#The little guys name is Josie (they/them)

[pigeocore]

Wolfstar and her little warrior

[farfromstrange]

Fictober Day 7: Morning After

Fictober Masterlist | Main Masterlist

Pairing: Matt Murdock x F!Reader

Prompt: Morning After (🌼✨)

Summary: You wake up after a One Night Stand with a guy whose name you can't remember, but perhaps the morning after isn't so bad when it's with Matt Murdock.

Warnings: Mentions of Smut (18+), fluff, One Night Stand

Word Count: 1.1k

A/n: If I had a ONS with Matt Murdock, I would never leave tbh.

Read Me On AO3!

You weren’t exactly ecstatic when your friends decided it would be a good idea to ask you to dinner, and then ambush you with a night of bar-hopping. You are not a hateful person, but when it comes to a night of excessive drinking after you’ve already had a hard day at work, you loathe the company of other human beings just a little more than usual. Though you couldn’t say no to them. You tried, but the second you set foot out the door, you were caught in the spiderweb of their vision of fun. 

They dragged you from one bar to another, and you were this close to losing it when you landed in a place called Josie’s in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen—until the woman behind the counter placed a club soda in front of you and said, “Courtesy from that guy.” She nodded toward the other end of the bar where a dark-haired man sat, red glasses perched on his nose and his white dress shirt almost glistening in the neon light of the room. He was beautiful, you couldn’t deny that. 

He carried a smirk on his face, tipping his imaginary hat at you, and it was then you decided that you would make the best out of that night. One thing led to another—one drink led to another—and you ended up going home with him.

Though now that you are slowly coming to your senses, tangled in silk sheets, your actions are starting to really hit you. You don’t even remember his name. 

He was this beautiful stranger at the bar, and you were pissed and tired and God, you were so horny. One sound from him in that gravelly voice and you were already clenching your thighs. Your brain didn’t even process his name because the things he could do to your body… names were the last thing on your mind.

He ate you out for hours, his head buried deep between your thighs as he lapped at your cunt. He spread your thighs on his big bed, and he feasted on you until his face was glistening with your essence. You came the hardest you ever had up until that point with any man. The way he listened to your body seemed almost superhuman to you.

And when he finally took off his pants, revealing that thick cock of his he had been hiding, you officially lost all of your senses. You remember how good it felt to have him inside of you, thrusting into you with abandon on your back, on your stomach, and your knees. He fucked you all over his bedroom and in the shower, and then in the bed some more until you were screaming loud enough for the neighbors to hear. 

A pleasant ache of soreness spreads through your body as you stretch. You slept with a man whose name you can’t remember, but it was the best sex you’ve had in a very long time. 

He’s still asleep next to you, his lashes resting peacefully against his cheeks, his hair a mess, and his arms cradling the pillow in his arms after you moved away from him throughout the night—he looks so beautiful like this. 

“You’re staring,” he says.

A shiver runs down your spine at the sound of his voice. You wonder how he knew; you were being so subtle. 

“Sorry,” you whisper.

He opens his eyes. “Don’t be.”

Those hazel eyes… warmth floods your chest, and you can’t help it anymore; you reach out to brush your fingers against his cheek. 

He exhales shakily, as though your mere touch is hurting him. Because it’s gentle, loving, and not at all filled with pure and unbridled pleasure. 

“Were you trying to sneak out?” he asks softly. “Just now?”

Your fingers halt, blood rushing to your head. “I wasn’t…” you trail off. 

“It’s okay, you know, if you were.”

“I don’t know you,” you try again. “Last night was… it was amazing, but… I don’t know you.”

The corners of his mouth curl up into a smile. He lifts himself on his elbow first, then slowly sits up against the headboard. Your eyes roam over the scars on his chest again. You didn’t dare ask about them last night, and you’re not so sure you want to ask now. It’s none of your business, but oh, you can’t help that part of you wants it to be.

“I don't know you,” he says. 

You snicker. “Yeah, well… I guess that’s fair.”

“I do know your body.” His smile turns into a smirk. 

Why is it so hot all of a sudden? You hug the sheets tighter around your naked body, looking around the room and then back at him.

He slowly extends his hand—the very same hand that has been all over and inside you last night. “I’m Matthew.”

Matthew. That’s right. 

You hesitantly clasp your hand around his, uttering your name. You’re sure he is a lot better at remembering than you are, but it feels like the right thing to do. 

His thumb brushes back and forth over your skin. “Nice to meet you,” he says.

Your heart threatens to beat out of your chest. He’s so fucking soft with you. “Yeah,” you smile back at him, hoping he can at least sense it somehow, “nice to meet you.”

And you start to wonder what it would be like to have dinner with him. Walk the streets of New York City with his arm around yours as you guide him along the sidewalk, describing the beauty of nature to him. The moonlight reflecting off the little pond in Central Park, and how the leaves look when they rustle in the wind. He can hear them, but you wish you could paint the world as a picture to him. You just want to spend time with him. 

Your hand is still in his when he tugs you closer, your lips mere inches away from him. “Let me get to know you,” his voice is barely above a whisper. He’s pleading, pleading to get to know you. Begging, even. How can you say no to him? 

You rest your forehead against his. “Okay,” you answer. “But only if you let me get to know you, too.”

Matt draws a cross with his index finger over his heart. “Promise,” he says. 

“Such a good Catholic.”

With that, you bridge the gap between you, and you finally kiss him again. The butterflies in your belly break out of their cage. He tastes like heaven, even though the things he does to you might land you in hell. He’s your sweetest temptation.

Air becomes a luxury you don’t need, tongues and teeth clashing as he devours you, mind, body, and soul. “Can I persuade you to stay for breakfast?” he breathes into your mouth.

You no longer want to leave. You want to stay. Forever. That might be crazy, you know, but sometimes you just… know. 

You kiss him again, humming, “Mark me down as persuaded.” 

And this time, you really do just know. 

@ebathory997 @the-b33skn33s @scoliobean @drmeghanjones @lanae111 @steve-chandler @lucienofthelakes @xnatyx @gpenguin666 @linamarr @mcugeekposts @itwasthereaminuteago @norestfortheshelbywicked @yarrystyleeza @littlenerdyravenclaw @etanordoesbullsh1t @thychuvaluswife @harleycao @schneeflocky @imjustcal @pipsqueakkitten @merlinbtch @sya-skies @amberritonicole @ravenclaw617 @pigeonmama @bohemianrhapsody86 @a-gir1-has-n0-name @callsign-ember @chittaphonstar @buckyyyismahhlife @trublu2u @zomtart @ethereal-blaze

[mxlti-fand0m-imaginess]

Blind Dates // Hazel Callahan

request: College Au! Hazel x reader, PJ and Josie trying to set up reader with someone else and reader tells at them " I just want Hazel! " And ofc she hears that...

prompts: none

summary: after being set up on numerous unsuccessful blind dates in your attempt to get over hazel, you’re just about ready to give up on ever finding a partner. but what happens when hazel finds out about your feelings for her?

warnings: pj being kind of a dick

word count: 1.3k

a/n: gn!reader, reader is implied to be bi/pan

join my taglist!

“Y/n!” Josie called as she practically ran across the quad to reach you, PJ following behind her.

Josie looked ecstatic, which could only mean one thing. She had set you up on yet another blind date. At first you thought it was sweet that your friends had wanted you to get with someone, especially after your continuous complaints about being single, but now you were just tired of it. None of the dates were successful, and after last week's one with that air-headed jock, you didn’t want any part of PJ and Josie’s “matchmaking skills”.

You forced a smile as Josie and PJ reached you, trying not to show how fed up you were with all of this. “Hey guys,” you said, acting as if you didn’t already know what they were up to.

Josie sat down beside you on the bench, trying to catch her breath from having run over to you. “So, do we have news for you!” Josie finally said, grinning excitedly.

Josie opened her mouth to continue speaking, only to be immediately cut off by PJ. “Josie got you another date. And hopefully this one’ll actually work out so you’ll finally stop bitching about being single.”

“You do that too, y’know,” you shot back, irked by PJ’s abrasive personality.

She just grinned in response. “Yeah, but it’s not annoying when I do it.”

“Anyways…” Josie cut in, trying to get the conversation back on topic. “You have a date tonight at 8pm. Her name is Lacy, she’s a science major, and I showed her your picture and she thinks you’re cute.”

“No thanks,” you huffed, not even trying to disguise your disinterest.

Josie and PJ looked baffled by your response, not understanding why you would shut this down.

“No thanks?” PJ asked, scoffing as she shoved your shoulder. “Is this about that last date we sent you on? I swear, I didn’t know he was so… dull. That one’s on Josie. But you need to go, Lacy’s interested and you need to not be single any more.”

“Yeah, I really should’ve known better than to set you up with a guy named Chad. But Lacy’s really great, I think you’d like her,” Josie said, sounding much less forceful than PJ.

You shook your head, dismissing both of their points. “I get it, and I’m sure Lacy’s nice, but I just can’t keep doing these blind date things. This is like the fifth one. And besides… I’m kinda interested in someone else.”

“Wait, seriously? So you’re telling me that we wasted all of that time trying to set you up with people, and you like someone else?!” PJ grumbled, annoyed at you despite having had little to no part in the actual setting you up with someone part of things.

“Why didn’t you tell us? We could’ve helped you try to get with them,” Josie said, a bit disappointed about things, but not nearly as upset as PJ.

You sighed, looking at the ground as you fiddled with your necklace. “Because, it’s never gonna happen. She’d never be interested in me. And I really do appreciate you guys trying to set me up with someone, but I just want Hazel.”

Unbeknownst to the three of you, Hazel was heading over to you guys, completely unaware of the topic of discussion, which just so happened to transition to her. But as she walked over, she did manage to catch the last thing you said. Her eyes widened and she felt her heart flutter in her chest. Hazel would be lying if she said she didn’t have a major crush on you. One that she’s been harboring since high school. And to hear you say that you liked her back… that was just about the best thing that ever could’ve happened to her.

“Oh… Hazel! Hey…” PJ said awkwardly, finally noticing the girl’s presence.

You immediately tensed up and felt your face grow hot. Your mind raced in panic, hoping and praying that Hazel didn’t just hear what you had said.

“Hey guys! Whatcha talking about?” Hazel asked, sitting down on the other side of the bench, sandwiching you between her and Josie.

“Science homework!” “Clothes!” Josie and PJ blurted out at the same time.

You felt yourself growing increasingly nervous, especially with Hazel sitting so close to you, and you became desperate for an out. So you took what Josie said and ran with it.

“Speaking of science homework, I better get going. I have a paper I have to finish. Bye!” you rambled, hurriedly grabbing your things before bolting off in the direction of your dorm room, leaving your friends behind.

“Well that was weird…” Hazel said.

PJ shrugged, “You know y/n. They’re always like that. Really weird.”

“Anyways, while we’re talking about y/n, I need your guys’ help with something…”

~

You grumbled as you trudged over to your door, the incessant knocking driving you mad. You threw open the door, ready to rip whoever was on the other side a new one, when you came face to face with Josie, who had that same ecstatic look on her face that always appeared when she had secured you another date.

“No! I’m not going on another blind date! I’m sure Lacy’s great, but I told you that-”

“It’s not with Lacy,” Josie said, cutting you off.

You raised an eyebrow in confusion. “I thought you were setting me up with Lacy tonight?”

Josie waved her hands dismissively, “Yeah, I was. But… now it’s with someone else. Just trust me, okay?”

“I already told you-”

“I know. But please, just this last one. And then I’ll never bring it up again. I promise.”

You contemplated this for a moment. On one hand, you really didn’t want to go on another blind date. But on the other hand, you really did want Josie and PJ to stop bothering you with all of this. What was the harm of spending one more night on a horrible date to finally get Josie and PJ to leave this alone?

You sighed, giving in. “Alright, fine. But this is the last one.”

“Great!” Josie said, grabbing your hand and all but dragging you out of your room.

“Josie, what are you doing?”

“Taking you to your date.”

“What?! Now?! I look horrible! Don’t you at least want me to attempt to have a successful date?”

“It’s fine! And besides, you look great! You always do. So stop complaining, and have fun!” she replied, pushing you towards an open door before you could even process whose room it was.

“Wait-” you said, turning around to talk to Josie, only to have the door slammed shut, leaving you alone in some rando’s dorm room.

“Great,” you mumbled under your breath, turning around to see who you were stuck with for the next hour or so, only to see Hazel standing there, smiling awkwardly.

“Hi…” she said, taking a step towards you.

“Hazel? You’re who Josie set me up with?”

She nodded. “Yeah. But only because I asked her to. I… I kinda overheard you in the quad today.”

You felt your stomach sink at her words. “...You did?”

“Mhm. And I was going to say something to you, but I wasn’t like entirely sure that it was me you were talking about cause I don’t know how many other Hazels are here. So I asked PJ and Josie to help me because I didn’t want to embarrass myself.”

You smiled at her words, feeling a tiny bit less nervous. “So I guess it’s safe to assume that you like me too?”

Hazel laughed softly as she nodded again. “Yep. I’ve actually liked you since high school…”

“Wait, really?”

“Yeah. Is that bad��?”

You quickly shook your head, finally walking over to her. “No! It’s just… I’ve liked you since high school too. God, we’re such idiots.”

Hazel smiled. “We really are.”

“So… what did you have planned for our date?”

“I thought we could maybe watch a movie? I asked Josie what your favorite one was. If that’s okay with you…?”

You nodded excitedly, sitting down on Hazel’s bed, Hazel quickly following suit. “Definitely, but only if we watch your favorite movie too.”

Hazel smiled, leaning her head against your shoulder. “I’d love that.”

tags: @hazelvrr @ohnomywenis

[fandoms--fluff]

Hi, I was thinking Hope x Reader. Where Lizzie was a doing a spell and accidentally hit reader turning her into a baby. In the room, Hope heard crying and she found the baby.

Vampire to Baby

Female vampire reader x Hope Mikaelson

Warnings: none

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope runs into Lizzie and Josie's room with Josie as soon as they hear the high-pitched crying of a baby. "What's going on- oh my god" Josie froze under the door frame.

Hope's eyes widen, walking towards where Lizzie is holding a wailing baby girl, close to tears herself as she tries calming the baby down. "Where did you get a baby?" Hope asks the blonde.

"Okay, so don't freak out, but I was experimenting with a spell and..."

Five minutes prior

"What are you planning to do with that anyway?" You look up from your magazine. motioning to the papers splayed out with spell work in progress.

"I want to turn things back in time, like if someone knocks a glass of juice over, the spell reverses it," Lizzie grumbles, the spell not working for the fourth time. She cleans up the spilled water on the ground with a towel.

"Okayyy, fifth time's the charm" Lizzie mumbles before chanting the spell in a different order this time.

"Nothing happened, ughhh" Lizzie groans and throws her head back. Her head snaps back up as soon as she hears the tiniest little whimper coming from where you were lying down on her bed.

She looks over to the bed and lets out an audible gasp. A few seconds later, tears start to run down your small cheeks. She now has a de-aged vampire who so happens to also be her best friend.

"You turned my girlfriend into a baby?!" Hope exclaims, taking a closer look at you.

"Now, don't be mad" Lizzie winces at the look on Hope's face. "It was an accident."

"My vampire girlfriend is now a baby" Hope stated, eyes blazing.

Josie composes herself and walks over to her twin and best friend. "Okay, before anything worse happens, how about we calm her down" Josie nods at you, tears still rolling down your face.

"Don't you think I've been trying to do that? It's not working!" Lizzie tells them while giving a look and bouncing you in her arms.

"Give her over" Hope sighs. And Lizzie happily passes you into the tribrid's arms. As soon as you're rested against her chest, your

"Rude. tell us she's your favorite without telling us" Lizzie crosses her arms.

"Okay, Hope, you look after y/n/n. Lizzie and I will find a way to reverse the spell. Come on" Josie leads her twin over to the desk with littered papers.

Hope nods and clutches you tighter in her hold, walking over to your guys' room across the hall.

"You're a really cute baby, ya know?" Hope coos. You reach up your tiny hand and clutches onto a wave of her hair. She examines you as you play with her hair. You're so tiny and small, and so vulnerable.

She hugs you closer to her, not wanting you near any danger. Since this school is like a magnet for dangerous things.

You blabber incoherent things as you snuggle into the older girl's chest. You like her, she's warm and you feel safe around her.

Hope looks around the room and lands on the cd player on the dresser. You insisted on keeping the player after finding it in a box of old 'junk' Alaric was going to throw away. Plus you had a bunch of cds anyways. And you argue a lot with Lizzie that cds are a better form of music than on a phone, but then again you weren't a child when cds were being used, unlike all of them.

"Hey, you wanna listen to some music?" She asks animaticaly. You gurgle in excitement, and Hope takes that as a yes.

She walks over the wooden dresser and turns the power button then the play button. And in a couple seconds, the intro to 'oops I did it again' plays. That must have been the last cd and song you were listening to. Hope chuckles at how you always blast either this song or 'you give love a bad name' to get her out of bed in the morning.

You giggle and start kicking your legs excitedly, liking the music. Hope chuckles and kisses the top of your head. She then has an idea and starts carefully spinning and dancing around the room to the song with you held in her grasp.

Hope carries you down to the dining hall/room. It's been a couple hours and she's been getting hungry, and she could also tell you're hungry as well.

You hide your face in her chest when someone walks up to you two. "Hey MG" Hope smiles, cradling one of her hands on the back if your head.

"Hey. What's with the baby?" He asks, his eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. "Oh, uh, just babysitting, yeah...um, bye!" Hope comes up with a lie quickly before walking away, eyes widened. For being the one and only tribrid (vamp side not activated yet), she sure sucks at lying.

She walks over to the table of all the trays and places two plates on a tray. As she piles on food onto both the plates, she can feel eyes on her. So she quickly grabs utensils before walking as fast as she can with a baby and a tray of food up to your guys' room.

"Alright, food time" Hope sighs, sitting on the bed, against the headboard with the food in front of her. She grabbed lots of napkins, knowing there's going to be some kind of mess made.

"You look at the plates of food and clap your hands together before reaching towards the fruit cup on one of the plates.

Hope picks the fruit cup and a spoon up and starts to feed you. You munch on the strawberries, watermelon, and grapes happily. She watches as you eat the fruit, using her other hand to feed herself a piece of pizza as well.

Just as she lifted the spoon to feed you a grape, the door slammed open, presenting the twin siphoners. They quickly make their way inside, shutting the door behind them.

"We found a reversal spell" Josie tells hope and starts to explain what it intails.

"Okay, let's do it" Hope gently lifts you up off her lap and into the middle of the bed. You look up at her, confused, as she moves the food tray over to her desk.

She holds out her hands, inviting the two girls to siphon off her. They immediately grasp her hands and start to change the spell. Hope follows with after hearing the verse the first time.

In no time the spell took affect and where there used to be a baby you, is now a full grown vampire you. They all let out a simultaneous sigh of relief the spell worked.

"What the bloody hell happened?" You groan, standing up from the bed.

"Hah, so funny story..." Lizzie scratches the back of her neck.

[smok3r7]

They Always Come Back

Aaron Hotchner x f!reader

Explicit, 18+

So Much For, Dumb College Love

Main Masterlist & Series Masterlist - My AO3

Summary: You and Aaron met in college, Criminology Major, funny enough. Throughout your five years at George Washington College, you and Hotchner had this on and off again relationship; it was all fun until you started to realize that you loved him. After graduation the two of you cut ties and left it as dumb college love, going your separate ways. After a decade you finally land your dream job, a seat at the BAU; however when you notice the name copied on the email, you can’t believe your eyes.

Chapter Summary: Some souls are meant for each other and some aren’t.

Word count: 3.3k

The finale is here guys…I’m so proud of this story and am so happy that you guys love it! I hope this is all you guys hoped for, these two will forever hold a special spot in my heart<3

—

After a grueling week, working on one of the most challenging and traumatic cases you’ve encountered since you started half a year ago, the team decided to unwind with some drinks at their favorite dive bar - The Diamond. Tucked away on a quiet corner, the place is smaller than most bars, with just a jukebox to fill the air with nostalgic tunes.

The ambiance is calming but also lively, with the sound of laughter and chatter blending in seamlessly. The dim lights cast a warm glow, making everyone feel comfortable and at ease, as if they have found their own little sanctuary in the bustling city.

As you all sit around a table, the weight of the week slowly lifts off everyone's shoulders. Laughter fills the air as stories are shared and jokes, finding solace in each other's company. In this moment, surrounded by good company and good vibes, you feel grateful for them all and for the simple pleasure of being together in this hidden gem of a bar.

The bartender, Josie, is a gorgeous young woman they have come to know well and absolutely love; her radiant smile and effortless charm always make your heart skip a beat. With a flick of her wrist, she expertly pours out your favorite concoction, a Jack & Coke, the perfect balance of sweet and fiery that never fails to soothe your soul.

Especially after cases.

As you take the first sip, the cool liquid slides down your throat, and you can’t help but marvel at how Josie always seems to know exactly what you need. In that moment, surrounded by the comforting buzz of the bar and the soft murmur of familiar voices, even with all the disasters you and your team endure, this is the life you want.

The dimly lit bar provides a cozy sanctuary where you can forget about the horrors of the case, if only for a few hours. After a second drink, the team finds themselves opening up about their fears and struggles, forging a stronger bond in the process.

“Alright,” Garcia slams the last of her drink, “Enough dark nasty talk! What’s everyone’s plans for the weekend?” She’s never been one to keep up with the unhuman behaviors the rest of the team can, which is perfectly normal - and necessary. Sometimes you and the others can get caught up in the sad side of reality, when there’s so much more to life.

While J.J talks about how she’s going out with her two boys this weekend to her moms, you can’t help but notice the small glares from Aaron, the tension thick in the air. The conversation then moves to Emily, who says she’s going to Atlantic City tomorrow early afternoon and hints at her ‘Sin To Win’ weekend. You can’t help the small cheer that leaves your mouth before you chug the last bit of liquor and soda, clinking glasses with the girls while the guys chuckle to themselves.

But with a flash of light Derek, the observant one and jokester in the group, notices the brief glances between you and Aaron, he can’t resist commenting, "Love birds…will you two just give it up already?"

Suddenly, with the attention being brought to you guys, you can’t help but laugh at Derek, a genuine but terrified laugh. Then, you and Aaron exchange a sheepish smile, the air between you crackled with unspoken attraction, nerve-wracking more than anything. Laughter bubbles up, masking the underlying meaning, but the rest of the team observes, sensing a shift in the dynamics between you two but brushing off the fact of it all.

What began as a mature decision to work together now seems to be evolving into something deeper, more stirring. With each shared glance and lighthearted banter, it becomes increasingly clear that there’s a spark between you that refuses to be ignored - ever since the unplanned kiss. The realization dawns on everyone present, prompting knowing looks and whispered conversations.

As the night wears on, the playful teasing continues, but this time with a hint of something more meaningful. Perhaps the weekend drinks have let some of the team let their tongues loose more than normal, which you really don’t mind but you just wish that topic would change.

The main concern being that Derek saw you and Aaron kiss that night in Aaron’s office a few months ago. He hasn't treated you any differently besides making jokes here and there about you and Aaron, a lot like how Garcia and him do. It's not any of Derek’s business right now, especially when you don’t even know what the kiss means.

You try to push the thought to the back of your mind, focusing on work and daily tasks. But every time Derek cracks a joke or gives you a knowing look, you feel a pang of guilt and confusion. Was the kiss just a moment of impulse, or does it signify something more between you and Aaron?

You can’t help from the memory of the warm, familiar kiss from Aaron a few months ago lingering in your mind, you just can’t stop thinking about it or him. The music loud, the atmosphere vibrant, but all you can do is look at Aaron. The moment replays over and over, like a record.

You had longed to feel his touch again after a decade of separation, but now that he’s your boss, everything feels different. The forbidden nature of your desires adds a layer of complexity to your relationship. But it somehow makes you want more.

“Well,” Aaron announces, slamming the last of his scotch followed by the sound of the glass on the table, “I’m going to head home, you guys enjoy the rest of the night.”

The table erupts in sarcastic boo’s as Hotch backs out after just a couple of drinks, a familiar sight for you and everyone else. Despite his tough exterior, Hotch was always the first to leave after difficult cases.

It makes you wonder if he carries the weight of these cases heavier than the rest, or if he simply needs a break from the relentless demands of their job. Perhaps both reasons rang true in their own way.

As you watch him slip away into the night, a sense of understanding washes over you. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, sometimes the strongest ones need a moment of solitude to process it all.

“Bye man!” Derek raises his glass with a tipsy smile on his lips.

“Drive safe!” Your tone is a mix of giggles and seriousness, the liquor making you more bold than normal, but you instantly regret it.

The last thing you want is for the team to think you’re obsessed or pining over Aaron, even though you are, they don’t need to know that. The ache of unspoken affections weigh on you as you watch Emily and Garcia giggle at you as they take a sip of their beverages, you wish you could turn back time and keep your feelings hidden.

—

Stumbling towards Aaron's apartment, you feel disoriented and confused as the world spins around you in a hazy blur. You have no recollection of how you got here, or why you are in such a drunken state.

The memories from earlier in the night are fuzzy, but you vaguely remember drinking with Emily and Derek, the last remaining ones of the night. Flashes of laughter and camaraderie float through your mind, mingling with the haze of alcohol.

You drunkenly giggle to yourself while slightly bouncing from wall to wall down the hallway, making sure to miss apartment doors. Your blurry vision adds to the challenge, but you're determined to reach his apartment no matter what.

Each bounce brings a wave of laughter, echoing through the quiet corridor. The dim hallway lights flicker above, casting shadows that dance along the walls.

You stumble but manage to regain your balance, feeling a rush of exhilaration with each step. The sounds of your footsteps echo in the empty hallway, guiding you forward. Despite the haze of alcohol clouding your mind, you feel a sense of freedom and adventure in this moment.

With a mischievous grin, you continue your tipsy journey, eager to see where the night will take you. But then you feel something tell you to stop in your tracks, looking up from the floor you notice you’re in front of his place, F268. You stand outside Aaron's door, you realize the gravity of your situation - you have no idea what you’re here for.

With a headache forming and a sense of uneasiness, you reach out to knock on the door, hoping that Aaron will let you in. Your mind races with thoughts of what he’s going to say or even do when he sees you.

The lingering taste of alcohol on your tongue is a bitter reminder of the night's indulgence. Emily and Derek dancing, laughing, and singing with you till closing, the memories bounce around your pounding head. Your heels cause you to stumble, even while standing in one spot, causing you to giggle a bit louder.

What happened after the drinks and laughter? And how did I end up here, at Aaron's apartment? The answers elude you as you struggle to make sense of the night's events.

Knock, knock.

Next thing you know, he answers the door in nothing but dark blue plaid pajama pants, pleasantly surprised by you drunk in his hallway, he rubs his eyes, still trying to process your unexpected visit. The faint smell of alcohol lingers in the air as you meet his gaze with a mischievous grin.

"What are you doin' here?" Aaron asks, his voice laced with confusion and sleepiness.

You can't hold back a drunken giggle and blurt out, "Thought I'd surprise you."

His thick eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but a smile tugs at the corners of his lips. The dim lights in his foyer reveal Aaron's puzzled expression as he stares at you, a subtle smile plays on his lips, but his puzzled expression gives away his confusion. The tension in the air makes you feel uneasy, almost as if you have disappointed him in some way.

“Your place is closer than mine,” you confess shyly, leaning your back on the hallway wall behind you for balance. Aaron's gaze is piercing, making you squirm under his scrutiny, “I’m too drunk to walk to mine and I just figured you be okay with me-“

"Just come in.” He cuts your drunken rambling before you make even more of a fool of yourself, grabbing your wrist to pull you in, causing you to stumble on your heels. The room spins as you try to regain your balance, the smell of warm candles and Aaron overwhelming your senses.

You catch a glimpse of his intense gaze, filled with a mix of concern and frustration. As he calmly guides you to his warm toned couch, you mumble an apology, but he just shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips.

"You need to slow down, dear," he says softly, his voice cutting through the haze in your mind, “I’m gonna grab a water, just- sit here, please.”

It’s easy for you to read him, even when drunk. You can tell he’s confused on how you even found his apartment, but he let you in regardless - because you know he really cares.

With the best of your ability, while he disappears into what you can only assume is his kitchen, you scan his living room. It's simple, like any man, but it’s got a sense of comfort with it. The worn-out armchair by the window, the stack of books on the coffee table and a bunch more on his shelves that fence the large tv, and the flickering candles creating a warm ambiance - all familiar sights that make you feel at home despite the haze of alcohol clouding your mind.

You catch a glimpse of old photographs on the wall, each telling a story of a moment frozen in time, then you stop. A picture of you and him in college hangs above a side table with a record player on it, the one of you both from the fair in your hometown, your breath catches in your throat and tears brim your eyes. He’s missed me just as much.

After all this time, he still loves you.

You always believed he was fine without you, but now you realize the depth of his feelings. The realization brings a smile to your face as you think about the moments you shared together. Despite the distance and time apart, there is a strong connection that still binds you.

"Aaron..." you mumble and get up from the couch, the room swirling slightly from the multiple Jack & cokes. Slowly, you make your way towards the familiar picture hanging on the wall. The golden frame catches the dim light, casting a warm glow on your smiling face next to his. Memories flood back as you trace the outline of his features with your fingertip, feeling the nostalgia strike deep in your heart.

In the quiet moment by yourself, surrounded by the echoes of the past, you feel a sense of peace wash over you. You remember the moments shared, the dreams woven together, and the heartbreak so many years ago. As you reflect on the times you spent together, you realize that Aaron will always be a part of you, no matter where life takes you.

—

“I couldn’t find anywhere in my heart to get rid of that.”

In the dimly lit room, Aarons smooth voice startles you, causing you to turn towards him. Your eyes fall on the two tall glasses of water placed on the coffee table, one for you and one for him. The alcohol coursing through your veins makes you feel comfortable yet emotional.

You struggle to utter any words, but ultimately they fail to escape your lips. Your gaze shifts back to the wall, a bittersweet reminder of the past, but you can't help from wondering how things could have been different.

A soft silence lingers between you and him, the weight of untold words hangs heavily in the air, filling the room with unspoken truths and lingering regrets.

“Do you think that- that this could work again?” You softly whisper as a small tear falls onto your warm cheek. Your feet hurt from the heels you’ve been in for hours now, causing you to sit back onto the couch, all while staring at him.

Aaron doesn’t respond, it's hard to tell if his silence is intentional or if he's just at a loss for words, either way a sharp pang of hurt pierces through you. You wonder if he even hears you, or if your words are falling on deaf ears. It’s really unsettling how much you don’t know him anymore, college you would know exactly this kind of silence means. But you don’t know.

The silence between you grows, it feels thick like a heavy fog descending upon the room, which starts to make you angry. You just asked him a simple, yet loaded, question and the least he can do is answer it. You look up at him as he sits down next to you, leaving a couple inches of space between you and him.

Frustration bubbles up inside you as you wait for his response, your patience wearing thin, faster than it normally does. The question seems to hang in the air, demanding to be acknowledged. You can’t understand why he remains so quiet, so distant.

Finally, unable to contain your irrational emotions any longer, you break the silence with a trembling, yet stern voice. "Why won't you fucking answer me?" Your words echo, pleading for some semblance of understanding.

But still, he remains silent, his eyes betraying a turmoil of emotions you still can’t decipher. Another few seconds of silence go by and you finally feel like you’ve had enough, so you push your hands on your knees and stand up. You try your best to balance yourself before you storm off, while telling him to fuck off.

Just when you think you are free to walk away, Aaron's sudden move catches you off guard. His grip on your wrist is firm, yet tender, pulling you close to him against your will. The intensity in his dark brown eyes sends a shiver down your spine, as conflicting emotions swirl inside you. You can feel the heat of his breath against your skin, his presence enveloping you completely.

In this moment, as you stand locked in a silent battle of wills, you realize that he’s head over heels for you just as much as you are for him.

“Yes,” Aaron loudly confesses, “I do think this can work again. You don’t know how hard this past decade has been for me, even harder the last couple of months having to work with you.” With his arms still around you, he purrs your name, “I love you more than anything.”

As his words sink in, the tension between you dissolves, replaced by a flood of emotions. The past grievances and misunderstandings fade away, leaving space for a new beginning.

With his dark eyes staring down into yours, he squeezes your body closer to him, "You make work enjoyable again. You make me comfortable in who I am," Aaron firmly tells you, "When you broke it off before we graduated, I felt like I lost a huge part of myself. But I know we wouldn't have lasted long after, it needed to happen."

The honesty in his words sends shivers down your spine as you realize the depth of his feelings. In the soft candle light, you see the vulnerability in his face as he speaks to you. His brows are relaxed but stern at the same time, revealing the rawness of his emotions.

His words echo in your brain, You make me comfortable in who I am. It's a simple statement, yet it holds so much weight. You realize, you have the power to ease his insecurities, to make him feel understood.

As you gaze into his eyes, you see a glimmer of gratitude mixed with a hint of fear of rejection. And in that moment, you know that you hold a piece of his heart in your hands—a fragile, precious gift that you vow to protect. And with that, you wrap your arms around the back of his neck and pull his face into yours in a gentle, yet needy, kiss.

The warmth of his touch ignites a fire within you, a fierce determination to shield his vulnerability from the world's cruelty, even with the cruel job.

As you hold him close, his heartbeat echoes in sync with yours, a symphony of love and longing. In the silent language of your entwined bodies, you find peace and understanding. Each kiss is a promise, a whispered vow of eternal devotion to each other, once again.

In this timeless embrace, you and Aaron are bound by an unbreakable bond, a fusion of souls that transcend words, ultimately meaning to end up with one another. Together, you forged a love story written in the stars, a tale of two hearts intertwined in a symphony of passion and tenderness.

[sunflowerwinds]

maroon [h.c]

summary: hazel’s fight with tucker made you realize how much she means to you. caretaking and ass-kicking ensues.

pairing: hazel callahan x fem!reader

contains: mature language, violence and blood, reader has a slight panic attack, attentive and kind! reader, making out (for the distraction of course) mutual pining, sweet and fluffy, hurt/comfort (my weakness), women being bad-asses.

word count: 3.5K

a/n: this is both a request and won a poll. that scene still makes me wince to this day. and yes, the title is a taylor swift song. the lyrics, though, have nothing to do with the actual oneshot. i love you all and enjoy <33

You had told Hazel that agreeing to this would be a bad idea. After Tim had approached Hazel with the chance to humiliate PJ and Josie in front of the entire school at the pep rally before the big game, you got a bad vibe from it.

The sound of Tucker’s foot kicking Hazel’s eye echoed ferociously in your head.

It all happened so quickly, you could barely process seeing Hazel’s limp body on the ground. The sight made your stomach turn as you shot up from your seat in the bleachers to check up on Hazel. You glared in the direction of Tim and Jeff and that fucking psychopath Tucker— who you were pretty sure was a thirty year old man.

Everything had already been so tense in the group after PJ had humiliated Hazel in front of everyone. Finding out that PJ and Josie had started the group to get with Isabel and Brittany was an eye-opener to what their true intentions were.

This crossed the fucking line.

You were running over to her still frame, trailing right behind Isabel. You kneeled down next to her ribs, a bit of her blood getting on your jeans but you really couldn't care less.

“Hazel,” you whisper her name, wincing at the sight of her bleeding eye.

No response.

Panic settled in you as Stella and Brittany began to lift her body. Your eyes watered as you covered your mouth at her now blood-stained collared shirt.

“Is that true?” You heard Isabel ask PJ and Josie who had also come down from the bleachers as the staff and the rest of the students dispersed. Her voice cracked at the end of her sentence. “That’s why you started this?”

You whipped your head to the two girls, eyes flaring with anger and hurt for Hazel.

Josie immediately began to protest.

“N-no, not entirely—“

“Not entire—Okay.” PJ cut her off loudly. “Listen guys. It doesn’t matter…the reason that we started this.”

You felt your skin itch with fury as you watched them drag Hazel’s body out of the gymnasium. You couldn't even listen to whatever bullshit excuse PJ had to say anymore. Sylvie began to walk away as did you and Isabel.

All you could focus on was if Hazel was okay.

The next few days, you didn’t leave Hazel’s side. You were at the hospital that same night at one in the morning with Mrs. Callahan in the waiting room and by her bedside when she came out of getting blood tests and prescribed medications. When the group would go over to her house and spend a few hours after school being attentive and showing support, you would stay the night tending to her wounds.

It was night three and the swelling had just begun to deflate, her eye revealing itself just a bit. Mrs. Callahan had been really understanding about you spending the nights as much as you knew you were intruding. She had pulled you aside after the second night to tell you how much she appreciated you and everyone else staying by her side.

Especially you — for a reason she didn’t disclose to.

You were crouched down next to Hazel’s bed, helping her with the eye drops that were prescribed by the doctor. Hazel was wearing one of her grandpa sweaters and a pair of sweatpants. Splotches of red, purple and yellow covered her entire face.

“Hold on, Haze.” You leaned in a little closer to her face to focus on the little opening of her eye.

Hazel had been fidgeting the entire night and you had no idea what had made her this way. She muttered an apology before sucking in a deep breath. You were gently cupping the unswollen side to give you leverage.

You pretended not to notice her untouched eye flicker to your dry lips.

“Are you okay?” Hazel asked as you held the dropper right above the swollen skin.

You merely hummed in response as you were focused on her eye. Hazel waited until you put the instructed amount into the dry eye, making sure they all got in. You couldn’t risk her getting infection.

“Are you sure?” She pressed again.

You set the dropper down onto the tray full of doctor prescribed pills and remedies for her abrasions. Your brows furrowed as you held an expression of disbelief.

“Haze, I— why are you asking me if I’m okay when you got the shit beat out of you?” You emphasized, chuckling in disbelief.

“I know but—“

“Seriously. If it wasn’t for this fucking club, this wouldn’t have happened to you, Haze.” You expressed with more irritation laced in your tone.

You admit that you haven’t been getting the most sleep since the event; maybe three or four hours at best. Your mind was clouded with worry for Hazel’s well being.

What if Tucker gave her a concussion that would damage her brain forever? What if she went into a coma? What if she dies in her sleep?

Okay, and you also tended to overthink.

“Hey,” Hazel’s tone was gentle with a hint of stern attitude.

You hadn't realized that hot tears were leaving your tired eyes. You had been so busy taking care of Hazel that you hadn’t fully processed what had happened to her. Not a single tear had left your face until now.

“He could’ve really hurt you, Haze.” You whisper, raising your hand to wipe away the tears from your hot cheek.

Hazel remained silent as she knew deep down that Tucker could’ve done a lot more damage than she had received. She just didn't think that you cared this much about her; let alone cry for her pain. She noticed your chest rising and falling faster than she’s ever seen in her entire life. Your bottom lip quivered as you attempted to hold back the burning tears that were threatening to leave your eyes.

“I know but I’m doing okay. You’ve helped a lot, okay? More than I could ever ask for.” Hazel reached for your shaking hand, taking it gingerly into her grasp.

You nod, not trusting yourself to talk as your throat ached from how much you were resisting to let yourself cry. Hazel sat up slowly, her back aching and cracking from being inactive all day.

“Hazel, the doctor said to refrain from sitting upright.” You begin to scold her but she waves her hand at you.

“I’m okay. I-I’m fine.” Hazel shut her eyes, letting out a grunt as she adjusted her body so that she was leaning up against her bed frame.

You reach forward to push her falling strands out of her face, frowning at her wincing.

“Has PJ or Josie—“

“No.” You remark, refraining from rolling your eyes. You already knew where that question was going and still had a grudge against the two.

What hurt the most that you knew Hazel was going to forgive them; specifically PJ. You knew that they didn't hurt her directly but none of this would’ve ever happened if the club never existed. Then again, you never would’ve become friends without the club.

You would’ve still been just admiring her from afar as you passed through the halls.

“Why did you stay here?” Hazel hummed.

You suck in a deep breath as you continue the night routine as normal. You grabbed the tube of ointment and began to apply it to the slit on her high cheekbones.

“I didn't like the thought of you being alone during this.” You admit, hoping it didn't sound so smitten. “I am your friend, you know? I care about you.”

Hazel’s eyes followed the natural arch of your eyebrows and slope of your nose as you spoke. You knew you looked tired but it was truly the least of your worries.

“I know. Now, at least.” Hazel replied, her gaze finally locking on your lips.

“You didn't think I cared?” The dip between your brows depended on her confession.

“It’s nothing against you. I never really had good friends before. It’s nice to not have shitty friends for a change.” Hazel shrugs her shoulders, fiddling with a loose string on her pants.

“You deserve good friends, Haze. You deserve so much.” You express, your voice keeps a gentle yet passionate volume.

The thought of Hazel getting mistreated all her life made your chest ache. Her eyes were darting all over your features as you pulled your hand away from her aching face.

“Well, thank you for all of this.” Hazel replied, not knowing how to take all of your kind words.

You breathe out: “Yeah, of course, Haze.”

You almost missed how she began to lean into your body. You cleared your throat as a tension fell over you guys. You stood up from the bed, brushing your messy hair out of your face.

“I’ll head to bed now. Goodnight, Hazel.” You nod, turning your back to her as you couldn't have her see you so bothered by the fact that she had leaned into you.

You didn't want to have high hopes but they were there. Way, way, up there. Fucking cloud nine up there.

But it wasn’t right. Not yet.

The Huntington versus Rockridge game arrived faster than you could comprehend. You were wedged between Annie and Hazel, waiting patiently for the game to start.

Her eye swelling had completely gone down at that point to where she just had deep brushing all over her pale features. You were happy to see her darling blue eyes once again. Mrs. Callahan insisted that you two come to the game. You were reluctant but maybe it could be something better to do other than sulk around and be annoyed at Josie and PJ.

As the announcer began to cheer on the Vikings, you noticed Josie and PJ walking up the bleachers, stopping right in front of Hazel. Your eyes rolled as you waited to see what they were going to say.

“Okay, first off, PJ has something to say to Hazel, so…” Josie starts, panting through her words.

You stare at PJ along with Sylvie, Annie and Hazel. Her jaw drops, not knowing what to say exactly.

“The apology. Do the apology. Do the apology we said.” Josie muttered to her in a rushed tone.

“Okay! I’m sorry that I called your mom a skank.” PJ exclaimed.

When Hazel merely sighed and avoided her gaze, PJ continued. “And I’m sorry for saying that you have no friends really loud in front of all of your friends.”

Hazel looked down, glancing over at you as PJ could tell she still wasn’t satisfied with her apology.

“And I’m sorry for being an asshole a lot of the time.”

You and Annie give her ‘really?’ looks when she says a lot of the time.

“Most of the— All of the time!” She finalizes.

Josie hums in agreement with her best friend.

“And I do think that it's nice you always have notes and then you type them up and email them to everyone…” Hazel rolls her eyes with an attitude because she knows that they’re helpful. You’ve told her this a million times before. “And I really appreciate it.”

Hazel stares at her blankly for a moment, trying to process what she was going to say.

“Do you forgive me?”

Hazel’s smile creeps onto her lips as she nods with a soft ‘yes’. You send PJ a forced grin before paying attention to whatever Josie was talking about. Something about the Huntington players targeting a single player on the Rockridge team and how you all needed some sort of distraction to save the players.

“Oh, now you want a bomb?” Hazel smirks at the opportunity to blow shit up.

You would be lying to yourself if you said your bruised features didn't make her more attractive to you. You had followed Hazel and the group regardless of your feelings towards PJ as honestly, you didn't have anything better to do.

They still were your friends.

You and Hazel were crouched behind the tree across the yard as she had formulated some sort of bomb out of the blue. Where the hell did she even get this shit?

“Is it the red wire?” Hazel said out-loud, uncertainty laced in her voice. “Shit, or is it the yellow?”

You stare at her in shock.

“You don’t know?” You whisper-shouted at her.

“I-I get them mixed up. Fuck.” Hazel replied back in a panic.

Just then, you hear Annie shout from across the field that the game was about to start. Hazel glanced up at you as she hurriedly guessed which wires connected to one another and grabbed your hand in hers. You blushed as she tugged you along, sprinting across the field.

You did not wear the right bra for this.

The two of you jumped into the group's presence, your arm dripping over Hazel’s back as you all ducked from the expected explosion. After a few seconds of silence, you and Hazel looked up to the tree to see it was still intact.

“Hazel, it's not working.” Annie tapped her shoulder.

“Fuck. Fucking…” Hazel grabbed the remote, releasing your grasp to aim it at the explosive.

“Maybe try turning it on and off again?” You suggest as you stare at the metal antena.

Everyone was clamoring over Hazel to see what went wrong. You hear the crowd grow more and more in volume as the football team and cheerleaders begin to hip-thrust.

“Okay, Plan B, we get the cheerleaders to make out.” Annie stated as she got up and jogged over to the squad.

“What?” You ask in disbelief, trailing after her as did the rest of the group.

“Guys! Guys, kiss each other!” You shout over, making crude motions along with PJ, Annie and Sylvie.

Hazel had run up top to the bleachers, shouting at them to makeout from there. It was no use. Isabel and Brittany were still upset with PJ and Josie, ignoring their requests entirely. You groaned as you noticed the Huntington team begin to make their way onto the field.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” you muttered before you feel someone shove your shoulder.

It was PJ.

“Go and make out with Hazel.” She instructed, jerking her head up to the bleachers.

“Wha—“

“Just go! Hurry!” PJ was now full on pushing you now, staring at Hazel who had seemed to give up on the cheerleaders.

You run as fast as your legs can take you, calling her name from the distance. You’ve never made out with someone before and this is how it was going to happen?

Fuck it.

Hazel turned to you, asking: “What do we do?”

You grabbed the side of her head, pulling her into a messy kiss. Her hands gripped onto your biceps through your navy sweater, trying to go along with your jagged movements. You could hear Annie telling everyone to ‘look!’ as the slobbery mess became a sensual kiss.

You inhale as you feel Hazel take the reins, gripping your face to show you how to control your jaw. Her tongue ever so slightly grazed your bottom lip, humming at the feeling.

Was she always this good of a kisser? Who the hell has she been hooking up with?

The makeout turned into soft gentle kisses, your smile growing as you pulled her in closer.

“Oh, wait. I’m gay!” You hear Stella-Rebecca say as you pull away with a sigh from Hazel’s experienced lips.

Hazel tugs you back in with a grip on your face, seeming to completely forget about why you were even making out in the first place. Her cold rings dug into your cheeks making you crave more and more of her.

Me fucking too, Stella.

The announcer calls the attention back to the game that people came for, causing you and Hazel to pull away with a soft smack. Her hand was at your waist now, both of you staring at the field of players. You pull away, letting out a nervous chuckle as you begin to walk back down to the track field surrounding the football one.

Hazel followed behind you, seeming to be out of it as much as you were. You had not been listening to a goddamn word PJ was saying as you thought about Hazel’s hands on your face and her tongue in your mouth.

How can you move on from this?

“They kissed on the mouth,” Sylvie stated cheekily, pointing at your flushed figures. “With tongue.”

“Okay, yeah. It was for the good of the school so if anyone is asking, we’ll do it again.” You quip back, trying not to make it seem like a big deal when all you wanted to do was have her back on you again.

Josie turned to you guys, suddenly realizing what Sylvie had said. “When did this happen?”

“There were no other distractions! The bomb didn't work.” You protested.

“They’re gonna spray the field.” Annie muttered.

You would’ve missed it if she didn’t repeat it in a much panicked and louder tone.

“We’re gonna have to run.”

“Fuck, more?” You complained as you ran beside Hazel, the insides of your thighs burning from how fast you were sprinting.

You had kicked one of the players away from Jeff, a flood of adrenaline running through you. Fuck, that felt good.

Josie had taken Jeff into her grasp, tugging him up and off of the grass. PJ had her hands over the sprinkler, ready for the pineapple juice to spray everywhere. You stare across the field at the group of Huntington players, eyes widening in a panic. Stella, Isabel, and Brittany joined by the group's side, too, staring down the rivals.

Were you really going to beat the fuck out of the rival football team with the girl you’ve been crushing on and just made out with? To save Jeff nonetheless?

The main player in the middle removed his helmet, staring the group down. He began to scream at the group which resulted in the group screaming back. You saw a large man run up to you, swinging his leg to your chest.

You dodge the force and grab his calf, twisting it clockwise to hear a loud crunch before grabbing onto his helmet guard and throwing him off of you. You feel a blow to your back to see another yellow jersey player, his helmet in hand.

“Fucking asshole!” You scream before throwing a kick to his crotch and throwing a punch to the middle of his face, blooding seeping onto your knuckles.

You don’t know exactly how so much blood got on you. It had all been one huge blur up until you saw Hazel getting punched in the stomach.

You ran over with a shout as you swung a hard punch into his cheek to throw him off guard. Hazel ended it with a kick to the ribs and another punch to the jaw before he fell to the ground.

Your entire body was aching and Hazel looked so weirdly attractive covered in blood.

“Are you okay?” Hazel asked as gently as ever as she grabbed onto your wrist, leading you to the rest of the group.

“Yeah,” you pant, feeling a burning sensation run up your spine. Definitely not. “I’m okay.”

You had blood splattered all over your blue jeans, running up the sleeve of your sweater with a few dots here and there on your face. There was a collective silence when everyone realized how much damage they had done.

You slowly turn toward the crowd of peers and adults, eyes wide with shock on what had just happened. The sprinklers suddenly turned on and Tim shouted to turn them off once he realized it was pineapple juice.

He slowly began to clap for you and the rest of the girls as the half-dead, half-unconscious Huntington players lay all around you. You let out an awkward chuckle, grabbing onto Hazel’s blood-lathered arm as you lean into her touch. You waved at everyone, snuggling into her maroon-stained shirt.

“So, that was…” You turn to her, not knowing what the fuck to even say about what had just went down.

“We’ll process it tomorrow.” She shakes her head, blood-stained face and all.

“Right, yeah.” You nod mindlessly, slowly blinking at her.

“Did you like the kiss—“

“Are we together now?”

Your question threw Hazel off guard, letting out a soft chuckle as she nervously scratched the back of her neck.

“I mean, I don’t personally just make-out with anyone.” You push out a gust of air, staring into her radiating blue eyes.

“Me neither.” Hazel rushes out, a shy smile on her lips. “So… yeah?”

You nod, laughing out a ‘yeah.’ You look around at the football field now stained with red from the bodies.

“To think, all it took was fucking up some football players for us to get together.” You grin cheekily.

“Oh, I think some of them are actually dead.” Hazel stated as you threw your arms around her neck, more of the blood spreading onto your sleeves.

“Well, the red makes your eyes pop. It’s kind of hot.” You half-joke which causes her to shake her head with a chuckle.

The forgotten tree then exploded, causing everyone to pause in their tracks. The excitement and cheers from the crowd came to a complete halt. You cover your mouth with one hand as the tree caught on fire. Hazel buries her head into your neck, groaning at her failed bomb attempt.

Hazel was right; you’ll process this tomorrow

taglist: @lovelyy-moonlight @imjustapearl @seethesin @matchamilkislover @beabeebrie @curiousshifter101 @uraesthete @fictionalcharacterspecialist @c4llahansgirl @maggiecc @fruitysnackysmain @crvptidgf <33

[gucciwins]

ok but now i’m curious about when and how jo call end yn mama for the first time

Golden Sparks Josie is ten. It's been fun revisiting this family 1.3k enjoy!

+

“Do you think Mom or Mumma is better?” Josie asked Harry as he finished braiding her hair. Josie didn’t like Harry doing her hair, but Y/N had an early morning. She didn’t want to wake Jo up early and instead had Harry promise to do his best. 

“Think Mom is normal and common here,” Harry answers, his ten-year-old daughter. 

She furrowed her eyebrows, “don’t think she likes normal.” 

“I’m normal,” Harry defends. 

Josie shrugs in the mirror, “not in my eyes.” 

Harry deflated because he is a dork at heart, but his daughter didn’t need to be so blunt. “You need to be nicer to your old man.” 

Josie laughs loudly in her bathroom. “You’re not old, Dad.” 

He pats her shoulders, gesturing he’s done, and follows her to the kitchen, where he will make her breakfast before her game. Y/N promised to meet her there and was sorry she couldn’t drive her there. Jo assured her it was okay. Y/N hadn’t missed a game and wouldn’t be starting now. 

“Do you think she’ll like that I call her Mum?” Josie asks Harry, returning to their earlier conversation. 

Harry nods, “she’s been in your life for two years. I’d say she fits the role.” 

“Just because she’s with you doesn’t make her my mother.” 

He sighs because he knows where Josie is coming from. After everything she experienced with her mother, he knows why she’s hesitant to call Y/N a name with so much meaning. After all, she had a mom once, and it wasn’t so good. Maybe calling Y/N Mum or Mumma would be another way of Josie to reclaim the word and give them all a new meaning.

“Y/N loves you, Josephine. She’s loved you since you opened up to her when you joined the team. Sometimes, I feel like Y/N knows you better than I do. And you’re my kid,” Harry shares. “She’s engaged to me, but it unites us all as a family when we marry. Even if we don’t share the same last name, the three of us will become one family.” 

“We can take hers,” Josie suggests. 

Harry kisses her head. “We’d have to talk with her about that too.” 

“Do you think she considers me hers–like her child?” 

Harry wishes he had all the answers for Josie, but he doesn’t, though this answer is one he’s confident in. Y/N talks about all of Josie’s accomplishments, sharing them with her family. “I can’t speak to her. I do know that every I love you she’s ever told you is real. She’s lived with us for over a year.” Y/N had been right by Harry’s side for every parent meeting open house and picked up Josie from school most of the time. She was a mother in all ways but one. 

“Didn’t we move in?” Josie corrects him.

“Alright, you smarty pants,” Harry shakes his head. “You can start walking to your game.” 

“Dad,” Josie drags out his name. 

He swings her bag over his shoulder, thankful he had already set the cooler in the car. “Kidding, now off we go. You’re mum,” he teases, is big on punctuality. 

Arriving at the field, Y/N is already there and has the first drill for warm-up set up. There is already a dad talking to her, and Harry’s sure it’s Dana’s dad who’s been chatting her up, even with the engagement ring on her finger. After last week's practice, Harry may have gone a little overboard with the PDA, but the guy can’t take a hint. Thankfully, Josie quickly runs over to her, and the man excuses himself. 

His heart warms seeing his two favorite people, Y/N quick to kiss her cheek and commenting on Josie’s lopsided braids. He tried, but there is no one better than Y/N, that’s for sure. Harry sets his chair close to the girls' bench because while Y/N is focused during the game, he manages to steal a kiss or two during a throw-in or a corner if he’s lucky.

Y/N is now crouched down, tying Josie’s shoes. They’re whispering to each other about something, but Harry doesn’t dare interrupt. Y/N pats Josie’s knees and tells her she’s all good to go. One last hug and his little girl is running onto the field, where the assistant coach stands with a few other girls. The girls always liked terrorizing Kate, wanting to know about her three cats.

“Darling,” Harry sings. “Missed you.” 

Y/N steps into his open arms, laying her head on his chest. “Love you, sorry I had to leave so early.” 

“All forgiven now.” Y/N grins. “Only if I get to pick where we eat?” Harry knows she loves choosing, but he wants today to be special. 

“Mexican?” 

Harry kisses her lips. “You read my mind.” 

“Did Jo seem a bit jittery to you?” Y/N changes the subject. “She’s usually calm before a game.” 

Harry frowns, “did she say anything new to you?”

Y/N shakes her head. 

“Then no, I have no idea.”  

Weird answer Y/N thought, but decided to brush it off. “Alright, love. I’m off.” 

“Hate to see you leave, but love to watch you go,” he whispered. 

“Dork!” Y/N shouted. 

+

The game went well, with Golden Sparks winning 3-1 with Josie giving two assists. Y/N was waving goodbye to her players when he spotted Josie lingering away. Juliet followed Y/N’s every move, still as in awe of her aunt as when Harry first met her. Juliet got called away by Xavier, who was dealing with two toddlers. Y/N kissed her niece goodbye, promising to see her tomorrow for the pool party Y/N was hosting to celebrate the start of summer. 

“Job well done, Jo.” Y/N swings Josie’s bag over her shoulder while Harry takes Y/N’s. She playfully tugs it back but lets it slip when Harry looks sternly at her.

“Are we eating at home?” Jo asks them.

Y/N smiles down at Josie. “Your dad wants Mexican. You alright with that?”

“Perfect. Can I have the keys?” Y/N offers her own, knowing Josie prefers to ride with Y/N after a game. 

Josie hugs her waist tight. “I’m riding with Mum, Dad.” 

Y/N freezes in place as she processes what Josie called her. Harry is right by her side, failing to hold back his grin. 

Josie called her Mom. She heard it clear as day. Josie said it so confidently it was as if she’d been calling her that all her life. 

“Did-did she call me?” She stutters. 

Harry laughs, “you heard her, baby.” 

Y/N’s eyes welled up with tears. She tries to hold them back but lets them fall as Harry embraces her. 

She drops the bag on her shoulder, knowing Harry would pick it up, and tells him to make their food order to go. Y/N kisses Harry, muttering against his lips how much she loves him, and then takes off running to her car, eager to see her little girl and see if she’d call her Mom once more. 

Y/N swings open the door on the right side where Josie always sits. She’s singing along to the radio, the AC on blast, and Y/N hugs her. 

“Mumma, what’s going on?” 

“I love you so much, baby. So much. You’re the best thing to have ever happened to me and your dad. Don’t know what I did to deserve someone as amazing as you to choose me as their Mom.” Y/N cries, not able to hide her emotions. 

Jo hugs her tiger, “I love you too, Mum.” 

Y/N wants to live in this moment forever but knows they should get home. “Let’s go home, Jo.”

“Stevie Nicks, Mum?” 

“Perfect choice.”

[bcolfanfic]

Mollie I’m sitting on my knees with my hands out begging for the young veteran au HC’s with Gale and John’s adopted daughter 🤲🏻

(modern) young vets au - josie cleven-egan’s version™️

they talk about it once not long after they get back to the states- but that conversation ultimately comes down to deciding to revisit it when bucky’s ptsd is more under control.

and if it just isn’t something that works out for them- or bucky doesn’t feel ready ever then that’s okay too.

but bucky wants it. which takes some work, and time and tears and gale wanting to fire every single person at the sheridan VA office.

he gets there though, and gale is so damn proud of his husband.

when they revisit the kids thing they consider going to the infant adoption route but ultimately decide to go through an agency that places waiting kids in the foster system whose parental rights have already been terminated. surrogacy isn't something either of them really bring up except to bypass it.

it’s a smidge because bucky is intimidated by literal babies. just a smidge. 

they eventually get a call about a four year old little girl named josie and the information the social worker sends over about her breaks their sweet hearts. 

they both have their own shit from the war, but they’re grown men and trying to wrap their minds around a four year old having trauma that almost rivals their own makes them sick. 

damn taking a few days to call back like her social worker offers, they call back by the end of the night to ask when they need to be ready. 

sweet little josie shows up with a hello kitty suitcase at 8pm on a tuesday. gale and bucky love her instantly in a way that they struggle to really articulate. 

it just makes sense, her little face looking up at them when she’s sitting on the floor pulling her shoes off. she’s home. 

she clicks with bucky immediately, who takes to calling her jojo which she rolls with happily. but gale freaks himself out about suddenly actually being a parent and takes a little longer to find his footing. 

which makes him a little insecure when she seems more hesitant around him than she does bucky. it doesn’t necessarily help that bucky is the one home all day- and the one time he has to leave for an evening and isn’t there for bedtime poor josie absolutely flips out. 

her and gale both end up in tears by the time she’s actually clonking out, bless their hearts. 

she tuckers herself out and falls asleep in his arms. but man does poor gale feel like he’s absolutely useless having spent the past couple hours listen to her scream for daddy to come home like he’s just some babysitter. 

it hurts bucky’s heart when he’s home and gale is venting about it. he knows that man was born to be a dad and that their baby loves him, they just maybe need a little more one on one time. and gale needs to get out of his head about becoming his own father because, as bucky puts it- he’s nothing like that sack of shit and never will be. 

they spend more one and one time together, gale bringing her to the school he substitute teaches at when he’s just going in to plan over the weekend. she’s content to color on printer paper while he works, parking herself on his knees. it’s the first time she does that, and bucky beams at the photo he texts him. 

my buddy, at last! 👍🏼

the first time she calls gale daddy as opposed to “um, mis-ter cle’n” he cries. bucky cries. everyone cries. 

then raises the issue of figuring out how to differentiate between the two of them. they land on gale being daddy and bucky being papa. 

bucky jokes that it makes him feel he’s on little house on the prairie, but it’s fine. he’d let his darling jojo call him anything she damn well pleased. 

the day they make it official at the courthouse, as many of the guys as are free fly in to be there and celebrate with them. crosby brings his herd of kids and watching them run around with the newest little cleven-egan makes him emotional. 

“you cryin’ croz?”

“thinkin’ about when we were overseas. didn’t know if we’d be alive by the end of the week. but now look at our lives,” he says, swiping at his eyes. bucky smiles and rubs his shoulder, feeling choked up for about the fifth time that day. 

“it all worked out, huh?”

[fanfics4all]

Summer Fling

Request: Yes / No  Hi, I'm a new follower so I don't know if you accept requests, but I've been OBSESSED with Sweet pea. Unfortunately my Riverdale phase came back, since then I've been creating imagine scenarios with Sweet Pea, well, more specifically, Sweet Pea having a "summer fling" with a reader who has the appearance and personality of Liv Rooney and was super friends with Betty or Cheryl (and it would be as if Josie didn't exist or had never been involved with Sweet Pea but the reader) Anon

Don’t be shy, request things! <3 Have a nice day/night

Sweet Pea x Fem!Reader 

Word count: 776

Warnings: Nothing really, sad ending I suppose?

Y/N: Your Name 

PLEASE DO NOT STEAL MY WORK, I WORK HARD ON MY FICS AND IT’S NOT COOL TO STEAL SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK! 

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(Not my photo, credit to whoever made it!)

The summer in Riverdale was supposed to be ordinary. Lazy afternoons with Betty, trips to Pop’s, and avoiding the Southside drama that always seemed to creep into the picture. I hadn’t expected it to be anything more than just a short break before heading back to my life in the city, but then I met Sweet Pea. 

It started at one of Cheryl’s infamous bonfires. Betty had convinced me to come, saying it would be ‘fun and totally safe.’. I wasn’t so sure about the safe part, especially when I spotted the Serpents hanging around the edges of the firelight, their leather jackets catching the glow like something out of a movie. Sweet Pea was with them, leaning casually against his bike, arms crossed, and smile tugging at his lips. I saw him around before, mostly in the background of Betty’s stories about Riverdale’s chaos, but we never talked. That night though, he noticed me. When our eyes met, this spark, a flicker of curiosity in his dark gaze, made my heart skip a beat. 

“You don’t look like you’re from around here.” He said when he finally approached me. His voice was low and teasing. I raised a brow, trying not to let his intense stare throw me off. 

“And you don’t look like you talk to girls who aren’t from around here.” I shot back, folding my arms. To my surprise, he laughed, a genuine sound that made the butterflies in my stomach stir. 

“Fair enough.” He said, holding his hand out. 

“Names Sweet Pea.” 

“Y/N.” I replied, shaking his hand and feeling the warmth of his touch linger a little longer than it should have. 

That was the beginning of it all. Sweet Pea wasn’t like the guys I usually hung around. He was bold, a little rough around the edges, and completely different from what I expected. But there was also a softness to him, hidden beneath his Sperpent persona and the smirks, I couldn’t help but be drawn to it. Our ‘fling’ started with stolen moments, late-night drives on his bike, secret meetings at Sweetwater River, and whispered conversations under the stars. He showed me a side of Riverdale I’ve never seen before, the hidden beauty in the chaos, and I showed him that there was more to life than just surviving. 

One night, we snuck into the movie theater after hours and shared a thing of popcorn he had somehow managed to swipe from the concession stand. 

“So, what’s a girl like you doing in a town like this?” He asked, his tone playful. 

“Visiting my Grandma.” I smiled. 

“And maybe having the time of my life with a guy who’s way cooler than he lets on.” Sweets raised an eyebrow, leaning in closer. 

“Cooler than I let on? You sure about that?” I laughed, pushing him lightly. 

“Don’t let it go to your head.” He smiled, a soft genuine smile that made my heart race. 

“You’re different, Y/N, in a good way.” 

“Good different?” I teased, though my voice was soft. 

“The best kind.” He whispered, his gaze locking with mine. 

As much as I tried to keep things light, I couldn’t help but feel something deeper growing between us. But we both knew it couldn’t last. I was only in Riverdale for the summer and Sweet Pea’s world was here, tangled up in the Sperpents and everything that came with that. 

The night before I left, we met by the river, sitting on a blanket as the water glimmered under the moonlight. Neither of us said much, the weight of the inevitable hanging between us. Finally, Sweet Pea turned to me, his expression serious. 

“I wish you didn’t have to go…” He said, his voice barely above a whisper. I swallowed hard, trying to keep the tears at bay. 

“Me too, but we knew this wasn’t forever.” 

“Doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck.” He muttered, his jaw clenching. I reached out, taking his hand in mine. 

“This summer… it meant everything to me, Sweets. You mean everything to me.” He looked at me, his eyes filled with something I couldn’t quite place. Sadness, hope, maybe even love? 

“You’re not going to forget me, are you?” 

“Never.” I promised, leaning in and pressing my forehead against his. 

“And you better not forget me either.” He pulled me into a kiss, slow and lingering. It was like he was trying to hold onto the moment as long as he could. When we finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine, his hand cradling my face. 

“Goodbye, Y/N.” He whispered. 

“Goodbye, Sweet Pea.” I said, my voice breaking.

Tag list: @les-bio-lie @tashy-bear @ashwarren32 @hollie-blogs-blog1 @lover-of-books-and-tea @nerdygaloresposts @teenwolfbitches28 @kmc1989 @drw0301bieber @lady-of-lies @ravenmoore14 @ravenempress101 @cillianchamp @rowanthomasknapp @rachelxwayne @ready-4-fanfiction @madammarvellous-blog1  @emo-godess-loves-you @hiya-imthatgirl @mindsetjupiter @averysinclaire @mittelerde1999 @sweetest-peas @rousewriter @camiconfessions-blog @thecaptainsgingersnap @cenyddtheunicorn @jacksxsouthsideserpents @lover2448 @mamacobie13  @staygoldsquatchling02 @wanderlust-and-poetry @hiighdeex3 @ayeitsjaz @skeletalwolfcat @scarrasco1325 @reblogserpent @darkestbeforethedawn16 @fandom-princess-forevermore @will-noble-owns-my-ass @t-a-i-l-o-r-m-a-d-e @madebyleftovermuses @liz-owl

[hazelsmirrorball]

My Girlfriend is a Werewolf | Hazel Callahan

Pairings: werewolf! Hazel Callahan x fem! Reader 

Summary: People are going insane trying to kill the new werewolf in town due to the fact they have a big bounty attached to their head. Y/n desperately needs the money but Hazel is a little defensive of the fact that the trio wants to kill a werewolf.  Warnings: death, blood, werewolves. Not proof read. Sorry for any mistakes, English isn't my main language.  a/n: something for halloween! Hope you guys like it! I really love reading ur comments, they really make my day <3

part two

The term supernatural beings wasn’t new to people at Rockbridge. The phenomena or entities beyond the laws of nature was something familiar to them. Angels, demons, gods and spirits people knew of them but they never expected them to be real and come to their town. But when a new lycanthrope had shown up to Rockbridge taking its citizens as bait made people worry for their lives not wanting to be killed by the claws of a wolf. 

The first werewolf had shown up almost a century ago. A group of sorcerers had enslaved a powerful demon and when they had removed the spirit, they had put it in a powerful box named “triskelion”. The sorcerers had selected an honorable demon hunter to bestow the triskelion upon him. The power of the triskelion turned the hunter into the first ever werewolf who was full of rampage. After an ungodly amount of years of running in rampage, the werewolves disappeared, until now. 

The people were going insane when it popped on the news that a student from Rockbridge High had been found with his chest slashed. The citizens knew that this was an act of a werewolf and they were coming to get vengeance on the town that had vanished them. 

50,000,000 dollars to the person that brought the werewolf that was going around town dead or alive to the authorities. 

All the news headlines were the same. Rockbridge was a town where people had monster hunting in their blood. Everyone wanted to get their hands on the werewolf for two reasons, the money they had attached to their name or the safety of the town, but mainly it was the money. 

Everyone was scared, yes people around here were supernatural things coming from time to time but that werewolf had killed hundreds of innocent people. People were aware that he was powerful. Due to the things that were going around town, students were taught about  the history of a werewolf and how to deal with one. 

Lycanthropes have enhanced physical capabilities that are far greater than any human or animal. They had razor-sharp claws & fangs that could be used for killing their prey. All werewolves are seen with blue, gold, or red eyes which seem to glow, seemingly when the werewolves are feeling considerable emotion, oftentimes anger.

Although werewolves often use their claws to slash through things and slash their prey in half, they are quite capable of being used in gouging attacks and are often best-suited for holding onto an unfortunate victim while the larger and sharper canine teeth are used to kill. A werewolf's bite is indeed very powerful, easily capable of breaking the thickest bones of any animal of any size comparable to cattle and below. The tooth pattern of the werewolf is similar to that of a wolf, with four very large canines, two on the upper jaw and two on the lower, with four incisors in between each. Behind them are the premolars which are used to tear flesh, and finally, the molars at the very back for chewing. The musculature of the head is presumably that of an enlarged dire wolf's, in that the structure and shape of killing.

How did Y/n know all those things about werewolves? Well, she could assure you it wasn’t the fact she had learned it at school, that’s for sure. She had investigated, well all her friend group had investigated about the supernatural creature. PJ, Josie and Y/n were certain that they were going to catch that werewolf and kill it. All three of them desperately needed the money so they were going to risk everything to get it. 

The reward had originally started at 100 dollars but as the beast killed more people or got older the amount would increase exponentially. There was a rumor going around town that they were going to push up to a rough $500,000,000 due to the latest kills the werewolf had done. 

“Tomorrow’s a full moon. I personally think we should go to the woods and find that damn wolf. People don’t want to risk their lives by going to the woods on a full moon so it increases our chances of getting the money for just the three of us.” PJ said, placing her sandwich down as she looked at the new “lycanthrope” book Josie had checked out from the library. Josie and Y/n stayed quiet not knowing if it was a good idea to put themselves in the middle of the war zone. Yes, it was a huge amount of money but was it really worth it if one of them died or worse the three of them were ripped to shreds.  Before one of them could say anything, Hazel Callahan sat next to Y/n placing a soft kiss on her lips. 

“Hey babe” Y/n smiled softly staring at Hazel in aw while PJ threw her head back groaning. Hazel turned to PJ seeing the book in her hands rolling her eyes dramatically. 

“Hazel. I’ve already told you this, you are not a part of her club. This is a private meeting and locking lips with Y/n doesn’t excuse you to the rules. So please do us a favor and leave” PJ replied, closing the book roughly sending a glare towards Hazel as she placed her things down not giving PJ a second thought. 

“PJ, everyone in school knows that you guys want to kill that poor werewolf. It’s not that big of a secret. If you guys wanted it to be a secret I wouldn’t turn the cafeteria table into a detective string board, it’s a dead giveaway.” Hazel said while taking a bite of her food as Y/n leaned towards her. 

“Oh, shut up Hazel. Poor werewolf? You don’t know a thing about our plans or about werewolves so why don’t you shut it” PJ exclaimed angrily, while she slammed her hands against the table. 

“Actually, I do know about your guys' plans. Just because I sit next to Y/n doesn’t mean I don’t  hear the dumb shit you three say. Werewolfs are dangerous and I know you guys act all strong in fight club. But we are not talking about teenage girls, we are talking about a man eating werewolf. They could snap you in half just by looking at you. Personally I think you guys should drop it, this week werewolves are as vicious as possible because the full moon is near and I really care about you guys to find you three dead” Hazel said, dropping her spoon to look at the girls seriously. 

“Hazel, you are literally the strongest of the three of us. You almost killed Sylvie with that punch you gave her last week. You are inhumanly strong. If you helped us we could take down that werewolf. We could split the money four ways. Don’t you want to be ric…You know what scratch that. We already know you're loaded. Help your girlfriend out, you know she needs it.” Josie started looking at Hazel with sympathetic eyes. She shook her head now wrapping her arm around Y/n protectively. 

“I’ll help and protect her by telling her to stay in and not do dumb shit with you two. Forget about that money, haven’t you guys seen how many people died trying to kill it. I know that werewolf isn’t trying to kill people, maybe it’s just defending itself” Hazel said defensively squeezing Y/n’s side. 

“Hazel, since when did you become the biggest werewolf defender? It’s killing people so it should fucking die and rot in hell.” Pj responded in the same tone. Y/n let out a sigh making Hazel turn to look at her.

“I really need that money, Haze.” Y/n said, breaking her silence while Hazel looked at her with pity eyes. 

Hazel knew that her girlfriend wasn’t one of the richest persons around. She lived in the poorest part of town and her parents barely made enough to keep the three of them alive. Hazel also knew that she really needed the money and that Y/n’s parents were at the verge of being fired. Y/n had big dreams, going to college with her friends was one of them but the bad income surrounding her life made it quite impossible for her to dream. Putting herself out in the wild to kill the werewolf would finally make her economically stable but at what cost?

Hazel Callahan was scared. Deadly afraid of being killed at night, but not because of the fact that there was a raging killing werewolf but the fact that people wanted to kill the raging killing werewolf. Hazel’s name was worth 500,000,000, everyone wanted her dead or atleast the wolf version of herself. 

Hazel had inherited her great grandmother's lupine parvovirus which was responsible for her lycanthropy. Her “powers” had shown up around freshman year, superhero strength, innate wellness and immunity to all diseases, animal senses and enhanced mobility, combat ability, endurance and stamina, meta regeneration and much more. Hazel at first had everything under control, she had informed herself about everything and had managed to keep herself and everyone safe why she was in her wolf form. She had found in her basement inhumane chains, which she had found herself chained up to every full moon. But everything changed when her feelings got involved with her inner wolf. 

Even though Hazel thought she had everything under control, when she had heard a football player talking about her girlfriend all she could see was red. She had ended in the middle of the woods, something that she rarely did after she became a wolf. As she tried to ease up out of nowhere the football player had shown up  and Hazel had snapped to reality when she noticed the dead football player under her. After all that, hell had broken loose. 

Everyone had it out for her, she had found herself trying to hide her wolf form but after that killing she couldn’t control it anymore. She didn’t want to kill all those people, but all of them came launching towards her and in her wolf form all type of hits were deadly. 

So after the night hit, Hazel wasn’t in control, she became a man eating monster. All she felt was rage and hate. They had increased the bounty on her, which angered her more than ever. If people were really out to get her she was going to make their lives a living hell. Hazel stood in hiding waiting for someone to show up, she knew that someone was going to be brave enough to kill her before the full moon. She could see from her hiding two silhouettes approaching her area. Hazel took a whiff smelling the wolfsbane near, they came prepared, they had true intention. So before they could come near her, Hazel lashed out not even waiting for them to say a word, ripping them into  pieces. All she could see was red, blood covered all of their bodies as she continued pounding onto them. Screams and cries for mercy begged her to stop which made Hazel go even rougher on them. She could hear both of their heartbeat stopped.  Her breath became heavy as she tried catching up with her anger but before she could continue going any further she looked at the familiar lifeless eyes looking at her. She could feel her heart stopped and her body slowly shifting in her normal form. She slowly reached for her clothes, slipping them on quickly while looking down at the bloody faces. Hazel could feel her heart stop as she looked for words to say at the dead bodies in front of her.

At first, Hazel had felt bad for killing but as the weeks passed by she felt content because she knew they were out to get her. The people that wanted her dead didn’t have a reason so she did have a reason to kill them. But right now, it was like a sense of humanity had shown up once again. She felt horrible, like a true evil monster from those films she would watch with Y/n. 

She hoped the pair would succeed in killing her, knowing that they actually needed it. That if she was dead they could be happy and she wouldn’t even mind at all. But now they were dead and all she could feel was the guilt spilling upon her. The people that had received her with open arms were dead on the floor. The family that had shown her nothing but love and accepted her in their family were dead because of her. The two people that had supported Hazel through everything while her mom and dad were mia, were dead.  

Y/n’s last hope of family was dead, killed by the claws her girlfriends had. So not only were they dead, now Hazel was going to be dead to her.

...

next part

Thank you for reading

[ythankucaptainmccoy]

Simon Ghost Riley x Reader (The Living Kill Too) Ch5

Ghost was driving as fast as he could given the conditions of the roads. You were trying to stay conscious as blood continued to seep from the bullet wound in your thigh. Ghost would occasionally glance your way to see how you were doing. Josie was trying to keep Jack looking out the window. Jack seemed very happy looking out the window and was pointing out things asking for their names. Josie was confused when Jack seemed cross with her so you spoke up, “Truck”. 

That seemed to help you focus so you continued to name things for Jack as he tried repeating them. “How you doin’ luv?”, Ghost asked. “I’m okay just trying to stave off the pain”, you chuckled. You could see the mask he wore move and knew he had to have grinned. “Don’t worry we’ll be there in a couple hours”, Ghost replied. About a half hour before reaching the base you started feeling light headed. 

You swayed a little as Ghost looked over at you. “Luv?”, he questioned. “I’m alright. I just feel light headed”, you reply. “Stay awake dove”, he replied. You tried your hardest but there was no way to keep your eyes open as you fell against his shoulder. “Oh my gosh what do we do?”, Josie panicked. “Stay calm and check her pulse ya know how ta’ do that right?”, Ghost instructed. “Yeah I can do that”, she replied. 

“It seems fine”, Josie said. “The adrenaline finally wore off”, Ghost guessed. “She’ll make it right?”, Josie asked. “I think so”, Ghost responded. The dream was peaceful this time as you walked through the house you and Kane had shared. It was peaceful outside, no dead roaming about as you heard a noise up in the bedroom. “Kane?”, you called. You slowly made your way to the bedroom and opened the door. 

There was a silhouette at the window looking out into the back yard. “Kane?”, you asked. The figure turned and you backpedaled so hard as the figure turned to look at you. It was Kane all grotesque as his maw opened. “You left me to die”, it said. “No I tried but there were too many of them”, you cried. “No you let me die for that guy in the mask”, he growls. “I didn’t know him until after you died I swear!”, you yelled. 

“LIAR!”, he screeched. It lunged at you as you scrambled for the stairs, and as you hit the stairs he collided with you as you both fell down the stairs. Your head was swimming as you tried to figure out what was happening. Then that thing that looked like Kane reared its ugly head and opened its jaws wide. The teeth sunk into your thigh as white hot searing pain shot through your leg. You screamed as whatever was happening started to become fuzzy. 

You sat straight up screaming in pain as you started reaching for your leg. “Grab hold of her”, you heard someone say. The scene was bloody as you could feel more pain coming from your thigh. Then all at once everything hit you as you remembered being shot in the thigh. Strong arms wrapped around your upper body to hold you still. “Easy luv. The doc is just tryin’ to stitch ya’ up”, a voice close to your ear whispered huskily. 

You realized it was Ghost and that voice would have been sexy as hell had it not been for another stinging pain shooting up your leg. “I told you we should have sedated her”, the doctor said. “No, save it for someone who will need it”, you replied. “Fine then you're going to have to sit still. I already stitched the exit wound”, the doctor replied. You grasped Ghost's arm and gripped as hard as possible when the pain would sting.

If you were hurting or making Ghost uncomfortable he never let on as the doctor continued to stitch your leg up. Once he was finished you let Ghost go and he let you relax and moved to stand beside you. “You alright luv?”, he asked. You nodded as you remembered your nightmare and started to heave. Like lightning, Ghost had grabbed a can to hand to you as you kept heaving. You could feel him take your hair into his hand as you lost anything and everything in your stomach.

“I’m sorry”, you whispered. Ghost stood there as the doctor checked you over, but as soon as the doctor deemed you okay he left to see other patients. “It wasn’t the pain that made you sick”, Ghost stated. How he knew you had no clue, but you nodded at his statement. “Nightmare”, he said. You nodded again as Ghost pulled a chair out and sat down beside you. “They won’t go away will they”, you say. “No, not entirely”, Ghost replies.

“You have them”, you state. He nods as you come to terms with the fact this is now a part of your life. “They ever get easier?”, you question. “Some do and some don’t. I was told it depends on the trauma, but I think it’s all shite. I think it depends”, he replies. “Depends on what?”, you ask. “On the person and how they deal with it. Do they let it control them or do they use it as fuel to keep going. From what I've seen you will use it as fuel”, he says.

You look him in the eye and hold his gaze and if his gaze doesn’t do things to you. He can tell you’re a fighter he knew that at the beginning. Now after what happened to you he knows that you will come out better than he had with his experiences. “Thank you”, you whisper. “I ‘ave something to tend to luv. Soap will be coming to check on ya’.”, he tells you. You only nod and watch as he leaves until he is out of sight.

True to Ghost’s words about fifteen minutes later Soap comes sauntering into your room. “Aye there’s the lass that toughed bein’ stitched up”, he says jovially. “Hi Soap, How’s your wound?”, you ask. He shows it to you and it already looks like it will leave a nice scar. “Be careful Soap ladies see that scar or any others and you’ll have to fight them off with a stick”, you joke. He laughs at that and sits down to talk to you. He tells you that the man Ghost brought back is being held in the cells and asks what it’s all about.

 You don’t tell him what happened to you, but tell him Josie’s story and how that man deserves worse than a cell to sit in. “Well by the looks of L.T. when he went by seems like that man will be praying for death”, Soap said. “L.T.?”, you questioned. “Yeah ye know for Lieutenant. It’s what I called ‘im be’fer the world went to shite”, Soap explains. “I didn’t know he was a lieutenant. What rank are you if you don’t mind?”, you question. “Sargeant”, he replies. 

You nod as you tell him about your time as a MOS (Military Occupational Specialty also known as a medic). Soap listens intently as you recount some of the missions you went on. Then he tells you about his time in Las Almas and how he and Ghost had to resort to guerrilla warfare. “Glad he waited for you”, you told him. “Me too lass, me too”, he replied. Price even made a stop to see how you were and thanked you for all the supplies you had gotten to bring back.

You managed to fall asleep into a dreamless sleep this time. When you woke up Ghost was propped up in the corner watching you. “Ghost”, you acknowledged. “Got somethin’ you need to see luv. We were able to make you some crutches. I also brought you some clean clothes”, he tells you. You graciously accept the new clothes as you change the shirt you were wearing first while keeping your bra on. 

You had difficulty with the boxer and sweatpants so you called for Ghost who had ducked behind the curtain to let you change. He came in and stopped suddenly seeing you in his oversized shirt. The feeling in his chest was something he hadn’t had in such a long time. He had to admit you looked gorgeous even though you were a little disheveled. You looked up at him wondering why he wasn’t helping you. 

He was frozen, his eyes locked on you and you wondered what was going through his head. While his head screamed at him ‘Mine’ with you staring at him bewildered. He also knew you had no panties on as they were lying on the hospital bed and he could already feel something he hadn’t felt in a very very long time…arousal. It started down his spine then to the rest of his extremities. He had to will himself not to get hard as if he was some horny teenager.

“Ghost, can I get some help?”, you asked again. That got him moving as he kneeled down maintaining eye contact helping slide on the boxers. He could feel the heat of your skin through his gloves and he wondered what it would feel like without his gloves. He then helped you into the sweatpants that he had to pull the draw strings tight just to hang loosely on your hips. You started to laugh as you realized they must be a pair of his sweats as they were exceptionally long on you. 

“Ghost I don’t think I’m as tall as you”, you giggled. Your giggles and seeing you in yet another item of his clothing he had to close his eyes and think of something awful to keep from getting hard. His mind kept screaming ‘mine mine mine’ as your fingers wrapped around his hand. “Ghost are you okay?”, you asked concerned. “I’m alright luv”, he told you. He bent down to help roll the pant legs up and it looked downright comical, but you weren’t going to complain because they smelled like him. 

“Come on luv”, he told you. You tried to keep up with him, but it was even harder now that you were on crutches. He would stop and wait when you fell too far behind as you made your way through the mazes of hallways then to the outside. It was dark and it was cool tonight which made you shiver slightly. He led you what felt like halfway across the base when you both came to a smaller building. Ghost opened the door and ushered me in as I hobbled inside the stench of blood hit my nostrils.

I looked back to Ghost as he locked the door behind him. “What are we doing here?”, you asked. He doesn’t say anything, just motions for you to follow him. You can hear someone begging and pleading to be let go as you get closer to a door with a bright light coming from under the door. When Ghost opens the door and steps in the person starts screaming for help. When you hobble through the door you recognize the person immediately. The one who raped you and terrified Josie.

The anger that flashed in your eyes is what Ghost was waiting to see. “You remember ‘er?”, Ghost asks the man. “Please no more”, the man begs. “Answer the question”, Ghost growls. The man takes one look at you and flies off the handle. “You fucking bitch look what he did to me because of you!”, he shrieks. “Wrong answer”, Ghost says. Fear flashes in the man's eyes as Ghost walks to the back of the room bringing a rolling tray full of instruments beside you. 

“Pick one”, Ghost says. You look at the assortment of tools that range from pliers, jumper cables, brass knuckles, crow bar, cloth beside a jug of water, small metal rods, hammer, nails, drill, screws and some other things. You looked at Ghost questioningly as you pointed at the drill. He picks it up and grabs a couple of screws as the man starts yelling for help. 

Ghost makes sure the strap around the man’s wrist is tight as he makes the man's hand lay flat. He places a screw on a fingernail and places the drill over it. You know what is about to happen, but instead of feeling disgusted and turning away you continue to watch as Ghost drills the screw through the man’s finger. The screams and pleas are like music to your ears. When Ghost stops the man tries to regain his composure as he cries. “Now you know what it’s like”, you say. It startles Ghost a moment when you speak almost as if he had forgotten you were there. 

“What the fuck are you talking about bitch”, the man says. “Remember when you raped me. I begged and screamed for you to stop, but you didn’t so why should we stop”, you say. Ghost looks up at you and you swear he grins under that mask. “Another finger Ghost”, you say. Ghost does as you say and the screaming starts all over again. When Ghost stops he watches you to see what you want him to do.

“The crowbar”, you say. Ghost had made a vow that he would do anything to protect you after what happened. He picked up the crowbar looking back at you for your instruction. “Knees”, you relay. Ghost nods as the man is begging for it all to stop as Ghost brings the crowbar down to the first knee. Ghost waits until the man stops screaming then breaks the other knee cap. You watch as you realize that something dark in you was breaking free.

All the power this man thought he held was now in your hands and at the hands of Ghost. Ghost knew the power you were feeling right now. He had felt the same power when he killed Roba and the darkness that consumed him. Ghost could tell you wouldn’t turn out as dark and as fucked up as he is, but that this small darkness would follow you for the rest of your life. “Jumper cables”, you say next.

Ghost lifted a battery and grabbed the jumper cables. “YOU CAN’T DO THIS!”, the man yelled. Ghost was about to respond, but you spoke first. “We can and we will for as long as I can until I decide to feed you to those deadheads out there. Do you know what it’s like to be ripped apart while you’re still alive? I do. I have seen what those things can do and they don’t care as long as they can eat”, you seeth. The man turned to Ghost, “You can’t just feed me to those things! Please. It’s inhumane!”, he sobbed.

“Not up to me. If that’s what she decides that’s what’ll happen to ya”, Ghost told him. The man started to curse at you and spit at you. Ghost hooked up the jumper cables and grabbed the two ends and held them to the man’s hands. Screams continued to fill the room for at least fifteen minutes until the screaming stopped and the man’s body slumped forward. Ghost unhooks the battery and checks the man’s pulse.

“Must ‘ave been too much for ‘im, but he’s still alive”, Ghost says. “Thank you for this. It won’t give me back what he took, but it’s a start”, you say. Ghost nods and leads you back outside as the chill of the night hits you. “I don’t want to stay in that hospital room again”, you said. “Come on”, Ghost says. He leads you to what you make out to be the barracks, but you pass all the rooms with bunks to a corridor with doors. 

Ghost goes to the end of the hall and unlocks a door looking around before ushering you inside. When you get in you can see a cloth balaclava on the desk in the corner and all the tactical gear you knew this was his room. “You can ‘ave the bed”, he states. “I can’t take your bed”, you whisper. “I can take the floor”, Ghost replies. You go to protest again, but the look Ghost gives you shuts you up. You put your crutches in the corner and start to hobble to the bed to sit down, but freeze in your tracks when Ghost pulls his shirt over his head.

He is ripped, broad and holy shit those shoulders have you almost drooling. You watch as he holds his mask in place as he pulls off his shirt and you quickly look away. Your cheeks were burning as you sat down on the bed. He pulls on a black t-shirt as you watch out of your peripheral. “I should leave. I just realized this is your only space for you to be maskless and Soap told me how you don’t like to take it off in front of people”, you ramble. “I can sleep in it”, he says. “That isn’t fair to you”, you respond. 

You both sit there and then an idea comes to you as you get up and grab the shirt Ghost had just taken off. You go back to the bed and take the shirt rolling it and make it into a blindfold. “There this way I can turn towards the wall and have something over my eyes”, you tell him. You do just as you said and lay down under the covers and face the wall. Ghost stands there completely dumbfounded with you.

You barely know him and even after what had happened to you that you were willing to blindfold yourself for his sake. He turned the light off as the room went black. He lays down on the floor and listens as you slow your breathing to relax. He listened until your breathing evened out and  that was when he decided to pull his mask off and lay it beside him on the small roll out mat he was laying on falling asleep pretty quickly.

The nightmare was horrid as you were back in the house tied down to the bed. You were thrashing and whimpering as the nightmare continued until you started crying out for it to stop. Ghost shot awake with your cries and realized what was happening. He grabbed your flailing arms and called to you. “Luv it’s jus’ a dream. Wake up luv wake up”, he calls. You wake then and you're frantic until you hear Ghosts voice telling you that you’re safe. 

You're sobbing by the time you're fully awake as Ghost pulls you to his chest cradling your head to his chest. You cling to him like a lifeline as you try to regulate your breathing. “Calm down luv I wouldn’t let anythin’ hurt ya’ while you're in my room”, he says. You focus on his gravelly voice from being asleep to help ground you and focus. Once you're finished you pull back realizing you were still wearing your blindfold. 

“I guess we should go back to sleep. I’m sorry for waking you up”, you tell him. “It’s alrigh’ luv”, he replies. He goes to move away from the bed when you grab his arm. “You don’t have to sleep on the floor”, you whisper. Ghost tenses under your touch and has an internal war with himself about sleeping beside you in the bed. You trembled and Ghost made up his mind as he lay down on his side as you faced the wall again. 

You were trying to give him enough space as he placed his arm under your head. You fell asleep quickly at that point as Ghost tried to calm his racing heart. He couldn’t recall the last time he ever had a woman in his bed and he was so worried about moving even the slightest bit in fear of waking you up. He stayed awake for at least another hour before he was able to sleep as well.

[twilightrocksfanfic]

Paul meets his imprint and they have a one night stand

author's note: Reader picks Paul up in a bar and he decides he is in it for a good time not a long time. (Yes he does imprint but he doesn't want to drag anyone into his messy life so he decides to just create this one beautiful memory) This story technically continues as it is part of my twilight literary universe (aka my multiverse of madness) so I could totally do a part 2 if anyone's interested

warnings: mentions of alcohol consumption, fake IDs (both reader and Paul are over 18), no smut but obvious allusions to sex, mentions of y/n

(please let me know if I missed anything)

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Josie was the first to tell you that a guy across the bar was staring at you. You laughed at her, in a mix of disbelief and excitement but you did turn to look at him. You immediately knew who she was talking about because sitting amidst a group of young men there was one who very obviously had his eyes on you.

You swallowed under his gaze and were immediately sure that he knew you had noticed him. One of his friends patted him on the shoulder and he turned away from you, though he wasn't meeting his friends eyes.

You heard your friends laugh next to you but unlike him you didn't want to tear your eyes of him yet. He had dark hair and in the dimly lit bar his face was contoured by shadows that just conveniently fell in all the right places, he looked a little tense for a bar, but when he turned back to look at you, you waved and smiled, he smiled back.

You turned back to Josie to find that Justin and Liza had returned from their bathroom trip. All four of you burst into laughter and you took another sip. You were only on your second wine of the night but something about flirting with strangers just got you into a giggly mood.

The night progressed. The intervals of Liza and Justin having to go to the restroom at the same time grew shorter and Josies encouragement that you should go over to the stranger grew louder. He had been staring at you all night. Of course, the only way you knew that was because you stole a glance in his direction every chance you got but he didn’t need to know that.

After your third glass you ordered a water and your head was getting clear again. And as it did you somehow convinced yourself that you should indeed go over, just to see what would happen.

When Liza and Justin got back, Josie ran her fingers through your hair and off you went.

He looked at you while walking, smiling and then saying something to his friends. You slid down on the bench next to him before turning your entire body to him.

“You know considering you’ve been staring at me the whole night and how attractive you are I really would’ve expected you to come over first.” You said before looking past him and smiling at his friends.

He seemed perplexed for a second then he returned your smirk.

“How about I make up for it with another drink? I’m Paul by the way.”

“Y/N” you held out your hand and he firmly shook it.

And thus, the night progressed. You were unsure when his friends disappeared, you hadn’t even asked their names. You’ve been too busy trying to scoot your thigh close to his in a casual and coincidental way while maintaining conversation.

From the moment you had gone over to his table you had been quite certain that you did not intend to leave the bar with your friends tonight and as the night went on and the ‘accidental’ touches between the two of you grew more frequent, you saw yourself confronted with the horrifying truth that you would have to tell them that.

You told Paul about the bookstore you had gone to that day, and he made some stupid joke about you being book smart which perfectly balanced his street smartness when you leaned in laughing and he grabbed your chin to kiss you for the first time.

It was explosive.

His hands and lips and the air around him seemed to be on fire and you couldn’t help but pull him in by his T-shirt as you slid your tongue into his mouth.

When you broke apart you looked at each other. He seemed to be waiting for something.

You smiled before saying: “Let’s get out of here, mhh?”

You took his hand and pulled him over to your friends to grab your purse and say good bye (and make sure they all had a good look of him in case anything happened).

Thankfully none of them was making an inappropriate joke, though you knew they were only saving them for after. That would be an issue for future you though, Paul looked like he would be worth the trouble.

You weren’t sure how you ended up on his lap on the back of his truck though. Originally you had wanted to drive to his place, sneak in through the window. The thought had been kind of exciting. You had never sneaked in or out of a boy’s house before.

Either way, your hands were tangled in his hair now, neither of you were wearing shirts anymore, so it did not look like you were going to make it to a second location.

His warm fingers were tracing up and down your thighs as he pushed himself against any free inch of skin he could get. There was something hungry about the way he held you, like he would never get enough of you.

Maybe you were only imagining that though because it was the exact same way, he made you feel. His smell was intoxicating, like a forest after rain mixed with the mild but lingering taste of beer on his lips.

“Can we pause for a second” because the thought of alcohol had suddenly made you feel guilty. He pulled back and looked at you, waiting.

The night had started with going to the bookstore with a friend and somehow ended on top of a half-naked stranger in the back of his car. You were glad for his hands on your waist, they helped steady you.

Your hands rested on Paul's bare chest; his skin so hot under yours you were worried about burning. You didn't, he was just warm enough that the cold air around you barely bothered you.

"I uhm..." You took your fingers off his chest and looked away from him for fear his eyes and lips and body would make you forget your train of thought once more.

"I'm not 21. I used a fake ID to get those drinks. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything.”

Paul shuffled under you, moving away and reaching for your shirt, which he had so willingly pulled over your head just a few minutes prior. He gave it to you and looked up into your face.

You couldn’t read his expression. Was he mad? Sad? Annoyed?

“I mean, I'm 18 you're not doing anything illegal here or anything, just a little younger than you probably expected” you added quickly because it suddenly dawned on you that he was probably worried about that. You covered yourself with your t-shirt without putting it back on and then his face turned into a smile.

Without saying anything, he reached into his pants and pulled out a wallet. He handed you his driver’s license, which told you that he too had also just turned 18, only a few months after you. 

You slapped his chest, and he used that hand to pull you in for another kiss. 

"I was actually feeling bad because I lied to you" you mumbled into a kiss, and he smiled again.

"I could tell."

You bid down on his lower lip, as your hands wandered down to his pants. You let your fingers brush over the soft skin on his stomach and casually let them slip into the band of his pants just a little. He exhaled against your lips, his pulling into a smile.

His hands were all over your upper body, leaving goose bumps everywhere they went. He lightly brushed against the side of your bra, you nodded in encouragement and his hand brushed over your covered breasts for the first time causing you to shiver. His fingers followed the seam from your front to your back, coming to a halt at your bra clip. They lingered, softly brushing your skin, as he pulled back to look at you, waiting for some sort of signal. You smiled and kissed him again.

You've never had sex with a stranger before and somehow you felt closer to this really hot guy you've met a few hours ago than you did to the majority of guys in your high school.

Your bra came loose, and you had started to unbutton his pants when he interrupted the kiss once more. 

"Anything else I should know?" You thought for a second and shook your head, and he started to consume, to devour you.

He pressed hot kisses onto every inch of skin he could reach. 

This wasn't what you had imagined a one-night stand in the back of a car to be like. Paul was making you shiver in the best way possible, and you gladly let him.

Paul hugged you close to his chest for a few seconds, but you could feel him getting soft and you needed to get the condom off before that was all for nothing.

Your legs were shaking even with Paul supporting them, as you slid off him and sat down on the car seat next to him. Leaning against his shoulders and leaving a kiss there. Although the sex was over it felt so right to keep touching him, to keep kissing him, that you did.

You caressed his body as you helped him take the condom off without spilling anything. You wrapped it in a tissue and put it in a plastic bag you had gotten at the bookstore.

Neither of you said anything. The realization of what had happened began to dawn on you. What were you supposed to do now? Were your supposed to leave? Ask for a ride home? Call someone to pick you up?

Paul took your hand, and pulled one of your legs back over his, resting his hand there. You couldn’t help but look at him. His hair was a little damp and extremely messy and the smile on his lips was so bright you wanted to bottle it up and take it home for bad days.

"You, okay?" He looked so genuinely concerned. At least you hadn't picked up some asshole.

You gave him a small smile.

"Yeah, I think I'm good. Are you okay?" You realized how tight he was holding onto your leg, as if he was afraid of letting go. 

He nodded. There was something in his eyes, it felt like there was something he wasn't telling you and it bothered you. Obviously, this man was a complete stranger and under no obligation to say anything, but the way he looked at you made you want to know every thought he’s ever thought.

“Would it be okay if we just... lay down here?” He asked after a moment of silence.

You nodded and he opened his arms for you to lay down on his chest. Instinctively you started to run your fingers over his upper body again, tracing the lines between muscles and squeezing anything your fingers could comfortably grip.

At first there was only silence between you. Then, you started talking. First about how you originally had the day planned. Then about other things. Your friends, school. And he told you things too, although considerably less.

Mostly he brushed his fingertips over your naked skin and hair. He leaned down a few times to kiss the top of your head and then seemed to stop himself.

Each time you pretended you didn't notice and each time you hoped that he actually would do it this time.

Eventually he did. First your hair, then your forehead. it only took minutes before you were straddling him again and savouring the taste of his lips.

The night passed and only as the sun started to rise in the window shield did you acknowledge that it was going to end.

Paul helped you put your clothes back on and offered to drive you home without taking no for an answer. You were both spent but at the same time, you had not felt this alive in a long time. 

Paul dropped you off.

He didn’t ask for your number, and you didn’t ask for his and so you gave him a smile and then waved from the front door.

And that was it.

[bitchinbarzal]

Forever my girl | Jamie Drysdale: two

summary: jamie meets billie

-

Jamie was staying in a hotel, knowing he wasn’t welcome back at his parents house especially not by Charlie.

He got breakfast down at the cafe, still owned by the old couple just like when he was a kid.

“What can get- well as I live and breathe Jamie Drysdale is that you?” Lola, cooed and Jamie smiled

“It’s me Lo”

“Hank come out here! Our Jamie’s home!”

The couple stand fawning over him “do you guys know where I’ll find y/n?”

Lola’s face softened “The flower shop”

He thanked them both, paying for his food and headed out. Hank picked up his cheque, $200 stuffed in the book.

“That boy… let it all get to his head”

Standing outside the flower shop, Jamie looked up at the sign that now read SWEETPEA’S FLOWERS

Through the window he could see you talking to a customer, pointing to the various arrangements on the countertop.

He waited until the shop was empty before he headed inside, your back was turned to him.

“That was some slap you gave me yesterday” he mumbled.

You turned with a scowl “That was just a warning shot”

His eyerow raised “Oh really?” He has an amused grin on his face.

Your back is facing him once again “uh huh”

Jamie stands, taking in his surroundings “So this is where you work now, eh?”

You slam down a bunch of daises rather aggressively “I own it”

“Bought it after Mrs Richards died five years ago”

Jamie’s eyebrows furrowed “Oh”

You stop what you’re doing and look at him, tired “Yes Jamie, I actually did something with my life after you walked out on me and a lot has changed round here since you left, my mama passed did you know that?”

His heart drops, your mom had always supported Jamie since he was little.

“No… no I’m so sorry I didn’t know”

You laugh, almost mocking him “Have you noticed that since you’ve been gone, Jamie that nobody here has ever spoken to any of those tabloids or the media about you and your life here… about what you did?”

He anxiously scratches the back of his neck “yeah because I left you”

It’s not like he hadn’t thought about it since he left.

You chuckle “No, you left us all that day Jamie… nobody’s spoken about what you did that day because here in Hope we’ve got each others back and I’m not sure you belong here anymore”

“y/n-“

“Just leave Jamie, don’t you have some big city model to get back to in California?”

He decided not to push you, not after the slap you gave him yesterday so he turned to leave.

“Hi mama!” Billie shouted as she pushed open the door to the shop, Josie and her boys following close behind.

In a rush, you push past Jamie and down to Billie’s level “Hi Sweetpea! How was school?”

“Meh same old, same old” she shrugged to which both you and Jamie chuckle. She was so mature for her age.

“Jamie” Josie growled, her baby boy on her hip.

Jamie nodded at her “Josie”

You noticed Billie becoming aware of the tension “Hey, so aunt josie is gonna take you all to get cupcakes from Lola’s ok? My treat”

She smiles “but only a little bit I don’t wanna ruin dinner, my grandma and poppy are coming over”

Then she looks at Jamie “Hey, I know you! You’re that hockey player my mama watches on the television my grandma has pictures of you in her house”

Jamie smiles softly “I’m Jamie”

Billie holds her hand out “I’m Billie”

You watch Jamie’s face falter “Billie?”

“Uh huh”

Jamie then looks at you “wow… that’s a, really pretty name”

You interrupt “Okay sweet pea time to-“ 

“Hold up a second” Jamie stops you, standing infront of Billie “How old are you, Billie?”

You see her curl into herself, anxiety prevalent

“I’m not very tall for my age but my poppy says I’ll grow… I’m six”

Jamie’s eyes widened “Six, eh?”

“Okay! Time to go!” Josie announces, wrangling the kids out the door.

Billie heads out, stopping to wave “Bye mama! Bye Jamie!”

“Bye Sweetpea!” You shout through the tears forming in your eyes.

You stand, still looking out the door as your babygirl walks away. You don’t want to look at him.

“Six, eh?”

You sigh, pinching your head “I think we should talk”

hi jamie, it’s me again.

I think this is the last time I’m calling. I can’t keep doing this. I watched your debut, I’m really proud of you but I need you to call me back… please jamie you want to hear what I’ve got to say.

[goldenseresinretriever]

False Confidence: Chapter 2

Pairing: Javy “Coyote” Machado x Reader

Part of the San Diego Dogfighters universe

Summary: The Athletic named Javy Machado the fifth sluttiest player in the NHL last year. He’s a known playboy who leaves every game with a different girl. As far as he’s concerned he’s living the dream, playing his dream job with the dream lifestyle. Unfortunately his friends and bosses don’t agree. At 33, they think it’s time for him to settle down. You’re a kindergarten teacher at an esteemed private school. You don't expect much when you finally accept your colleague’s invitation to attend her husband’s hockey game but when you accidentally get separated in the post-game rush, you find yourself in a compromising situation with the last person you’d ever expected to meet. When his PR rep suggests a mutually beneficial agreement, your hands are tied. How long will you have to keep up the act? And how long will you be able to?

Series CW: 18+ ONLY, swearing, angst, fluff, fake relationship, suggestive language, mentions of sexual harassment, anxiety, school system inaccuracies, hockey inaccuracies etc. There will be individual chapter warnings. No use of Y/N.

Word Count: 4.7k

A/N: This is a repost from my series, False Confidence. It was originally posted in March 2023, and was lost when my blog was deleted.

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Everyone’s waiting for your answer but your head is spinning. The silence stretches for just shy of too long before you finally clear your throat. “Can I have a minute?” You stand, shakily, pushing your chair back and making for the door. You curl your fingers around Josie’s wrist as you pass her, tugging her after you. No one tries to stop you and when you exit into the hallway, it’s empty. You glance in both directions, find them unfamiliar and then just pick one, dragging Josie behind you. Once you think you’re out of earshot of the office, you round on Josie who’s regarding you calmly. Your hands are still trembling but you can’t hide your anger anymore and you snap. “What were you thinking!” You snap and Josie’s eyes widen in surprise. Your voice trembles but the bite is still there. “First you tell me to sue him for sexual assault and now you want me to date him?!” Josie sighs, rolling her eyes.

“You really think that little of me, Roadie? Look, what he did was fucked up, and I knew you wouldn’t want to press charges because you’re well, you, but I want to support you if that’s something you really want. Either way he deserves to pay for what he did. If you don’t want to take this to court that’s fine, but why not benefit from this? You said it yourself, you’re worried about Dan’s rule, so play the system. Also, I didn’t say you should date him because I wouldn’t wish that fate on my worst enemy, I said to fake date him. It’s just a game, like playing pretend. It’s January, Dan makes his decisions on renewals by April at the latest and then maybe you stick with it until the end of the year and then you can say you broke up over summer break and it’s over. Plus it’s perfect, just have him show up to a few school events. It doesn’t have to be every one since he has a career that has him traveling most of the year, so you have a good reason when you don’t bring him to something. And since he’ll be gone most of the time anyway, you don’t have to put much effort into the ruse.”

“Plus,” she gives you a rueful smile. “As much as it pains me to say it, Javy’s not such a bad guy. I don’t approve of his choices but I know from seeing him with the guys and Zam especially, he’s got a good heart. When he says he’s sorry and that he didn’t mean to hurt you, I think he means it. The guy has three sisters for heaven’s sake. I wouldn’t even think of suggesting this if I didn’t trust him in some capacity. And like I said, it’s not like you’re actually dating him.” She shrugs again.

“I couldn’t do something like that. Using someone that way? It’s not right.” Your heart squeezes as you force the words out and you try your best to ignore the way your voice shakes. Josie gives you a pointed look.

“He’s using you too, remember? Zam needs him to fix his reputation. A steady girlfriend is exactly what he needs, or at least the illusion of one.”

“Does he need it, or does the team?” Your words have more bite than you intended and Josie regards you curiously.

“He is the team. It’s his job, the way your teaching position is yours.” She says coolly. “I’m not going to force you one way or another, but I’m just saying, an opportunity like this isn’t going to come around again.” Your stomach is a tangle of nerves as Josie goes back inside and you consider her words. It would be mutually beneficial for both of your jobs, and he clearly wasn’t attracted to you, so perhaps some kind of agreement wouldn’t hurt. You can’t believe you’re actually considering this but you think about your kids, your classroom, and your job that you really do love. If this was what you had to do to guarantee that you kept it, you could play the game. Your kids are everything and you take great pride in your work. As a kindergarten teacher, you’re the kids’ first impression of the school and you take that job very seriously. The idea of having to hand that over to someone else makes your heart twist painfully in your chest. You can do this for them.

“Hey,” a voice breaks through your train of thought and you jump in surprise. Javy holds his hands up in front of him, backing up a step to give you space. “Easy, I didn’t mean to scare you, I’m not going to hurt you.” He says, brown eyes widening at your terrified expression. You feel your body curl into itself instinctively and see a flicker in his eyes that you can’t read. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.” He says slowly, eyes running over your figure but not in a scrutinizing way. If you didn’t know better, you’d think he was checking you over. “So,” he says, posture relaxing as he leans a shoulder against the wall as he regards you. “How are you feeling about this agreement?”

You pick at the fabric of the skirt of the dress, averting your eyes so you don’t have to look at him. After it’s been a little too long without you answering you give a slight shrug before you force the words out, your voice quiet. “I really love my job. I don’t want to lose it.” It’s not an answer, not really but he nods slowly as you chance a peek at his face to see his reaction. He catches your gaze and gives you a small smile. It feels like the first peek of the sun through an overcast sky after a storm. It sends an unexpected droplet of warmth plummeting straight into your stomach. You find that you don’t want to escape his gaze nearly as much after seeing that soft quirk of his lips. Cautiously, you turn to face him fully and watch as the corners of his mouth slowly tick up in tandem. The clouds move apart and as you’re bathed in his warmth, you wonder what it would feel like to experience the full force of his smile. You think it might destroy you.

“What about you?” You don’t recognize your voice when you find it. You clear your throat and try again. “How are you feeling about the agreement?” He shrugs his broad shoulders.

“There are worse things.” You suppress the urge to flinch at his casual words that send a slice of cold down your spine. “Zam’s been on my ass for months about settling down, that’s true.”

He pauses so you ask, “And you wouldn’t rather have an actual girlfriend? A real one, I mean.” He gives you a curious look.

“I could ask you the same thing,” he points out and you feel your cheeks heat as you avert your gaze from the intensity of his.

“No,” you answer softly. “I wouldn’t.” You don’t offer any additional explanation so he just nods.

“Well, I wouldn’t either.” He says and you realize you’ve unintentionally placed the two of you at a stalemate. “So, that’s it then?” He asks, finally breaking the silence. “We’re doing this?” You swallow hard before nodding firmly.

“We’re doing this.” He nods back before extending a hand into the buffer of space he’d left between the two of you. You stare at it for a long moment before extending one of your own. He holds his hand still, leaving it to you to wrap your digits around his larger ones. He curls his around yours then and you’re reminded of how they felt on your hips, pressing into the flesh like a potter molding clay. When he shakes your hand you watch the muscles flex in his arm and wonder if you’ve unknowingly thrown yourself into the deep end, condemned to a death by drowning.

“Hi, I’m Javy, nice to meet you.” Even though he’s told you his name once before, this feels different. You introduce yourself as well. It feels odd. You’ve known him before ever being introduced. This feels different, almost like the air between the two you had shifted. He lets go of your hand as quickly as he grips it and holds out his hand back towards Zam’s office.

“Shall we?” He asks and you nod, turning to go ahead of him. You feel the ghost of fingertips against the small of your back and you stiffen instinctively at the unexpected contact. “Shit, sorry, I didn’t mean to,” he apologizes instantly, pulling his fingers away. “I’m a naturally touchy guy. It’s a bad habit, I’ll try to be more aware of it if it makes you uncomfortable.” He sounds genuinely apologetic and maybe a tiny bit embarrassed. He holds the door to the office open for you as you both enter and you square your shoulders, willing them not to shake as you approach Zam’s desk.

“I’ll do it.” Zam looks surprised but nods before turning to Javy.

“Javy?” You don’t turn to look at him but the pause before his answer tells you he’s nodding.

“I’ll do it.”

“Good,” Zam says, not sounding very convincing before she tries again. “Good. I’ll draw up something official that the two of you can sign. In the meantime, the two of you should get to know each other. Javy, I’ll arrange a press conference at which you’re going to address the photos and ask the press as well as your fans to respect your girlfriend’s privacy. After that you’ll need to start appearing together in public: dates, Roadie you’ll need to start attending home games and maybe even an away game or two where your schedule permits.” Your brain starts getting hazy as the weight of what you’ve just signed up for settles onto your shoulders. Zam’s still speaking but your brain is louder as it gets heavier and then Zam’s dismissing everyone.

You feel Josie’s hand on your shoulder, steering you towards the door. You file out of the office with everyone else and follow behind Josie, your mind still so busy that you don’t hear the calling of your name until a hand curls around your wrist and you jump, letting out a squeak of surprise. The hand retreats instantly and Javy gives you a guilty look. “Sorry, but you weren’t answering.” He scratches the back of his neck. You give him a shy nod, twisting your hands in front of you. “I don’t have your phone number. I figured that’s probably important.” You fumble to extricate your phone from your purse, tapping at the screen with trembling fingers before handing it to him. He inputs the digits with ease before handing the phone back. “Cool, well I’ll be in touch.” He says before giving you one last smile before turning to jog down the hallway in the opposite direction.

Once he’s gone you look down at your phone, and your eyes widen as you see what he’s done. Your texts are open to a new conversation with a contact named “Big Sexy ;)” with a single bubble from your side of the chain reading “How’s dinner sound?” Your phone chimes and a message pops up from the opposite side of the screen.

“It would be my pleasure.” Followed by an unfamiliar address. Your breath catches in your throat. Not for the first time today you wonder if you’re in over your head.

***

Your kitchen looks like a hurricane’s gone through it. The result of the storm perches on the corner of the counter, prompt seated in a frilly baking dish. The lemon-blueberry loaf fills the space with a delicious aroma as you frown at your reflection. You’d finally invested in a full-length mirror at Josie’s behest and you’re still getting used to using it. You smooth your hands down the surface of your light-wash jeans, resisting the urge to tug at the sweater you’re wearing as you regard your reflection. Your eyes shift to the sliver of the kitchen that you can catch in the mirror and frown at the mess. You’re a stress baker and so far today you have the loaf you’re taking to Javy’s along with muffins for your class tomorrow and another tray for the teachers. You glance at the clock on the wall and grimace. If you don’t leave now you’ll be late and you don’t need that extra stress on top of everything else on your mind tonight. You begrudgingly grab your purse and the loaf pan, heading out as the sun starts to paint the sky with the warm pallet of sunset.

***

You googled the apartment complex before you left but that doesn’t stop you from craning your neck up at the impressive reflective surface of the luxury apartment building. It’s smack in the middle of downtown San Diego and you’d passed a packed highway of commuters heading in the opposite direction on your way here. As you step into the opulent lobby, you feel severely underdressed, especially as you approach the front desk. You’ve never seen an apartment with a front desk but then again you’ve never had reason to interact with the extremely wealthy aside from teaching their children. The woman at the front desk doesn’t look much younger than you but she could be older. It would make sense that a job like this would age you less than corralling elementary schoolers all day.

“Can I help you?” She asks with a nasal voice that has everything to do with her pinched expression of thinly veiled disgust as she gives you a once-over that’s definitely not in her job description. You give her a tight-lipped smile in response.

“I’m here to see Javy Machado.” You consider calling him Mr. Machado but if he’s supposed to be your boyfriend you need to sound comfortable around him. Especially since this probably won’t be the last time you have to interact with… Emma. You find her name tag as she finishes her silent assessment of you, a pitying smile on her lips.

“Oh honey, you’re not going to need that.” She nods at the loaf pan in your hands. “It’s not the kind of cake he invited you over for.” She smirks like she’s won some sort of game and you wonder exactly how many girls she’s seen come through here. You plaster your polite smile on even harder, imagining her as one of your students’ mothers. You’re not sure where your confidence comes from but maybe Roadie, fake girlfriend to superstar hockey player Javy Machado is braver than Ms. Roadie, kindergarten teacher, because you respond coolly.

“I’d appreciate it if you let my boyfriend know I’m here, please, Emma. We have dinner plans.” She looks like she’s about to snort but then her expression changes completely and you don’t understand until she addresses someone who must be behind you.

“Mr. Machado! Good evening!” She chirps cheerfully and she reminds you of a baby bird. Desperate. You steel yourself and turn to face Javy, keeping your brave face in place as best as you can.

“Perfect timing, sweetheart.” The words sound clunky and unfamiliar in your mouth and you see Javy’s eyes widen almost imperceptibly before understanding fills them.

“Hey beautiful, ready for dinner?” He leans in then, eyes watching you carefully as if trying to convey his intentions before his warm lips meet your cheek in a chaste kiss that sets your skin ablaze in its wake. You give him a simple nod, words failing you as you turn over the casual term of endearment in your mind.

Emma’s watching your exchange with barely contained shock. Javy doesn’t even pay her a moment of attention, nodding to the left in silent instruction and you follow him to an elevator bay. You register then that his hands are full of takeout bags and you immediately wrestle one from his grasp as he juggles them to free a hand for the keypad to the elevator. “Thanks," he says and you arrange the bag in your arms. “I hope you like Cajun.” The smell escaping the bags hits your nose then and your nostrils fill with the rich, spicy scent and you feel a little of the tension slip out of your shoulders even though the smell is entirely foreign to you.

“I’ve never had it.” You admit as the elevator arrives and the two of you board it.

“Never?!” He looks surprised before it melts into a grin that knocks the air out of your lungs. “Well, then this is the perfect place to try it for the first time. Well, other than New Orleans.” He amends and you nod along. The two of you fall into silence as the elevator climbs. You notice then what he’s wearing as you stand on opposite sides of the elevator. You’d felt underdressed in the lobby but he’s dressed in a faded ASU shirt and athletic shorts over socks and slide sandals. He notices you looking and gives you a rueful look. “I was banking on having time to change before you got here.” He explains and you shake your head, dismissing his half-apology.

“It’s fine. It’s your house after all.” He smiles again and the silence is back before the door slides open onto an entryway. You’ve arrived straight into his apartment and you let your eyes explore the beginning of his home. The entryway is sparse and undecorated. It looks stiff, devoid of personality. There’s a hallway that turns out of sight to your left and a closed door to the right.

“That’s the spare bedroom.” He explains as he slips off his shoes and you follow suit. “It’s a weird layout but it suits my needs.” You’re not entirely sure what he means until you follow him down the hallway. Once it opens onto the living room you think you understand Javy Machado just a little bit more.

The living room is a complete 180 from the entryway. The furniture looks expensive and the floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a breathtaking view of the city but the end tables are littered with picture frames and the space has a distinct lived-in feel. You get the feeling that his overnight guests don’t make it this far into the apartment. He makes a beeline for the kitchen and you hurry to catch up with him. You manage to catch sight of at least one of the frames’ contents and a soft smile quirks at your lips. A younger Javy and Jake grin back at you. Their arms are slung over each other’s shoulders, faces sweaty, wearing red and gold hockey jerseys that you assume are from ASU given Javy’s shirt of the same color. You make your way into the kitchen where Javy’s opening the bags and accounting for all the food. He looks up when you come in, depositing the extra bag next to him and the loaf pan beside it. He snatches it up, groaning as he takes a deep sniff of the contents.

“Roadie, this smells delicious.” He remarks before excusing himself to his bedroom to change leaving you in the kitchen. Once you’re alone, you feel the nerves start to creep back in. You worry the hem of your sweater as you wait until a faint jingling reaches your ears and you turn just in time to see a wary black snout make its way around the corner into the kitchen. Of all the things you’ve seen so far in Javy’s apartment, this is the biggest surprise. The tiny dachshund regards you curiously and you do your best to manage your nerves, knowing the dog can definitely sense them and squat down.

“Hi there,” you whisper cautiously and the dog approaches carefully. You reach a hand out and she sniffs it suspiciously before licking at your fingers and you can’t help the giggle that escapes your lips. You catch sight of her collar as you scratch her head gently. “Roxie” it reads and you smile wider. “Hi there, Roxie, it's nice to meet you.” Roxie seems equally pleased and rolls over onto her belly to encourage further scratches and rubs. You’re so consumed with her that you don’t notice Javy return until Roxie squirms into your grasp to face her owner, giving a playful yip. He’s gaping at the two of you and you’re instantly nervous again. You stand quickly, dusting your hands off on your jeans.

“S-sorry I didn’t mean to intrude I just- She came in here so I just- I’m sorry.” You sputter but he’s still staring at Roxie before he slowly moves his gaze to you. Something unreadable passes through his eyes and then he shakes his head.

“No, it's fine I just, she was supposed to be in the laundry room. And I…” he trails off before continuing. “She doesn’t usually like other people, especially strangers.”

“Oh,”

“Yeah,” he says, looking back down at where Roxie’s sitting, regarding him with a cocked head on the floor. He looks back at you, expression unreadable. “Should we eat?” You nod and follow him to sit at the countertop. He pulls two bowls out of the cabinets and opens up some take-out soup containers. “How do you feel about seafood?” Your stomach drops as nerves twist your gut. He looks up and must see your expression because he just nods and grabs one of the containers, dishing the hearty-looking stew into a bowl before passing it to you. “That one’s just sausage. I didn’t know where you stood on seafood, so I got both.” Your heart aches slightly as you thank him and take the bowl. He fills his bowl from a different container before taking a seat next to you. “So, Roadie,” he says after taking a few bites in silence, “tell me about yourself.”

You squirm slightly in your seat. You’ve never been one to talk much about yourself so you decide to stick to the basics, and treat this like a job interview. It kind of is a job interview, except you’re interviewing for a position after taking it instead of before. “I’m almost thirty. I’m a kindergarten teacher at Acacia Academy. That’s how I know Josie and Reuben. Josie and I are colleagues and their daughter Skylar is in my class.” Javy nods, before asking.

“Do you like it? Teaching?” You nod vigorously and you think you see a ghost of a smile on his lips.

“My kids mean everything to me. I can’t imagine doing something else.” You admit and he nods again.

“What do you do other than work?” You give him a confused look so he clarifies. “What are your hobbies?”

“I’m an artist,” you answer easily. “It’s not in any way professional by any means, but I like doing it.” You shrug.

“What kind of art?” He asks and you shrug again.

“I work with lots of mediums, I don’t like being limited to just one.”

“What’s your favorite?”

“Painting,” you answer easily.

“Why?” He rests his chin on his hand and you feel pinned under his casual gaze. It feels odd, and unfamiliar, being the sole focus of his attention. It’s like walking to your car on a cloudless day and feeling every inch of your cool skin prickling under the unyielding warmth of the sun.

“It’s so versatile,” you explain, dropping your gaze to where your fingers pick at the napkin pinned under your bowl. There are so many styles and techniques and nothing is clear-cut. You’re not limited by the colors you have in front of you, everything can blend. Anything’s possible. The only limitation you have is your creativity.” An unreadable look passes through his eyes but then he’s back to normal. You don’t get long to dwell on it, though, before he’s back to asking you questions.

***

“So, you said your principal doesn’t care about making illegal rules because it’s a private school, so why not teach at a public school?” You fidget with your spoon, looking away from him before answering.

“Public schools aren’t really a good fit for me. I can’t get comfortable.” He doesn’t push and you’re thankful.

“Speaking of comfort, we should talk about how we’re going to do this.” At your confused expression, he elaborates. “Pretend to be in a relationship, I mean. For starters, if we’re really going to sell this, you can’t be jumping out of your skin every time I touch you. People are going to expect at least a little PDA.” He must see the wide-eyed dread on your face because he holds up a placating hand. “I’m not saying we have to make out every time there are cameras around, but holding hands, hugs, and the occasional kiss here and there are going to have to be something you’re comfortable with.” You nod, weakly. “That being said, if there’s anything specific you don’t want me doing, tell me. I don’t want you to be scared of me. We’re on the same team here. This doesn’t work if we’re not working together.” You nod, nervously. It wasn’t like this last time, this is all new territory for you. “If it’ll help you loosen up, we could just have sex. No strings attached, obviously, but if it’ll make you more comfortable-“

“NO.” Your voice comes out with more force than you intended it to, laced with terror as your heart hammers in your chest. What are you doing here? What were you thinking, agreeing to this? Of course, he’d expect you to have sex with him. He’s used to having a new girl every night. You’re losing the battle with your thoughts when Javy breaks right through them.

“Hey, HEY, easy Roadie, it was just a suggestion, we don’t have to.” He looks like he’s fighting the urge to grab your hands in his.

“Please,” you hate the way the word sounds. You want something to feel real. One first to be yours, truly yours. Clearly, he hates the way it sounds too because his face contorts into something unfamiliar before he nods.

“No sex, done.” He hesitates for a moment before he opens his mouth again, choosing his words carefully and you see a flash of rage in his eyes and you bristle in fear. “Roadie… I know I’m probably the last person you want to talk about this with, but I just,” he shakes his head, pushing forward. “Did, did someone hurt you?” You realize what the rage in his eyes is now. Not anger at you, for turning him down, but protectiveness. Because he’s taken your vehement refusal as something else. You faintly remember Josie mentioning that he has three sisters. Of course, that would be his first instinct. You shake your head quickly.

“No, no, it’s not that.” You can tell he doesn’t believe you and thinks you just don’t trust him as the fire in his eyes doesn’t dim.

“If you ever need someone to talk to, all the girls on the team are really sweet and would be willing to-“

“It’s not that.” You insist and you can tell he’s still unconvinced.

“Not that you have to talk to someone but I’m sure it might help-“

“JAVY, I’m a virgin.” You squeeze your eyes shut before blurting out the words, hiding from the shame that coats your throat in their wake. The silence between the two of you stretches long enough that eventually you crack open an eye to see his reaction, but there isn’t one. He’s just sitting there, waiting for you. You wrench your other eye open, struggling to get comfortable in the silence. Your fingers twist together in your lap as you wait for him to say something.

“That wasn’t your first kiss, was it?” He says, finally and you can see the gears turning in his mind as he follows his new line of thinking but you shake your head.

“No, I, I’ve been kissed before. It’s just… it’s been a while. I’m a little out of practice.” He nods, contemplating something unspoken before he nods again and looks you straight in the eye.

“Roadie, can I kiss you?”

[stevenbasic]

Growing into the Job, Post 418: Hi, Jerry.

Jerry Miller used to go to bed early. He liked to get up, get to the gym, get his day at the dealership started off right. Jerry used to do that, but lately he stays up really late watching tv. He drags himself out of bed now, a lot of times late for work. He doesn’t go to the gym anymore. 

Jerry Miller used to be the boss. He managed Wellspring Honda. General Manager: it said it right there on his office door, on the little plaque, the sign thing. Now he didn't have an office. You don’t need an office when your work now is stocking the parts department. You just get a little desk that you have to share with Mario. That’s at least what Donn- excuse me, Mrs. Hanover - says. 

Jerry Miller, bleary eyed and disheveled, knew things were different now at Wellspring Honda. Ever since the Hanover daughters took over and granted their father an early, unexpected retirement last month. Ever since men were taken out of managing the place, the sales department, the finance office, even service. Ever since then, everything was different. And, of course, especially ever since Melissa left. 

Now the place sucks.

Well, it doesn’t suck. Sales are up: great. The new POS System is working: fine. The owners are happy. But for Jerry Miller, it sucks, and it all started when Melissa Monroe, the chick that he’d put in charge of the scheduling office, left for that other job. 

Yeah, Jerry Miller had known she was going to school. She said she wanted to be an office administrator, for real. But he’d figured a girl like her - god how he used to love to drop by the scheduling department just to see what outfit she’d come to work in, shoot the shit with her and her cute friends for a while - really just wanted to land a guy and pump out some puppies. She didn’t really want a career, right? Jesus. I guess I was wrong. 

Currently, and for the third time tonight, Jerry Miller was beating himself off to the interview of Melissa on Channel 5. He’d taped it, taped the piece from yesterday. It was well past when he should be in bed but he was replaying it again and again and again. He couldn’t believe his eyes. What the fuck had happened to her?!? 

Sure, Melissa Monroe used to be hot, the hottest of the hot girls he hired to do things for the dealership like sit behind the desks and answer the phones.Like the ones in scheduling: Randi Mongillo, Amelia Eklund, Josie Jensen, those girls that seemed to get hotter every month. They had left when Melissa hired them away from him soon after she’d gotten her new job as an office girl at some medical practice. Yes, he’d made Melissa the manager of the schedulers. Even though she was dumb as a brick, he thought it’d help him get into her pants, but nope. It didn’t work, neither did hiring some of them for sales, like that Katie O’Rourke and Stephanie Wo…whatever her name was. They wouldn’t sleep with him either. He’d hired all of them, and they pretty much all left him. Now he had to sit with Mario.

Jerry Miller had been half-stalking Melissa’s social accounts for a while now. Hers, Katie’s, even the official IG account of their new office. How could Melissa have gotten even hotter?!? That big ass of hers had gotten bigger, those tits had ballooned larger, and for god's sake, in the name of all that was holy, she’d somehow grown taller. She talked about it in the tv interview, how tall she was getting. She was like a giant now!! And, secretly, he’d never really told anyone, but over these past couple of years he’d come to really like tall women. Big women. Like, majorly big women. It was weird, but it’d become kind of an obsession. She’d now become an obsession. Since he’d known her, since he’d first hired her, he'd jerked off to her more times than he could count, but recently - yikes. The first interview piece on Channel 5 aired last night, and he had to take the day off today. I may take tomorrow off, too. Go see her, say hi, apply for a job there in person. Let her know I’m serious..

Melissa Monroe used to work for Jerry Miller, but now more than anything he wanted to work for her. He’d reached out yesterday, DM’d her, texted her, asking if they’d hire him. He’d do anything. She basically told him, in her own sweet way, to fuck off. Looking through what her followers said it was no secret that many found Melissa well beyond attractive. They were borderline obsessed with her; that was perhaps more accurate, especially since this interview aired. Jerry had gone on the chat boards today, had watched her social media accounts - she had a couple profiles, both public and private on Instagram, and they were exploding. Though many might find it overwhelming, Melissa seemed to relish such attention rather than shirk it. In fact it seemed like she was encouraging them all to “watch it again”, to go out of their way to develop what might be seen as an unhealthy fascination. Her message, and that of her friends when they decided to chime in was clear: watch it again and again and again. He was sure there were tons of guys now who’d want to work for her just to get the chance to see her in person and be near that goddamn magnificence...

But I’m not just any guy! I’m different!! Jerry Miller told himself, She knows me!! I gave her her first management job! If I go down there tomorrow, tell her I’ll do anything - work a desk, mop floors, clean her toilet for god's sake - maybe she’ll…she’ll…

In front of his television, late that Thursday night, Jerry Miller gets on his knees. He reaches for the vaseline again, hits rewind, and imagines how it could be, how his life could change. She’d told him, when he texted her for the job, to just go watch the interview again? Yes, Melissa, he obeyed, unzipping. Anything.

================

thx to J2 for the base image in the first manip

[mackenzielovee]

parenthood blurb: february plans (pt. 1)

a/n: happy sunday! this blurb is very ambivalence-detail heavy, but i hope you enjoy it!! as always, comments and reblogs are very much appreciated <3 have a great week, besties!

i also wrote it in rafe's perspective bc you guys always ask for that so lmk if you like it!

warnings: swearing, consumption of alcohol, kissing

ambivalence masterlist , parenthood masterlist

     Rafe’s not sure exactly what it is about tonight that has him desperate for your touch. 

Thursday night dinners with your parents — although more inconsistent because of kids’ activities and life — still happen on occasion, and Rafe still sits beside you. Josie takes over Sarah’s seat and Connor takes over Wheezie’s. Scott’s has been sitting empty for a while, but nobody acknowledges that. 

Tonight, Topper and Ellie accepted their invite to join, and Rafe couldn’t be happier. It means everyone’s focus is less on him, and his focus can be more on you. 

He starts with a simple arm around the back of your chair once everyone gets their plates in order; stroking your shoulder with his fingertips. When you lean into his touch, he doesn’t even try to hide his smirk, and he wonders if you feel as needy as he does. 

After a few minutes, he removes his arm. He watches subtly as you frown but try not to let it show, then take a few more bites of your dinner. Just as you reach for your wine — which you can now drink freely at the table — he reaches over and sets his large, warm palm on your thigh. 

“Rafe,” you hiss quietly, and just the sound of his name on your lips is enough to drive him crazy. 

“Hmm?” he hums innocently, watching as you glance over at the kids and check on them before looking back at him. 

“What are you doing?”

Numerous responses run through his mind. He could tell you the truth — that you drive him insane everyday, but especially when you’re wearing a cute little dress that looks so familiar and he can smell your perfume because you’re so close. He could tell you that he has no idea what you’re talking about — he’s just subconsciously putting his hands on you. Instead, he grins. 

“You look beautiful,” he whispers, “I’ve seen this dress before.”

He notices the way you bite down on the inside of your bottom lip. Your eyes turn softer, and the way you look at him through your lashes has something deep inside him stirring around. Gently, you reach over and wrap your hand around his forearm, making him smile. 

“Yes, you have.”

A smirk teases Rafe’s lips, “Remind me.”

Immediately, you grow shy. Rafe loves when it happens because it’s not often anymore that he can make you like this, but when he does, his chest swells. He watches as you squeeze his forearm slightly, signaling that you don’t want to talk about it here. 

To retaliate, he slides his palm just a little further up your thigh, where he pushes back the fabric of your dress slightly. Your eyes widen and you try halfheartedly to push his hand back down, but he doesn’t budge. 

He smirks at the way you don’t really try to push him off, because you secretly love the way he touches you. He’s prideful, and he doesn’t care about getting caught. 

“I’ll think about it,” he says smugly, leaning in closer, “Because, baby, you look absolutely gorgeous.”

You squirm under the praise, “Thank you.”

“Mhm,” he hums, leaving a kiss on your temple before he pulls back, still staring proudly at you. 

“Rafe, did you hear what I said?”

Rafe’s eyes shift over to Topper, who is eating his meal on breaks between feeding Ellie. His eyes narrow at his best friend, and Rafe’s grip tightens around your thigh when he feels you tense. 

“No, Top, I was talking to my wife,” Rafe says, as if it’s obvious, “Sorry. Tell me again.”

Topper, Rafe, and your father all enter into football talk while your mother gushes over Connor and asks him how he likes his school, leaving you to try and eat your food with Rafe’s hands on you. 

Rafe, on the other hand, knows he’s so much better than you when it comes to having a poker face. You wear every emotion right on your face, whereas he could be sliding his fingers inside your panties right now and nobody would ever know. 

When his hand slides higher, you squeeze your thighs together. Rafe lets out a chuckle at that, earning a furrow of the brows from Topper. He feels you squeeze his forearm again in warning, but he ignores it, so you do your best to cover his hand with your dress. He grins, not caring about Topper’s rant about the NFL being rigged. 

While expertly nodding along, Rafe racks his brain to try and figure out when and where he’s seen this dress before. It’s too casual for Midsummers. Your anniversary was a blue dress. Your birthday was black pants and that very sexy red top—

“Don’t you think, Rafe?”

Rafe’s eyes dart to your father, who is lifting a fork full of food up to his mouth. He knows he has no choice but to bluff, so he does. 

“Absolutely,” Rafe nods, “They’ve got a horrible defense.”

Your father tosses his hands up, chewing before he looks at Topper, “That’s what I keep telling him!”

You can’t help but laugh, and Rafe knows why. He knows that you know he was bluffing. In another bit of retaliation, Rafe slides his hand further, then skims his fingertips across your skin. 

“Stop it,” you whisper, pushing his arm back down. 

“No,” he whispers back, “I’m trying to figure out about this dress. I know I’ve seen it bef—”

He stops in the middle of the word; hand freezing on your thigh and eyes locking on yours. He realizes right then exactly where he’s seen this dress before, and he feels himself grow warmer at the recollection. 

He takes his sweet time looking over you — savoring you in a different way than he had been before. You’re wrapped up like a present for him. The best one he will ever receive, and he knows it, too. His heart aches as he recalls the memory associated with this dress, the dreams he had, and the desire he had that night to innocently slip his hand underneath — the same way he is right now. 

“Sweetheart,” he murmurs, “This is the dress you were wearing when we had our first kiss.”

He watches you nod sweetly, biting down hard on your bottom lip so as to not give away too much of your smile. 

“Yeah,” you murmur, “It’s a little more snug than it was back then, but—”

“It’s perfect,” he stops you, wanting to add a thousand more adjectives to the end of that, “You couldn’t look more beautiful in it.”

“Thank you,” you say with a smile. 

He beams and lets your warm skin against his palm draw him back to where exactly he wants to be. His index finger slides up past your hip bone, and he listens as you inhale sharply as he loops it through the band of your thong. 

Smirking widely, Rafe leans closer, “Finish your dinner, baby. Your food’s gonna get cold.”

“Your fault,” you mumble. 

Rafe laughs, then playfully squeezes your leg once more. Quickly, he scans the room to ensure that nobody is watching, because he knows that would embarrass you if anyone knew. Thankfully, everyone is too wrapped up in their own plates to notice a thing. 

“What made you wear that tonight?” he asks.

You shrug, “Found it in my closet.”

“Oh, and you just felt like teasing me, huh?” he grins, “Whatever you want, you can have it.”

He watches the smile break out across your face, and suddenly, everything else melts away from him. It’s just you, it always has been, and the rest of it is simply noise to him. 

“Well, there is one thing,” you tease. 

His heart lurches at the sight of you pursing your lips before you ask for it, and Rafe is desperate to tell you that it’s already yours. 

“Yes,” he says in a deep voice, clearing his throat as you lean closer. 

“Will you have a glass of wine with me out by the pool after dinner?”

He swallows and keeps his lips pressed tight, not wanting to let out the whimper that threatens to leave him at the sight of you wanting, needing, begging for his company. 

The thought of reliving that experience — of sitting outside with his knee grazing yours as he sips wine and tries to think of something equally clever and cool to say, makes him feel dizzy. In the best way possible.

“Sweetheart, I would love that,” he replies, “You grab glasses and a bottle while I clean up.”

“Okay,” you smile. 

He takes a deep breath, then runs his index finger over the loop he’d created with your panties. Casually, he tucks the one finger inside, through your folds, feeling how much his teasing has truly gotten to you. 

He laughs to himself, looking smug and prideful as ever. You nudge him with your shoulder, then playfully swat at his hand. Reluctantly, Rafe extracts his hand and drags it back down to the middle of your thigh, then kisses your temple once more. 

“Daddy, look!” Josie exclaims, earning both of your attention, “I’ve been tryin’ to show you how I ate all my vegetables.”

“Yeah, Rafe,” Topper smirks, “She’s been trying to show you.”

Rafe narrows his eyes at Topper, ignoring the way you exhale out a laugh. 

“Sorry, princess. I’m so proud of you for eating your vegetables. Want more?”

“No,” she says immediately, “Connor needs to eat his.”

Connor looks over at Rafe and gives him a wide smile before stabbing a green bean with his fork and popping it into his mouth. 

“He will, Jo,” Rafe assures her, “So will Mommy.”

You nudge his shoulder again, “Mind your business, Cameron.”

“You are my business, Cameron.”

     Rafe rushes through cleaning, only half-listening to your father’s rambles about referees and how they can make or break the game. As soon as they finish, he dries his hands and quickly asks your mom to watch the kids for a bit, then hurries out onto the patio. 

He freezes in his tracks when he gets to the screen door. You’re sitting the way you always did; legs dangling in the water with a wine bottle beside you. Wearing the same dress you had on when you kissed him. 

And now, he realizes, you’re waiting on him. Everything hits him all over again — the way it does on occasion when he catches you doing something for him. The first time you left a note in the lunch you packed for him, he got no work done for the rest of the day. When Kelce borrowed his truck and returned it looking less than pristine on the outside, you took it and got it washed and vacuumed before he even saw it, then added a picture of the two of you on his dash. The first time he saw the picture, he came back inside, and was subsequently late to work.

Now, it hits him as he sees you waiting on him in the same spot that he’d managed to put himself on your radar. He remembers just how much he wanted you to look his way, how he wanted you to be happy, and how he vowed to himself when you agreed to marry him that he would make sure that was the case. 

He waited on you for years, and the sight of you waiting on him, now, makes his heart beat a little faster. 

“You gonna stare all night, or come join?”

You don’t even look back. He grins so hard that he swears his muscles start to ache, and without even a moment’s worth of hesitation, he hurries out of the patio and over to you. 

“Can’t help myself,” he admits, “What did you expect, anyway? Putting this dress on and teasing the shit out of me at the table.”

You laugh and hand him a glass, then pick up your own. Rafe makes sure to brush his fingers against your own, then tucks his arm around you. His legs drop into the pool beside yours, and you place your head on his shoulder. 

“I’ve been thinking a lot about us,” you say shyly. 

Rafe’s heart plummets in his chest. What does that mean? Why is she saying that? 

He starts to grip the wine glass too tight, and uses his one arm around you to center himself. He swallows, then takes a long sip of wine to ease whatever blow you’re about to administer. 

“And?” he asks roughly. 

You snicker, then turn and place your chin on his shoulder. He relaxes slightly, sure that if you were about to tell him something major, you wouldn’t be behaving this way. 

“Relax,” you whisper, leaning forward and pressing a long kiss to his jaw, “It’s nothing bad. I mean, nothing bad to me, I guess, I just… I’ve been thinking about what Kelce said to me a few weeks ago. How everyone thinks we’re perfect together.”

Rafe’s brows furrow, “You don’t think we are?”

His heart beats faster in his chest, but he tries to calm himself. Not react too quickly. You need time to articulate your thoughts, and he knows it. He watches as you shake your head, looking annoyed at yourself for not expressing yourself the right way. 

“I don’t think we’re perfect,” you say, “But, nobody is. We work at our relationship and, yeah, we’re probably better at that than most, but still.”

Rafe nods, “Yeah, you’re right. Did it bother you? What Kelce said?”

“I mean, yeah,” you shrug it off, “For a little while. Then, I started telling myself that we’ve been through so much together, and the only people our relationship has to make sense to is us.”

Rafe’s lips tip up, and he subtly scoots his leg closer to yours. He’s sure you’ll think it was an accident, but it wasn’t. It never is. 

“Makes perfect sense to me,” he teases.

When you laugh, Rafe feels everything settle in his chest. He no longer feels that sense of anxiety or fear, and instead, he reaches for your hand. Your fingers lace together the same way they have a million times, and it dawns on Rafe that this is the first place he ever held your hand, too. So many of your firsts have been out here, and the memory brings a warm feeling to his stomach. 

“Do you remember our first kiss?” you ask quietly. 

Rafe fights back a groan, “How could I forget it?”

To him, the question seems silly. He could probably tell you every detail of that night if he wanted to, because it was the first night of many that he got exactly what he’d been dreaming of. 

You laugh, “Rafe, Wheezie caught us.”

Your tone elicits a chuckle from his lips before he can stop himself.

“Yeah, she did, huh?” he laughs, “Do you remember our second kiss?”

“Hmm?”

He grins, “You wore the sexiest outfit to Matt McCall’s party, and—”

“Shut up!” you exclaim, bumping your shoulder with his. 

He can’t help but laugh when you grow embarrassed, recalling the memory yourself. He squeezes your hand as he laughs, not allowing his eyes to leave you. 

“No,” he jokes, “I couldn’t keep my hands off of you. Especially because you told me that you wore it just for me, do you remember?”

“I remember,” you reply sheepishly, “I think that went to your head.”

“Oh, it definitely did,” he laughs.

You settle back in, inching closer to Rafe as you do it. He bites down on his cheek to contain his smile, then drains the rest of his wine. 

“Did you know Matt’s married now?” 

“No,” he shrugs, “Poor girl.”

“Ha ha,” you roll your eyes, listening to him chuckle as he squeezes your hand, then releases to pour you more wine, then himself, “Seriously. He got married to some girl he met at UNC. They’re big into traveling. I see it all the time on Instagram.”

Rafe snickers, “You follow Matt McCall on Instagram?” 

He looks up from his pour to find you with pursed lips, staring into the pool like you don’t want to confess the truth to him. He smiles widely, then hands your wine glass back. 

“I’m guilty of the occasional social media stalking,” you mumble, “But everyone does it! I’m sure you do, too.”

Rafe’s brain works fast, too fast, and he knows his response will be equal parts amusing and embarrassing. 

“Oh, yeah. I just went through Brady’s Instagram for the fourth time this week. You know, your childhood crush. Your first love—”

“Stop it,” you groan, letting a laugh escape. 

Rafe just chuckles to himself, then takes your hand again once his glass is full. It’s almost as if he feels your emotions change from happy and playful to something different — something deeper. He feels it in the way you grip his hand, in the way you lay your head on his shoulder. He knows you want to be as close to him as he wants to be with you, and he’s perfectly okay with that. 

“Do you ever wish we got the chance to travel? Like Matt?” Rafe asks softly. 

“I don’t know,” you reply. 

He knows what this means. He knows that when you say you don’t know, it’s code for the fact that you know exactly what your answer is, but you’re too afraid to try and articulate your thoughts out of fear that it will be done incorrectly. So, knowing this, Rafe changes up his strategy. 

“Where would you want us to go? If we could go anywhere in the world.”

He feels you grin on his shoulder, and the grip on his hand grows just a little bit tighter. Bingo. 

“Well,” you say, sounding shy, “I know I should say something cool like Paris or Amsterdam, or whatever. But, I kind of have this vision of us in the mountains when it’s snowing. We’d rent a cabin and cook and drink a lot of wine. And, maybe we have a hot tub, and we could watch movies, and wear sweatpants the whole time, and just, you know, be together.”

Rafe nods, not wanting to give away how much that vision makes him happy. He can see it clear as day, and he can’t think of anything else that would even come close to heaven. He swallows down his own visions, his own plans, and keeps laying his groundwork. 

“That sounds nice,” he says evenly, “Where would you want this cabin to be?”

“They have nice ones in Colorado, I think. I’ve always heard about people going there.”

Rafe nods, remaining quiet as he works out a plan in his head. The occasion. The finances. The plane tickets. The requirements for the house — a hot tub, and he has to get you a balcony, because he knows you’ll want to look out at the snow while you drink coffee in the mornings. It would have to have a full kitchen so he could cook for you every night, and he needs time to plan out the meals and the grocery list. 

“That would be fun,” he chooses to say, then shifts and kisses the top of your head. 

“Yeah. It’s nice to think about,” you say, shrugging it off, “But, whatever. I love our life. Even if we don’t live like Matt McCall.”

“I love our life, too,” Rafe says quietly.

You shift from your position and lean up to plant a small kiss on his neck, which leaves Rafe preening for more. He’s not sure he could ever get enough. 

All at once, he notes how your mood seems to change. You smile playfully, like a thought has just popped into your head, and you scoot closer while you try — and fail — to keep your smirk at bay.

“You know who else I Instagram stalk?” you grin as Rafe’s head races with possibilities. 

“Who?”

“Sydney McCall.”

Rafe rolls his eyes and shakes his head, then pulls your entwined hands into his lap. You giggle and scoot closer, then take a large sip from your wine glass. 

“You’re hilarious,” he mutters sarcastically. 

“What?” you gasp, mocking him with your innocence, “You don’t check in on her from time to time?”

“Absolutely not,” Rafe snorts. 

“Mhm, okay,” you hum, finishing off your glass, before you look up at him with hazy eyes, “I’m sure you’re pining after her.”

He knows you’re just teasing, but his chest contracts at the thought. At the mere idea of ever pining after anyone else besides you. It just doesn’t seem possible to him. When he sees the way you bite down on your lip, clearly just wanting a reaction from him, he relaxes and pulls you closer to him. 

“Next time you say something like that, I’m gonna bite that lip for you,” he mutters. 

You laugh, which brings a smile to his face, too. Silently, he raises a brow to see if you want more wine, which you answer in a nod. He pours it into your glass and you settle right back into him without hesitation — a far cry from all those years ago when every touch was meticulously planned and Rafe went home desperate to get his hands on you again. 

“Rafe?”

He’ll never get used to hearing his name come from you, he swears. 

“Yeah?”

You hum contently, “I love hanging out with you.”

His chest swells with pride and he replays the words a few times to himself before he smiles and turns, kissing your forehead gently. 

“I love hanging out with you, too, sweetheart,” he whispers. 

He notes the level of your wine glass and the fact that you’ve already had one out here and one at the table. You’re tipsy, and he bites his tongue when he almost says something about it. 

“Can we make more time?” you ask, your eyes only half open and your words slightly slurred, “For us, I mean. Like, I know we hang out together after the kids go to bed, but we’re both so tired, and — this is what I want. Me and you, just talking and kissing. Do you want to kiss me?”

Rafe snorts. What kind of question is that? 

“Of course I want to kiss you, baby,” he practically groans.

He turns, expecting you to lean up and give him a quick peck before you start rambling again. Which is why, when you release his hand and pull your feet from the water, his eyes grow wide and he scoots back. 

He remembers this with you. He remembers how you would shyly hint that you wanted to make out with him, and he’d always give in because it was you, and he wasn’t willing to push his luck. He remembers the first time he ever let himself fully believe that he got you was in this exact position, with your lips on his neck, and your soft little gasps in his ear every time he touched your skin. 

You get settled on his lap, knees on either side of him, and wrap your arms around his neck. He grins the same way he did at eighteen, and he lets his hands rest on your thighs as he takes you in. 

“Hi,” you whisper, your drunken shyness doing something to his heart. 

“Hi, sweetheart,” he says back, “Come here.”

One of his hands travels up to your back, where he guides you into him. His other hand slips up your thigh, bunching your dress at your hip. He already predicts your moves, and he’s correct, when your right hand travels up into his hair, and your left starts to rub his back. 

The way you always run your fingers through his hair drives him crazy, but initially, the back rubbing had been discovered by you when Rafe was the intoxicated one. You had been picking him up from boys' night, and he kept stealing kisses from you as you stood in Kelce’s driveway, trying to get him into the car while talking to Maddie. Rafe kept trying to get back out to talk to Kelce, and to coax him into relaxing, you started rubbing his back. He relaxed instantly, and when you continued to do it as he kissed you, he wasn’t shy about letting you know that he enjoyed it. 

Knowing you want him to, Rafe takes control of the kiss and lets his tongue skim across your bottom lip. You grant him entry and giggle into his mouth when you feel his tongue against yours. His hand escapes under your dress and loops through your panties again, and you tug lightly on his hair in response. He groans at the feeling, wanting you to do it again, when you start moving your hips against his. 

“Baby,” he pants, breaking the kiss and steadying you in his lap, “Oh, God, please don’t do that to me right now.”

“Sorry,” you murmur, and the pout on your lips makes it even harder for Rafe to concentrate in this moment, “Just feels good.”

“I know,” he nods. He tucks a strand of hair behind your ear and smiles up at you, then leans up and pecks you again, “About what you said, though—”

“No,” you immediately stop him, scooting closer and cuddling into his chest, “I was being stupid. I’m busy. You’re busy. We don’t have time to be—”

“Every Wednesday, we should go out. Just me and you. We can talk gossip, and politics, and bore the shit out of each other. Sundays will be family days again. I know I’ve been playing golf a lot, but I’d rather be with you and the kids. And, every two or three months, I want us to plan a little trip. Just for the weekend. Be together in a hotel and find little coffee places you’ll love, and catch up on all the sex that gets interrupted by our crazy life. How does that sound?”

The pout on your lip grows as he speaks, and he knows he’s done something absolutely right. Without warning, you lean forward and start peppering little kisses all over his cheeks, lips, chin, and nose, which makes him laugh. 

When you pull back, you’re grinning widely, and he squeezes your hip playfully just to watch you giggle. 

“I fall more and more in love with you as the years go by, Rafe Cameron,” you say, laughing at your own cheesiness. 

He couldn’t be more honest in this moment, “I fall in love with you every single goddamn day.”

You grin and kiss him again, as if you just can’t help yourself. The wine glasses sit beside the two of you, completely forgotten. Just as Rafe ducks his head for another kiss from you, he hears the familiar sound of a baby cooing and his best friend’s voice. 

“I’m taking Ellie home, so the two of you have five seconds to get dressed if you want to say goodbye!”

*i no longer have a tag list. follow @mackupdates to see when i post new content!