#Top rated lounge cleaners

[keenupholsterycleaningcanberra]

Renew Your Lounge: Professional Cleaning Services in Canberra

Maintaining a clean and tidy lounge not only enhances the aesthetics of your living space but also contributes to a healthier environment for you and your family. In Canberra, where lounges often serve as central gathering spots for relaxation and socializing, keeping them clean is paramount.

However, the task of lounge cleaning can seem daunting at times, especially with busy schedules and other household responsibilities. Fortunately, there are several ingenious hacks that can make lounge cleaning in Canberra effortless and efficient.

Hack 1: Regular Maintenance Routines

The key to keeping your lounge clean is to establish regular maintenance routines. This includes simple tasks such as vacuuming and spot cleaning. Regular vacuuming helps remove dust, dirt, and debris that accumulate on the surface of your lounge, preventing them from settling deep into the fabric. Spot cleaning, on the other hand, targets specific stains and spills before they have a chance to become stubborn marks.

Hack 2: Using Natural Cleaners

When it comes to cleaning your lounge, opting for natural cleaners can be both effective and eco-friendly. Unlike commercial cleaning products that may contain harsh chemicals, natural cleaners are gentle on fabrics and safe for your family and pets. Ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can work wonders in removing stains and odors from your lounge. Moreover, creating your own DIY (Do it Yourself) natural cleaner is simple and cost-effective.

Hack 3: Utilizing Steam Cleaners

Steam cleaning is a powerful method for deep cleaning your lounge upholstery. Steam cleaners use hot vapor to penetrate the fabric and loosen dirt, grease, and allergens trapped within the fibers. Not only does steam cleaning effectively remove stains and odors, but it also kills bacteria and dust mites, creating a healthier indoor environment for your family. Investing in a quality steam cleaner can significantly reduce the need for professional cleaning services in the long run.

Hack 4: Protecting Your Lounge

Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining a clean lounge. By implementing protective measures, such as using covers and throws, you can shield your lounge from everyday wear and tear. Covers not only add a decorative touch to your furniture but also provide an additional barrier against spills and stains. Similarly, furniture protectors placed under the legs of chairs and sofas can prevent scratches and scuffs on your flooring, prolonging the life of your lounge.

Hack 5: Professional Cleaning Services

While regular maintenance and DIY (Do it Yourself) cleaning methods can keep your lounge looking its best, there are times when professional intervention is necessary. Whether it's dealing with stubborn stains or restoring the luster of worn-out upholstery, hiring professional cleaning services can save you time and effort. When choosing a cleaning service, be sure to research their reputation, credentials, and pricing options to ensure you receive quality service tailored to your specific needs.

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean and inviting lounge doesn't have to be a daunting task. By implementing these ingenious hacks into your cleaning routine, you can effortlessly keep your lounge looking its best while creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your loved ones.

[sofasoap]

Pictures of you

Pairing : John “ Soap ” MacTavish x F!Reader Side of Simon "Ghost" Riley x Mini MacTavish

Summary : The hallway of MacTavish house is dotted with family photos. But there is one that is your favourite. Part 2 of Hello There

This is following the Ghost timeline of the Mini Verse.

Part of “ Mini MacTavish verse” , The character is really flatmate of Mini which I gave her the name “Emma” in other fic, but here you can place any name you want here in this fic.

Warning : M rated, passing hint of smut time, flirting. Swearing.

Character of Mini MacTavish is from @saltofmercury fic  “The Favorite MacTavish” ” which she graciously let me borrow and write bit more expanded universe. Please go read her wonderful story to get bit of background

 “masterlist” for more prequel to this Mini MacTavish expanded 

“What ye doing still up bonnie?” You jumped a bit when you heard the husky voice of Johnny from top of the staircase. His strong Scottish accent seeping through with his half asleep mind. 

“Johnny, you scared me.” Putting your hand over your chest, trying to calm your rapid beating heart. If you were half sleepy before from pacing up and down the corridor, now you are sure you are fully awake from his unexpected appearance. “Sorry. I heard noises so I thought I should check up on you. But you weren’t in your room.” he apologises as he slowly makes his way down the staircase. “I couldn’t sleep.” Stifling a yawn as you reply, Soap chuckled. “Doesn’t look like it.” Your body was tired, but mentally you were still running high from all the residue excitement from Simon and Mini’s wedding. 

While the rest of the Riley family stayed on bit longer at the MacTavish farm for extended holiday, you and Soap had returned to London for work. “Have fun with Johnny!!” Mini winked at you as they sent you off at the airport. That’s when it hit you, for the first time ever, you and Soap will be alone in the house. Without the Mini and Simon hovering around, or having to babysit the Twins. Just the two of you.

He had volunteered to travel back with you when you were helping Mini to organise the wedding and everyone’s flight.

“My duty as the best man is to make sure the maid of honour makes it back home safely.” He winks at you with one of his signature cheeky smiles.

You can see his figure a bit more clearly as he tries to walk around all the packing boxes scattered along the corridor. Mini and Simon had found a new house nearby to move into after the wedding. You decided it might be time for you to move out as well. You don’t want to overstay your welcome. Besides, the reason why you moved in was to help out looking after the twins when Mini and Simon were going through the period of rift before reconciliation. What you didn’t expect as Soap was almost half pleading and half jokingly asking you to stay.

“Who is going to clean and look after the house for me while I am away on duty?” He pouted

You shot him an unimpressive look. “Get a cleaner.” 

“Please bonnie. You know how I am with someone I don’t know snooping around the house.” grasping both of your shoulders with his callous hand, desperation sipping through his voice. All the while Mini looked on with a hint of amusement. You turned to face your friend, she just shrugged, letting you make the final decision. In the end you decided to stay on. You just couldn’t resist those damn baby blue eyes. Pleading you like a poor kicked puppy.You didn’t understand why he was so eager for you to stay on. Even promising you the free rent offer before Mini and you first move in still stands. 

After his admission during the wedding? Everything becomes clear. 

This man is absolutely besotted with you. 

Your face starts burning when you realise he is topless and only wearing his lounge pants. You swallowed hard. Get a grip!! You try to tell yourself. It’s not the first time you saw him half naked. You have seen him topless so many times. And each time you cannot stop yourself from ogling at his beautiful chisel chest and abdomen muscles. The corded arms that have circled your waist when you two were sharing the dance with the newly wedded couple. “So you just walk up and down the hallway when you can’t sleep?” Soap mused.

“Trying to tire myself out. Besides, I am looking at the photos.”

Photos you pass by everyday. The hallway is dotted with MacTavish family photos. From photos of Mini and a Pre-teen Soap holding his baby sister for the first time, to Mini’s university graduation photos, first photos of the Riley twins when they were still in ICU. and hiding in the corner, the newly printed photo of Riley family. Simon reluctantly ( as Mini said, he was too shy to admit he was embarrassed) agreed to take a family photo. Mini showing her brilliant smile (MacTavish trait? You wondered. Noticing the similarity between the two siblings when they smile.) The twins both had their hands reaching out towards the side, being distracted by their uncle Soap , trying to make them focus on the camera, and Simon, looking down at Mini, the softness he only shows when he is totally focused on his wife. You love looking at all these photos, the love of family. Give you that warm fuzzy feeling when you are feeling down or stressed and tired from work. Or missing your own family, who is living far away. 

and you always land your sight on the photos right at the end of the wall. Your favourite out of all. A photo of young John Campbell MacTavish.

In his SAS No.2 dress uniform, with the unusual serious expression. Piercing blue eyes as if he can see through you. 

Subconsciously, you have turned your head away from Soap, staring at the picture you had just thought of in your mind. Reaching out to touch the glass panel on the frame, pointing at the eyes.

“How did this happen?” 

“Badge of honour. Or you can say damn good luck from the first deployment.” He reaches out and guides your hand towards his left eyes. You can just feel the slight bump of the scar, but it has faded over time. 

Closing his eyes, you can feel him shiver slightly as you run your fingers delicately down the length of the scar.  “And this one?” you always notice the little tiny patch around his chin where the beard wouldn’t grow.

“Believe it or not. I have Mini to blame for that.” He chuckled. “Was teaching her how to use a combat knife, and I totally underestimated her swiftness, I dodge out of the way just in time.” Eyes drifting down towards his chest, towards the round bullet wound scar close to his heart.

“..... Was this …” hovering above it, not daring to touch it.  As if you are afraid it will provoke the wound. You remember the day you tried hard to comfort Mini, upon receiving the news Soap was critically injured and in coma.  From what she and Simon described later on, it was a damn miracle Soap managed to pull through. “Someone must have pulled his soul back into his ass that day.” Simon being Simon, showing the way he cares, with dry humour.

“Mini couldn’t stop crying that day.” You recalled. 

“Did you cry for me as well?” He leaned closer, with a slight smirk on his face. 

“You wish. I was more heart broken for Mini than for you.” You don’t want to stroke his ego. But in fact, other than feeling sad for your friend, you didn’t expect the news of his injury to hit you so hard. The moment you realise you have more feelings for him than just a crush. You care about him,a lot. Not just as your best friend’s brother. 

Sliding your hand lower towards his abdomen, there is a fresh looking scar, extending to the side of his waist. “Lass, if you go any lower than that. I am not sure if I can control myself.” He rested his head against your temple, voice dropped an octave, “ I promised you I will take you out for a date first before doing anything. And I intend to keep that promise.” 

You remembered what Mini first said about her brother. “My brother might be a man whore, but he is a very gentlemanly manwhore. He won’t make a move on you unless you say the word.” 

Oh the urge of having him right there and then was strong. And you gave into it.  Playing with the elastic waistband of his pants, you let out an airy reply into his ear, “What if I give you permission?” 

That opens a floodgate. He grabbed you by the waist, pulling you closer, you can already feel his hardened arousal as your body is flush against his. 

“You don’t know what you are getting yourself into.” “Oh I do know.”

You opened your eyes, looking at the unfamiliar bedsheet. That’s right, you are in Johnny’s bed. Naked, and sore. A very good,satisfying sore, you might add.

But his side of the bed is empty. Still residue of warmth to it, so he must have gotten up not long ago. Propping yourself up into a sitting position trying to recall details from last night after he hauled you over his shoulder like a sack of rice and carried you upstairs, full of purpose.

He made sure you are well satisfied before taking care of his own urge and need. You never had anyone else before that being so caring and thoughtful. They always focus on themselves first, not even concerned if you enjoyed it or not.  He treats you like a queen, pouring all his love into every touch and kisses he showered onto you. 

Creaking of the door pulls you back from the memory from the night before, you saw Soap pushing the door open with his butt, with a tray of food and coffee and tea in his hands. “Morning bonnie. Had a good sleep?” “Well if someone didn’t keep me up so much last night, I might have?” you stuck your tongue out with a cheeky reply. 

“I didn’t hear you complain about it.” Chuckling as he moves closer to the bed and sets the tray in your lap, before pulling out the little tray legs on the side and making sure it is steady before letting go.

“Breakfast in bed? What a great service!” your eyes went wide with choices of food in front of you. 

“Consider this as our first date? Even though we are doing it in the wrong order.” he smiled sheepishly.

“Hey. I don’t mind. I was the one that said yes.” patting the space beside you, he slides into bed with you and joins in.

“I don’t know what you feel like this morning.. So..” waving his hand gesturing towards the tray, “ Um, I got tea and coffee, some muffins, pancakes, fruits…oh, if you want cereal, I’ll go grab it from downstairs.” 

Is he flustering? Gone was that confident man from last night, now he’s a shy boy trying to impress his date with great effort. 

“Thank you Johnny.” You lean into his shoulder. You are quite touched with his thoughtfulness. You don’t want to admit it but you are falling for him even harder now.

“When are you leaving?” You asked while taking a sip of coffee. “Tonight.” putting his muffin on the tray, he smiled down at you sadly. The pang of sorrow hits you. 

Is this what Mini feels every time Simon leaves for work? How you hate that feeling. You don’t know how she endured it time and time again. You often see her sobbing silently, after putting the twins to bed, missing her love and not knowing when he will return. IF he will return.

Now you know how she feels.

“When will you be back?” you look down at the mug of coffee in your hand. Whispering. 

“Few months. Hey. hey, look at me."He lifts your head up gently by your chin, “ Don’t cry. I’ll keep in contact in between, ya?” you didn’t even realise you were crying until he started wiping your tears away with his thumb, caressing your cheek gently. Leaning down, giving you a soft kiss and leaning his head against yours, “Besides, I need to check up on you every now and then to see the house has been burnt down.” 

You let out a sobbing laugh. Trust him to lighten up the atmosphere. “I think you will hear from Simon before you hear from me if I destroy the house. “

“Mmm true. That gossiper.” pulling away slightly, “Come on, eat up before it gets cold. I’ll take you to work later.” He nudges you gently.

As promised, he returned to you months later, slightly scratched but alive and well. 

You were standing at the doorway, with an open arm to welcome him home . He was so overwhelmed and caught up by your excitement, for the first time ever, apart from his own family, he had someone to come home to. 

He dropped his duffle bag down, grabbing your hand with his, and kneel down and blurted out his declaration of love and proposed to you.

You froze. 

So did he. Gaped-mouth. Looks like he didn’t expect himself to do that either. 

“I .. I am sorry bonnie. Ah. um. Dont worry about it.” Soap quickly stood up, face and ears totally red after seeing your shock expression. Taking your silence as a rejection he grabbed his bag, shoulders slumped and quickly pushed past you, trying to cover up his embarrassment.

You touch his arm to stop him.

“Yes.”  You took a breath in, repeating it in a louder voice. “ YES.” 

He spun around, dropping his bag again.

“YES. I will marry you , John Campbell MacTavish.” you repeated again with a firm and convicted tone. You want this. You know deep down he is the one for you. Sweeping you up into his arm with a loud cheer, you screamed loudly as he started spinning you around. 

“Let me down Johnny!!” you laughed. 

He set you down on the firm ground, but not before peppering you with kisses on your lips and cheek. 

“Thank you.” After calming down, he looks at you with his beautiful baby blue eyes, full of love and happiness, voice wavering with emotion.

Oh wait until Mini hears about this……

“So I heard you proposed unexpectedly.”

“Haud ya sheesh. It was planned.”

“English MacTavish. You didn’t have a ring so it was not planned”

“I said shut up. I want her to choose her own ring.”

“ Whatever you say….”

And the shit stirrer gossiper Ghost was quick at work. Everyone knew about it a day after both of them returned to the barrack. Gaz couldn’t stop poking fun at Soap. Price just look at his three pseudo-sons with amusement. 

Inspiration? This absolutely brilliant art by @beyondgoodandevil146, The OG Captain Soap MacTavish and Delicious Soap

And the song by The Last Goodnight  keeps going around in my brain. So… combine them together? Bam. 

Taglist : @kaplerrr @floral-force @homicidal-slvt

[tkdb-hell]

Checkmate

Summary: When Tohma tests Jin’s patience with a bold attempt to undermine his control, Jin responds with unyielding intensity, reminding Tohma exactly who’s in charge. Their power struggle escalates into a charged encounter, with biting words and heated actions blurring the line between defiance and surrender. As Tohma revels in the thrill of being at Jin’s mercy, Jin battles a fleeting vulnerability he refuses to show. In the end, Tohma may spark the game, but Jin ensures he claims the final victory.

Rating: Explicit | Words: 10.4k | Chapters: 8

Status: Complete

Read Me on AO3 Here! or Read an Excerpt Under the Cut

♡ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT ♡

Tohma would never say it to his face, but Jin was a grade-A asshole. A real piece of work. Aloof, demanding, and so casually cruel it sometimes felt like an art form. And yet, for reasons Tohma couldn’t entirely explain—maybe he was a masochist, or maybe just a fool—he liked him. Too much.

He sighed as he worked the steam cleaner over the chaise lounge in Jin’s captain’s room, the same one Jin had kicked his boots up on the day before, leaving a trail of dirt like a miniature crime scene. It was so Jin, wasn’t it? Leaving the mess and expecting someone else to clean it up. Tohma knew it was cliché, but time and time again, he thought: I can fix him.

Fix him? Tohma almost snorted at his own thought. That wasn’t entirely true. What he really wanted—what he wouldn’t admit to anyone, not even himself in his more lucid moments—was to get close enough. Close enough to crack Jin’s icy facade, close enough to piss him off just enough to see him lose control. Close enough that maybe, just maybe, Jin would shove him back onto this very chaise lounge and kiss him until the world blurred into nothing.

Or maybe more.

The steam cleaner hissed, and Tohma clicked his tongue, shaking his head to dispel the heat blooming in his chest. God, he was pathetic.

The steam cleaner hissed again, filling the room with a faint cloud of vapor, and Tohma couldn’t help but glance around Jin’s domain. It was as cold and sharp as its owner—high ceilings, heavy curtains in dark, moody colors, and not a single misplaced item save for Jin’s usual trail of destruction. The chaise wasn’t even his worst offense this week; the coffee table still had a faint outline of a ring from when Jin had insisted on drinking his tea directly off the lacquered surface instead of using the coaster.

Typical.

Tohma had grumbled under his breath the whole time as he cleaned it up earlier, but the truth was, he didn’t mind the work. If it gave him an excuse to linger in Jin’s space, to soak in the scent of him—cool, crisp cologne that always carried a hint of snow and mint—he’d take it. Pathetic, yes, but Tohma had long made peace with the fact that love turned everyone into fools.

“Done yet?” Jin’s voice sliced through the quiet, startling Tohma. He whipped his head around to find Jin leaning in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest. He wasn’t wearing his uniform jacket—it was draped over his shoulders as usual, hanging open to reveal the crisp shirt beneath, the top buttons undone just enough to hint at skin. His silver hair caught the light, the blue-tinted tips glowing faintly like frost under the moon.

Tohma recovered quickly, straightening up and waving a hand dismissively. “Almost. You really made a mess this time, you know. Did you take a stroll through the forest before waltzing in here?”

“Maybe.” Jin’s lips curved into a faint smirk as he pushed off the doorway and walked in, slow and deliberate, the soft thud of his boots against the floor echoing in Tohma’s chest. “You always complain, but you’re still here, Ishibashi. Starting to think you like cleaning up after me.”

Tohma narrowed his eyes, turning his attention back to the chaise. If Jin noticed the flush creeping up his neck, he didn’t comment on it. “Someone has to. God knows you wouldn’t do it yourself.”

“Why would I, when I’ve got you?”

Tohma hated how much his stomach flipped at that. He gritted his teeth and kept his focus on the chaise, scrubbing harder than necessary. “One day, I’m going to charge you for all the hours I spend fixing your disasters. Might be the only way to make you appreciate it.”

Jin laughed softly, and it was the kind of sound that always caught Tohma off guard—low and rich, like the quiet crackle of a fire in the dead of winter. “Oh, I appreciate it, Ishibashi. More than you know.”

Tohma froze for half a second before forcing himself to keep scrubbing. If he turned around now, he’d give himself away. He’d meet Jin’s gaze and see that damn knowing smirk, and Jin would know exactly how weak he made him. And Tohma couldn’t have that. Not yet.

“Hmph,” he said, keeping his tone light. “I’ll believe that the day you stop tracking mud all over the place.”

Jin didn’t respond immediately, and Tohma could feel his presence lingering behind him, closer now. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter, almost teasing. “You missed a spot.”

Tohma looked up sharply, ready to snap something back, but Jin was already gone, sitting back at his desk. The scent of mint and snow lingered in the air, and Tohma sighed, slumping against the now-spotless chaise.

“Grade-A asshole,” he muttered to himself. And he was totally, hopelessly enamored with him.

[every-marveler-ever]

Laughter, Relationships and Partners

Fluffbruary Day 12 | @fluffbruary | Tenderness

Bucky Barnes Flash Bingo | 📚 @buckybarnesbingo | Underdog

IronHusbands Bingo Round 4 | 🗯️ @ironhusbandsbingo | Words Unsaid

masterlist :: (ao3 link)

RATING: General WARNING(S): Relationship drama, Open relationship, Marriage open relationship, Bad communication

It wasn’t Bucky’s intention to get between a relationship, especially not one as strong as Rhodey and Tony’s, but in his defence, he didn’t know they were dating. (A bad description). | Tony Stark/James 'Rhodey' Rhodes/James 'Bucky' Barnes

fluffbruary 2023 | bbb 📚 flash | ihb 🗯️ round 4

Bucky was extremely lucky he understands that he has complete access to Tony’s lab with his one fingerprint unlocking the glass sliding doors that Tony keeps locked. The lab is Tony’s sanctuary and to have any access means that Tony trusts him which Bucky didn’t think when he followed Steve into the Avengers tower.

.

“Who is this?” Tony says not in the nicest tone of voice, Steve had been getting on Tony’s nerves. He had given him a home, a new uniform, and food, yet none of it seemed to be enough for Steve, for somebody who came from nothing Tony thought Steve would appreciate the luxury he provided. Instead, Steve seems to take advantage of his kindness by dragging in a lost puppy behind him, “and what does he think he is doing here?”

Steve smiles not sensing the strained sense of tone in Tony’s voice, he has a smile on his face, “this is Bucky, he came out of the ice. I thought he could stay here, maybe train with us and,” Steve's face drops as he looks back to his friend, and moves over an inch, this is the first time Tony sees why this guy is such an underdog, “maybe you could help with his arm?”

Tony knows who Bucky is, he was Steve’s bestfriend, his right-hand man, and his Rhodey (without all the relationship stuff), Tony read history books about this man and went to museum collections detailing his fall from the train and how devastated Steve supposedly was. Never in any of the books, collections or articles did they mention a silver arm, a rusted, badly built silver arm that must be killing him from the weight alone. Tony hates to admit it but that arm is reason enough for Tony to house the man. 

“Yeah I’ll give it a look at, um” Tony blinks a few times before taking a deep breath, this has changed his day of pace, “the spare room on your floor is clean right? If not I can call the cleaner but I’m not quite sure when she will get here…” Steve smiles brightly and quickly reassures Tony, “yes one of the rooms is clean he can definitely stay there, thank you, Tony.”

Steve quickly pulls Bucky away from Tony and leads him to the elevator to move up to Steve’s. 

Tony hates to admit how quickly he pulled up blueprints and began sketching a new arm, Steve’s new friend is cute and Tony can’t get him out of his head, because it is clearly because of the arm, just the arm. 

.

When he does sit in the workshop with Tony sometimes it is because he is getting his arm looked at and Tony has exciting new blueprints to show him, but other times it because he just wants to sit and watch Tony. 

These are the times that Bucky notices the wedding band.

There are all ways words unsaid in the situation because how do you bring it up to the man that you thought might be flirting with you. 

.

Bucky sits in the lab one day because he felt like he needed the quietness that the lab brings, he feels bad because Tony isn’t here and he is in Tony’s space but he needed it. Steve had been nice since moving into the Avengers tower, but he always feels like he was intruding when he sees Sam and Steve cooking in the kitchen, or lounging on top of each other during movie nights. 

The lab offers quietness that the spare room or the floor he is taking residence in can’t. “You’ve come to escape have you?” Tony jokes announcing himself to the room, laughing along with his own comment. Bucky nods along as he watches Tony sit and pull up blueprints and doesn’t seem fussed by the fact that Bucky just let himself in, asking JARVIS to play some music as they both just appreciate each other's presence. 

Bucky doesn’t get out a stark pad or read like he normally does when they are both in the lab, he just watches Tony which is when he notices the ring. “Are you married?” The question comes out of nowhere as he watches Tony stop fiddling, “sorry,” Bucky winces when he realises his upfronts, “it’s just you were playing with what looks like a wedding ring and it’s definitely on your ring finger so I just assumed, sorry.” 

Something Tony and Bucky both have in common is their rambling and when Peter is also in the lab with them both it becomes quite a lot for anybody else that may join them, but as both nerds the rambling is normal.  

Tony doesn’t stop what he’s doing, “yeah in 0’11, right after the bill was passed, we had been engaged for years but it wasn’t until then that we actually tied the knot.”

Two things in this conversation shock Bucky, 1. He’s right and Tony is actually married which feels weird because he thought they were flirting and 2. Tony is gay (or bisexual, or whatever term he chooses) which he assumed but Tony also just seemed charming to anybody he meets. 

But Tony is married with a ring and everything, and Bucky is nothing.

.

Rhodey is extremely nice to Bucky and doesn’t wear a wedding band which seems like the perfect situation in Bucky’s predicament. Rhodey is Tony’s best friend but when Tony sees Bucky sitting on Rhodey’s lap he doesn’t complain or fight it, most of the time he smiles with warmth over at them.

It makes his heart tender thinking about being with Rhodey but them he remembers the moments in the lab and his heart seems caught between. 

.

“Movie night!” Peter screams as he enters the lounge on Clint and Natasha’s floor, this month's movie night location. Movie night traditionally transferred from floor to floor each month, except for Tony, Tony never seemed interested in hosting a movie night and so he was never included in the mix. 

Rhodey was happy to include Bucky in movie night when he joined the tower despite the weariness of Steve and Tony, Rhodey saw the excitement Bucky had in his eyes when he discovered new things, completely different to the confusion that used to show on Steve’s face when being introduced to the new world. He quickly introduced Bucky to all new types of work, “are we continuing James Bond tonight?” 

Bucky smiles brightly which is enough for Natasha to roll her eyes and turn on James Bond, as Peter talks about random James Bond facts he found out since last month. 

The movie plays with minimal talking as everybody finds themselves intensively watching You Only Live Twice, and Bucky’s head slowly falls onto Rhodey’s shoulder for the first time and suddenly Rhodey is no longer interested in the movie, as the smile on his face may suggest. 

. 

Bucky never thought of himself as an underdog he was a soldier who thought in war, but now he feels like he is the most underdog of them all.

When Natasha tells him that Rhodey and Tony are married Bucky’s tender heart breaks because it just can’t be true, he is dating Rhodey, they made it official just last week, and they were dating. Now Bucky just feels like he’s a mistress. 

“How could you do this to me!” Never before had he questioned that they slept on the same floor, never had he questioned that Rhodey always sleeps in his room when they sleep together, never even being invited to Tony’s floor.

Bucky for the first time steps onto Tony’s floor yelling a storm. There is a part of him that is glad the elevator didn’t lock him out of getting there, that eventually, he would have found out on his own because the elevator door opens and he can see wedding photos on the grand piano with them both in matching white suits. 

He is met with confused looks from Rhodey and Tony who are sitting on the couch next to each other, arms around each other, sharing a StarkPad. Bucky breathes a hard breath, fuming, “you’re married, to each other,” you can tell he’s really angry from the wild hand signals he is using, “and neither of you, my boyfriend nor my friend thought you would tell me!”

Rhodey pushes his eyebrows down and together even more confused than when Bucky walked in, if Bucky wasn’t made he would call it super cute, “you didn’t know?” And Tony begins to laugh so loud that he is nearly falling off the couch, hitting Rhodeys knee forcefully, “he doesn’t realise we’re open and both dating him,” Tony explains in a fit of laughter.

 Bucky tilts his head like a lost dog, “open relationship? But you’re married?” He’s no longer screaming and is instead the one confused in the whole situation. 

“Open relationships can relate to marriage, and in our case it does, it just so happens to be that we both really like you,” Rhodey explains with a wincing smile. He moves over to the lounge while simultaneously pushing Tony back onto the lounge as the older man recovers, “sit down” he pats the spot he just made, “and we can discuss this all. No words unsaid this time, we promise”

Listening to the suggestion Bucky sits down between them and leans his head on Rhodeys shoulder looking at Tony, “this would explain the coffee dates, and kissing my forehead in the lab,” he says and Tony spills out into more laughter.

Bucky can work with this.  Laughter, relationships and partners. 

Cards:

[vegaspetodorremoval]

Keep Your Furniture Clean And Pet-Friendly With Our Top Picks For Pet Safe Upholstery Cleaner

Pets bring joy and companionship to our lives, but they can also leave behind a trail of messes on our furniture. From muddy paw prints to shedding fur, keeping your upholstery clean in a pet-friendly home can be challenging. That's where pet-safe upholstery cleaners come to the rescue! In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of using safe products around your furry friends, discuss factors to consider when choosing the right cleaner, provide tips for practical use, and offer advice on maintaining spotless furniture. Let's dive in and discover how you can keep your furniture clean and pet-friendly with our top picks for pet-safe upholstery cleaners! Pet Safe Upholstery Cleaner

The Importance of Pet-Safe Upholstery Cleaners

Using pet-safe upholstery cleaners is crucial when keeping your furniture clean in a home with pets. Traditional cleaning products may contain harsh chemicals that can harm your furry companions. Opting for pet-safe cleaners ensures the well-being of both your pets and your furniture.

Pets love to lounge on sofas and chairs, making them susceptible to dirt, stains, and odors. Safe cleaning solutions designed specifically for pet messes help maintain a fresh and hygienic environment in your home. These specialized cleaners are formulated to effectively remove stains without harming your beloved animals.

By choosing pet-safe upholstery cleaners, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are not exposing your pets to potentially toxic ingredients found in regular household cleaners. Prioritizing their safety while keeping your furniture looking its best is a win-win situation for you and your four-legged friends.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pet-Safe Upholstery Cleaner

When selecting a pet-safe upholstery cleaner, it's essential to consider the ingredients. Look for products free of harsh chemicals like ammonia and chlorine, as these can harm your pets. Opt for cleaners with natural and non-toxic components that are gentle on your furniture and safe for your furry friends.

Another factor to consider is the cleaner's scent. Pets have sensitive noses, so choose a product with a mild or no fragrance to avoid overwhelming them. Additionally, check if the cleaner is hypoallergenic to prevent allergic reactions in your pets.

Consider the ease of use when picking a pet-safe upholstery cleaner. Look for options that come in convenient spray bottles or easy-to-use wipes for quick clean-ups. Ensure the product is user-friendly and doesn't require complicated steps or excessive rinsing.

Read reviews and ratings from other pet owners to gauge the cleaner's effectiveness in removing stains and odors caused by pets. Choose a reputable brand that produces high-quality, pet-safe cleaning products tailored to upholstery care.

How to Use Pet-Safe Upholstery Cleaners Effectively

When using pet-safe upholstery cleaners, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. Different products may have specific guidelines for applying them effectively.

Before applying the cleaner, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your furniture to ensure compatibility and avoid potential damage.

Use a clean cloth or sponge to apply the cleaner onto your upholstery's stained or dirty areas. Gently scrub in a circular motion, working from the outside towards the center of the stain.

Once you have treated all affected areas, allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended time before blotting it dry with another clean cloth. Make sure to remove any excess moisture to prevent mold or mildew growth.

For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the cleaning process or consider seeking professional help for deep cleaning services.

Regularly maintaining your upholstery with pet-safe cleaners will keep it looking fresh and extend its lifespan in a home with furry friends.

Tips for Maintaining Clean Upholstery in a Home with Pets

We all love our furry friends, but let's face it - they can make keeping your upholstery clean challenging. Here are some tips to help you maintain spotless furniture in a home with pets:

Invest in a high-quality, pet-safe upholstery cleaner specifically formulated to tackle pet stains and odors. Look for products that are non-toxic and gentle on fabrics.

Vacuum your furniture regularly to remove pet hair and dander. Use a brush attachment to ensure you get into all the crevices where fur tends to accumulate.

Consider using washable slipcovers or throws on your furniture for added protection against spills and accidents. When needed, you can easily toss them in the washing machine.

If possible, train your pets not to jump on the furniture. Providing them with cozy beds or blankets nearby can help redirect their attention away from lounging on your couches and chairs.

Following these simple tips, you can enjoy a clean and fresh living space while sharing it with your beloved pets.

Conclusion

Keeping your furniture clean and pet-friendly is essential for a harmonious living environment with furry friends. You can maintain a fresh and hygienic home even with pets around by choosing the right pet-safe upholstery cleaner, considering important factors such as ingredients and effectiveness, and following proper cleaning techniques. Remember to regularly clean your upholstery, address stains promptly, and implement preventive measures to prolong the lifespan of your furniture. With these tips and top picks for pet-safe upholstery cleaners, you can enjoy a clean and cozy space where you and your pets can comfortably together.

[yourlocalcarpetcleaner]

Top 5 Carpet Cleaning Company in Sydney

Did you know, that the indoor carpet holds an average of 200,000 bacteria per square inch?

While regular vacuuming looks impossible, carpet cleaning companies become saviors for all of us. Steam clean carpet is one of the best ways to keep germs away for a long.

 Let’s look at the top carpet cleaners near you!

 Deluxe Steam Cleaning Services

Deluxe Steam Cleaning Services has been running for over 12 years and is one of the trusted companies with multiple 5-star Google reviews. It offers the following services.

Scotchgarding, Stain removal, Lounge & sofa cleaning including leather lounges & multiple different types of fabric, Rug Cleaning, Disinfecting & Sanitizing, Mattress &Bedhead steam cleaning, end lease Carpet cleaning, Water damage Carpet cleaning, and many more.

Masters of Cleaning Pty Ltd

Masters Of Cleaning Pty Ltd, with their professionalism and prompt services, have proved themselves as the ‘Masters of Cleaning’. They left no stone unturned to leave their customers happy and satisfied. With their wide range of cleaning solutions like commercial and residential cleaning, hard floors, and outdoor tiles cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and many more, you can choose what fits best, and that too at a pocket-friendly price.

Your Local Carpet Cleaner

Your local carpet cleaner is rated as one of the topmost companies that specializes in Commercial and Residential Carpet Upholstery Cleaning. They offer you the finest steam cleaning in Sydney's metropolitan area. From steam carpet cleaning to commercial cleaning, they have you all covered with a price that fits well into your wallet.  Their highly trained, friendly staff hold an IICR certificate which means they guarantee customer satisfaction.

Stainmasters Cleaning

Stainmasters Cleaning, with more than 10 years of industry experience, has created its place for customers. Their certified technicians handle full carpet cleaning services in Sydney. They are equipped with advanced equipment and non-toxic products that remain gentle for us and the environment. They specialize in removing grime, dirt, stains, and odors from carpets without compromising the health of kids and pets. They cater for steam and dry carpet cleaning, upholstery, mattresses, leather cleaning, tiles, oriental rugs, and much more.

Flawless Carpets Chem-Dry

Flawless Carpets Chem-Dry is a reliable and dedicated carpet and upholstery cleaning service company in Sydney. They specialize in using a chem-dry formula which ensures that your carpet is free from germs and dry. Their highly professional carpet cleaners cater to both commercial and residential clients. They guarantee you a clean and healthy home with the finest working environment.

[ecobondcarpet]

Renew Your Shabby Furniture with Eco Bond Carpet Cleaning:

Does your couch look tired, stained or have an unpleasant smell? Do you find it hard to get rid of all the dirt and grime on your furniture? If so, you've come to the right place. At Eco Bond Carpet Cleaning, we Affordable Upholstery Cleaning Services in Melbourne to give your furniture a new lease of life.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a recognized carpet cleaning service, our upholstery cleaning will clean your furniture thoroughly and restore its original look.

At home, you can only use traditional methods of cleaning. If the dirt covers all the areas, then the home filter cleaning process is not working properly. Our affordable upholstery cleaning services in Melbourne provide a fresh and clean indoor environment that is beyond your thinking level. Accidents are common at home and in offices, such as ink spills. These marks of ink appear to be permanent and difficult to remove at home. Our upholstery cleaning is different; we have to cover all the seats of your furniture before cleaning it, and we have to use fine materials to remove ink stains from the deeper roots of the areas.

The professional team of our company has to catch all the insects that surround the dirty areas and remove dust that has inserted itself deep into the home and office areas. Sometimes rats have to be trapped in the deeper areas of the carpets; it will be a big cause of trouble and cause infections and allergies at home and in other surrounding areas. To get relief from infectious diseases, you can make an appointment with us today. Our services are reliable, and we have to charge affordable rates for cleaning the dust and other infected areas of your home.

Why Choose Eco Bond Upholstery Cleaning Melbourne?

Disintegrates Grease and Dirt: We use dry cleaning solutions to get rid of oily stains. That way, we can quickly get rid of them on your upholstery or other fabrics.

Delicate Fabric Experts: Our upholstery cleaners are experts at removing stains and cleaning all types of upholstery safely and effectively.

Durable Germ Protection: Electro-Shield is used in the cleaning process to make your living room more hygienic.

Degrades Grease and Oils: Our cleaning solution focuses on the oils that attach the dirt to the fabric, so we do a much deeper clean than other cleaning companies.

Accredited IICRC Technicians: Our technicians are top-notch and can clean even the most rigid fabrics safely and efficiently.

The Ability to Get Rid of More Stains: Eco Bond’'s solvents are way better at removing oils and dirt than regular cleaning products.

Eco Bond carpet cleaning has been servicing Fabric Sofa Cleaning Services in Melbourne for many years. Our technicians are highly trained in fabric care and are well-versed in treating stains on various lounges, dining chairs, and armchairs. With our unique formulated cleaning solutions, our Eco Bond specialists always do the job right.

[freshuc1234]

Keeping Your Lounge in Top Condition: A Guide to Lounge Cleaning Services in Melbourne

Lounge cleaning is an essential task that helps to maintain the appearance and longevity of your furniture. In Melbourne, there are several lounge cleaning services available to help keep your furniture in top condition. These services can include general cleaning, stain removal, and fabric protection.

General cleaning is a standard service offered by most lounge cleaning companies in Melbourne. This typically includes vacuuming, dusting, and spot cleaning to remove dirt and grime from the surfaces of the lounge. A general cleaning can help to freshen up the appearance of the lounge and extend its lifespan.

Stain removal is another important aspect of lounge cleaning services. This service involves using specialized techniques and products to remove stains and spills from the fabric of the lounge. This can include food and drink spills, pet accidents, and general dirt and grime. Professional cleaners will have the knowledge and experience to remove stains effectively, without causing any damage to the fabric of the lounge.

Fabric protection is another service offered by some lounge cleaning companies in Melbourne. This service involves applying a protective coating to the fabric of the lounge that helps to resist spills, stains, and general wear and tear. This service is particularly useful for those with children or pets, as it makes it easier to clean up spills and accidents.

When choosing a lounge cleaning service in Melbourne, it's important to consider the type of lounge you have, as well as your own cleaning needs. Some companies may specialize in cleaning certain types of lounges, such as leather or velvet, while others may offer a more general cleaning service. It's also important to check that the company is insured and has a good reputation in the industry.

Another important thing to consider is whether the company uses eco-friendly products or not. Many companies today are using eco-friendly products to clean furniture, which are not harmful to the environment and also safe for your family's health.

In conclusion, lounge cleaning services in Melbourne are essential to maintaining the appearance and longevity of your furniture. These services can include general cleaning, stain removal, and fabric protection. When choosing a lounge cleaning service, it's important to consider the type of lounge you have, as well as your own cleaning needs. Be sure to check that the company is insured and has a good reputation in the industry. Consider choosing an eco-friendly company for better results and for the safety of your family and the environment.

Contact fresh upholstery cleaning to Get the Best lounge Cleaning services in Melbourne At Affordable Rates! Contact Us Now and Get a Free Quote. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

[homecleaningvic]

Bond Back Cleaners - The Reasons That Make Them So Important

There will definitely be times where you don't feel like cleaning. For example, you might have been working all week and need a break from your daily routine.

If this is the case, there are many people out there who can help you with your cleaning needs. These Bond Back Cleaners Melbourne professionals are called bond back cleaners because they are in charge of making sure that everything looks great at home.

They will make sure that no matter what kind of messes happen throughout the week, they won't leave behind any stains or smudges on surfaces - it's as if nothing ever happened!

These cleaners make sure that you don't have to leave the house dirty.

Good news! If you live in a rental property, then these cleaners are the best option for you. They will come to your home and clean everything up for you. 

You don’t have to worry about cleaning the house before they get there either. The bond back cleaners of Melbourne will do everything themselves and leave your place looking sparkling clean when they leave.

In addition to making sure that all of the rooms in your home are spotless, these professionals also make sure that mirrors, windows and carpets look their best as well.

 This is great because it means that you don’t have to hire extra help just for these areas if you can't afford it or if there are other areas of concern on top of those three things mentioned above (i.e., kitchen appliances).

They will be responsible for cleaning all areas of your home.

Bond cleaners will be responsible for cleaning all areas of your home. This includes the bond back, kitchen, bathrooms, lounge room and bedrooms. You will have a team of professionals who are dedicated to doing this work on your behalf each week or fortnightly depending on where you live in Sydney.

When you hire a professional bond cleaning company it is important that they provide an extensive list of services so that you can choose which ones are right for you. 

Some companies charge more than others but generally speaking if something does not cost too much money then there should be no problem when hiring someone who charges less than average rates as long as they offer value for money rather than just cheap prices.

Bond back cleaners are there to help you in a difficult situation

You're in a difficult situation and you need someone to help you clean your home. You have hired a bond back cleaner because of the necessary cleaning at your property, which is why it's important to make sure that they are there to help you out. Bond Back Cleaners Melbourne will provide the cleaning services needed at your property, while also allowing them to do any extra tasks that may be required during their visit.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you understand why bond back cleaners are so important. If you need help with your bond back, experts can help. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out in the comment section.

Source: https://expertsinvacatecleaning.blogspot.com/2023/01/bond-back-cleaners-reasons-that-make.html

[365cleans]

What Are the Different Kinds of Cleaning Administrations?

As the world gets more occupied with every day, homegrown cleaning obligations typically become an overwhelming position and much of the time get ignored. The foundation of cleaning organizations has made sure that this weight has been dialed down the shoulders of individuals and establishments. Preceding booking cleaning administrations, it is fitting to understand what you require about cleaning. These are a portion of the favored administrations:

Fundamental cleaning

Fundamental cleaning administrations involve the straightforward yet essential cleaning necessities in properties. This help includes tidying surfaces, vacuuming rugs, wiping floor surfaces, and spot cleaning. Fundamental cleaning frequently happens all through the whole house where places like washrooms, latrines, sinks, lounges, and kitchens are cleaned. The cleaners kill garbage from the kitchen and different regions in the house and clean up the space. Essential cleaning can be consistent where the client buys in for the help to occur one time each week, one time per month, or as per their necessities.

Profound cleaning

Profound cleaning is a mind-boggling administration that brushes the whole property utilizing broad cleaning techniques. The cleaning specialists are utilized to scour floors, profound clean covers utilizing power and steam vacuums, scour kitchen gear like fridges and barbecues, wash or steam upholstery, and clean little things like cupboard handles and entryway handles. Top-to-bottom cleaning is a fundamental help that targets disposing of all the soil in the house from residue to stains on the floor covering. Intensive cleaning can be a customary help that will happen at regular intervals or thereabouts. This assistance is unequivocally suggested for families with kids so you can keep a remarkable degree of disinfection.

End of occupancy cleaning

The move-in or move-out cleaning administration is accessible to the two occupants and landowners. Landowners could book this help before another occupant moves into a house to keep the property respectable during review and on the genuine move-in day for the inhabitant. An occupant could get this help while leaving an old property or while moving into another home to have the cleaning finished to their inclinations. This help can be delivered as a fundamental cleaning or a profound cleaning administration relying upon the inclination of the client.

One-off cleaning

The oddball cleaning administration has a high change rate since it relies upon the motivations behind why the client is taking up the help. The assistance could be top to bottom or fundamental cleaning gave the expressed necessities of the client. Numerous clients employ one-off cleaning administrations in the wake of facilitating gatherings, and completing remodels and fixes in the property and carport deals. The oddball cleaning administration is tailor-made and could be customized to fit the specific requirements of the family.

Firms offer bunches of cleaning administrations that are pointed toward making life extraordinary and sterile for clients. The most awesome benefit of choosing prepared cleaners is that they offer adequacy and accommodation concerning cleaning. Best of all, you don't have to make the slightest effort throughout the whole methodology.

Click Here For More Information:-

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[moonchildsaurora]

Darling, Dance for Me?

✤ sniper!San x female exotic dancer!reader ✤ genre: Mafia AU // 30% fluff, 60% spice, 10% platonic flirting with Woo  ✤ t/w: mentions of guns/shooting, mentions of alcohol, mature clubbing themes, highly suggestive in the second half (but not smut), rated M  ✤ count: 2k+

a/n - this was suppose to be for Valentine’s Day but, oh well! Enjoy some spice with one pink haired Sannie, coz we all know even though he looks soft. . . .he’s just a devil in disguise. This is probs my most suggestive writing till date as well, it was fun and am looking forward to writing more spice in the future hehet 💙

✛ play these vibes: BOBBY - ‘DeViL’, Sunmi - ‘Black Pearl’, Kai - ‘Mmmh’ ✛

“Mother told me, never to dance with the devil, So I danced for him instead.”

Cherry rouge.

Not your usual go-to, but a special occasion calls for some special exceptions. And damn did you look like fine wine tonight. Giving your styled curls another spritz of hair spray, you took one last inspection in your vanity mirror.  

Work was throwing a Valentine’s event and thus you found yourself having to dig through the back of your wardrobe to find a suitable outfit for tonight. Bold burgundy lace hugged tightly around your body replacing the mellower neutral tones you’d wear on any other night. Your roommate had even shoved a pair of thigh highs and heels on you to match the garter.

And cherry lips to bring the whole look together.

“You’ll thank me later! Hell everyone in the club would, for presenting god’s gift to them!”

You had laughed at her supportive enthusiasm, waving her away with embarrassment though you greatly appreciated the pre-shift hype.

When you headed for the kitchen, you could hear the TV in the lounge and glanced to see your roommate watching the evening news. She turned to call out for you but stopped mid-way upon realising you were already out of your room.

“Damn girl…you’ll sure be breaking hearts tonight with that fit!!” she yelled-gasped, brows waggling for a cheeky added effect.

“Well that’s no good. Dancers are supposed to be Cupids of the night, maybe they should’ve given me Aphrodite instead.”

A smile tugged on your lips as you saw your roommate falling back on the sofa snickering. Grabbing the bottle of Ten to One from what you both named ‘The Life Juice’ shelf, you started to fill your rose gold hip flask with the white rum. The debonair bartender at the club would usually be more than happy to concoct you a cup of much-needed poison to get you through the night. However, on such a busy event, you might not even have time to swing by the bar – so plan B was in order.

Also, whoever thought to invent garter pouches was a genius in your eyes. The amount of times you had snuck in a sip or two up on the podium without missing a beat or being noticed had to be one of your greatest feat till date.

Except maybe for the one who bought said pouch and flask for you. Seeing the shadow of their pleased smirk whenever you donned on something from them never failed to coax the goosebumps across your skin. Perhaps that garnet embellished choker would be the icing on the cake then. You made a mental note to put that on before you headed out.

“Hey honey…”

The tone of your roommate turned a little more serious.

“On the news just then, another one of those random sniper attacks happened along Soleil Street. Shit, that’s only two streets away from the club.”

The city has gotten used to such news every now and then. All leads of the serial sniper always went cold, not that they left behind any substantial traces for the authorities to begin with.

The law wasn’t the only ruling force in the area. Everyone knew that.

So long as one didn’t attract the wrong attention, they’d be free to go about their business.

“I’m dropping you off, are you ready to go?”

“Wait! It’s alright, I don’t want to trouble you.”

Your roommate gave you a look before swiping her car keys from the counter. “What would trouble me is not knowing whether you’ve made it to work and back safely. Now c’mon, the night is awaiting that cute booty of yours!”

“Yes mum.”

How lucky were you to have an angel for a roommate?

“Give me a heads up if you intend to bring anyone home tonight yeah? I’ll be sure to vacate the apartment before any sinning begins here.”

Or not.

A euphoric buzz filled every corner of the club tonight. Whether it was due to the special occasion or not, everyone was getting drunk off the atmosphere. The bar was a never-ending fountain of liquid luck and smoke veiled corners of the venue where patrons dealt cards and wits. A sea of bodies dominated the dancefloor, curling around one another in ecstasy as the thumping bass set the rhythm for them.

The centre podium was where the real magic unfurled.

Up on there, you felt powerful. Up on there, was your domain to rule.

Long have you enticed all those who returned back to ‘The Blue Butterfly’. So close, yet so far, for most could only have the visual satisfaction. Of watching you, along with your fellow dancers weave around golden poles and offer hands to those who sat in plush velvet chairs closest to the podium. Only to sashay away the last minute.

How bees are drawn to nectar and moths to light, the people keep coming back.

Tonight the club was decked out in a more sensual feel to fit the Valentine’s vibe. Long drapes of rose silk hung around the podium and you used those to accentuate the flow and movement of your body curves. The silks caressed the bare skin not hidden underneath your outfit and you pretended to take shy peeks around the fabrics at the audience. Sending a lucky wink or flying kiss their way.

In the middle of a mid-air twirl, you saw a familiar figure heading towards your side of the podium. You slowly lowered yourself back down to the floor, using your legs to wrap around the silks as leverage. Not missing the opportunity to be playful – you mimed shooting an arrow towards the club’s top croupier.

Wooyoung instantly clutched his heart with his hand that wasn’t occupied with holding one of Mingi’s own cocktail infusion. Letting out a hearty giggle, you slid over the podium floors to the edge where Wooyoung had propped himself up on.

“Don’t you look simply irresistible?” he crooned at you.

You could’ve said the exact same for him. All fitted to a tee in Givenchy with a classic choker that demanded attention for prominent collarbones.

“Now, how may I be of service to you tonight handsome?” you spoke over the music.

The youthful charmer leaned in towards you, shaking dark wavy strands out of his eyes. Eyeing his cotton candy pink drink, you ducked your head and took a few sips from the straw before Wooyoung drew it away. It tasted vaguely like pink lemonade with hints of vodka and vanilla.

“Ah ah, this isn’t for you poppet. Besides…” he tipped your chin back up with two fingers, “…wouldn’t want to waste your appetite before your main course tonight, would we?”

That made you perk right up.

“V.I.P Room Aurora has kindly requested for you. Drinks have already been sent up and the room’s been booked for the whole night.”

Not that booking was really needed since it was your room. It was just for formality.  

Wooyoung helped you off the podium and smoothly guided you through the crowd, placing you in front of him so as to avoid being grabbed by uninvited hands from behind. You both stopped at the foot of the polished glass stairs that led up to the V.I.P guest rooms.

“Off you go now! Oh and try not to make too much of a mess for our cleaners, they really ought to get a pay rise from some of the things they’ve witnessed in those rooms.”

You would’ve kicked Wooyoung for his brazen tongue, but you did well to remind yourself that would be rather impudent on your part. Whilst you have a jovial bond with him, it still doesn’t erase his high-standing status within the inner circle. You knew better than to cross that line of respect.

“Won’t make any promises I can’t keep, Jung!”

You left him with a soft pat on his cheek and ascended towards your utopia that awaited.

Swinging the golden embossed doors open, sultry melodious tune of a saxophone greeted you. Like molten dark chocolate, it was rich and tantalizing. The crystalline blue hue of the room’s lighting was fitting for the slow jazzy blues.

A spacious circular sofa curved around a glass table in the centre, providing a perfect view of the bejewelled podium. The wide one-way windows were especially designed for privacy. You could spectate over almost the whole club below, something you quite enjoyed during your breaks. The countless types of people that you observed stepping into your world; from the timid newcomers to the seasoned hedonists and the stories they brought with them of their journey to ‘The Blue Butterfly’.

But there was no time for that tonight. Not when you see broad sculptured shoulders that your hands have meticulously memorised the planes of – right in front of you.  

Still clad in his all-black incognito leather fit, you couldn’t help but stay by the door to appreciate his form. A huge bouquet of ivory and deep red roses sat on the glass table with an open box of what you suspected were chocolates inside. A loud pop of the champagne bottle went off. You bit your lips when you saw his toned arms flex as he gripped the bottle in one hand and tipped a stream of golden bubbles into two flute glasses in the other.

As the music picked up, you decided it was time to make your presence known. Walking with confident steps over the velveteen carpet you went to wrap your arms around his cinched waist. Resting your cheek on the cool leather vest of his back, you took his scent in.

Smoke and city musk lingered around.

You figured he must’ve come straight from his assignment. What better reason to use than to spoil him extra as post-work relaxation? His hand came up to wrap around yours and you felt the dancing of lips leaving petal kisses across your knuckles.

“You stink…” you mumbled lightly against his back.

San let out a low chuckle before setting the champagne bottle down and turning around to snake both arms around you. Calloused hands from the years of gripping guns instead of supple flesh imprinted their warm touch into your skin.

“Oh? Then I’m sure you won’t mind helping me freshen up, right Princess?”

“San!” you squealed when you felt him deliberately rub sweat against your neck before attacking it with more love bites.

“You taste like sweet temptation.”

You arched your neck out of habit when you felt his tongue swipe across it. Teeth bit down lightly around the garnet choker San bought for you for Christmas.

When you felt hands travelling down west towards your garter, you gave San a light shove backwards to the sofa.

“Not so fast, Choi.”

His predatory feline eyes took its time to rake down your body, committing every inch to memory. You made a show of bending over to grab the two champagne flutes off the table, the sharp intake of breath behind you made you preen with pride. You took your seat on your throne, not at all surprised to feel how much pent-up tension San had through the tight leather.

Clink. A toast made for the love of two.

“Happy Valentine’s, darling.”

“Thank you, San. You sure know how to spoil a lady don’t you?”

“Only the one who’s sniped right through my heart.”

Oh the irony.

You smiled when he pulled you close and claimed a proper kiss, whispering a, “You sap,” against his wind-chapped lips. Tasting the fruit acidity from the golden bubbles as you both exchanged kitten licks.

San’s rouge-stained lips chased after yours when you broke off from the kiss to place your champagne flute back down on the table. Hands anchoring your hips in place as you reached to pluck a couverture chocolate-covered strawberry from the box. Turning back round to San, your lips formed a small pout noticing that his freshly dyed hair was still hidden underneath his cap.

He let you discard it behind the sofa and you could’ve sworn he purred with satisfaction when you ran your hands through his cotton candy pink strands. Hands gave your bottom a firm squeeze and San begun to run his fingers along the hem of your lace. The husky vocals from the record player drifted back, interlacing with the saxophone.

That was your cue.

“Eyes on me.”

You held San’s gaze, fire reflecting fire. The strawberry gets slipped past the seams of his lips and all the while San chews intently, his eyes never wavered. He’s got his precious pearl all to himself, just the way he loves it. And you have the city’s most lethal hitman watching your back from dawn to dusk. San was the dangerous game you played, only to win the safest love.    

“Darling, won’t you please dance for me?”

“With pleasure, Sir.”

[aries-rising-on-an-aquarius-tide]

Helter Swelter

Rating: MA, NSFW

Spoilers: None

Trigger/content warnings: alcohol, semi-public sex, implied voyeurism

This is for the IN THE POOL square of @thatesqcrush 's Sexy Summer Bingo, and was requested!

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

"This is a fucking disaster," Olivia sighed, throwing her bag onto the bed in frustration.

Amanda rammed the heel of her hand against the sputtering A/C unit in the window and frowned. "I don't know why you ever expect anything more from Daddy Dodds than a fuckup," she muttered.

Liv ran a hand over the nape of her neck under her hair, finding it moist with sweat, and surveyed their room. Dodds had told her that he had booked them at a high-class hotel for the Extended Learning conference that weekend. A five-star, full-service, swanky joint, he had sworn.

Yet, here they were - sweltering during the peak of a heatwave, in a barely passable room with one double bed and a busted A/C unit. Even better, they weren't even in the right city for the conference - a fact discovered when they called Dodds upon landing to tell him that nobody had heard of the hotel he named.

Fuckup was putting it mildly.

"I'll go talk to someone at the check-in desk and see if they can do anything about the air conditioning," Olivia announced.

"I'm going to take a cool shower in the meantime," Rollins said, palming sweat from her forehead.

The young man at the front desk looked at Liv as though he'd fallen asleep and she had walked out of one of his fantasies into the lobby. Handyman? Not on weekends, it turned out.

"The pool's open 'round the clock though," he shrugged. He finished up by giving her some info on what was available to order from the kitchen, then went back to the glare of his cell phone screen.

When Olivia got back to the room, Amanda was already out of the shower and had changed into light cotton shorts and a sports bra. Liv shrugged apologetically and tossed the info about food to her on the bed.

"No-go on the A/C. There's a pool though." She stopped at the bed long enough to grab her bag. "My turn in the shower, I guess."

Amanda nodded disinterestedly, perusing the menus as the brunette disappeared into the small bathroom.

.

.

The clock in the room was ticking past 1:30am. On the coffee table in front of the room's armchairs was a plate of mostly-eaten chicken nachos, and what was left of a six-pack of beer, still sweating condensation.

On the bed, the SVU detectives were also sweating, awake atop the bedclothes. Olivia was on her back, eyes to the ceiling, Rollins was on her side. They breathed the overwarm air and tried not to move too much, but neither could sleep. Amanda's tossing and turning was more irritating with every creak of the narrow mattress.

Tick -

Creak

Tock.

Always followed by the dying, strangled hum of the useless A/C.

This is it, this is how I'm going to lose my mind, Olivia decided.

Tick. Tock. Tick -

Creak.

"Amanda!" Liv snapped, "Can't you stay still for five minutes?!"

"I"m sorry!" the blonde whined, "I can't fucking sleep!"

Liv rolled her eyes. "I thought you grew up in the South? You must've had nights hotter than this."

"We slept out on the porch in the Summer."

"Be my guest and go sleep in the parking lot if you'll be more comfortable."

Amanda gave a surprised huff that was partway between amusement and annoyance. She leaned up on her elbows, shot Olivia a look, then rolled to her feet. "I'm going for a swim," she announced.

Liv's head turned on the pillow. "Amanda - it's nearly two AM."

"It's still almost 97 degrees! I can hardly breathe, I'm so hot," the blonde groaned. "Plus, I bought an expensive new bikini to wear at the hotel Dodds promised, and it's a damn crime for it to go to waste."

She crossed to her suitcase and unzipped it. "'Sides, you don't have to come. Stay here and melt, if you'll be more comfortable," she mocked.

Ten or so minutes later, both women slipped into the elevator, dressed in thin complimentary hotel robes, bikinis and sandals. In their robe pockets they had tucked cans of the warming beer from their earlier order.

On the main floor, they followed the signs to the door that lead to the pool and pushed outside into the thick, hot night air. The pool was somehow cleaner than their room, and they had it all to themselves. It rippled and beckoned under the starlight and the few florescent lamps that lit the tiled area around it.

Amanda stopped alongside a lounge chair and emptied her pockets of beer before she slipped off the robe. "What do you think?" she asked Liv, hands on hips.

Olivia swallowed dryly, glancing quickly at the bikini and then away. "Very nice," she murmured, busying herself with her own robe and cans. As Amanda walked away toward the pool's edge, Liv took another, more surreptitious look at the bathing suit. It was a dark green color, highlighted with square, gold rivets along the straps, the band under the bust, and along two split straps at the front of the bottom, which tied at each hip.

She popped open a beer and took a long pull from the can. I've seen underwear with more material than that entire suit, she mused. Her own suit looked conservative by comparison: a sporty black two-piece with boyshort bottoms ruched at the sides, and a crocheted, mesh high-neck top that covered her cleavage.

Amanda let out a loud, satisfied groan that startled Olivia out of her bikini thoughts, nearly dropping the drink in her hand.

"Oh my God that feels so good!" she cried. Blood rushed into Liv's face and groin simultaneously. "Hurry up and get in - and bring me a beer!" Rollins urged excitedly.

Olivia shed the last barrier between her bikini and Amanda's gaze, and grabbed two cans of beer. She leaned down to hand one to the blonde at the pool's edge.

"Thank you," Amanda said, and smiled genuinely for the first time since their plane touched down. It raised a relaxed twinkle to her blue eyes, and Liv stared until she caught herself.

She let herself down carefully on the tile and then scooted to the pool's edge, stretching her long legs into the water. Amanda was, of course, right - the water felt fantastic against the cloying heat - and Liv sighed with relief, letting her head fall back as her eyes closed.

The Southern blonde smirked and drank her beer, feeling more herself now that she wasn't sticky and uncomfortable. Setting her drink down, she plunged under the water and wet the rest of her body, kicking hard. When she split the surface, she was a few feet away from Olivia, who was still kicking her legs, watching.

"You didn't come all the way down to just sit on the sidelines, did ya?" Amanda teased.

"What, you wanna play Marco Polo?" the brunette tossed back, smiling as she raised her can to her lips.

"Don't make me drag you in here, City Girl!"

Liv set aside her drink and rolled her eyes, pushing her weight up and over the side with both hands against the concrete tile. The soothingly cool water ribboned over her warm skin, sending goosebumps racing in every direction.

"Better?" she grinned.

Amanda put a finger to her lips thoughtfully. "Mostly . . . " she drawled, "just - " Then she spread both arms wide and used them to scoop and splash water at Olivia, laughing.

Liv opened her eyes as the water settled, letting drops drip from her jawline and hair. "I'll make you regret that, Dixieland," she said calmly.

Rollins laughed and tipped backward into the water, kicking her feet and floating along the surface. Liv ducked under the water to finish cooling off, then swam back to the side for another drink. The dehydration from the heat was making the beer go to her head more than usual; she felt good, and she was enjoying Amanda's flirting.

"You'll have'ta find me, first!" Rollins giggled from behind Olivia.

Rolling her eyes, Liv swallowed what was in her mouth and replied, "Right, because the pool is soo - " she turned around to face the water, finding herself alone, " - big," she faltered. Scanning the pool she didn't see ripples or bubbles - no sign of the blonde mermaid.

Olivia shivered, partly from her lowering body temperature, and partly from the eerie silence of standing there in the water alone.

"Enough, Amanda," she called. "you're not funny." When there was still no response or sound, the brunette turned defiantly back to her beer. The quiet, early morning dark wasn't so peaceful, suddenly.

With absolutely no hint of movement or sound of warning, Amanda tunneled up out of the water behind Liv, the noise breaking the surface like rolling thunder as splashes rained down. Liv let out a gasping yelp as she startled, then Amanda's arms locked around her middle from behind.

"Marco Polo!" she shrieked in glee as she pulled Olivia underwater against her.

Sputtering, they broke the surface again together after just a beat, Amanda still holding tight. "Jesus, Rollins!" Liv coughed out, "You gave me a heart attack!"

They stilled as Liv caught her breath, heart pounding from being caught unawares. Slowly, the feeling of Amanda's wet body wrapped around her from behind began to register with her senses: their legs, sliding against each other, cool skin on skin, the press of hard nipples against her back where Amanda's wet suit pressed. It sparked another shiver, but this one went to Liv's center.

"I don't think that's how Marco Polo is played," Olivia murmured softly.

"Well, we didn't play it that much in Georgia," Amanda chuckled, her warm breath tickling the back of Liv's neck. Then, just as suddenly, she let her go.

Liv pushed away slightly, back to the side and the drink that had been interrupted. But her mind was buzzing about more than beer now, wondering if Amanda's flirting was purposeful, natural or beer-induced. She kept her eyes on the stone tile as the blonde floated over and resumed her own drink. Their bodies were unnervingly close. Liv's breathing shallowed as she bored a hole in the spot she focused on.

Then, Amanda's foot, sliding against Olivia's ankle. Too pointed to be an accident. Higher - the leg was slipping against calf. Underwater footsies, Liv mused, a little drunkenly. Still, she refused to turn her head, not wanting to break the tranquility.

Rollins drained the can she was holding, then set it poolside before shifting her body so that she was directly behind Liv again. Cool, wet lips pressed against the nape of Olivia's neck, and she drew in a ragged breath, held it.

The kiss warmed and went on, lips dragging over the water drops on the sensitive skin there until finally her tongue joined in. Liv's eyes closed, relaxing into the touch as she exhaled. Next there were fingers at the strings where her bikini top was tied, tugging slowly, gently, giving plenty of opportunity for the brunette to call the stops.

All of it felt too good, however, for stopping to enter Olivia's mind. The water, the touch, the buzz from the beer - it all beat an Extended Learning conference to hell and back.

Amanda pulled the ties away slowly, one side at a time, kissing and nibbling warmly over Liv's shoulders, while her legs continued to playfully rub and slip around and between Liv's underwater.

Liv felt a hand return to her middle, pressing firmly, while the other arm crossed her upper chest. Amanda tipped Liv's head to the side with wet fingers to the jawline, then licked the point of her tongue up the curve and pulled an earlobe into her mouth.

A moan escaped Olivia as she wriggled against the blonde's hold, turning in her arms. "You taste like salt and flowers," Rollins smirked, her voice thick and deep. It was all she got out before the brunette framed her face with dripping hands and kissed her mouth.

Her tongue was a shock of heat in comparison to her hands, and Amanda gave back everything she received, their kisses as deep and wet as the pool itself. The turning in her embrace had taken care of moving Liv's top out of the way, and Amanda could feel the brush of wet breasts as the brunette made out with her madly.

She fought to get her hands between their bodies, then the smooth weight of those same breasts filled her palms. The sensation sent a ripple of desire throbbing through her swollen center. Amanda's thumbs grazed over the hard peaks and it finally broke their kiss, Liv's head lolling back.

"Fuck," she hissed, spurring the blonde on to rub harder. When she couldn't take it any more, she pushed her hands under Amanda's arms and grasped the bottom of her bikini top, yanking it over her head.

Olivia ducked low, her mouth just as hungry for this as it had been for Amanda's tongue. One cold, dripping nipple, then the other rolled under the brunette's tongue and pebbled under the scrape of her teeth until Amanda was panting, fingers slipping in their search for purchase on Liv's shoulders.

Kicking her feet, she steered them back to the pool's side until she could leverage her weight to regain dominance. Amanda pushed her knee in between Liv's thighs and made contact with the place she wanted to touch most. Immediately, Olivia's head dipped to the blonde's shoulder, her breathing quickening. She turned so that her lips were just under her ear and breathed, "I want you to make me come."

Without a breath of hesitation, Amanda buoyed Liv's weight up with her hands spread on her outer thighs, and deposited the dark haired woman on the pool's edge. Both hands tugged on the bottoms Liv still had on, until they rolled down and were tossed to the tile with a wet splat.

Amanda pulled Olivia's ass flush to the edge and wrapped her arms around her tan thighs, then lowered her tongue to the dewy pink valley between. Her clit was swollen and aching, twitching as Amanda nosed over it and sucked it gently.

Impatient, Liv bucked her pelvis into every touch of Rollins' sweet mouth. "I'm so fucking wet, Amanda, please . . . "

"Patience is a virtue," Amanda grinned. "Guess they don't teach that in the city," she teased, running her tongue down and inside Olivia's dripping entrance with a moan. She brought two fingers into the mix, slipping then inside carefully, then rubbing firmly against the G-spot.

The normally restrained SVU detective was sprawled on the pool tile, propped on her arms with her head dropped back and her legs over the Southern blonde's shoulders. Mouth open, thighs quivering, Olivia could hear the roar of her blood rushing and the sound of Amanda's talented fingers fucking her blind.

"Oh God, Amanda . . . don't stop, please . . . don't - yes, fuck me fuck me . . . " she babbled, unsure if she was even coherent.

Rollins couldn't stop grinning as she sucked and fucked the trembling brunette with fervor.

"I'm going to - oh fuck, oh oh Amanda! Ungh I'm going to come!"

"Damn right you are," the blonde mumbled as she pulled her fingers out and replaced them with her tongue again. Olivia squeezed her thighs and rode her orgasm out on the thrust of Amanda's tongue, dripping hot juices.

Pleased with herself, she released her grip on Liv's thighs and cupped pool water in both her hands, dousing her face and hair to cool down. "God, you're fucking incredible," she grinned.

Liv let out a laugh. "You did all the work! Get up here, Amanda."

She did as told and joined her on the cool cement tile. Olivia liberated her from her bikini bottom, then straddled over her on all fours. Delighted to once again be presented with Liv's slick, pink pussy above her face, Amanda wasted no time in sliding her fingers back inside. She was distracted this time, however, by the long, gentle brush of Liv's own fingers, spreading her own pussy open.

"Fuck, look how wet you are," Liv praised, gathering the slickness on her fingertips and swirling them around the blonde's hard clit.

"Jesus!" Amanda cried, her hips quaking at the touch as she remembered to pick up her thrusts into Liv.

A greedy race to the finish line started as both women worked to make the other come first with fingers and tongues as the pool threw reflections of light and the stars winked down on them.

.

.

When they returned to their room, the morning was rushing toward dawn. Olivia opened the door and was startled to hear the hum of the now completely functional A/C unit.

"I'll be goddamned," Amanda drawled from over her shoulder.

Liv crossed to the unit and put her hands in front of it to make sure the air was cool. As she did so, Amanda found a new six-pack of cold beer on the coffee table. A post-it was stuck to the table beside the cans.

"Fixed your A/C, beer's on the house," Amanda read aloud to Liv, followed by, "But please feel free to enjoy another night swim anytime." She looked at Liv quizzically.

The front desk kid. Liv rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Oh, God."

"Good thing we ended up in the wrong place, after all," Amanda giggled, and pulled open another beer. "Cheers!"

END

[mandoalorian]

hi i’d like max x reader where he’s having very stressful day at work like everything that can go wrong does go wrong and the reader is his gf and bc of all this stuff going wrong he forgets that she’s supposed to visit him at work so she comes in and starts talking about her day and how great it was and then he just shoots up and goes to hug her and starts kissing her and playing with her hair and she’s like ??? cause this never happens and he just lays his head on her lap and he rants about his day and she listens and she tries to comfort him as best she can thank u 🥺

Rough Day At Work [Maxwell Lord x Reader]

Author's note: Oh. my god. This is a long one. I write a lot of Maxwell fluff but this one is by far one of my favourites. It's a journey of pure, unadulterated sweetness with a sliver of comedy. And it's set at Christmas— perfect to get you in the festive mood! Reblogs appreciated because this isn't showing up in tags.

Word count: 6.5k

Warnings: food mention, drink mention, brief allusions to sex, Maxwell is ~stressed~.

Rating: PG-13

Masterlist in pinned! Requests open x

Maxwell Lord had his fair share of bad days. Things almost always went wrong in his line of work, but it was almost never his fault. He could always squander up an excuse or find someone else to blame. But today it was one thing after another.

He was late. He had a meeting with the board team first thing but as the Christmas traffic filled the bustling roads of DC, he had already missed the first twenty five minutes of the conference. He practically fell out of the black limo that drove him to work every morning, plodging his feet through the thick layers of snow. It was so deep this morning, the ice cold water seeped through his leather Armani shoes and even through his favourite cashmere socks. The ones with little purple polka dots. He shivered uncomfortably as the clumps of ice sat in between his toes, melting, and so every footstep made an obscene squelching noise. He didn't have the time to fuss around and change his shoes. The bottoms of his tailored pants were dripping. He bolted through the glass revolving doors of Black Gold Cooperative, trailing a pool of water behind him. His receptionist Anna, and his assistant Raquel, stood up abruptly, their eyes widening as they saw their boss in such a hurried frenzy. 

"Mr Lord! You have your nine o’ clock meeting and it’s now nine twenty-” Raquel raised her hand and called for him, but he didn't bother to stop in his tracks.

"Yes Raquel, I know!" Maxwell yelled after her, already tapping his feet impatiently as he waited for the elevator. "Cmon, cmon…" he grumbled as it slowly made its way down from the 25th floor to the ground floor. 

When Maxwell entered the board meeting, his cheeks were a rosy pink from the cold winter weather. His eyes were glazed and the waves in his dark blonde hair were falling out of place. He had styled it perfectly this morning, the same way he did it every morning. You had even helped him, brushing through his locks when he had hopped out the shower. But now he looked as though he had just run a marathon, breaking out in a cold sweat. He swore if he caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror, he'd have a heart attack. But surely, the day couldn't get any worse. Right? Maxwell had made it to the meeting, albeit late. At least he was there.

Wrong.

"I am so sorry." he scrambled, plopping his briefcase down on the table and slipping past the many occupied chairs. He slumped down in one eventually, pulling out in a notepad and pen. "Bad traffic," he huffed. "Can someone give me the lowdown?"

He eventually looked up to see his company. Twelve older ladies in pink button down dresses and white frilly aprons, their hair tied back into matching low buns.  Maxwell froze up, his gaze wandering from woman to woman as it slowly began to sink in.

"Mr Lord…" the woman at the head of the table said cautiously. She looked just as baffled. "It's a pleasure to meet  you. I've worked for Black Gold Cooperative for five years now but never did I expect to see you in person." 

Maxwell looked back at the other girls who were all nodding in agreement, beaming with excitement. "Uh." He didn't know what to say, but instead, he placed his pen and notepad back into the inside of his suit jacket pocket and stood up. "I think- I think I'm in the wrong meeting." he announced.

"We are the body of staff who are responsible for the cleanliness and hygiene of your company sir. We spend ten hours a day washing and tidying every surface, every inch of this building. We take great care of it." one of the ladies spoke up and Maxwell became even more confused. Although clearly, on a day like this, it didn't take much to confuse him.

"The cleaning staff have meetings in here?" He wondered out loud, immediately regretting the words as soon as they left his lips. He didn't want to come off as rude. "I mean, I'm your employer. Pft, of course I know that you have meetings. And I'm glad you do so. It's good to take direction!" he was doing that motivational voice he used on television, making the 60 year old cleaners swoon with admiration. "I- I should get going but. Uh, yes. Lovely to meet you all."

"Mr Lord!" A lady with ebony hair and crinkles by her eyes stood up, handing Maxwell his briefcase. He nodded appreciatvely and walked to the door where her hand met his arm and stopped him in his tracks. "Could I get your autograph, please? I'm just a huge fan of your infomercials."

Maxwell checked the time on his wristwatch. Almost half an hour late, but he couldn't deny one of his cleaners. Once upon a time he wouldn't have bothered giving them a second glance yet he leaned over the table and signed his name on a sticky note. "What's your name?" he asked.

"Pamela," she beamed brightly.

"Nice to meet you Pamela, have a good day." he pat her shoulder and went open the door when another voice yelled his name.

"Mr Lord!" a woman with white hair stood up, a grin pinned on her face. "I'm Doris," she introduced confidently, but her voice was shaky with her old age. "I remember when your father was on the television. I used to clean for him too, you know? Oh, he was such a lovely gentleman. And you look more and more like him every day. Such a handsome man, you are."

Maxwell stiffened up, his hand grabbing the door handle so hard he was sure his knuckles might've turned white. "Oh," was the only thing that could really leave his lips. He wanted to leave.

"Mr Lord, your father I mean-, every Christmas he'd give little old me a kiss," she recalled, her heart blooming at the memory. "Of course I wasn't old then. I was young. And beautiful."

Maxwell exhaled and nodded his head, unsure of really what to say or where this conversation was going. All he could think about was the board meeting that he was already extremely late for. Maxwell pushed down on the door handle and Doris let out a long dramatic sigh, making Maxwell pause once again to hear what she had to say. "I haven't been kissed like that, by a man as attractive as your father, in years." she sighed longingly, fluttering her eyelashes.

That was when Maxwell realised. He sighed quietly, his eyes scanning the room. All the cleaners were staring at him, expecting him to make his move on poor old Doris. Then, he turned back to Doris and offered her that familiar Hollywood smile. The same smile that the whole world was used to seeing on five o'clock television. He took her hand and brushed a soft kiss over her wrinkled knuckles before gently dropping her hand again. There was no denying the pink blush that coloured her cheeks. The action earned a few squeaks and squeals around the room and while they were all babbling with excitement about what they'd just witnessed happen to their friend Doris, Maxwell took the opportunity to run.

He did finally make it to the meeting. He squeezed past his business associates, trying to locate his chair around the table. In the process, he knocked over a cup of coffee. It spilled all over Maxwell, and one of his colleagues. Maxwell's pale blue suit jacket was now stained with brown espresso, and he knew it would take more than just a few washes to get the stain out. He muttered a small 'sorry' before finding his seat and taking out his notepad and pen. Just as he finished writing the date at the top of his piece of paper, the director of the meeting called it quits and everyone flustered out of the room.

All this had happened and it was only ten in the morning.

Luckily, that was the only meeting of the day and he knew he was going to be spending the rest of the day in his office doing paperwork. That was easy enough. Maxwell padded into his enormous office which took up the entirety of the top floor at Black Gold Cooperative headquarters. He shut the double doors, finding peace in knowing that there was no need for anyone to come in and distract him. Maxwell tugged off his blazer and hung it on the back of a chair. He unclipped his suspenders that held his tailored pants up, and threw them to one side, along with his shoes and soaked socks. He padded into the closet at the back of his office and shuffled out of his pants, changing into some grey sweatpants. 

He smiled, beginning to feel warm again. Wearing the sweatpants reminded him of you and it made him feel like he was at home. He remembered a few weeks into your relationship; your surprise when you caught a glimpse of his wardrobe. Not a single piece of casual wear in sight. You wondered if Maxwell Lord had ever known the comfort of sweatpants and so, that afternoon, you went out and bought him a pair. They changed his life. Maxwell would always favour his suits, that's just who he was, but he would love to wear the sweats when he wanted to lounge about in the house.

He was tired. His hair was still damp, the dark blonde waves curling at the nape of his neck and falling out of place every time he tried to remedy it. He still smelled vaguely of espresso, and was still haunted by the interaction of Doris the cleaner. He pursed his lips together into a thin line at the memory of kissing her hand.

Maxwell walked over to his desk and sunk into his chair, holding his head in his hands. Finally some peace.

Until there was a loud knock at the door. Maxwell swung his head back and groaned. "Come in!" he shouted, quickly composing himself for whoever wished to see him. It was his blonde assistant, Raquel.

"Hi sir!" she beamed, waving her free hand and placing a glossy catalogue on the table.

"Raquel." Maxwell nodded politely, sitting up and looking at the catalogue she had positioned before him.

"For the Christmas gala," she explained, flicking open the pages and pointing out different things. She'd carefully highlighted and labelled everything she wanted to show him, making it easier for his conveience. "I was thinking huge black and gold balloons with the company name on. Gold confetti. Banners and streamers hanging from every corner. A buffet, and every table cloth will also have the company's name on, printed in small, glitter ink." Her loud and chatty voice was giving Maxwell a headache.

"Yeah, balloons with Black Gold Cooperative written on really scream ‘Have a Very Merry Capitalist Christmas’." he sighed, slowly looking up at her. She blinked a few times. "Well Raquel?" he quizzed, growing irritable. It wasn't her fault, it's just everything was beginning to build up. She blinked again, dumbfounded by his comment. "Is that what Christmas is about to you?"

"W-what do you mean?" she asked nervously, removing her hand from the catalogue and taking a step back from his desk.

"What about red and green balloons? We'll have a Christmas tree in the ballroom. We could even make it family friendly and hire a Santa Claus for the kids to meet." Maxwell suggested. "And no weird company merchandise."

Raquel blinked, not saying a word. It had never really dawned on Maxwell how much you had changed him. His staff realised practically instantly— from the moment he came into work after the first time you had spent the night, it was like he was a changed man. He held the door open for people, he wished people a good morning. And as your relationship with him developed, you opened up a brand new side to him. He became more affectionate and caring for those around him, a feeling he had shut off from the world for his entire life.

He had never cared for Christmas, never cared as much to host a Christmas gala either. His father died during the festive season and it hadn't been the same without him. His mother didn't do much to celebrate. Maxwell had everything he always wanted; all the new toys and fanciest designer clothes. But it meant nothing to him without his father. Christmas meant nothing to him without love. That's why it all changed when he met you. You finally brought love back into his life, and everything felt whole again. You completed him. You taught him how to enjoy events and celebrate. You taught him happiness but most importantly, you taught a cold and broken man how to love and be loved in return.

The Christmas gala was your idea. One night, around a month ago, you and Maxwell were both lying in bed together. Maxwell had expressed to you that he wanted to do something special for his staff at work. Over the past few years since he had met you, he'd slowly been softening with the people around him. Christmas time was no different and his staff were always jolly to receive a hefty bonus from him. But they didn't expect anything more.

You came up with the idea of a gala, and Maxwell couldn't help but smirk a little when you mentioned it. He knew that your suggestion was deeply rooted into the fact you had always wanted to attend a gala, wear a beautiful dress and have your hair and makeup done. More importantly, you wanted to go to a gala with Maxwell and have him by your side looking as handsome as ever. The prospect excited you so much. With Maxwell, you knew that you wanted for nothing. That he could give you anything and everything. But you would never ask. You wanted him to know that for as long as he was with you, you had everything you needed.

Normally for Maxwell, gala’s were a place for adults only. Bars that served the best alcohol and a place where men who were just as rich as him would meet and schmooze. Before you, gala’s were a fine opportunity for Maxwell to meet a lady and take her home. That's all he enjoyed them for. But you had taught Maxwell that there was more to life than wealth, women and good champagne. He was so sure you'd love the idea of turning the gala into a family friendly party, and he was certain that his employees (the likes of the cleaning staff, for example) would love the ability to bring their families to such a high class event.

"Don't worry Raquel," Maxwell smiled. "Forget about the party planning for now. I know someone who would love to organise the Christmas gala." Today was tough, but everytime he thought about you, he couldn't wipe the grin from his face. He was one lovesick puppy. "Could you bring me a coffee?"

Raquel nodded and picked the catalogue back up, padding out his office without saying another word.

At around twelve o’clock, Maxwell was about to take his lunch break- but the phone on his desk began to ring. "Maxwell Lord." he introduced himself, holding the phone to his ear. It was the CEO of Powergrid Electrics, an electrical company in Rome. Rude and unhinged, the boss man reminded Maxwell of a version of himself that he had left in the past.

Maxwell had almost sealed an amazing deal with the company, but it had seemed that the CEO hadn't received a vital part of the contract. Trying to regulate the anger that was building up inside of him, Maxwell shakily put the phone back on the hook and called his second assistant, Emmerson, into his office.

"It's impossible," Maxwell furrowed his eyebrows together in bewilderment, after explaining the situation. He scrambled amongst the papers that were stacked mountain high on his desk. "I put it in the envelope and had Raquel send it off to Rome last week. I remember… I know I didn't forget. I never forget." he said, trying to sound as composed and confident as possible. There was no mistake in the worried little warble in his voice, though.

Emmerson, Maxwell's second assistant, wasn't sure if he was going to regret his next move. "Sir," his voice was timid and small. Maxwell's eyes snapped up to meet Emmerson's and Emmerson felt his heart rate increase rapidly. Emmerson reached over Maxwell's desk, picking up a folded piece of paper with a sticky note on top that read 'For Raquel: give to Rome'. "Is it possible that this is the missing part of the contract? That maybe, you might have just, forgotten to give it to Raquel?" he said slowly, trying to beat around the bush as much as possible.

Maxwell slowly reached over to the slip of paper, unravelling it like he was scared to see what the contents would reveal. He sighed out loud when he realised he had, in fact, forgotten to give Raquel the document, and there was no one to blame but himself. He ran his fingers through his hair, contemplating what to do next. He didn't want to believe he was out of options. He wasn't one to give up, especially when it came to the sanctity of his business.

"I need you to go to Rome." He said immediately and Emmerson's jaw dropped.

"I- I'm sorry?" Emmerson quizzed, confused and still slightly afraid of how impulsive Maxwell was being. "With all due respect, can't you just call Rome and ask for an extension on the deadline?"

Maxwell scoffed. "Call Rome? I can't just call a country," Emmerson was about to interject to explain that wasn't exactly what he meant but Maxwell didn't allow it. There was something about the way Maxwell's brain worked… he didn't get where he was today from taking the advice of his assistants. "You will go to Rome and give Powergrid Electrics the remaining part of the contract yourself. I trust you."

"But sir-" Emmerson raised a shaky hand.

"Oh, I see, you're worried about accomodation," Maxwell assumed, chuckling lightly. "I'll get you a five star hotel and give you a spending allowance of three hundred euros a day, how does that sound? No need to fret. Hurry along now."

"Mr Lord," Emmerson deadpanned finally, causing Maxwell to look up at his assistant in bewilderment. Emmerson was still afraid of his boss, of course, but he knew he had to stand his ground. "I can't go to Italy."

There were a few beats of silence. "What?" Maxwell questioned. "Don't be ridiculous. It's a free trip of a lifetime. You have an easy job to do. You can spend the rest of the day souvenir shopping. I don't care. Just get the contract delivered." He ordered.

"No." Emmerson put his foot down.

"No?" Maxwell repeated, raising his eyebrows like he was due an explanation.

"Mr Lord, I didn't want to say anything because it seems… you've had a lot going on today. But my girlfriend, Katherine, she's due our baby. See, we're having a son. I'm not sure if you knew… I mean, you probably didn't know. But, I promised Katie- uh, Katherine, that I'd meet her at the hospital after my shift. I wish I could help you sir, I really do. But I love my girlfriend and I've been waiting nine months to meet our son so if you please-"

The old Maxwell Lord would've burned red with rage, firing poor Emmerson on the spot, right then and there. How dare he question Maxwell. How dare he deny Maxwell. How dare he choose his love life, his family over his job. But right now, Maxwell couldn't help the small smile creep upon his lips. He was overjoyed, just wishing Emmerson had told him of the amazing news before now.

"Congratulations," Maxwell said, his voice quiet but his eyes gleaming. "On the addition of your family. That's really great."

Emmerson stood as still as ever, blinking a few times. He waited for Maxwell to snap and finally lose it. He was waiting to get the sack. But nothing. "Uh, thank you, sir." Emmerson replied hesitantly, like he wasn't sure what to expect from Maxwell.

The following few moments of silence, Maxwell spent thinking about you. He thought about how radiant you glowed this morning and how he wished he didn't have to leave your side. You were the love of his life and quite frankly, since meeting you, he understood the priority of choosing love over wealth. He finally had someone he could hold onto during the dead of night, someone to ramble to about his feelings, someone he could kiss and love and cherish forever.

Maxwell Lord finally loved something more than his business and that was you. Emmerson coughed awkwardly, breaking the silence and Maxwell flicked his wrist up, checking the time on his gold Rolex. It was almost twelve thirty.

"Why are you still here?" Maxwell grinned, swinging his hand to point a finger towards the door. "Go! You have a son to meet!" 

"Sir, I don't finish until five o’ clock." Emmerson replied, stiffening up.

"No no no! Go home, go see your girlfriend, please." Maxwell stood up and shook his assistants hand. "I have no doubt you'll be an amazing father," he said genuinely. "And I'll have Y/N send over some flowers and a donation after the birth."

"You- you're really letting me off work early?" Emmerson beamed and Maxwell nodded his head enthusiastically. "Oh how can I ever thank you?"

"I hear Maxwell is a popular choice of name for baby boys right now," the CEO charmed and Emmerson let out a small but genuine laugh. "Now go! Tell Katherine I send my love."

"I will do, thank you sir." Emmerson grinned, grabbing his jacket from the coat rack and merrily running out of the office.

Maxwell sunk into the plushness of his leather chair, still unable to escape the smile that played on his lips. He imagined the possibility of you, the love of his life, carrying his child. He thought about how beautiful you would look, how you'd glow, and how he'd simply give up everything to take care of you. Make sure you had everything you needed during your pregnancy. He imagined building the nursery with you and picking out some books on parenting, studying with you so he could ensure that he'd be the best father ever. He'd never wanted kids. In fact he hated the idea of having little mini Maxwell’s running around and causing fuss and torment, but the idea of you raising them alongside him made his heart flutter. He was certain of the unconditional love you’d have for them. Similar to the unconditional love he had for you.

His eyes darted back to the unsent report on his desk and he sighed. Guess I have to call Rome after all. He thought.

Maxwell was counting the minutes until he could go home and see you. He wanted nothing more than to curl up on the sofa with you, the fire on, and watch one of those cheesy Christmas movies you liked so much. He heard the doors to his office open, frustration racing through him as he prepared himself for the next bout of 'things going wrong'. He'd normally yell at someone if they entered his office without knocking but he was so tired. So so tired.

When he saw you, he swore his heart stopped. There you were, his blessing in disguise. His angel. You were wearing your red winter coat and knee high brown boots, and you plopped your purse and a bag on one of the many side tables in his office. You took off your gloves and pulled off your wooly bobble hat, stuffing them lazily in your pocket and offered him a happy smile. He scrambled to his feet, not taking his eyes off you for a second and ran up to you, sweeping you off your feet and spinning you around. You squealed, grabbing onto him for your life and he put you down, pulling you into a tight warm hug.

"You're freezing cold." he grimaced, pulling your hands into the pockets of his grey sweatpants in hope they'd warm up. 

"It's snowing again." you whispered happily, smiling into his neck. He was delighted, having you in his arms and being able to smell the familiarity of your shampoo and perfume. He knew for sure now, he was going to be okay.

"I can see." he replied, moving one of his hands up to your face and padding out the pearly snowdrops that were balanced in your hair. "I am so glad to see you sweetheart." he hummed, sending vibrations through your body. You felt your heart blossom in your chest at his sentiment.

"I told you I was coming this morning," you giggled, eventually pulling away from him and taking your arms out of his pockets. You cupped his face and ran your fingers through his dark blonde hair, fixing it as best as you could. "I brought us lunch." you told him, fishing into the bag and bringing out boxes of pastries and cakes. "From that bakery we like."

Maxwell gasped and you looked up at him confused. "Baby, I completely forgot you were coming." 

"I hate to say Max but you do look a little disheveled," you folded your arms across your chest and checked out your boyfriend's appearance. "What's with the sweats and… where is your tie and suspenders?" Your eyes met his feet on the floor and they widened almost comically. "Max! Where are your socks and shoes?"

He sighed, shaking his head. "Long story." he took your hand and pulled you over to the couch, pulling you onto his lap. You wrapped your arms around him and he placed a hand on your thigh, pushing under your skirt and rubbing comforting circles into your skin.

"Tell me everything." you replied and he looked up at you with nothing but adoration in his brown eyes.

"Traffic jam on the way to work because of the snowstorm last night, and the streets were so busy with it being so close to Christmas. We couldn't get parked out front so I had to get out of the car and walk through five inches of snow to get into work. I was already late for my meeting. Soaking wet and uncomfortable," you let him ramble on, watching intently at the way his expression would change as he recalled different events in his day. You began to play with his hair, seeing that he was getting flustered at the memory of it all. "I was late for the meeting, I ended up in a whole different meeting. I didn't know the cleaners in this building even had meetings!"

"The cleaners?" you chuckled, shaking your head in disbelief. "You sat in on a meeting with the cleaners?" Maxwell nodded sollemnley and you nudged him playfully. "I love that." 

"Well, I didn't. They're all lovely women. But this one cleaner, Doris…" he fumbled around with his fingers. "I ended up kissing her." you pulled away quickly, knotting your eyebrows together. "No! No not like that," Maxwell said quickly, pulling you back onto his lap and wrapping his arm around you. "She's like 90, said she used to work for my father and every Christmas he'd give her a kiss. She'd start talking about how she's never had a kiss from someone as handsome as my father in years. So I gave her a polite one, on her hand. And baby, I ran. As fast as I could, I had to get outta there."

You smiled. "Max, you probably made her day. That was really sweet of you."

He brushed off your comment, taking a dramatic exhale and continuing his story. "Finally got to the meeting, spilled coffee over myself and one of my associates. But by the time I had finally settled, the meeting was over. So I went back to my office and changed out of my wet, cold, coffee stained clothes and sat down. Raquel came in. She was planning the Christmas gala but it all sounded so… corporate. Not what Christmas is about at all," he explained and you nodded in agreement. "Anyways I suggested that we change the gala this year so it's family friendly. In the spirit of Christmas."

"Oh Max!" you beamed, snuggling into his chest. He smiled to himself proudly, knowing that he had made you happy. 

"You good with that?" he chuckled, running his fingers through your hair.

"Yes!" you squeaked, pushing yourself back up and giving him a quick kiss on the lips. "I have so many ideas."

"That's great honey," he laughed. "Because I told Raquel to forget about the gala. I figured you could plan it. You're great at stuff like that, and I know how much it means to you. I want the gala to be perfect for my staff and their families, and I trust you more than anyone else in the world."

"I can't wait," you smiled merrily, already weighing up the different ideas you had in your head. "Was Raquel okay with you taking the party planning duty away from her?"

"I think so," Maxwell replied. "She has a lot on her plate, being my assistant and all. It's a busy time of year and I think she'd appreciate having less to do."

"Well, it really does sound like you've had an eventful morning."

"Oh, I'm not finished," Maxwell grimaced and you braved yourself for the impending chaos. "Rome called and told me that the CEO of Powergrid Electrics only received half of the binding contract. So I was going to send Emmerson to Rome because I needed that contract in the hands of the CEO by midnight tonight. But Emmerson told me he couldn't. His girlfriend is having his baby today. A little boy. So I let him go home early."

"Emmerson's going to be a father?" you gasped and Maxwell nodded. "That's so wonderful! I should send him some flowers."

"I already told Emmerson you would." Maxwell grinned. 

"Oh a baby boy too! How lovely. We have to go meet the baby when he's born. Please please please." you whined, fluttering your eyelashes. 

"Okay darling." Maxwell pressed a kiss into your cheek.

You stood up and brought the bag over to the couch, taking out the little boxes and handing them to Maxwell. You opened them up and started to eat, as you told him how your morning had gone.

"After you went to work, I cleared up and did the dishes that you had left from breakfast. Max, I was soooo tired from last night," you blushed and his mouth twisted into a proud smile. "So I went back to bed and slept for another hour. Then I got up and took a bubble bath. Oh!" you scrambled around in your purse, taking out a fresh Polaroid and showed him it. It was a photograph of his white long haired cat, Lady, with bubbles balancing on her head. "She kept me company while I was in the bath." you smiled and Maxwell laughed.

"She looks so funny with the bubbles on her head." Maxwell took the Polaroid from your fingers and admired the cat. He was never particularly fond about animals, or having pets, but you loved them. In the first year of your relationship, Maxwell asked what you wanted for your birthday. As always, you told him that you didn't want anything materialistic, that he was all you needed. But you did tell him about an animal charity that you were so passionate about. He remembered leaving you at home and telling you that he was simply 'heading out'. He had planned on visiting the charity and making a donation in your name, as part of your birthday present. But he didn't leave the shelter empty handed.

A white fluffy cat with long whiskers and big blue eyes. Her eyes reminded him of sapphires. She mewled and padded towards him, her tail waving happily as she rubbed her cheek on his leg, circling around him. "Ah, she's a darling," the lady who was showing Maxwell around told him. "Unfortunately, she's been here with us longer than any of the other cats. She's not that good around people. But I must admit, she likes you a lot. In fact, I've never seen her so confident around another person before."

Maxwell dropped to his knees and tickled her head. She began purring erratically, rubbing her face along the edges of the rings on his fingers. "Nobody wants her?" Maxwell asked, not taking his eyes from the happy kitty. He picked her up, ignoring the white cat hair that malted onto his suit. She rubbed her soft face against his cheek and sniffed his cologne.

"No." the lady replied sadly. Maxwell smiled.

"I'll take her."

And that night, Maxwell came home with a new addition to the family. You were overjoyed, but no one was happier than little Lady Lord who had found her fur-ever home.

He placed the Polaroid on one of the side tables, promising you he would find a frame for it. "How was your bath darling?" he cooed, pressing his lips along your jaw.

You giggled, nuzzling your head into his shoulder. "Relaxing, lit some candles, done a little reading. After my bath I got dressed and tidied up the bedroom. I turned on the radio and they were playing Christmas songs. Oh! WHAM have just brought out a new one, it's really good. Hmm, me and Lady played for a little while and she let me brush her hair. Jeeves offered to drive me to the bakery but I really wanted to walk in the snow. Get some fresh air. And now I'm here! With you!"

It was safe to say Maxwell's morning was a lot more chaotic, but he was comforted knowing that you had been relaxed while he was going through all the antics.

"Your morning sounded amazing, darling." he kissed your forehead and you felt butterflies erupt in your stomach.

You let his lips brush over your skin, fall down to your nose, and eventually take place on your own lips as he leaned his forehead against yours. You giggled, his hair falling out of place again slightly and tickling you as he kissed you. You pulled him closer, encouraging him to deepen the kiss and laced your fingers in his hair. He pulled away to catch his breath but peppered small yet passionate kisses along your jaw and down your neck.

“You’re being so affectionate,” you smiled, eyes sparkling with love.

“What can I say? I like to kiss you.” Maxwell exhorted and leaned in again, pressing another kiss into your lips. This time he swiped his tongue along the plumpness of your bottom lip, begging for entry. You pulled off him and he moaned. “Whaaat?” He pouted playfully and you rolled your eyes, earnestly laughing at how cute your boyfriend was.

“We shouldn’t do this at work,” you giggled.

“Baby we’ve done a lot worse than just kissing on this sofa, if you remember.” Maxwell charmed and you felt your cheeks heat up as you nodded slowly.

"The highlight of my day though, is being here, with you." you promised.

"Yeah," Maxwell hummed. "Me too."

"I'm proud of you." you said out of the blue, putting your sandwich down and wiping your mouth. Maxwell looked at you, confused. "You've had a bad morning. But you acted so selflessly today. Everything from signing autographs in your office to kissing that old maids hand, giving Raquel less work to do and letting Emmerson be with his girlfriend. You… you surprise me everyday Max. And I fall in love with you more and more everyday." 

"I remember when we first met… I would've never dreamed of doing any of this." Maxwell admitted sheepishly.

"I know, I remember," you recalled. "I fell in love with the man you were then, but I somehow think I love you even more now."

And with that, Maxwell pulled you into a kiss. The curve of his nose nudged against yours and his hands pulled you into his lap, knocking the boxes of food onto the floor as you straddled him. "I love you so much." he announced.

Maxwell rarely said I love you's. But that was okay because you knew he loved you from his actions. You knew he loved you from the small kisses he'd give you on a morning, and the way he'd pull you into a hug every evening after work. You knew he loved you from the way he'd shelter you from paparazzi and squeeze your hand tight whenever you felt overwhelmed. Actions spoke louder than words. But coming from Maxwell Lord, hearing those three words struck you like a bolt of lightning. They were just words, but they meant everything to you.

He meant everything to you.

Permanent taglist~let me know if you want to be added: @supernaturalgirl @phoenixhalliwell @ah-callie @luvzoria @stardust-galaxies @wickedfrsgrl @goth-topic @nerdypinupcrystal @wonderfulfluffer @kiwi-the-first

[downwiththeficness]

A Need So Great-Chapter 21 (Final Chapter)

Summary: Eva Moore is assigned to work the last year of her contract with the DEA in Colombia. She just wants to get to the end of her tenure, but she keeps getting drawn further into a string of murders in the city. It isn’t long before she’s forced to face the ghosts of her past.

Word Count: ~5,700

Warnings: Smut--y’all this is the chapter containing Eva’s next heat. So, yeah, keep that in mind.

A/N: For the purposes of this story, Carrillo isn’t married--or, if you like, divorced. A/B/O dynamics are prevalent, and they come with their own warning. The overall rating for this story is Explicit, although not every chapter will contain adult themes.

Taglist: @dirtynerdy98 @1zashreena1 @heresathreebee @deliciouslyclassytrash @maybege @kid-from-new-zealand @clydesducktape @revolution-starter @autumnleaves1991-blog @jedi-mando @buckysalefty @anaeve @maouzon

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8.5, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Eva picked up the basket from the floor, dumping it on the bed to begin the sorting process. She made little piles in a line—shirts, shorts, underwear, socks.  The slacks, she set aside to be hung, along with the occasional polo and her washable sundresses. Task complete, she pushed the stacks into their respective drawers and hung up the rest.

Setting the basket by the door, she moved to the windows and opened them to the cool morning air. It had taken a few days of frantically looking at every available home on the coast of Spain, hours upon hours spent walking through and trying to make a decision, before they found this one. Though not right on the water, it was close enough that she could hear the waves crashing on the shore. She inhaled the salt laden air, a warm contentment in her belly. Perfect.

Stepping away from the window, Eva plucked the basket from the floor and headed downstairs. On the landing, her stomach cramped hard enough that she dropped the basket. Hissing in pain, Eva bent over a bit, pressing her fingers into the source until it eased.

“The fuck was that?”

The feeling left as quickly as it came, leaving a soft ache in its place. Shaking her head to dismiss it, she set the basket on top of the washer and made her way lazily to the couch. Plopping down, she picked up the remote and channel surfed for about an hour, until the washer buzzed. She switched the load into the dryer and turned the knob, standing for a minute as the barrel turned.

A glance at the clock on the wall told her it was lunchtime, but she found that she wasn’t truly hungry. She should be.  She hadn’t eaten breakfast, choosing instead to lounge in bed with Horacio until the very last second before he had to go to work.  He’d found a job as a consultant for a security firm and seemed pretty happy with it.  His permanent frown had eased, though he was still as serious as he’d ever been. She supposed that old habits would never truly die.

Though they’d only been in the house for about a week, he was settling into their routine with more ease than Eva. She was still looking over her shoulder a little bit, though Horacio had been monitoring her in laws with Javier’s contacts in the states.  To compensate for starting over again in a new country, Eva had made a long distance phone call to Connie, giving her the run down and inviting her to stay when the summer was over. It helped—marginally.

Eva busied herself with staring at the open refrigerator, all the while giving a mental reminder that she had been the new girl in town over and over again throughout the years.  This would, hopefully, be the last time. And, she had practiced her friend making skills in Colombia. She could do this. Again.

Finding nothing in the fridge worth making, Eva shut the door and leaned against the kitchen island, looking out over the open space floor plan.  The dining room set was picked up from a local thrift shop, already scraped a little across the wooden tabletop. She’d seen it and loved it immediately. A little worn, but still good.

The couch was new—a luxurious leather that reminded her of the couch she’d curled up on with Horacio before they’d started selling furniture in prep for the move. A coffee table and entertainment center sat on a plush shag rug thrown over the hardwood. All in all, it was a good start to their new life together. Just a few essentials that she’d add to the longer they stayed right here.

Upstairs, they didn’t have much, other than a king size bed—Horacio had insisted on the larger mattress when Eva had balked. He needed a space to spread out, she needed enough room to nest properly.  She had no argument against him, especially when he leaned down and whispered how easy it would be to go down on her properly. He could lay her out across the mattress and still have room for his own body, rather than kneeling on the floor or hanging off the edge. More comfort, meant more orgasms. Later, he’d proven his point several times over.

He’d also proved the point again the night previous. Eva felt her cheeks warm as she thought about it. He’d been...insatiable—no, they both were. He’d come home a little early. Eva was just starting dinner. He’d hung up his jacket and walked around the island, arms wrapping around her middle. The solid length of his body pressed up against her as she tried to chop celery was certainly distracting. As was his way, he tugged her hair over her shoulder and nosed along her neck, inhaling.

His hands covered hers and he gently pulled the knife from her fingers, setting it aside even as he walked her back and away from the counter. Dinner ended out being peanut butter and crackers, eaten furtively over the sink, hours after the sun had set.

Heading back to the couch, Eva flung herself back on it, smiling as she thought about how he’d trembled beneath her that last time, sweating and begging for her to come just one more time. It was an image that, even now, made her fan herself.

Taking a deliberate breath, Eva pointedly picked up the remote and put on some daytime television. For a while, it was enough of a distraction.  She dozed a bit as the afternoon wore on, ignored the buzz of the dryer that signaled her clothes were dry, and generally did not much of anything. It wasn’t until her stomach gave another clench that Eva sat up and paid attention.

Hand to her belly, she stared into the middle distance as she tried to place just where the...pain wasn’t the word for it...ache, maybe. It throbbed gently now, spiked sporadically with a tightness that had her blowing out a breath. Pressing her free hand to her head, Eva noted the slight fever, though she felt herself give an involuntary shiver.  

Was she sick?

When she tried to stand, Eva went to her knees, a low, anguished moan sounding. On the floor, she breathed deep, her nose pressed into the rug. After a few seconds, the feeling eased and she was able to rock back onto her heels.  Using the couch for leverage, she pushed to standing. Another steadying breath, and Eva was moving slowly around the couch to the kitchen cabinet where they kept most of their over the counter medications.

With care, she turned each bottle around and read their label, not sure which she should rely on. Eventually, she settled on Tylenol and popped a few in her mouth with a glass of water. While she waited for it to kick in, Eva leaned a hip against the counter, her eyes feeling a little heavy. Perhaps she should eat...but the thought of food turned her stomach. Not even the very expensive chocolate bar in her hidden stash seemed appealing, and that was saying something.

Squinting into the afternoon sunlight, Eva waited for the ache to ease.  The dull throbbing in her belly absolutely did not pass.  It remained stubbornly in place, growing by tiny increments. Eva wiped at her brow, which had begun to sweat. Setting the glass down, Eva dropped her head into her hands and squeezed her eyes shut. Her body felt tired and wired and achy and lazy and utterly ridiculous all at the same time.  There was so much going on that she didn’t know how to feel about it.  Even her feelings were a mishmash of anxious and lethargic.

Breathe.

As she took long, deep breaths, the smell of Horacio filled her lungs. Normally, she would be comforted by it, soothed. She was not, in this moment, soothed. The scent of him burned through her, settling low in her belly. ��Flicking her eyes to the clock on the wall, she noted the time.  He wouldn’t be home for a few hours, even if he clocked out as normal. She wanted him, wanted him with her, wanted him to hold her.  Drowning in him was the only way she’d make it through whatever this was.

Mouth curling, Eva tried to think of something that she could do to distract herself. Looking around the house, she tried to find an activity—any activity—that could be done with little to no thought. Eva settled on some light cleaning.  Leaning down to grab the cleaners from beneath the sink made her wince, her muscles straining as she tried to keep her body upright.

Determined, Eva got through the table tops, the windows at the front of the house, and was wiping down the coffee table when she finally gave up. Throwing down the lemon scented towel, Eva slumped against the couch, head thrown back in resignation. Rubbing the heels of her palms into her eyes sockets, she groaned as another wave hit her.  Only sheer force of will kept her from curling in on herself and dissolving into a tantrum.

Hands falling to her lap, Eva stared at the ceiling for a long time, the dips and bends of it going in and out of focus.  Breaths uneven, Eva felt her eyes tear up in frustration. Her jaw locked as she made every attempt to fight them off.

What the fuck? She thought, flinching when fire began sizzling over her skin. Every second it grew more apparent that whatever this was, it was not going away. The hair at her temples was wet with sweat, her limbs were faintly trembling. She was dizzy and disoriented in a way that startled her. Eva closed her eyes, trying to relax...

She awoke with a cry that was muffled by the rug. Shaking, Eva’s thighs clenched together, her cunt pulsing. She blinked at the individual strands of the shag, realization coming over her like a kick to the head. Heat. It was a heat. Though the ache was still making itself viscerally known, all she could feel was relief.  She wasn’t sick, she wasn’t dying. She was just undergoing her normal cycle—well, normal for her.

Pushing ever so carefully to sitting, Eva weighed her options. An hour and a half, and he would be home.  She could do that. Maybe. Eva stood and grabbed the basket off the top of the dryer. In it, she put every snack she could find—anything that could be eaten quickly and without much effort.  She also packed every soda, every sports drinks, every juice.  They would need to replenish.

It took some time, and many breaks for her to catch her breath, but she got the basket upstairs and into the bedroom.  Unable to help it, she checked the time again.  Forty five minutes.  She could do this.  Moving as easily as she could, Eva made her way back downstairs, pulling an ice pack out of the freezer and sitting gingerly on the couch.

Half an hour. Fifteen minutes. Five. Zero. Nothing.  His truck didn’t pull up in the drive. He didn’t come through the door. He just...wasn’t there. Not yet.  Every minute that followed was excruciating in a way that Eva hadn’t ever felt. Not in all the years since she’d manifested her designation had Eva truly felt as helpless as most omegas were perceived to be.  The grim reaper, himself, could walk through the front door, and Eva wouldn’t be able to move a muscle in her own defense.

Too soon, it became overwhelming and Eva was crawling pitifully over the cushions and grabbing the phone, dialing the number to his office. The ringing took too long, but she was relieved at the sound of the handset picking up from the cradle.

“Hello?”

“Horacio?” Her voice was small and far more timid than she felt.

“...Eva? Is everything alright?”

She bit her lip, the urge to deflect too strong for her to come right out and say it, “Its just...you’re usually home by now.”

He sighed deeply, and she could see him leaning back in his chair, running a hand through his hair, “We had a meeting go long. I’m supposed to run out and do a site visit. I should be home in a few hours.”

A few hours. Eva wasn’t going to make it a few hours. She wasn’t even sure she’d make it through the rest of this phone call. Her body, hearing Horacio’s voice, had kicked it up a notch, her thighs trembling with the want of wrapping around his body.

The sound that she made was pathetic and she hated it immediately. He, of course, heard it.

“Eva, what’s wrong?” His voice was firm, suspicious.

She inhaled, begging her body for calm.  “I’m fine.”

He made a soft tsk of censure, “You’re not. Tell me what’s wrong.” When she hesitated, he rumbled, “Evangeline, you tell me what’s wrong.”

A directive. No argument. She felt her spine straighten.

“Horacio,” she started, her voice cracking, “Its...here.  Its here.”

“What’s here?”

She could hear the concern that was in his voice rise up further into near panic.  In the background, she could hear his keys jingling.

“The heat,” she clarified through her teeth, her brows coming together as she tried very hard to concentrate on the situation at hand and not how eagerly her body was telling her that she was talking to her alpha and that he was everything to her. “Its here.”

The line went silent for several long heartbeats and Eva feared that he’d hung up. Desperately, she listened for any sign that he was still there.

And then, “I’m on my way.”

The line went dead, the dial tone buzzing loudly in her ear. Eva dropped the handset onto the couch cushion and breathed deeply.  He was maybe twenty minutes away.  She could do that—told herself that she could do that.  Twenty minutes was easy. Two sets of ten. Four sets of five.

When she tried to stand, her knees buckled and she hit the ground. Defeated, she laid down right where she was, sandwiched between the coffee table and the couch. Eva decided that she was just going to lay here and wait. She’d done what he would want her to do—she told him, just like he’d asked. Now, she would just have to try to relax until he got home.

The door opened and closed firmly. Eva blinked her eyes open, her vision blurry. She heard his footsteps move further into the house, his jacket hit the floor, and his keys hit the dining room table. Two further thumps sounded, his boots kicked off—she had just about enough energy to be annoyed that he couldn’t be bothered to put them on the shoe rack that was right there.

“Eva?”

She couldn’t answer. Her throat was dry, the muscles around her vocal cords refusing to cooperate.  Fingers flexing, Eva tried to gather her limbs underneath her. They moved like molasses and had about as much strength as a bowl of jello.

“Eva?” his voice was louder, more urgent.

She made a sound, a pathetic little thing, choked out and exhausted. Fuck, how was she supposed to last through the heat when she couldn’t even get the thing started?

He heard her, his steps swinging around the couch until she could see his socked feet standing just outside the perimeter of the rug she was laying on.  Her eyes traced upwards, following the line of his legs to his torso, shoulders, and face. He towered over her when she was standing. From the floor, he looked like a fucking giant.

His expression was concerned, but his hands were clenched into fists, sweat on his collar. She wondered how much of the drive home had been spent trying to control the rush of hormones that he’d no doubt been feeling. Thinking about what was waiting for him when he got home. She swallowed and reached for him.

Horacio caught her by both hands, dragging her out from between the coffee table and couch to lay near the landing of the stairs. She let the leverage of the moment pull her to sitting, her legs splayed useless in front of her.

Eva stared at him for a few seconds, “Hi…”

His mouth opened to respond, but no words came out. He just...looked at her, his entire posture stiff. Eva felt her stomach drop a little. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go. Why wasn’t he moving?

Eyes dropping, Eva ran her hand over the floor, trying to parse out the thoughts that were still foggy and stilted in her brain. Her hormones were raging hard enough that she couldn’t steady her breathing, everything inside her filling up with him in every way, except the way she most wanted.  

He knelt, hand touching her chin. The contact made her shiver, tingles billowing out from her jaw and down her neck.  Eva reluctantly looked at him, feeling her breaths stutter.

“Are you alright?”

Was she alright? Was she alright? Her latent anxiety morphed into righteous anger, her body bristling. He must have read her anger clearly across her face, because he leaned further into her space.

“I just need to know you’re alright—before...Once this starts, I won’t be able to stop—mmph,”

Eva cut him off with a hard kiss, rising up to her knees and knocking him onto his back. She followed him down, kissing him again before lifting her head and glaring at him.

“Horacio,” she grit out between clenched teeth, “Shut up.”

Not waiting for an answer, Eva dropped down and licked up his neck, ending it with a firm kiss.  Her thumbs pressed into the hollow above his jaw, urging him to open for her. Tongue dipping in for a taste, she groaned, settling her weight further on his body. He was hard beneath her, and her already frazzled hormones spun up into a chaotic mess. Skin prickling, she ground against him, swallowing down his moan.

Grasping her hips, he pulled her closer, using what little leverage he had to help her rock against him. Not needing any more encouragement, Eva let her hips go fluid in their movements, setting up a hard, quick rhythm. Fuck, but it felt good. All that time spent waiting for him, burning up inside, melted away with the delicious friction.

He breathed her name between kisses, hands grabbing at whatever they could reach. He said it again when she released his mouth to kiss down his neck to the collar of his polo. And again, when she pulled the fabric out of his khakis.

“Evangeline,” he nearly yelled, “We need to get upstairs. Now.”

She stared down at him, her mouth curling into a smile. Then, with no preamble, she sat up, tore off her shirt, and threw it at him. Her body had just enough adrenaline to get her up and off him, scrambling up the stairs, hands shoved onto each step for balance. They slapped at the polished wood, pushing her forward and up to the second floor.

Eva felt herself giggle as she made it to the top stair, sliding a little as she rounded the corner. She could hear Horacio’s answering growl as his heavy steps boomed behind her. As quick as her feet would go, Eva hurdled towards the bedroom, clearing the door and making it almost to the bed when he  slammed into her from behind. The momentum pushed her into the mattress, bent at the waist, the air punched out of her with the impact.

A flat palm between her shoulder blades held her in place as he pushed his fingers between her body and the mattress to get at the button of her shorts. Flicking it open, he pulled down the zipper and shoved both her shorts and underwear down and off her legs. After kicking the bundle away, he unsnapped her bra pulled it from her, throwing it off the side of the bed.

Eva tried to get her arms underneath her so that she could turn over. She even got a quarter turn of her torso before he leaned more weight on his hand, pushing her into the mattress again. Groaning, her face buried in the comforter, Eva kicked out in frustration.  She wanted to touch him, wanted to rub every inch of her skin on him, anything to ease the fever that was growing steadily hotter.

He dropped down on her, his bare chest searing against her back. Eva realized that he must have removed his shirt somewhere between the stairs and their bedroom. His body was like a furnace, scalding her already sensitized skin. He ran the flat of his tongue over her shoulder, teeth scraping. His arms encircled her waist, holding her to him as much as he was holding her down. She wiggled against him in a vain attempt to gain any kind of sensation to urge her along towards the orgasm she knew would be a-fucking-mazing. It didn’t matter that he was doing exactly what she wanted, he wasn’t doing it fast enough. She needed hard and fast and now.

Nose in the crook of her neck, Horacio breathed deep, his body rigid all around her. Eva bit her lip, a cry building in the back of her throat. She needed something to happen, and quickly. Her nails dug into her palms, muscles tense all over. An attempt to get her feet firmly planted on the ground was met with a quick slap to her outer thigh, his teeth setting against her skin in warning.

A clink sounded, followed by the rasp of leather as is slid through belt loops. She heard fabric tear as he worked to get his pants off.

“Eva, tell me you’re ready,” he gasped, head bowed over the curve of her spine. One hand gripped her hip, the other reaching down to line himself up, “Tell me.”

The cry she’d been working to hold back broke free, a low keening thing that had her clenching her eyes shut, “Yes, please, alpha.”

With a rough, almost angry sound, he pushed home, sinking deep. Though she was more than wet, sopping, the burn was still there as he bottomed out. It pulsed through her deliciously, putting pressure everywhere that she so desperately needed it. With his hands on her hips, she had the leverage to finally push back onto her feet a little so that she was balanced on her toes. It was a precarious balance, and put way too much strain on her thighs, but Eva couldn’t find it in herself to care.

Though the position gave her little in the way of controlling a movement in counterpoint to him, it didn’t really seem to matter. His every push inwards was hard and deep enough that her body clenched down on him out of reflex, cresting over the orgasm so easily that it caught her off guard. She groaned, her cunt squeezing him in a vice.

“I feel you,” he bit out, his pace never faltering, “Fuck, I feel you.”

Then, with deliberate slowness, he pulled his hips back, arms looping around her waist and hoisting her up and further onto the bed. Eva whined, a pathetic, needy thing that would have been embarrassing if she didn’t need him back inside her right fucking now.

Rough hands pushed her higher on the mattress, spreading her knees a little to make room. And then he was sliding home again, fucking into her brutally. Chin tilting back, Eva felt her arms give out.  Her hands slid upwards and underneath the pillows, nails digging into the sheets. The change in angle let him farther inside, and she barely heard his pleased growl over the near constant sounds stuttering out of her.

She could feel it, hitting at her opening with every thrust, a hot, swollen ridge of flesh that had her gasping. As with the first time they spent the night together, Eva had a brief thought that maybe she should reevaluate. It was...big. Horacio was already so thick that it took a little patience to get started any other time they had sex. His knot made her want to scramble away just as much as she wanted to see if she could take it. Every thrust put a little more pressure on her, opening her just a little bit further, prodding at her enticingly.

A harsh sound escaped his mouth and he leaned down to grab her shoulders, hauling her up and off the mattress to sit back on him. Eva cried out, struggling a little in his hold as she tried to accommodate the deeper angle. He snarled, arms locking around her, holding her still.

Eva felt the omega in her rise up a bit, a visceral need to make him earn the right to knot her.  She might have claimed him as her own all those months ago, but this was their first heat. It wouldn’t be right if she just laid down and gave it to him. She needed him to take it just as much as he needed to be the one doing the taking.

Planting her knees, she grabbed at his forearms, arching her hips up to shallow out the depth of his penetration, keeping him from grinding his knot against her. His hands tightened, biceps bulging as he adjusted his grip. Although Eva could see his face, she knew his eyes were narrowing in confusion. She heard him snarl at her, felt the way he rocked back onto his heels a bit, hips tilting to get underneath her a bit more.

When he moved to push upwards, Eva countered him as best she could, given that she had little to no leverage. The snarl dropped into his chest, coming out as a warning growl. Eva laughed a little bit, unable to keep her amusement to herself. She wasn’t intimidated by a little growling.

That was, apparently, not the best thing to do. One of his hands released her torso, threading through her hair and yanking her head to the side. She felt his teeth lay against her skin even as he used his free arm to cross her chest and grip her shoulder. His thrusts, already hard, picked up in pace and intensity.  Short, stunted, as if he couldn’t bare to be outside of her more than absolutely necessary. He barreled into her in a way that made all her muscles give out with the sheer pleasure shooting through her.

His cock speared inside her, hitting her g spot and gliding smoothly through the slick dripping down between their bodies. Sweat pooled on her stomach, in the crease of her burning thighs, on her temple. His breaths punched out of him and onto her skin, each one like a physical blow against her neck, collarbone, and shoulder.

He pulled her down by her shoulder as his movements became more determined. Horacio cursed desperately, and she could feel his eyes squeeze shut as he pressed his face into her cheek.

“Omega,” he grunted, “Eva, I can’t...I need…”

She knew exactly what he needed, could feel it spreading her open from below, knew that it wouldn’t be much longer before he was pushing it inside her, locking them together. Eva didn’t have to wait long. His fingers dug into her skin as he gave one final thrust upwards, hips flexed so far that her body bowed forward in one elegant arch, her head flung back over his shoulder.

He stretched her open. She could feel that he had stopped breathing. His heart pounded against her back. There, there, there. Eva’s body relaxed, allowing his knot to breach her, filling her to capacity.  That was it. She couldn’t get any fuller. Not even his come would leak out of her until he softened a little, their bodies sealed together perfectly.

Horacio groaned against her neck, lips pulling back from his teeth as he sank them into the skin covering her scent gland. The pain of the bite pushed her over the edge again, her voice sounding against the walls, coming back to her as a harsh shriek.

Locked together as they were, Eva could only circled her hips, grinding down on him as she came. She could feel his answering pulses, knew that she would trickle out all over the sheets when they were finally able to separate. He held her there, breathing hard, until they’d calmed just a bit.  Then, with careful movements that sent aftershocks through them both, he eased them down on to the bed.

Laying on her side, Horacio behind her, Eva felt herself drift a little. He was stroking her body, nose pressed against her spine, the motion calming. After a while, his knot contracted a little, allowing him to pull out. She was right. A mixture of their come dripped out of her, coating her thighs. Eva didn’t have the ability to feel embarrassed about it. They’d wash the sheets later.

Rolling her to her back, Horacio leaned over and kissed her deeply.  She felt every ounce of the love that he felt for her in that kiss, knew that their bond would deepen as the days went on, sealing them together as a pair.

Reluctantly, he pulled away. She watched him assess her, could see the effort it was taking for him to bank back his building arousal. His cock was already beginning to harden against her hip. Her body rose up in answer. With shaking limbs, she pushed up and over, clumsily sitting astride his hips. He tried to sit up, but she shoved him back down with a strength that she shouldn’t have had.

Leaning down, she kissed him lightly, “My turn.”

Her body moved without real conscious thought, slotting him inside her, reveling in how hard he was, how well he filled her. She hissed on the first downward thrust, her eyes squinting as he dragged against every exposed nerve. Biting her lip, Eva breathed deeply through her nose, the scent of him filling her lungs. It spurred her on, pleasure flushing every system until she had no choice but to move.

Bracing her hands on his chest, she gave him no warning before she began to ride him hard. The motion had no finesse—she wasn’t trying to tease, she didn’t have the capability. Eva could feel the need to come squirm inside her, pushing her to fuck him harder, faster, deeper. Adrenaline and oxytocin flooded her already brimming body, shaking down her spine.

He reached out and grabbed her ass, giving her an assist. Already, his knot was swelling up, Eva could see it protruding from where they were joined, the skin flushed and pulsing. She bounced on it, earning a helpless little moan from the man beneath her. His hands slid up and curled around her hips, his arms straining to pull her down on him harder. Eva felt him shift his feet on the sheets, knew he was working to gain enough traction to work more of himself inside.

Hands splayed on his chest, Eva forced herself to stop, just for a moment.  Though her body screamed out in resistance, she wanted to draw out the feeling just a little. His brows drew together, and she could tell that she only had a second or two before he was going to flip her over and take control. Eva looked him in the eye, smiled, and let all of her body weight fall on him. The effect was exactly what she wanted. She sank down onto his knot while he watched, powerless.

The feeling of it, knowing that she was the one who’d done it, that she had brought on the pleasure that skyrocketed through her, was infinitely gratifying. Still further, from her vantage point above him, Eva got the watch him utterly fall apart. It was...beautiful.

His head was thrown back, exposing the long line of his throat. His jaw was clenched, face screwed up as he rode out the orgasm. Every muscle in his torso was drawn tight, cutting vivid lines that emphasized the strength she knew was there. From his lips came a cry of ecstasy that mirrored her own.

Beautiful.

When he was able, he helped her to roll to her side, hooking her leg over his hip, their chests pressed together. She was sweating, shaking, barely able to form coherent thoughts. He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, massaged at the muscles he could reach. Eva snuggled into him, the swivel of her hips sparking another, smaller pulse to go through her. He groaned when she clenched on him, his cock undulating in response.

An indeterminate time later, he sat up and padded over to the basket she had put together. He made her drink as much as she was able and eat a few crackers, leaving a snacks and an extra bottle of water on the nightstand for later. Even a heat couldn’t keep him from being practical.

She slept for a bit, waking groggily to Horacio sucking on her clit hard enough that she came all over his fingers, her legs spasming over his shoulders. When he pushed inside again, he grabbed both of her thighs and eased them up and into her chest, giving him the most room to move. Punishing thrusts, an unrelenting pace. He shoved his knot into her hard, forcing a scream from her throat. Eva shook through the orgasm, her hands holding onto his forearms for purchase.

Nearly unconscious by the time he pulled out again, Eva let him arrange her limp body against him. She was draped over his chest, staring aimlessly through the still open window, listening to the waves. For the moment, everything was still. The air in the room was filled with their combined scents, the bond twisting them together. As she drifted once more into sleep, Eva pressed her nose into his skin, inhaling happily. Tobacco. Vetiver. Home.

[pitaparka]

keepin’ busy

request: 5. “I know a few ways we could keep busy…” 19. “Pornhub is giving away free premium right now you perv. Get away from me.” 20. “That’s a dangerous game to play if we’re gonna be stuck with each other for the next four weeks.” with Frank Castle? idk how many prompts per request we're meant to send so I picked my fave 3

summary: frank’s been a lot more… tense, since quarantine started. whether that’s because he’s not taking his rage out on bad guys late at night or because he’s stuck in your house without a little privacy? that’s anyone’s guess… 

pairings: frank castle x reader

word count: 1.9k

warnings: suggestive content, frank has nice hands ;) 

a/n: if only we could go back to a time where we all thought we were getting like, eight weeks off… hah…haha…hahaha…whew… on a less depressing note, jon bernthal is really fucking hot. pretty pretty please send in some requests for my boy frankie :( i love him so much. If you’ve had any ideas floating around you’d like to see written out to completion, now’s the perfect time to see it happen! maybe some smut, or fluff, or angst, or anything really… big love <3

He wasn’t supposed to be staying with you. But apartment hunting when your face has been all over the news recently as one of America’s Most Wanted criminals in the state of New York is kind of hard to do, not to mention when there’s a global pandemic going on. You knew first hand, apartment hunting was hard enough as is. At first, you didn’t really notice him. He would always be out going on runs, exercising in the basement in order to not disturb any neighbors, and guarding the streets at night, like a vigilante cop. Soon, he was staying home more than he was patrolling. Frank still got out from time to time, but it was hard to catch bad guys when they were at home, drinking and sleeping and waiting to be able to go back to causing trouble again.

You hadn’t touched anyone in weeks. You were starving for affection of any kind. You missed hugging your friends, awkward cheek kisses from your family, even shaking hands with strangers at this rate. What you wouldn’t give for a nice firm handshake… 

It was driving you crazy. Frank on the other hand, was making the most out of his time stuck in your apartment. He had recently gotten into a netflix show, you had noticed, which was just one of the luxuries exposed to him during the pandemic. He strummed on your old guitar, the one you barely played anymore, if at all. It was a surprise to hear, but you knew from the familiar sounds of tuning and plucking strings that it was not coming from the television. It was a nice thing to see, him hunched over on your couch, guitar case open on the floor, fiddling with the capo for a song he knew by heart. It was nice he could let his guard down a little bit. He was even learning how to cook, and could make a mean fettuccine alfredo for the two of you. 

Frank was a very domestic man outside of his nightly routine of making New York a cleaner place to live. 

Nights were different now. You two sat together on the couch, your head on his shoulder, dozing off against him as he tried to clue you in on what was happening. It was a gangster show, but that was the only thing you gleaned from his run down. 

“I bet you were a mafia man in a past life,” you said, breaking the silence between the two of you. He tore his gaze from the television.

“What?” he said, smiling down at you. You didn’t look away from the TV, but continued.

“Like, a mafia boss or something. Yeah, I can see that.” “Where is this comin’ from?” he asks.

You hum as you imagine it, ignoring his question. 

“You’re weird,” he comments, and he puts his legs up on the coffee table.

“You can see?” he asks, and his feet are in the way of the screen but you’re not really watching it anyway, so you nod your head against his shoulder. He moves his arm behind your head and rubs your shoulder softly before resting it over the arm of the couch. You readjust yourself, head on his thigh, curling up into Frank. It became easier to listen to his breathing when he turned the volume down a bit, fully aware of you on his lap. It didn’t take long before you dozed off, but when you woke up, you were in your bedroom, shrouded in darkness, covered carefully by a comforter. 

OVER the course of the coming week, the two of you get closer. You’d even become invested in the show he’d started watching. 

With your closeness, you hadn’t noticed you started touching Frank a lot more. 

Nothing you wouldn’t do to your other friends. It was mainly just laying your head on his, playing old hand games you remembered from your childhood, and petting the back of his neck. It was absent minded, and it was only because he had shown you how to cut his hair with his old beard clippers. When asked about why you would run your hands over the prickly surface, you explained it felt nice, and that you had the right to admire your handiwork. 

Later into the quarantine you ordered a palmistry book, and since nobody else was around, you asked Frank to read his palms. He of course was hesitant, but did as you asked, handing over his right hand for you to examine. His nails were nicely trimmed, you noticed immediately. The tips of his fingers were calloused, as were his palms, the skin cracked under harsh and constant use. He held the flashlight from your phone as you read from the book and bent and pulled at the taut skin there. You read him his diagnosis, and he said it was all bullshit, like astrology. You just think he didn’t like being labelled as a dreamer. 

It really only heated up when you asked for the massage.

You said it as a joke, but Frank was by your side, rolling his eyes and pushing up the sleeves on his black Henley before you looked up at him.

“Oh shit, you’re actually gonna do it?” You mused, flipping yourself over. Very briefly you were self conscious of your lounge shorts and novelty shirt that was a size too big. But just for a second, because then Frank was straddling your back, considerately resting most of his weight on his knees, kneading your shoulders with his big hands. His palms work the knots out and you breathe a little lighter as he trails downward, pressing hard into your lower back. It makes you moan a little bit, but if he hears you, he doesn't acknowledge it. He takes precious time down there, all fingers and knuckles and palms, pushing hard into your soft skin, almost like he’s done this before. 

You feel him back up off of you, and you note the lack of contact, making you open your eyes for a second. His thumbs push and pull the soft flesh of your calves. It’s only moments before they move softly up your thigh, sending shivers down your back. He goes just a smidgen too high for comfort. It makes your heart jump into your throat, and you wriggle out from his grip.

“Pornhub is giving away free premium right now, you perv. Get away from me,” you say playfully, smile on your face. It’s not contagious.

“I thought that’s what you wanted?” He spoke, confused. Your brows furrowed.

“What?”

“You’ve been doing little things all week like that… ‘thought you wanted me to… God, never mind. I’m just… I’m sorry,” he apologizes, and stands up from the couch. 

You’re dumbfounded. You don’t know what to do. But you know you don’t want him to leave.

“What?” you respond again, this time with even more confusion.

“Don’t worry about it, you’re fine,” he says, making his way down the hall. Did he mean what he said? Did he say what he meant?

You stood up hastily to follow him, tripping over your own feet in pursuit. His hand is on the door handle to your office, which had since been converted into a room for Frank, complete with luxuries such as a pull out futon and fast internet speeds (thanks to the router being in there).

“Frank,” you said, stopping at the beginning of the hallway. You watched his hand grip the knob. His shoulders rise and fall with his breathing.

“I…” you start, but don’t know where to go. What to say. You’re confused, and you don’t want him to be upset. Not even at you, just in general. You can’t stand the lack of contact with the outside world already. It would suck to be alienated by your… roommate? If you could even call him that.

“What is this?” you say, and he spins around to look at you. 

Now it’s his turn to be confused.

“What?” he questions, and his shoulders are squared and tense.

“Where is this coming from? I mean… yeah, but… me?”

His brows are furrowed and he squints at you suspiciously.

“You?” He questions.

“I guess quarantine is taking a toll on everyone, and you can’t really see anyone else… do you… do you really want…”

“Do I really want what?”

You could barely look at him, eyes tracing the wood patterns in the floor and the door behind him. 

“Do you want that, Frank?” You ask. Your eyes meet his.

“Do I want what?” He asks again, irritated. You sigh gently, and your feet move on their own accord, anticipation and worry festering where your heart should be. He watches you come to him.

You stand in front of him, your feet almost touching, your hands by your side.

His eyes are dark in the dimly lit hallway. His gaze is intense.

You reach your hand out to him, taking one of his hands in yours and squeezing it, pulling it closer to you. He moves his head closer to yours, tentatively stopping within centimetres of your lips.

Then he’s on top of you, pushing his lips into yours, unyielding and feverish. His hand comes up to cup the nape of your neck and you breathe heavily into the kiss, softening under his touch. 

He pulls away, and you’re panting with the intensity of it.

“That’s new,” you say, backing up slightly. He smiles mischievously.

“We can take it slow.”

THE television in your room is smaller than the one in the living room, and has remained largely unused since Frank moved in. 

It’s nice to have Frank in bed with you. There are flashes of color bouncing off the walls of your dark bedroom. It’s not Frank’s mafia show tonight. It’s the news.

“It’s crazy out there,” you interrupt. “Never seen anything like it.”

Andrew Cuomo is on screen, making important announcements about the state of New York, when he changes your whole outlook in just a few words.

Statewide shutdown ends May 15th, adding another month on top of your quarantine with Frank. A lot longer than you had originally anticipated.

“That’s... two whole months, huh?” He ponders, your back pressed up against his chest in your bed.

“I know a few ways we could keep busy…” you suggested, tracing patterns up his arm. You tilted your head up to look at him.

“That’s a dangerous game to play if we’re going to be stuck with each other for the next few weeks,” he spoke quietly, tension thick in the air. He was so close you could feel his breath on your lips. 

His hand cups your chin and throat, and you swallow hard, gaze unwavering. You lick your lips inadvertently. 

He comes in even closer, and envelopes you in a soft kiss. Frank being a sweet lover, you never would have guessed. Your skull is cradled in his big hands, and it makes you notice how vulnerable you are to him. Your neck exposed, bodies pressed against each other in a hot passion. His lips are a little rougher down other parts of your body, but his hands are always soft and firm, touching and squeezing and dragging his fingertips down your stomach. He’s painstakingly slow with it, and it makes your breath hitch in your throat. What a tease. He knows what he’s doing to you, and it drives you crazy. It would be a long night. 

Frank knows how to take care of a partner, too. Only in his case, it’s not bandaging and stitching. It’s much, much more pleasant.

[the-fiction-witch]

The Siren P2

REAL LIFE HORROR COUPLE: TBS X READER RATING: FLIRTY AF

I drove following the directions my phone told me driving down this long curving road beside the sea so many little houses and buildings lined the way between the road and the ocean. The sounds of seagulls and fairground rides breaking through the sounds of the radio playing something I didn't know. The sweet smell of sea air and chips, I drove on following the directions seeming to leave the world behind me going further and further from the busy town down these kong winding roads. Even the little houses stopped now I could see the crisp blue sea down a long drop to the ocean many broken railings were no doubt people had lost control and ended up going to the bottom. I took a turn and I saw it.

Tall, striking sat beside a beautiful cove of crystal blue water and golden sand, the sky a muted grey, the old bricks without a flaw, large victorian windows with purple drapes behind them, a fountain at the front that the road went around with little water coming from it and an old carefully preserved mermaid statue in the centre seat on a rock brushing her hair. The sign on the twisted gate confirming I was in the right place 'The Siren's Bay' hotel, restaurant, and bar. With a smaller sign on the gate

'All non-hotel guests must be off site by 10'

That seems fair. I pulled my car up and saw a car park to the right so i parked up grabbing my stuff and walking over by az soon as I took a step on the marble I jumped seeing a man stood there he was old, a little withered in a pair of black suit pants a red button-down and some black suspenders, he had a bushy beard not too unlike Santa but with tones of grey

"Good afternoon," he said welcomingly

"Good afternoon. I uhh in ti-"

"We know. We've been expected you" he smiled “Come I’ll have someone tend to your things,” He said

“Okay” I nodded a little unsure this felt weird, I swear some kinda Stephen king shit kicks up I am fucking out of here. I followed him up the steps and through the wooden door to a rather nice little reception room with checkerboard stone floors and tall fictional features, the desk central in the room in front of a large staircase to the left was a doorway to a large bar and restaurant with views of the cove and to the right a glass door out to a terrace that overlooked the gardens even if they seemed a little worse for wear then in the pictures online

“We’re a little down at the moment out of the high season you see” He said

“Oh yeah, of course “I nodded going over to the desk with him and he did a little paperwork and handed over a key

“Feel free to use al our facilities during your stay, you’ll be up in room Thirteen” He said “If you can just sign?”

I nodded and signed on the paperwork taking my key “Thanks”

“Go on up, and I’ll have things taken to your room”

“Thanks very much” I nodded heading up the stairs.

I got to my door and unlocked it revealing a very nice room it was large and open with a small area for the fridge And some counter space, a beautiful for post bed with blue curtains some sheer and some less so, beautiful blue and white covers on the bed with so many pillows you could build a fort. A very vintage and stylish bathroom to the side with a bath and seperate shower

There was a lovely old sofa that looked out the large glass doors out to the balcony, I opened the doors pushing back the blue and white curtains and walking out onto the lovely balcony looking out across the sand and sea of the cove nowone down there and honestly it was a little chilly but this Tome of year I don't know what I expected. Soon enough the man from the front brought my things up I thanked him and began to unpack hanging my shirts on the little wardrobe and such as I was to be here a while once I had put everything where it needed to be I smiled and jumped on my bed getting cosy with all the soft covers.

I had myself a nice warm bath and got dressed I'm on holiday perfect Tome to dress up a little for dinner I got my dark blue suit pants on and my light blue button down on doing my hair a little before heading down to the restaurant it was actually fairly busy clearly a lot of local people come up for the evening there was a older woman at the bar washing a glass of I had to guess I'd have sad she was the wife of the guy I met this morning, I took a seat at the bar as that was all there was and she smiled at me "room thirteen?" She asks

"Yeah that's me" I nodded showing my key a moment as I still had it in my hand from locking my door

"Not many in the hotel itself. Most just come up for dinner" she says "I can do you a drink while you wait for a table?"

"Sure" I nodded going for my wallet but she laughed

"No charge sir, part of you staying you see" she says

"Okay. I'll uhh have a cider then" I smiled she did me the drink and I sat sipping It looking out at the beautiful ocean I noticed someone at the bar he seemed off. Sat looking at his drink and nothing else his glass in his hand inna vice like grip, he seemed old, tried, nervous. I made a note of him and continued to look around the very nice room when suddenly there was noise people where applauding I looked around a little confused why before I noticed at the edge of the restaurant by the windows was a raised area and there now stood a woman.

I was for a moment taken aback by her. She was… beautiful.

She stood there in a long blue dress with white petticoats peeking out from the skirt, a white belt on her waist, she had silver bracelets and a necklace with a blue crystal hung from her neck, a white headband in her purple curled hair, she had perfect make up with a bright red lipstick, and eye shadow that made looked like waves apon the sea, natural looking lashes and a glow on her cheeks that sparkled purple and blue she had quiet wide hips and rather voluminous breasts she smiled doing a little curtsy as she stood there setting a microphone up I smiled widely just watching her I don't know why but she made me feel so happy, so peaceful and relaxed music began and she began to sing, it was gentle, slow, sultry and perfect like an old lounge singer designed to make you smile and maybe dance to her songs, but I couldn't help watching her it was like the world went dark and only her and I existed as she sang, like she was singing only for me and it was heavenly.

Once it was over I felt strange, I felt empty like I'd been thrown back to reality and I didn't really want to leave everyone applauded her I did too and she went off somewhere else many getting up to leave now the song was over so I got my table for dinner sitting by the window with my cider looking over the menu as the place cleared out only one old couple in the corner and that weird guy at the bar still here

"Would you mind if I joined you?" A voice asked I looked up and saw that woman again now with a glass of rosé in her hand

"Ohh no not at all, I'd be delighted" I said offering her the other chair at my table she smiled and took it "your song was beautiful"

"Thank you" she smiled "I've not seen you before"

"No I uhh staying here for a holiday only came down this morning"

"I see. How do you like it so far?"

"It's amazing. In really waiting for someone to pull the rug out from under me it all feels too good"

"Well it's a nice place, I'm sure they'll be something somewhere" she smiled

We both ordered another drink and some food getting a sharing thing between us

"So, do you live around here?"

"I do. In the hotel"

"I see. You work here then?"

"As a cleaner. sometimes singing"

"I see well your song was beautiful I've never heard anyone like you"

"Thank you" she blushed her hand gently stroking the top of mine. I blushed a little so not use to having anyone… flirt with me well other than kelly at work but not like this. I couldn't deny I was interested in her she was beautiful and I couldn't stop looking at her breasts our food and drinks came and we spoke for a good while about the area, the hotel, the food.

"Sorry I uhh I don't even know your name"

"Y/n." She smiled

"Y/n? That's a very beautiful name" I smiled "Tom. Or Thomas. Either"

"Tommy" she giggled

"Okay"

"Okay?"

"usual Don't allow that one" I told her

"Ohh sorry I'll-"

"But. I'll let you" I smiled giving her a little wink

"That's sweet of you" she smiled stroking her foot up my leg a little I smirked and did it back too stroking my foot on her ankle and a little up her leg as we finished our food and our drinks

"So you have another song to sing?"

"No just one tonight, nothing left to do likely just go back to my room"

"Yeah me too."

"I could always. Come and keep you company?"

"Company? In my roo- oh."

She shrugged and smiled at me

"Yeah sure I uhh I'd love some company"

"Which room?"

"I'm room thirteen"

"I'll see you later then" she smiled getting up giving my head a kiss and heading out into the hotel as soon as I knew she was gone I pretty much bolted up to my room...