#We did find the owners of his mom. They can’t take him back but are trying to find someone who will take him AGAIN

[fandomout]

hi babe! ur a great writer, just letting u know

can i request a carl x reader where when they get kicked out in like s6, shes like this rich kid who bribes the bank into getting their house back? like the cops are kicking them out and she just pulls up with a notice, shoves it in their face and the cops leave? i think it’d be hilarious

lots of love🤍🤍🤍

Sorry about the late reply. I'm trying to get back into things. I hope you enjoy it.♥

Rich Reader helps Carl when they are getting evicted

Carl couldn’t stand what was happening to the house, but he wasn’t going to bring you into it.

He thought with Fiona’s loan looming over his head it seemed possible. After the auction, he didn’t want you finding out.

That particular early morning, you heard the sound of your parents popping champagne in the kitchen, and you walked up to them and asked, “What are you guys celebrating?”

You dad answers, “You know our top salesmen got a house bought in the area we are trying to buy out; When any of them go down, it just means another one, and another one, and ano-”

“I get it.”

Seeing yet again no response from Carl, out of sheer boredom you look over at the stack of papers on the kitchen counter top and you ask, “Do you mind if I take a look?” Your moms eyes go wide and reach for the papers, which causes the papers to fall.

In distaste, your mom says, “Look what you did.”

You apologize and help pick them up and a familiar picture catches your eye. It was the Gallagher house, having been sold and marked with the day before.

You stand up and shout, “What is this?!”

Your father responds nonchalantly, “Don’t get all riled up…”

“Why the hell would you do this?”

“Not us. It’s just apart of the workload. We didn’t do it personally.”

“Yeah I’m sure. You hate Carl.”

“Yes, we don’t like that boy you hang out with. However, we didn’t go looking to do this. It’s just a bonus.” You shake your head at them and leave the house.

You are on the way to the Gallagher house when you see Carl sitting on a bench at the school track with Nick.

You go up to him and shove him before screaming, “Why didn’t you fucking tell me, bone head?”

Nick stands up, and Carl waves him off. Nick goes onto his bike and begins to ride the track. You shove Carl once more and wait for a response. He yells, “What are you on about women?!”

“Don’t fucking start, Carl!”

The threat calms him down as he lowers his voice and says, “What is it Y/N? Geez…”

“Uhmm…I don’t know. Your house being sold.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah, Shit. Why didn’t you tell me?””

“I didn’t want to worry you.”

“Carl...It’s me.”

“You wouldn’t have this problem.”

“Ouch…However, fair.” He snickers. You put a hand on his shoulder and comment, “You can tell me anything Carl. I’m here for you whatever you need.”

“Well, really there isn't much to do. They outbid us last night…Even after Fiona getting a loan, and everyone else scraping up what they could.”

“I could’ve helped.”

“No. Fiona didn’t want my money. I doubt she’d want yours. She wouldn't’ have taken it.”

“But, still-”

Carl's phone rings. It was Debbie, and she was freaking out. You could hear it as she yelled, “I need you like fucking now!” Carl looks over to you and says, “The cops are taking our stuff out.” You stand up and tell him, “Well, let's go.” Carl waves Nick over, and you head over to the house.

You can’t believe the sight of the he cops just taking their things out the house and throwing them like nothing. Carl notices that you haven’t moved from your spot and asks, “You’re not coming?”

“I have to do something. Before i go-” You hug Carl close, which gave you the chance to grab at Carl's gun.

You weren’t sure you’d need it, but something instinctive told you to take it,

Getting home, your quick to find the paper from the morning, you call the new owners, as you get ready to print a new contract that you’ve seen your parents make time and time again.

“Hello, thank you for your latest purchase without us. I was just calling to see if we could finish some final things today.” As they agree, you continue to say, “Great. Where can we meet?...A cafe? Would you mind texting the address to this number? Okay. I’ll see you there.”

Having all you paperwork, you rush to your room clearing out your savings and grabbing your checkbook. Then, you head over towards the city.

The couple look at you surprised, and they say,

“I’m sorry I thought we were supposed to be-”

“Meeting my parents?”

“I’m sorry for all the confusion.” You present an envelope to the table. “You recently bought that house; Now, my friend is going to be homeless. I know this isn’t your problem. However, I can still make this even better. I’ve got about 300,000 its way more than the cost you paid for the house and with that you could probably buy a new house. I have this contract of you releasing the house and your money from the auction will be given back. You just have to sign.”

“I don't know about this.”

You put on your best Carl impression before showing the gun in your pants and say, “Your going to fucking sign before I pop you right here.” You were shaking on the inside at all of it. However, they were quick to sign and rush out of there with the money. You let out air before grabbing the papers and trying to rush back to Carl. This had to have worked.

The police stand in front of Fiona, Carl, and Debbie. You take your keys out the car and slam the door shut and shout, “Stop right there!”

They all look at you funny.

You pull up the papers and look to Fiona before saying, “Fiona, I need you to sign this!”

“What is it?”

“Trust me.”

Fiona does so, and you unconsciously shove the papers at the cop. The cop asks, “What's this?”

You respond, “An agreement from the buyers. They've changed their minds about the house.”

“That means nothing.”

“It does when they sign the house off to Fiona, who has the means to pay any debts on the house and buy it back in full with this check.” You hand it off to the guy. “Getting the bank off our backs.”

They all cheer before Fiona comments, “Please leave my property. I’ve got cleaning to do.”

With grim faces, the police leave

Fiona hugs and kisses you in the cheek. Carl pulls you in right after and asks, “How is this even possible?”

“A combo of my parents and you.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. You.”

You pull out his gun and hand it back to him.

“Shit.” He said before laughing and hugging you again. “Hey, Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“Forget your parents…You're one of us…Thank you.”

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[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

All In 7

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, age gap, power imbalance, low self esteem, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: you meet a mysterious man on a night out with your sister. (petite!reader)

based on the winning option for this poll

Characters: casino owner!Bucky Barnes

Note: another week...

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

When Bucky leaves, you feel less than relief. It’s easier to breathe without him around but your heart continues to race. You don’t move until you see him drive away. You steel yourself with the manufactured lie before you go back inside. 

As you do, you’re surprised to find Roxie beside your mom, both of them close to the front window. You sigh. Were they watching? You guess you can be thankful Bucky hadn’t done more than talk. 

Your mom faces you with a sheepish grin, “so... did you get it?” 

You look between her and your sister. Roxie has her phone in hand and an arch in her eyebrow, “I’d die for a boss like that.” 

“I...” you glance the screen before she can hide it. Oh. She had a picture of him pulled up on Google. So, they both know exactly who he is. 

“He must be really hands on if he came all the way down here to offer you a job,” Roxie tilts her head. 

“That’s the sign of a good boss,” your mom insists.  

“Really, I think his eyes were the kicker. So blue.” 

“Rox,” your mom nudges her. “A man like him, he’s got line ups, I’m sure. Besides, she’s too young for him.” 

“Well, I’m older,” Roxie smirks, “maybe she can get me a job too.” 

“Er, uh,” you wring your hands, “I should start dinner.” 

“You didn’t say if you go the job,” Roxie challenges. 

“Yeah,” you utter softly, “I got a job. Just cleaning.” 

“Hey, it’s better than nothing,” you mom assures as she comes to you. She puts her hands on your shoulders, “I’m so proud of you.” 

“Mom,” you try not to look pained as you return her smile, “it’s nothing. Really. A cleaner.” 

“We all gotta start somewhere.” 

“Yeah,” Roxie scoffs, “most of us a lot sooner.” 

“Oh, don’t be such a downer,” your mom lets you go to spin on your sister, “don’t rain on her parade.” 

“Whatever. I’d rather hand out flyers than clean toilets,” she rolls her eyes. 

You purse your lips and shy away. You feel worse that they believe you so easily and why wouldn’t they? No one would think that someone like you would merit such a preposterous offer from a man like Bucky. You still can’t really believe it. 

Maybe it’s just some twisted hallucination. You could wake up tomorrow and be just like you were before. You never thought you would long for that but now, being alone, being the loser, that feels safe. Being noticed, being someone, that’s terrifying. 

🃏

You take your time making dinner, a brief escape from reality. The distraction keeps you busy enough that your chest stops thrumming, yet your nerves are still spastic. You’re not very hungry once it’s done but you make yourself eat. 

Roxie heads off for work shortly after you gather up the dirty dishes and your mom goes to change into her pajamas. She startles you as you scour the pan you used to bake the chicken. You splash yourself and hiss. 

“Sorry, hon, I was just coming to check on you,” she leans against the counter, “you’re nervous, aren’t you?” 

You shrug, to fraught to answer. 

“You get restless, I can tell. You do everything just to keep from fidgeting,” she says, “it’s going to be okay. You’ll be just fine and you’ll see, it’ll be nice to have your own money.” 

“I know, mom,” you murmur, turning your face down to the sink, “it’s not that I don’t want to work, I just... I guess it’s the change that freaks me out.” 

“Change is good, even if it’s scary,” she says. “You’ll see.” 

“Mm,” you hum and try not to shatter, “I just want to help out.” 

“Hon, you worry about yourself. Please--” 

“No, I owe you.” 

“Owe me? I’m your mother. I just wish I could give you more,” she smiles and squeezes your arm. “If you’re not some busy working girl, we’ll celebrate on my day off.” 

“Sure,” you accept grimly. 

She leaves you and you’re silent as you finish up the dishes. You put them away and wipe the counters. When you finish, you shut off the lights. You say good night from the doorway and retreat into your room. Tomorrow. That’s all he said. That’s the only detail you go before he strolled off. 

You grab your phone and fall back on your bed. All you want is to lose yourself in a fic or a discussion board or even just scrolling mindlessly. You can’t. It’s like he’s taking over everything. There it is, that little icon you rarely see, a new message.  

You pull down the menu and stare at the preview. Two hours ago. You’re surprised he didn’t show up to check why you hadn’t answered. Again. You will at least need to send something before the night is over. 

‘Hey doll. I’ll send a car tomorrow morning at nine. Just bring yourself.’ 

You shudder and stare at the blue bubble around the text. Oof. Nine? That’s early for you. You suppose it’s about time you break that bad habit. 

‘Sorry. I was making dinner. Nine is good. Thank you.’ 

You hit send and put your phone down. You slide your laptop across the bed and open it up. You’ll watch something. That old BBC drama you found on the free streaming service has been pretty interesting, but you think you only have one episode left. That’s good, you can’t be up all night. 

Your phone buzzes. Shoot. Alright. You can do this. You have to get to it. You swipe up your phone again, surprised to find it’s still shaking.

Oh no. He’s calling! 

You panic and nearly hit decline before you manage to drag your thumb the other way. You put the phone to your ear, unable to muster even a squeak. What do you say? 

“Hey, doll,” Bucky’s voice drawls from the speaker, “hope I didn’t interrupt dinner.” 

“No, er, we’re done.” 

“Ah, and are you alone?” 

You frown, “yes?” 

“Good, good. Isn’t that sweet of you, cooking dinner for your family. That’s what I like about you. You take care of those you love.” 

You gulp. You don’t know what to say. 

“What was for dinner?” He asks as you hear a soft rustle. 

“Um, chicken and potatoes,” you answer bluntly. It’s an easy question. 

“You’re not busy or something?” He wonders. 

“Uh uh,” you shake your head even though he can’t see, “I’m just... in bed.” 

“Early night, huh?” He asks. 

“I guess, I was going to watch a show.” 

“Right, right,” he clicks his tongue as something taps followed by other indiscernible movements, “you in your pajamas? Bet those are cute?” 

“Not... yet,” you croak. 

“Mmm,” he purrs, “I just got out of the shower.” 

“You... did?” 

“Getting ready for tomorrow,” he explains, “gotta admit, I’m a bit impatient. You’ll see that about me, doll. When I want something, it’s hard to wait.” 

“Uh, oh...” you stutter out. 

“For you, I can,” he vows, “doll, do me a favour.” 

“A favour?” You echo thinly. 

“Mmm, yeah, I want you to get in your pajamas and send me a picture. Just to tide me over,” he coaxes. 

“A picture?” You open your eyes wide and gape at the wall. 

“Sure, just a taste. I wanna know what I should imagine next to me when I lay down.” 

“What?” You squeak, shocked by his insinuation. Imagining you?! 

“I can’t help myself. It’s lonely here.” 

“I...” you pick at your lower lip, “one sec. I... I gotta...” 

You put the phone on the bed and push yourself off the mattress. You trip on your own feet and hope he can’t hear you stumbling around. Your pajamas are kind of silly. You don’t really have any sexy ones. Maybe if he sees them, he’ll change his mind. 

The only matching pair you have have snoopy on the top and a large check bottom on the pants. You fish them out and change. It’s okay. He can’t see you at that moment. Still, it feels like he is watching you. Just as his presence has lurked around you all day. 

You go back to your phone and fumble around, “sorry, I... just... figuring out the camera.” 

You hear his timbre but can’t make out his words from the small speaker. You open the camera app and flip the camera. You move around, trying to take the pic, and lean the phone on the top of your dress. You angle it and mutter to yourself as you struggle to set the timer. 

You take several pictures before you’re not entirely discontent. You look awkward in all of them. The pants, like all your pants, are too long and gather around your feet. You don’t know how to pose either. Quite frankly, you look frightened in every single one. 

“Alright, I think...” you babble and find your way into the conversation and choose the least egregious frame. You hesitate and close your eyes as you push your thumb down on the arrow. 

You bring the phone back to your ear, “are you still there?” 

“Always, doll,” he assures and once more, the phone shifts around noisily. “Mm, Snoopy? I like it. More of a Woodstock myself but... Mm mm mm, you look good.” He pauses as you wriggle and your cheeks burn hotly. “Sexy.” 

“No,” you burst out without thinking. 

“No? You don’t think I’m telling the truth?” 

“I didn’t... say so, it’s... just pajamas,” you sniff, “sorry, I didn’t mean to argue.” 

“Doll, relax. Thing about you, you don’t even have to try.” 

You don’t reply. You have no idea what to say or even if you should believe him. You saw the picture, you look in the mirror every day, you know what you are. It still feels like some weird game. 

“Here, gimme a sec,” he says from his end. 

More rustling and the noise of a digital shutter. Your phone vibes shortly and you pull it away from your cheek. You squint at the screen as it lights up and an image buffers in the conversation. 

“Huh, uh, it’s not loading. My phone is--” you nearly swallow your tongue and gasp. 

Oh gosh. It’s a picture of him in almost nothing. Just a towel. His long hair is damp and pushed back and his dark beard contrasts his bright blue eyes as he aims the lens of his phone at himself in the mirror. His stomach is ridged with muscle, his chest trimmed with hair that trails down, and the towel hangs low, giving a generous hint of his pelvis. The vee above the fabric feels overly salacious. 

“Doll?” You hear the low tone of his voice and make yourself look away. You raise the phone again to your ear. “Everything okay? You got really quiet.” 

“I...” 

“You like what you see?” He asks coyly. 

You put your hand to your forehead, your flesh is fiery. It’s so much so fast. Just that morning, you’d convinced yourself you would never see or talk to him again. And now he’s sending you pictures like that and... flirting with you? 

“Yes,” you eke out then cover your mouth. He snickers and you clear your throat before you peel your hand away, “sorry, I mean... you’re... you... you must work out.” 

“Doll, you’re too adorable,” he says. 

You don’t say a word. You’re mortified. He knew you saw that. He knows you’ve seen him like that. He sent it! 

It’s all too much. You’re lightheaded. You rub your chin and shiver. 

“I should... sleep.” 

“Mm, me too,” he says, “hopefully I dream of you.” 

You giggle nervously, “really?” 

“Sure, doll. All I can do is dream. Until tomorrow,” he sighs, “and what about you? You gonna dream about me?” 

You squeak and stammer, “I... I... I...” 

He laughs again, “you really are so cute in those pajamas.” 

“Please,” you blurt out, “delete it.” 

“Now, why would I do that?” He challenges. 

“I don’t... know.” 

“I love it,” he insists, “you’re not deleting mine, are you?” 

“N-no, no, I’ll keep it.” 

“Hm, good,” he intones, “it’s all for you so don’t you go showing me off to all your friends.” 

It’s your turn to laugh. “Promise, I won’t.” If only he knew you don’t have any friends to show. 

[cameronspecial]

A New Kind Of Normal (Part 1)

Pairing: Dad!Rafe Cameron x Reader

Warnings: Drug Use, Swearing, Arguing, and Name Calling

Pronouns: She/Her

Word Count: 2.4K

Summary: Five years later, Rafe makes an unplanned stop at a diner that reveals a secret that Y/N has been keeping from him.

Masterlist

Y/N wipes the counter with a clean rag, looking up at the clock across the wall. Three more hours until Stella is dropped off from daycare. “If you think rubbing that spot over and over again will make a genie appear and you can wish for her to be here faster, then I’m sorry to say that you are going to be disappointed,” Harvey jokes, following her gaze to the clock. She stops cleaning, “Sorry, I just miss her so much. I think I’m PMSing.” “Sure, we can blame it on your period,” he laughs. Y/N pushes him over in annoyance, escaping to her back office to hopefully make the time go faster. 

She smiles at the picture of the grandma on the desk, settling on her chair to order more inventory. Her life plans weren’t exactly to take over the diner, yet it’s not like she was planning on having a baby at twenty either. Y/N was left the diner in her grandma’s will and she took it so that it could stay in the family. There are no regrets in either of those decisions. Sure, she didn’t get her big break in LA or New York, but she would never dream of trading her daughter for anything in the world. Stella Y/L/N is the light of her life, even if she is the spinning image of her dad. Stella is all Y/N’s and that’s all that matters. She may have Rafe’s eyes, but she has Y/N’s sense of humour. Her lips are the same as his, but she loves the same movies as her mom. Her hair colour may match his, but she also has the same bad habit of biting her nails as her mom. 

Y/N focuses on the words on her screen when Harvey comes running into her office. “A total hunk just came into the restaurant and I have been ordered by Patty to come get you. She thinks he can be your soulmate. Says to let you take his table,” he informs, pointing behind him with his thumb. Y/N shakes her head, “I’m the owner. I really should be the one telling you to take tables, but I won’t disappoint Patty. I’ll be out in a second.” Harvey nods and heads back out to check on his customers. She finishes up the order she was working on, fixing her shirt before heading out the door. 

The sound of a door opening draws Rafe’s attention and his heart stops at the scent of vanilla he hasn’t smelt in five years. Even if it was only one night, he has been haunted by the wearer of that scent for years. His eyes land on her and he can’t believe he gets to see her again. Her smile is still as brilliant. Y/N heads behind the counter to get an apron and his insides collapse in on himself as he watches her smile dim at his sight. He doesn’t know why she would be upset at him. She was the one who left in the morning without a word. Suddenly, the face on his watch needs to be constantly adjusted.

As Y/N exits her office, she has to stop herself from screaming at the man sitting in the booth. She could never forget him; a living reminder of him literally came out of her vagina almost four years ago. Fear creeps into her brain. The only possible reason he could be here after all these years is because of that living reminder.  With the resources he has, he would most certainly win custody over Stella and Y/N couldn’t allow that to happen. But maybe he doesn’t know about her. If he did, then wouldn’t it make more sense to bring a lawyer with him? She decides to find out why he is really here first before she goes on the defence as she walks over to take his order.  

“What are you doing here?” she grits through bared teeth. He gives her a confused look, “I had a meeting with clients. I thought I would stop to get something to eat before heading back to the Outer Banks.”

Her expression lightens up at his words. “So you aren’t here to see me?” His head moves from side to side, “No. I mean that night was amazing, but I wasn’t expecting to see you here. I’m just hungry.” He notices that her eyes keep glancing towards the clock and the nail of her thumb is being gripped by her teeth. He wonders why she looks so worried all of a sudden. 

“Okay, good. I mean cool. What can I get you? A burger? Salad? Pie?” 

“Woah, woah, woah. Slow down, Buttercup. Why are you in such a rush? Aren’t you going to get my drink order first?”

“Right. Of course. What can I get you to drink?”

“A coffee, please.” 

Rafe had never seen a woman run away from him so fast before and he has got to say that he is offended. He doesn’t know what he did to garner such a reaction from her, but he vows to make it up to her. His hand goes up to his mouth, so he can check his breath. Smells fine. The mug of coffee is quickly placed in front of him and she practically forces him to give her his food order right at this second. 

Y/N hands the order to Patty in the kitchen, “Pat, I need you to focus on this order, please. Get it out first and as fast as you can.” The older woman’s eyebrow shoots up. “That’s a little unusual, but I can do that for you, honey. Can you watch the other food then for me, please?” she asks. Y/N does as asks and makes sure the chicken tenders in the fryer don’t burn. Patty gets Rafe’s food done in a jiffy and Y/N takes it out to him. She stays behind the counter, looking between the clock and Rafe eating every so often. She swears she has never seen someone eat so slowly. He has to be doing this on purpose. He can feel her gaze on him and he has pieced together that something must be coming that she doesn’t want him to see. His curiosity gets the best of him, so he decides to make this lunch last.

The jingle of a bell above the door catches his attention. He turns to see a little girl run into the diner and round the counter to the woman standing behind it. “Mommy,” she screams, jumping into Y/N’s arms. With a clear view of the girl now that she is being carried by her mom, Rafe can now see her in more detail. 

The long locks that frame her face are the same muddy blonde colour as his. Her eyes match his ocean-blue ones. And she definitely inherited the shape of his lips. He tries to do the math in his head. He isn’t great at guessing kids’ age. She looks about three, maybe four. So four years plus the ten months of pregnancy, that child is almost certainly his. He feels like his world is falling in on itself. How could he not know that he had a little girl? Did she know she had a daddy? He promised himself if he ever had a kid that they would never feel the same way about him as he does about his dad. But he did one step worse by not even being in his daughter’s life. Anger starts to fill him and he knows he needs to find a way to manage it before he lets it out on the wrong person. 

“Stells, what are you doing back so early?” Y/N questions her grinning daughter, moving the hair out of the girl’s face. She nods along to the explanation about daycare ending early today, so Mrs. Winters dropped her off early. Her eyes are focused on Rafe and she watches as he pieces the puzzle together. She observes as he slaps money onto the table, quickly making his exit. “Shit,” the mother whispers. “Can you go to my office, please? Mommy will bring you a snack, baby.” Y/N makes sure Stella is making her way to the office before running after Rafe. Her feet slap against the concrete and she spots him entering his truck. She goes to chase after him, but he drives off in a blink of an eye.  

——

He had a daughter. He had a little girl that he could cherish and watch grow that she kept a secret from him. He doesn’t even know their daughter’s name. His anger fills him to the brim and he needs an outlet to get rid of it. The white powder in the small baggies calls to him, so he rushes to his coffee table. He draws the cocaine into lines and brings his nose down to snort the powder. The drugs start to affect him; his judgement starts to be clouded. 

He pulls his phone out of his pocket to dial a number, “Barry, I need you to find an address for me.”

——

“So how was daycare, Stella?” Y/N questions her daughter, cutting up a cucumber for a snack. Stella runs up to the counter, “It was good, Mommy. I got a rainbow sticker for being a good girl.” The girl pulls at the front of her shirt to show off the sticker on it. “That’s great, Baby. You must have worked hard today to be a good girl. I’m proud of the effort you put in. Now, why don’t you go get ready for your snack? Mommy is almost done getting everything ready,” she suggests, moving on to get the cheese cut. Stella yells an okay and runs to the bathroom. 

The hard knock on the door reverberates around the open floor plan of the small house. This stops Y/N in her tracks and she goes to answer the door. When she sees who it is, she tries to shut the door in his face, but his foot stops her. “How come you didn’t tell me I had a daughter?” he growls, pushing his way into her house. His force causes her to stumble backwards and luckily, she is able to catch herself before she falls on her bum like on the night they first met. She shuts the door, turning toward him, “I was going to tell you. But by the time I found out I was pregnant, I had already learnt the type of person you truly were.” 

“The type of person I truly was? What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” 

“Can you keep your voice down, please? She is just down the hall.”

“What do you mean?” he snarls, approaching her so they are chest to chest. The dark look in his eyes and the towering figure over her should’ve scared her. She can see the abnormal size of his pupils, so she knows he is high. However, she can’t stop thinking about the man that she met. Not about the stories of his anger issues or how he beats people to a pulp. Not about how he not only does cocaine but sells it at parties too. All she can see is the man who lost his button and ranted about how his father is an asshole. Passing the anger of her hiding Stella, she can see the sadness he feels about missing out on her life so far. Yet, the fact that he shows up at her house, high and yelling while Stella is there causes her to feel her own fury as her maternal side starts to show. 

She stands straight, taking a few steps forward that makes him walk backwards, “What do I mean? I mean that I found out that you not only do drugs, but you sell them. I found out that you beat people up who aren’t in the same financial circle as you. I found out that you have anger issues that you don’t seem to want to change. Rafe, you weren’t the type of father I wanted for my daughter.” Seeing such a sweet person say all those vile but true things about him sends a pang through his heart. 

“You never gave me a chance to change! I would’ve done anything for her if I knew she existed.” 

“Really? Because from where I’m standing right now, you are proving me right. Look what you did when you found out about her. You didn’t try to talk to me like an adult. You went out and got high then barged into my house demanding answers.” 

“You know what? All of you bitches are the same. You think that you are so much better than everyone because you don’t do drugs or get angry. Well let me tell you something, you are just a poor slut who got pregnant on purpose to have a permanent cash cow. You aren’t better than me. You are just better at hiding it than me.”

The volume she was about to talk at was not one she had ever used before, but she wasn’t about to let him talk about her or her daughter like that. “GET OUT! I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN UNLESS YOU HAVE A LAWYER WITH YOU!” She storms toward the door and throws the door open. Rafe didn’t think someone with such a nice personality could be so loud. It helps bring him back to reality and he realizes what he just did. His shoulders relax with his anger. He looks at her sadly as he follows her pointed finger out of the door.

Y/N shuts it once he is out the door. She runs her fingers through her hair, giving a tug to the end of her roots. The frustrated sigh she lets out is the only sound in the room until a small voice catches her attention. “Mommy, are you okay?” Y/N turns to her teary-eyed daughter and concern floods through her. She rushes to her, bringing her up to rest against her hip. Her forehead rests against the younger girl’s temple, “I’m okay, Stells. Mommy isn’t hurt, just angry. Are you okay, Baby? I know hearing Mommy yell might have been scary. I’m sorry you had to hear that.” Stella’s arms circle her mother’s shoulders and she gives her mother a kiss on the cheek as comfort. “I’m okay, Mommy. The scary man is gone now. Who was he?” 

Y/N wishes she could pretend like there was no man, but Stella had obviously seen Rafe. There is no denying it. Y/N just has no idea who she wants Rafe to be to her daughter. 

Taglist: @loves0phelia @thelomlisrafecameron @wickedlovely121 @thepatriarchykeychain @drewsmusee @starkowswife @maybankslover @forstarkey @loving-and-dreaming @drewstarkeyswifehoe @kisstaya @magicalyoura @mp-littlebit @loverfu55ii

[zorosleftshoe]

Somewhere Only We Know - (c.b)

Pairing: Colby Brock x fem!reader

Warnings: ANGST, pure angst

Summary: the wind reminds Colby of you

“And when the wind nestles itself between the locks of your hair on a warm summer’s day, know it is me.”

Colby couldn’t remember a time he had felt so utterly alone. The endless array of casseroles that lined his fridge, the countless vases of wilting roses and tulips that lined the counters, and the empty seat that had grown cold in your absence haunting him every time he stepped into the room.

It was torture.

His cheeks permanently stained with the tears that continued to fall as he reluctantly packed up the clothes in the closet that still smelled like you. You were everywhere. From the perfume that lingered on the pillow you used nightly to the pink toothbrush that sat in the bathroom, you haunted every corner of this house that was once a home.

His stomach clenched at the thought of one day not remembering the way your laugh sounded. Or how angelic his name would sound as it rolled off your tongue in a whine. You had bewitched him in every way; then you left just as quickly.

He spent the first couple days tangled in your bedsheets. Sam would drop off meals throughout the day only to be discouraged when he returned the next to find them untouched. It was day four when he finally ripped the blankets off his friend and forced him into the bathroom.

Colby assured Sam he would be okay once he was showered, fed, and sat on the couch where you once watched movies with him. Your legs tangled together messily as he ran his fingers through your hair. When his vision blurred from unshed tears, he tried to stop thinking about it.

On day six Colby attempted to go grocery shopping. The casseroles had gone bad and he knew you would want him to at least make an attempt at living a normal life. But what was normal now? Everywhere he went there were remnants of you.

It wasn’t until he was placing your favorite pastries in the cart that he realized he wasn’t ready. Ready to lose you. Ready to be out in the world alone. The grocery cart abandoned as he darted for the door, fresh tears staining his cheeks.

Day seven and eight pass in kaleidoscope blurs with your favorite song on repeat.

Day nine is when anger sets in. Why did you have to leave? Why did God need you more than he did? The house you once shared quickly becomes a tornado of pictures, glass, and feathers as Colby takes out his frustration on the trinkets that remind him of you.

He cuts his fingers on the glass but it still doesn’t hurt as much as that empty chair at the kitchen table.

Sam convinces him he should get a dog. It’s better than being alone. He sighs as the air around the two men grows tense, only to oblige and follow Sam out to his car. The shelter is jam packed with puppies, cats, even a few rabbits and Colby takes his time with each one. It isn’t until his eyes meet a pair of hazel orbs staring back at him that he feels his heart melt.

“How old is this one?” He asks the lady that kept a close distance before looking back to the small pup.

“Two weeks. Mom didn’t make it and the previous owner wasn’t in good health to take care of her.” Colby’s eyes soften as he reaches out to run a hand along the puppy’s spine. She makes a sound of content and he knows she’s the one. “If you choose her, it’ll be a couple weeks before you can take her home. Unless you know how to care for her.”

Colby watches videos, reads articles, and two days later he’s walking home with this sweet puppy cradled in his arms.

He can’t help but notice how she likes to curl up in your favorite blanket. It was the one thing Colby couldn’t get rid of and now, as he watches his puppy cuddle into it, he’s glad he didn’t. His heart flutters at the sight and he realizes he has found a new purpose in life. One that only weighs a couple of pounds and has the same beautiful eyes you did.

As weeks pass and she gets bigger, he notices an uncanny resemblance to you. She basks in the same chair you used to sit in as the sun warmed your skin. Your favorite blanket has quickly became hers as well. She spends most of her time curled in Colby’s lap. Finally, when he catches her gnawing on the strawberry pastries you always loved, he kneels down and scoops her up.

“Did she send you to me?” The puppy perks up at his words and licks his nose. “Did she send you to make sure I’d be okay?” The puppy continues to lick his nose, his cheeks, his chin, anywhere she can reach and Colby loses his composure as warm tears trickle down his face. “I’ll love you in this lifetime and the next. Thank you, sweet girl.”

Colby takes his new puppy, which he named ‘Amari’, to the fields where you used to spend your free time. He watches as Amari runs through the fields of flowers and chases butterflies, a smile lingering on his face.

The wind bellows around him and as it passes through his brown locks he swears he can feel your fingers threading through the strands of his hair. Your fingernails grazing his scalp in the way you always did. His knees nearly buckle as sobs overtake his body.

“I miss you, my love.” He looks at the trees around him as they sway to the same song you used to hum as you chopped veggies. “I love you.” He turns his head to the left and kisses the air, imagining it is your palm that he used to nuzzle into. Amari barks, catching his attention and when he looks up he swears he sees a silhouette watching the two with a smile gracing her lips. “Thank you for loving me!” Colby yells out. “I will find you! In our next lives. My soul will know yours, my sweet girl!” And as Colby chokes back a sob, he notices how the sunset fades to pinks and oranges.

He notices how its pink colors match the blush of your cheeks and he feels at home. He closes his eyes and allows the breeze to caress his face. He loves you. Even when your physical form is no longer sat beside him in this field of white daisies.

In the warmth that coats his face from the setting sun, he feels you, and that brings him enough comfort.

[bless-my-demons]

Redamancy: Chapter Twenty

Series Summary: What happens when your soulmate is a vampire that struggles to maintain a diet of trying not to kill you? Common sense says run for the hills, nothing is worth your life - but my heart is whispering why not, what’s there to lose?

Warnings: angstyyy

Notes: Posting a day early - y’all can thank @losa12308 for catching me in a good mood, hope this helps ya feel better hun❤️

Word Count: 2130

Series Masterlist

Reader

Nearly two weeks Jacob Black has not only been ignoring and avoiding Bella, but Quil and I too. Ever since the night of the movies, since his uncharacteristically rude outburst at Mike Newton. Both of my best friends were stressed about it which in turn stresses me out. I’ve called him multiple times to leave voicemails about what he’s doing to his friends, but it was to no avail - radio silence remained.

Bella said Harry Clearwater told her it was mono, but anyone could smell that bullshit from a mile away. Did mono render you catatonic? Unable to communicate with people that care about you?

An uneasy feeling settled in my gut, it had to be more. Something was keeping him from us and I want to know what that something is.

I need to know, I can’t just lose another one…

• March 4th, 2006 • Home •

Reader

“Mom!” I shout through the empty house, trying to locate her.

A rare day we both have off to spend together and I’m about to ditch her.

“Yes, sweetheart?” I hear her voice drift from the laundry room as I make my way downstairs.

Turning as the sound of my approaching footsteps, she raises her eyebrows at my appearance - noting that my state of dress isn’t exactly for a day-in at home anymore.

“Bella called, was wondering if I’d go hiking with her? I think she just needs to take her mind off of Jake and wants company.”

My moms face falls slightly, but I can tell she won’t stop me from running to my best friend’s aid, “Just be careful and take your phone.”

“Thanks mom!” I surge forward and hug her quickly before snatching my keys from the hook by the door on my way out.

“And be back before dark!”

“Of course, love you!” I shout back.

“I love you too, honey!”

I speed almost the entire way to Bella’s - wanting to get her mind off of Jake was true, but she also wanted help finding the meadow.

As in, the meadow.

Her and Edward’s meadow.

• March 4th, 2006 • Ithaca, NY •

Jasper

For months I’ve been feeling with this crack in my soul because of her and I’ve been doing it alone. Admittedly it’s my own doing, but the chafing of not really having my brother in my corner has worn away at me in way that doubles the pain of the loss.

I find myself gravitating towards his closed door, something that before Ithaca would’ve been an odd sight, and knocking on the thin wood.

“Go away.” The words rumble in his distinct baritone just loud enough for me to hear.

“No.” I answer simply, just as tired.

The door whips open in a flash and his eyes send a shock through me. Not because they’re dark with hunger - but dark with anger. And his emotions reflect it threefold.

“What do you want?” His tone raises my hackles, reminding me that my brother isn’t one to be messed with in a mood like this one.

A delicate hand curls up and around his chest, the owner of it completely blocked from view by his massive frame, and he visibly deflates. His anger dialing back a fraction at the influence of just her touch.

A slice of pain lances through me, regret or just plain loneliness at this point I’m not sure.

“Hear him out.” Rose orders him softly, kissing him on the cheek as she slips out from behind him and meets my eyes before disappearing down the hall. “Good luck.”

I reign in the laugh that threatens to bubble up at her throwing me to the wolves, but it’s another thing I’m doing to myself of my own free will, I need my brother.

Holding open the door wider for me to enter, he turns on his heel and deposits himself into the loveseat across from the tv, some muted football game flashing on it.

“I miss you and I’m sorry.” I unload on him with no preamble. No drawn out apology has ever been a requirement of his, short and to the point always a favorite to him.

A dark laugh thunders from him in a way that crushes me even more, “That’s it?”

I nod, I had thought about this conversation for months since he started avoiding me, but all my rehearsed words vacate me.

“That’s one hell of an apology.” The remote emits a small crack as his anger continues to boil. “I got no say, no one wanted to hear me out, and I’m just supposed to suck it the fuck up and just go with the flow of what’s best for the family.” He’s practically vibrating with barely constrained rage, but I let him continue. “She’s not just yours, Jasper.”

A shock jolts me for the second time, his sadness tugging at my heart heavily.

“She’s yours and that’s what makes her mine.” I can tell my confusion spurs Emmett on and he rises from the couch, “As your brother, it’s my responsibility to be her protector and you fucking ripped that away from me. You’re hurting her on purpose and it’s hurting me.”

I’m speechless as his words sink in. Familial-like bonds in a coven as old as ours are strong, but I had no idea.

“She was also my best friend-my little sister. I told her I would be there for her and you’re making me break my promise - something I’ve never fucking done.” Turning away from me to pace in a very non-Emmett move, “Are you going to say anything?”

“I had no idea-”

“You never considered, never noticed, never asked. It’s only been you in pain. You and Edward. You don’t even see what it does to Alice every time you ask her to check on Y/n.”

Her name sends agony anew through me, a thin knife that slices flesh from bone with surgical precision.

“I’m scared.” He would’ve missed my whisper if it weren’t for his supernatural hearing.

“Scared of what?” He’s before me in a flash, gripping my shoulders. “Scared of loving her?”

“Scared of her loving me! Scared of hurting her!” The house falls into dead silence, listening. “You’ve never known terror like this with Rose! You’re not afraid to kill her just from being around her, smelling her, touching her. You have no restrictions, no boundaries!” Tears of venom swirl my vision, but refuse to fall.

I push him off me and turn, attempting to reign in my distress.

“Bro-”

“I can’t do this without you. It’s like wave after wave of grief and I’m at my limit Emmett.” The seriousness in my tone softens him, love and compassion flow from him in a way that feels like his old self and it loosens the tension inside me a fraction.

“I may be angry with you, but I’ll never leave you.” My brother spins me around and engulfs me in his signature bear-hug.

Esme may be the mother of our group, but Emmett is the glue holding us all together. I’d be drowning without my brother and if his death-grip of a hug is any indication, he knows it.

• March 4th, 2006 • Forks, WA •

Reader

“I’m pretty sure we passed that tree two times in the last hour, Bells.” Tromping behind my best friend, I keep my eyes fixed down to prevent myself from tripping over the dense foliage.

“We’re close, I just know it.” There’s a desperate edge to Bella’s voice that stops my teasing and squeezes my heart, I know that feeling. To be grasping for something out of reach to link me back to him.

Pushing through a particularly thick cluster of low-lying branches, I smack face first into Bella’s backpack.

“Bella, you can’t just stop-” Finally my surroundings make sense and I realize we’ve found it. It’s brown and sad as fuck, but we actually found it.

I spin, taking in every inch of the dead meadow as Bella drops to the ground, fingers clutching the crunchy grass. Facing the middle again, I gasp at the figure standing before us, the sound startling Bella into a standing position next to me.

“Bella and Y/n.”

“Laraunt.” His name is a choked gasp on my best friend’s lips.

“I didn’t expect to find either one of you here.” He begins pacing casually in front of us “I went to visit the Cullen’s, but the house is empty? I’m surprised they left you both behind. Weren’t you both sort of… pets of theirs?”

“Y-yeah, you could say that.” Bella answers him as I reach for her hand, a sort of dread sinking in as I think over his words and what he might be getting at.

“Do the Cullen’s visit often?”

You need to leave, darlin’. He’s not safe.

“Yeah absolutely - all the time.” Bella’s lie causes the hair on the back of my neck to raise.

“We’ll tell them you stopped by.” I chime in, trying to make it seem believable and also trying to keep the shaking from my voice - both from the deadly turn of the conversation and from hearing his voice in my head.

“I probably shouldn’t - Edward,” the name rolling of her tongue has her squeezing my hand in pain, “Because he’s pretty protective.”

“But he’s far away, isn’t he? They both are.”

Terror begins to flood my chest, he’s making sure we’re alone.

“Why are you here?” Bella flips the questioning onto Laraunt.

“I came as a favor… To Victoria.” His answer practically stops my heart and I know he can hear it.

“Victoria.” The whisper slips from me without a second thought.

“She asked me to see if either of you were still under the protection of the Cullens. Victoria feels it’s only fair to kill Edward’s and Jasper’s mates, given they killed her’s.” His eyes flicked between us, no doubt sensing the blow of both of their names. “An eye for an eye.”

“Edward would know who did it! And he’d come after you.”

Threaten him.

“Jasper would hunt both of you down.” My emotions fill my voice, the threat not as potent as it could be.

“I don’t think they will. After all, how much could you mean to them if they left you here, unprotected?” The vampire sighs, like he’s actually fucking torn, “Victoria won’t be happy about my killing you, but I can’t help myself - both of you are so mouth watering.”

“Please don’t, y-you helped us-” Bella begins to panic, but he flashes directly in front of us with his speed, fingers reaching for our faces.

“Shhh-shhh, don’t be afraid! I’m doing you a kindness - Victoria plans on killing you slowly, painfully. Whereas I’ll make it quick. I promise, you’ll feel nothing.”

“Edward I love you.” Bella’s confession slips as I close my eyes and squeeze her hand in mine. At least we go together, right?

“I can’t believe it.” The awe in Laraunt’s voice opens my eyes as twigs begin snapping in the tree line behind us.

One large wolf, black as night, emerges from the forest. Large being a gross understatement - more like the size of a fucking horse. Behind the massive animal emerges more of the same, although slightly smaller, but no less scary.

A pack of wolves. A pack of supernaturally huge wolves.

And they’re facing down a vampire, no less.

A vampire on a mission to kill us.

Run.

The command zings through me and takes charge. I yank on Bella’s arm as Laraunt bats away the first wolf like it was nothing, it’s yelp stunning her into action.

The panicked sprint through the woods for her truck is much faster this time than the hike out, neither of us stopping or looking back.

Afraid to see if anything was giving chase.

Afraid to see if the wolves didn’t buy us time.

The ride back to Bella’s was tense to say the least. Too stuck in my own head to even say anything to her, the terror still coursing through my veins keep my mouth shut and fists clenched. What if Laraunt got away from them? What if he was still hunting us?

I never realized until now how scary it is, not having the supernatural protection of the Cullens.

I never realized that I took for granted the safety Jasper surrounded me with. Well, used to surround me with.

The sour thought sends another all-too-familiar painful zap through my chest.

As soon as Bella pulls into her drive, I hop out and climb into my own as she runs inside, probably to tell her dad about the absolutely massive wolves lurking in Forks’ woods.

Wolves that might’ve just saved our lives.

Next

Taglist Part 1:

@aoi-targaryen @Min-jianhyung @pbbsl @timelordhunterandmysterysolver @sheerangermany @clearwater-hoe @Blackbluerose666 @ivy-plays @random-human02 @delightfulbluebirdstarlight @steh-lar-uh-nuhs @gaymazinglula @l3ejm @angelfuzzy2 @losa12308 @thekinkpopstandsforkrackheads @flyawayprincess @ropickle @catbusloki @deviat3dsn0wf0x @lovesanimals0000 @unrevived @h-naec @cutesnakemum @zudooms @itsmytimetoodream @stinkii-boii @acoolnight @anothercoffeeblogx @irishblend10 @from-now-on-im-switzerland @kyraslife2 @naolvshan @kiiwiigii @rosedpetal @kiaraandrea @foolsgoldxo @heartfilia01 @azuredgalaxies @geekysimmerthings @graciereads @ramen-girl-2424 @0hmydekiru @creeqvealley @cherriebat @whichwitchisthebitch @dragon-rider-with-a-book @secretfairytailpetscookie @psychobitchsthings

[twinklingstar1ights]

Adore You

Yechan  Summary: A normal hang out with Yechan turned into a love confession. WC:757 Warning:none

photo not mine credits to owner.

“No it’s cold you can’t leave!” Yechan grasps onto your arm, preventing you from getting up. 

“Yechan I’m just gonna take our mugs to the sink.” You gestured to your two empty mugs sitting on the stand next to the couch. 

“No.” He looped both his arms around your arm and pulled himself into your side. He rests his head on your shoulder.

“I’ll be quick,” you tell him and give his hair a quick ruffle. 

“They’re fine where they are,” he argued. 

“It bothers me that they’re just sitting there. Come on, let me go.” You nudged him to let you up. Yechan lets out a sigh as he pulls his body away from yours. His arms that were holding onto you loosen allowing you to slip out of his hold.You stand up from the couch and Yechan wraps himself tighter in the blanket watching you pick up the mugs and head into the kitchen. 

“Lair!” Yechan calls from the kitchen when he hears the faucet running. He looks over to see you rinsing out the mugs.

“I might as well wash them since I’m up,” you say. 

“But you said you were just going to put them in the sink. You lied,” he said. You giggled, grabbing the cloth to dry the mugs. Once you put away the mug you return to the couch where Yechan was quick to cling onto you despite acting hurt about your lie. 

“I’m sorry I lied, but now you don’t have to wash them later,” you say. 

“I wouldn’t have minded washing them later,” he told you. If he had to wash them later he would have recalled spending the day with you as he did so. With a silly little smile on his face that his mother would certainly tease him about. “My mother adores you a lot,” he slips. 

“Umm I’m glad?” you say, feeling slightly taken aback by his words. 

“Oh, I didn’t mean to say that, but it’s true and I adore you too,” he adds. A smile appeared on your face. 

“I adore you too, Yechan,” you tell him. 

“Of course you do,” Yechan says playfully. 

“Don’t be cocky. I won’t cancel my plans next time to hang out with you,” you say. Yechan once more pulls away from you. Not enough to let you go though, just enough to look at you. You can see a shocked expression on his face. 

“You canceled your plans?” he asked.

“Yeah, I was supposed to have lunch with a friend, but then you asked me to hang out with you,” you explained. 

“You didn’t need to cancel your plans. You could have told me,”he says. He feels a bit bad about you canceling on your friend. 

“I wanted to hang out with you more,” you state. Your statement makes Yechan’s heart dance. Truth be told he has also canceled on his other friends to hang out with you.

“Should we hang out more than?” he suggested. Yechan links his hand with yours.

“Like as friends or…” You looked at your linked hands. 

“Or…” Yechan also looks at your linked hands. “More maybe?” he implied. 

“Are you asking me on a date?” you questioned with a playful tone. 

“If you're going to say yes, then yes,” he said. 

“I’m going to say yes,” you tell him.

“Then will you go out on a date with me?” he asked confidently. 

“Yes,” you firmly nodded. You and Yechan break out into a happy fit of giggles. Soon you find yourselves back to your previous position of cuddling under the warm blanket. 

“My mom is going to be so happy. She’s been bugging me about asking you out,” Yechan reveals. 

“My mom has also been asking when I’m just going to admit that you’re my boyfriend and not just a friend,” you admit. 

“Then both of are moms are going to be very happy,” Yechan said. 

“So where are we going on our date?” you questioned.

“We can figure that out later. I’m still cold from you leaving me earlier.” He snuggled into you. A light chuckle rumbled in your chest. Once more you bring a hand up to play with his hair. Yechan melts into your touch, sinking deeper into your side. He starts to play with your fingers under the blanket. 

Later that day when Yechan’s mom returned home to find you both cuddled up under the blanket and passed out she couldn’t help but aww at the sight and maybe snap a couple pictures too.

[dakotalun]

What Now? | Eddie Munson

pairing: Eddie Munson X Fem Reader

summary: PART 3- Movie night with Eddie.

warnings: none

word count: 953

a/n: things are about to take a turn...

*******NOT MY GIF, CREDIT TO OWNERS*******

“Y/N?” The voice rips me out of my thoughts. I look up to see Eddie standing in front of me, a worried look plastered there, “Are you okay? I’ve been trying to get your attention for a minute now.”

“Oh yeah, just…thinking.” I look down a little to stare at the clothes in my hand.

“Wanna talk about it?” He tilts his head to the side a little to see my face.

“It’s nothing. Anyway thank you for letting me shower, I feel a lot better.”

“I told you it’s nothing,” He turns away from me and grabs a mug off the counter, being careful not to spill the liquid as he turns back to me, “Here’s your tea.”

I begin to grab it but remember that I need to put my clothes in my bag first. I guess Eddie just now saw that my hands were full and goes to take the wet bundle from me.

“Here,” He takes the clothes with one hand and gives me the mug with the other, “You take this and I’ll throw these in the laundry.”

“It’s okay you don’t-”

“Shut up, sit down and drink the tea.” Although his voice is kind and a bit playful I can’t help but be intimidated and do what he says, and we aren’t even going to begin to talk about what my body reacted like. I watch him walk into his room again before heading to the couch, taking up my normal spot in between the lounge and third cushion.

I take a sip of the tea and my eyes light up, this is the exact same one that I buy. But I don’t remember telling him that, so how did he know? Eddie comes back into the room, a wine glass in his hand and a blanket in the other. He sits down on his end of the couch, turning to face me once he gets settled.

“So.”

“So?”

“What are we watching? I heard theres this new horror film that’s supposed to be a real mind fuck but we can watch something more lighthearted if you want?”

I’m caught off guard, I thought he was gonna ask me to talk about what happened earlier, “I uh, what?”

“Movie? I know it’s late but I’m feeling in the mood for maybe one or two?”

I giggle at his carefree thoughts and take another sip of the tea, which is perfect, just like him. I look up at him, “You ever seen 10 Things I Hate About You?”

“Can’t say I have. Wait, is that the one with uh what’s his name. The guy that plays Joker…Hea-”

“Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. Yes.”

“I think I saw it a while ago with my mom but it’s definitely been a bit,” He reaches for the remote on the coffee table and starts to flick through his channels to find it.

“It’s on Disney Plus,” I commented before taking a large sip of tea. He goes to Disney Plus but just as he opens the app his phone goes off.

“Sorry one sec. I’ll be right back,” He gets up and tosses the remote to me, “Get it queued up while I’m gone.”

He then slips into his slides and walks out the front door. I’m confused to say the least, why did he just run out of his apartment like that? And what was the notification on his phone? I shrug it off and look for the movie.

It only takes a few minutes before Eddie is back with a large bag in his hand.

“Where did you run off to?” I ask leaning back on the couch to try and see the bag he’s holding.

“Just downstairs. Had to grab this,” He places the bag on the counter and pulls out two styrofoam take out boxes. He walks over and holds one out to me, I just look at him confused.

“You do know I can tell when you lie right?” He raises an eyebrow at me and places the box in my lap before returning to his previous spot on the couch. I don’t know what to say so I just place my mug down on the table and open the box to see a large pulled pork sandwich and tater tots.

I let out a small laugh, “Charlie’s.”

“I know you don’t love the sliders and last time we ordered this you scarfed it down in like seconds so I thought it was a safe bet.”

“You didn’t have to. I really am fine,” I watch as he gets up to grab ketchup and mustard from the fridge, when his back is turned I quickly eat one of the tater tots. I let out a small moan of satisfaction at the taste.

“How many times am I going to have to tell you to shut up tonight? I really am not a fan of it,” Eddie decides to sit on the floor in front of the coffee table to eat, allowing me to just stare at him without him noticing.

I smile at his kindness for me and just sit quietly and eat as we watch the movie. I was a lot hungrier than I thought I was because I finished all my food before we were even a fourth of the way through the movie. Eddie finishes his food not long after and takes it to the trash, still paying attention to the movie playing behind him. We both get comfy on the couch and watch as Patrick drives Kat back home from the party, slowly my eyes start to droop and I fall asleep to the sounds of the all too familiar lines.

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[ereardon]

The Back Seater and the Baker || Chapter 5

[Bob Floyd x f!OC]

Overview: Bob hasn't seen Haley Nichols since he was fifteen. But when Haley shows up out of the blue with one sentence that throws Bob for a loop – "I'm turning thirty in two weeks, are we still on?" – all of the feelings from their childhood return. Bob never thought that Haley would remember the marriage pact the two made when they were just kids, even if he never forgot. So what happens when Bob falls all over again for his childhood crush? And what will Bob do when he discovers the real reason she came back to capitalize on the pact is to secure her inheritance and save her bakery from bankruptcy? Will he believe Haley when she confesses that she loves him, too?

Pairing: Robert "Bob" Floyd x OC [Bakery owner Haley Nichols]

Tropes: Marriage pact

Chapter summary: Haley and Phoenix go wedding dress shopping; Bob and Peanut have a conversation about sex; the Daggers throw Haley a bachelorette party

Warnings: Cursing, angst, alcohol, mention of vomit

Word count: 2.8K

Series masterlist here; previous chapter here

You looked up from a pile of fabric samples. “I can’t pick.” 

Phoenix shot you a look over her champagne glass. “White.” 

You rolled your eyes. “They’re all white, Natasha. It’s a wedding dress.” 

“The venetian lace is gorgeous,” the saleswoman said, holding up a gauzy square. 

“Too expensive.” 

“There’s always satin.” 

She said it like it was trash and not already too expensive. “Let’s see some satin options,” you said. The saleswoman bristled but rushed off when Pheonix trained her eyes on her. 

“Fuck her,” she said and you laughed, settling back into the chair and taking a sip of champagne. “OK you’re drinking, but I’m going to ask you again. Are you pregnant?” 

“I promise I’m not,” you replied. 

She raised an eyebrow. “Find that hard to believe given the timeline.” She meant the fact that the wedding was in a week. 

You shrugged. “We’ve never slept together.” 

Phoenix did a spit take, champagne flying everywhere across the cream carpet. You tried to stifle a gasp that barreled into a laugh until the two of you were dissolved in laughter. “Oh, my God, the boys are gonna have a field day with that one.” 

“Just hasn’t been the time,” you replied. 

“What’s the rush?” Phoenix asked. “If there’s no pregnancy. What’s the rush?”

The truth sat, sour, on the tip of your tongue. Was that where sour was felt on the map of taste buds? Either way it filled your mouth, threatening to swallow you whole. You could tell her. You could tell her and the wedding would be off and you would go home with nothing but a bruised ego and a foreclosure on the way. 

But that option also left Bob heartbroken. It would leave you heartbroken, too. Because as much as you didn’t want to admit it, you were falling for Bob Floyd, all over again. 

“I love him,” you said simply. This time, the truth was sweet. A rush of rainbow on your tongue. A fizzy, familiar feeling. Warmth. “I always have.”

“I’ve watched Floyd go through a lot,” Phoenix said, her dark eyes never leaving yours. “But if this is what breaks him, I’m not sure there’s going to be a way to glue him back together. So don’t break his heart, Haley. He has a big one. Too big. He loves too much and too fast and too well. So God, don’t hurt him.” 

“I won’t,” you whispered. 

***

“You want deviled eggs as an appetizer?” You stared at Bob, mouth agape. 

He nodded. “They’re my mom’s specialty.”

“Oh. That’s um…” 

Bob laughed. “You can veto, Haley. It’s your wedding, too.” 

“Thank God,” you whispered. “I’m sorry, but veto.” 

“Are your parents flying up?” he asked. 

“Um, no, they’re not.” You didn’t have the heart to tell him that your parents weren’t really involved in your life anymore. That no one besides Calvin even knew you were in San Diego. That the bakery was failing. That you were going to marry Bob to solve all of your problems. “Grandma Lee is coming though.” 

You had called her the night before and explained that you were getting married. You hadn’t invited her: that she had done herself. 

If my only granddaughter is getting married, I need to see it with my own eyes, she had said. When you had protested, she added, Do you want the money or not? 

Bob frowned. “Grandma Lee, really? I thought you two didn’t get along.” 

You shrugged. “That was a long time ago, Bobby.” 

“Yeah, I guess.” 

The two of you were silent for a moment. You felt sweat start to prickle at the base of your neck, between your breasts. For a few days, Bob had ridden the high of a successful mission once they were back on land. It was that euphoria that had colored everything, that had made him agree to the marriage. But you worried that once those rosy glasses faded, he would realize how obscene it was to marry a complete stranger. Someone he barely knew. 

He cleared his throat. “Want to go out for dinner? I was thinking Mexican.” 

“I think we should have sex.” 

Bob looked like he was choking. Every inch of his face went pink and then a deep red, cheeks puffed out, eyes wide. 

You actually leaned forward, pressing one hand to his leg in concern. “Bobby? Are you OK?” 

It took a second, but Bob let out his breath, blue eyes still searching yours frantically. “What did you just say?” 

You removed your hand, anxiety settling into the swell of your stomach. “I mean, we’re getting married,” you whispered. “Shouldn’t we at least do it once?” 

“Peanut,” Bob whispered, his voice rough and sandy and hitting every note perfectly so that goosebumps rose on your arms and legs. “I’ve thought about making love to you a million times.” 

“But?” 

He shook his head slowly. “That’s what I want, honey. I want it to be special. Not something we do to get it out of the way. I want you to want it. I want this to be the last time someone new undresses you for the first time.” Bob leaned in, trailing one thumb over the corner of your mouth, down your cheek, fingertips sliding to the tops of your breasts, grazing the exposed skin where your shirt stopped. “I don’t want anyone else to ever touch you like this,” he murmured. “You’re mine, Peanut.” 

“Bobby,” you whispered, gripping both sides of his face with your smaller palms. “I’ve always been yours.” 

And then your lips were on his, one of your legs slung over his lap until you were straddling him, the heat of Bob’s body burning against yours, his hands groping greedily over your back, pulling your hips flush with his, a small, pathetic whine exiting his lips as his hips tilted up to meet yours. “Haley,” he rasped, pulling back, lips pink and raw. “Honey.” 

“Hmm?” 

“Let me take you out,” he whispered. “Not Mexican food on a couch. Not pizza on the floor or beer at the beach. A real date. Let me take you home and make love to the woman who is going to be my wife.” 

You leaned back, threading your fingers through the hair that was curling up at the tops of his ears. “OK, Bobby,” you replied softly. “You have a deal.” 

“That’s the first time I’ve said that,” he said.

“Said what?” 

“My wife.” He smiled. “It sounds good, doesn’t it?” 

“Yeah,” you murmured, watching the light twinkle in his eyes and feeling a sadness sweep over your organs., “it does.” 

***

“Peanut?” Bob’s voice was far away on the phone. “Are you there?” 

“I’m here,” you said, standing in front of the mirror, smoothing down the sides of your dress. “Where are you? Our reservations are in twenty minutes.” 

“Honey, I’m sorry.” There was a loud bang in the background. “Flight emergency. Bradshaw and I got called back to base.” 

“Oh.” You couldn’t help the disappointment flooding every single one of your pores. You looked around the room at the candles you had bought, and the bag filled with tissue paper on the dresser that had a new set of lingerie in it, specifically for later that night. There was also an entire can of whipped cream in the fridge and a bottle of prosecco. “That’s OK.” 

“It’s not,” he said. “That’s why Phoenix is on her way to pick you up.” 

“Oh, Bobby, I’m not really in the mood to go out without you.” 

“Haley? Sorry the connection is terrible. Listen, I have to go up in the air, I’ll text you when I’m grounded. Bye!” The line went dead. You sighed, kicking off your heels, tossing the phone on the bed just as the doorbell rang, two harsh dings followed by a loud knock. 

“Fuck, coming!” You practically tripped on your way to the door, tossing it open, a frown lacing your features. “Jake?” 

In the doorway, Jake grinned, white teeth blinding against his tan. He leaned one hand against the door frame. “Hi Princess. Grab some shoes.” 

You shook your head, walking inside, and Jake followed you, shutting the door softly. “Not in the mood, Hangman. I’m just going to wait until Bobby gets home.” 

He chuckled and you turned around with a frown. “Sweetheart,” he drawled, “it’s a trap. This is your bachelorette party. Now put on some shoes and get that fine ass in the car. Phoenix is waiting for us.” 

“Bachelorette party?” 

“Didn’t think we could let you get married without one final night of debauchery, did you?” he asked. “Shoes, Nichols. Purse. Condoms if you’re feeling frisky.” 

You groaned, heading into the bedroom and slipping on your stilettos, grabbing your small shoulder bag before reappearing in the hallway. Jake was nowhere to be seen. You rounded the corner into the kitchen where Jake had the fridge open, his head stuck inside. 

He straightened up, holding out the can of whipped cream with a raised eyebrow. “Making pie?” 

“Fuck off,” you muttered and he laughed, placing the can back in the fridge and closing the door. “Let’s get this over with.” 

“That’s the spirit,” Jake replied, holding open the door. “After you, Mrs. Floyd.” Your heart skipped a beat. You looked up at Jake, eyes wide. For a second, the two of you stood in silence in the doorway to Bob’s house, practically frozen. You were worried Jake could see the reservation in your features. 

And then it passed. You stepped out the door into the breezy evening air. “I’m going to ask you one favor.” 

“I make no promises.” 

“No shots with gross names like blow job or slippery nipple.” 

Jake cackled, opening the passenger door for you. “It’s your night. We’ll play by your rules. At least, to start.” 

You slid into the seat of his Jeep and groaned. 

***

Charleston was bachelorette capital, aside from Nashville, so you were more than familiar with the flocks of women parading down King Street in pink sashes and swaying to the beat of invisible pop songs. 

What you hadn’t expected was your own bachelorette party to be made up of five aviators, four of which were men. Coyote, Hangman, Rooster and Payback all sat at a table wearing pink furry boas drinking margaritas while Phoenix did a lap on stage with one of the drag queens. 

“You’re next,” Bradley said, tipping his head toward the stage. 

You groaned. “Absolutely not.” 

Phoenix climbed off the stage, brushing back her dark hair, not an ounce of sweat on her face. “Come on, Princess, you’re the bride, it’s a must.” 

“I’m so going to rat on you guys to Bobby!” you shrieked as a man dressed as Dolly Parton dragged you onto the stage. The brightness of the lights hit you just as the dagger’s cheers filled the air. 

“Hello Darlin’,” Dolly said, thrusting a microphone in your face. “Your friend over there said you’re a bride-to-be, is that right?” 

You scowled down at Phoenix who cheered shamelessly. “Yes.” 

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” “Haley.”

“And what’s your fiance's name?” 

“Bobby.” 

“Well, dear, I think we need to sing a song for Bobby in that case.” She took a deep breath. “If I should stay // Well I would only be in your way.” 

Dolly pressed the microphone beneath your chin. Somehow the words floated out of your mouth as the cheers from the squad grew. Even the heat of the lights softened and you found yourself swaying with the music. For the first time in a long time, there was a courage that bubbled to the surface. Maybe it was the two Long Island iced teas that Phoenix had poured down your throat. Or maybe it was the fact that despite the circumstances, you knew that Bob Floyd was the one. 

Out of everyone, it was Bradley who got so drunk that the six of you were thrown out of the club. That’s how you ended up at Phoenix’s house at three in the morning eating cheeseburgers on the floor wearing a sequined ball gown she had pulled out of her closet and insisted you wear while Payback tried uselessly to scrub the pink paint off of his chest that read Bride Tribe in loopy lettering. 

“It’s not coming off,” Payback whined, tossing another crumpled paper towel on the ground in a huff. 

Jake cackled. “Told you not to write it so big, Nix.” 

Phoenix popped a french fry into her mouth and then laid back, head resting against Jake’s thigh where he sat pressed up against the couch. “He deserves it. Remember when he puked at my thirtieth?” 

“Don’t say puke,” Bradley moaned, looking slightly green around the gills. 

“Party pooper,” Phoenix tutted. 

“What if when I have a baby it comes out wearing glasses?” you asked, the drinks finally hitting you. 

“Have to have sex to get pregnant.” 

“Phoenix!” 

“Oh shit.” She rolled over and buried her face against the shaggy rug. “Sorry!” 

Jake grinned like a Cheshire cat. “Wait, you and Floyd haven’t banged yet?” 

You groaned, tossing yourself against the floor next to Phoenix and kicking her with one bare foot. 

“That’s excellent,” he muttered, practically to himself as Bradley scuttled onto his knees, stumbling up into a semi jog toward the toilet. The sound of the door slamming was followed immediately by violent sounds and you winced. 

“Fuck,” Payback said, shaking his head. “That’s on you, Nix.”

“Why am I to blame for everything?” Phoenix demanded. “It’s Haley’s bach party, she’s the instigator!” 

“Oh my God,” you said, shaking your head. “I see why Bobby likes you so much.” 

“I see why he loves you,” she replied, brown eyes wide. You were stunned. Natasha was many things. The life of the party. Fearless, bordering on reckless. Demanding, in the best way. Formidable. But this was the first time she had shown a sliver of approval. It radiated through your body like microwave rays. “I mean it,” she added.

“Thank you.” 

Just then, your phone rang on the coffee table. You reached for it, pulling it down as Bob’s contact flashed on the screen. “Haley?” 

“Hi,” you whispered, standing up and stumbling into Phoenix’s room at the end of the hall. You sat down on the edge of her bed, closing your eyes. The room was spinning. That was worse. You opened them again, wider, the yellow light from the lamp burning your retinas. God, you needed a taco. 

“Just wanted to make sure you got home OK,” Bob said softly. 

“I’m with Phoenix and the team.” 

“I know,” Bob replied. “I thought it would be nice.” 

You frowned. “This was your idea?” 

“I wanted you to have a fun time,” Bob said quietly. “Something different, a little out of the ordinary. Life is serious, Haley. But you don’t have to be. Not everything is life or death.” 

Bob’s words forced tears to spring at the corner of your eyes. It wasn’t the tequila and it wasn’t the impending hangover. It was the fact that even in your drunken haze, you knew you weren’t good enough for Bob Floyd. A man who cared so much, so deeply. A man who would lay down his life for yours without thinking. 

The man of your dreams. 

“Bobby,” you whispered, the truth sour at the tip of your tongue, begging to be spilled. 

“Get some rest, Peanut,” he said quietly and you swallowed the truth back into the bitter pit of your stomach. “I’ll pick you up in the morning, OK?” 

“Alright.” 

He paused, but the line didn’t go dead. You sucked in a breath. There were two things that you and Bob had yet to do as adults. The first was obvious: have sex. The second, less so. 

You had yet to say you loved each other. 

You did. That was, without a doubt, the truth in a sea of lies. You had loved Bob Floyd since you were a little girl in the low country. You had never really stopped. But it felt different, to say it now. When so much was riding on the two of you. When the future was almost within grabbing distance. 

“Goodnight, Bobby,” you murmured. 

He sighed. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” 

You flopped back against the bed, clutching your phone to your chest. As you closed your eyes, the light beyond your eyelids started to swirl. 

The last thing that crossed your mind before you passed out into a drunken delirium was how devastated Bob was going to be when everything was said and done. 

And how broken you would be, too. 

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[oh-surprise-its-me]

Roy/Jamie prompt: Pirate AU. Jamie is being shipped to a loveless arranged marriage to Rupert or some other awful jerk. En route his ship is attacked by the dreaded pirate Captain Roy Kent and his crew. Roy's expecting a whiny, arrogant little rich kid to hold for ransom. Instead Jamie is fearless and doesn't give Roy an inch no matter what Roy threatens him with. At one point, Roy bluffs that he's whip Jamie proper, only for Jamie to tear his shirt off and reveal that his father's already left plenty of marks. Jamie eventually earns his place as part of Roy's crew, and more importantly, as husband to the dread Captain Kent himself.

If there’s something I love more then vampires it’s pirates. I absolutely can do this.

*Jamie’s mom is dead in this au because there’s no way she would ever let her baby be sold*

Jamie is furious. He’s worth so much more then just 500 gold pieces. At the very least 2000, he’s hot. He knows it.

He slams his fists on the locked door. It still doesn’t give. Jamie collapses back onto the cot they tossed at him. He figures he’ll catch a few more hours of sleep.

Jamie is just about to drift off when there’s screaming. He hears a new voice. A deep voice.

Jamie can hear it through the wood of the door so he must be close. “Unlock this now.”

The door swings open. Jamie stares up.

The man is gorgeous. The captain of their ship is standing behind him. A cruel laugh escapes the caption’s lips, “you’re in for it now Tartt.”

Jamie glares at him. The dark haired man gestures and he is dragged away. Jamie blinks. Oh. The man bends down to look at Jamie. He glances around the small room and sees all the clothing Rupert had sent.

“Pretty rich boy here should get us a nice ransom. Take him. I’m your new owner for the time being.” The man stands and gives a fake bow, “Roy Kent. At your service.”

Jamie shrieks. He’s heard stories. He knows who this is. He’ll not move unless he wants to thank you. Two men come toward him. They try to grab him but he bites them. He gets smacked by Roy. He’s been hit harder many times but it was unexpected. “Stop it boy. Be good. Let them carry you or I will.”

Jamie lightly struggles once again but let’s the two men carry him this time. As they leave the ship he looks at the bodies. Jamie can’t honestly say he feels bad for them, they all said horrid things they wanted to do to him. What Rupert would allow them to do.

He shudders without meaning to. The man on his right laughs, “cold princess?” Jamie slams his head into the man’s nose. Blood starts pouring out.

“Oi!” Jamie freezes. Fuck.

“Sink their ship then we need to teach princess here a lesson in manners.”

Jamie sighs. He looks at the man he head butted, his nose is probably broken. He feels a bit bad because the man was just following orders. But oh well.

They toss him into a cell. It’s going to be a long trip.

-

They’ve yell at him, dump cold water on him. Roy has threatened to take away his clothing. To shave his head. Jamie refuses to break.

He won’t do it.

He thinks the captain is slowing getting a bit of respect for Jamie.

Until that night.

It’s just the two of them again, Roy has a whip in his hand, he taps it against the bars. “I’ll make you talk with this. Final chance Tartt.”

Jamie laughs. He can’t help it.

He strips off his shirt and turns around. There’s an inhale of air. “You can’t do worse then what my old man did. Go ahead and try if you can find space.”

Theres utter silence from Roy.

Jamie spins around. He knows the front isn’t as bad but there’s still marks. Mostly from cigar burns.

“I’m sorry.”

Jamie thinks maybe he hit his head. “You’re what?”

Roy tosses the whip across the ship. “Sorry. I shouldn’t of made assumptions. They never get people places. Never got me anywhere.”

Jamie nods. He can understand that. Roy reaches forward and unlocks the cage. “Let’s talk. Come to my cabin. You can have clean clothes.”

Now Jamie knows it might be dumb but he’s exhausted, wet, and starving. He shrugs and picks up his shirt. He doesn’t care who sees his scars.

As they make their way up to the cabin they pass people, Colin, the man who’s nose Jamie broke, gasps when he sees his back.

It makes Jamie smile. He’s always loved shocking people.

Roy gestures for him to go into the cabin. It’s warmer. Jamie picks up a loaf of bread and bites into it.

Roy stares at him for a second before getting clothing. He passes it over. “It’ll be big it’s mine. We’ll try and find some in your size.” Jamie nods. Seems like the captain might like him. Interesting.

Jamie could start to like the captain.

10 months later it’s not just Roy who is feared, the blond who is now constantly seen at his side is always spoke of along with Roy’s name.

They say his name is Jamie Kent. He rescues people in trouble or from abusive marriages. They say he gutted his owner once Roy freed him. Those are just rumors though. The man who was supposed to marry Jamie actually went missing months before.

What no one really knows though is Rupert’s head made a lovely proposal gift. How could Jamie ever say no to that.

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Monday all :) Some UC Lucy and overly protective Tim. Always a fun combo to watch. Also Aaron telling like it is and getting a puppy. This is a good one before our epic next ep. Let’s get started.

5x07 Crossfire

We start off with Lucy getting recruited for a UC Op. She is official now post school. It’s for an all girl gang. They’ve been extorting shop owners on their turf. One stood up and he paid the price for it. What they need Lucy to do is infiltrate them. Get in close and see if they can’t get confession or murder weapon.

Lucy looks a little intimidated by the task. Harper doesn’t let that doubt linger for long. Builds her up saying she’s a UC now. This is what they do. Come in where they’re not wanted to build rapport and trust. Lucy puts her feelings of doubt in check and says she will figure it out.

Tim and Aaron show up for a noise complaint. The lady tells them she was just arguing with her son. Aaron asks what the problem is? She says he’s not listening, mouthy and cutting school. That she’s worried he’s going to end up like his sister. That'll she lose him to a gang. He’s only 15 years old. Tim tells her they can’t arrest or do anything unless he’s committed a crime.

She said she doesn’t want that. Just wants them to put the fear of God into him. See if it’ll keep him out of trouble. Aaron volunteers to talk to the kid. He does such good job with him. I love watching Tim watch him do that. You can see he’s impressed with the cop Aaron is becoming. He’s got a Lucy level skill of connecting with people and being genuinely empathetic. Aaron ends up giving Tabin his card for whenever he needs it to vent.

It doesn't take long before he is blowing up Aaron's phone complaining about his mom. It's actually pretty cute watching Aaron reply to him. He is enjoying helping this kid out and you can tell. Tim makes a joke about how he has a puppy now. The same kind of speech he gave Lucy back when she met Tamara in 3x02. Aaron is having the same resolve Lucy did back then. I mean yes her puppy lives with her now but we all love that haha He is cool as a cucumber saying as long as his mom is a good cook. LOL Tim just shakes his head.

We get some more Harper/Lucy goodness. Nyla is bringing over all the intel on the Razors. The folder is embarrassingly light. Lucy is confused because all these women have heavy records. Tons of drug arrests including meth. Harper tells her no one takes girl gangs seriously. It shows in the amount of intel they have on these women.

Lucy once again expresses her worry about making her way in. Harper knows she can do this. Wouldn’t have tapped her for this if she didn’t. I love their cute bonding moment about Lucy being a threat herself. Hehe That is true. Our girl is a powerhouse to be feared really. Especially with UC. Learned from the best in the business. Really loved this moment with them. Looking forward to more in S6.

Lucy is looking for any kind of in and finds out about Tim's call this morning. The sister of Tabin (Aaron’s puppy.) is in the gang. Lucy and Harper approach them about the call. Tim is cute af saying the call was cute. That all puppies are cute LOL Lucy’s comment is adorable about Tamara. Stealing earrings and losing them. It's classic and you know she wouldn't have it any other way. Tamara stopped being a puppy and became their pseudo daughter long ago though. This is an adorable moment nonetheless.

They’re telling Aaron this kid could be Lucy’s way in. One she desperately needs to establish instant rapport with them. You can see Aaron’s hesitancy on the whole matter. Knowing the mom’s feelings on opening that door for her son. Everyone seems on board for this plan except Aaron.

Which sucks cause he’s the rookie out of all of them. So his opinion while respected doesn’t carry the weight he wants it to. Tim says they can stakeout the meet together. Watch over Tabin so nothing happens to him. It's the only thing calming Aaron in this moment. So he agrees to reach out. They need the mother consent first before anything else.

Aaron is able to get Tabin's mom to consent. Telling her it'll be safe for him to do this. We find them next getting ready to send Lucy in. They’re posted outside a block party the gang is having. They spot Vina and signal Lucy to head in. She does so like a bat out of hell. Love her entrance and confidence she holds. Just handles that car like a damn champ as she drifts into the party literally. The concern on Tim's face from the moment she enters the scene is evident.

Tim looks anxious af the minute that gun is pulled on Lucy. He knows she can handle herself. Logically he knows that. It’s the emotional part that is flipping out right now. Even knowing she can handle herself doesn’t stop him from worrying like crazy. Doesn't ease the panic rising in his throat at the sight of her with a gun in her face. You can tell he is sick to his stomach watching this. Also look at Aaron he’s worried for Tim worrying. He can sense the tension coming off that man in waves.

Don’t tell me that man doesn’t know Tim Is gone for her. Aaron knows what's up. He has always sensed something more between them. Nothing he could put words to but he knows. Just like Grey, Angela and Harper know. Hence the look he’s doing right now for Tim. Worried Tim is a favorite of mine. We’re getting that right off the bat in this op.

Man is so in love and showing all his cards to Aaron. Doesn’t mean to be but he sure is. His whole body tenses up the minute that gun comes out. Legit panic all over his beautiful features. Lastly Lucy looks amazing btw. Like completely in BAMF mode. I’m as straight as an arrow. I’m sure you all can tell by way I drool over Eric. But damn if I don’t have a little girl crush on Lucy Chen haha

Lucy is smooth af in her verbiage. I love Angela and Harper smiling at her ‘Genes’ comment. They’re so proud of their girl. Makes me so very happy. Being the bad ass they knew she would be on this OP. Lucy holds her own the entire time. Doesn’t flinch once with that gun in her face. Shana comes up and has Vina stand down. Lucy says she’s gonna roll then. Acting like she doesn't need to be at this party. But she gets invited to stay for a drink or two. Mission accomplished. She’s in.

We watch Lucy lay down her backstory like a friggin champ. Saying she did a stretch at the same prison Shana did. Pulling out a name that will solidify her status for that. We watch Tim relax a little when she buys her story. Tells Aaron that Shawty is on the DOJ’s payroll and will back Lucy’s cover. Everything is falling into place like it's supposed to. Aaron says it time to pull Tabin then. He did what he was supposed to do. There is no need for him to stay at this party any longer than he has.

Tim tells him no. He’s fine where he is. Aaron presses it some more and says No sir he’s not. I said last episode Aaron had some serious balls with Tim. He for sure does in this moment holy hell. I remember gasping that he said that to Tim. I also said 'Excuse me.' with Tim when it happened LOL I was shocked Aaron would call him out like that. Tapping into Lucy from 1x03. Telling him like it is.

Tim is shocked too hence his reaction. He’s also mad that Aaron could not only see that but call him out on it. As we all know unless it’s Lucy and even then Tim doesn’t like to be called out. If looks could kill our lovely Aaron would be dead LOL Is Aaron right? Yes of course he is. Tim Is putting Lucy above this kid. That’s his first instinct is to protect her career and advance it. I love him for it truly I do. Doesn't mean Aaron is off base in what he is saying either.

Now even though I agree there is a time and place Aaron. Maybe don't call out your superior officer on an op like that lol But he’s definitely not wrong in this thought process. This is the thing Tim was scared of happening. Losing his objectivity based on Lucy alone. Now that’s been happening for years let's be honest. heh

Lucy Chen has been his blind spot for a long time. It’s just more prominent in this season. But Tim has always been putting her first since her early days. Now it usually has positive results. Unfortunately we see it has negative consequences this time around. Like what happens to this kid as we will see soon enough. Aaron’s fear of Tim wins out before the scene is up though. He says he shouldn't have said anything….Look at Aaron's eyes he is straight scared he just angered the beast ha

Sadly it turns out as badly as Aaron predicted it would. Tabin gets into with someone at the party and gets his ass beat. They break it up but not before he takes some serious damage. Lucy asks him if he’s ok Tabin says yes. Vina tries to get him to take the gun and he refuses. She makes fun of him and they take off. We can see how upset Lucy is he was hurt like that.

Unfortunately she has to compartmentalize and rejoin them. Harper says she’s in and they can leave now. Tim copies and they go to find Tabin. It’s super sad when they grab him up. Aaron looks so upset he got hurt. When the mom finds out she tears into them both. Can't say I blame her tbh. Aaron does jump in front of Tim (verbally speaking) during the whole thing. Doesn't do any good but I do love that.

Lucy gets brought along on a money run. I mean if nothing else Tabin's intro go her in real fast. Which is exactly what Lucy needed. It was the purpose of him being there. It’s so fun to watch her hold her own in these op's gotta say. Vina is a loose cannon and it shows. Lucy has to rein her in once again with being violent. It’s where we find out it was Vina who killed the owner not Shana. Harper’s original assumption was her not the sister. Which really sucks for Tabin and his mom. They had him be a CI to take her out not his sister…

Lucy meets up with Tim and Aaron outside Tabin's house. Vina is visiting her brother. Getting rid of the gun like Shana wanted her to by giving it to Tabin. Lucy lets them know it was Vina who killed store owner not the leader. Aaron looks so devastated. Lucy tells him how sorry she is but it’s true. That she probably has the gun on her right now. Tells them she doesn’t want to blow her cover so she’s gonna hang back. Tim understands and they roll up to arrest Vina.

She surrenders quickly but she already gave her brother the gun. Aaron see’s this and calls it out. We then watch Lucy all but bolt to Tim’s side. Cover blown because she thought he was in danger. Rolls up to back them in this arrest. I love that she had her cover protected then saw Tim was in potential danger. Said screw my cover my man is in trouble. Then launched to go protect him. Fantastic. Aaron gets him to drop the gun and hand it off. Tabin then says Aaron used him. It’s pretty sad tbh. They originally did this to bring her home not get her arrested because of their involvement. Sadly not how it worked out at all.

It’s confirmed the gun Vina had was the one that killed the owner. Aaron looks so sad about the whole ordeal. Lucy asks if his puppy has answered? He says no…Lucy reminds him they got a killer off the street. He replies sadly 'But it was his sister…' Her comforting skills kicking in telling him he’ll get it someday. As Tim and Aaron leave for night Tim and Lucy lock eyes.

Real subtle guys. The mini longing going on in this brief moment is primo though. Tim checking in on her but also sending heart eyes her way. Lucy doing the same thing in this gaze of theirs. The pining is real and evident in every episode. I adore that. Even one where they don’t have a ton of content. Testament to the amazing chemistry that Eric and Melissa have. Can take the smallest moments and make them explosive.

Also lord I love it when we get Tim Bradford in a Henley. Mmmm man makes something so simple so very sexy. Aaron apologizes to Tim for saying what he said. That he was out of line. Tim telling him yeah he was. Not in a place with Aaron yet to admit his faults. But it was good he saw how out of line he was in saying it then and there.

Tim does compliment him and say he had his back with the mom earlier. Aaron stepping right into that compliment saying yeah she was gonna lay him out LOL Oh how far our Tim has come for him to have a convo like that with Aaron and have it end with a smile. So proud of him it’s insane. That’s all she wrote for this one. Not a ton but enough that we got some goodies.

~~~

Side notes-non Chenford

Elijah sucks LOL that’s it ha

Thank you forever and always to those who read, like and comment on these. Crazy ride it’s been doing these and you all make it worth it. See you all in 5x08 :)

[teaberrii]

Chapter 20: Someone to Love

After ending a five-year relationship, you pour all your energy into work. Your latest assignment? Staying at a popular bed-and-breakfast to gather information. It should be a piece of cake... If only the owner isn't the man you scolded on the street.

Jing Yuan/You

Notes:

Cross-posted on Ao3

Female reader

Chapter index at the end of chapter one

Support my writing

You almost miss hearing the thunder rumble in the distance as Jing Yuan’s phone starts blowing up with messages and calls. Is this what Caelus’s uncle meant by ending things once and for all? How did he know about what happened to Jing Yuan’s friend? Wait. What happened to the guy? You nervously tap on the article and brace yourself as you read.

Jing Yuan’s old company—desperate to stay afloat amidst poor sales and a terrible economy—had their stocks crash. Jing Yuan’s friend, who had invested a pretty penny in hopes of a high return had lost everything. The company, knowing about his financial situation, had disregarded him, and his situation took a tragic turn. The article continues by saying that this man’s tragic downfall starts with Jing Yuan, the “rich CEO with millions that recommended and brought his friend into a corrupted company with no morale for its employees.”

What the article doesn’t say is what Jing Yuan told you just moments earlier:

“...I told him the consequences.”

Jing Yuan's eyes are glued to his phone, and for once, you know what's on his mind.

His business, partnerships, reputation… It's going to take a massive hit if he doesn't explain. Now you understand what Caelus's uncle and Jing Yuan meant. Are you going to stand by a man who's supposedly a "criminal" for ruining an innocent man's life? Are you willing to put your reputation on the line?

“...Hey.” You put your hand on his arm. “You don’t have anything to hide,” you reassure. “Using these dirty tactics means nothing if they aren’t true.”

“It’s true I referred to him... But, before then, I told him what I knew about was happening.” He closes his eyes for a moment. “Yet, he kept insisting that everything will be fine. At the time, I thought: Fine. I warned you. And it’s not guaranteed he’d get in through my referral alone. So, I did it.” Jing Yuan is looking away from you now. “It was not a smart decision, but I never thought it would lead to something as bad as it did.”

You tilt his head back. “...It’s not your fault.” Jing Yuan’s hand finds yours, and he holds it tightly. “He made that decision. All of it.” You pull him into a hug, and Jing Yuan’s arms go around you. “We’ll get through this. We won’t let him win.”

Jing Yuan wishes he could continue holding you like this. He can feel your heartbeat just like you can feel his, beating in sync.

“If you’re going to miss each other that much…” You and Jing Yuan break apart. Yanqing stands to the side, looking up at the two of you. “Why can’t Mom just sleep over?”

Jing Yuan crouches and picks Yanqing up. “...Dad has to take care of something tonight.”

Yanqing pouts, and you put a hand on Yanqing’s head. “Can you take care of Dad for me tonight?”

“I look after him every night!”

You and Jing Yuan smile, and then he lightly bounces Yanqing up. “Let’s give Mom a goodnight kiss.” Yanqing kisses your cheek, and then Jing Yuan says, “Now, close your eyes for a few seconds."

Yanqing does as he’s told, but he peeks out. When Jing Yuan leans closer to you, Yanqing completely covers his eyes. Jing Yuan’s kiss is brief, but long enough that you crave the taste of him. Then, you hear him whisper in your ear:

“Goodnight, my love.”

But, that night, like Jing Yuan, it’s far from a good night as you don’t get a wink of sleep.

It’s early the next morning when you’re on the phone with Kafka. Your phone is on speaker as you’re making coffee.

“The timing is too strategic and deliberate,” Kafka says.

“He knows about the investigation I’ve been doing,” you say. “It seems like he wants to shift the public’s focus onto other things even though nothing about him has come out… yet.”

“Well, innocent until proven guilty. If what Jing Yuan told you is true, I also don’t think he did anything wrong. The only problem is proving it.” She sighs. “Wait. What am I talking about? I’m supposed to be talking to you about work, for goodness sake.”

“You are… sort of.”

“Anyway, it’s crazy, but the company believes this will work to our advantage. With Jing Yuan in hot water, we can start making moves.”

You roll your eyes. “Yeah, well, I wonder how long that will last. It’s not like Star Rails has the best reputation here to begin with. Just because someone else is in trouble doesn’t mean we'll get a permanent boost. But…”

“...It’s making our ‘big, bad director’ more suspicious. I’m having another meeting with them today. I’ll keep you updated.”

“Great. Because I’ll be having a meeting of my own.”

It’s not long after you end the call with Kafka that you give the ex-fiancée of Caelus’s father a call.

“...I saw the article,” she says. “It’s all over social media.”

“I want to ask about the recording.”

“...The recording? The one between my brother and him?”

“My theory is that he needed proof. Imagine someone walking up to you and telling you that your wife cheated and had secret children. Who wouldn’t ask for proof?”

“Well… He could’ve asked his niece and nephew to get a DNA test or something… It’s pretty easy to do that nowadays.”

“Sadly, that kind of information is pretty private if they did. I highly doubt I can get my hands on it. I just want to know if you know about the details of that recording. You said it was a private conversation between your brother and him, but were Caelus and Stelle ever brought up? Or, maybe your relationship with their father? Anything that points to the fact that they were children of an affair.”

“...I’d have to ask my brother.”

“This man’s done enough,” you say. “You say it takes one person to ruin a bunch of people’s lives. Well, it can also take one person to save a bunch of people’s lives.”

You hope those words are enough to convince her.

When noon rolled around, you and Jing Yuan got in touch once. It's no surprise he's busy dealing with the aftermath of this fiasco while you're scrambling to get something tangible to nab Caelus's uncle once and for all. What puts you at ease is that Blade and Luocha are with him, but what surprises you is that even Jing Yuan's ex has willingly stepped up to give a statement. The man who died had been a friend of hers, too, and while the tragedy happened during their divorce, Jing Yuan had told her about his warnings to him when they were still together.

March and the others have also gotten in touch, and you could easily picture her annoyed face and clenched fists when she said:

“He’s such a little worm! That fuc—”

“As much as Jing Yuan’s trying to protect himself, he’s also keeping your name out of this as much as possible,” Dan Feng said, and you assumed he took the phone from March. “It’s no secret what that wormy old man is going to do next, so be careful, too.”

“Everyone in Xianzhou is surprised,” Welt said. “No surprise there, but we’re trying to mitigate the situation.”

March sighed. “...Yeah. We can’t sit around and do nothing. It’s frustrating.”

“But, don’t worry, Mom. We also got the almighty JIngliu on our side." You could see the smile on Dan Feng's face. "We got this.”

You walk into a café, and you see the “wormy old man” sitting at the back with a hot drink that you wish you could pour all over him. When you sit across from him, he finally looks at you.

“Not going to get a drink?”

“I’d rather not waste my time.”

“Fine. Let’s get down to business, shall we? Have you decided to stop your little investigation?”

“And if I don’t, will you release an article saying that I’m just as much of a criminal as Jing Yuan?”

“It doesn’t look good for you, considering he’s a competitor, isn’t he? Also, as a woman climbing the corporate ladder, it’s going to make it difficult for you even if you leave Star Rails.”

You almost scoff. “Is that what you also told Jing Yuan’s ex to keep her quiet? After Caelus died, you used this tactic that if word got out she was involved, it would harm her reputation and career.”

“You’re making some bold accusations without any evidence.”

“You used her as a pawn to get what you and the director wanted.”

Caelus’s uncle has a tight smile. “And what would we want?”

“...Do you believe me now?”

The director’s face had gone pale. His arms were on the table, his hands entwined, and he pressed his forehead against them as the words of the recording began to sink in and his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach. He thought he’d knew everything, but this goddamn woman had hid even more secrets from him. She was an ugly blemish on his life that would never disappear, and he wanted to fucking scream.

“Did you know she had children?”

The director slammed one of his hands on the table. “It’s all in the past. I have nothing to do with her anymore.”

“She took your money, didn’t she?”

The director glared at him. “What do you want?”

Caelus’s uncle crossed one leg over the other. “The same as you. Revenge. My brother is someone who only cares about himself. He refuses to give me anything, and he has everyone in Xianzhou fooled that it’s sickening. He came between you and your wife… and she supported him using your money. The hotel that’s thriving in Xianzhou… a large part of that success is because of your hard-earned money, and it’s in the hands of the child my brother had with your wife. If I were you, I’d like to see it go up in flames.”

He knew he had the director right where he wanted him. His face was red as a tomato, fists clenched, and a dangerous look in his eyes that looked as if something snapped.

“I’m sure you know that we’re trying to acquire that hotel right now,” Caelus’s uncle continued. “The project manager in charge of that… I know her very well. A capable woman who’s desperate to climb the corporate ladder. She’s willing to do anything to make sure this project goes through. Her greediness and desperation will be beneficial to us.”

The director’s anger seemed to have subsided slightly when he said, “...The one who presented at the meeting today?”

“That’s right. A pretty one, isn’t she? With the right words, I doubt we’ll have to do much. A woman’s desperation can be a scary but entertaining thing to watch.”

Caelus’s uncle remembers the conversation vividly. It feels like it’s just yesterday. He’s looking straight at you, impressed but also terrified at how much you know. But everything is just speculation. As long as the right people keep quiet…

“...Fine. I’ll entertain you.” He glares at you. “Assuming what you said is all true, there’s no direct evidence that leads to me purposely pressuring my nephew to take his life. There was a full police investigation, and while there was no suicide note, there was also no foul play.”

“You think you have everyone wrapped around your finger, but”—you lean closer—”people are selfish. If they don’t see any benefit to keep quiet, they won’t.”

Just then, your phone buzzes. It’s a message from the woman, and after reading it, you smile.

Your smile doesn’t go unnoticed by Caelus’s uncle. What did you read? Who messaged you?

“You gave us an opportunity,” you say, sliding your phone back into your pocket. “You trying to smear Jing Yuan also put your name in the papers. With him coming out clean, you won’t get off so easily. People can be ruthless when digging up other people's pasts, especially if they're dirty. The more lies you say, the bigger the hole. You won’t get off so easily no matter how much you try to play it off.”

“This doesn’t mean you and Jing Yuan will come out unscarred.”

“...We'll see who gets the last laugh.”

You’ve just exited the café when you take your phone out and reread the earlier message from the woman.

My brother doesn’t have the recording, but… he sent me these screenshots.

Lo’ and behold, it’s written in black and white: a conversation about the recording, but most importantly… one whole paragraph about how Caelus's uncle hates his brother and his desire to ruin his family and “take back what’s his” by getting rid of the children who stand in his way. The way it was written makes you think he must’ve been drunk at the time.

Just moments later, Kafka calls you.

“Like I thought, he denied everything,” Kafka says. “He said he only knew him from the project, but they weren’t involved in anything… personal.”

"Of course, I knew him," the director said. "He was a stakeholder in that project."

“He’s also the brother of the man who had an affair with your wife.”

He quickly stood. “What is this really about, Kafka?”

“I’m sure you’ve seen the article about Jing Yuan. I just found it interesting that the company mentioned in the article… was the same one we were looking to work with many years ago. I did a little digging myself and saw that Jing Yuan left before anything between the companies even began.”

“And?”

“The man that took his life… He was part of the management team that was on close terms with us, wasn’t he?”

“Oh, Kafka… Don’t tell me that you think we came up with this article. That’s ridiculous.”

“This timing is all very coincidental. Perhaps it’s to cover—”

“Your imagination is as wild as some of the people who work here.” Kafka narrowed her eyes. “The employee that you sent to Xianzhou hasn’t been delivering any results. Perhaps she should be thanking whoever wrote this article that the reputation of our competitor is going to go to shit.”

Kafka shook her head in disappointment. “You know what would’ve been the smartest move?” She looked at him straight in the eyes. “You should’ve left Xianzhou alone.”

You almost scoff. “Sounds like he can’t contain his guilt anymore. But… It makes sense. I don’t see how Caelus’s uncle would’ve known about what happened to Jing Yuan’s friend if someone hadn’t tipped him off.” Then, you roll your eyes. “Guess Star Rails was smart to not put their name in the paper.”

“Well, it’ll turn ugly, that’s for sure. Our director fed him this information. And, thinking they had the upper hand, they quickly published it. Now, if Jing Yuan is found to be clean, people will start questioning the person who started this entire thing.”

“Knowing the kind of person he is, I wouldn’t be surprised if Caelus’s uncle drags in our big, bad director and Star Rails so he doesn’t take all the blame. But, I’m glad this case will finally see the light of day.”

“In due time. It’s likely Star Rails paid this journalist to come up with this article if that journalist didn’t bother checking facts.”

“Then, I guess it’s good I have connections of my own.”

◆◆◆

“People are shocked, but not everyone is blindly believing it. So, that’s a good sign.”

It’s late afternoon, and Dan Heng and Jingliu are at a nearby café.

“I talked to Jing Yuan earlier today,” Jingliu says. “It’s the constant explaining to his investors and partnerships that’s driving him a little mad. But, at least the media already reached out to him. Our cute little investigator is also involved. ”

“Cute little investigator?”

Jingliu says your name. “She’s ready to fire bullets.”

Dan Heng puts his hands around his coffee. “...Looks like you are, too.”

“Me? Oh, well, if you call finding a new path firing bullets…” She chuckles. “I suppose.”

“It’ll do well. A physical rehab center for seniors isn’t something Xianzhou has yet. Fits with the market too since the population is getting older.”

“I’m glad people are already looking forward to it. A lot of my younger staff are already thinking about getting certifications. Some of them haven't decided what they want to do as a career yet, and this is something they're considering."

Dan Heng’s hand finds hers. “What about your dad?”

“What do you think?” Jingliu laughs. “He’s glad he doesn’t have to travel to the city if something does happen. In other words, he's happy we found a way out without having anything to do with you-know-who.” She slightly leans forward. “Why do you look down? I thought you also have things figured out.”

Does he? Dan Heng has been trying hard not to let it show, but it seems like he can’t suppress all of his emotions. He looks off to the side, wanting to pull his hand back when she holds it tightly. Is it childish to tell her what he truly feels? Probably. But it’s better than keeping her in the dark. So, he looks at her and says:

“...I’ll miss you. A lot.” Jingliu gives him a small, reassuring smile. “But knowing that both of us have our own thing going on, I don’t want to disappoint you.”

“I don’t know about other people, but”—Jingliu holds his hand—”I prefer this than being stuck with each other all the time.”

“I thought you might say that.”

Jingliu leans back and glances out the window. “You asked when was the last time I’ve been on a date. Well, I’ve been on a couple… but obviously they never worked out.” She looks back. “Some people told me I was too assertive and that men liked a woman who’s a little dependent on them.”

“...I’m sure there are people who fit that mould, but”—he smiles—”we do our own thing, regardless of what other people say.”

“I think that’s one of the things I like about you, Dan Heng.” The unexpected compliment makes his face warm. “Out of the years I’ve been training you, you don’t sway easily by what other people say. Whether it’s about your performance or decisions… You think about whether what people say has merit. That’s not something easily accomplished by someone your age.”

“I’m not young anymore.”

“Well, some people never get there.”

“...There’s one person whose opinion I want to know about.”

Jingliu laughs. “My dad?” Judging from the look on his face, she was right. “Oh, he’ll love you. Don’t worry.”

But his legs still feel like jelly every time he thinks about formally meeting him, anyway.

◆◆◆

Dan Feng is lying half-naked on a table with acupuncture needles sticking out of his shoulders when March walks in. He glances at her and sees she already got his bag of medicine. She slides the door shut, and he can no longer hear the outside conversations. It’s just him and her.

“Luocha says Jing Yuan will be fine,” March says. “Looks like Welt’s Ms. Femme Fatale got some dirt on Caelus’s uncle that will really shut his mouth once and for all. Hallelujah!"

“You talking about Mom?”

“Stop calling her that,” March deadpans. “It’s weird.”

Dan Feng tilts his head to the right as if he’s a puppy. “Why? You call JIngliu Mom. With how things are going, you might as well start calling Dan Heng Dad."

March makes a disgusted face. “That’s different.”

“Well, we have time to spare. Enlighten me, dear March.”

“You’re not that much older than her.”

Dan Feng gives her a deadpan look. March ignores this and pulls out her phone. When she slips it back into her pocket again, Dan Feng asks, “You waiting for someone?”

She sits on a nearby chair. “...I’ve been back in touch with some people I knew in the entertainment industry.”

“Are you excited?” March looks at him. “You’re going to be performing on music shows, aren’t you?”

“Actually…” She takes a small breath. “The contract I’m going to be signing is for acting.”

“Acting? You’re going to be an actress?”

“I was talking to Welt about it the other day… How cool it would be if his novel got a film adaptation. I joked that I could play our Ms. Femme Fatale, and then he literally said ‘Well, why not?’ Just got me thinking… considering it looks like everyone is stepping into new things. I don’t want to fall behind.” When Dan Feng doesn’t say anything, March starts fidgeting. “If you’re going to laugh, then just do it. Stop making me anxious.”

“Why would I laugh?” Dan Feng rolls his eyes. “It’s one of the things I like about you.”

“Yeah, well, you—” March stops and stares at him with wide eyes. “What did you say?”

Dan Feng would've shrugged if he could. "It's just something I noticed. You have a natural talent for singing but you wanted to try dancing. When you got good at dancing, you wanted to try producing and writing your own songs. I don't know. I guess it's cool that you don't settle just because you're good at one thing."

March’s jaw drops.

“You look like a fish out of water,” Dan Feng continues.

“I, um, well… That’s…”

“Your face is turning red.”

She huffs.

“Now, you look like a blowfish.”

She walks over and gently pokes one of the needles. “Don’t make me stab you.”

“Ooh, I’m terrified.”

March moves in front of him, and Dan Feng watches as she gets at eye level with him. What is she doing? If only he can move.

“You know what I hate about you?”

Dan Feng holds her stare. “Everything?”

She sighs and moves closer. “...Yeah. Everything.”

A small smirk. “Well, you won’t hate me if you come just a little closer.”

“Sounds sus, but—”

It takes March a moment to realize that Dan Feng is kissing her… while lying half-naked on the acupuncture bed.

◆◆◆

When you finally see Jing Yuan, it’s late afternoon, Things have finally begun to settle down as he’d finished talking to reporters and took care of things internally to come out with a statement. But, most importantly, he still had the texts between him and his friend that proved his innocence. Now, all that’s left is to wait.

You, Blade, and Jing Yuan are having tea at Jing Yuan’s place when you say:

“I feel like I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

“Bet you didn’t think you’d be going through all of this when you first got here,” Blade says.

“It’s something I’ll never forget, that’s for sure. But… not everything’s finished yet.” You put your tea on the table. “I’m officially working with the media on an article exposing Star Rails.”

“Wait,” Jing Yuan says. “...But, you’re still working there.”

“Yeah… Won’t this get you into some pretty big trouble?” Blade asks.

“If you mean launching a new career, then… yeah. I suppose so.”

“A new career? You mean…”

You’re looking at Jing Yuan when you say, “If things go well… I might be offered a contract as a freelance journalist covering local news here." Jing Yuan feels his heart soar. "Of course, this is just the start… The more experience I get, I can start a newsroom here.”

Your words wash his fatigue away as he pulls you into a hug. “The best news I've heard all day. You’ll do so well, love.”

“Hm… Interesting. Perhaps we’ll even work together.”

“Work together?” you ask Blade as Jing Yuan lets you go.

“The university I work at is interested in building a small agricultural campus here. It's partly why I'm here."

“Are you overseeing this project?”

“That’s right. I’ll also be relocating here to teach.”

Your jaw almost drops. “Wow. I bet Yanqing will be happy to have both of his dads here.”

“...I asked Yanqing not to call Blade that anymore,” Jing Yuan says.

Before you can ask, Blade notices the time and says, “All good things have to come to an end, I guess.” He stands. “But, at least I still get to spend time with my favourite kid.” You and Jing Yuan walk Blade to the door. “I’ll drop him off later.”

Jing Yuan nods, and you and Blade say a quick goodbye.

Once Blade leaves, you jokingly ask, “Is someone being too protective of Yanqing now?”

Jing Yuan walks up, puts his hands around your waist, and leans closer. “I don’t want people to think you also belong to Blade.” The thought has never crossed your mind, but it makes sense… as Yanqing calls you Mom. Jing Yuan’s forehead is against yours when he says, “...You belong to me.”

Your mind goes into a daze when his lips meet yours. Soon, his hot mouth once again takes you on a wild, wild ride, unleashing a flame within that quickly spreads throughout your body. Your fingers weave through his hair; his grip around your waist tightens, and he pulls you even closer until your body is flush against his. Your teasing touches dance along his broad shoulders and muscular arms, fanning the fiery flames of desire that he can no longer hold back.

The world becomes a blur as Jing Yuan lifts you effortlessly. With his hands on your hips, your legs around him, you gasp as his sinful, delicious mouth travels from your lips to your neck and then to your collarbone, leaving a burning trail in its wake that makes you long for more. A soft moan. A quiet gasp.

Then, you feel his breath against your ear.

“Let me hear more, love…”

You breathlessly say his name when he finds that sensitive spot on your neck.

“...I’ve waited too long.”

Soon, his tongue teases and dances with yours, and he’s kissing you as if it’s the last. You pull the red ribbon, releasing his hair from its confinement. Then, with your hands cupping his face, you say:

“...Love me, Jing Yuan.”

Chapter 21

End notes:

Muahahahaha the smut has finally arrived. I really want to try upping my game when writing smut lol so let's see how this goes.

The next chapter is the last! I'm surprised I actually kept this within a reasonable length lol. My initial want of keeping this within 20 chapters wasn't too far off. *pats self on back*

Tag list: @suoshiii @lordbugs @lxry-chxn @seirenspinel @immahuman @queencybow @nqctre @grimreapersscythe @winterpein @asakenajustexistshere @sunsethw4

[steddielvr]

ice cream bonding

Pairing: Robin Buckley x Female!Hopper!Reader

Summary: You stop for ice cream whilst taking your sister to meet Max at the mall. (Set around season 3 - pretend El was allowed to go to the mall and that Robin knew who she was before the final episode.)

Word Count: 1.0k+ words

Warnings: so much fluff, soft!Robin, sister!El, just so much softness

a/n: yet again, another favourite of mine. a lot of these older fics will be set in the earlier seasons as season 4 wasn’t out at the time! but please enjoy this sweet little fic with robin and sister!el <3

NOT MY GIF! CREDIT TO THE OWNER!

Pulling into the first available parking space you can find, El giggles as you finish singing a very off-key rendition to the song currently playing on the stereo. You turn to her with a grin, reaching over to ruffle her hair affectionately. 

It had grown so much compared to when she first moved in with you and your dad and you loved it; it was getting a lot longer and she always came to you to try out new hairstyles on her or even to just do her hair in the morning. Hop wasn’t very good at that kind of stuff; your mom had always done your hair but when she left after Sara passed, he tried his best to fill her place. You always ended up with huge knots and tangles and it definitely wasn’t your best hair period. Joyce would always laugh when she saw you and since the first time, she would help teach you how to do it yourself.

“Are you ready to go?” you ask your sister, checking her over to make sure she’s got everything she came with. She nods with a wide smile and you turn off the engine before the two of you get out of the car. 

Locking the doors, El reaches for your hand and you gladly take it in yours, squeezing it softly. 

“What time did you say we were meeting Max?” you question, glancing at your watch quickly. 

“She said around 1:30.” she replies, peering at your watch too. You giggle at her as you know she can’t tell the time properly on an analogue watch.

“It’s only 1” you clarify, pushing the door to the mall open. “You want to get some ice cream whilst we wait?” 

Her face lights up, eyes widening. 

“Is Robin working?” her tone is hopeful and your heart melts at how much she adores her. You nod your head fondly, a soft smile on your face at the thought of your girlfriend.

“Yeah, she is. Steve too.” 

El’s smile widens as she tightens her grip on your hand and pulls you towards the Scoops Ahoy sign eagerly. She runs up to the counter, where Robin is sitting reading a book. She doesn’t look up as she starts to speak.

“Ahoy, what can I get you-” she says, voice monotonous until she lifts her head and sees you and El grinning back at her. “Hey! If it isn’t my favourite girls!” 

She jogs around the counter, El letting go of your hand to embrace her warmly. Robin giggles as she returns the hug with the same fondness. You smile at the encounter, biting your lip gently.

Robin grins down at El before turning her attention to you, coming over and pulling you into her, glancing around briefly before giving you a brief peck on the lips. You blush and chuckle at her, muttering a small hey.

“Sit down, I’ll bring you your usual” she runs back around the counter, picking up two cones and giving you each two scoops of your favourites. You pull your purse out before she yells at you from behind the counter. “No! Put your money away, these ones are on the house.” 

You tilt your head at her with a frown as she comes back over to your table, El taking the ice cream with a muttered thank you. 

“Rob, if you keep giving us free ice cream, how are you going to make any money?” you scold her, taking the ice cream that she’s thrusting impatiently towards you. 

“We have other customers!” she defends, smirking cheekily at you. “Hey, dingus!” she shouts behind her, taking a seat beside you.

Steve pokes his head through the backroom door, glancing around before his eyes land on your table. “Oh, hey Hoppers!” he waves, you and El waving back at him.

“Hi, Steve.” you both respond.

“I’m taking my break, dingus, so yours is over.” Robin informs him, Steve’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. 

“I’ve been on break for like 10 minutes” he retorts, before rolling his eyes and coming behind the counter anyway. “Only because I like those two” he says, winking at you and El.

Robin’s jaw clenches. 

“Can you not wink at my girlfriend, Harrington?” she scowls, before turning her attention to you and your sister. “So, what are you two up to today?”

“El’s meeting Max here in like 15 minutes so I can take them shopping” you explain, El nodding in agreement whilst eating her ice cream quickly. “El, you’ll get brain freeze” you warn, raising your eyebrows jokingly, making her eyes widen before she slows down. 

“I wish I could come with..” Robin whines, placing her head on your shoulder. “I miss hanging out with you guys” she pouts.

You poke her lip playfully, giggling at her. 

“Well, we’re having a sleepover at the cabin tonight. Why don’t we meet you after your shift and you can come back with us?” you suggest, her eyes lighting up at your offer.

“Yes, that sounds amazing!” she agrees, kissing your cheek before lifting her head from your shoulder. 

The three of you talk between you, you and El finishing your ice cream’s, El catching Robin up on her summer. Robin teased her about Mike, El teasing Robin about you in return. 

You finished laughing at a joke Robin had told you before El springs up from her seat.

“Max!” she exclaims, running to give her best friend a hug. You smile over at the two before Max sees you and Robin and grins. You both stand up and she pulls you into a group hug.

“Hey, Max” you grin, rubbing her back fondly. “Are you ready to go?” You look at the younger girls, both of them nodding eagerly. 

You turn back to your girlfriend’s frowning face and giggle. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, you press a quick kiss to her lips before speaking.

“We’ll meet you back here when we’re done?” 

She nods with a smile, stealing another quick kiss before you push her away gently.

“Get back to work, sailor! See you later, Steve.” you look over her shoulder and wave at the tired boy, him waving back with a smile.

“Bye ladies! Have fun” he replies, before Robin joins him back behind the counter. 

Max and El each take one of your hands, pulling you from the store and heading towards their first destination.

[banannabethchase]

"Which one of you came up with this bullshit? It had to be one of you." 🤠🐶👸

The Eye of the Beholder - also on AO3

~

Adam comes home to see one of his two boyfriends has put up some new art on the wall.

~

Adam blinks as he walks into the living room. Then he pinches himself. Then he walks out, counts to ten, and comes back in.

“What the fuck is happening?” There’s no sound, almost like Matt and Mox are elsewhere. But both cars were in the driveway, and there’s a glass of water leaving rings on Matt’s favorite coaster, and Mox’s boots are chucked under their shelf in the foyer. His eyes flicker back up to make sure he’s not hallucinating. He’s not. It’s up there.

When he’s sure he can keep his shit together, he yells out in the hallway, “Which one of you came up with this bullshit?” He waits, possibly hears a little giggle from somewhere. “It had to be one of you. Come on.”

Mox walks out of the kitchen calmly, a glass of water in his hand. Adam notes that part of his sleeve is wet. “What’s wrong?”

“This,” Adam says, gesturing up at the painting on the way. “This is what’s wrong. Who did this?”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” Mox says, taking a sip.

“The giant print of us fucking on the wall?” Adam says. “That doesn’t give you a fuckin’ clue?”

Mox looks up and tilts his head. “Hasn’t that always been there?”

“Wha – no! Don’t fucking gaslight me about our sex photo on the wall.”

Mox shrugs. “Looks good with the room. Matches the couch.”

“How are you not reacting to this?” Adam asks. “This is – my mom is coming for dinner Saturday night!”

“It’s art!” Matt says, walking in. “I mean, what?”

“So it was you,” Adam says. “This is weird, Matt.”

“It’s art,” Matt repeats, like Adam’s the one out of his mind here. “It was a gorgeous photo from that camera we set up last month.”

“Did you just, like, bring this to Wal-Mart and ask for a four by five foot printing?” Adam pictures it, the worker trying to do their damned job only to have a photo of three wrestlers having a threesome show up on their daily to do list.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Matt says. He yanks at the sleeves of his hoodie. It doesn’t take long for Adam to realize it’s one of his. Little thief. “I put in a special order, accompanied by an NDA. They’re a small business owner, no ties to the wrestling business.”

“Yeah, I don’t want people we don’t know seeing that,” Mox says, pointing to the monstrosity on the wall. “I love it, don’t get me wrong, but don’t let it go out to others.”

“That’s your problem with it?” Adam asks. “Seriously?” His eyes go up to it to see himself, naked as the day he was born, balls deep in a very happy Matt. “This is – we can’t have guests.”

“Oh, like this is the weirdest thing we have on our walls,” Matt scoffs.

“What else is as bad as a photo of the three of us fucking?”

“Not bad,” Mox adds, unhelpfully, mouth full of water. “This rocks.”

“Hmm, I don’t know,” and Adam hates this tone from Matt. “Maybe the dead animal carcass hanging up in the entrance to our kitchen?” He points above his head.

“It’s a decorative piece!” Adam says, stepping under it and folding his arms.

“It’s a carcass,” Matt repeats. His hands plant on his hips.

“It’s a statement,” Adam says. “Mox, back me up here?”

Mox steps back, hands up in front of him. “Look, you don’t want my opinion on this one, dude.”

“What?” Adam feels the cold wave of betrayal wash over him. He’s not used to Mox being on Matt’s side. Especially since Matt is always the wrong one. “You said it was cool!”

“I said it was cool for you to hang up,” Mox says, and god it’s infuriating how hot he looks when he’s smug. “Not that the stupid skull bones are cool.”

Adam groans. “You can’t be serious.”

“I just think if we’re going to have the weird stuff you consider art on our walls, we can have the weird stuff I consider art on our walls.” Matt goes back to boo boo eyes, and Adam knows this is a con. The problem is it’s working.

He looks between Matt and Mox, trying to find the weak link. And he realizes, with sudden horror, it’s him. “Okay, god, fine!” Adam yells. “We’ll take down the decorative skull. Fuck, I get it.”

Mox remains stoic, but Matt gets the smuggest grin on his face. “I knew I could get you to listen to me,” he says, folding his arms over his chest. “Only a matter of time.”

“Shut up,” Adam says. He flicks Matt’s nose. “You could have just asked.”

“We did,” Mox says, and Adam hates how he’s the most level headed in the room. It’s wrong. “You were stupid about it.”

Adam rolls his eyes and bitches the whole damned time he takes down the skull. It’s not that weird, he knows. Other people have similar decorations – it’s not unheard of. But, as he puts it away in his office for later relocation, it’s worth it to see Matt take down the giant blown up photo. He holds it in his hands, outstretched, studying it like an art critic.

“What the fuck are you looking at now?” Adam sighs.

“Just thinking,” Matt says, “it would be a shame to let this go to waste.” He looks up, boo boo eyes all over the place. “What about the bedroom?”

“The bedroom is covered in your sneakers and his belt buckles,” Mox says before Adam can answer.

“Oh, says the man who leaves a different pair of beat to shit leather boots all over the house,” Adam scoffs. “But, with the sneakers, yeah.”

“I don’t accept you agreeing with him,” Matt says primly. “And this could be fun above the bed.”

“Above – I have to sleep at night, Matt!” Adam exclaims.

Mox, meanwhile has stopped with his cup halfway to his lips. “I think I just had a waking nightmare of waking up to stare at a printed version of my ass.”

“See?” Adam says. “Not gonna happen.”

“Gym?” Matt asks.

“Oh,” Mox says, and Adam doesn’t like the look on his face. “Wait, that’s a good idea.”

“It is?” Adam asks. “How?”

“Think of it this way,” and Mox has got a tempting kind of grin on his lips. He walks toward Adam until he’s leaning against the counter, Mox so close it’s hard not to kiss him. “I see that picture of us on the wall while you’re doing that arm thing with the weights that makes you look all huge.” He leans in, stepping between Adam’s spread legs. “And you get to bend me over the bench again.”

“I do that, like, weekly, “Adam says, but he hauls Mox in by the waist so he’s pressed against him. “But I see where you’re going with this.” He’s leaning in to kiss Mox when Matt says, “Hey! It was my idea, not his?”

“Nah,” Adam says. “Your idea was putting it in the gym, not wild sex in the gym after we put the stupid picture in there.”

“Whatever, fine,” Matt says, gently leaning the photo against the dish washer. “So, like, are we gonna go into the bedroom now? Because you two are doing the thing again and I really want to be in the middle of it.”

“See that’s an idea of yours I can get behind,” Adam says. He reaches out and pulls Matt in.

Mox snickers. “Hopefully not the only thing you’re getting behind tonight.”

~

Mini Playlist: Trouble - Twice Nxde - (G)I-DLE Angel to You (Devil to Me) - The Click Five Feed the Beast - ARIZONA

[ben-her]

Noticeably not frozen.

Of course a big ass puppy wuppy would show up the day all the shelters are closed…………..

[bts-hyperfixation]

Tempting Tutelage

A Taehyung x Reader Fanfiction

Summer Madness 9/32 When you begin to fall behind in one of your university courses, you enlist the help of your childhood friend, Kim Taehyung, to help you pass the semester.

Please note the course mentioned is entirely made up and therefore complete and utter bullshit and I entirely lost the plot while writing about it...

“Ooooh Taae Taae.” You sing song.

You catch the man walking out of the university music rooms after band practice. You watch as he glances around for who could possibly be calling like that until his eyes settle on you. He looks completely confused to find you are the owner of the cheerful call, but not unhappy.

“Y/N-ah, you haven’t called me that since we were kids. To what do I owe the pleasure?” He asks, strolling away from his band friends towards you.

It’s true, you stopped calling him TaeTae when you were both eleven. You decided he was too old for that nickname now and he had finally grown into his full name. It had been almost a decade since then. You also hadn’t been quite so close since then, drifting apart into separate social circles as you grew older, pulling you away from one another as is natural with kids. It’s a small miracle that neither of you ended up adjusting your life plans and heading to the same university, although that had more to do with the courses they had on offer than ending up together.

“I need a teensy weency favour.” You say batting your eyelashes.

“How teensy weency?” He asks, eyebrow raised in suspicion.

The last time you had called in a favour involved a first-year party and way too many jello shots.

Although technically your mom had called in that favour when she received a phone call from one of

your coursemates asking for your address. She had sent Taehyung to fetch you. That had been the

first time you had spoken to him since graduation.

You hold your fingers out demonstrating a pinch to show how small the favour was.

“Does it involve holding your hair back or sleeping on the floor in any way?”

You cringe as he teases. He had ended up staying with you all night just to make sure you didn’t choke. You had offered him your bed, you were too attached to the toilet anyway, but he refused. Instead, he kept you company on the bathroom floor, dragging your pillows in to protect you from the cold tile. You thanked every star that night that you forked out for the ensuite.

“It definitely does not.” You confirm.

"Great! Let's go get food and you can tell me more. Your treat of course.”

“Of course.”

_______________________________________

“So what do you need me for exactly?” Taehyung asks, muffled slightly by his food

He has always talked with his mouth full. He shoves more of the burger into his mouth as he

waits for you to explain.

“I’m taking ‘Contemporary Music and its Influence on today’s media landscape’ this semester. And I’m flunking hard. But I happen to know you got one of the highest scores when you took it last semester.”

“I did!” He says proudly. “So you want my notes?”

“No, I want you to tutor me. Just reading the information isn’t helping it to sink in. I think I need someone who is actually interested in the topic, professor Dodd is possibly the least inspiring man I have ever heard.”

“That sounds like more than a small favour.” He points out. “Like multiple hours a week worth of a

favour.”

“I’ll make it worth your while Tae Tae, pretty pretty pretty please help me.”

You fix him with your best puppy dog eyes you can muster, the kind that used to get him to give you the last piece of his candy. Being older there is a chance it looks a lot more desperate than cute, but that can’t be hurting your case.

He deliberates for a while, dramatically umming and ahhing while he finishes his meal. He drags his last fry through the ketchup on his plate and then savours every last chew. You tap your fingers annoyed on the tabletop. At this point his only answer could be yes, he just likes to milk the attention, as always: Band geek/drama nerd/debate club extraordinaire, any club with a spotlight. Any club you never had an interest in.

“Okay, when and where?” He asks, putting you out of your misery.

“My place? Thursday nights?”

“Works for me.”

_______________________________________________________

The first session is difficult. It is immediately apparent to Taehyung why you are failing. You lack any semblance of focus. Every time he looks down to check his notes your mind has wandered off. You just don’t seem to want to connect with the material at all. You’re either gazing out of the window or trying to change the topic entirely.

The third time he catches you watching the university football team out of the window he hits you around the head with his notepad. Not enough to hurt, just enough to bring your attention back to him. He stands and huffily closes the curtain.

“Why am I even here?” He grumbles, hands on his hips.

It’s rare to see Taehyung annoyed. He still looks the same as when you were kids, pouting more than scolding. It makes you want to laugh but you somewhat successfully stifle it with what you hope is a remorseful look. Judging by the way his nostrils flair, it’s not remorseful enough. 

“Seriously Y/N, I’m only here because you said you wanted help, I have much better things to be

doing with my time.”

“I know Tae, I’m really sorry. I just don’t get it. I thought it would be more based on modern music, you know the 00’s and 10’s, not the whole of the last century. It’s just so dull...” You whine.

“Now you’re trying to insult me on purpose, I’m sure of it.” He grasps at imaginary pearls, scandalised. “I don’t think I can teach you.”

“It’s not as if I find all music from before we were born unlistenable, just the stuff Professor Dodd choses.” You say, trying to rescue yourself.

Taehyung looks unconvinced like you are clutching at straws just to save face.

“Right, let me think about it over the weekend, I will find some new music you can use to relate to the course and try to salvage your grade.”

“You’re an angel.” You squeak, leaping up to hug him.

He blushes, the tips of his ears going red and hastily pushes you away.

"Yeah, yeah. whatever. What’s for dinner?" He asks changing the subject.

The following session provides a little more promise. Although it feels a lot more like hanging out and listening to music than it does studying... 

Taehyung insisted that each of his carefully crafted music choices was to be listened to in the most authentic way possible. And so your evening began with the two of you laying side by side on his bed listening to a mixtape of his favourite early eighties tracks using a Walkman that looked like it had certainly seen better days. 

You each took a headphone and he talked you through each song that played and how it revolutionised music. Admittedly you were more interested in the passion with which he conveyed his thoughts than the music itself, but it did seem to be working. Every few songs (When a cassette side ended and he had to pause and switch) he would quiz you on the information he had just relayed and you were getting a solid 70%.

You found yourselves drifting closer together until your arms were pressed up against each other. You tried not to focus too much on that. Instead, you immerse yourself in the music, and it really starts to feel like you can understand where Taehyung is coming from when he speaks. He hasn’t told you the title of this song yet, but it feels a lot like the drum is beating in time to your heart and it makes your brain go a little fuzzy.

“Y/N?” Taehyung asks, staring at you.

It is clear in the furrow of his brow that he had tried more than once to get your attention. Misconstruing your concentration for daydreaming, he huffs and pulls the earbud away from you.

“Right, when did I lose you?” He asks putting the cassette player back in the drawer in his bedside table.

"You didn’t this time I promise.” You protest.

He just shakes his head, clearly not believing you.

“It doesn’t matter, I think we were lying down for too long anyway.”

He crosses his small dorm and switches on an old record player. The song that starts playing is pretty, something you might hear during a dance scene in a movie like Grease. It doesn’t capture you the

same way the cassette had, but Taehyung does. He starts to sway to the beat, flourishing his arms and clicking in time to the music. He bites his lips and closes his eyes completely taken over by the music as it plays. He carries on until the song begins to blend into the next.

Then his eyes fall open and find you, his hand extended in invitation.

“Care to dance?”

He doesn’t really give you a chance to answer, taking your arm and dragging you to him. He holds you close and starts to sway again, turning you in circles together.

You relax into his hold, slotting yourself into him like a puzzle piece. Your head fits perfectly in the crook of his neck. You would admit, if he were to ask you anything about the songs as they play through you would not be able to answer a single question. You really can’t recall a single thing he has said since he pulled you into his arms.

“Y/N-ah?” his voice is uncharacteristically calm.

You pull back and look into his eyes, a timid blush has spread across his cheeks, one you are sure is mirrored on your own features.

“Yeah?” You ask, pressing against him a little more.

“I... I don’t think I’m really teaching anymore.”

He coughs to break the tension and lets you out of his arms. He hurries back to the record player and almost scratches the disc with how fast he turns it off.

“I think that’s enough for tonight.” He says, gathering your things for you.

You nod a little disappointed. Although he is definitely right, it feels like your brain might explode if you take in any more information. You take your things from his arms and walk out of his room as he opens the door for you.

“What did you want to get for dinner today?” You ask.

“You know what? I’m not that hungry... Rain check?”

“You’ve always been a terrible liar...” His stomach growls as you speak as if to prove your point.

“I just don’t feel like going out for dinner today.” He shrugs. “But bring your wallet next week, I’ll go all out to make up for this week.”

He grins as wide as he can and you decide not to push the issue. 

_________________________________

The following week proves to be far less intimate as you sit on Taehyung’s bed with him across the room messing around with a boom box you could’ve sworn he didn’t own last time.

When he finally has it working he still doesn’t join you on the bed, opting for the rather uncomfortable-looking desk chair. You write notes as he talks you through different cultural impacts.

It feels like he is watching you but every time you glance up he is conveniently looking anywhere but at you. This goes on for almost an hour before you huff impatiently. You find yourself becoming frustrated with the materials again, struggling to make connections between Taehyung’s words and the textbook contents.

He finally meets your gaze, questioning your little outburst.

“I can’t concentrate.” You complain.

“I can see that.”

He gestures down at your notepad where your last few notes were just an incoherent scribble rather than useful information.

“Let's try and make it more interesting...” Taehyung thinks for a moment.

He bites his bottom lip as his brain works through a possible plan. You find your own mind wandering back in time as you watch him nibble on his lip, not unlike how he looked dancing on his own.

Just as your mind is about to venture off into thinking about how attractive Taehyung has grown up to become, he has an aha moment. His face lights up like someone had actually held a lightbulb above his head.

“Let’s play 20 questions! I’ll play a couple of songs, quiz you on them, and then for every answer you get right you can ask me absolutely anything.” He suggests.

“What makes you think I want to know things about you? I already know all about you.” You point out.

“You know a lot about eleven-year-old me, that’s a lot of missing years... Plus I never said they had to be about me. I’m good friends with the football guys you so admire watching out of your window."

You were surprised he brought up the football guys. Mostly because you had completely forgotten about watching their practice instead of listening to Tae, it was mostly just to give you something else to focus on. You are also intrigued by the fact that Taehyung thinks you don’t know that much about him.

“Okay, you’re on.”

He presses play on the boom box again and you try hard to listen to what he is telling you. He asks you five questions. You answer two with what he deems to be a satisfactory answer.

"Okay hit me.” He says.

You think about it for a moment. There are very few things you can think of to ask him. You don’t know what you don’t know after all. You think really hard, but the only thing that comes to mind is prom and you are fairly certain you know what happened there... still it’s a starting point.

“Where were you at the end of prom when your award was announced?”

His eyes widen as if he never thought you’d ask about something so long ago. You were curious though, you had seen him flirting with his date and then they both disappeared, except she came back, but he never did. When his date reappeared she looked a bit dishevelled and people just assumed Taehyung and her had made it somewhere in the school. But that didn’t explain why he never came back if she did.

“You don’t know? I thought my date told the entire school all about that...” He seems genuinely surprised.

You shake your head.

“We had been dating for a couple of months, and we were getting off after prom... I told her some... things... I would like to try in bed and she slapped me and walked away. Decided not to return with the red handprint etched on my face.”

“She hit you?”

This time he shrugged.

“I guess she really wasn’t into what I was in to.”

“What were you in to?” You ask, hanging off the bed, intrigued.

“Nope, that’s question number three, a question you have yet to earn.”

You grumble a little but then let him continue with his lesson. This time you pay better attention, earning yourself three out of five questions.

“So... what were you in to?”

“Wow, don’t even want to start with a filler question? Lead up to that one? No... Okay. Back then I wasn’t into anything that weird I liked to spank my partners, maybe fuck their mouths a little bit. Nothing huge.”

“That seems like a lot for an eighteen-year-old.” You point out but he just shrugs.

“I was a bad judge of what was normal, a lot of weird shit went down at that drama summer camp I did."

“So I take it that wasn’t your first time then?”

“No, no it was not.” He nods.

“But it was hers?”

“Yes, yes it was.” He confirms again.

You open your mouth to ask another question but he holds a hand up to silence you and presses play again. He allows you bonus points on these questions. Racking your total up to six. You really think about it, determined not to waste these questions like you did the last two.

“You said those things in past tense like you aren’t in to them any more. Did you move on to more normal sex or weirder kinks?”

“Well, that really depends on what you think of as weird.”

His answer avoids the question, and he knows it. You’ve wasted another question and he wants you to be more specific.

“What are your kinks Taehyung?” You ask point blank.

“I’m not sure you’re ready for that answer.” He counters.

“That didn’t answer my question.” You pout.

“It did, it just wasn’t the answer you were looking for.” He smiles like he has won the game.

You just pout back, no longer interested in playing his question game if that's how he wants to play.

“Fine, fine. Answer a question for me, that's not about the course material and I will answer your question properly.”

“Promise?”

“I promise... and that counts as a question. You are down to three... Well three and a half I guess.”

“Just ask your question.” You grumble.

“Do you have any kinks?” You search for the joke in his eyes, but all mirth has disappeared as he waits for your answer.

“I... I don’t know.”

“How can you not know?” He asks, shocked.

“You said I had to answer one question and I did. Your turn.”

You stick your tongue out as you beat him at his own game.

“Fine... I have a lot of kinks. Some of my favourites? Praise, spitting, oh and breath control... Can you tell me how you don’t know now?”

“I’ve never really looked into it my last boyfriend was very interested in only carrying out the missionary position and I guess I wasn’t really invested enough to look into other things. The sex was fine, I just thought that’s what sex is supposed to be.”

“Tell me you’re joking...”

“I’m not.”

"Well, that's exceedingly depressing to hear Y/N-ah" His eyes fill with pity.

He finally moves from the desk, sliding on the bed next to you and taking your hands.

You glance down at where he is rubbing his thumbs over your knuckles. Everything suddenly feels a little too hot. You've not even been into detail about your lack of a sex life with your closest friends. 

"Maybe we should get back to studying." You say trying to change the topic.

You tug at your hands but Taehyung doesn't release them.

"I can help you with this too... if you want." He says.

You expect him to laugh, to pull away, to show some sign that he is joking. But it never comes. 

"You can't be serious. you aren't serious... Are you?"

"I've never been more serious in my life. And you have two questions left."

But he doesn't let you ask another one.

His lips are pressed up against yours, his hand relinquishing your own in favour of winding around your waist. He pushes against you forcing you to lie back on the bed. His tongue flicks against your lips and you allow him past. He explores a little before growing impatient and starting to kiss along your chin and down your throat.

His teeth graze along the column of your throat and his tongue dips into any crevices it finds.

"Taehyung.. shouldn't we talk about this?" 

"We will talk about this. In a minute." mumbles against your skin.

He pulls at the collar of your T-shirt to allow himself better access to your skin. He sucks a trail of purpling hickies from your collarbone to your shoulder. He makes a point of biting harder as he reaches the end, leaving you with a distinctive imprint of his teeth. 

"Are you going to be a good girl and let me show you how good sex can actually feel?" He makes firm eye contact as he waits for your answer.

The way his personality switches makes you shiver, the little praise making your legs twitch together.

"And how are you going to show me?" 

Instead of coming out strong and rebellious like you had hoped, your voice is breathy as if he had literally taken the air from your lungs. You grimace at your attempt making him chuckle. He reaches up to push your hair out of your face, leaving his palm on your cheek.

"I am going to take care of you in a way that's going to have you feeling like a princess while treating you like a whore."

He kisses you again with bruising force, teeth nibbling along your bottom lip. His hand slides from your face to the base of your throat, applying just a little pressure.

"Is this okay?" He asks.

You nod causing his hand to tighten slightly, and again your body tingles under his touch.

"Great, my hand is going to keep getting tighter. It will always be safe but if you want to stop you need to tap on my body three times. You can tap anywhere just do it firmly. Can you do that for me?"

Again you nod.

"Prove it to me, show me you can follow instructions."

You roll your eyes and he taps his hand against your chest as a small punishment. So you oblige, tapping his bicep hard three times in quick succession.

"That's perfect, angel." He squeezes tightly and then removes his hand completely.

He sits up and drags you with him so he can remove your shirt, he discards his own in the process. He kisses you once more and then slips off the bed and onto the floor. You lift your hips as he tugs at your sweats, taking your panties with them. 

He licks stripes along each of your thighs stopping an inch shy of your centre.

"Put your hands on my shoulders and squeeze when I do something you like. Don't be afraid to dig your nails in, I like it when it hurts." He winks.

And then his head disappears between your thighs.

His tongue delves deep into your folds, lapping at your hole until it's dripping. Only then does he shuffle his attention up to your clit. In the meantime, your nails bore into his shoulders leaving painful little half-moons behind to match the teeth marks on your own.

The tip of his tongue digs into the centre of your clit, he wiggles it back and forth making your toes curl into his rug. A finger soon joins his endeavour, pushing deep inside before forming come hither motions that turn you to jelly. Still, you keep your hands firmly planted on his shoulders like he said.

"You taste so good, always knew you would." He mumbles into your pussy.

The deep timber of his voice vibrates through you. Tipping you over the edge. Your head falls back and your mouth opens, whines spilling free as he continues to pleasure you through your orgasm.

He eventually pulls away as tears start to form in your eyes. He grabs a condom from his bedside table, shimmying quickly out of his slacks so he can roll the latex on. You lay back onto the bed properly as you wait for him. 

When he is ready, he slips in between your legs lining his hips up to yours. He uses one arm to balance leaning on his elbow next to your head as his free hand finds its way back to your throat, squeezing just tight enough to make you gasp.

"Do you remember what I said?" He questions.

You tap his arm three times and he releases your throat.

"That's my good girl, I knew I could get you to learn with the right incentive." He practically purrs. "I'm going to put my hand back now. The further into you I slide my dick, the tighter my hand is going to get okay?"

"Okay." You agree.

He leans in to kiss you, pushing his tongue past your lips as he rubs his hard length along your sensitive folds. The tip nudges against your clit make you cringe from the oversensitivity that still lingered. And then without much warning, he begins to slide in, his hand tightening in unison as promised. 

Your head starts to swim as he bottoms out. But the feeling doesn't scare you like maybe it should. You trust Taehyung. The pressure releases as he pulls back, his hand squeezes in time with each thrust, giving you just enough time to draw breath before he cuts you off each time.

"Your pussy squeezes so deliciously whenever I do this." He emphasises by pressing tighter on your windpipe.

You manage a strangled moan in response and his hand pulls away. You whimper at the loss but he just chuckles.

"I want to hear you now angel, we can have more fun with breath control another day." 

With both hands available to keep his balance, he thrusts harder, going deeper with each motion. He moans in your ear as he leans in closer letting you know exactly how you're making him feel. As his pace becomes more erratic he becomes more vocal.

"You make me so hard baby." He cries, hips stuttering a little. "You're so wet. Touch yourself for me."

You do as you're told, sliding a hand in between the two of you. He siver as your knuckles brush against his happy trail. You draw sloppy figures of eights around your clit, struggling to keep a steady motion as Taehyung whines, nearing his own end. 

You clamp down around him as you tip into a second orgasm, taking him over the edge with you. He rolls over to avoid putting his weight and brings you into his arms instead.

"I've waited forever for this." He sighs, kissing the top of your head.

"No, you have not." You shake your head, assuming it's just another of his exaggerations.

"Yes, I have. It's always been you... I really thought I had missed my chance a long time ago." He confessed.

You sit with the new information for a while. Taehyung seems completely content to sit there holding you, not really caring for a response but you give one anyway.

"I always thought you'd be my first you know... back when we were 14 just before we drifted apart..." You whisper, more into the air at him.

"I was just starting to give up on my crush around then.." His chuckle is humourless.

"I think this has worked out better. We've had time to become our own people." You muse.

"Yeah, maybe you're right. But now that I've had you, I have no intention of letting you go again."

He pulls you tighter into his embrace and you return the affection wrapping your ars around him too.

Notes:

This request asked for a spit kink but sadly I couldn't quite fit it in with the theme. Also, they asked for a shy Tae and apparently my brain says no, no shy Taes... Sorry

Ask Box - Please send me thirsty/funny/angsty bts thoughts

Masterlist

Summer Madness Masterlist

[dr-spencer-reids-queen]

Bloodline: Final Part

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~1.4k

Summary: Never have you heard of a family killing together, and never have you heard of generation of families killing together. Yet here you are.

Warnings: canon violence, canon language, canon talk of death, methods of kill

Author’s Note: I do not own anything from Criminal Minds. All credit goes to their respective owners. If there are any warnings that exceed the normal death/kills from the show, I will list them. If you’ve seen the show, then it’s the same level of angst unless otherwise stated

x

They're going to need all new clothes and more money to make the run into another city or state. Since this fire only happened about an hour ago, then they're most likely still there. By the time you reach the mall, Penelope had sent over the picture of what Kathy might look like as an adult. The fliers were passed out to everyone.

There are so many people inside the mall that you couldn't use your tracking abilities as efficiently as you might want to. Not everyone here is innocent, and their guilt or bad behavior masks the scent of the family you're looking for.

Suddenly, a store alarm goes off in one of the stores upstairs, and you rush to the store in hopes you can catch whoever set it off. Kathy Gray is standing in the middle of the walkway with bags in her hands, and store security is trying to get her to drop the bags.

The only thing missing is her husband and son.

"Ma'am! Set those bags down, right now!"

"Kathy Gray! You're under arrest! Cuff her."

It's weird that she's so compliant right now. She spent all her time running and evading the police, and now you're capturing her on the store alarm. She's an expert in stealing. Why would she get caught now? Kathy is taken away but the frown doesn't leave your face.

"What's wrong? We got her," Bo says.

"They've been stealing for years and they never get caught. This was too easy," Hotch voices your concern.

Kathy is brought back to the police station, but she isn't saying a word. She'll do anything to protect her family, so you have to try a different tactic than what you usually do. Good cop/bad cop might work with her, and you and Hotch decide you're going to be the ones to play those parts. He can be scary when he wants to be, and you can come across as the gentlest person ever.

"Kathy, I can't help you if you're not going to be honest with me," you tell her for the hundredth time.

She's claiming she killed the two families without the help of anyone, but you know she's lying.

"I already told you, I killed them."

"All by yourself?"

"Yes."

"I know that's not true," you say.

"It is."

"How did you do it? How did you abduct a child and control two adults while you slit their throats?" Hotch asks harshly.

"Oh, come on, you know she's not responsible for this."

"I know we have a string of bodies, and she knows where her husband and son are."

"You're the victim here."

"No, she's not. She killed innocent people."

"Her family was murdered," you argue with Hotch.

If she sees this ruse, it might work into getting her to talk.

"Now she's killing other people's families."

"Kathy, this isn't your fault," you say.

"My name isn't Kathy. It's Sylvia."

"No, it's not. Your name is Kathy Gray, and you were a beautiful little girl." You take out a picture of Kathy that the news circulated to try and find her. She stares at it, and you watch as her world crumbles around her. "Your mom and dad were murdered, and you were kidnapped. Don't you recognize yourself there?"

Hotch clams his hands on the table, scaring her to death.

"I'm sick of this! Where are your husband and son?!"

"Look at me, Kathy. Don't listen to him." She doesn't take her eyes off Hotch. "They stole your life. Let me help you get it back."

"That little girl is better off with my son than any man she could meet in your society," she glares.

"I'm sure you raised him very well. Tell me about your mom."

"I've already told you everything. I killed them, all by myself."

"You're lying!"

"Kathy--"

"My name isn't Kathy!" she cuts you off.

"Yes, it is. Your name is Kathy Gray. You're from Vienna, Virginia. Tell me where your husband and son are so I can help you get your life back."

Hotch takes out crime scene photos of the two murders and basically shoves her face into it.

"Want to see what you did?"

"Hey, don't show her those," you sigh.

"If she killed them herself, she can see it again. Serial killers like to relive their crimes. Did you know that? This is Geoff Hale. He died from a strong, decisive cut. I think that was your husband. Nancy Hale's wound was more tentative. This was your son, right? I'm sure by the time he teaches his own son how to kill, his hand will be steady."

"Okay, stop--"

"This is the Robillard family."

"Kathy, you don't have to look at that."

"Do you want to see more?"

Hotch puts down the photos from Kathy's family's murder scene. She looks at them but shakes her head because she doesn't recognize them.

"I don't know what that is."

"Then look closely!" Hotch shoves her chair forward, causing her to jerk forward. "You don't recognize your own mother and father?"

This is where she starts to cry because she's starting to remember.

"See? This is the tentative cut your future husband made while he slit your mother's throat. Where are your husband and son?"

"Cate Hale is only alive because of you, isn't she? Your husband wanted to kill her but you didn't."

"No," she cries.

"How does that make you feel? To know that he was willing to kill that little girl? That he would have been willing to kill you, too? They murdered your family, Kathy, and they took you in, but you were never really one of them. You were just a breeder."

"I won't betray my family."

"Your little boy is only ten. There is a chance he could get out of custody when he's eighteen, but that's only if we get to him.

"I love my family," she sobs.

"Then tell us where your son is, and we can all help him together."

Rossi comes into the room with a file, and Hotch starts to read it out loud. It's a list of offenders who might be her husband. If you know his name, then you know where he might be.

"Scott Woodland, Zander Blanchard, Max Estep, Chip Jackson."

"I don't know who those people are."

"It's a list of every known offender in Huntsville, and you're going to tell us who your husband is. Cole Rudzinski, Pete Shernit--"

"Come on, give her a minute to do the right thing," you beg them but they don't listen.

"Matt Thorne, Brent Woodhouse--"

"Okay, I can't stop them. Kathy, this is it. This is your last chance to make things right."

"Kevin Everson, Mike Fenner, Morris Collins--"

The more Hotch reads, the more distraught Kathy gets. She looks like she is about to break, and she does when Hotch says Morris' name.

"Stop!" She gets up and distances herself from everyone to take a breather. Your team is watching from the window, and as soon as they got his name, they left to go get him. "I won't tell you."

"You just did," Rossi says.

Kathy knows she screwed up by reacting in the way you wanted her to.

"The boy's not with him."

"Where are the children?" you ask gently.

"I'll only tell you if you let me see my son."

That's an easy deal to be made, and she gives the location of her son and the little girl they took. Derek, Spencer, and a fleet of officers were able to track down Morris and arrest him. Rossi and Emily went to find the children, and they were brought back without a scratch on them. Kathy's son enters the room where you and Kathy are, and you immediately know something is wrong. He has that look in his eyes that tells you he's planning something.

Kathy rushes to the bars when she sees her son. She puts her fingers through the bars and holds her son's hand.

"It's just you now. You're going to be strong. I love you, puyule. Nu le spunelor despre furititai."

"Okay, Kathy, no," you immediately pull her away from her son.

She told him something in Romanian, and you need to get the interrogation tape to a translator immediately. Nobody moves until the translation comes in, and you make sure Kathy doesn't talk to her son, or else he'd be taken away from her. She complies knowing you'll figure out what she said eventually.

"We got the translation," Rossi says thirty minutes later.

"What did she say?"

"Don't tell them about your brothers."

If Kathy had more than one son or has a sister who also had a son, then there are a lot more families killing others and learning how to kill. You walk over to Kathy's son and look at him in the eyes.

"How many brothers do you have?"

He doesn't answer you.

"The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to each other." - Mario Puzo

x

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