom door.

He was about to open it when he heard your voice, you were probably on the phone. "I can't keep doing this anymore, I need to tell him. And the sooner the better." Jake tried not to think too hard on what you said but your words couldn't leave his mind, trying to find an explanation and a context to what you were saying. So he just decided to knock and wait for you to invite him in. Your voice shut down and for a second, Jake could only hear the beating of his heart. "Baby? You in here?" He softly asked, knowing you were there. He could hear you hanging up the phone and walk around the room. "Yeah, I'm here! Sorry I didn't hear you coming home, I was on the phone." You quickly said, running around the room to hide everything before Jake could see it. "Can I come in?" You heard his voice and saw the doorknob going down. You rapidly kicked the last thing under your bed just in time as Jake opened the door and his face appeared in the opening. You chuckled when you saw his hand hiding his eyes. "I'm decent, Jake." You laughed and opened completely the door to wrap your arms around him and peck his lips. You frowned when you saw how undressed he was and pointed at his boxer briefs. "I thought you were in the shower and wanted to surprise you." He slightly winced, noticing how weird it seemed now. You chuckled once more and slid your hands under the hem of his shirt, your fingers gently grazing his skin.

"What was that?" He then asked, his hands secured behind your neck and tilting your face back to maintain an eye contact. "What was what?" You frowned, hoping he didn't notice what you just hid under your shared bed. "The closed door. We never close doors in this house and you know it." He teased with a smirk as he rubbed small circles under your ears with his thumbs. "I know, sorry. My mom is having some relationship issues with her boyfriend and she asked me some advice." You couldn't believe how such a good lie came out of your mouth that quickly, but you wouldn't take it back now. "Of course, she'd need your advice, you're the best girlfriend in the world." He smiled at you, hoping that those words would help with whatever he heard sooner. He couldn't help but think that you hid something from him and from what he heard, it wasn't good. So he hoped that he could keep you in love with him with sweet praises. "You're such a flirt!" You chuckled and pulled away before grabbing a pair of sweats in the closet and throwing it to Jake. "Get dressed, I'm gonna order take out and go shower. I don't think that poor delivery guy wants to see your junk." He tried to hide a smile as he put on the sweats and watched you tap on your phone to order your favorite food. "Can't I join you in the shower?" He asked, getting closer to you but you put your hand on his chest without even looking up at him. "We both know we'll never get out of it before the delivery guy gets here. So, no." He watched you walk in the bathroom and close the door behind you without giving him a single glance. He sighed and threw his head back before joining the kitchen and grabbing a drink to move on from your cold behavior.

Anybody with common sense would not notice the difference and would even call Jake needy and capricious. But he knew you by heart and he knew something was off tonight. You closed the door, when he asked what the phone call was about, you lied. He didn't want to ask you more about it if you didn't want to talk about it but he knew you lied. It wasn't about your mom and her relationship issues. It was about you and him. And then you only pecked his lips instead of dragging him into the shower with you as you would usually do. You wouldn't care if the delivery man knocks at the door and Jake would have to go answer half naked. But tonight, you minded. No. You didn't mind. You just didn't want Jake with you. I can't keep doing this anymore. What if you couldn't stay with him anymore? Jake rubbed his face to clear his mind and poured himself another drink he sipped in one go. He then thought about the ring he kept in his locker, only waiting to find your finger. Would he have to return it? Jake cleared his throat and licked his lips before rinsing his glass and putting back the scotch bottle in the cabinet. He then heard knocks at the door and frowned. How long has he been deep in his thoughts? He went to answer the door and thanked the delivery guy, not without giving him some tip. He put the bag on the kitchen island and as he was about to take out the food, he heard a loud thud coming from the bathroom.

He immediately forgot about the food and rushed to the bedroom. "Baby? You're okay? What happened?" He asked, his ear resting on the door, trying to hear anything through the wood. When you didn't answer, he tried to open the door but it was locked. He frowned. You never locked the bathroom door. He knocked at the door, trying to get an answer from you. "Baby, please answer me. Just tell me you're okay in there." He tried to open the door once again but it was still locked. "I'm okay." He could hear the weakness in your voice and it reminded him of the time he caught you crying in the bathroom after your father's funeral. You were definitely crying. "No, you're not okay. Please let me in, and we'll talk." He begged, feeling like he had to save this relationship as soon as possible. Were you crying because you didn't love him anymore? Because it was too hard to live with him? He kept his hand on the door handle, ready to push it open when you would unlock it. But you didn't. "I'm fine, Jake. I promise. Just..just go back to the kitchen, I'll join you when I'm done." He shook his head as if you could see him. "I'm not leaving you like this. I know you're crying and..." And what? He didn't even know why you were crying. "Please let me in, baby. We'll talk and we'll be okay. I promise you, whatever it is. I'll do whatever you want if it means you'll be happy. I..I love you, I'm not... I'm not trying to hold you down, I promise. If you need space, I'll give you space." He stopped talking when he heard the door getting unlocked. You then opened it and there you were.

Jake softly smiled because even with your red puffy eyes and your wet cheeks, you were still the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. "You're not holding me down, Jake." You simply said, frowning. "Please don't close any more doors, I can't handle it. I don't want you to cry on the bathroom floor. If you need to cry, I want you to come to me and tell me everything I do wrong so I can make it better. Please don't lock me out." He looked at you as if you could disappear at any second. He reached out a hand to you and you took it before throwing yourself in his arms and crying some more. It broke his heart to hear your sobs but he said nothing more, only rubbing the back of your head and planting kisses in your hair. "Tell me what's wrong. Tell me the truth this time, your mom's boyfriend is not the one making you cry and I know it." He tried to joke and it earned him a chuckle, warming up his breaking heart. You pulled away and he kept his arms around you, not wanting you to get too far from him. "I'm pregnant." You said, looking at him straight in the eyes. Jake almost stopped breathing, staring at you in shock. He really didn't expect that. "I'm sorry, I swear I didn't mean it to happen. You have to believe me, and I was so scared to tell you. We've only been dating for 10 months and we just moved in together. I know it's really not a good time right now and I don't have anything against abortion if that's what you want."

"You're pregnant?" He asked in a weak voice, your words only hitting him now. You nervously chuckled and grabbed his hands before walking to your bed. "I am. I went to the hospital a few days ago and I just received the results this morning." You bent down and grabbed the folded sheet of paper from under your bed before giving it to him. He took it in his hand but didn't look at it, his eyes still locked into yours. He didn't need some papers from the hospital to confirm anything, he trusted you. "You're pregnant with my child. How far along?" He asked you. "Seven weeks." You shrugged and Jake tried to remember how could that have happened. Then it hit him. "The barbeque at Penny's." He closed his eyes, remembering how needy you both were after spending the whole evening teasing each other at the pool. "I guess it was too much for the pill to stop it from happening." You chuckled, hoping to get a good reaction from Jake. He laughed and dropped the sheet of paper as he brought his hands up to his face. A soft smile stretched your lips, a sense of relief washing over you hearing his laughter. "You're not mad at me?" You sighed, drawing his attention on you. He calmed his laughter and looked at you, seeming to look for his next words. "Why would I be mad at you exactly? For getting pregnant accidently? May I recall you I was there too that night! I was the one who came-" You didn't let him finish his sentence as you slapped your hand on his mouth, preventing him to say more.

"I was scared you'd be mad I didn't tell you sooner. We're in a relationship, I should've told you the exact day I woke up to throw up or when I peed on that stick to see those two pink lines. I'm sorry I kept it from you that long." You admitted, trying to forget how nervous and anxious you were that day. "When was that?" He asked calmly, taking you by the shoulders. "Two weeks ago. After I took the first test, I bought three more but I still couldn't believe it so I went to the hospital to get my blood tested. And here we are. They told me I still had six weeks to decide if I want to keep it. But I couldn't make a choice without telling you and-" You started rambling, your voice getting higher and your mouth vomiting the words. "And you were scared to tell me. I get it." He rubbed your shoulders to comfort you and you took a deep breath, relaxing and closing your eyes. "Do you want to have that baby?" He asked softly after a moment, making you look at him. "Do you?" You asked back. "It's not about me, Honey. Your body, your choice. Whatever you decide I won't leave you, even if you think we're moving too fast. I'm not leaving you." He enunciated those last words slowly for them to sink in. You looked at him deeply and looked down at your holding hands. "I wanna have that baby with you." You looked back up at him and smiled softly. A grin stretched his lips and illuminated his face. "We're having a baby?" He asked excitedly. "We're having a baby!" You answered with the same excitement. He grabbed you by the shoulders and drew you in for a hug. "I was so scared you were gonna break up with me." He sighed in your neck. "What?" You barely heard him but what you understood made no sense to you. "Nothing. I love you." He closed his eyes and breathed in your perfume, feeling home.

[carelessflower]

alec closet analysis thread

now it's confirmed that alec THE ultimate successor of broke nepo baby - sugar baby - tradwife pipeline, I compile a list of what items and brands i think he would use

casual wear

alec's style is the fit in trsom where he layer a leather jacket over hoodie, except now the leather jacket is some authentic italian leather costing 1000$ and the hoodie is ralph lauren. very subtle, very preppy boarding school with inheritance quiet luxury boy, ysl (magnus got confirmed wearing them and magnus shop/magic clothes for alec), loro piana, ami paris (magnus think "a" can be an initial alec is tres chic)

outerwear

classic burberry trench coat, leather jacket (a must), puffer, bomber, if in in dark color and cozy, there 70% chance alec wants it. fw chanel tweed stuff but non-monogram only. oh yeah got access to magnus unlimited closet of fur coat and been dressing in mob wife style every winter (it suit him so why change)

formal wear

structured, clean line, no fussy business. rarely do a three piece suit, unless it's a fancy nightout with magnus. layered his sweater/turtleneck with a blazer all the time. in shadoworld gala or events his suit would have pop of red either from the tie, the brooch or the detail to signal his position while blending in with other party-goers (consul robe wouldn't be sensible, considering shadowhunters history with downworlders). i can see ysl, celine, bottega, alexander mcqueen and peter do (the suit with the open back is for magnus only)

bag

THE shadoworld birkin mom, his collection isn't the biggest in the world because he's very particular in his pieces, no neon, overt pattern or rhinestone. got a mini birkin to store his airphones and gummy bear and izzy can't believe this is her brother's life now. big fans of every big bag imaginable, his birkin always looks like it may burst any moment. louis vuitton duffle bag, neutral, no excessive logo

jewelry

like anything silver, white gold, platinum, diamond, sapphire, pearl. tolerable of period and colored diamonds. keep ruby (bad association), gold and those god-awful rolex away from him please. own a couple of richard mille but only for fancy occasions, his go-to is usually vintage gucci bangle or cartier tank. got matching cartier love bracelet with max. break about 4 sets van cleef albraham but magnus like how delicately they sit on his collarbone so he gonna keep being restocked on them. for ring: harry winston, tiffany, graff, his fave shape is carre, emerald, cushion

perfume

woody, slightly white floral (he doesn't play about jasmine), anything fresh and clean, skin type of perfume. he's basically smell like entering a very expensive yet worth-the-price therapist's office. mfk 724, another 13, the matcha, and do son would be perfect. magnus got a whole shelves of kilian, alec basically take a look and one bottle and that's it. unless you're magnus don't come near him with anything patchouli or overwhelmed musk he would scowl as if your existence's offensive

tag list: @magnus-the-maqnificent @literallytypogod @hoezier-than-thou @sociallyineptbibliophile @queenlilith43

@khaleesiofalicante @wandererbyheart @raziyekroos @onetimetwotimesthreetimess @alexandergideonslightwood

@noah-herondale-lightwood @elettralightwood @dustandducks @deliciousdetectivestranger @delightfullyterrible

@letsgofortacos

@kita-no @thelightofthebane @secrettryst @goldendreams3 @cityofdownwardspirals

@stupidfuckindinosaur

@i-have-not-slept @rinadragomir @potato-jem @kasper-tag

@banesapothecary @culiehua @izzysimcns

[newtonsheffield]

omg baby neddy and Edwina concerts 🥺 do any of the other kids take an interest in music? Is Ben hella jealous because he can't compete as an uncle against an electric guitar? Does Edwina have a video of Anthony pretending to be a rockstar for blackmail that she ends up sharing anyway bc she cant resist? Down the line, if Josie never caves, does she give Edwina the ultimatum of garage studio or moving in with her (we know the obvious choice)?

Little Neddy is too young to really play the guitar but he likes to stand in front of Edwina who holds down the strings and he strums a little. He also likes to stands in front of Edwina’s band and dance while they play wearing his little blue duffle coat.

Edwina loves having this over Benedict. Benedict can add all the pages he wants into Hairy Maclary, can he let Neddy play the drums? Can he sing the Daddy and Amma song? No. Useless.

Edwina’s also… a liiiitle bit aware of how pictures of her with Neddy on Instagram usually gets her DMs absolutely flooded with invitations of all sorts.

Josie knows how to kill two birds with one stone, meanwhile. She has plans drawn up for her own house to have the garage converted to a studio but she thought it’d be funny to ask Edwina.

“So I’ve decided you can have your studio.”

Edwina nearly fell off her chair, “What?!”

“You can have your studio or you can move in with me.”

Edwina paused, narrowing her eyes at her girlfriend.

“Stop thinking about it.” Josie sighed, “Just move on with me.”

Edwina sighed, stepping into Josie’s arms. “Being married to a politician is going to ruin my reputation.”

“Who said we were getting married?”

Edwina rolled her eyes, “If we’re living together we’re basically married. Get used to being my wife.”

“You could just ask me.”

“Nope. We also need to get you a new oven. Because I cannot cook on that monstrosity.”

“Yes, Honey.”

[laundryandtaxesworld]

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.

[miscfandomwrites]

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Scientist! Reader Fluff

Warnings: None

Words: 876

Requested by:

Tagging: @tyler-t0t

~~

“When are you coming home?” my girlfriend’s worried tone makes me wince as I change into my secondary clothes.

“I’m almost done with this, Nat. I’m so close to being done and then-”

She cut you off: “It doesn’t matter, (Y/N), you’ve been working on this for the past two days straight. I haven’t seen you since tuesday. I miss you.”  

I sighed as I finished buttoning my pants up. “I don’t know Nat. I don’t want to go home unless I’ve made a breakthrough. I’m so close.” I told her as I picked up the phone, shoving my other clothes into my duffle bag.

“Fine, I’ll come to you.” She replied with a huff, and then hung up. 

She’ll come to me?

~~

“Hi, I’m here to pick up my exhausted and almost burnt out girlfriend, (F/N), (L/N)?” Natasha said to the clerk.

“Thirteenth floor, beware though, I’ve heard she’s on her third pot of coffee and hasn’t slept in two days.” The man replied, waving her through to the elevators. Natasha nodded at the man and headed up to your floor.

~~

“Shit, not another failure…” I muttered as I peered into the microscope, awaiting for the reaction between the cells. Faint lofi music was playing from one of the computers, amidst the sound of another pot of coffee brewing.

“(Y/N)?” Natasha’s voice had me jerking my head away from the scope, nearly making me hit my head on the shelf above me.

I cleared my throat and winced. “Hey, Nat..” I spoke softly. She looked around at the mess of papers, empty coffee cups, mostly papers, the occasional energy drink, and the few notebooks I had around and open.

“C’mon, Любить, let’s go home. When’s the last time you’ve eaten?’ She asked as she started gathering my scattered belongings.

I scratched the back of my head as I took off my lab coat. “I honestly don’t remember.” I told her.

She paused and looked at me. “The last time I remember seeing you eat was when we had dinner on tuesday. What sounds good to you?” She questioned with a worried tone.

“I was thinking-”

“No takeout. Something we can make at home that’s semi-healthy." She cut me off.

I chucked, then started taking down my hair. Wow, when was the last time I washed my hair? 

“Chicken sounds good.” I replied, finger-combing through my hair.

She nodded and shouldered my bag, before holding her hand out for me. I took it, and we headed towards the elevators.

“FIREROX, System save and shutdown.” I called over my shoulders, letting the A.I. take the rest of the task off my shoulders.

“Do you want me to text Natasha that you are on your way home, miss?” it asked me.

I smiled at the redhead holding me hand.

“There’s no need. Thank you and good night.” I told it as the elevator doors closed. 

Once inside, she pulled me into a hug. “Yeah, yeah, I know you smell. I don’t care. I missed you.” She whispered as she held me close.

“I could tell, love.” I replied, hugging her closer to me and breathing in her scent.

Once out of the building, I took a second to breath in the fresh air and roll my shoulders. 

“C’mon, nerd. Let’s go home.” 

~~

Finally back at our house, Nat’s first instructions were to take a shower then do whatever else. Well, she was going to cook and then we’d eat after that, then whatever else.

However, once I got under the warm water I started to realize how exhausted I really was. We’re not made to run on constant caffeine and no sleep for a few days. I did my best to quickly scrub down and get out, drying off as quickly as the cloud of exhaustion would let me. Wrapped in a towel, I headed into our room and pulled on some underwear and a pair of my shorts, and then one of Nat’s hoodies. Drying my hair and dropping the clothes into the room’s laundry basket, I headed out to the kitchen.

“Hey, Любить.” Nat said as I padded into the kitchen. I hummed and sat at one of the barstools, making grabby hands at her. She laughed and tossed the kitchen towel on her shoulder before coming around and holding me. She kissed my cheek before fully holding me, arms wrapped around my torso and her face pressed into my neck. Her hair was tied into a ponytail and wearing one of my black t-shirts and a pair of jeans, she was beautiful. 

After a few minutes she wiggled out of my grip to go finish dinner. Once that was done, and we finished eating, she dragged me over to the couch and yanked me on top of her. 

[bingbongsupremacy]

Camp Hawkins AU

Pairing: Steve Harrington x plus sized reader

Warnings: Use of Y/N. This is my first time writing a plus size reader oneshot. As a plus sized person myself, I wanted to try it. I'm a little nervous tho. I know some people don't like it when ppl write insecure plus sized reader stories. I just feel like when I write, I put my emotions and my insecurities into the character as a way to work through them. I'm working on my confidence and some time I will write x confident!plus size reader oneshots, just not right now. Anyways, I hope you can understand that, and if you don't maybe try another story. Thank you.

P.S. I don't know how tf to flirt.

The story doesn't mention a lot about being plus sized but it is there.

Summary: It's your third year being a camp counselor at Camp Hawkins and your 7th year knowing Steve. Every year your crush seems to grow stronger and stronger.

*Not Proof Read*

ABC List Stranger Things Masterlist

*****

" Bunk 23. " Eddie, one of the head counselors grins while handing me a set of keys.

I groan. " The bunk with the bats? Eds, are you serious. "

Last year a bat nest was found in the corner of one of the old wooden beds. Nobody had checked the cabin before letting campers and counselors inside, resulting in a nasty surprise halfway through the first week.

Eddie shrugs. " Sorry, kid. I don't assign the bunks, I just tell people where to go. " Eddie's eyes shift over my shoulder. " Steve! There ya are, my boy. Long time no see. What's going on? "

I feel my annoyance begin to melt away as the sound of boots makes its way towards us. It's quickly replaced with a flutter type feeling in my stomach, a feeling that's been stuck with me for the past seven years.

I turn to look at the cause of my emotions.

Steve grins at the man behind me. A large leather duffle bag hangs off of his left shoulder. In his right hand, a small rolling suitcase, the same grayish color as his coat, squeaks along. The same two bags he's used since I met him. Steve pulls off his glasses, sending a dazzling smile towards Eddie and I. " Same old, same old, Ed. Hi, Y/N. "

His grin sends waves of happiness flooding through my body. I love the way he says my name.

I do my best to keep my composure. I return the smile, adding in a small wave as well. " Hey, Steve. "

" So what's this I hear about you and Nancy? A little birdy tells me you're back together again. " Eddie asks, leaning against the desk in front of him.

Nancy and Steve. The always on and off high school sweethearts.

I have no shot with Steve. I mean, he's obviously still head over heels for her if he keeps going back to her. I guess deep down I hope he'll finally see me as someone other than his chubby fellow camp counselor.

Picking up my heavy bags, I excuse myself from the conversation. " Hey, I'll catch you guys later. I'm gonna go check out the cabin, make sure no bats are hanging around. "

" Do you need help with your bags? They look a little heavy. " Steve offers, moving to set his stuff down on the ground.

He's so sweet. He always have been. No wonder I have a huge crush on him.

" No, " I shake my head. " I've got it. It's not to far. " I smile.

" But Bunk 23's on the other side of the-" Eddie begins.

I interrupt him. " I'm probably going to stop at the dining hall and see if Robin's there yet anyways. I'll be okay. " I reassure them.

" Oh, okay. " Steve nods, glancing down at the heaviest duffle bag I have.

I'm definitely regretting packing extra crafts. I just didn't want any of the kids to get bored during free time.

" Cya guys. " I shuffle towards the door. The floor creaks beneath me as I walk out onto the main cabins' porch.

Maybe some day I'll mean more to Steve Harrington.

_____

" He literally offered to help you. Why didn't you take him up on that? " Robin groans in frustration. Strands of hair that slipped out of her hat frame her flour splotched face. Bits of dough and other mysterious stains cover the front of her apron, making it look like a doughy murder scene.

She leans on the serving window counter, her arms cradling her head.

" He was just being nice. I mean, if I saw you carrying heavy bags of flour, I'd offer to help you. It's something everyone does- be nice to the people you know. It doesn't mean they like you. " I argue. I fidget with the lid of my water bottle.

" That's different. "

I narrow my eyes at the woman. " How is that different? "

Robin lets out an annoyed grunt. " You and me, " She points to the two of us. " have no chemistry. You and Steve on the other hand..." She waggles her eyebrows, sending a warm feeling climbing up my face.

I roll my eyes.

" Have a fuck ton of chemistry. Like sometimes I feel like it's choking me. " She makes a pretend choking sound. " Please! Y/N! Steve! Just make out already. Please, for the love of god! Save me! Save humanity from the horrors of watching you two interact while denying your feelings! "

I gently hit her forearm. " Shut up. That's not true, literally shut the fuck up. " I mutter.

Robin laughs. " It's so true. Ask literally anyone that hangs around you guys. Why do you think Nancy and Steve keep breaking up? "

That can't be true. Relationships have issues. There's no way in hell Steve and Nancy keep breaking up because he likes me. That's...insane.

" Your a catch, y/n. You need to start realizing that. People-they have crushes on you too. "

I turn my head to meet Robins gaze.

" You're not the only person in the world who doesn't have someone attracted to them. I mean, if fucking Mike Wheeler can have a girl crushing on him, so can you. "

It's just hard for me to believe someone like Steve, Ex Captain of the Hawkins basketball team, could like someone like me. I'm pretty sure he's only ever seen me as a friend. All these years, transitioning from campers to counselors, he's never made a move on me. In all fairness, I haven't exactly made a move on him either...in my defense, Steve and Nancy are on and off so much, a flickering light bulb has more predictability.

This is all so confusing.

-----

" Welcome campers! " A loud voice booms from on the old cement stage.

Slowly chatter from the excited campers begin to die down.

Jim Hopper, a retired sheriff and the new owner of Camp Hawkins, begins to speak again. " We're so excited to have you here. Each of you have been assigned a bunk and a counselor... " Jim's voice begins to fade from my mind. The same words have been repeated year after year, not that I mind. It's a familiar introductory speech, something I know will never change.

I look behind the older man. The gorgeous quarry shines from the sunlight. Post card worthy.

" You're bunk 23, right? " Steve's voice asks from next to me.

I was so lost in thought I hadn't noticed he took a seat next to me.

I send him a smile. " Yeah, The bat bunk. " I mumble.

Steve grins. " I'm bunk 24. "

" Oh nice, I guess we'll be seeing each other a lot then. Well, " Stupid, the kids do basically everything together. You're going to see him a ton anyways. " More than usual I guess. "

Steve chuckles slightly. A sound that sends waves tumbling through my insides. " I don't mind. You're good company. "

I feel a familiar warmth sprawl across my face. " You're not so bad yourself, Harrington. "

A look of amusement finds its' way onto Steve's face. " Hey, I know you're not a huge fan of bats...or other flying creatures, " He references my first year here as a camper.

I let out a groan at the embarrassing memory. " That was so long ago. The bird literally came out of nowhere. " I vividly remember that morning. It was still dark when Steve and our friends got the bright idea to go check out the quarry. A bird flew out of one of the nearby bushes, nearly smacking into my face.

Steve laughs, his milky brown eyes glinting from the sunlight. " Hey, birds can be terrifying. I'm not judging you. " He holds up his hands in a playful surrender. " I was just saying, if you want, I can come over to your bunk and check it out. Make sure no flying surprises are hidden anywhere. " He offers, leaning forward slightly in his seat.

My heart flutters. God, he's so sweet. " I don't want to inconvenience you, I mean, it's probably fine. I doubt the bats returned. "

" Really, I don't mind. It's not an inconvenience, if anything, I'm doing this for my bunk. I mean, I don't really feel like waking up to a bunch of people screaming at 3 in the morning. "

My eyebrow raises. " Oh? So you're doing this for you then...for your interests. "

Steve tilts his head slightly. " I guess you could say that. "

The campers around us begin to gather up their bags, making their way towards Eddie and Jonathan who have lists of where everyone's supposed to go.

Steve stands up, extending a hand towards me. " So what do you say, Y/N. Do you want Pest Control Steve to come take a look at your bunk? "

I cringe at his stupid name, causing him to laugh.

" Only if you never call yourself that again. " I accept his hand, standing up from the cement row.

Steve's hand firmly holds onto mine for a few seconds longer after we've stood up.

From over his shoulder Robin catches my eye. Her eyes flicker between our hands and back to my eyes. She mouths a silent ' He fucking likes you ', which I ignore.

I release Steve's hand, shoving mine into my pocket.

For a moment, a flicker of confusion? Maybe disappointment flashes across Steve's features. He obviously ignores it, moving to fold his arms across his chest. " Deal. "

I smile at the man. " Deal. "

I look at him for a second longer before I'm quickly swept away by the campers in my bunk.

My mind analyzes our conversation over and over again, completely ignoring whatever Eleven is telling me while we walk back to our bunk.

He couldn't like me. Right?

_______

" I think you guys are clear. " Steve says, poking his head back out from under the last bunk. He glances up at the top of the bunk, making sure there's nothing hidden in the corners.

" Thank you so much, Pest Control Steve, what would I ever do without you? " I cringe slightly at my words, shaking my head. " You know what, never mind. I thought it would be funny but no. "

Steve laughs at my attempt at mockery. " You'd live in uncertainty. " He makes his way towards me, leaning against the open door frame.

Outside the kids are running around playing capture the flag, their yells echoing slightly around the bunk.

" Sure...I'd probably just get Eddie or Jim to look around. You know how much they love me. "

Steve slightly leans towards me. " They wouldn't check as well as I do. I do have a five star rating in customer service. " His voice is soft but teasing.

My eyes flicker down to his lips.

He's so close. Just a few inches away. If I wanted to, I could kiss him.

I do want to...

But I can't.

What if him and Nancy are still dating?

Fuck, I should've stuck around and waited to hear what he had to say about their relationship.

" Y/n! El got another bloody nose! " Dustin's voice suddenly shouts.

My head snaps towards the direction of the boy. His face goes from worried to grinning in a matter of seconds.

" Wait, " He looks between Steve and I.

Without waiting for him to finish, I snatch a roll of paper towels from the desk near the door. I hurry out of the bunk, leaving the two guys behind.

" Oh my god, Dustin... " Steve's voice groans.

" Were you guys about to..." Dustins' voice fades away as I make my ways towards a group of kids. I push past them, kneeling in front of El.

Perfect timing.

-----

The dining hall is bursting with noise. Kids sit together, eagerly talking about their first day back at camp.

I grab a plate and nervously head into the kitchen.

Food. My least favorite part of the day. I don't know if it's just the fear or people watching me eat or the possibility of someone making fun of me for eating too much. I should be used to it by now, I've eating around people for my entire life, but I'm not.

Every meal time still brings unnecessary anxiety.

Robin leans against one of the walls, a iced drink in her left hand. As she raises the glass to take a sip, droplets of condensation run down her arm. " About time you showed up. I basically had to threaten Eddie with a knife for him to back away from your portion of chicken tenders. He does not go down without a fight, I'll tell you that. " She chuckles.

" Thanks. " I begin putting some food onto my plate.

There's a moment of silence. " So. " Robin looks at me expectantly.

" So? " I ask, confused. I lean against the counter across from her. The counter hidden from the view of the dining hall.

Robin rolls her eyes. " Aren't you going to tell me about it? "

" What are you talking about, Robin? "

Robin lets out a sigh of annoyance. " Oh my god, Y/N. The kiss! "

Still lost, I set my food down. " What kiss? "

Finally, Robin blurts it out. " Dustin told me he saw you and Steve making out in your bunk. "

My eyes widen. " What? No. Robin, we weren't making out, that little..." I shake my head. " Steve and I were talking. Just talking. "

Robin raises an eyebrow. " Are you sure, Y/N, I'm your best friend. You can literally tell me anything-you literally have told me basically everything. "

" Robin, I swear. If anything were to happen, you'd be the first to know. Steve and I didn't do anything. "

" Doesn't mean something won't happen in the future though. " Robin smirks.

I roll my eyes. " He has a girlfriend, Robin. I'm not making a move on a taken guy. "

" They'll probably be on break by the end of the month. "

I pick up my plate again. " I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't get myself wrapped up into that. I mean, they'll probably eventually get back together. I don't want to be a rebound or something. "

Robin hops onto the counter, taking a seat in the empty space. " Steve's not like that. "

Yeah, he doesn't seem like the type of guy to do that. But, hey, maybe I don't know him as well as I think I do.

" So Dustin's going around telling everyone? " I say in discomfort. Even if we had kissed, I don't want everyone to know.

Robin shakes her head. Her hair is finally free from her hat. " Fuck no. I was the first person he saw and the first person he told. I told him I'd feed him to everyone for dinner if he says anything to anyone. " She lets out a small laugh. " Scared him shitless. "

I shake my head. " Of course you did, Rob. "

_____

The moon reflects off the quarry beautifully. Finally, there's bit of quiet. All of the campers are huddled together in the dining hall, playing random board games.

Their voices and music fade away as I walk closer to the water. I love being a counselor, but it definitely gets overwhelming at time. I look forward to going down to the Quarry every night, just for a little bit to clear my head.

As I get closer to the waters' edge, hear a twig snap. I snap towards my right side, the direction the sound came from.

A familiar jacket catches my eye.

Hanging over a nearby log, the sleeve of Steve's jacket shines in in the moonlight.

" Fuck, I'm sorry. " I blurt out as soon as I see the pair. On top of the jacket sits Steve. On his lap is Nancy, her arms wrapped around Steve's white t-shirt clad shirt. Nancy's legs are wrapped around his hips, pulling him into her embrace.

The pair pull apart, obviously surprised by my intrusion.

Nancy looks slightly embarrassed. " Oh I'm sorry. We didn't think anyone would be out here this late. " She apologizes, quickly getting off of her boyfriend.

I don't bother to look at Steve, knowing anything I see will send a pang of even more embarrassment and jealousy through my heart.

Don't be jealous.

Don't be jealous.

He doesn't like you. He never will. He's with fucking Nancy. It'd be wrong if he liked you.

Plus, Nancy is so sweet. How could I hurt her by dating Steve?

I turn around quickly, hurrying back down the path towards the dining hall.

Steve will never like someone like me.

[mollymauk-teafleak]

Anyone who’s been on my blog for more than twenty seven minutes or so knew this was coming.

Thinking about a world where John and Martin have their own little flat with a couple of cats and their little baby girl Gertie whose the spitting image of her papa but as grouchy as her daddy if you catch her in the wrong mood.

Thinking about a Saturday in autumn where they get her into her little duffle coat with the hat her papa knitted for her and mittens to match. They take the tube, she loves the roar of the trains and roars right back at them as they stand on the platform, one hand in each of her father’s.

They go to her favourite place, the Natural History Museum. Gertie waves at the diplodocus skeleton as they walk in and the blue whale skeleton. She has to see every single thing, peering at it curiously while her daddy explains to her what each item is and where it came from in his low, soothing voice. Even when she gets tired, John lifts her into his arms and she rests her head on his chest while she listens.

The insects in the cases are her favourites, with their bright, colourful wings and spindly legs. Her papa has to take over the commentary at that point, her daddy says bugs give him the creeps.

They eat in the little cafe and her dad’s bicker and laugh and hold hands across the table. Gertie falls asleep on the tube ride home, in Martin’s arms, while John leans against them, both father and daughter enjoying his soft warmth.

And then it’s home and curling up on the sofa with the cats, Martin still cradling Gertie even though he could put her to bed, he just wants to hold his daughter for a little longer. John just smiles so fondly and makes the tea, though he’s secretly so glad to have her there with them

[slippinmickeys]

Totality

Fiona made me write an eclipse fic.

Scully gently shut the door behind her, the crisp blue duffle with leather handles in her grip; the go-bag she always left in her car, just in case. It had been a just-in case, Mulder had to admit. They’d had to fly to Idaho with no time to pack, and had worked a grueling five days straight on a series of local murders with only enough time to catch maybe four hours of sleep a night and pop into a shabby JC Penneys once for more underwear. They were both overworked, overtired, and their suits–of which each of them only had two–were overworn; ripe with the scents of stale sweat and stale coffee and stale eau de morgue. 

Scully looked weary as she handed over the bag to where Mulder stood in front of their rental car’s open trunk. 

“How far away is the airport again?” she asked, squinting up at him as he deposited her bag next to his and slammed the trunk closed. 

“Only about an hour,” he answered, mentally girding himself for what he was about to tell her. “But, I uh,” he went on, “pushed back our flights to this evening.”

Her posture visibly slumped. “You…what?” 

Mulder bit his lip, hoping he hadn’t made a horrible miscalculation. He knew she wanted nothing more than to get home, slide into a hot bath and pull the covers over her head for three straight days. She’d certainly earned it. 

“Hop in the car,” he said, moving to the driver’s side door. “I have a surprise.”

He was exhausted himself, his nerves shot. He was running on caffeine and cortisol, his skeleton rattling with every step. But this…she would like this. He was sure of it. 

“Mulder,” she said wearily, a whine in her voice that he’d rarely had the opportunity to hear. But she said nothing more and reluctantly dropped into the passenger seat, leaning her head against the headrest and rolling it to look at him beseechingly after she’d clicked her seat belt on. 

Mulder turned the ignition and the sedan growled to life under them. 

“It’s a good surprise,” he assured her. 

She only sighed, and they bumped out of the hotel parking lot and onto town’s main drag, the sun shining on the shabby line of depressing suburbia. Ten minutes and five stop lights later, Mulder pulled into the mostly empty parking lot of a dying mall, the tires popping over stray gravel and broken glass. He cranked the wheel and the car swung over the cracked asphalt in front of a defunct Frederick & Nelson, turning in a reflex angle and stopping when the sun shone in full through the windshield. He killed the engine. 

Scully opened her mouth to say something, but he reached into the inner pocket of his suit coat and pulled out a couple scraps of cardboard, handing one over before she could voice a complaint. 

It took her a moment to register what he was handing her. 

“Eclipse glasses?” she said, sitting up a little in her seat. 

Mulder had found the black polymer lenses next to the cash register at a local coffee shop that morning, the bespectacled co-ed working it disinterestedly telling him he could have two pairs for a dollar. 

The upcoming eclipse had been in the news recently, but he’d mostly ignored it–back east it would only be partial at best, the path of totality only hitting the Pacific Northwest and parts of Canada. Four murders and a rough case later, he hadn’t given it another thought. Until that morning in the coffee shop. 

“We’re in the path of totality here,” he explained. “We’ll only get it for about a minute and ten seconds according to the local newspaper, but I thought you might like to see it.”

A look Mulder couldn’t read crossed over her face and he swallowed.

“The next full eclipse over North America won’t be until 2017,” he went on nervously. “I can probably change the tickets back if you-”

Scully reached out and put a warm hand on his arm, cutting him off. 

“I’d love to see it,” she said delicately. “Thank you.”

Despite the dark smudges under her eyes, the soft smile she gave him quieted any lingering apprehension about his decision, and he gave her a smile back. 

“I figured we could get on the hood, lean against the windshield,” he said.

“What time does it start?” she asked, popping her wrist out from her sleeve to look at her watch. 

“In about five minutes,” he grinned. 

Scully fingered the glasses and then opened her car door. Energized, Mulder did the same. 

“I ask you to avert your eyes,” he said drolly, putting a hand on the warm hood of the car before awkwardly lumbering his way on top of it, the metal plane thumping loudly under him as it dented to accommodate his weight and then popped back into place. 

Scully, opting to watch, looked on primly. 

Once he was settled, he held out a hand. 

“Milady,” he said, and she settled her warm palm onto his, grabbing on while she put a foot on top of the tire and dexterously swung herself up next to him. 

“Nimble,” he complimented her, reluctantly letting go of her hand. 

She shrugged and leaned back gingerly against the windshield, mindful of the smear of desiccated bugs across the face of it. 

“Here, wait,” Mulder said. He sat up quickly and peeled off his suit coat, rolling it into a ball to tuck behind her head, pillow-like. 

“Thanks,” she said quietly. 

“Don’t mention it.” 

Mulder could feel something ineffable pass between them. He coughed once awkwardly, and then pressed his eclipse glasses to his face, the sharp cardboard edge digging into the skin behind his ear. 

“How do I look?” he asked. 

“Like a dork,” Scully said, delicately donning her own, in, Mulder hoped, solidarity. 

She looked nothing like a dork, Mulder thought, eyeing the sharp lines of her face. She looked like a space girl, sleek and silver, an otherworldly beauty. 

He cleared his throat. “So do you.”

Scully’s face was tilted to the sky and he turned to follow her gaze. 

“It’s starting,” she said, her voice a little irreverent. 

Mulder looked at the sun, dark through polymer lenses of the protective eyewear. The moon was just beginning to edge itself in front of its celestial sister; incremental, pendulous. 

Lacking the pillow he’d given Scully, he raised his arms up and bent his elbows, resting his head back against cupped hands. Beside him, Scully breathed serenely.  He caught a whiff of his fusty clothing and hoped his jacket had fared better in the olfactory department than his shirt. 

They were silent for long minutes, watching the gradual procession of moon across sun. The day was bright but began to take on a verging luminosity, and Mulder raised his glasses up to take a look at the dark shadow of the car under them, which took on an off-putting sharpness against the dusty asphalt. 

“What do you think ancient peoples made of solar eclipses?” came Scully’s voice, a little dreamy. “What must they have thought?”

It was an invitation to oratory. A small gift. Mulder smiled. 

“Cultures throughout the world had wildly different theories,” he said, and Scully turned her head towards him, her eyes hidden behind the dark lenses. “Most of them, obviously, wildly incorrect.” Despite the fact that he couldn’t see her eyes, her look was encouraging. 

“The sun being devoured was popular,” he went on. “From the Norse mythology of Sköll,” at this she smiled. “To Asian cultures like in Java and Vietnam that variously had creatures or monsters swallowing the sun. It was commonly held in ancient China that a celestial dragon attacked and devoured it. Here in the Northwest, the Pomo people’s name for a solar eclipse is ‘Sun got bit by a bear.’”

The bear, Mulder mused, was widening its jaw. It was getting gradually darker, and he could feel the temperature start to dip. He put his glasses back on and looked back at the sun. 

“The Inca and Ancient Greek believed eclipses were a sign of a wrathful and unhappy god.”

Scully hummed. “The word ‘eclipse’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘abandonment.’”

“Right,” Mulder said, “though I think I prefer mythologies of a more solicitous nature.”

Scully raised her glasses to give him a look. “Solicitous?” she asked with a raised eyebrow. 

Mulder couldn’t help his grin. “In Australian oral traditions, the moon falls in love with the sun and chases her across the sky. If caught, the sun plunges the world into darkness. Medicine men recite magical chants to combat the evil omen. In German mythology, the sun and the moon are married. One rules the day while the other the night. When the moon is lonely, he’s drawn to his bride and they come together to create a solar eclipse.”

She looked at him frankly. “You know a weird amount about eclipses.”

“I like to impress you.”

“Is this why you were so late getting back to the hotel this morning? Research? My coffee was cold.”

“But are you impressed?”

“I wasn’t impressed by the coffee…”

Mulder gave her a long look, the odd light turning her hair a hazy copper wool.

“I like the German one best,” she finally said, plunking her glasses back on and leaning back to gaze at the sky. 

“Me too,” Mulder said. 

More long minutes of silence between them with the occasional car whooshing past on the roadway. Mall security drove by them slowly and Mulder gave the rent-a-cop a small salute. It was impossible to see Scully with the glasses on, so he kept taking them off. 

“You’re going to permanently burn your macula,” Scully said from beside him, not taking her eyes off the welkin of the heavens above them. 

He ran his eyes over the brushstroke of freckles on her nose. She was goddess-like; as luminous as a star. If he was the moon, he’d chase her through the sky, too. 

“You lose enough photoreceptors you won’t pass your next firearms recertification.”

He was tempted to tell her that in all the years he’d known her, her shine hadn’t damaged anything but his poor, lonely heart, but pulled his glasses back down and looked to the sun. It was nearly covered.

He sighed and felt her hand reach for his. His heart beat hard once against his sternum. 

“You can take them off during the totality,” she said, squeezing. “And should. It’s supposed to be incredible.”

“You ever seen it?” He asked her quietly. She was still holding onto his hand. 

“I missed the one in ‘79.”

“Me too,” he said. 

Around them, the air had taken on a distinct chill and the light shining down had grown metallic. Next to the car, in the long shadows of the trees along the edge of the mall driveway appeared little crescents. The colors on the mall’s signage dimmed and brightened. Mulder sat up and pulled his glasses off and blinked, shaking his head. The world felt odd, he couldn’t properly adjust his vision. It felt decidedly like the moment after someone takes your picture with a bright flash.

Scully still held his hand and squeezed it. 

“It’s called the Purkinje effect,” she said calmly, pulling off her own glasses with her other hand, and looking around with a wondrous smile. “As we near totality and the light dims, our eyes transition from photopic vision–which uses the retina’s cone cells to deliver full colors and fine detail–toward scotopic night vision, which relies on rod cells to detect objects in low light. When the light’s intensity dims in an eclipse, colors with longer wavelengths like red will look darker as the cones become less active. But rods are sensitive to shorter blue-green wavelengths, and those colors will appear to shine. It’s not just you. It’s the rod and cone cells in your eyes trying to make sense of the sudden dimness.”

Scully put her glasses back on and looked up at the eclipse. Mulder felt a surge of something so like love that his eyes burned. 

Scully pulled in a sudden inhale of breath. 

“The totality,” she said, pulling off her glasses and gazing up. “It’s starting.”

Mulder raised his eyes to the heavens. The world was dusk-like, the stars in the top of the dome of the heavens were winking on. In the bushes nearby, crickets began to chirp. 

The eclipse itself was like nothing he’d seen before outside of a big budget movie. The moon was utter blackness, but along the upper edge of the eclipsed sun was a hot pink half-ring that erupted into a single bring spot along the edge of the moon’s shadow like the diamond in a giant engagement ring formed by the rest of the sun’s atmosphere.

And then the flaming plasma of corona as the moon reached complete totality. Second contact. It was a living thing. Streams of white light danced around the ring of the black moon. Scully gasped in pleasure and Mulder couldn’t help but exclaim: “Wow!”

He pulled his eyes from the eclipse itself and looked around. Along the entire horizon, all 360 degrees of it, was in full, brilliant sunset. Everything else was the darkness of post golden-hour. He turned toward his partner and locked eyes with her. Her smile was brilliant, and she held his gaze for only a moment before canting her face back to the eclipse itself. 

“This is incredible,” she said breathlessly. 

He had found, as the years of their partnership wound on, that their job turned them into ecstatics, subject to mystical experiences. This was perhaps the most transcendent of them all. He would remember the moment forever. 

 “It is,” he agreed. 

A sharp flash, and Scully squeezed his hand. 

“Third contact,” she said. “Put your glasses back on.”

He did as she asked, and they leaned back and watched in silence as the moon continued its journey, as the sky relit and the nighttime animals calmed, as the world came back to itself. 

Eventually, Scully sat up. The light was still odd, seeming to come almost from inside her, and she lowered her glasses and leaned in to him. For a heady, divine moment, Mulder thought she was about to kiss him, but instead she pressed her cool lips to his cheek, her hair falling down to brush along the skin of his jaw. 

“Thank you, Mulder,” she said, and then straightened, the cool air rushing to fill the space she’d just been. 

“You’re welcome, Scully,” he said, his voice a little rough. He lowered his glasses slowly and watched her slide off the hood of the car, watched her stretch and smile to herself; a Mona Lisa grin gently stretching the planes of a face with the same faultless symmetry of the celestial bodies sliding across the sky.

[thechaoticdruid]

[This Bites] (3)

Pairing: Astarion x F! Chubby MC

Content/Warnings: Sexual humor, suggestive content, animal death, blood, slight angst, no Brian yay!, Winnie freaking out again, fluff,

Quick summary: Winnie gets Star out of the house after being cooped up since his arrival. Vampire hijinks ensue.

Chapter Two: Go Back

Chapter Three: Stay here.

Chapter Four: Lets fucking goooo!

Check out this silly recreation of the chapter in The Sims I did.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Hiding a secret pet from your parents was stressful enough, but hiding a whole grown ass man in your room would likely be a thousand times as nerve wracking.  Especially with a step douche who had a habit of barging into the room. Luckily for Winnie, her stepfather was never a quiet man, always stomping along the floor in thick combat boots. And her current stowaway was very perceptive. That still didn't cover all her issues. Winnie had searched all over Nexus Mods for that damn cheat mod she downloaded but could not find it again. It was as if the creator deleted it just after Astarion got out. To make matters worse the vampire was likely starting to get hungry. He'd been gazing at her more and more longingly each day since his escape from the computer. She'd need a way for feeding her guest which didn't involve anyone getting sucked flat like a caprisun. Of course she thought about offering him her own blood, but the idea honestly made her uneasy. In fantasy it was very appealing, having an extremely attractive and alluring man suck on your neck, what's not to like? There was the whole sharp teeth tearing into your flesh aspect, but in fantasy there was no pain, no need to worry about death. Just sweet sweet blissful fantasy. But that was not the case now.  In reality if Astarion were to sink his fangs into her neck he wouldn't need to drink all her blood to kill her. She'd probably bleed out from her jugular being punctured alone. 

Winnie stared over at him as he peeked out the window. Night had fallen and he didn't need to worry about the sun. At least not for a while. 

Winnie sighed, “I have no idea how I'm going to feed you if I'm honest.” 

“Since you're so keen on protecting our dear friend Brian I suppose that leaves me with having to go out and hunt for my next meal, well unless you'd be generous enough to offer me your lovely neck.” 

“I don't think that's a good idea, but I guess my arm might be okay…” Winnie lifted up her arm to look at it. 

“You love to take the fun out of things don’t you? But alright, I'm not about to turn down a willing meal.” Astarion's pupils practically dilated at the sight of the veins on Winnie’s arm. His mouth watering at the thought of her warm blood coating his throat and he couldn't help but lick his lips.

“Hold on! I didn't mean right this second!” Winnie hid her arm behind her back, her cheeks turning red at the hungry look he was giving her. 

“Such a tease.” Astarion huffed and crossed his arms.

“I had some things planned for tonight and I can't do them if my head is spinning from blood loss.”  Winnie said before searching through her closet.

She pulled out a large duffle bag and began to unzip it. Inside were some hoodies and other clothing. Grey and black T-shirts, some jeans and a pair of sneakers. “Here, these were my brother's, they’ll probably fit you.” Winnie said before tossing the bag onto the bed.

Astarion made a disgusted sound.

“These are so tasteless and drab!” 

“We’ll get you something more suitable to your tastes later. For now you need to be able to blend in.” Winnie explained. Astarion muttered something under his breath before he started removing his purple doublet and exposing his pale muscular chest. He was so perfect, so flawless. Winnie’s brain honestly turned off for a moment as the elf then proceeded to slide down his pants. Her eyes nearly entranced by a certain large shape in his drawers, her face turning bright red. 

“My eyes are up here, darling.~”Astarion purred, voice husky and soft. 

“A-Ah sorry! I should….” Winnie sputtered before scrambling off into the connecting bathroom. Astarion chuckled a bit, watching the flustered female dash out of the room. He couldn't help but find her rather adorable.  Winnie stood in the bathroom for a few moments, heart pounding as she pressed her back against the door. 

Oh God, why didn't I walk out sooner!?

“You can come out now, my dear.” Eventually Astarion's voice broke her from her thoughts. The human girl let out an exasperated sigh before opening the door and heading back in. The clothes were a little tight around his body, making his muscles quite visible through the light gray tee.  Winnie quickly grabbed a black hoodie and handed it to him. “Here, put this on.” She said, watching him slide the jacket on. Winnie zipped it up for him before leaning up on her tiptoes and  pulling the hood over his head.

“Hey! My hair!” He whined.

“I'll fix it for you later. Right now I don't want anyone gawking over your ears.”

“Why would anyone be doing that?” 

“Ah, right. You see, in this world there are no elves, no magic, no vampires….Just humans really.” Winnie rubbed the back of her head. 

“Really? Gods, how dull. Not that I mind being the only vampire around. That actually sounds rather delightful.” Astarion smirked a bit. 

“Please don't get in any world domination ideas. Just because there aren't any vampires doesn't mean there aren't people who can tear you a new one.” Winnie sighed before peeking out the door into the hall. “Okay, they're asleep. Now come on.” Winnie said quietly.

“Where are we going?” Astarion whispered, slowly following Winnie as they tiptoed out of the house. 

“We're heading out to town. It's probably a good idea for you to get acquainted with the area just in  case something bad happens.” Winnie explained, “plus I feel bad about keeping you locked up in my room for days.” She then took out her cellphone and shook it, causing the flashlight to turn on.

“I thought you said, you didn't have magic here.” 

“We don't. This my fanged friend is technology. It’s a machine mostly for talking to people far away, but also does a bunch of other stuff.” Winnie used her phone to navigate in the dark as they began walking down across her driveway. Winnie’s neighborhood was quiet, each of the houses were fairly spaced out with plenty of trees and brush littering the terrain.  Parked in the yard near her family’s cars was a purple motorcycle. 

“Oh, and this is my trusty steed! Or well it's basically my personal source of transportation. Think of it like a horse but made of metal. To make it even better this won't decide to turn around and bite you!” Winnie said with a smile.

“As wonderful as that sounds. I'm not quite sure about climbing onto some strange metal contraption.” 

“Well…If you'd rather walk….” Winnie said in a sing-songy tone, putting her phone into her pocket.

“Nevermind! Let's go!” 

Winnie climbed on the bike, her hands gripping the handles as she glanced over at Astarion. He looked the vehicle over curiously, nearly jumping up in the air when the girl turned on the engine. 

“Come on!” Winnie said.  Hesitantly he climbed on and immediately clung to Winnie, arms wrapped around her plush waist. 

“Oh, this is rather intimate.~” Astarion took the opportunity to nuzzle his face into her neck, growing a bit more comfortable as he held onto her soft form. Winnie immediately turned bright red, a shiver going down her spine.  She didn't really think this through did she? 

Focus! Do not let the incredibly sexy vampire elf hugging your back cause you to have a crash! 

We are not dying because of horniniess goddamnit!

Winnie mentally scolded herself as she drove off. Not that she disliked his attentions, mind you. She was just very easily flustered, never having been in any kind of romantic relationship, physical or otherwise.  Astarion sighed into her neck, The smell of lavender and cherry blossoms mixed with the delectable scent of her blood was absolutely heavenly.  It took all he had to resist the urge to sink his fangs into her neck and gorge himself on her blood.

Winnie kept her eyes on the road, the headlights of her motorcycle illuminated the street as they zoomed down it.  There weren't too many cars on the road so Winnie could be thankful for that. 

They rode away from the suburbs where Winnie’s home resided, eventually until coming towards a small shop just outside of the city. A large sign that read ‘CornerStore’ sat atop the building and illuminated the parking lot.

“This is where I work.” Winnie said as she turned into the parking lot. She parked up front in her usual spot before turning off the engine and hopping off. 

“Well this seems like a cozy little shop.” Astarion said, getting off. “What exactly could you precure here?” 

“Mostly snacks. Some hygiene products and other things. Just stuff you need around your home really.” Winnie said, leaning up on her toes to fix his hoodie before leading him inside. 

Winnie looked around the shop, thinking about anything she could get which would be useful for her new guest to have in the future. She couldn't get too much however. She only had so much room in the little trunk she had on her motorcycle. 

Bandages would be a good idea, shampoo…. Though he'd likely complain if it was some kind of cheap smelling stuff….

Astarion looked over Winnie as she scanned around the store. His tongue flicked over his fangs as he couldn't help but stare at her jugular. The gnawing pain in his stomach was crying out, demanding to be sated. He backed up as Winnie became engrossed in the products that decorated the shelves. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a small creature outside the shop. Almost cat-like, but with a longer snout, a ringed tail and tiny black hands.  The creature appeared to be picking around in the trash outside. Not his first choice, but it had to at least be better than a rat.

Winnie kept looking through some hygiene products, wondering what her fanged friend would need when suddenly she heard what sounded like an angry raccoon. She quickly whipped her head around, heart nearly stopping when she noticed Astarion was gone. 

Quickly she rushed outside and glanced over to see a dead raccoon fall to the ground. Astarion stood over it, blood dripping down his chin. 

“Are you fucking kidding me!?” Winnie whisper-shouted. 

“I was hungry…” Astarion shrugged, looking at her with round innocent eyes, mouth still covered in blood. Winnie grimaced, kicking the dead raccoon off to the side and out of sight before grabbing hold of Astarion and dragging him off. She pulled him into the store before making a beeline for the bathroom. She dragged him inside and slammed the door. 

The young woman pinched the bride of her nose, on the verge of tearing her hair out.  

“Please…Just please….Can you not do any vampire shit out where people can see you!?” Winnie said.

“No one was even around to see me. Sweetie, you worry far too much.” Astarion said, making a sassy hand gesture. Winnie crossed her arms and huffed, her eyebrow twitching.  She turned before grabbing some paper towels and wetting them. 

“You have to understand.” Winnie said calmly, “if people find out you're a vampire they'll probably try to kill you or worse cut you open and try to find out what makes you tick. Just please be careful.” She wiped the blood off his face before crumbling up the towels and burying them in the bottom of the trashcan. Astarion crossed his arms and stepped closer to her.

“I am a master of stealth, my dear. And if you expect me to just wait about for my next meal while you flaunt around that delicious neck of yours, I might not be able to control myself for long.” He said, running a clawed finger over her jugular making her shiver. His voice was playful, a bit flirty even, but the warning was still very clear. If she kept him waiting for too long he might not even be able to think before taking a bite out of her. 

“I promise I'll figure out a way to feed you, just give me time…Please.” 

“Oh alright, but only because you're so sweet.” He tapped her nose playfully. “And that little snack should keep me sated for now, ahaha.” 

Winnie washed her hands before leaving the bathroom to continue looking around for some supplies. Astarion followed after her, red eyes inspecting the isles with interest. Some of the objects looked familiar, but somehow still foreign.

A couple of times he'd ask Winnie what something was, and she'd do her best to explain, but sometimes it was difficult. Especially with some technological items that Winnie herself wasn't even completely educated on. 

She picked up a few things she deemed would be useful for hosting her guest, bandages, hygienic stuff and a burner phone. Winnie was about to go pay for the items when she froze, eyes widening in fear. Shit. Becca was working tonight. 

“Darling, are you alright?” The vampire’s voice was gentle. Astarion noticed Winnie’s fear and placed a hand on her shoulder before looking over to what had her tense. At the cash register was a tall skinny woman with long red hair, round red glasses and a face full of freckles. There was a black visor around her neck with a name tag attached along with several different round pins, most notable ones being a colorful pin with a pattern of pink and blue with a purple line in between and a second pin with what looked like a mind flayer on it. She wore a casual blue dress and didn't look the least but intimidating so Astarion was rather puzzled as to what had Winnie's heart pounding so wildly.

Becca was probably the closest thing Winnie had to a friend these days, considering practically all her peers from high school had ran off to start their own lives (the fucking plebs) and the two were able to bond a bit over a common interest in video games. See where this is going? Becca was a gamer. A rather devoted gamer who was always quick to snatch up any of the hot new triple A releases.  Winnie turned back to look at Astarion before quietly whispering, “when we go up to the counter do not say a word, okay?”

“Why?” Astarion asked.

“I'll explain it later, just stay quiet please.” She said before the two walked up to the register. Becca glanced up from the magazine she was looking over and smiled. Astarion held the small of Winnie’s back and stayed close to her. He was still not sure why Winnie was so frightened of this very simple looking woman. Though looks could be deceiving. She could be some kind of shapeshifter in disguise! 

“Winnie! I didn't think you'd be stopping by tonight.” Becca said in a cheerful tone. 

“Hey Becca!” Winnie greeted in a tone as perky as she could muster. “I…Just needed to pick up a few things I was running low on.” She said handing over the items. Becca’s blue eyes looked over Winnie’s face as she scanned the supplies.

She noticed her nervousness, but didn't seem too concerned. Winnie was known to get anxious quite easily. But then she noticed the male standing next to her and hummed. Becca noticed the white curls peeking out from under the hoodie he wore and took a long look at his very pretty face. He seemed very familiar, but she couldn't for the life of herself figure out why. 

“Winnie,” She spoke up in a playful tone, “is this your boyfriend? He is cute.” Becca teased with a wink. Astarion couldn't help but chuckle a bit.

“A-Ah! N-No! We're just friends!” Winnie said, getting very embarrassed. Astarion suddenly snapped his head towards her, a bit shocked at her words.

WHAT?!

Winnie ignored him the questioning looks he was giving her. She leaned over towards Becca. “I'm just helping him out. He's really really shy….” Winnie muttered to her. Astarion stood there arms crossed as he glared at Winnie slightly, eyebrow twitching.

“Oh, okay.” Becca responded, scanning and bagging up Winnie’s things. “That'll be 29.50.” 

Winnie paid for the supplies before walking out, Astarion stomping after her. She put the bags into the trunk of her motorcycle before she finally acknowledged his glaring.

“What?” She asked.

“Just friends? After everything we've been through, you and I are just friends?!” Astarion almost hissed out, but his tone sounded far more hurt than angry. 

“We literally just met a few days ago.” Winnie said, a bit confused. She backed up a bit, flinching at his tone.

“I wasn't lying when I said I fell in love with you over and over! I..I…Did something happen? Do you not like me anymore?” His voice sounded a bit hoarse. Winnie’s heart shattered as she noticed he looked like he was on the verge of tears. 

“Astarion…” She said softly before approaching him. “I do like you. I like you a lot, but you don't really know me ... .The person in the game, the brave strong beautiful adventurer. That's not me.” 

Astarion huffed, trying to blink away the glassiness of his eyes. 

“I fell in love with the sweet person who saved me, nothing else matters!” He took her hands in his. “Please…I want to be with you…” 

“Honey, you don't even know my birthday.” Winnie said with a sad smile. “And I….I'm really not sure. I know everything was probably quite real for you, but to me it was like I was just a spectator. Someone enjoying a good story. Hell I've never even kissed anyone in real life so the idea of jumping into a serious relationship out of nowhere is honestly terrifying…” Winnie said and looked off to the side. The silver haired male took a moment to regain his composure, wiping one of his eyes.

Winnie thought for a moment before looking back at him and gently squeezed his hands.

“Look, I don't have a lot of experience in this, but maybe we could start over? I could court you, maybe?” 

“Oh….Y-Yes…Yes that would make me very…happy…” The vampire blinked away his tears before mustering up a smile. Winnie released his hands, before hesitantly moving in closer. She thought about going in for a hug before she noticed him lean closer, lips puckered. 

Quickly she stopped his mouth with her index finger. 

“I'm…Not ready for that just yet…” She said with a sad smile as he pulled back. 

“Of course, apologies…I misunderstood.” He said feeling a bit embarrassed. Winnie quickly decided to just pull close for a hug before anything else happened. Astarion relaxed a bit, taking comfort in her embrace, and quickly wrapping his arms around her. It was difficult. His relationship had now practically been set back to stage one. 

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

After Astarion had calmed down and the two of them left the Corner Store. Winnie decided to keep her word about beginning a courtship with her flamboyantly fanged friend.  The night was still young and a date was the perfect excuse for Winnie to stop somewhere to look for something edible to sate her own hunger. Unfortunately there was little the pale elf could enjoy at such establishments, but Winnie did have one idea. 

Astarion looked over Winnie’s shoulder, his eyes widened in awe at the bright lights of the city. It was rather beautiful, making the night much more pleasant and allowing him to see so much more color than he usually would at this time.

Winnie eventually stopped, bringing the motorcycle to a halt as they arrived at a large pleasant smelling building. The air was filled with the scent of meat and other savory dishes. 

Winnie got off the bike before quickly adjusting the hood on Astarion's head, making sure his ears were not visible.  Winnie then took her vampiric companion inside before ordering a table for the two.  She sat across from him in a booth, looking down at her hands shyly. 

“I know it might be hard to believe with my charms and devastatingly good looks, but I've actually never been on a date before, not a real one anyway.” Astarion chuckled a bit.

“What about before you were turned? Surely you'd have been on a date then?” Winnie frowned.

“Perhaps, but I can't exactly remember much from before. It might as well not have happened.” He sighed, looking off as a waitress walked towards the table. She was rather beautiful, long blonde hair, blue eyes, a waspy waist and thick curves in all the right places. 

“What can I get you both?”  She asked. 

“Oh, something full bodied and red.”  Astarion said and looked back at Winnie. 

“Red wine and a pinjacolada please.” Winnie said as she glanced up at the waitress, eyes staring enviously at her nearly perfect bodice. 

“Ah and some fried chicken fingers, and um….Can you get maybe get us an extremely rare steak?” Winnie asked feeling a bit clumsy and embarrassed about how her last line was worded. 

“An extremely rare steak?” The waiter looked at Winnie like she had grown a second head. 

“I don't know if we're allowed to-”

“Be a dear, and fetch me something as bloody as possible won't you beautiful?” Astarion turned towards the waitress, his tone dripping with charm, his ruby red eyes almost hypnotic as he gave her a flirtatious wink.

The waitress’s face turned bright red. 

“Y-Yes! Yes of course!” She sputtered, a giddy grin spreading across her face. Winnie felt a twinge a jealousy shoot through her. She understood why he did that, but it didn't make it feel any better. The pudgy female took out her cellphone as Astarion began to ramble on about something. Something about how dull all of the people here seemed, and how abhorrent their attires were.

Winnie began looking on Tumblr, noticing a notification about TheRespectfulBard posting a new BG3 fanfiction. Though something else caught Winnie's eye as she skimmed through the Bard’s blog.  Apparently the bard was also looking for a mod that had been recently removed from the Nexus Mod page. However the modification they were looking for happened to be a mod that added a few new overpowered attacks to the game. Winnie quickly looked through the comments and reblogs to find someone saying the mod was made by a user named ShadowMommy69. 

Oh God…….It was made by a simp…..

“Winnie? Winnie? Are you even listening to me!?” Astarion spoke up, sounding a bit annoyed.

“Ah! Sorry…I got a bit distracted….” Winnie hearted TheRespectfulBard’s post before putting her phone in her pocket. 

“Honestly darling if you can't pay attention I might have to find a way to punish you.~” He teased, his hand reaching over to hold hers from across the table.

“Oh shut up.” Winnie rolled her eyes with a grin, her cheeks burning up. Astarion was just eating up all of Winnie’s overly flustered reactions. They were honestly all too cute. He looked at her with soft round eyes, wanting nothing more to plant kisses all over her pudgy little face. 

“I've got your order!” The waitress from before brought in their food and drinks. Her hips swayed as she strutted over and set them down on the table. Blue eyes roamed over Astarion’s face and body, though he didn't seem particularly interested. The smell of blood from the meat hit him like a truck, making his mouth water. Winnie immediately began to nibble on her chicken, but her eyes were glued on that woman. 

“I hope you both enjoy…. Especially you.~” The blonde said, seductively running a finger over Astarion's chest, making him stiffen.

“Um lady he doesn't like to be touch-” Winnie tried to object, though her mouse like voice was completely ignored.

“I'm getting off at ten just so you know.” She winked at him before wandering off. Winnie glared at her strutting form.

“Creepy bitch…” She muttered under her breath. That skank was so not getting a tip. Astarion cleared his throat before dusting off the front of his jacket, acting as if the waitress had got him dirty.  

“Well, now that that's over. I think I have something to attend to.” His looked down at the streak which was practically dripping with blood. 

Winnie bit her lip. She wouldn't lie. This was a bit gross. 

Winnie grabbed her drink, slowly sucking it down as she attempted to ignore the vampire in front of her, cutting up the steak and sucking the blood off. She couldn't imagine what was probably going through the head of any on lookers.

“Oh my God he is so fucking hot.” Winnie’s ears perked up at the waitress’s voice as she gossiped with her friends.

“Who's girl with him? Think they're together?” 

“Fuck no! Have you seen her? Probably his sister or something.” 

Winnie rolled her eyes and glanced back at her food. She didn't really feel very hungry anymore. She looked down at her stomach. The round, plumpness of it made her feel so disgusting. It wouldn't be long before Astarion realized he had more options. Better looking options.

“Are you alright my sweet?” Astarion's concerned voice brought her gaze back up. 

“I'm fine I guess…A bit tired if I'm honest…” She said tapping her fingernails to the table. 

“Well then, perhaps we should get you home so you can get your beauty rest hm? Not that you need it of course! You're already the most beautiful person here.” The elf said sweetly.  

“Yeah, let's go.” Winnie nodded, the two left their table and Winnie payed for the food at the register. She side eyes the waitress from before who was still gossiping with her friends. Winnie turned ready to head out the doors before she was suddenly snatched up by Astarion.

“I just want you to know once we get home. I am going to make you scream my name.” He said, his husky voice purposely raised loud enough for everyone to hear.  Winnie immediately buried her embarrassed face into his neck. Despite being ready to faint she also couldn't help but let out a series of giggles at his bluntness.

The waitress from before looked over with a shocked and frankly pissed expression. The vampire smirked slightly before tugging Winnie outside.

It was around eleven o'clock when they arrived back home. Winnie got off her bike with a yawn before looking over at Astarion who's hood had once again fallen off due to the motorcycle ride. 

Since they were home though, she saw no point in fixing it again.  

“I think that was an absolutely delightful first date, my love.” Astarion said as the two walked over towards the front door. “Don't you agree?” 

“Shit.” Winnie stopped in her tracks.

“Oh come on! It wasn't that bad! Actually I don't think it was bad at all!” Astarion crossed his arms with a scoff.

“No! Shit!” She pointed at the front door which was cracked open about two feet. 

“Oh, oh dear.” The vampire exclaimed before his companion rushed inside. He quickly followed after her as she zoomed into her bedroom. 

“Maddie!? Maddie!” She called looking under the bed and in her closet before checking the bathoom. Astarion went into the bedroom and inhaled, trying to pinpoint the scent of the sweet little kitten’s blood. Was it nearby? However, his red orbs suddenly shot open at the echo of barking coming from outside. 

“Maddie!” Winnie cried in fear. 

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Note from The ChaoticDruid: Been so hyped to get this chapter out! We have a lead on who caused Astarion to suddenly become sentient and it looks like a Shadowheart lover lol. A Shadowheart simp if you will! Also I know a lot of people would probably think Winnie's crazy for not wanting to jump right into a serious romance with Astarion, but I just feel like there are some things we'd love to fantasize about, but might not be too sure about in real life. Besides the girl is very romantically awkward. If anyone has any ideas on how to hide Astarion's ears better I'm open to suggestions, oh and PLEASE tell me what you think of the chapter! I love hearing all the comments about stuff, really makes my day.

Also fuck, Maddie's in danger! Somebody do something!

Taglist: @astarioffsimpmain , @iamsexytrash , @tiedyedghoulette , @hp-art-studio , @gaymistakeboi @the-disaster-in-waiting

[toasttt11]

suprise

December 20, 2023

Clementine had just had a game last night against the Flyers, the Devils losing in overtime. She got on a separate flight then her team this morning having got permission to leave and meet the team tomorrow in Edmonton.

She walked through the airport holding her duffle bag in her hand, she walked out into the cold Chicago air and smiled when she saw Janelle Foligno in the car waiting for Clementine.

Clementine quickly hurried to the passenger side getting into the warm car, she smiled leaning over the console hugging Janelle, “Thank you for doing this!”

“Of course!” Janelle fondly smiled at her.

Clementine turned in her seat hearing the kids in the back, “Hi Kiddos!”

“Clemy!” The three kids all cheered at the same time having seen her a lot more since Connor had signed with the blackhawks.

“Are you guys excited!” Clementine smiled at the three kids while Janelle started driving through the airport chaos.

“Yeah!!” Hudson cheered the youngest son of Nick and Janelle.

“Me too!” Landon their middle child smiled excitedly.

“Yeah.” Miliana quickly nodded with a big smile always enjoying skating with her dad.

Clementine smiled, and for the remainder of the drive she listened to the three kids tell her everything that’s happen since she has seen them last.

Clementine brushed her long blonde hair out of its messy bun from the flight, she was wearing a pair of jeans and black sweater with a black trench coat, she played with her silver sea star necklace seeing the Blackhawks Arena as they drove into the parking garage.

“Ready?” Janelle asked the four with a big smile exicted for the surprise, she got four nods in return.

Clementine opened the back door helping Landon out as the other two got out on the other side, Landon shyly grabbed Clementine’s hand holding, She looked down with a smile letting him hold her hand.

They walked into the Arena towards the rink where they saw lots of different family and friends getting together for the Chicago Blackhawks family skate.

Clementine saw Connor’s back as he was talking to Nick she gently let go of Landon’s hand and snuck up behind her baby brother, she stood up on her toes wrapping her arms over his shoulders resting her chin on his shoulder.

Connor tensed just slightly before smelling the perfume his sister has always worn and relaxed smiling as he spun around seeing his big sister here, he pulled her into a hug burying his head in her neck, “Faye?” Connor was confused as he thought none of his family could make the family skate.

“Hi connie.” Clementine pressed a kiss to the side of his head, holding her baby brother tightly.

“What are you doing? i thought you couldn’t come?” Connor smiled at his big sister when they pulled away from the hug.

“I couldn’t but i got coach to agree to let me come.” Clementine smiled shrugging knowing she did everything to make sure Connor wouldn’t be alone his first family skate.

“Thank you.” Connor squeezed her hand, before he held her hand and started bringing her to all his teammates who he has already introduced her too but she let him drag her around always confused how he’s always so proud of her.

Connor dragged her to the booth that had skates for the family and friends to use and grabbed a pair for Clementine to wear, they headed to a bench around the rink sitting down putting their skates on.

Clementine was done first and watched her baby brother fondly feeling like it was yesterday their parents handed Connor to her and helped her hold him, Clementine ran a hand through his hair that was messy after he slipped his beanie off, “I’ve missed you.”

Connor looked up from finishing her skates relishing in the comfort from his sister and felt alot of the anxiety and worries go away with her near, “I missed you too Faye.” Connor smiled softly truthfully hating being away in Chicago and none of his family near by, he’s love playing hockey but some days hockey isn’t always enough.

Clementine slipped his black beanie on before standing up putting a hand down to her brother who quickly took it, “Come on it’s been awhile since we’ve skated for fun together.” Connor smiled.

Clementine threw an arm over his shoulder as they got onto the ice and started skating around, “Last time i was on this ice i scored a goal.” Clementine smirked remembering the winning goal she got against the Blackhawks last season.

Connor chuckled at his sister, “We play each other soon.” Connor was so excited to be on the same ice as his sister during a game never having done that before, truthfully he would always rather be on her team and hopefully one day he will be.

“I know I’m very excited.” Clementine grinned shaking his shoulder slightly making Connor laugh, “Mom, Dad and Mads are coming the 22nd right?” Clementine double checked with Connie, knowing they decided to do Christmas at Connor’s apartment this year as it’s easier to meet in Chicago this year than Vancouver.

“Mhm.” Connor nodded still skating together, “Your coming the 23rd right?”

“Yeah i’m taking a late flight after my game.” Clementine nodded having planned to leave right after her game so she had the most time with her family.

Connor nodded happily at the thought of just a few days with his family.

Landon had skated over to them and asked to play with Connor, Connor looked at Clementine not wanting to leave her but she just smiled and nodded.

Clementine watched as Connor skated after Landon just like she use to when he was a super young, she felt a bump to her leg and looked down seeing Hudson smiling up at her, she smiled back at him.

She saw Janelle, Nick and Miliana right behind him, “I think they are entertaining each other.” Clementine smiled watching Connor and Landon chase each other on the ice.

“He’s gonna sleep good tonight.” Nick fondly laughed, knowing how much his three kids love Connor and Clementine.

Clementine stayed skating with them for a good while before Connor and Landon joined them finally worn out, “Had fun?” Nick asked with an amused look.

“Did i have that much energy?” Connor looked at Clementine for an answer.

“Connor, you still do.” Clementine deadpan with a smile, Connor just shrugged knowing she wasn’t wrong.

A media person was skating around taking pictures and asked for a picture of Clementine and Connor, Clementine threw her arm around Connors shoulder pulling him to her as they smiled their identical smiles at the camera, the media perosn skated off saying a thank you.

Connor looked at Clementine with puppy eyes, Clementine fondly rolled her eyes knowing what he wants but nodded agreeing, Connor cheered always loving racing Clementine on the ice.

“Around the net and back?” Connor proposed, Clementine nodded, “3,2,1 Go.” The two started skating really fast to the other side of the rink, skating around all the people on the ice. Connor has always had to work really hard to be a fast skater and Clementine has always just had naturally ability of being very fast on the ice, she quickly got around the net first and skated back to other side of the rink easily beating Connor, she skidded to a stop turning around watching Connor reach the net.

“I’ll beat you one day.” Connor pouted slighty have never been able to beat his sister on the ice.

“Oh i have no doubts little brother.” Clementine fondly smiled throwing her arm over his shoulder again.

They skated around for a another hour before the Family skate was finally over and it was about 3:00 PM so Clementine and Connor had a good few hours to spend together before they had to go to sleep and Clementine was leaving early in the morning.

Clementine sat on the bench taking off her skates, Connor sat next to her taking hsi off as well, “Faye..”

Clementine looked at Connor who was looking at her with puppy eyes, “What do you want?” Clementine raised an eyebrow knowing Connor always uses his puppy dog eyes.

“Will you make mac and cheese?” Connor hopefully grinned, knowing Clementine doesn’t love cooking but she is really good at it.

“Do you have all the ingredients?” Clementine questioned sliding her black boots back on.

Connor rapidly nodded. Clementine fondly rolled her eyes, “Alright fine.” Connor smiled cheering looking very happy.

Clementine stood up with Connor walking out to the parking garage with the Foligno’s to get her bag from the car.

Clementine grabbed her bag from the car and turned around as the three kids all hugged her at the same time, “I’ll miss you guys.” Clementine smiled hugging all three of them at the same.

“We’ll miss you too Clemy!” Miliana sadly smiled, sad they can’t spend more time with her.

“I’ll see you guys soon don’t worry.” Clementine smiled at the three as she bent down to their height, she booped all their noses before getting up accepting the hug from Nick.

“Thank you for watching him.” Clementine muttered to Nick, having actually met Nick and his wife during her rookie year and had asked if they could keep an eye on her brother.

“Of course.” Nick fondly smiled knowing how much Clementine cares for her siblings and anyone can tell how much Connor looks up to his big sister and Nick had no doubt that sooner or later the two would be playing together on one team.

“Thank you.” Clementine whispered to Janelle, having been thankful how Janelle helped make this trip really easy for Clementine.

“Of course.” Janelle smiled before letting her go from the hug.

Clementine and Connor waved to the family before walking to Connor’s car, Clementine got into the passenger seat and Connor in the driver seat and Connor started driving the quick drive to his apartment.

Connor pulled into the parking garage of his apartment turning the car off, They walked into the apartment and headed into the elevator to Connor’s floor. Connor unlocked the door and let Clementine and him in.

“If you wanna take a shower first and then we can make dinner?” Connor suggested knowing Clementine always like showering after being on a airplane and she just loves taking warm showers.

Clementine nodded and headed to the guest room that she has stayed in many times already, She slipped off her clothes getting into the steaming hot shower feeling her body relax from the warmth.

Clementine finished her showered changing into a pair of devils sweatshirt and vancouver hoodie, she slipped on a pair of fuzzy socks and brushed out her long soaking wet hair before grabbing her phone and heading out of the room seeing Connor on his phone in comfy clothes as well.

Clementine plopped onto the couch next to Connor taking the blanket on the back of the couch she picked out for his apartment and layed it over her beginning to scroll on her phone for awhile.

Connor and Clementine were so focused on their phones for at least an hour until Connor’s stomach loudly rumbled, Clementine laughed, “Alright let’s get you some food.” She pulled him off the couch and heading to the kitchen.

Clementine was pleasantly surprised there was actually a few food ingredients in his fridge and started to pull out everything for mac and cheese, Connor pulled out a french bread loaf and started pulling things out for garlic bread.

Clementine and Connor both did their part of the meal and within thirty minutes they had both finished. They plated up their food and sat back down on the couch together turning the TV onto a hockey game that was playing right now.

They finished eating and Connor brought the plates into the kitchen and came back tot he living room and sat on the couch laying his head onto her lap, Clementine looked down smiling at her brother and started playing with his hair.

They watched the entire hockey game and Clementine could feel Connor fast asleep in her lap, she grabbed the other blanket covering him and set her alarm before she rested her head on the couch and slowly began to fall asleep as well.

December 21, 2023

Clementine woke up to the sound of her alarm, she rubbed her eyes shutting the alarm off seeing Connor slowly waking up as well.

Clementine yawned stretching her arms above her head before reluctantly getting off the couch, she headed to the guest room and did all of her toiletries and everything before putting all her stuff back in her duffle bag and closing it up, she grabbed her bag heading out of the room setting it by the front door.

Connor walked out of his room looking more awake, “Ready to go?” Connor asked Clementine while slipping on his slides.

Clementine nodded and picked her bag back up heading out of his apartment and down to the parking garage, they both got in the car and started the drive to airport.

After a little while they got to the crazy busy Chicago airport, getting to the terminal she’s needs to go to. Connor pulled into the parking spot by the terminal.

Clementine sadly smiled and leaned over the console pulling Connor into a tight hug, “I’ll see you in a few days, have a good game tonight, I love you.” Clementine pressed a soft kiss to the side of his head.

Connor held onto his sister tightly always hating saying bye to her, “Have a good game too, I love you too Faye.” He reluctantly pulled away sending her a sad smile, one she easily returned.

Clementine hopped out of the car with her bag and started heading to the door, she turned around sending one last wave to her brother before heading into the airport.

[skeedelvee]

Carry On Countdown Day 15 - Punk

For this year's COC I've decided to put together daily fic rec lists! Let me know if you find any new favorite reads from these <3

For todays prompt I've gone with fics that prominently feature Fiona Pitch

rebel rebel by @basic-banshee

It feels funny reccing something so popular and beloved, but when you think punk for Carry On you can’t not think about Rebel Rebel, y’know?

Rated T, 183,211 words

Baz Pitch loves, in no particular order; David Bowie, punk music, the feel of old vinyl, the smell of coffee (but not the taste), classic books, magic, David Byrne, the fact that he was raised by his aunt Fiona, and maybe, sometimes, Simon Snow.

Into Her Arms by @bookish-bogwitch

Rated T, 6,620 words

Some rules are made to be broken.

Love Bite by @martsonmars

Rated G, 1,499 words

“I will not take any of this,” the woman says. “I am not giving this place more money than I'd need to renovate my shoe closet to be disrespected like thi–” “Christ, cut out the shit,” the man spits, a drop of saliva clinging to his pencil moustache. “Your boy bit mine first.” ||Contains: 6-year-old boyfriends, a bit of biting, enraged parents and an amused headmistress.

Please Look After This Bear. Thank You. by @livisafish and @yellobb

Rated T, 8,905 words

Inside is a large stuffed bear in a red bucket hat and a blue duffle coat that matches the Burberry one Mummy got me for Christmas last year. There’s a little tag on his coat that reads “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” I lift him out of the box and fall back into a sitting position with him nestled on my lap. He’s so big that when I give him a hug, I press my face into his shoulder rather than the top of his head. I breath him in for a moment, enjoying the warmth he gives me before loosening my grip to spin him around so he can hug me back too.

If you have any recs that fit the prompt that I've missed, feel free to leave them in the comments! There's plenty of gaps in my reading so there's a good chance I may not have read it

Also I've had a hard time finding if some people are here on Tumblr, so if you know someone who hasn't been tagged, feel free to leave that in the comments as well <3

@carryon-countdown

[whiskeynwriting]

MBFD - Chapter Eleven: You Weren’t Supposed To Know

Dave York x Female Reader

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Word Count: 6.2k

Warnings: 18+ (minors DNI)

Dirty talk, daddy kink, small size kink, grinding/dry humping, oral (m receiving), skinny dipping/slight public nudity, tanning, blood, violence, mentions of death

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A/N: Really didn’t expect this chapter to be so short, but here we are. And no, I’m not sorry about the cliffhanger 🤪

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My Best Friend’s Dad Masterlist

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Uncertainty is a funny word. You’ve felt uncertain in your life before, uncertain about job opportunities, a grade on an exam. Uncertain, unsure, of the outcome. And the feelings surrounding that sensation - anxiety, worry, fear, all of them are the same as what you feel now. But you definitely don’t feel uncertain. No, this is a different feeling altogether. Uncertain means unknowing, and you definitely know what you’re walking into, you know the outcome of your actions, or at least, you think you do. 

The way the familiar feeling of anxiety sinks heavily into your gut, the way adrenaline fizzes through your veins and pops at every nerve ending, the way saliva tingles on your tongue from the nerves bubbling high into your throat. Every sensation is heightened, your eyes darting around the extremely large and open room, the narrow passageways that open up into lines for terminals and cafés. 

Just barely, your fingers tremble, fishing out the phone that is currently buzzing in your pocket. Swallowing, you take in a shaky breath, unlocking it.

Stuffing your phone back into your pants pocket, you sigh, returning it with a deep inhale. You’d told Molly about this trip, insisting that you ‘needed some time to yourself’. You just couldn't bring yourself to lie to her. She knew you were going to Spain and that you were going alone, and honestly, she was really worried. But you expected that from her, she loves you like a sister. 

Running a hand over your face, you take in a deep and somewhat calming breath. All you need to do is find David. You know he’ll handle the rest. But honestly, it’s not even about ‘handling’ it. You know how to walk through an airport, you know how to find your terminal and check your bags, arrive early enough to get a bite to eat. It’s just about the people, there’s so many people. Anyone could recognize you; family members, friends of friends, acquaintances. What if someone sees you with him? But right next to your wild worries is the reminder of Spain. Once you’re in Spain, you’re home free. You’re certain no one will recognize you there. 

A few more steps forward, and the crowd is clearing, your terminal quickly appearing. Dave insisted on picking you up and driving to the airport together, but you told him you’d be fine on your own. You could just meet at the terminal. But up until now, you’d been dreading that decision. 

Further ahead stands a man in a dark brown coat, long enough to almost touch the ground. He’s standing beside his luggage, only a duffle bag on the bench just a foot or so behind him. His slate dress pants match the baby blue button up covering his upper half, the red tie sitting along his chest a nice touch to his outfit. His hair is done neatly, the watch on his wrist lifting to his face as he checks the time, now glancing around. And then he finds you, a wide smile brimming on his lips. Immediately, your worries fade away. 

“Baby,” He calls quietly, but you can hear him. You’d know his voice anywhere.

And before you even reach his open arms, you notice something… different about him. His facial hair. Just barely, a thin coat of stubble covers his chin and jaw, a little bit growing on his cheeks, too. And even though he’s in his business suit, it makes him look rugged, the scruff dark with a few gray hairs shining through.

“Hey,” With a sleepy smile, you approach him, hands dropping from their tight grip on your backpack’s straps.

Instantly, he’s reaching for you, cupping your face with both hands and bringing you in. The kiss he gives practically shoves every ounce of worry weight from your shoulders, your body relaxing into him.

“How are you, princess?” He murmurs, pressing his forehead to your own, his hands unmoving. “Did you get here okay? Do you have everything you need?”

Genuinely, he’s everything you need. 

Nodding, you offer a peaceful grin, looking up at him. With a relaxing sigh, you reply with, “I’m okay, baby. Just tired. Nervous, I guess.”

Frowning, he looks you over, heart warming from seeing you in your comfy state. It’s cute, you in your sweatpants with him in his business attire. 

With a kiss to your hairline, he loops an arm around your shoulders, gently pulling you with him as he walks over to the bench. “Come sit with me.” 

The bench is cold but David is warm, your body instantly snuggling into his side. With soft tugs, he pulls your backpack away from you, letting your muscles rest while you wait. And his arm doesn’t leave, either. It stays, rubbing you lovingly. 

“I don’t want you to be nervous, baby. This is supposed to be our trip, right?”

“Yeah.” Again, he kisses your forehead, the butterflies in your tummy flapping wildly. He’s so sturdy, so handsome and he smells so good. It’s barely been two days but you missed him, you always miss him. “Just… don’t want anyone to see us. Not here, ya know?”

“I know, princess.” He coos in response, murmuring against your skin. “Just wait until we get to Spain…” And the way he says it already makes you tingle inside, his closest hand brushing over your thigh. 

Shocking you out of your peaceful lull is the shrill ring of your phone. Both of you jump from it, you groaning and David laughing. But when you pull it out to see who it is, neither of you are wearing happy faces.

“Hey, Goof. Everything okay?” 

“Okay, so I know I just got done texting you,” She replies enthusiastically on the other end, oblivious to your nervy tone. “But girl Anthony is at practice right now!”

“Wait, what?”

“I know! Valerie told me; I didn’t go today, I’ve been studying. But she told me to tell you. Apparently, he’s asking for you.”

And now, you hesitate to respond. Dave is right next to you, and while he knows about this particular ex, you’d rather not talk about your past relationship in front of him. You’d rather not talk about your past relationship at all.

“Are you okay?” Back at the York home, Molly frowns, sensing your hesitancy. 

“Yeah, I’m just, I don't know…” Desperately, you try to make up some sort of excuse in your head. “I know you’re at home and I just, I don’t want anyone hearing about him, ya know? We don’t exactly talk about him in the best light.” And toward the end of your sentence, you laugh, trying to appear nonchalant through the phone. 

Honestly, Molly understands this. She knows you wouldn’t want to talk about your sex life in front of her family. Because that’s really all Anthony was to you, casual sex. And now, he’s not anything to you.

“Pfft, don’t worry, my parents aren’t even home right now. My dad’s on a work trip.” She exaggerates, sighing. “And besides, you spend so much time over here that he’s practically your dad, too. He doesn’t care about any of that.”

While you’d been trying to keep your conversation hush, David has been listening to every second of it. And now, he’s grinning. Moving his arm from your shoulders, he chooses to wrap it around your lower back, his hand hugging your hip as he pulls you further into him. Lowering his head, he leans in, kissing the soft skin of your cheek. 

“Yeah,” Laughing shakily, you sigh, feeling his lips on you. And then he’s moving lower, barely brushing them over your jawline, and then pressing them firmly to your neck. “But I, uh…” With a quick inhale, you clear your throat, feeling David nuzzle his nose into you. He’s so protective over you, even without saying a single thing. “I have to go though, Goof. My plane’s leaving soon.” And you don’t even know if that’s the truth but having her dad’s lips on you is making this conversation impossible to continue. 

“Okay! I just figured I’d tell you. You know I love the gossip.” She giggles, and already, you miss your best friend.

“I know you do.” Grinning, you then nibble on your lip, feeling David’s fingers squeeze your hip. “I’ll talk to you soon.” 

“Okay, love you!”

“I love you, too.”

You’re barely able to end the call before David is pulling your phone away from you and setting it on the bench. With that same hand, he grabs your jaw, forcing your face in his direction so he can kiss you. 

“So I’m your daddy now, too, huh?” He grumbles, eyes closing as he breathes out against you. 

“David…” Cheeks running hot, you cross your legs, smiling timidly beneath him.

“Am I a good daddy, baby?”

His physical and verbal attention has never flustered you more, mainly due to your public setting. You feel dizzy, completely light-headed and hot against him. Giggling girlishly, you lean in, pressing your lips to his. Already, his mouth is wet, tongue seeking out your own. 

“You’re the best daddy,” Lifting a hand to his cheek, you release a contended breath. “The best thing that’s ever happened to me.” 

Now, it’s time for you to melt him. He’s putty in your hands when you speak so sweetly to him. “I love you, honey.” 

But before you can return the sentiment, an announcement comes through the speakers, your plane now boarding. And when you look up, pretty eyes gazing at him so kindly, he grins. “Let’s go to Spain, baby. Just you and me.” 

It’s comfortable here, in the luxury hotel his work had put him in. And you’d like to think he’d buy you an apartment just as nice. Maybe even a house - wow you’re really letting yourself get carried away with this. But of all times, now would be the best to let your fantasies come to life. 

“I knew this’d be the first thing you did.” Dave laughs breathily, one arm tucked lazily behind his head. 

His other hand is in your hair, fingers combing it lovingly. When strands fall, he’ll brush them away from your pretty face, when you cry he wipes your tears away. He’s here for you, no matter what you do. 

“And you do it so good, too…” 

You’re only crying from the force of it, of his thick erection sliding down your throat. Honestly, how could this not be the first thing you do when he does something like this? He’s taking you on the best vacation of your life. 

On the plane, he made sure you were not only comfortable, but cozy. He asked for a heated blanket, knowing the cabin was too cold for your liking. When it came, he wrapped you in it, offering you the drink menu. It was all so fancy, you’d never traveled first class like this. Before takeoff, he plugged in all the electronics that needed charging, made sure you had everything you needed, and ordered your drink for you. By the time you were finished sipping on your beverage, it was lights out. You’d napped for a few hours, leaning on his shoulder while he worked. Dave had his laptop out on the pull-down tray, answering emails and detailing documents. 

Dave enjoyed the sensation of your weight resting on him. For some reason, it made him feel loved - important. If only he knew how important he really was to you. While he was daydreaming about you, you were dreaming about him. You’d imagined living together, laying in bed before he leaves for work in the morning. Snuggling up on his lap, he sat against the headboard, answering a few emails before getting dressed for the day. In your dream, he played with your hair, pet your head and called you his baby. It was a sweet thought, warming you from the inside out, even beneath your heated blanket.

You sleeping beside him also served another purpose, besides that of basic rest. It allowed him to check your electronics. He could’ve tried to do it while plugging them in, but he didn’t want to risk it. While you were snoozing beside him, he was able to connect your phone to his laptop, checking on the chip he’d planted in it. He did so a few days ago, wanting to be sure of your location on the trip. Dave knew he’d have to leave you alone on occasion to complete his… tasks, and wanted to make sure you were safe. He put one in your laptop and airpods, too, and your watch. And maybe your car. Once he got the idea, he couldn’t stop himself. Trip or not, he needed to make sure you were safe, needed to know where you were at all times. And right now, you’re exactly where he wants you to be. 

“Oh, fuck.” Head lolling back, he runs a hand over your head, eyes closing in ecstasy. “Just like that, baby.” 

Pleasuring Dave with your mouth has always been easy. You could put zero effort into it, and you’re sure he’d still cum in minutes, if not seconds. And right now, he’s barely half a minute in. The way your tongue slides up the side of his cock, dragging his foreskin over the tip, makes him shiver. Involuntarily, his hips jerk upward toward your face, your beautiful face, the one he’s currently fucking. You let him pulsate his pelvis upward, thrusting into your mouth at a languid pace. 

“Baby,” His voice is low and rough, that gravely baritone dominating the atmosphere. “Princess, I’m gonna cum.”

Your happy and almost teasing hum prompts a redness to wash over his ears, but he doesn’t even care. It only turns him on that much more. With both hands, he shoves you down, listening to the wetness of your mouth, the sound of your throat sucking him down. Your mouth is slick and hot and just perfect for his cock, his fingers curling into your hair from the feeling of it. 

“F-Fuck, fuck.” David is gritting his teeth, feeling you gag while on your knees. He loves you like this, bent over his lap, letting him use your pretty face to get himself off. 

This is paradise, the thought floats effortlessly into his brain. It’s fucking paraise with her.

“I’m g-gonna,” Tilting his head down, he’s met with your pretty eyes, lips now stuttering. “Shit.”

With that, he unloads into your mouth, his jaw falling slack from the sensation of it. Thick ropes shoot into your mouth, coating your tongue in the warm substance. As always, it’s salty, gooey, and slides directly down your throat. The best part of this, for him, was feeling you swallow it down. 

“Baby,” You barely have time to take a breath before he’s leaning forward on the bed. Grabbing both of your biceps, he hauls you forward onto his lap, mouth attacking your own. “Get over here.” 

He’s grown to ignore the taste of cum in your mouth, he just focuses on your tongue. It might even turn him on a little that he’s tasing himself. And with his hand on your jaw, that’s exactly what he does, tongue forcing its way past your lips as he holds you in place, just the way he likes. And while he’s stealing your goddamn soul through your throat, his free hand slides up your shirt, pawing at your tits. 

“Hm…” You’re giggling, smiling against him once he gives you the chance to. 

You feel breathless, weightless, like your head is spinning and you can’t come down from the clouds. He’s touching you the exact same way he does back home, the only difference is where and when he can do it. You feel so free here, like you’re on some kind of secret honeymoon.

“This is insane.”

“Why?” Moving down to your neck, he groans against you, kisses heated and heavy. “You’re happy, I’m happy. Let’s just be happy…”

Laughing at his lovesick state, you sigh, tiling your head to the side for him. “We’ve been here less than an hour and you’re already gonna fuck me?”

He’s currently leaving hickies on your neck, and will definitely encourage you to do the same to him during this trip. He’s squeezing you through your bra and massaging you fervently in that broad hand, already growing stiff again. 

“Nah,” David grunts, nipping at your neck. Reaching down, he grabs a fistful of your ass, pulling you further in as he says, “I’m gonna fuck you on a yacht.”

Life just isn’t real, it’s not. There’s no way you’re with Molly’s fucking dad in Spain, on a yacht, in a bikini, feeding him strawberries. What is your fucking life?

“This is so cheesy.” You’re giggling, face burning red-hot from your current act.

He’d ushered you onto his lap while he laid out on the deck, grinning ear to ear with a handful of your backside in each palm. Lovingly, he rubs you, caresse your smooth curves as he coos to you.

“Just keep going, baby.” And then, he lands a light smack, your center tingling from the force of it. “Daddy’s hungry.” Rolling your eyes, you continue on, placing the end of another strawberry into his mouth. 

The boat rocks rhythmically atop the gentle waves, the sun beating down on your angelic body. You’re wearing a bikini Dave had apparently bought for you; a two-piece, bright red set that highlighted your physique quite nicely. But enough about you, you’re staring at him. It’s clear he’s been working out, the definition in his chest and biceps obvious. Even his stomach is firm, flexing a bit as he leans in to take another bite. But this time, you’re putting the rest in your mouth, transferring it to him with your own lips. Jesus, you really are on a secret honeymoon. 

“Mm,” He’s moaning against your mouth, already hard from the very second you climbed onto his lap. His head rolls with your impassioned kiss after he’d been given the fruit, feeling your slender fingers run down his neck.

“How long will you be gone tomorrow, daddy?” You’re pouting slightly; he told you before leaving for the boat that he has a meeting tomorrow afternoon. 

“Only a few hours, baby.” Dave whispers in response, hand lifting to the back of your head to bring you in.

Rolling your hips over his, he releases a pleasurable groan, body feeling hot and not just from the sun. But his passion quickly fuses into frustration when you suddenly decide to hop off of him.

“What are you doing?”

Shrugging, you walk over to your own chair with a shrug, laying the back of it down. Now that it’s folded down, you lay out over it, relaxing with a light sigh. “Tanning.” 

“What about me?” Now, he’s pouting.

Chuckling, you close your eyes, enjoying the heat. “I sat on your lap for almost an entire hour, baby. What about me?”

Frowning, he crosses his arms, shuffling back into his chair. “Fine.”

All you do is roll your eyes in response, folding your hands beneath your head. You’re laying on your stomach, backside entirely available to him. And you’d cover up a bit more if there were anyone else but the two of you on the boat. The only other person here is the captain, and he’s staying inside. 

Dave is just drooling over the way you look in that red bikini. Your back dips beautifully before curving upward, the plumpness of your cheeks drawing him in. All he wants to do is smack and bite them, spread them wide while he disappears inside. 

Peaking out of the corner of your eye, you grin. “Whatcha starin’ at?”

Nibbling on the corner of his lip, he quirks an eyebrow. “The half-naked college girl sitting next to me.” 

“Yeah?” You reply, giggling at his choice of words. It’s flattering, his continuously flirtatious nature. 

“Jesus, you’re so sexy, baby.” He reaches down to adjust himself, eyes not moving an inch away from you. But then you wiggle your ass a bit for him and he’s no longer adjusting but rubbing. “What’re you doing to me?” David breathes out in awe. 

“Stop it.”

“What?” And he’s already cracking that shit-eating grin.

“Enticing me.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“I wanna enjoy my vacation.” You reply in a teasing tone, “Not just fuck my way through it.” And then beneath your breath, you mumble, “Although I don’t really mind that.”

“I heard that.”

“I wanted you to.” Sitting up with a huff, you stare at him. “Since you want attention so bad, why don’t you come swim with me?” You’re only teasing, and he knows it - he knows how much you love his affection. Besides, your playfulness shines through with that dazzling grin. 

“You’re going swimming?”

“Mhm,” Standing, you prance toward the ladder, hands leaning against the rails on either side. 

“Uh… I’m not much of a swimmer, babe.” 

“Really? Why not?”

“Just not my thing.” He shrugs, looking away.

And then your jaw drops. “David, can you not swim?”

“No, I can swim.” Dave responds with a huff, refusing to meet your eyeline.

“You can’t swim!” 

“Keep it down!”

“Babe,” Laughing, you walk back over to him. “It’s not like anyone can hear us.” Sitting on his lap again, you cup his cute, pouty face. “You really can’t swim?”

“I just… never learned.” 

“Well, would you mind if I went swimming?”

“No,” Shaking his head, he sighs.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, baby. That’s totally fine.”

This is a new side to him that you’ve never seen before. For some reason, it’s like you’re unwrapping another layer of vulnerability. 

“Maybe you’ll have fun watching me swim.” Leaning in, you kiss his cheek before standing.

Briefly, he wonders what you mean. But his questions are answered when you walk over to the ladder again, untying your top and letting it drop. Immediately, his eyes widen, watching the swells of your breasts bounce down, released from the confines of your thin straps. 

“Holy shit.” 

His reaction makes you buzz inside, your feet carrying you down the ladder as you hum. You’ve never done something like this before, but honestly, there isn’t much risk. There’s no one around for miles, no other boats or people, just the two of you and the water. 

The water is cold, a pleasant shiver against your warm skin. It’s a crystal-clear blue that you’ve never seen before, not back in the states. The scenery is gorgeous, genuinely entrancing. All you can hear is the sound of wildlife, mainly the surrounding birds that take up home on the cliffs surrounding the shores. Looking away from shore, you’re only able to see water, and nothing more. The ocean extends for miles, but strangely, it’s not an intimidating feeling. It’s comforting. 

Turning your head back toward the boat, you’re greeted by your gawking boyfriend. It makes you bust out into laughter, limbs rotating as you gracefully tread water. He’s hanging onto the railing, leaning against it while he watches you swim.

“I swear,” Shaking his head, he sighs. “You’re the fucking devil.”

Scoffing, your jaw drops. “Thanks.” 

“You know what I mean.” He’d roll his eyes, but he doesn’t want to miss a second of this. “Little fucking seductress.” 

“Oh, yeah?” You return, voice taunting him. Maybe you should show him how seductive you can be. 

Reaching down, your fingers find the strings of your bottoms, easily untying them beneath the delicate waves. And in one swipe, they’re off, too, leaving you completely bare before him. 

Beneath the wobbling outlines and sprinkles of bright light bouncing off the water’s surface, David can see your body. And you look heavenly, like a genuine goddess swimming through some kind of spring. The way your hair flows through the water is angelic, graceful, in the same way your limbs swipe through the sea. 

All Dave can currently think about is how lucky he is. Carol would have never done anything like this, not even when they were dating. And it’s not even about you being more adventurous than her, you’re just more fun than her. More fun and kind, sweeter, more attentive. You’re everything he’s needed in life. He’s thinking about that, and all the ways he could rail you tonight. 

On your end, you’re thinking the exact same things. No man has ever come close to treating you the way that Dave does. It’s like he can’t get enough of you. When you climb back onto the boat, he’s all over you, wrapping you in a towel and pulling you into his lap again, sucking on your tits while palming your ass. 

“Baby,” With your fingers tugging hard at his hair, he groans, teeth grazing your nipple. 

You were in the water all but ten minutes before he nearly jumped in with you. And you didn’t really feel like saving a life today. If only you knew David would be taking multiple tomorrow. 

“You’ll be okay, baby.” He’s kissing your forehead, trying to pry his arm away from you.

With all your might, you’re refusing to let him leave. And he’s not even leaving the suite yet, he just needs to start getting dressed.

“No.”

“Babe, I -”

“No.”

And then he chuckles out a sigh. “C’mon, baby. At least let me get ready for the day.” 

It’s just been too perfect, this entire time has been bliss. Your first night in the suite together was beyond peaceful. You’d kept the balcony doors open, the breeze sweeping through the drapes and into your room. It was warm, the air traveling through, surrounding the two of you in a comfortable blanket of atmosphere. And he was so lovey with you, cuddling you endlessly, kissing your head and refusing to let you go. He just couldn't stop holding you. David’s love language is definitely touch - he needs contact. Caressing your arm, your back, kissing your cheek, stroking your fingers, petting your hair, he always had to be touching you. He’s enamored with you. And with anyone else, you’d consider this kind of love to be smothering. With David, it’s anything but. 

Reluctantly, you let go of him, huffing out an exaggerated breath. Absentmindedly, you wonder if you’ll be able to have breakfast with him. After all, he told you it’d be a busy day.

“So,” He begins, his voice louder as he speaks from the bathroom. “I’m leaving around noon, so I’ve got a little less than an hour to make it there. Should be fine.” Shrugging on his work clothes, he does up his buttons before working on his tie. Then he’ll wash his face, brush his teeth, and do his hair. “I’ll be about a half hour away, but I’m sure you’ll be fine, baby. I’ll give you my card, okay? You can do anything you like, buy whatever you want. Have a… a ‘you’ day.”

He’s trying his damndest to convince you to stay out long enough for him to complete this task and shower before you get back. He needs to clean himself and the suite and any evidence, and he can’t do that if you’re anywhere near here.

“Okay,” You mumble, tracing the patterns on the bedspread. 

“Maybe if you find some cool places, we can visit them together tomorrow.” Walking back into the room, he offers you a sympathetic smile while tightening his tie. “I’m sorry about me leaving, sweetheart. But it won’t be for long. A few hours at most, okay?”

Sighing, you sit up, deciding to ready yourself for the day, too. “Okay.” 

And by the time you brush your teeth, he’s kissing your cheek and leaving. It feels domestically sweet, this departure, and you find yourself hoping for more of these moments in the future. But then sadness hits you again. You’ll have to find a way to busy yourself while he’s gone. 

Your phone offers a wide variety of shops and cafes, all cute and quirky and very much different than the ones in the states. You know enough Spanish to get around, thankfully, and after dressing yourself in a beige midi-dress, you head out. 

When you pictured this trip in your head, you imagined walking down these streets while holding David’s hand, not your handbag. But like he said, he can sight-see with you tomorrow. Maybe you can find some extra cute spaces to bring him to. Maybe you could even take a few pictures together, although they’re just more secrets to keep. 

“Coffee Small Orinx,” Staring up at the sign, you can already smell the beans brewing inside. And even though it’s not the morning, you decide to take a trip in to get a small coffee. 

The cafe is small, the interior decorated in an elegant yet cozy fashion. It feels strange, being out by yourself in a new city, a new country. It’s like you could be an entirely different person and no one would know. 

The only downside to getting a coffee here is the small spill you have when sitting down. “Shit.”

It drips down the rim and onto the table, a few splashes landing on your cream-colored dress. And against the lighter fabric, the coffee appears to be a dark orange-ish red, something fading to a burnt brown. A shade extremely similar to the one covering Dave right now. 

“You said this would be easy.”

“I fucking thought it would be.” 

But dragging two full-grown bodies out of a building while attempting to be discrete wasn’t as easy as Resnik apparently thought it would be. 

“You put us in some deep fucking shit.” David seethes. Barely two hours in and he’s already covered in blood. 

Quick fix my ass. 

“Look, Ari’s coming with the bags, alright?” 

“Bags big enough to fit a body?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Turning with a huff, Dave rubs his forehead, accidentally smearing blood across his temple. “Motherfucker.” 

He’ll definitely have to throw this entire outfit away. What was supposed to be a quick “meeting” was a total bust. These two lawyers could fight back, and hard. It didn’t knock him too far off his game, though. They were still the ones to end up dead. But now, he has their blood on his chest and neck, soaked into and soiling his clothes. He’s not even sure how he’s going to get back to the suite like this. 

Pulling out his phone, he chews on the corner of his lip, drawing blood from all the tension. He finds your location, discovering that you’ve returned to one of the nearby cafes. Dave figures if he’s quick, he can clean up before you get back. 

“Alright, look.” Closing his phone, he turns back around, shoving it into his front pocket. “I gotta go. Can you and Ari handle this?”

“Oh yeah, you have that girl with you, don’t you?” Resnik smirks, toying with him.

“Yeah, that girl.” Dave repeats, rolling his eyes. “Don’t be idiots. Take care of it.” 

Usually, he’d snap back at a remark like that, especially considering it was about you. But he’ll let that one go. Right now, he just needs to get back to your temporary home. 

And taking Ari’s jacket helps him do just that. Zipping it up over his bloody clothes, he stomps toward the door, unphased by the assault that just took place. 

He doesn’t risk taking a taxi, he just jogs through a few back alleys. While he told you he’d be further away, it was a lie, a small one, really. He wanted you to feel free to explore by yourself; he didn’t want you to feel like you needed to depend on him. When in reality, he was barely a five minute walk away. He would never let himself be so far from you, especially in a foreign country. 

Whipping out his phone again, he double checks that you’re still out of the suite, and he’s right. You must really like that cafe, because you’ve been there for the past forty-five minutes. He’ll look into that later. Right now, he just needs to clean himself off. 

Frantically, he busts through the front door of the suite, sweaty and out of breath. Quickly, he kicks off his shoes while unzipping Ari’s jacket, not wanting to track any evidence through the room. Chest heaving, he steps forward, turning the corner as he strides toward the bathroom. But just as quick as he does that, he nearly runs right into you. 

“Oh, Dave I… oh my god.” 

His eyes nearly pop out of his goddamn head. Why and how the fuck are you here?! Fuck, fuck. You weren’t supposed to know.

“Baby, what happened?!” Reaching out to touch him, he flinches away, not wanting some random man’s blood to get on your hands. “Baby, please, let me help. Are you, are you okay? What happened?! Oh my gosh!” Your voice is slowly but surely growing shrill and frantic, eyes searching his body with a wild desperation. You’re trying to find out where the blood is coming from. 

Gently, David grabs your wrists, pushing them away from him. “I’m, I’m fine.” But as cool, calm and collected as he usually is, he crumbles. He’s faltering, cracking open on the inside. This has never happened to him before, never. What the fuck is he supposed to do?

“Please, let me help, I - ”

“Just… stop!” He suddenly shouts, and watching you flinch at his change in tone is physically painful for him. 

Instantly, he knows what this reaction is from. It’s from Carol, from all those years of having to defend himself. And he can see this downfall coming as it’s currently unfolding, but he can’t stop it. 

“You don’t have to fix everything, okay?! Just leave me alone!”

“David…” You’re officially bewildered. Why is he reacting this way? Where did all this blood come from? What the hell is going on?! 

“Why are you even here? You’re supposed to be out! You were at a cafe twenty minutes ago!” At this point, he’s flailing his arms all over the place, making wild gestures while he yells. This isn’t the David you know. 

“What, how… how did you even know that?”

Jesus, he’s just letting all sorts of things slip today. “Are you just going to keep berating me with questions?!”

This entire interaction has you genuinely confused, shocked, and even scared. You’re worried for him, and yourself quite frankly. All you’re doing in this strange argument is running in circles, and what hurts more is that it’s your very first fight. 

Shaking the confusion out of your head, you hold up both hands. “David, okay,” Taking in a deep breath, you look up again, locking eyes with him. “What is going on?” 

“No, don’t turn this around on - ” He’s trying his best to avoid this. But his best isn’t nearly good enough.

“David.” You interrupt, your voice stern and loud and finally enough to shut him up. “Where did all that blood come from?”