#again really hoping this isn’t word salad

[snowbazzledestielshipper]

I completely agree, however, it’s not really the kids’ fault, it’s the person who decided to censor those words in the first place for fear of losing advertisers. This is part of the reason why tumblr is so comfortable for millennials and elder gen z, who grew up with this type of internet, and so unappealing for younger people and why the Tiktok migration didn’t really work all that well. It’s the last bastion of the Wild West that the internet used to be.

It’s also worth noting that society has gone backwards in recent times with more moral policing and less tolerance for new ideas and even old ones that are deemed morally unacceptable. (Some moral policing and lack of tolerance is good and arguably necessary, or else you could end up in literal nazism and such. We are, however, at the point where the moral policing is coming from an exclusionary point and not an inclusionary one, which I believe is where the problem lies.)

I personally think we are going to continue to see this trend of being more conservative and strict about stupid things like actually using correct words for things for at least another decade unless we actually get to the point of social upheaval that we are also heading towards.

The natural progression of censorship to unrest is definitely something to be watched in the next few years, if only for the fact that we have means to potentially communicate big chunks of information en masse for the first time, and we are using it to not only communicate happy and funny information, but also information that would have been overlooked or buried in years gone by where the civil population didn’t have the means of mass communication.

This is, in my opinion, why they are trying so hard to limit, disrupt, and outright ban said communications, and why platforms like Bluesky and tumblr are very important and will continue to be very important.

A good example is that I had a friend at one point that I lost touch with who was talking about Covid back in December 2019 and January 2020 and I was also hearing about it here, and I had told my parents that I was worried about it and wanted to stock up on medication (was 17 at the time) and they brushed me off. Another is all the news we’ve had out of Gaza coming from citizens about the situation on the ground, day to day, and what help is needed.

Side note, I really didn’t mean to go this deeply into the topic, but I felt like the first few paragraphs weren’t really going to be complete without the rest of it and it ended up really long and I’m sorry lol, I hope this all makes sense and isn’t too much rambling, I’m in the middle of being sick and my brain is scrambled. If this is word salad, I don’t know what I’ll do.

The tik tokification of 'bad words' like sex/seggs suicide/unalive pedohile/PDFile grape/rape only originally censored because of moderation rules but now in colloquial (online) speech is going to send me to an early grave

[luveline]

HI!!! so i am obsessed with your reader x coworker james first kiss fic. can we maybe get something about what came after? like how were the interactions the day or week after, how did they behave around each other, did james tell the boys or was he too nervous?

—you and James maintain a facade that Remus sees through

James wheels his chair to be as far from you as possible. He leans back, turns his monitor. Through the gap, he has a perfect window of your face without it being obvious that he’s staring. Well, sort of. 

Stop staring. 

James reads Remus’ slack message in surprise. He glances at you, finds you still snacking on chocolate covered somethings less covertly than you mean to be, and decides to grace his friend with a message back. 

Nope 

James, Remus messages. 

I’m not really staring 

You’re staring. She can definitely tell 

James looks back to you, hoping to prove Remus wrong, but you’re staring straight at him. He has the instinct to look away and the sense not to, charmed into grinning when you squint at him, your mock suspiciousness adorable. 

“James,” Remus says, clearing his throat. 

James pulls his gaze away reluctantly. “What?” 

“Can you answer my email?” 

The email isn’t an email, but another slack message. Are you serious right now? You couldn’t be more obvious if you tried 

James flicks a pen lid at him. “Obvious about what?” he mouths. 

You get up and stretch, tactically failing to meet anyone’s eyes as you pick up your empty glass of water and leave. 

“James, what’s going on?” 

“What ever could you mean, my love?” 

Remus rolls his chair toward. “Don’t flirt with me. I’m serious, what the hell is going on with you? You’re supposed to hate the girl.” 

“Hate is such a strong word.”

“Well, you’re being a bit much no matter what.” 

James bites his cheek in a hurry to straighten up. “You think so?” 

Remus just stares at him.

James has done a fantastic job at keeping your kiss a secret. He doesn’t know how, mind you —you kissed him, you kissed him, you asked if you could and you kissed him like a sweetheart with the softest mouth he’s ever had the fortune to feel pressed against his own. 

Since your kiss, he’s been feeling weirdly poetic. He totally gets all those Carol Ann Duffy poems they made him read at school now. 

One day without telling anybody is impressive, at least to his own standards. “I know what I’m doing,” he says. 

Remus frowns. “I’d love to be informed on what exactly that is.” 

“Certain events have transpired and convinced me that I was quite wrong to have judged our girl so harshly.”

“Certain events?” 

“I’m allowed some mystery,” James says, before smiling so hard it makes him squint and his cheeks apple. He rubs at his face roughly in an attempt to move forward, but he remembers the way your kiss had melded from soft and shy to hungry. Fuck, he loved it. He needs another one. He has no idea how to get it. “Ugh, I’m gonna go get my lunch from the fridge.” 

“Sure you are. Alright, well, I’m gonna find Sirius and maybe he can convince you to start acting normal again.”

James goes to the kitchen first but abandons his charade when you aren’t there. He grabs his lunch, tucking it under his arm as he makes his way through to the break room. You’re thankfully, blissfully, sitting by the open window with a shop-bought salad. 

He nods at the chair across from you. “Can I sit?” 

“Yes.” 

“That’s all you're eating?” he asks. A little tray of salad is hardly enough to keep you going until the end of the day. “I have gyoza chilli noodle soup, it’s amazing.” 

“You’re gonna eat it cold?” you ask. 

He leans forward, elbows on the table, holding your gaze. “No, but I’m busy right now.” He needs time to look you over. Every time he realises how pretty you are is like another beat of his capering pulse. 

“Don’t harass me.” 

“I’m not harassing you.” 

“What would you call this?” You stab a few pieces of lettuce onto your fork. “I can’t have much more for dinner, I just had half a packet of chocolate covered strawberries.” 

“Don’t say that, like some snacks and a salad are more than you’re allowed. Here, I'll warm this up and you can share. You’ll really like it, the gyoza are amazing.” 

“So what, you’re gonna take care of me now?” you ask. You’re teasing, but there’s a slight edge of bitterness to it like you believe what you’re saying. James is swift to set that right, though he stays speaking in tongues with you.

“I’ve been trying to.” James can hear footsteps at the doorway, and besides, you’re right, he’s being too nice. He sucks in an unbothered breath. “Whatever, loser, stick to your sad salad.” 

Your eyes widen. “I don’t want your cold soup, you idiot.” 

Sirius and Remus filter in with one of your coworkers just behind them. “I thought you said he was being weird?” Sirius asks. “He seems pretty normal to me.” 

Remus sighs forlornly, prompting a side hug from his boyfriend as he shepherds him to the table where you and James are sitting.

“He’s always being weird,” you say. 

James kicks your foot gently. You pick through your salad with a poorly concealed smile. 

[moonstruckme]

hey babe!! i’ve been re reading all ur fics and i keep thinking about how lovely your one with remus and the reader who goes nonverbal is! i was wondering if you’d be down to write something like that again? maybe the first time r goes nonverbal with remus and him being worried but really caring once he realises what’s happening? or something w poly!marauders? it’s up to you!!!

i hope u are having a fantastic day!

smooches, rosa (mareagirls) 😽

Hi rosa my love! Thank you for requesting, I really hope you're doing alright <333

cw: reader is overstimulated, goes nonverbal

Remus Lupin x fem!reader ♡ 1k words

“Excuse us,” Remus says, pushing your cart between two others with you following closely on his heels. “Excuse me, sorry, can I just—yeah, thanks.” 

He knows better than to save his shopping for a Sunday. Unfortunately, the two of you had been too cozy watching movies and eating ice cream last night to think of the consequences, and now his apartment is completely out of food. 

“How do you feel about cinnamon raisin bagels?” Remus asks you. He feels like he almost has to shout to be heard in the mayhem of the supermarket. 

You shrug and make a noncommittal humming sound. 

“Fair enough.” He puts them back, grabbing the regular ones. “I know I can’t finish a pack before they go bad, so I’ll need your help.” 

Ordinarily, you might tease him about the unfairness of placing this responsibility on your shoulders, or quip that simply having James over would solve any problems of excess food quickly enough, but right now you don’t seem inclined to. You’ve been oddly reserved since you entered the store, your usual attempts at conversation petering off as if you’re trying to offset the noise of it all with your own quiet. 

Remus looks back at his list. “Oh, did you want to make that macaroni salad this week?” 

Another shrug and a sort of half nod, as though you do but you’re hesitant to say it. 

“We can, dove.” He gives you a small smile. “What do we need for that?”

Your eyes fall from his, going somewhere he can’t reach as your lip dents like you’re chewing on the inside. A child who’s commandeered a cart pushes it into you roughly, causing you to take an unwilling step forward. Remus folds you in between him and your own cart, giving the child’s mother a severe look. 

“Hey,” he says to you gently, “you okay?” 

Your throat moves with a swallow. You’re looking more and more in distress the more he looks at you, shoulders tight and the faintest of lines in between your brows. 

Remus is starting to worry. He clasps the back of your arm kindly, rubbing up and down. “Can you talk to me, dovey?” 

Your features pinch suddenly, and you shake your head. 

His mind whirs. “Let’s get out of here,” he says in the softest tone he can manage, letting his grip slip down to your hand. “Let’s go, sweetheart, okay?” 

This, you seem more than amenable to. You clutch his hand just as tightly as he clutches yours, allowing Remus to lead you through the aisles to the exit. He feels a bit guilty about leaving the full cart where it is, but he’ll deal with that later. 

The parking lot isn’t much better than in the store, but the inside of his car feels like a tiny bubble of peace. Remus sits sideways in his seat, assessing you worriedly. You’ve stopped chewing your lip, but the line between your brows has worsened, your eyes closing as you take a deep breath through your nose. 

“Are you alright?” he asks. 

You nod, exhaling. 

“Can I hug you? Would that help at all?” 

Your eyes open as you nod again, reaching for him. Remus doesn’t make you do the work, practically crawling over the center console to wrap you up. He pushes his palm in between your shoulder blades, imagining his affection pouring into you through it. You make a tiny sound, nestling your face into the crook of his neck and shoulder. 

You stay like that for some time. Remus takes his cues from you, hugging you as long as you grip him tight and swaying back and forth a bit when that seems to help. His worry has crawled all the way up his throat, but it feels better just having you in his arms like this, knowing he’s got you close. 

After a while you let out a little sigh and loosen your grip. Remus lets you slip away, trailing his touch down to your forearms. 

“Feeling any better?” he asks, fully prepared to do whatever needs to be done if you say no. But you nod, and the tension in his chest eases slightly. “Yeah? Are you able to tell me what’s going on?” 

You start to chew your lip again, but Remus tsks, pressing his thumb into your chin so it comes free. 

“It’s alright if not, dovey.” 

You shy a bit, then open his glove box, taking out one of the small napkins he’s stowed away from past takeaway orders. Next you pop open his center console, digging around until you find a pen. 

“You want to write it down?” he asks, realizing. “That pen’s shit, let me find you a better one…here.” 

You take the pen from him with a hesitant smile, leaning down over his dash to write. Remus tries not to appear too nosy, looking out the window and watching people move past as you scribble on the napkin. Eventually, you hand it to him. 

Your handwriting is not at its best given the surface you’ve had to do it on, but he can make it out. You’ve explained, as succinctly as you can, what happened in the store. That this is something that happens to you from time to time, and that you’ll be okay in a while. 

Remus tsks as he finishes, lowering the napkin. “Sweetheart, I wish you’d said you were overwhelmed when we went in there. I would’ve taken us home.” You shrug, looking down at your hands. He takes one in his own, thumbing over the bumps of your knuckles. “How about this. I’m going to tell you an idea, and you let me know if it sounds good to you. Yeah?” 

You look up, nodding tentatively. 

“I’ll go back in and buy what we’ve gotten already, and then we’ll go back to my place and cuddle until it feels like we never left. Okay?” 

This time your nod is downright eager, a sort of relief in your eyes. 

Remus smiles, leaning over to kiss your cheek. “Alright, lovely. Don’t go anywhere.” 

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

You Make Me Wanna 5

Warnings: dark elements, noncon, age gap, best friend’s dad trope other dark elements. Proceed with caution.

Note: Please let me know what you think as it helps me a lot with ideas and I love interacting with you all.

Part of The Club AU

Three times. Walter, Mr. Marshall, Detective, whoever he is that day, has driven by your house three times. Three times that you’ve noticed. 

The first time you recognised his car, you were taking out the trash. The second time, you were making sure your siblings got on the bus for school. And the third time, you’re coming out the front door, in uniform as you mentally steel yourself for another day at the grocery store. 

You try not to be too obvious as you look for him. You set out on your usual route, a peek here and there over your shoulder, a strategic glance down the street as you turn to cross. Maybe he can stop you for jaywalking. A perfect excuse for him to swing around his weight. 

You take out your phone as you come in sight of the plaza with the grocery store at its centre. Still not word from Faye. You really don’t expect her to be the first to reach out. You’re still sore yourself. It isn’t just that she ditched you, again, it’s that she was so quick to believe you sold her out. She knows the way her father is and yet just like him, she assumes you’re in the wrong. 

As you approach the front doors of the store, you glance back at the lot. It’s sparse with vehicles, still early enough that stockers work at the shelves and the deli still fills its baskets with slices and salads. You clock in and tie on your apron, taking your vigil behind a till. Debbie leaves you as the sole cashier as she goes to do her counts. 

You stare across the store, vision blurring, as the ceiling speakers drone out 80s pop. Your eyes nearly cross at the orbs of colours that form around you; the medley of produce, the smear of labels, and the looming shade of endless aisles. As you detach yourself from the monotony, you’re filled with a cloud of futile acceptance. Every day for the rest of your life. 

Last year, you still had hope. You remember you told Faye you could save up and join her at college. That’s definitely not going to happen. You barely saved a nickel. Just like high school, your cheques were spent picking up after your mom’s job hopping. Your siblings can’t go without food or clothes or everything you didn’t have. Even when you get a few staples free from the clearance cart, you’re still paying far too much just to feed the lot. 

Chrissie is almost fourteen now. She offered to put in an application but she’s still a few years from all that. Besides, you don’t want her to be like you. Only ever worrying about the empty fridge and your mom’s latest antics.  

Zooey is only ten and blissfully unconcerned with anything but anime and drawing in her sketchbook, and your brother, Milo, seven, likes to bring home frogs and snakes. They’re both too young to sense anything is off, though at times, they ask you very pertinent questions about the other kids in their class. 

You sigh. You never wanted this life. Against your will, you’ve inherited your mother’s lot. Your siblings need a parent and she’s not willing to be one. So, you’ll just have to ring through eggs and milk for the rest of your life and make sure they aren’t caught in the same bog. 

“Hey,” the sharp greeting draws you back. 

You blink and shake away the daze. You look over at Mr. Marshall. Not again. You do your best to smooth the worry from your forehead and reach for the sole item on the belt. An excuse, you’re sure. 

You can through the breakfast tray of a hardboiled egg, pita, hummus, cheese, and grapes. The beep chirps harshly in your ears as he stares you down over the top of your till. You stifle a yawn as you hover your hand over the buttons. 

“That everything?” You ask dully. 

“You looked worried,” he moves to lean on the other side of debit machine, where his tray awaits him. “Like maybe you’re keeping secrets.” 

You huff, “I told you I haven’t heard from Faye.” 

“I didn’t ask.” 

“Don’t treat me like I’m stupid,” you snap, “are you going to pay or do you want me to put this back, detective?” 

“I’m off duty,” he tilts his head, “night shift.” 

“Great, so credit or cash?” 

He puffs through his nostrils and squares his jaw, “lot of kids running around your place, huh?” 

“No,” you say curtly, “don’t.” 

“I’m just tryna figure out where my kid is. Pretty crowded at yours so... maybe she’s somewhere else.” 

“Maybe she is,” you utter in exasperation, “but I guess it doesn’t matter how many times I tell you that I don’t know where. You're still going to waste my time. And yours. So, please sir, cash or credit?” 

He scoffs and looks around, the place is still desolate, “you got time.” 

But you don’t have the patience. You barely keep from the retort. You turn and start tidying the till, distracting yourself as you rearrange your sanitizer and check the bin in case it was missed. 

“She’s my daughter. How would you feel if one of your sisters ran off, huh?” 

“You don’t get to talk about my sisters,” you turn back to him, “fine, alright, you want evidence, I’ll give you evidence, sir.” You take out your phone and flick through it in frustration, “the last message she sent me was the night we went out.” You turn the screen to him, “she hasn’t texted, she hasn’t called. Happy? Cause I don’t think she’s interested in being my friend anymore. She’s finally outgrown the poor girl.” 

You can’t help but throw the phone at him as your emotion wells up, “she was only ever friends with me to piss you off. Like I said, I’m not stupid. I just--” you cut yourself off, “I got work to do.” 

You turn back to the screen at your shoulder and brace the cash drawer. You take a slow breath and let it out. You’re embarrassed. He finally did it. He finally got you to crack. You refuse to look at him as he gently places your phone on the counter. 

“Got it,” he says softly, “she isn’t with you.” He clears his throat and shifts, “debit.” 

You grit your teeth, staring at the screen as you hit the button to activate the pin pad, “go ahead.” 

You listen to the beep of each button as he puts in his pin. You wait and the till chimes as the transaction goes through. You rip of the receipt and drop it beside you on the counter without looking. You can hear everything, even the soft noise of him slipping his card back in his wallet. You keep your attention on the monitor. 

“Enjoy your breakfast,” he says. 

Your furrow your nose as you listen to his footsteps and only turn when you hear the automatic door whoosh. You look down at your phone beside the tray of food, the receipt laid neatly over it. You peek up at the doors and your stomach growls. 

His pity is hardly preferable to his spite. 

[spidermans-l-o-v-e-r]

Strawberries and Cream

I will be so real I made this title up while watching strawberry shortcake *Hyena laughing gif*

Pairing: Eddie Diaz x reader

Word count: 4.6k YEAH THATS RIGHT I ACTUALLY CHECKED THIS TIME

🔪remember to reblog🔪

Notes: You know the strawberry shortcake from the early 2000s? That’s MY GIRL. P.s I’m in the middle of writing this rn 1:47am 4/19/24 and imma be so real this fic is full on Christopher erasure I’m SORRY

Episode 1: First Appearances

Eddie had never been a “bumbling idiot” when it came to women, or okay at least he hadn’t been in a long time. 

“Hi there! Can you help me?” 

And there goes that record.

It’s like you walked in on a cloud of sugared lavender and cotton candy and strawberries and anything else sweet he could think of. He whirled around, nearly knocking into you

“Oh shit- god no shit- no I shouldn’t say shit-“ He grabs your arms to steady you, and it’s like he’s holding an angel. You’re… soft? Yeah soft is the word he’s looking for. He’s taking way too long to talk like a normal person and he knows it. But god if that short pink dress isn’t doing things to him…. 

“What um- What can I help you with?” Eddie leans against the fire truck, crossing his arms over his chest, coming back down to earth. What a smooth recovery. 

“Well- I’m looking for Evan Buckley. He goes by Buck?” She looks up at him, her hands clasped behind her back sweetly.

Oh. 

Oh, she wanted Buck. 

Eddie deflates just the tiniest bit, okay a lot but he can’t let her know that “Oh yeah sure, I think he’s upstairs, come on” 

He leads the way, his hand flowing over the cool railing, trying to ground himself a little. Was it wrong he was hoping Buck fumbled this one? He wanted his best friend to find happiness- to know what that felt like…but like he could just wish that a teeny bit right?

“Hey, Buck? Someone’s here to see you” He says as he stands at the top of the stairs. You pop out from behind him, throwing your hands in the air. 

“Surprise!!!” You yell, doing a little spin 

“It’s me!!!”

Buck's mouth drops wide open, his fork falling from his hand as he gets up from the table so excitedly he knocks his chair back.

“Y/N?!? What are you doing here?!” He runs over, picking you up and spinning you around, you squeal, holding onto him tightly.

“Buck!! Put me down!! You’re gonna drop me!” You’re laughing, your head tilted back as he squeezes you to his chest

“Not, I’m never putting you down again” He buries his face in your neck, hugging you as tight as he can before he sets you on the floor. He holds your arms, shaking you like a ragdoll.

“It’s been years Y/N, does Maddie know you’re here???” 

You push away from him a bit, steadying yourself and putting your hand on your forehead.

“Can you rein it in for like five seconds” you giggle, looking up at him “I thought it was finally time to come see you! And no Maddie doesn’t know I’m here yet, I wanted to surprise you two! 

“Well, do you have a place to stay? Because you’re staying with me you can have the bed I’ll take the couch! We can have Maddie over too! Oh god I’m so glad-“

Bobby finally clears his throat, looking up from the salad in front of him. 

“Uh…Buck? You wanna maybe introduce your friend before you kill her with whiplash”

“Or from crushing her sternum,” Hen says, pouring a cup of coffee

“Oh shit, yeah! This is Y/N, my cousin!” He puts his hands on her shoulders pridefully, pushing her towards them. 

Eddie perks up at that, turning around and leaning against the counter… cousin? He stirs his coffee slowly

Bobby gets up and shakes her hand, patting her on the shoulder 

“It’s nice to meet you! Family of Bucks is a member of ours. Welcome to the 118”

They fawn over her, really that’s the only word Eddie can come up with. Chim compliments her “adorable” dress, Hen tells her she’s working those shoes, showing off that black girl magic. She’s a bit overwhelmed by the attention, giggling through her nerves as she talks to them. A wide smile on her face. 

Buck takes her hand eventually, yanking her over to Eddie 

“This is my best friend,” He says proudly, patting Eddie on the back. “Eddie Diaz!” 

Eddie melts when she looks up at him with those sweet eyes, he smirks, looking away for a second and biting his lip. It's subtle but Buck catches it, narrowing his eyes. 

“Yeah, we’ve met,” he says, looking back at you and shaking your hand “It’s nice to properly meet you Y/N” 

“It’s nice to meet you too, Eddie,” You say, a smile on your face, you bite your lip and Buck sees that too. He looks down at you, and then back up at Eddie.. and then right back down to you. His head goes up and down like a paddle ball and he whips out his phone, distractedly pushing you at Eddie.

“Ed do me a favor and keep her entertained for a minute. I need to call Maddie real quick I uh- I remembered something” 

“Don’t you dare tell her I’m here! I want to surprise her” you warn him and Buck struggles, his hands gesturing wildly. 

“Oh. Uhhh I’m sorry. I already texted her!” Chim interjects, shrugging awkwardly and you frown a little but shrug back “Oh okay! That’s fine” 

Buck shoots Chimney a thumbs up for covering for him and immediately calls Maddie, running down the stairs for privacy.

“So um…where are you from?” Eddie asks, crossing his arms over his chest. Admittedly he does it to make his chest look better, and God does it. Hen snickers but ignores him doing that and Chim makes faces behind your back at Eddie.

“Oh, I’ve been in Minnesota for a while! It’s nice there, pretty quiet. I’m maybe looking for a place around here now though… but don’t tell Buck or Maddie I don’t wanna get their hopes up.

“Buck would probably just make you move in with him,” Bobby comments over his salad.

“Hey! We have plenty of space” Chim adds “if you’re looking for something temporary. I'm sure Maddie wouldn’t even mind permanent if we were able to discuss it”

“Eddie has a spare room. If you were here temporarily at least, that would probably be your best bet at this point” Hen chimes in, looking at him. His cheeks heat up and he chokes a little on his coffee 

“I- I mean. I-“ he doesn’t even know what to say to that because god yes would he want that. Is that premature? That’s premature. Like so premature wanting to live with you……Anyway, a dog maybe? he knows exactly what old clothes he’d get rid of too to make space in his closet for you. Definitely a dog, gonna name him- 

“Okay, okay slow down you guys” You laugh lightly, interrupting his internal life planning. 

“I’m not moving in with anyone yet. It’s just a thought… and there’s no way in hell I’d feel comfortable imposing on Eddie like that. Family is one thing. A literal stranger? Yeah, I don’t know.” 

“It’s not an imposition!” Eddie is way too quick with that answer. He clears his throat 

“I- it wouldn’t be. That is if you need a place to crash. Besides I’m at work all day you know! It’s not like my place gets too much use…” 

“See! Problem solved!” Hen says happily and you roll your eyes at her, scrunching your nose and making a little face at her

“Oh ha-ha, very funny. I’m not moving in with Eddie” 

“You’re moving in with Eddie?!” Buck’s mouth is dropped wide open as he stands at the top of the stairs. 

“What?! No!” You tell him, your hands up in defense “I’m not moving in with anyone.”

“Good,” Buck says as he picks up his chair from earlier. “Because if you’re moving in with anyone it’s gonna be me.” 

“Told you” Bobby rolls his eyes. 

After he finishes his pad, Thai, Buck eagerly shows you around the firehouse, dragging you and Eddie around like a kid in a candy shop. He just has so much he wants to show you, and he wants Eddie there “for backup” in case he misses anything. He proudly shows off his locker and you giggle, he’s incredibly cute sometimes. He shows off Eddie’s locker too, to which Eddie rolls his eyes and shuts the door, giving him a shove. 

“Trust me when I say I saved the best for last.”He climbs up into the truck, reaching out for you. “Eddie help her?” He requests, taking your hands in his. Eddie shrugs, putting his hands firmly on your hips as you step up into the truck, he gives you a little lift and push and you’re in. Buck winks at you and you roll your eyes as Eddie climbs in behind the two of you. 

“Isn’t this cool?!” He practically yells “Cool” and you’re looking around like a little owl, your eyes wide, head swiveling. It’s a lot to take in but it’s cool, he’s right.

“Uh, yeah!!!” You agree, touching everything in sight. Eddie sits on one of the seats and watches you walk around a bit, looking at everything and running your fingers over it. Buck makes you sit down in one of the seats and buckles you in. 

“You look awesome!” He chuckles as he takes pictures of you for Maddie. He unbuckles his belt and gets up, looking around outside the door. Eddie gets on one knee, helping to unbuckle you. He looks up at you as you pull your arms out from the straps 

“Thanks” Your voice is a little breathless, god his smile is gorgeous and he smells so damn good. 

“Yeah no problem” He grins, standing up out of your way. 

“Hey Y/N, you wanna pretend to drive?” Buck asks excitedly, rubbing his hands together as he turns back around.

“Oh my god, can I??? Please!!” You squeak and Eddie chuckles, shaking his head at the two of you…he can see your similarities. Buck makes Eddie get out first and smirks as Eddie grabs your hips again, it’s a little harder getting out and you stumble into his arms, squeaking. 

“Hey, Don’t worry I got you” He chuckles, holding you against his chest, you look up at him as he smiles down at you. 

“T-thanks uhh again, I guess' ' you mumble, your cheeks feeling like they’re practically on fire. Buck sits on the floor of the truck, swinging his feet as he just gleefully watches the interaction. Eddie sets you down properly, taking a second before he lets you go. 

“Guess he’s gonna make you help me into the front seat too huh?” You ask a bit shyly 

“I’m lazy as hell so yes” Buck pipes up from behind you and Eddie rolls his eyes. 

“It’s fine. I don’t mind it anyway, just gives me an excuse to get closer to you” He practically purrs and even though he’s joking (he’s not) you melt on the spot, your mouth falling open quickly and snapping shut just as fast. He cracks up as he helps you up into the driver's seat. His hands feel so hot on your hips, they sear into your sides and you wish he’d keep them there. Eddie shuts the door and goes around to the other side, climbing inside. 

“Alright children, go crazy” he teases you and Buck as he watches, he has to swat your hand away from so many buttons that Buck is trying to make you push. Eventually, you’re both just doing it to drive him crazy. 

“Honk the horn, honk the horn!!” Buck chants from the backseat and you look over at Eddie, he shakes his head snickering as he nods

“Alright alright, God. Go ahead, Bobby will know Buck made ya do it” 

You put both hands on the large horn and push down, the loud honking noise echoes through the entire station and Buck bursts out laughing. You fall back in the seat, kicking your legs laughing excitedly and it takes everything in Eddie not to just lean over and kiss you. You look so happy and gleeful as you all hear Bobby already yelling at Buck

“Scatter!!!” Buck yells and jumps from the truck, running away. 

“No! No, that's not fair!” You yell after him, as Eddie jumps from the front seat too. You scramble over to the other chair and Eddie is already waiting with his arms out to you. It stalls you for a second, your heart beating out of your chest as you climb down into his arms. 

“Safe and sound,” he says as he shuts the door and pulls you with him over to a little corner to hide. You can see everything from there, you’re pressed against Eddie as you both watch Bobby coming down the stairs. Buck is hiding in front of the engine, he runs around the opposite side and you’re giggling. Eddie is snorting as he covers your mouth

“Shhhh you’re gonna get us caught” he whispers and god does Eddie not want to be caught. He didn’t mean for this to happen, for your body to be pressed into his, one hand on your back pressing you into him and the other over your mouth. It’s intimate, and soon your giggles die out and you look up at him, his hand still over your mouth. You both stare into each other’s eyes…is it getting hot in here??? Did someone open the bay doors?? 

He slowly removes his hand and you blink at him 

“Sorry” he apologizes softly, he’s just glad there’s no way you can feel the way his heart is beating out of his chest.

“It’s cool,” you say back just as quietly, feeling the same way. You bite your lip, your hands feeling the hard muscles under his tight shirt. Kinda makes you wonder if all his clothes fit him this nicely. 

You’re about to say something when alarms start blaring. You jump, holding onto the front of his shirt and he pulls you in for a second 

“Shit- Shit I gotta go,” he says, reluctantly letting you go. “Hopefully I’ll see you again sometime soon” He tilts your chin up, like he wants to kiss you but decides against it… he did just meet you. Instead, he kisses your forehead before running off to get his stuff on. 

The truck is gone for about 10 minutes before you get a text from Buck, telling you Maddie is coming to pick you up and take you back to his place and that he’ll see you for dinner. He sends a little heart emoji at the end of the message and you smirk. Buck was ridiculous, sincere, but ridiculous. 

The truck rolls back into the station a couple of hours later, It’s time to clean up and head out, their shifts are almost over finally. They work together, putting things back in their places and giving the truck a little wipe-down in a few places. Finally, Bobby dismisses them as the next shift starts coming in.

Eddie walks into the changing room, exhausted and ready to crash at home. He grabs his clothes and tosses them down, grabbing his shirt and yanking it tiredly over his head. 

“So are you ... into her?” Buck asks as he walks in, getting his stuff together and standing next to Eddie to change and chat. He pulls his blue shirt over his head and looks at Eddie as he reaches for his pants

“Into who?” Eddie raises an eyebrow, pulling up his pants. He knows exactly who he’s talking about but he’s not confirming that. 

“ “Into who” Yeah okay” Buck scoffs “Are you into Y/N?” 

“Buck I just met her this afternoon. How could I be into her.” He lies through his teeth…and Buck sees right through him. 

“Okay sure, anyway. Since you wanna play coy I’m not inviting you to dinner anymore”

“Wait, you were inviting me to dinner?” He stops buttoning his pants and looks over at Buck who’s pulling on his jeans

“Yeah I was… but since someone isn’t into someone… I’m not bothering” he buttons his pants and claps him on the back “See ya tomorrow bestie!” He goes to leave, a smirk on his face and Eddie stops him, grabbing his arm. 

“I’m not….I’m not saying I’m into her. But- like-“ he sighs

“I’m hungry” 

Buck walks into the studio, kicking off his shoes and hanging up his coat. Maddie is sitting at the table, eating a bowl of grapes and you’re standing at the stove, stirring the pot. 

“I’m telling you Mads, he is literally so cu-“ 

Maddie cuts you off, clearing her throat “Hey Buck! Hey… Eddie?” 

Buck pushes Eddie ahead of him and over to the counter, he walks past him to the fridge and grabs a couple of drinks 

“Look who’s staying for dinner,” He says in a singsong voice, tossing Eddie a bottle of water, Eddie rolls his eyes and leans against the small counter next to the stove, he gives you a wink as he opens the bottle 

“Hope you don’t mind? He just invited me at the last minute” He shrugs, sipping the water. He looks over at Maddie, who is staring at Buck intensely. They’re definitely having a sibling conversation. 

“No, not at all! I made more than enough!! I’m glad you could join us.” You give him a little hip bump, feeling your cheeks flush and he bumps you back. He looks up to see Maddie and Buck staring at the two of you, Buck eagerly wiggles, trying to hide his excitement, you turn around and he instantly stops, making Eddie laugh. 

Dinner is good- like really good, Eddie hasn’t eaten Mexican food like that in a while, sure he could go to Catrina’s but it’s just different when it’s from home. Buck had nearly shoved Eddie into the chair next to you, as he plopped down next to Maddie

“Oh don’t mind me! Just wanna sit by my wonderful, loving, perfect, sister” he explained and Maddie facepalmed, Buck couldn’t be more obvious…but at the same time, you couldn’t be more oblivious…Buck was acting weird but he’s Buck he’s always weird.

“So I guess it’s safe to say you’ve got a little Latin flair in you hm?” Eddie asks as he takes a bite from his carnitas, even the tortillas are freshly made. You’d brought them with you from home for Maddie and Buck.

“Yup,” you smile proudly as he moans and rolls his eyes back “I’m half Mexican. And uh, I take it the food is good?” 

“I’m so sorry for the absolute slut I’m about to become while eating this, yes it’s delicious” he nods his head while he’s eating and you break down laughing. Buck and Maddie are looking at each other with that certain sparkle in their eyes again while you’re shoving Eddie and he’s stealing a bite of your rice. 

It’s kind of natural the way you hang all over Eddie over dinner and the way he holds onto you, maybe it’s the Hispanic in you both, very touchy. Or maybe it’s just that he’s fun to be around. Eddie learns a good deal about you, most of it incredibly embarrassing as Buck can’t help himself but tell all of your embarrassing moments as kids together. Eddie gets him back for you, telling the story about how he quite literally peed himself on a date once and you and Maddie are both scream laughing as Buck starts throwing leftover lettuce at Eddie screaming at him to shut up.

“I’m sorry you got into a lettuce war” You giggle as you walk out to Eddie’s car together, nudging each other occasionally. He’s got his hands in his pockets 

“Yeah that’s Buck for you”

Buck had made you walk Eddie out to his car, claimed he absolutely had no choice but to start the dishes or he’d forget, and said Maddie had to use the bathroom and it wasn’t safe for pregnant women to hold it for so long. You’re pretty sure he made that last part up but you just shrug it off, slipping on your slides and following Eddie outside. 

You stop in front of his car and you lean against it a little, dragging your finger down the hood. He clears his throat and you look up at him, he’s blushing as he runs his fingers through his hair nervously. 

“Do you…wanna like to hang out? While you’re in town?” 

“Yeah sure why not! You’re Buck’s best friend I’m sure he’d love to “

“No no- just. Like just us. Just me and you?” He interrupts you, as he gets in his car.

“Oh,” You feel your cheeks flush. “Like…- like a date?” 

“No! No not. Okay- okay that sounds bad I said it way too fast-“ He’s stumbling over his words “Jus- just like being cool hanging out I wouldn’t…I wouldn’t ask you on a date…yet. Like we just met you know so I mean I don’t want to take things too fast for you!!” 

His head falls heavily back against the headrest groaning at his awkwardness, and you’re smirking, your arms crossed over your chest. He looks over at you, his voice low as he takes a deep breath.

“Would you like to go to the zoo with me this weekend? As friends. I’d like to get to know you better.” 

You smile at him, leaning into the car window and kissing him on the cheek.  

“I would love to go to the zoo with you this weekend, as friends” 

Eddie rolls his eyes, that blush on his cheeks deepening as he starts the car, looking at you. “Friends don’t kiss friends” He dares to say that as if he hadn’t kissed your forehead that afternoon. 

“I promise you, friends kiss friends on the cheek. Trust me” You tell him a matter of factly, assuring him as you step back, giving him a little wave.

“Guess I gotta get on that trend huh?” 

He smirks as he drives off. Is he speeding? Yes. But does it look cool as hell, also yes. He’s so giddy all the way home. Not only does he have a Tupperware full of some of the best food he’s eaten in a long time that you’d shoved in his hands and refused to take no for an answer when he tried to tell you he couldn’t possibly take it. But you’d also said yes to the date… okay a “friend” date but you still said yes!!

The next morning he’s got a little more pep in his step, he gets through his workout faster than usual and he’s even early to work.

“You’re in a good mood” Hen comments, as she drinks her coffee, he shrugs as he finishes tucking his shirt into his pants

“I guess I am …yeah” He smiles, fixing his hair. He is in a good mood…he can’t stop thinking about you. He’d even dreamed about you… it was impossible not to think about you. It’s like he could smell your perfume as he was just standing there, whatever you wore was everything to him, he could practically bathe in it. 

“Why are you standing with your hands in your hair like that?” You giggle as you walk up next to him. 

Oh, so he could smell your perfume.

“I was just distracted..” He says awkwardly, turning towards you.

“What are you doing here?”

“I brought brownies! Me and Maddie are hanging out today so she brought me up here ...didn't realize I’d run into you” you say, your hands behind your back as you look around the firehouse. 

“Didn’t think I’d get to see you either…” he says, mimicking your stance

He leans down, kissing you on the cheek. His lips are soft and plump and it makes you blush, his hand ghosts over your hip before he pulls you a little closer to him. 

“So, I was thinking we could go to lunch after the zoo? If you wanted” 

He’s so close now, looking down at you. He’s tall…and he still smells so good, like he always does. You could bottle that and just bathe in it.

“Lunch?” your voice is a bit dreamy as you feel his hand on your hip. He’d been touching you yesterday too and today felt just as good. You can practically feel his body against yours like it was the other day when you were hiding. 

“Yeah, figured we could go to the zoo early…maybe spend the day together. If you’re okay with that” His voice is smooth, sort of deep. Like he’s purposely trying to overwhelm your senses. 

“Y…yeah okay. Yeah, that sounds nice” you agree easily because he is overwhelming you. And you can’t help the way your lips part softly like you just need to know what his feels like. He’s got a smirk on his face as his eyes flick down to your lips, he runs his tongue over his own before he chuckles lightly.

“Alright…it’s a date. But you know, not” His voice is playful as he wiggles his eyebrows at you and you roll your eyes, finally pushing at his chest, shoving him away from you.

“Yeah, yeah whatever I’ll see you this weekend.” You can finally breathe again. 

He watches you walk away, practically thirsting over that sway in your hips and the way those shorts you’re wearing hug your body so deliciously. 

“Shoulda taken her to the beach…” he mumbles to himself.

“Can you not eye fuck my cousin in front of me please, I truly don’t think that’s too hard of a request.” Buck groans as he shoves a brownie in Eddie’s mouth. 

“And she’s good at baking?!” Eddie moans around his bite, accepting the brownie from Bucks's hand 

Buck rolls his eyes “Of course she’s good at baking. She’s good at everything”

“Eddie you better get to talking to her before I do” Hen threatens him jokingly “These are damn good”

“I know okay, I know” Eddie sighs “I’m not going to jump at her though, that’s like….desperate right? I don’t want to come off as desperate…even if I think she’s pretty. Like really pretty- stupid pretty”

“Hey, guys? You think she’s pretty?” Chim asks as he comes over to help Hen restock the engine. 

“Not sure. Maybe we should ask Eddie” Hen nods as she walks away with him. 

Eddie rolls his eyes, flicking them both off as he leans against the wall, rubbing his hands over his face. Buck chuckles at him, putting his hand on his arm.

“She's not gonna think you’re desperate Eddie… Y/N isn’t like that. And I think she’s into you too. Just be yourself, man, You’re a good guy Eddie, and a total catch. I love Y/N with all of my heart but if she can’t see that? She’s a total loser. And you know two sides of the same coin if you can’t see she’s the greatest woman in the entire world you’re the loser” He snickers as he elbows Eddie in the ribs. Eddie chuckles and sighs nudging Buck back. 

“Thank you for restoring my confidence…I needed that. You’re the greatest friend in the world man, honestly”

Bobby makes a gagging sound as he walks by “And you’re the greatest crew in the world” He says in a high-pitched voice, fluttering his eyelashes. 

“Hey! We’re having a moment” Buck says, throwing his napkin at Bobby. 

Masterlist

[blouisparadise]

Here are some amazing bottom Louis fics that were posted or completed during the month of June. We really hope you enjoy this list. Happy reading!

1) Library of Kloetomlinson Fics | Various Ratings | Various Word Counts

This user uploaded 35 bottom Louis fics to AO3 in the month of June, so rather than adding them each individually, we've linked to their account here.

2) Fiction, Future & Predictions | General Audiences | 2,692 words

“It had been a warm Sunday morning when Harry went for his stroll.”

3) Not The Chocolate Mousse | Explicit | 3,537 words

“A salad will do you better than a pizza. Drink some juice while you’re at it,” Harry said with a smirk. Louis groaned, he was not in the mood for Harry being his typical self. “Just let me use the oven,” Louis whined. “Nope!” Harry said with a grin. “You stupid, fucking twat,” Louis mumbled while turning his back to Harry and opening the fridge door to see if there was anything else in there to eat. As he took a look he heard a splat and felt something wet and cold on his neck. When he turned around he saw Harry with the spatula in the air. He had just flung cake batter at Louis. “What the fuck are you doing?” Louis asked, surprised.

4) Pleasure in the Dark | Explicit |3,673 words

“You feel delicious. So pretty and so tiny I could break you.” The talk of size difference is making Louis squirt once more. Louis stands at 5ft whilst the Beasts in front is at least at 8ft. Louis holds no comparison.”

5) Take My Hand, Dumbass | General Audiences | 5,914 words

There's only alpha dorms at university, and Louis Tomlinson, omega, refuses to pay the exorbitant fees to live off campus. So, four years pretending to be an alpha it is! That'll be easy. And maybe it would be easy, if not for the depri and the annoying alpha roommate and the fact that Louis is, honestly, a bit too stubborn for his own good.

6) Couldn't Forget You If I Tried | Explicit | 7,064 words

“What if he’s ugly?” Zayn leans in the doorway to the living room, raising an eyebrow and fixing Louis with a perplexed gaze. “Then you’ll call me and get me out of it,” Louis attempts a shrug as best as he can with the couch cushions laid out around him. Louis smirks, “I’m going to text him back.” Louis sits up, his eyebrows pull together, and he crafts a perfectly worded text back to the mysterious man he’s been texting with vaguely throughout the week. He writes: "7 is perfect. See you then. x" “I’m not bailing you out of this one. If he’s ugly and boring and terrible you’re just going to have to deal with it,” Zayn shakes his head and crosses his arms, his signal that the conversation is well and truly done. Louis doesn’t mind. He’s got a date.

7) Little Love | Not Rated | 8,741 words

Written for the Omegaverse fic fest for prompt: 205. L & H are FBI/CIA/MI6/whatever agents and best friends. L goes on a mission without H (they’re partners, so they usually go together) and he doesn’t return. 2 yrs later he returns to the agency after escaping from wherever he was (maybe he was kidnapped, experimented on, etc., can be up to the author!). H tries to get L to talk about why he was gone/what he went through, but L isn’t ready. They continue to go on missions, but L is falling apart. Maybe he’s having nightmares, flashbacks, etc. Whoever held L captive ends up finding him again and takes him back. He either escapes again or H finds him. The author can obviously add stuff! This is more like an outline, maybe? Preferably omega L & alpha H, but ultimately up to author. Would love to see the other boys in it too, but that’s up to the author as well!

8) Louis and the Very Terrible, No Good Sleep | Explicit | 1046 words

Louis had always been used to sleeping in a puppy pile back home. It was something that just happened, with all of his siblings being omegas, they just ended up in a giant nest all together, and Louis loved to cuddle in the warmth, and breathe in the familiar scent of home. He hadn’t thought much about it when, after graduating from the local uni, he got a job offer in Brighton and had to leave the family den.

9) мое солнце | Mature | 12,809 words

Harry has committed many crimes and sins, but when judgment day comes the first thing God will charge him for is touching his lost angel, his sweet Louis. But who can judge him? Louis would make any man fall for him, he has whoever he wants and he wanted Harry. When Harry laid hands on that body for the first time, he knew there would be no turning back, no matter the price he paid to God, now that omega was his private angel.

10) You Just Be Yourself | Not Rated | 13,168 words

“Thanks, Mom.” Louis’ breath was knocked right out of him at those words, and Grey froze. They then immediately pulled out of Louis’ arms and scurried out of sight before either Harry or Louis could respond. “Shit,” Harry cursed quietly, looking between Louis and where Grey had disappeared. “I…” Louis blinked and looked down at the boxes still scattered on the floor. By the time he had gathered them back up, Harry was also gone.

11) The Rulers of the Underworld | Not Rated | 13,716 words

Louis and Harry are enemies. It‘s as simple as that. After Harry‘s Dad, the Mafia Boss of England dies, Harry has to take over and the Tomlinsons, the Mafia of Germany, want to take advantage of that. What will happen? Will Louis Tomlinson successfully take over the Mafia of England? Will the two enemies fall in love or will they end up killing the most important thing of the other?

12) Back Where We Belong | Not Rated | 15,660 words

An exes to lover university!au where louis did not know how to express his concern in the relationship and harry did not know his omega was feeling this way.

13) We Chase The Stars To Lose Our Shadow | Explicit | 15,962 words

“I think it may be time for you to try something… different.” Louis fidgets on his sofa, nervous. “What - what do you have in mind? A new medication?” He is less than enthused about being forced onto another medication. He has already tried most of them, to no avail, and the cocktail of prescriptions he is currently taking has been very expensive, even after using his drug benefit copay for each refill. “Sort of…. Louis, have you heard of Prescription Pillows?”

14) Frightened By The Bite, No Harsher Than The Bark | Teen & Up | 21,611 words

Louis loves going to the barricade during his shows. If it’s because he’s got a bit (lot) of touch deprivation and is using it as an excuse to have his big alpha bodyguard, Harry, touch him, well, that’s a secret he doesn’t need to tell.

15) Scarred | Explicit | 23,284 words

As a male omega, Louis has learned to live with disappointment and rejection, but he dreams of the day he finds his soulmate. When Harry inadvertently rejects him as his soulmate, Harry has no idea he's doomed Louis to a slow, painful death. Pride doesn't keep Louis from telling Harry the truth. But love does.

16) On A Starlit Night | Mature | 24,175 words

“Then… then, what is your motive?” “Must I have one?” Louis scoffed. “What, so am I to believe you just woke up one day and thought ‘Yeah actually, I would like to be one of the suitors of my pack Luna’s ceremony’?” “There’s no motive, nothing like you’re thinking,” Harry replied, glancing at him. “I don’t know what the alphas out there want. I just want a chance to show that I can be a good alpha that can fulfil your needs, both as your mate as well as in supporting you in your Luna duties. Just a chance to show you how well I could care for you, if you were to pick me.” Louis was floored by his sincerity. “That’s all you want? Just that?” Just me? “Yeah.”

17) The Mountain Between Us | Not Rated | 52,221 words

Harry is a surgeon and stranded at Salt Lake City International Airport. He is to perform a surgery in fourteen hours in Boston. Louis is a journalist and stranded at Salt Lake City International Airport. He is to be married in ten hours. They decide to charter a private airplane to Denver, where they will get on their respective flights and part ways. Or so they thought.

18) Stranded | Teen & Up | 66,970 words

What happens if one of the biggest boybands of the world suddenly strand on a lost island and there is no escape? What if Ex-lovers are left alone on this island and some deep secrets come out?

19) The Cottage | Explicit | 70,600 words

Louis hates alphas and he has good reason to, but when his beloved omega grandmother dies, and he inherits her cottage, he meets Harry, an alpha hazelnut farmer who sneaks his way into Louis’ life. While Louis struggles with his severe touch deprivation, he forms a friendship with Harry that turns out to be exactly what he needed.

20) When She Loves (The Larry Version So It's Better) | Explicit | 103,873 words

The most brutal don in the city has a weakness: me. I never wanted the life my parents tried to force on me, so I vowed I'd never marry a mobster. Yet here I am, walking down the aisle toward mobster of the century, all to save my sister. Harry Styles....

21) The Pirate's Prince | Not Rated | 110,521 words

Louis William Tomlinson, Prince of England, future Omega to the soon-to-be King of France. Sailing out to his new home, the royal ship is ambushed by pirates. At first the omega is not happy with the situation, but he soon may realise that this is exactly what he needs.

22) I Thought We Were Forever | Mature | 235,556 words

“I need time alone from you.” Louis’ heart skipped a beat. That he had not seen coming. “From me?” his voice shook. Harry nodded, another tear rolling down his cheek. “I don’t understand, H.” “It’s-” “You want to go on holidays on your own or something?” frowned Louis, so very confused. A long silence settled. “Look, there’s no easy way to say this.” murmured Harry and he looked so in pain. “I like someone else. Like Like like. At least I think I do. I’m not sure. That’s why I need time alone.”

Check out our other fic rec lists by category here and by title here.

You can find other monthly roundup fic rec lists here.

[illiterateaffairs]

behind the scenes chapter five | fifty fake dates

masterlist | prev | next

pairing: jamie tartt x actress!reader (ted lasso)

rating: T

word count: 6,388

summary: you and jamie face the biggest test of your fake relationship so far; a double date with keeley and roy

a/n: this is once again a bit later than i had hoped to post, but this is my favorite chapter so far so i hope its worth the wait! i cannot wait to hear what you all think, especially in regards to the reader's scenes with roy and keeley :)

Jamie could be a very cocky person, but he could honestly say, in a completely unbiased way that you two were absolutely crushing this fake dating thing. 

Not only had your movie premiere hard launch gone incredibly well the other week, you’d had many successful fake dates since. You’d been seen on various breakfast, lunch and dinner dates, as well as on walks together and even outside your flat again. You’d also posted a couple Instagram posts and stories here and there for good measure, slowly ramping up in a way that felt natural to a real relationship. 

The public was eating it up. From fans to journalists, everyone thought you were adorable together. Jamie knew for a fact no one in the world suspected this was all for show.

Unfortunately, the pitfall of doing such a good job meant that not only had his coworkers bought the whole ordeal, but demanded to see it up close. And while fooling Roy and Keeley was a major cornerstone of the whole plot, he wasn’t exactly prepared for what Keeley had in store for them.

“A double date?” Jamie squints at her, after she’d cornered him in the locker room at the end of training one evening.

“Yeah, doesn’t that sound like fun!” Keeley nods, “It was actually Roy’s idea.”

“No!” Roy exclaims raspily from where he was sitting in the coaches office. The three of them were conveniently the last ones to leave for the night.

Keeley shakes her head, “You were the one who said you wanted to meet her.” She turns back to Jamie, “And I for one think a night out, just the four of us, would be a perfect way for all of us to get to know each other.”

Jamie hesitates. Again, he knows that’s the whole point of this charade. But he hadn’t been mentally prepared for when the opportunity to show you off actually came.

“I mean, I’m having dinner with her tonight,” he starts out slowly, “There’s no guarantee she’ll be available, you know, her being a hugely popular and successful actress and everything. But I’ll bring it up.”

Keeley smiles, “That’s all I ask!”

Jamie gives her a tight smile, before bidding her and Roy a good night. 

Well, this should be fun.

“Hi, sorry I’m late. Filming ran long,” you say hurriedly as you breeze over to the table Jamie is sitting at. Despite there not being any photographers in this dimly lit restaurant, you feel the need to press a kiss onto his cheek, and he doesn’t seem to mind at all.

Jamie shrugs as you slide into the seat across from him, “No worries.”

You sigh, and mutter quietly, “Well, isn’t the point of this whole thing to be seen entering places together?”

“It's fine, really,” he insists. And then with a smirk, “We’ll be seen leaving together and I think that’s a little more important.” 

You can’t help but chuckle as you finally catch your breath from rushing in. As you’re collecting yourself, you notice a glass of wine and an otherwise empty table in front of you.

“No menu?” you question.

Jamie shrugs again, this time a little awkwardly, “I went ahead and ordered for you. I figured you were filming late and thought you’d be eager to eat quickly. You like chicken parmesan, right?”

An impressed smile takes over your face, “Wow. As far as fake boyfriends go, you’re pretty good.”

A bashful smile takes over his own face. “I do my best.”

“And let me guess, you got the steak but you’re going to tell Roy you got a salad.”

Jamie quirks an amused eyebrow, “You’re not so bad yourself.” 

You’re both equally proud and yet surprised at how quickly you’d become accustomed to each other’s lives and habits. And how natural it felt to fold one another into your own. 

Jamie lets you take a healthy sip of wine before taking a deep breath, “Speaking of Roy.”

“Oh?” You raise an eyebrow this time in question.

“Yeah, uh, he and Keeley actually asked me something earlier. They - well, more Keeley - thought it would be fun for us to go on a sort-of double date? I told them I’d ask you, but I didn’t promise them anything. So, if it's not something you’re up for that's totally fine, I can blow them off.”

You bite back a laugh at how quickly and anxiously he’s speaking. You think it's best to cut him off before he passes out. “Jamie,” you reach across the table and take his hand, “I think that sounds fun.”

Jamie squints, “Really? Because we seriously don’t have to.”

“I’m serious! I think it would be fun to meet the people that sent you into a spiral and made you ask to fake date me,” Jamie scoffs but a smile starts breaking through again, “Besides, this deal is a two way street. You’ve done plenty to help boost my rep so far, it's time I return the favor.”

Now Jamie fully smiles, but still asks, “If you’re sure?”

“I’m positive!”

“Alright. Well, since you’re the one that has to pretend to be obsessed with me all night, I think it’s only fair that you get to pick the activity. What do you want to do?”

You mull it over in your end until the perfect idea strikes you.

“Can I tell you something?”

“Of course.”

“I am absolutely shit at bowling.”

From the passenger's seat of Jamie’s car, you let out a cackle. “There’s no way that’s true.”

“There absolutely is.” Jamie frowns beside you, completely unamused. 

“Wow, finally something Jamie Tartt isn’t amazing at.”

“You know you haven’t seen me do that much,” he points out.

You hold your hand up and tick things off, “Amazing footballer, amazing fake-boyfriend. What else is there?”

This gets a laugh out of him. 

The two of you are currently parked outside a bowling alley that is surprisingly empty for a Saturday evening. Jamie had received a text from Keeley saying she and Roy had arrived a few minutes prior, so now the two of your were mentally preparing for the night ahead.

“You know you could have told me this before and we could have done something else?” you asked after a few moments had passed.

Jamie lets out a deep breath, “But you were so excited about it when you brought it up.”

You chew the inside of your cheek to prevent yourself from smiling. “Well, I appreciate that. And I’m sure you’re not as bad as you think.”

“Let me know if you think that when you see me play.”

“Well, I can’t do that unless we actually go inside,” you whisper to him like it's a secret he hadn’t caught onto. 

Jamie sighs deeply again.

“Hey,” you reach across the console and squeeze his hand briefly, “Tonight’s gonna be great. We’re gonna play a game, I’m gonna wow your friends, we’re gonna drink a shit ton of beers and have a shit ton of nachos, and have a good time.”

The side of Jamie’s mouth tilts up, “I think my vocabulary is rubbing off on you.” 

You chuckle, shoving him lightly, “Come on, let’s get this show on the road already.” 

“God, you’re impatient,” Jamie teases, but he’s finally pushing his car door open. 

“Time is money, money is power, power is pizza, let's do this!”

If you were being honest, you had googled Roy Kent and Keeley Jones before. However, nothing could prepare you for how intimidating Roy was and how drop-dead gorgeous Keeley was in real life.

You and Jamie approached them hand-in-hand, and took little to no time for you to clock that you were the only people in the establishment. You’re confused about this, but you have to quickly bury any questions when Keeley pulls you into a tight hug.

“Hi, it’s so great to meet you, I’m Keeley!” she greets enthusiastically, before pulling away from you abruptly, “Holy shit, I’m sorry. The last thing you probably want is a random stranger hugging you out of nowhere. I’m sure you’re on edge all the time from the attention you get.”

You can’t help but flush when anyone makes a reference to your level of fame, not one to dwell on it yourself. However, Keeley’s energy is so bubbly and kind, you can’t help but feel comfortable as well as amused at how hard she’s trying. 

“No, no, not at all. Hugging is great,” You give her a big smile as reassurance, “Besides, you’re not a random stranger, you’re one of Jamie’s best friends, so you’re automatically already a cool person in my book.”

Keeley matches your smile before turning to Jamie, “Oh, my God, you were right about how nice she is.”

You turn to Jamie as well with a curious look, and he can barely make eye contact with you. “So, now you know Keeley, and that scruffy old-man behind her is Roy.” 

You turn to the man in question, and give him a kind smile and small wave, “Hey! I take it you’re probably not going to bear-hug me like your girlfriend, but it’d be funny if you did.”

To everyone’s surprise, Roy cracks a smile at your joke. It’s a small one but it's there. The bearded man gives you an approving nod before the four of you start making your way to your table. As you and Jamie trail behind the other couple, he gives you an impressed smile and you beam back at him.

Once you’re seated, you and Keeley send the boys off to grab bowling shoes and snacks for the group. 

“So, am I crazy or is this place extremely vacant for a Saturday night?” you ask the blonde as you type your name into the scoreboard. 

Keeley chuckles, “Oh yeah, we actually rented the place out for the next couple of hours.”

Your eyebrows shoot up, “Okay. Boujee.”

Keeley shrugs, “We don’t normally do things like that, but Jamie thought you’d prefer a night not being bothered by fans and such.”

Oh. 

“While I normally don’t do things like this either, it does sound nice to have a normal night out.”

“It’ll be fun!” Keeley says cheerfully. 

“Definitely,” you nod along, feeling warmed by her vibrant personality. “Even more so because apparently Jamie is really bad at bowling.”

Keeley snorts, “Oh, good. I mean, I’m not so great myself and Roy didn’t seem too enthused about this,” at your alarmed look, she quickly continues, “He’s never enthused about anything, don’t take it personally.”

You nod again, still a bit unsure. While you’d seemingly appeased Roy with your joke earlier, you were still anxious to get on his good side for some reason. You were a people pleaser through and through, but especially when the people in question were hard to crack. 

You don’t have much time to dwell on your thoughts when Jamie and Roy reappear with beer, nachos, and bowling shoes. 

Soon after the game begins. Between the consistent and easy flowing small talk, you bowl first with a respectable 8 pins down for your first go. You were just getting warmed up. Then Keeley takes a turn and manages 5 pins. You try to keep your laughter at bay when Jamie lands his first roll in the gutter, before just barely hitting 2 pins on his second attempt.

“I told you I was shit,” Jamie frowns, plopping down beside you after his turn.

You give him a playful pout, rubbing his arm. “Hey, the night is young, babe. You can still redeem yourself.”

You miss the flush on his cheeks from the pet name, as you and Keeley turn to Roy stepping up to the lane. 

“You got this Roy-o!” Keeley claps. 

Roy lets out a deep sigh before casually rolling the ball down the lane only to get a strike.

You and Jamie sit up straight in surprise, as Keeley’s eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets. 

“I thought you hated bowling?” she exclaims, Roy sitting beside her and taking a gulp of his beer.

“I said I didn’t like it, never said I was bad at it,” he corrects, “Phoebe had like 3 birthdays here.”

“Phoebe’s Roy’s niece,” Keeley says, facing you before you could even ask, “You’d love her.”

You hum in response. You give Roy a friendly yet challenging grin, “Looks like I have stiffer competition than I expected.”

You catch a glimmer of competitiveness in Roy’s eye as you stand up to take your next turn. While you weren’t sure he’d be down for a little competition, he seems intrigued by your retort. 

You’re pleased when you score a spare this round. Jamie and Keeley cheer for you, the former planting a celebratory kiss on your cheek when you return. Roy, for his part, looks impressed. It was on. 

The game practically flies by after that. You and Roy are pretty evenly matched, taking turns between scoring strikes and fumbling a bit under the pressure. Keeley holds her own as well, but she’s mostly just happy to be there, cheering both you and Roy on. Jamie for his part manages to do better little by little, but he’s certainly no stranger to a gutter-bar or ill-fated split. And while he was resistant at first, he starts laughing along with your groups playful jabs at his expense. 

Between rounds, you thoroughly enjoy getting to know Roy and Keeley. Keeley is a bit more forthcoming in conversations, but after a couple beers, Roy loosens up a bit himself and you’re pleased to learn he has a fun sense of humor. 

By the end of the game, you manage to one-up Roy Kent by mere single digits. And while he’s graceful in the loss, he can’t help but point out he was a bit rusty. 

“Okay, now that you’re warmed up, why don’t we make the next game a little more interesting,” you challenge. 

Roy raises one of his thick eyebrows, “Go on.”

“Let’s say the next loser between us picks up the tab for the night?” you suggest.

Roy chuckles, “Big talk from someone with all that Hollywood money.”

“Oh, come on, I’m sure the highest paid coach in the premier league can handle it,” you throw back.

Keeley and Jamie amusedly watch you two like a tennis match.

A mischievous smile makes its way onto Roy’s face, before he extends his hand to you, “It’s a deal.”

You smirk, shaking his hand.

“Alright, if we’re doing this again, I need another beer,” Jamie announces, standing up from the booth.

“Ooh, I’ll come with,” Keeley says, jumping up as well.

“Wait, wait,” you call out, grabbing Jamie’s hand so he turns back around. 

“Yeah, love?” Jamie asks, startled by the ease in which the pet name rolls off his own tongue. 

“Can you get me some chicken wings, please?” you ask, with the sweetest smile you can muster. 

Jamie chuckles, “Of course.”

“Thank you,” you sing-song. He watches your eyes glance over at Roy and Keeley quickly and discreetly, before looking back up at him. Then you blink twice. 

Jamie doesn’t hold back the small smile that takes over his face as he leans down to press a chaste kiss on your lips. He forces himself not to linger, so he and Keeley can head to the snack bar.

This leaves you alone with Roy for the first time tonight. You have half a second to worry you’d be sitting in awkward silence before the man himself is speaking up.

“I like you,” he says suddenly.

You sit up in surprise for the second time tonight. Roy didn’t come across as the most transparent person when it came to feelings, and you’re once again sure the alcohol was helping, but it still took you aback.

“Oh?” is all you can manage to say in response. 

He nods, sipping on his beverage. “You’re good for Jamie. You treat him well, but you don’t take his shit. He needs that.”

You give him a small smile, touched by his words. You were both relieved you were pulling off the girlfriend thing so well, and also happy that he thought you were making a positive impact on Jamie. Your situation may be temporary - and mostly fake - but it felt good that you were a decent influence in the time you have.

“Thanks, Roy.”

He tilts his beer bottle in your direction, and you raise yours as well.

“You’re also a hell of a bowler, but you are going down this next game.” 

You scoff, “You wish, Kent.”

Meanwhile, Keeley is also singing your praises at the concessions stand with Jamie.

“Bravo, Jamie,” Keeley grins, shaking Jamie’s arm with an affectionate squeeze, “Not only is she fucking fit and talented - at acting and bowling nonetheless - she’s so fucking cool. She’s perfect for you.”

Jamie smiles bashfully, but accepts Keeley’s compliments of you. She was right. You were amazing. 

“And, I’m so happy you’re happy,” she adds, even more sincerely, “It always seemed like you were going through the motions in your past relationships, before and after me. And during me, I guess.”

Jamie moves to apologize but she shakes her head.

“You don’t need to do that,” she states forcefully, “You’ve grown so much. You deserve all the good things happening in your life. And this,” she nods in the direction you and Roy were sitting, “Is such a good thing.” 

Jamie’s smile wobbles a little, “You know I wasn’t just going through the motions with you, right? I really, really cared about you Keeley.”

Keeley instantly sobers as well, nodding aggressively, “I know that.”

“Good.”

“But I can tell this is different,” she insists. “You’re different. She’s different. And like I said, that’s a good thing.”

Jamie nods. Keeley’s words weigh heavily on him. Maybe that was the thing about him and her all along. You could care about a person, but that didn’t make you two the right fit. He considers this thought as he and Keeley carry their food back to the table. You and him were different. But not the different Keeley thought. You were just acting, and you were doing a hell of a good job of it. But that was the point, wasn’t it? Keeley and Roy were believing all of it, just like he wanted. So why doesn’t he feel as relieved as he should?

He buries those thoughts as you excitedly stand up to start the next game. That wasn’t before you happily thank him for the wings with yet another peck on the lips. And with that and more alcohol flowing through his veins, he can hardly remember any of his worries. 

After you score another strike right off the bat, instead of returning to your seat you gesture for Jamie to join you in front of the lane. 

“What are you gonna do?” he questions, “Wrap your arms around me to show me the right technique?”

“While that would be adorable, no,” you retort with a laugh, “But I can give you some pointers.” 

Jamie can barely focus on the tips you’re telling him, because even if you’re not physically showing him how to move, you’re still standing in such close proximity, and whispering to him nonetheless. How was he meant to pay attention? When you’re done with your explanation, you give him another quick kiss, wishing him good luck, before skipping back to the booth. 

Whether it was the tutorial or the kiss, he’d never know, but he somehow managed 7 pins that first try, and knocked down 2 more his second go. That was almost a spare. He’d be proud either way, but was even more so when you excitedly cheered for him on his way back to the table. 

The second game is just as much of a blur as the first, except this time as the competition and the alcohol levels grow, you and Jamie become much more affectionate. He knows you don’t love PDA, so you keep the kissing to a minimum around Roy and Keeley, but there’s no shortage of hugging and hand holding as you rack up points on the scoreboard. Towards the end of the game, you manage the first Turkey of the night, and Jamie picks you up and spins you around.

Before you know it, everyone’s down to their last shot. The score is so close, with you getting yet another strike at the last moment. Jamie and Keeley finish with respectable scores - Jamie having improved a lot this go - but they’re nowhere near you and Roy. 

Roy’s final roll is what makes or breaks the game. If he scores a strike, he wins. But even a spare means you’d win. Everyone watches with baited breath as he steps up to the lane. Its as if the ball rolls in slow motion, but as it hits the pins and you all watch as each and every pin gets knocked down, various exclamations are shouted. 

“He must’ve cheated!” is Jamie’s contribution to the yelling, but he and you are both half laughing at the same time. 

You, for your part, can’t be too disappointed when you’ve had such a fun night with more than amazing company. You also watch as Keeley gives Roy a sweet, congratulatory kiss, which was the first time they’d done so all night. Your heart pangs in your chest a little, feeling envious for the first time for what another couple had. It’s not something you’ve felt often in your life, but seeing how well the pair complemented each other all night made you long for the same thing with someone one day.

“You put up a good fight,” Roy salutes you, settling back down next to his girlfriend.

You smile, “It was a close game, but I’ll hand it to you.” 

You begin to take out your credit card, when Jamie pushes your hand away, already taking out his own wallet.

“I’ve got this,” he says.

You frown, “I don’t remember you being a part of the deal.”

Jamie shrugs, “A lady should never pay on a date, so your bill is now my bill.”

Normally, you’d argue on account of feminism, but you’re feeling a little loopy. Most likely from the beer and not at all from the boy in front of you with that lopsided grin.

After Jamie closes your group’s tab, the four of you change back into your regular shoes and start saying your goodbyes. 

“This was so fun!” Keeley smiles, pulling you in for another hug, which you gladly reciprocate, “We should do it again soon.”

“For sure,” you agree, before pulling away and addressing Roy, “I would like a rematch.”

Roy chuckles, “You’re on.” And then he surprises you by giving you a quick hug himself. 

With a final goodbye, Roy and Keeley start heading for the exit. Jamie gives you a sly grin once they’re far enough away.

“I’d say we did a good job tonight,” he says.

You nod, “We definitely did. You’re friends love me, and you know what? I love them, too.”

Jamie laughs, “Good.” He gestures his hand to the doors, “Shall we?”

You give Jamie your own secretive grin, “There’s one more thing I have to do before we leave.”

Jamie furrows his brows, “What’s that?”

Your grin only grows, before you grip his hand and pull him towards the far side of the bowling alley that housed a handful of arcade games.

Jamie cackles when you stop in front of one of them.

“The claw machine?”

You only nod, already shoving quarters into the machine, “I was hoping they’d have one of these.”

Jamie shakes his head, watching as you navigate the claw around the machine, “There’s no way you win this. You know these things are rigged, right?”

Before the words are fully out of his mouth, you’re already dropping a bright orange dragon in to the opening before pulling it out of the bottom.

Jamie stares at you with wide eyes, “How the fuck did you do that?”

You shrug, “I’m amazing at arcade games. And I needed a win.”

Jamie laughs again, “I’d say you’re far from a loser. Did you see whose name was at the bottom of the scoreboard?”

You giggle, and then hold out the dragon to him, “Well here. A consolation prize.”

Jamie takes the stuffed toy from your hands, “For me?”

“Of course. I mean, as long as you treat him right and give him a name.”

Jamie studies the dragon’s face for a moment. “Alfred.”

You snort, “Alfred?”

“Alfred the Dragon.” Jamie says, assuredly.

“Well, I love it.” 

“Good,” Jamie laughs along with you. “Well, the reservation we had on this place is about to end. People are going to start showing up any second so we should probably go.”

“Wait,” you grab Jamie’s hands again, “It's only, what, 9PM? Let’s go out and do something else.”

“Really?” Jamie asks, both surprised and amused.

“Yeah, why not? I hardly ever get out like this, might as well make the most of it while I have the mental energy,” you say with a laugh. “Come on, you’re the guy who knows all the spots where we can enjoy a drink on the down low right? Any bars like that?”

A smile starts to grow on Jamie’s face again, “Well, there is one.”

“Did you bring me to a karaoke bar?” you question, but there’s an excited grin on your face.

Jamie shrugs from the driver’s seat of his car, relieved he’d stayed sober enough to keep the night going. He feared that wouldn’t last much longer, though.

“Everyone at this place is so pissed they’d never realize they were around a famous actress, even if you wore a shirt that said ‘I was in Study Break’.” 

You laugh embarrassedly, rubbing your face. “Of course you’ve seen the sitcom I was in.”

Jamie smiles, “That and Parks and Rec are only two of the greatest comedies of all time.”

“That’s generous,” you say. “If we’re at a karaoke bar, does that mean you’re going to sing?” 

Jamie huffs, “Hell no. I would need several drinks for that.”

“I think we can make that happen,” you smirk. “Do you think Alfred will be okay to wait in the car?”

You both turn back to where Jamie had buckled the plush dragon in behind the two of you.

“Does that make us neglectful parents to leave our kid in the car?” he asks.

“Eh, he’ll survive.” You shrug, before the two of you jump out of the car. 

You and Jamie immediately camp out at open spots at the bar and order drinks. While much of the beer from earlier had worn off, Jamie could still tell you were feeling lighter, bopping along to the horrible singing from the karaoke performer on the stage in the front of the room. He’s adored getting to see such a playful side of you tonight. He hopes he can start to bring it out of you even when alcohol wasn’t involved.

“I just realized when we conducted our research on each other, I didn’t ask if you had a go to karaoke song,” you ask him after a few minutes of quiet between the two of you.

Jamie thinks for a beat. Not that he’d participated in the activity often, he did have a few go-to’s. “Probably something by The Beatles. Or Britney Spears.”

You cackle, “Those two couldn’t be more different options and yet they’re both so perfect for you.”

Jamie laughs along with you, “What about you?”

“Hmm, I like a good 80’s song. Some Madonna, or Pat Benetar.” 

“Those are solid.”

“And this isn't the 80's, but if I can get someone to do a duet with me, The Chain by Fleetwood Mac.”

“That is a bold karaoke song.”

“Sure, but it's so powerful.”

You both sip on your drinks as you keep humming along to the next singer who's doing a rough version of Bennie and the Jets. 

“I know another question I didn’t ask you that feels like an oversight,” Jamie says this time, “What is Miss Movie Star’s favorite movie?” Jamie’s immediately intrigued when you become embarrassed by the question. He pokes your stomach gently. “What? Now you’ve got to tell me.”

You answer so softly, he can barely hear you over the music. “When Harry Met Sally.”

Jamie’s mouth is agape, “Excuse me, When Harry Met Sally? The girl who hates romance’s favorite movie is a romantic comedy?”

You squeeze your eyes shut, “I never said I hated romance, I just said some movies set unrealistic expectations.”

“Still!” Jamie exclaims with wide eyes.

“I know, I know. But it’s just so comforting! And Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal are so good together.”

“I mean, yeah.” Jamie agrees, like it's the most obvious thing in the world.

“But I stand by the fact that most romcoms can be a bit far fetched.” 

“Okay, that’s fair. What other movies are your favorites then?”

You once again look afraid to answer, but inevitably do. “13 Going on 30…Notting Hill…”

“Are you kidding me? 13 Going On 30 is the most unrealistic. It's about a girl who goes from a 13 year old to a full grown adult overnight!”

“Yes, but Mark Ruffalo!”

“And Notting Hill is about the biggest actress in the world moving across the world for a random bookstore owner, how is that realistic?”

“Well, I mean I’m pretending to date you!” you retort before thinking through what you’re saying.

Jamie doesn’t dwell on it, “Did you just compare yourself to Julia Roberts?”

You sputter, “Not fully, but that would make you Hugh Grant!”

Jamie gives you a look, “I’m of a little higher rank than a bookstore owner.”

You gesture between the two of you, “So you’re saying the two of us come across as realistic. That’s good, that's what we want.”

Jamie chuckles, as you ground your conversation back in reality. “That’s fair.”

You smile slightly, “And again; I never said I hated romance and stuff. I just wish it was easier to come by like it seems on screen.”

Jamie nods, speaking more softly, “Yeah, me too.”

Before you lose yourself in Jamie’s gaze, you turn the topic on him, “What’s your favorite movie, then? Bend It Like Beckham?”

Jamie snorts, “While that’s a great film, I wouldn’t say it's my favorite.”

“Fair. But if you say another one of my movies, I’ll punch you.”

Your conversation continues just as smoothly as your cocktails go down after that. You bounce between learning more about one another, to mindless conversations about seemingly nothing. You also take many breaks to belt the lyrics to songs you love as more and more drunk patrons lousily perform. 

Before you know it, you’re both nearly as drunk as the karaoke singers. Jamie soon realizes though, you’re much more of a lightweight, constantly coming up with random topics.

“I like the way you say Keeley’s name,” you tell him at one point, completely unrelated to the conversation you were having. 

Jamie furrows his eyebrows, “Keeley?”

You shove your index finger in his face, “See, like that! Keeley.”

He chuckles at your poor, yet adorable imitation of his accent.

“You’re from where again?” you ask.

“Manchester.”

“So, that’s what? A Manchester-an accent?”

Jamie laughs again, “Mancunian.”

“Mancunian,” you slur, making yourself laugh this time. “I like it.”

“Do you like the way I say your name?” Jamie asks teasingly.

You bob your head up and down, “I like the way you say everything.”

Jamie didn’t expect that answer. Even in his inebriated state, he feels his stomach flip.

It’s around midnight that Jamie realizes that even under the influence, you were still a sneaky one. You’re laughing through a story about you and your friend Katie, when the MC calls Jamie’s name out as the next singer. Jamie looks towards the stage in confusion, before it dawns on him. His suspicions are confirmed when he sees the cheeky grin plastered across your face.

“How did you- when did you??” he stutters. 

“When I said I had to go to the bathroom like 20 minutes ago,” you hiccup.

Jamie shakes his head, “I can’t go up there.”

“Sure you can!” you exclaim, attempting to push him off the barstool, although you’re doing a pretty pathetic job of it. 

As the MC repeats his name, some people around you clock that he’s The Jamie Tartt and start chanting for him.

He gives you a look, “So much for staying under the radar.”

In your state, you don’t even seem to care, instead joining the crowd, “Jamie. Jamie. Jamie.”

He truly believes if he were a little less drunk, he would have resisted harder. But what was Jamie Tartt if not a crowd pleaser?

He eventually makes his way to the stage, receiving a louder than normal applause from the bar crowd. He reminds himself that even if they’re aware of who he is now, they certainly won't remember this tomorrow. As he pulls the microphone off the stand, he realizes he doesn’t know what song he’s singing, until the unmistakable first beats of Toxic by Britney Spears play through the speakers. He locks eyes with you immediately back by the bar, and you have a shit eating grin still plastered on your face. He can’t help but smile back.

At this point Jamie’s inevitably given into the absurdity of the night, and unashamedly gives a full fledged performance. The bar goes wild, but he’s only really aware of you. He somehow hears your cheers above the roar of the crowd, and is egged on by your amusement. Under normal circumstances, he may be embarrassed by how seriously he was taking this, but he’s surrendered to the simple fact that if it made you happy, he didn’t care how ridiculous he looked. 

By the time he’s reached the final chorus of the song, you were up from your seat and the whole bar was singing along. Everyone cheers even louder when he’s done, and he gives them an over dramatic bow. As he bounds back down the stage, the people he passes offer high fives and tell him they’re huge fans. He even hears a few people breakout into his football chant. 

“Wow, you were so good!” you tell him genuinely, putting each one of your hands on his shoulders, “Football better watch out, cause you could have a real career as a singer.”

Jamie rolls his eyes with a laugh, “Sure I do.”

You laugh along with him, “Either way, now that I know you kill at karaoke, we definitely have to come back.”

“Alright, alright, but next time you’re singing with me.”

“As long as its Fleetwood Mac, I’m down.”

The two of you don’t last much longer after that. As soon as Jamie can tell you’re starting to grow tired, he announces you should call it a night. He calls a car this time though, planning to pick up his car the following day when he was much more sober. You beg him to take Alfred the Dragon, though, stating sincerely that you’d cry if he was left in the car alone all night long. He immediately hates the idea of you crying and hurriedly unlocked the car to retrieve the stuffed animal.

When the car pulls up to your flat, he tells the driver he’d be a few minutes while he walked you to the door.

Jamie amusedly watches you very carefully walk up the concrete stairs. Despite not feeling quite that steady himself, he still follows closely behind in case you trip. 

You stumble a little when you reach the top and Jamie gently takes hold of your arms, the two of you unable to keep from giggling. 

“Well, this is me!” you announce, standing up straight in his arms.

“You don’t say?” Jamie jokes.

“You can stay here, you know,” you say, “The couch is pretty comfortable. I fell right to sleep at the end of Ratatouille the other night.”

“You were watching Ratatouille?” he asks incredulously.

“Ratatouille,” you mimic his accent again, pinching one of his cheeks lightly, “I fucking love your accent.”

Jamie laughs, a little less amused this time with you in such close proximity, “Well, thank you.”

You nod to the door, “So, you wanna stay? I bet people would go crazy if they heard about you leaving my place tomorrow morning.”

Jamie huffs. He considers it. He does. He’s exhausted, and he’d also love more time with you. And you’re right, this would be good for the ruse. But even as the alcohol slowly wears off of both of you, he thinks maybe tonight isn’t the best time 

“Maybe another night,” he eventually responds softly. He nods behind him, “I can’t keep the driver waiting much longer.”

You pout playfully but nod, “Okayyy. I’ll talk to you tomorrow though?”

He nods back, “Of course.” A beat passes, “Thank you again for coming out tonight. With Keeley and Roy. Meant a lot.”

You smile at him brightly, “Anytime. Like you said, we’re a team.” Then you slide out of his arms that he’s long forgotten were even wound around you. “Good night, boyfriend.” you say dramatically, before turning to the door.

He smiles wistfully at the back of your head, “Good night, girlfriend.”

Just as you manage to get your door unlocked, you abruptly turn back around to face him. Before he can question anything, you’re gripping his shoulders and pulling him in for a quick, albeit sloppy kiss - and not on the cheek, but the lips.

Jamie can hardly process what is happening before you pull away from him. He looks at you curiously as you give him a coy smile and whisper, “Google Earth.”

Jamie breathes out a surprised and shaky laugh, “Always taking pics.”

You giggle with him, before once again going back to your front door. You wish him another good night, before entering your flat and shutting the door.

Jamie shakes his head. You definitely wouldn’t remember much of the last couple hours of your night. Part of him wishes he could forget some of it, too. That would make things a lot simpler. 

a/n: it's a race to the who falls first finish line! who do we think will admit to it first? also two notes- 1) criminal that jamie wasn't on the team when they went to karaoke in season 1, 2) idk enough about bowling scores to make this completely accurate, so work with me on this haha

taglist: @respondingtoshowerthoughts-blog @royalestrellas @torpedo--belly @skewedcherries @littlemisssunshine192 @hopefulromances @breakmyheartlater @ohpuckyeah @alipap3 @meg-ro @rexorangecouny @pythagothug @bonesbonesetc @xxenia14 @rockchickrebel @thatonedogwithablog @percysaidnever @msjb2002 @loveforaugust @dicgohargreeves @whimsical-roasting @tortilla-maria1 @rubyliquor @taytaylala12 @kno-way-home @gcidrvsh @lightninginab0ttle @beekprsdaughter it wouldn’t let me tag the last couple of you, but i will keep trying <3  

[lesbiankimdahyun]

HUNTER AND HUNTED: A HALLOWEEN MISAMO SPECIAL

CHAPTER IV

1.5K words

[GP!Vampire!Mina x VampireHunter!Jihyo]

CW: vampires, angst i fear...

[AO3 link]

Jihyo jumped a little when the knock on her door finally came. She hadn’t realized how mildly triggering it would be to actually open her door to a vampire and invite one inside, but she smiled graciously when she saw Mina at her doorstep. “Come on in,” she said, stepping aside. Her heart rate rose a bit as she watched Mina move across the threshold. Her moment of emotional discomfort was worth it though, because for the very first time, Jihyo got to see Mina without her dark sunglasses on. 

Her eyes were one of the most unique shades of brown Jihyo had ever seen, almost like they had a trace of wine-colored red around the edge. And wait– had Mina always had those adorable beauty marks? How had she never seen them clearly before? 

“Wow,” she blurted, releasing the slightly taller girl from a light hug. “Your eyes! I mean, your eyes are really nice,” she said. Mina giggled as she followed Jihyo inside. “Thank you,” she said. “Yours, too.” 

They didn’t dive into the movie right away. Mina joined Jihyo on her couch, taking in her surroundings. Jihyo’s apartment was functional and neat, and it was clear she was big on (and extremely skilled at) DIY projects. They chatted casually for the first hour or so, all the while slowly growing closer to each other– emotionally and physically. Jihyo felt like she was looking at Mina for the very first time, and in a way, she was. 

Curious to learn more about Jihyo, Mina asked to see some of Jihyo’s latest photography that she’d been working on outside of work. Jihyo happily obliged, pulling up a series of home/homeowner architectural portraits as part of a photo essay she’d started in the last few months. She’d been to various cities and neighborhoods, capturing slices of the people and the way they lived along the way.

“Hey,” Mina said, pausing at a series of three photos. She recognized the heavily wooded preserve she lived near instantly. “I live right around there. Who did you photograph up there?” 

“Really?” Jihyo asked. “It’s funny you ask because I actually don’t have any portraits of people who live in some of those stunning condos yet. The whole area is private property, I can’t even get close enough to ask folks if they’d let me photograph.” 

Mina hummed in response. “That’s true, isn’t it,” she said, as if the vampire hadn’t purposefully picked an extremely remote, private, hard-to-break-into community. “I’d let you photograph my apartment but…I don’t own it,” she said. It was a lie– Mina very much owned her two bedroom home, but the vampire would need to have Sana or Momo look at it first to make sure it looked normal to regular humans.

They moved on from the photography, and Jihyo ordered dinner for the two of them. She refused to let Mina pay or even think about contributing to paying. She ordered soju too, and soon the two were talking and laughing over seaweed salad, soft tofu soup and grilled pork belly. Jihyo refreshed their soju before starting the movie, and when she sat down again after starting it, she confidently sat right next to Mina, her shoulder brushing against the vampire’s. 

Her inviting scent immediately distracted Mina, who found herself glancing more at Jihyo out of the corner of her eye than the actual movie. Even the scenes with blood in them couldn’t take Mina’s focus away from the beautiful woman right next to her. She sipped more soju, hoping it would relax her. Right before the makeout scene, Mina couldn’t help but glance over at Jihyo again. 

“Mina,” said Jihyo softly, leaning in a little toward the vampire. “I can feel you looking at me, you know,” she said, a small smile on her lips. 

Mina felt herself blush. “Oh,” she whispered, “I-I’m sorry.” 

Jihyo set down her soju. “Don’t be,” she said. She watched for a moment as Needy’s lips exploratively connected with Jennifer’s. Then she looked back at Mina. “Would it be okay if I kissed you?” 

Mina nodded immediately, making Jihyo let out a tiny huff of a laugh as she turned to face the vampire and leaned in. 

The moment Jihyo’s soft, warm lips met Mina’s, the movie was forgotten. Mina wasn’t sure if it was the soju, the experience of kissing someone new, or Jihyo’s intoxicating scent, but either way, the vampire’s head spun a little as she kissed her. And when Jihyo’s tongue met hers? Mina felt like she could’ve passed out from the pleasure. Wanting more, Jihyo pulled Mina a little closer, and then closer still until Mina was gently pushing Jihyo back on the couch and lightly settling on top of her. 

Jihyo’s quickened, excited heart beat drove Mina crazy. Their makeout grew a little heavier, their hands exploring each other’s bodies over their clothes. Coming up for air for a moment, Mina cupped Jihyo’s face in her hand, her fingers brushing over Jihyo’s earlobe. Suddenly, Mina felt a piercing pain on her finger and recoiled, sucking in her breath at the burning sensation it caused. Jihyo sat up, too, touching her ear to see what had caused it. She felt it immediately.

“My silver studs,” she said, “I’m so sorry. I completely forgot I had them in, I should have known.” 

“It’s okay–” Mina stopped. “What do you mean, should have known?” For a few seconds, the movie playing in the background was the only source of sound in the room while Mina and Jihyo stared at each other, both in fear. “How did you– when did you–” Mina backed up a bit. 

Jihyo looked nervous. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I know I’m not supposed to know. I wanted to let you tell me, if you ever wanted to, but spotting them– v-vampires, I mean– was a big part of my past.” She looked up at Mina, who looked absolutely petrified. 

“You’re…you’re a…” Mina wasn’t sure if she should feel sick or scared. “A hunter?” 

Jihyo shook her head. “No– I mean– I only ever trained– except for–” Jihyo closed her eyes for a moment, frustrated at herself. Then she looked at Mina again. “I would never tell anyone, or do anything to hurt you,” Jihyo said. She felt as if she might cry. “I swear.” It was the truth. 

Mina stood up and took a few steps back. “Does anyone else know?” she asked, panic rising in her voice as she suddenly remembered she had just been making out with a journalist. 

“No, no,” Jihyo said. “No one, I swear. Just me.” Mina seemed on the verge of tears and she stepped back again. “Is that why you came up to me that day?” 

Jihyo was standing now, too. “No, Mina, no,” she said. “I genuinely was on assignment that day. I don’t actively hunt,” she said again. 

“But you trained to be one,” Mina said quickly. She swallowed hard. “Why?” 

This was not how Jihyo had envisioned their night going. She crossed her arms, then sighed. “You’ll never look at me the same way if I tell you,” she said quietly. 

“How am I supposed to trust you?” Mina asked. “This is– I can’t do this,” the vampire murmured, reaching for her jacket on the back of one of Jihyo’s kitchen chairs.

“Wait, Mina,” Jihyo said, taking a few steps toward her. “Don’t go, I’ll tell you.” 

Mina stopped. She turned and stared at Jihyo in silence for a few seconds. Her unblinking, intense gaze was the first time Jihyo ever felt Mina’s powerful, supernatural presence. But then, the vampire quietly took off her jacket and pulled out the chair to sit down. “You have five minutes,” she said.  

So Jihyo explained. Explained who her grandparents were, who her parents were, and what her life had been like growing up. She gave Mina the names of the clans and bands of vampires her family had eliminated– as many as she could remember, anyway. She gave Mina dates, names, any information the vampire wanted. And then she explained the only time she’d ever hunted, the night her parents died. 

Mina’s entire demeanor changed. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Those were some awful years back then, toward the end.” She took a breath. She was coming down from her fight or flight response now. “Jihyo,” she said, getting up again. She shook her head. “What we’re doing… I don’t know if this is a good idea.” 

Jihyo felt like she’d been stabbed. “What do you mean?” she asked. She couldn’t hide the frantic emotion in her voice. “Mina?” 

But Mina was already heading for the door. Jihyo went after her. “Mina, wait, can we just talk a little more–” she was interrupted by Mina transforming before her very eyes. Jihyo let out a small scream as Mina shrunk and evolved, taking flight in the form of a small, white-winged vampire bat. Jihyo watched in total fascination as the tiny bat took off into the night. 

“Mina!” Jihyo called out, but she lost track of her quickly as Mina flew higher, blending in with the night sky around her. She was gone.  

[grey-sides]

my heart, a locket for you

Here is the Harringrove for Turkey fill for @chrisbitchtree! I hope you love it and thank you so, so much for donating!!

~2.6K words, explicit

Billy tells him when he’s in the bath. Steve has some candles lit, the lights turned off with a glass of wine in one hand and the radio playing in the background.

It’s funny that he doesn’t even care that Billy is walking in on him naked. They’ve kept each other alive through hazings, near alcohol poisoning, and heartbreak. Billy’s seen him naked before and at his very worst. Sitting in a bubble bath is nothing.

“I’m thinking of moving back to California,” Billy admits, shrugging. He’s wearing a clean t-shirt, one that fits him well enough to highlight his biceps and triceps and all the ’ceps that Steve wants to touch.

Steve takes a swallow of wine, does his best not to choke on it. Billy wants to move back to California. He’s probably always wanted to move back to California. And now that they’re graduated, there’s no reason for him not to.

“Back to where you’re from?” Steve asks and hopes his voice isn’t too strangled. He’s supposed to be relaxing, but Billy is dropping bombs on him.

Billy shrugs, grabs the bottle of wine and takes a drink. “Probably. Maybe. Still gotta find a place, but I figured I would let you know, you know? Give you time to get used to the idea of not having to see my ugly mug every morning.”

Steve has gotten painfully, irrevocably used to seeing Billy’s face every morning. But now he’s going to have to not see it. It makes his chest ache. He fills the hole with another swallow of wine.

“Well, good then. Means I’ll be able to have over more girls.”

Billy snorts, drinks more wine and leaves Steve to his bath. He flickers the lights a couple of times before he actually leaves and Steve laughs. They have time, Billy hasn’t enough found a place to move yet.

They moved in together for college, during their freshmen year. They had both moved across the country to go to Temple University, which Steve hadn’t expected but once he realized living with Billy wasn’t too bad- he hadn’t minded.

Billy was typically clean, or at least good at keeping his mess on his side of the room. He liked to wear just his boxers and a tank top around the dorm room, but Steve never minded. They worked well together, living in the same dorm room.

So they just stuck with it. Through their first cramped dorm room to a weird suite with two weird roomates, to their first off-campus place that they hosted parties in every weekend.

And when the holidays came around, Billy would drive home with him. One night to visit Max, middle ground at her mother’s, away from his father. And then he would charm Steve’s parents. Mostly his mother, but it was good.

It’s still good. It’s a nicer apartment than their first off-campus one, it’s for real adults with full-time jobs which they both have. Two shiny degrees tacked to the wall in the living room, opposite the television.

Steve doesn’t want to leave this apartment. Or, well, it’s not the apartment, really. It’s Billy. Billy will leave, go back to California and become one with the surf and sand again.

If Steve was a good roommate and not in love with Billy, he would offer to go with him. Spend a week looking at apartments, asking Billy to show him around. Giving him freedom and space and help.

But he’s selfish, he always has been. He wants Billy to stay as long as possible, have to ask the post office to order him some special newspapers from California so he can look at listings.

He wants to savor their nightly dinners, shared at the shitty dining room table Billy cobbled together in an elective. He wants to grab Billy a beer from the bridge and press it to the back of his neck until he smacks him every night. He wants to see if they both can fit into the easy chair Steve’s dad bought Billy to prove that he could.

“Dinner!” Steve shouts, scooping pasta into bowls. He has the salad bowl set on the table already with ranch dressing for him and Italian for Billy. There’s water there too, it looks domestic, friendly, like maybe they’re a family.

Billy waltzes out in his cut off shorts with his hair in a bandanna. It’s out of control these days, long and untamed. He used to bitch about finding a hairdresser, so Steve trims the ends for him.

“Hmmm you made pesto?” Billy asks, stretching so he can scratch his stomach. He crosses behind Steve while Steve carries bowls to the table and heads for the kitchen sink. Domestic.

Steve nods and wipes his hands off with his dishtowel, looking at the spread on the table. “Yeah, I used pine nuts this time because you said you like them,” he replies. He nods once and goes to wash his hands too.

Billy takes his usual seat, chair against the wall so he can see the door. It’s just something Steve’s gotten used to, living with him. He likes to see doors, any place someone can enter from. Steve knows it’s from his dad, but he doesn’t begrudge him for it. Billy’s allowed to have fears from that man.

“Thanks, are there any nuts left over?”

“Half a bag,” Steve hums. He picks up his fork and twirls pasta around it. “Stuck them in your cabinet by the fridge.”

Billy grins. “You’re the best.”

Steve flips him off as his heart warms in his chest. They dig in to eat and for awhile, it’s just the sound of their forks scraping the bowls, chewing and slurping.

“Harrington,” Billy says, eventually, looking intently at him.

“Hm?” Steve pokes his head up, looks at Billy with wide eyes. Billy doesn’t say a word, he just leans over and drags his napkin down Steve’s cheek. Steve blushes to the roots of his hair and looks down hurriedly when Billy pulls his hand away.

“Thanks,” he mumbles.

“Anytime, but you gotta get better at not getting shit all over your face, since I won’t be here forever,” Billy teases him.

It’s enough reminder to make Steve’s heart sink. Billy hasn’t really made any moves yet, he hems and haws about how hard it is to find a place without being there. But he hasn’t tried to find flights or listings, as far as Steve can tell.

“Yeah, would you get on that?” Steve chuckles, light, teasing. He doesn’t want Billy to leave. He can’t imagine asking him to stay.

Billy rolls his eyes, but he doesn’t say anything. The silence leaves Steve enough space to wonder if maybe Billy doesn’t want to go either. Or…or if he wants Steve to go with.

~~

Later, weeks or months or seasons, it’s hard to tell sometimes, Billy bothers Steve in his room. He hovers in the doorway and watches Steve, waits until Steve grabs a pillow to throw at him because he’s being silent and creepy.

“Asshole,” Billy mutters, catching the pillow. He throws it right back and Steve catches it with his face.

Steve sets the pillow down and fixes his glasses. He runs his fingers through his hair and raises his brows. He has a magazine open in his lap, reading an article about a movie he wants to go see.

“What?” Steve asks, pushing the magazine to the side.

Billy shrugs, licks his lips. “About California…”

Steve waits for him to continue, but it’s clear Billy doesn’t have any other thoughts. Or he doesn’t know what else to say. “What about it?”

“I’m really gonna go, you know?”

Steve nods slowly, shifts over on his bed because Billy insists on taking the right side. “I know, you said you would.”

Billy takes a deep breath, blows it out slowly. “You ever think about moving?”

Steve shrugs, wraps his arms around his pillow and hugs it to his chest. It’s late, the hour of honesty and loneliness.

“I moved from Hawkins, didn’t I?”

Billy lays back on his bed, looks up at the ceiling. His hair is damp, curled wildly around his face on the pillow. “Yeah. Guess we did.”

Steve could kiss him, wants to kiss him. He wants to lean over him and kiss him senseless until Billy is breathless and begging. Until Steve can leave his mark all over him so that no matter where Billy goes, he will never forget Steve Harrington.

“Why do you want to go back to California?” he asks instead.

Billy shrugs. “Always said I was going to.”

“Do you not like it here?”

“Summers suck, man, they’re so fucking humid.”

Steve hums, rolls onto his side to watch Billy. “But we get snow. And cheesesteaks.”

“Ohhh cheesesteaks,” Billy grumbles, humming. “With provolone, no whiz.”

“No whiz, never,” Steve whispers.

Steve licks his lips, there’s something here, in the space between them. Sitting on the sheets and waiting to be picked up and examined.

“And I’m here,” Steve adds. His voice is low, maybe he could say he coughed if Billy calls him on it.

“You’re here,” Billy agrees softly. He closes his eyes, his eyelashes touch his cheeks, the freckles dusted there. Steve wants to commit them to memory on the tips of his fingers.

“Don’t leave,” Steve mumbles. He swallows hard and reaches out, curling his fingers into Billy’s soft band t-shirt. “Don’t go back to California, not without me.”

Billy’s lower lip trembles and his eyes screw shut tighter. He looks like he wants to burst into tears. Steve knows the feeling.

“Don’t-”

“Don’t what? Don’t tell you the truth? I want you here with me. Don’t go somewhere and not let me follow.”

Billy grabs his wrist, squeezes it and turns to look at him with shiny eyes. “I have to leave or I won’t stop loving you.”

“Fucking-!” Steve throws his pillow to the ground and surges up to kiss Billy. Idiots, both of them.

He untangles his hand from his shirt and cradles his cheek in one hand. It’s so warm to the touch because Billy contains the sun and he probably needs to go back to California to get it recharged, but they can go together. Later.

Billy makes a soft sound and one of his hands fits against Steve’s lower back. He forces Steve to straddle his waist, kissing back like they need to share air.

Steve leans himself into Billy’s embrace, spending just a moment marveling at how well they fit together. Of course they do, they’ve always fit together, it’s part of why living together has worked out so well.

He groans quietly when Billy tugs on his lower lip and slides his hand up to tangle in his hair. Steve tugs on the ends of it, huffing a bit as he rocks his hips down.

“Stay,” he whispers. “If we do this, you have to stay. You have to wait until we can find a place together.”

Billy nods, pulls back to look at Steve with bright eyes. “I’m gonna stay. Haven’t found a place anyway.”

Steve knows it’s the truth because Billy’s been dragging this out as much as Steve has been carefully not touching it to keep him here. He dives back in and slides his left hand down Billy’s body.

Billy groans next and starts to wiggle so he can get his shirt off. Steve has to put his mouth in the center of Billy’s chest and looks up at him through his lashes. He tugs his own shirt over his head too, dropping both of them onto the floor.

He’s suddenly glad that Billy likes the right side because then he won’t have to sleep in the wet spot. Or they can go sleep in Billy’s bed which has no wet spots. Choices, choices, Steve stops thinking about their choices.

They get undressed, still familiar, but breathing hard. It’s not from playing basketball in the summer or doing laps at the Y in the winter. It’s because they’re kissing and touching, hands sliding over skin, grabbing fistfuls.

Steve leans over Billy enough to smack around his bedside table. Condom, lube, he always has them, easy, accessible, sitting right out in the open because he’s twenty-fucking-three.

“Shit, you ever done this before?” Billy laughs.

“Fuck no,” Steve giggles in return. “Hands?”

“Hands, but I’m gonna learn how to do it for you,” Billy decides. He tosses the condom away but keeps the lube close.

Steve kisses his stomach and picks up the lube to wrap his hand around it. Maybe he can warm it, he wants to warm it for Billy like he’s never wanted to warm lube for anyone before.

Billy pulls him up for another kiss, one hand on his cheek, the other fitting around both their dicks. It’s dry, his hand is calloused from weights, but Steve moans anyway.

There’s nothing like being touched by someone he loves, he can’t help it. He huffs a couple of times and bites down on Billy’s lip.

Steve pulls back to get lube between them, too much, at least for now, but it’s fine. They’re gross, they’re boys, he loves Billy so much it’s not funny. He rolls his hips up and Billy moans next, friction.

“Shit do that again,” Billy begs. He has his hand curled around them both, so Steve can do the hip work.

He starts a slow roll, finding a rhythm that works for both of them. And he kisses Billy, his lips are going to be sore tomorrow from Billy’s facial hair, but he doesn’t care. He’s so focused on how their skin drags together, the rasp of his chest hair against Billy’s chest.

Steve’s toes curl and he really pushes himself into Billy’s hand, listens to make sure it’s good for Billy too. He wants this moment to last forever. He’s imprinting himself into Billy’s heartbeats if he wasn’t there already.

“Fuck,” Billy breathes. His hips rock up too, uncontrollable while he chases that release. Steve watches him, mouth hanging open. They can do this again later or tomorrow or any day from now until forever.

“Come on, show me how good you look when you come,” Steve coaxes. He wraps his hand around them too, has to take a deep breath to keep from shooting off, he wants to see Billy come first.

Billy grunts and focuses, looking down between them. Steve keeps rocking his hips, so focused on that pretty face, the furrow of his brows, the way his lips are sucked between his teeth.

When Billy comes, his face opens up, he drops his head back and almost laughs into his moan. Steve is totally transfixed, paused halfway in a thrust. He has to kiss Billy’s jaw and feels the wet splash of spunk between them.

Steve moans and slides through Billy’s come breathlessly. He comes a moment later, squeezing down hard on himself as he thinks of Billy’s blue eyes, searching for the heavens he’s found within himself.

Steve flops beside him. His chest is heaving, his hand and stomach are sticky, but his heart is soaring. He’s smiling, he looks at Billy and smiles even wider.

“I love you,” he whispers.

Billy turns to smile at him too, leans in for a soft, sweet kiss. He’s tender to the touch, when Steve splays his sticky hand on his chest.

“I love you too,” Billy mumbles when they pull apart. “Come with me to California.”

And Steve doesn’t know what else the future holds or if he’s even going to like California. But he wants to keep this life with Billy. So he just smiles and says, “Okay.”

[technically-ghostly-collection]

Alright let’s do this one more time, my fanfiction did a lot better then I expected (Yeah I know 31 notes isn’t a lot but it makes me happy). So here’s part two! You gotta read part one to understand this part so I linked it below, I hope y’all enjoy this one too! :D this does switch perspectives at the end to explain Miguel’s reasoning for what he does for the MC.

vvvvvvvv for part one

Part one | Part two | Part 3

TW: Injuries and Hospitals

Word count: 2.0K

————————————————————————

It doesn’t take long for the pain to kick in and you’re left writhing on the floor, holding your side and trying to breath through it. You start dragging yourself towards the hall closet to get a first aid kit, pain meds, anything to make this pain go away before you hear a knock at the door.

A muffled voice comes through the door, “Hey, I heard gunshots coming from here, I want to check that you’re alive!”

Fuck. It’s your downstairs neighbor. He’s very reclusive, you don’t even know why he cares so much when all he does is scowl and grumble at you. You’ve tried to be nice and make conversation with him but heaven forbid anyone acknowledges him, you barely remember his name. He knocks again, but you’re head is fogged with the pain, you’re barely registering anything going on around you. What was his name? It started with an M, you know that much, you see it on his mailbox in the mail room but when your life depends on it you can’t remember, of course.

You hear the doorhandle start to shake, and then something starting to fiddle with the lock. You continue to try and crawl towards your hall closet, taking deep breaths, You’d shout back but your vocal cords have been strained by your recent choking. You finally get to the closet and manage to open the door before your front door slowly starts to open.

“If you’re going to make noise or watch action movies maybe you should, I dunno, turn the volume… down…” you watch as your neighbor’s shadow in the doorway stops as he notices the blood on the floor. “Jesus christ, where are you? Whose blood is this?” he rushes in and sees you reaching for the first aid kit.

You glare at him, “Breaking and entering isn’t really a good look on you” you rasp.

“I think that should be the least of your worries, you sound like shit”

“Wow, thanks prince charming, that really helps”

He rolls his eyes, giving you a quick glare before he comes over and grabs the first aid kit for you, “can you walk?” You shake your head.

“That was a stupid question, try again”

He sighs, you can tell you’re getting on his nerves. Good, he insulted your jello salad at a dinner party the apartment complex was throwing, yes you’re holding a grudge. No, you won’t give it up. “Do you want my help or not?” Miguel hisses

“Wow, you’re so generous, who would have guessed that?” you cough out, wincing at your injuries and slowly prop yourself up against the wall.

He shoots you another glare before popping the first aid kit open. You blush a bit, “don’t glare and snarl at me, you’re the one who’s sticking your nose in my business”

“Would you rather I call the police to file a noise complaint?” He pulls out some gauze and medical wraps as well as some alcohol wipes. “This first aid kit is primitive, how the hell do you expect someone to work with this?”

You roll your eyes, “I’m not made of money, I can’t afford the shit Alcamex is advertising”.

He goes quiet, you feel a little sense of victory being able to shut him up. He rolls up your shirt so that he can better examine your side. He stops you before you can call him a perv and pull your shirt down with a stern look and you swallow your words, letting him continue. You watch as he rips open an alcohol wipe and hiss as he starts cleaning the torn up skin.

“You might have to go to the hospital for this, it looks pretty deep”

“I would really prefer not to, it’ll be fine”

He gives you a frustrated look before just putting the gauze on and wrapping your side tight, you hold back a groan as the wrap presses against the wound.

“You should probably get your nose looked at. It looks broken and probably needs to be reset” he says as he packs everything back into the first aid kit.

“Who died and made you a doctor? Let me guess, your favorite board game is Operation.”

He gives you an agitated look, “you need to get your nose taken care of, it’s still bleeding.”

You wipe the blood off your chin and look down at your soiled shirt, cursing under your breath. “God fine, but I’m not going to the ER tonight, I’d much rather go back to bed” as you try to get up you wince and gasp out in pain at your wrist. You scowl down at it, ‘why have you betrayed me?’ you think to yourself. It’s definitely sprained just based on the size of the swelling and the feeling of fire racing through your hand and forearm due to the pressure you just put on it.

“Yeah, I’m dropping you off at the hospital, I don’t want to hear you groaning through the floorboards all night”

You hesitate before nodding, “fine… Okay fine, take me to the hospital.”

He nods before grabbing your arm and helps pull you up to your feet. Your legs feel like jello, you grab onto his arm to steady yourself and blush a bit ‘he’s awfully buff, god damn’ you think to yourself. He keeps a firm grip on your waist and wraps your arm around his shoulders, starting to help you walk out of your apartment to the parking garage downstairs. You’re already panting and sweating from the pain alone by the time you get to the car, he helps you climb in and you buckle up. He starts up the car after buckling up himself and drives off, you didn’t even notice that he put on some sunglasses before you both left and realized you left your own prescription glasses at home on your night stand between your judging looks.

“Fuck” you mumble to yourself.

He glances at you, “don’t pass out in my car.”

“Wow, nice work, I’m so comforted right now”

He rolls his eyes, the audacity of this man. “You’re welcome.”

“God you’re really getting on my nerves, why are you helping me?”

“My own selfish reasons.” He grunts out, you can tell the conversation is over based on the ice cold barrier he’s put up.

You roll your eyes and look down at your hands, feeling a blush spread on your cheeks. you don’t know why you're embarrassed. Maybe it’s because your attitude is less than savory but then again, he’s being an asshole back. He’s uninviting and abrasive and you’re still trying to put the pieces together as to why he’s so concerned because that excuse he just gave you sounded like a bunch of bullshit.

You both ride in silence the rest of the way to the hospital, you stare at the lights flying past you and dose off a bit, pressing your head to the cold window. It’s not long before your neighbor is shaking you and makes sure you’re clear of the door before coming around and helping you out. Like he promised, he’s dropped you off at the doors to the ER, not giving you so much as a second glance before going back to his car and driving off.

You stumble into the ER and a nurse helps you sit down, it takes a minute and some paperwork before they bring you back to a room. They change you into a hospital gown and before you know it you’ve got 5 stitches, a bulky stint on your wrist and a prescription for some strong pain medications that will help with your broken nose. The doctor already came in and they decided you’ll be staying the night for observation and you’ve been moved to a more permanent room, you’re trying to adjust and maybe get some rest before a nurse comes in with a clipboard.

“We just need you to fill out the emergency contact section and your insurance information and then you can rest okay? Do you need anything before I leave?”

“No I’m fine, thank you though” you smile and take the clipboard, already against having to write this down with your non-dominant hand.

“Okay, I’ll just get a refill on your water okay?”

“Okay, thank you” you give her another kind smile as she rushes out to get you more water and you start trying to fill out the form. You didn’t know how to politely say that you didn’t have any emergency contacts. You think for a minute, reflecting on your situation and shake your head. ‘I’ve got to remember his name… for the thank you card’ you chuckle a bit at your own joke. You imagine how his face will scrunch up with disgust, just like when he tried your jello salad… maybe you’ll send him a bowl. Just to make up for him breaking into your apartment.

Suddenly the phone rings next to you, you jump a bit and hesitate before answering it. “Hello?”

You cringe at your neighbor's voice, you don’t care how sultry it sounds, you’re just forced to reflect on his glaring face. “Yeah hi, I just wanted to let you know that you got blood on my seats. We’ll talk about how you’ll pay for that later.”

“Wow, you called me, at the hospital, just to tell me I stained your car’s seat?” You grab a pen and paper and start writing down the number on the receiver, you’re going to annoy the fuck out of him, you’re determined to do so.

“Yeah.. that’s the only reason I called you.” The line disconnects and you stare at the phone in raw disbelief.

You contemplate how you’re going to cuss him out when you see him next. You’re ready to make a scene and embarrass him, just like he embarrassed you. You feel like he treated you like a toddler, like you couldn’t take care of yourself or catch a bus down to the hospital when YOU were ready. You roll over, still imagining his snarl when you see him next and give him a piece of your mind. You settle down for the night, ‘I’m spamming his damn phone tomorrow’ You think as you doze off, ‘he risked his own damn seats’.

Miguel’s perspective

‘Why did I do that… that was probably the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. When have I cared about people after I saved them?’ He knows why, he just doesn’t want to admit that he finds you attractive. And your lack of cooking ability is almost endearing. The way you smile and wave at him when you catch him in the mail room, or the way your face brightens up at the parties the landlord decides to throw. So when he saw you, broken and bleeding after he handled the two shit bags who attacked you, he couldn’t help but soften, and decide that maybe he can allow himself to care about you.

He pulls into the parking garage and climbs out, walking in to the building after locking his car up. He looks at the buttons on the elevator for a moment before pressing one, stepping out as the doors open onto your floor. ‘I’m such a fucking idiot, I shouldn’t be doing this. I have my own shit going on.’ And yet he enters your apartment, grabs a broom, and sweeps up the broken glass shattered on your floor.

It’s not long before his ‘watch’ sets off and a small hologram of a woman in heart sunglasses and a puffy coat pops up. “Hey Miguel~ You have a priority call.”

“Tell ‘em I died” he grunts out.

“Still cracking the same jokes I see” the hologram smiles. “But you are needed at headquarters, some emergency with the cafeteria and some of the spiders. A food fight has broken out”

He groans, “god why didn’t you let Jessica or Lego Spiderman take over while I was gone?”

“Because it’s more fun to create chaos, also they have their own dimensions to take care of”

“Fine, I’ll be right in” he sighs as the hologram closes out and throws the glass away. ‘Might as well be wearing a French maid outfit, they better be grateful for this when they come home’ he walks out of your apartment and makes sure the door is closed before walking out of the building.

————————————————————————

I wanted to include this gem from the comics in here. You’re welcome.

[dtmsrpfcringe]

You really are a dumb fuck, aren't you? You repeated exactly what I said, then told me I was wrong for saying what you parroted back to me. Living in your brain must be fucking insufferable.

Your own words were that they did not know each other ten years ago. Incorrect.

They have both said that they have known each other socially (i.e., friends) since 2001. They did not become close until they were in Good Omens. Yes, that is what I said. That's what you agreed to after I corrected your initial false statement. My god, little wonder you think this blog is a good idea when these are your thought processes.

Nothing else you said makes the slightest bit of sense. I can't even decipher the point of that word salad, and I am a teacher. Why would Michael use the names of the characters when he is talking about the show that the characters are in? What? You are reaching so hard that it is comical.

You are a class act making jokes about a congenital defect that kills newborn infants. Is that the kind of thing the mother of a newborn infant who claims to be a nurse would do? We have established that you are lying about both of those things. You are just an awful person. When it comes down to the real point of this blog, you don't care about the greater good of the fandom. You only want attention. You are shouting about a tiny corner of Tumblr that draws no attention to itself. You bring attention to it. You make it loud. Even when it disappears, you keep bringing it back. What's the real point here? You want attention for yourself. You want to be the hero in a war that doesn't exist.

Maybe you don't ship the hairband. Maybe you just have bad taste in music? I don't care. Either way, you have no place calling out anyone when you support those losers. They are the epitome of the scum of society. Actual misogynists. One of them even murdered someone while driving drunk. That is just the tip of the iceberg. But someone no one knows said something mean about Georgia Tennant on Tumblr? Someone suggests that two men who keep talking about having sex and being in love might be in love. Better clutch your pearls over that! Pathetic.

bae that isn’t what you said. You said they’ve been friends for almost 25 years. Do you write things and just fucking forget them? Or can you just not stop lying?

I can’t imagine being a teacher and just constantly being so goddamn wrong, I bet your students can’t stand you.

also saying you don’t have a brain isn’t making fun of a congenital defect babe. I’m neither lying about being a mom or healthcare professional. Most people I talk to pretty regularly here have seen my baby, and it would be pretty hard work to have an entire baby to…fake being a mom??? I’m not going to put my baby’s face on here to prove to someone like you that she’s real, and frankly I think it’s a little strange you wanna see that bad babe. Like? Your obsession with an internet stranger’s newborn (i guess infant now omfg) is kinda creepy.

As for my health certification, you don’t know shit actually. I busted my ass in high school to be licensed because of the people who helped me as a kid. Also I’m not a nurse😉 you are right about that. There’s more to healthcare than your RN and MDs lol. You seem like you’d yell at underpaid healthcare workers in the worst way possible.

you obviously did understand, but didn’t want to lick your wounds and slink into the corner.

btw this group absolutely does draw attention to yourself. I found these people by looking for cute Georgia and Anna stuff and finding hate and misogyny spread about them. As for Motley Crue, I hardly listen to them anymore, if literally ever. I haven’t posted anything about them in over a year and that is why I removed 2000 of my followers on instagram and made it private to have a personal acc. I just never bothered changing the username lol. So try again I guess.

Anyways here’s my daily reminder to you that David and Michael would be disgusted with you. Hope you have the day you deserve!

Keep sending these I think we’re falling in love boo🚨🔵🚨🔵

[princessozera]

"Would you mind being a nude model for me?" (Mammon)

No smut or other shenanigans! MC is just a very tired art student who needs some anatomy practice.

>Implied relationship

Word Count: 709

GN MC (They/Them, 3rd ppov)

Mammon is quick to accept and also agrees to the time that MC chooses for them to meet up in his room. However, the anxiety sets in as soon as MC walks away to their own room for the night. 

He’s a famous model! He’s been posing nude for longer than MC’s been alive, so really there shouldn’t be any reason for him to be nervous. This is Mammon’s area of expertise, companies pay him millions for the honor of using his image. This image wasn’t even going to be seen by anyone other than him and MC. 

Yet, in the week leading up to the modeling session, Mammon began tagging along to Beel’s nightly workout and holding himself to standards even stricter than the ones given to him by the modeling agency. There were no snack runs or midnight rendezvous for some hell’s noodles. He didn’t even steal one of Asmo’s cupcakes, and ignored everyone’s complaints about him only offering protein and variety salads on his cooking day. 

When MC shows up at Mammon’s door on saturday, they immediately notice the pull of his muscles and how prominent his veins were, despite being relaxed. They drop their sketchbook on the pool table and walk out, only to come back a few minutes later with a backpack full of snacks and arms full of water bottles. Ignoring every complaint about his endurance and “industry standards”, MC refused to even pick up their pencil until Mammon drank a full water bottle and ate a cup of his favorite ramen noodles. Once he’s properly hydrated, they talk about what kind of pose he should take, MC ‘conveniently’ being turned around as Mammon strips down.

Mammon takes his bedsheets and loosely drapes them around himself, in a crude mimic of his angel form. He poses across from one of the spotlights hanging over his bed, hoping the light could give a cool halo effect. While MC was looking away again, he also made sure to stick his butt out a little bit, to make it look good. 

For all of his years working as a fashionmodel, it didn’t do much to prepare him to be an art model. Mammon is soon thankful he chose a spot near the pool table so he could lean back on it, but no matter how hard MC tries to distract him, it isn’t long before Mammon starts tapping his foot or trying to fix his hair. He wasn’t sure if it was nerves, or having been explicitly told not to move, but he was fighting the urge to get any kind of movement. Swaying, finger tapping, foot wiggling, fidgeting, flexing. Anything he can get away with. So MC comes up with a compromise- they finish his face first, so he’s free to talk and laugh as much as he wants. He takes full advantage of this by also trying to get MC to laugh, making funny faces and impressions of his brothers every time they looked up at him. 

He wins, after the first laugh MC's seriousness starts tk crack and they find it harder to focus, sketchbook half forgotten in their hands. It comes to the point that MC has to whip out their phone  and snap a few quick photos before they both double over in laughter, all focus broken. Since they’ve already distracted, they take this time to have a proper break. Mammon takes MC’s sketchbook and uses a few empty pages to doodle nonsense while MC stretches their hands and eats something. 

The afternoon’s plans are tossed aside- as much as Mammon loves MC’s undivided attention, he can’t keep still. With his endless charisma, he distracts MC from ever starting the drawing again, and they instead decide to go out on an impromptu date to Madame Scream’s before heading over to an arcade. Although the sketch remained unfinished, MC hadn’t forgotten about it. And after a rough day at work and fighting with Lucifer again, Mammon would find it slipped under his door. Completed and making him look better than any camera ever has, with words of comfort and love scribbled on the back, the drawing would cause MC to be hunted down by a teary eyed demon, demanding a hug.

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

((Lucifer)) ((Levi))

[levi501ackerman]

Steel Heart Chapter 3:

The Crested Swords

Hange x Reader Chapter Index Masterlist AO3

Megan's Note: Happy 4th of July to USA! if you're outside the US. HAPPY 100 YEARS OF CAESAR SALAD!!!! Just know in general I really hate editing. So I'll hastily edit then post. Then edit after posting hoping no one caught that. Have patience with me Reminder its a slow burn Posted: 7/4/24

Word Count: 3.3k

“Hey, brat . . .” The man with the jet-black hair skeptically started, “Who did you steal that sword from?” You trembled as the man stepped forward, not releasing you from his gaze. His eyes became sharper, and you pressed against the door. Then you recalled the sword you were holding. You raised it with both hands firm on the handle, pointing directly at the man; he was practically on the tip of the other end. 

“Please . . . I mean no harm—I’ll leave and none of this happened!” 

“I bet you don’t even realize the value of your sword . . .” You swung the sword and then the man pulled out his sword and CRASHED it against Sir Zacharius’ with a force that it flung out of your grasp. You didn’t even notice he had a sword. Then the man advanced and forced the blade an inch for your neck. He was quick. You screamed, panicked at the thought that this was how you were going to die. “Grab his sword.” Tears quickly spilled out of your eyes, leaving the cottage caused you to go toward your death. If you were to escape, you vowed never to disobey Sir Zacharius again. The short man glared at you, looking pissed. 

“Captain Levi, It’s not his.” The almost bald man holding Sir Zacharius’ sword said, analyzing it. You felt off-balanced like you were going to faint. The black-haired man named Captain Levi assertively held his sword to your neck, yet his expression softened and the inner corner of his eyebrows raised slightly. “This isn’t Flagon’s sword. The initials on this one are M Z.” Captain Levi didn’t blink he stared at your tearing face and your tensed body inches from his blade. 

“M Z,  huh?” He eyed you down and then returned his eyes to yours. “I want answers, girl. I know your scrawny ass doesn’t know how to fight, let alone hold a sword correctly, so tell me . . . how’d you get this sword?” Sir Zacharius’ demands didn’t leave your mind. You pondered on staying silent, trusting no one, or telling the elaborate story Sir Zacharius discussed with you. The tale of siblings escaping Shiganshina, straying away from the refugee crowd, stumbling upon the armor, taking it, your ‘brother’ landing in the trap and needing help. You hoped you didn’t make the wrong choice. 

“We found it, my brother and I . . .” He didn’t show any indication of interest in your story. Levi remained silent, his piercing gaze giving you chills. You glanced at the two men behind him, noticing the practically bald one still holding Sir Zacharius’ sword. “My brother and I were in Shiganshina the night it was attacked . . . when we got to the inner gate we left the refugee crowd . . . and then went into the forest . . . there was a dead knight on the ground my brother took his armor . . . because we were cold . . . but then he stepped on an animal trap and I stitched it up, but it’s been a few weeks and . . . we think it’s infected. He’s sick . . . I only came here to look for medicine, maybe some food . . .” 

“You’re lying.” Captain Levi firmly stated. He lowered his sword slowly, “Not fully. I know you weaved a bit of the truth. But you happen to go into the forest then . . . ‘stumble upon a dead knight’? Quite the story . . .” You looked down to notice you were relentlessly fidgeting with your fingers. Levi glanced at your fingers, too. You then clamped them together in front of you. “Did your big brother tell you that story?” Your mouth went dry, Levi picked up on your lie, and you scrambled to get another story, but your brain was fogged. “Answer me.”

“Yes.”

“Where were you and your big brother heading?” A thought surfaced and you figured being vague was not a poor choice. 

“I don’t know . . . I think we were heading to a refugee camp, but my brother forced me to go into the forest with him.”

“A forest quite far from the inner gate? Miles upon miles east from Shiganshina’s gate . . .” You swallowed, you felt as if the man could figure out every lie, every hole in your story. “What’s . . . your name?” You sucked in a breath, not expecting Levi to ask you that question. You glanced again at Sir Zacharius’ sword, still being held by the nearly bald man. Flustered: to be honest, or to tell another lie which Captain Levi might just knew you were lying anyway. You wondered if telling your real name would hurt you, causing—you remembered Sir Zacharius telling you how the Marleyan Cult was looking for you. It's been two weeks . . . Sir Zacharius suggested they will eventually find you . . . Your name will remain confidential. 

“Carla.”

“You’re lying.” 

“Yes, my brother told me not to reveal my identity to strangers. My name is not important. I’m sorry for bothering you, but as you can tell, I mean no harm if I could have my sword back . . . I’ll forget this happened.”

“The sword that you supposedly stole?”

“We stole it for protection!”

“You’re lying. Tell me your name.”

“My name’s not—”

“It is if you are who I think you are . . .” You stared at his challenged eyes, you felt like a caged animal. 

“I’m no one special—”

“You’ll get some antibiotics for your brother's infection . . . if you take me to him.” You weighed the offer in your head, but Sir Zacharius told you to trust no one. Your brain was empty, defeated, and out of ideas to lead you out. A small whimper burst out of you when Captain Levi suddenly moved toward the other two men. They looked confused as well. Captain Levi grasped Sir Zacharius’ sword by the blade and then offered the crested handle to you. When you reached for it Levi pulled it away. “You’re going to learn something . . . notice the decorative crests among the handle?” You always noticed the intricate ornate pattern creating the crest and how it mades the sword look pretty. “It's not just some pattern, this sword is given to members of the Royal King’s Guard . . . I think you’re lying that your brother took this sword off the body of a dead knight. Say you’re telling the truth . . . the man who this sword belongs to is dead and your brother has an infection, lying in the last cottage we haven’t searched yet or . . . you’re with the man this sword belongs to who has an infection, lying in the last cottage we haven’t searched yet. You won’t tell me your name . . . I suspect I know why . . . so take me to your brother.” 

The thought of Captain Levi—who agilely took Sir Zacharius’ sword swiftly from your grasp—killing Sir Zacharius and then you, crossed your mind. Though he might kill you quickly and not have to go through a slow death . . . Then your mind suddenly fed you a positive thought: Captain Levi giving you antibiotics. Then Sir Zacharius’ knee heels and he’s able to walk again. 

“What kind of antibiotics? A cream would be good, but I think we’ll need pills.”

“Both. I’ll give you both if you take me to your brother.” 

“Fine . . . Just you, those two don’t come with.”

“You’re not really in a position of negotiation . . . girl. But, I guess Jean and Connie could go get the antibiotics.”

“You promise you’ll give me antibiotics if I take you to my brother?” Captain Levi annoyingly sighed.

“I dedicate my heart.” He put a fist over his heart and your eyebrows furrowed. He saluted like Sir Zacahrius’ and said something you heard once before from the bald guy in Shiganshina. Knight Commander Dot Pyxis said ‘Dedicate Your Heart’ after Sir Zacharius saluted him at the innergate. Then he took you through the tunnel . . . that lead out miles away from the innergate. Was that planned? But Sir Zacharius mentioned they didn’t have a full plan intact. Especially since the Marleyan Cult attacked months before your twenty-fifth birthday, which Sir Zacharius told you he didn’t expect . . . Captain Levi and the men were not wearing armor, but they knew about your sword. Did they know because of the price or did they know because they’re in the know? Levi’s eyebrow raised slightly when he saw your expression. “Heard that phrase before?” 

Sir Zacharius said, 'trust no one.’ But he also said, ‘no one we do not know.’ What if Captain Levi wasn’t a scavenger? But what if he knew Sir Zacharius? Trust no one. 

“Never heard that before in my life. I’ll take you to my brother. Only because if he dies, I won’t have anyone.” Levi handed you Sir Zacharius’ sword. He didn’t taunt you this time and you firmly gripped it. Levi looked over at the men who stared at you in awe. 

“Go back to camp and get the antibiotics, ride back with my horse, and . . . an extra one.”

“Yes, sir!” “Yes, sir!” The said firmly.

“I should be more polite . . . Ladies first.” Captain Levi motioned to the door. You pushed your back off the door, glanced at the short man once more, then opened the door. The bright light nearly blinded you and caused your vision to turn white. You felt a pressure in your head, then your arm hitting the floor, followed by your shoulder and side. When the pressure subsided in your head, your vision revealed to you being on the floor, the daylight casting itself into the cottage. Beside you, Levi was kneeling and offering a hand. You ignored him, digging the sword into the wood flooring and leveraging your weight like you saw Sir Zacharius do before. Trust no one. When you walked through the threshold, you heard Levi’s voice call to his men, “Bring food as well.”  

You started walking down the hill, not waiting for Levi’s presence. You gripped the sword, building confidence in your decision. If Captain Levi tries anything to Sir Zacharius, you’d do your best to kill him. Do anything to kill him. Go for the neck, kick him in the balls. 

Sir Zacharius is your only chance of surviving.        

Your left foot slipped from under you, then rolled on a rock, and you fell backward. You yelped when a hand gripped your upper arm, firm and causing your weight to shift to your core, balancing again. Your eyes fixated on Levi’s steel grey eyes, who released your arm. A wave of embarrassment washed over you and you felt heavy.  

You felt Levi’s stare at you, which fueled frustration. This small man is so annoying. Why couldn’t he just leave you alone? This was a mistake . . . he’s getting too much information. You and Sir Zacharius were vulnerable, but if he doesn’t get antibiotics, he’ll die. What if the two men weren’t getting antibiotics but telling the rest of the cult where you were going and what you were doing with their captain? Leaving the cottage was a huge mistake. But yet, they were going to search through it anyway, like they said. Your eyes became glossy. Blinking back tears, you refused to cry. 

You both reached the bottom of the hill, stopping in your tracks, trying to catch your breath. Levi kept walking ahead toward the cottage. Your heart raced faster while jogging to Levi, not wanting him to be alone with Sir Zacharius. You ran past him, standing before the door, blocking him before entering.  

“What now, brat?” Your face scrunched at the name-calling. It was rude, and you felt like you didn’t deserve it. You swallowed the urge to yell at him, telling him not to call you that anymore. 

“I want your sword before we go inside. If you mean no harm, then let me have it. Because I’ll only use my sword—”

“Your brother’s sword.”

“Just take a peak then you’ll know we mean no harm.” He stared expressionless. Then he scanned your body once again. To your surprise, he slowly drew his sword from his hip. His eyes glanced at your strong stance blocking the door, then he flipped the sword, holding it by the blade and offering the handle. You couldn’t believe he was actually handing over his sword. You took his sword and then your face contorted. The crested handle looked identical to Sir Zacharius’. “My jewels are green.” Levi brushed past you, opening the door. Thoughts disappeared as you stared at both of the ornate handles. With a closer look, there were a few tiny jewels embedded in parts of the handle. Sir Zacharius' had tiny red jewels and Captain Levi’s sword had identical jewel placement but they were green. On his blade near the handle the initials: LA were carved. The questionable man was alone with Sir Zacharius. While holding both swords, you dashed in awkwardly to Levi standing in the bedroom.

“You’re an ugly sight.” He said and you turned to Sir Zacharius, whose eyes were partly open. Then he raised his middle finger at Levi.

“Kuchel would still want to fuck me.” Levi approached his bandaged knee, swollen and red.  

“Kuchel will fuck anyone with enough money. Even ugly soon-to-be-one-legged bastards like you.”

“Sir Zacharius! Do you know this man?” You stepped closer, unsure of what to do.

“Knight-Captain Levi Ackerman of the Royal King’s Guard, humanity’s strongest knight.” You gasped at the realization, shying away, embarrassed of how you acted in the other cottage. 

“Knight-Captain is a real title, but it sounds silly. Call me captain.” He said to you and you didn’t want him to look at your face. “Your sister here came into a cottage I was in and told me a lame story, how her big brother has an infection and needs medicine.” Your cheeks flushed not wanting to look at Captain Levi or Sir Zacharius. He knows you broke his rule of not leaving the cottage. “She also swung your sword at me.” Sir Zacharius slowly turned his face toward you, which you then turned a deep red.

“You took my sword?”

“I’m sorry, I disobeyed you, Sir Zacharius!” You dropped both swords, rattling against each other and the wooden floor. You knelt beside the bed and grabbed his hand, holding it in yours. “I only wanted to find medicine or something to help you. You’re yellow—you’re sick. I can’t lose you. I wanted to find some way to take your pain away.” You began to tear up, aching at the thought of him dying a slow death from infection. 

“I told your sister to give me her name or to take me to her big brother in exchange for antibiotics. I had a feeling I might recognize an old friend, so now tell me . . . is this who I think it is.”

“It is.” Levi’s gaze softened and then got off the bed and knelt beside you. You sniffed and then wiped away your wet eyes.

“Princess Y/N,” he sincerely. You liked the way your name sounded, the way he spoke. “I hope you can forgive me—”

“Captain Levi!” You put your hands on his shoulder and he furrowed his eyebrows. “Let’s just forget about what happened in the cottage.” Levi pried your hands off his shoulder and then held your right hand with his. 

“My men and I swear to protect you and keep you safe, returning you to Mitras Castle . . .” He kissed the back of your hand, and you blushed, pulling your hand away. Levi grabbed his sword off the ground, returning it to the side of his waist while he stood back up.

“She hasn’t eaten in multiple days.” Sir Zacharius weakly said.

“Makes sense since her scrawny ass fell more than once” Levi sat on the bed next to Sir Zacharius’ knee. “Miche, there’s been some trouble . . .” He said to Sir Zacharius. “Commander Flagon is dead. His entire camp was a pool of blood and bodies. His sword is missing and no one was found alive.” Sir Zacharius exhaled and put a hand over his eyes.

“He was annoying, but fuck, this is not good.”

“I suspect the traitor is responsible . . . I went through my men. They’re clear. I’m not sure about Hange’s. I don’t think they know about the camp yet . . . They don’t know Moblit is dead. Hange must have sent Moblit to deliver a message to Flagon and he was there when it happened. Wrong place, wrong time.” 

“MOBLIT’S DEAD?!! FUCK!!!!!” Sir Zacharius then let out excessively thick coughs. 

“I don’t want to be near the freak when they find out about Moblit . . .” You stared at the fabric of Sir Zacharius’ pillow, listening to Levi. “I received another message. Due to Flagon’s squad being wiped out, the Commander of the Royal King’s Guard himself will be with us soon. He gave me new instructions . . .” He eyed you, then glanced at Sir Zacharius’ knee. 

“Are the antibiotics here yet?” You asked, hoping Captain Levi didn’t forget his end of the deal. His narrow eyes stared into your soul, and you thought you had almost seen him smile. Levi patted Sir Zacharius’ ankle, “When we return to camp, I’ll have a few men stay with you until you can ride horseback.” You gasped a little, questioning what Levi was suggesting. You rushed to Sir Zacharius’ side again, feeling the heat rise inside you. You couldn’t leave him. Being with a group of strange men isn’t what you wanted.

“I’m not leaving him!” Silence held the room. Sir Zacharius then offered one of his hands and you took it, seeking comfort. He turned as much of his torso as he could toward you and a fond smile on his sick, yellow, tired face.

“Your Highness, my part in your journey is done and now you are with Captain Levi. You can trust him as much as you trust me. You must put all your trust in him, do what he says, and don’t question him. It’s a cruel world and there will be more times where you’ll have to be brave.” You side-eyed Levi. You figured he may not be a bad choice, considering how quickly he whipped Sir Zacharius’ sword out of your hand. “Princess, you can trust anyone who says ‘Dedicate Your Heart’. It’s a phrase the higher-ups created half a decade ago during the first royale draft of the plan for your return to Mitras Castle on your quarter birthday.”

“I’ll miss you Sir Zacharius, thank you for protecting me. You’re so kind and strong—” Levi smirked knowing Sir Zacharius was enjoying all the fond words you were giving him, “—I’ll never forget you.” You laid on his chest in an attempt to hug him, he patted your back. Levi took a mental note of how you would be relearning social rules in the capital once you’re officially Queen . . . 

“Y/N, remember, go for the neck and kick them in the balls!”

You followed Levi outside the cottage, wishing Sir Zacharius was healthy enough to come. When you crossed the threshold, the sun shined on your skin. You jolted at Levi's sudden touch. He picked your hood up to cover your head. A small smile formed, but Levi didn’t return it. He looked at the two men approaching you. Four horses were on top of the hill. 

“The Princess hasn’t eaten in days. Give her the food I asked you to bring. The old Commander is in the cottage. Give him the antibiotics and food. Unfortunately, the Commander can’t ride. We’re heading back to camp. You’ll meet me in my tent later.” The two boys' eyes grew big and then scanned your presence. They immediately knelt on the ground and did their best to salute you while holding the food and medicine.

“You’re Highness!” “You’re Highness!” The boys said at the same time. 

“Uh, thank you, gentlemen.”

Levi's words stayed with you while you chewed on chicken and warm rice. Sir Zacharius was a Commander? It made sense, considering Levi said their swords were from the Royal King’s Guard. 

“Captain Levi?” He turned his head, acknowledging your curious tone. “I didn’t know Sir Zacharius was a commander.”

“It seems he has not told you what you need to know because of his injury.”

next chapter: Chapter 4: The Commander's Letter

Chapter Index Masterlist

[celticcrossanon]

Hi, Celta! Hope you’re well and protecting yourself from the toxic energies coming from many of these Sussex and Charles readings. Thank you for doing them! Re: that Instyle article about KC3 “and” William again discussing removal of the Sussex titles because of the Harkle faux royal Nigerian tour. Instyle is one of the pro-Sussex, pay-for-play US media outlets, along with People, US mag, etc, and “royal reporter” Tom Quinn is not to be trusted. I think we’ve all learned to read these planted PR articles with a jaundiced, critical eye, and the wording always gives Megs away! Phrases like “olive branch,” “sweet nod,” “compassion in action,” and other word salad baloney are Meghan red flags lol. Another is when Catherine is gratuitously mentioned and/or shaded in these Sussex PR articles. (Meghan just can’t help her jealous, mean girl self.) Well, sure enough, smack in the middle of the Instyle article - which has zero to do with C - is this little zinger:

“Even if Harry and Meghan were no longer able to use their titles, the public would more than likely continue to associate them with the royal family—much like how most people continue to refer to Kate Middleton as "Kate Middleton” and not Catherine, Princess of Wales or Duchess of Cambridge.“ …(ie, Harry and Meghan will always be thought of as royal, even if they aren’t…while Catherine, The Princess of Wales and the next Queen, will never be thought of as royal, even if she 100% IS!)

MM, through her PR, will grab any opportunity to (try to) diminish Catherine, here calling her "Kate Middleton.” I’m surprised they didn’t throw in “Waity Katie” as well! And (please correct me if I’m wrong) isn’t Catherine - as PoW - now The Duchess of Cornwall, with all that entails, including the billions from the Duchy of Cornwall? That must really stick in Meghan’s greedy craw, thus why she conveniently excluded it. Anyhoo…imho that American Instyle article was from the Harkles…in cahoots with KC3.

*

Hi Nonny,

I went and read the entire article after my kneejerk reaction to the headline, and I agree with you. I think it comes from the Sussex camp as well. The entire article read to me as ‘please don’t take our titles, but even if you do we will always be more popular and influential than you” which suggests to me that a) there is talk of removing the titles, and the Sussexes do not want that at all, and b) Harry and Meghan’s delusions about their popularity are as strong as ever.

A lesson for me - read the article before I make cynical comments based on the headline. :)

[conversation-starters]

I’m not that big on micro labels but demisexual has a very special place in my heart. Usually if anyone asks I’ll just say I’m queer and trans but if I wanna get specific, which I rarely do, I’ll say I’m genderqueer transmasc demisexual/romantic which is word salad and most people don’t know what that means. But for a very long time I had no words to describe my lived experience and one of the first ones I found was demisexual. I know it’s something a lot of people on the ace spectrum can relate to but I honestly felt like I was broken. I’ve only experienced true genuine attraction, sexual or romantic, to a whopping 3 people in my life. My childhood best friend/crush, one of my exes, and my current partner. It’s not for lack of trying and it’s not to say my previous partners were unattractive but there’s a reason none of them worked out. I always try to part amicably and for the most part it worked out but at the end of the day I just wasn’t attracted to any of them. But I cared for them. I loved them so fucking much and I wanted nothing more than to be what they wanted me to be but I just couldn’t.

There’s a lot of guilt surrounding my past relationships. Especially the ones that were just supposed to be casual flings. There’s one that still eats me up inside. It was years ago now and we were both just dumb kids that wanted something fun but they caught feelings and I didn’t. But instead of being honest with him I just let it keep going. I kept hoping that something would just click and make the whole thing seem right but it never did and I let it drag out for too long. I’m still sorry about how things ended. I did really care about them. They were sweet and kind and just so completely in love. And I couldn’t give them what they needed so I fucked off to the other side of the state and hoped I’d never see them again. I’m we have mutual friends. I know they’re still fucked up over me. But I was in denial and young and stupid.

I don’t even know where I’m going with this anymore.

There’s a lot of things that make me broken. But being demisexual isn’t one of them.

[shirohige-pirates]

Birds of a Feather

CisFem Reader x Marco

CW: Violence, blood, language, adult themes and scenes. 18+ only

Summary: Life has not been kind to you. After a string of bad relationships, you're a little jaded and a little depressed in all honestly. The worst day of your life seems to be the turning point, but the roller coaster ride that follows could either throw you soaring free, or have you caged forever?

Chapter 6: Brothers

“I don’t know if I can keep up.” You admit with a laugh. You’re sitting in a restaurant that is maybe a little too fancy for your tastes, but you acquiesced, and Marco seemed to know the people who worked there. “So Ace is your brother, but also brothers with two other boys, who are only brothers to him, but again, not by blood. Wait, they exchanged cups when they were like, what? Six?”

Marco chuckles. “Somewhere around there. Cheeky little thieves, yoi.”

“So, you’re the eldest then, mr. ‘I’m ancient’?” You tease.

Marco shakes his head. “Not by age, no. I was the first one Pops adopted, so I ended up filling the role of eldest son, but I’m barely into my forties.”

“A little older than I thought,” you muse, taking another bite of the house salad that precludes your meal.

“Not a little too old, I hope.” There’s a tinge of worry in his voice, but that sure and easy smile seems certain it will only hear good news.

You grin deviously, biting your lower lip suggestively before meeting his gaze. “A little too old for what? This is just a dinner to settle a tab, isn’t it?”

Marco’s face goes pink, and he chuckles a little nervously. “I’m undone by my own words, it seems.”

You smile, licking your lips to help relax your mouth so you can speak. “But no… not too old.” You admit, clearing your throat as the waiter brings your main courses.

“I hope you won’t have to sleep at the office every time I want to take you on a date, yoi.” He teases and you nearly choke on your water.

“N-no, of course not.” You assure him, as you compose yourself. “These last few days were just bah-er… unique.” You correct and then start laughing. You have a hand over your mouth to stifle your laughter so you don’t disrupt other diners, and Marco gives you an inquisitive look.

“Sorry, it’s nuh-nothing really.” You say, almost losing it to another giggle fit. “It’s just a silly thought.”

“I’d love to hear it.” He says evenly. The tone of his voice, the slight smile on his face, the way those hooded eyes looked at you, was dangerous. Disarming too, and you found yourself willing to share.

“I’m just imagining introducing you. ‘This is Dr. Marco, I met him during the worst day of my life’.” You say, making a little motion with your hands and raising your voice half an octave.

It’s Marco’s turn to nearly choke, almost spitting out what he was eating and taking a second to compose himself. Despite the hand covering most of his face you can tell he’s gone pink, and he’s having a hard time looking at you.

“I warned you,” you say with a laugh.

He nods, hand over his mouth a moment longer as he tried to calm the blush out of his cheeks. Clearing his throat, he sniffs a little before letting out a soft chuckle.

“I was expecting silly,” he asserts, blush darkening on his face again despite his efforts. “Not endearing, yoi.”

It’s your turn to be flustered, and you turn your attention to your meal. The best part of having dinner with someone is that there was always something to help distract you from that other person when you needed a minute. Since it was rude to talk with your mouth full, all you had to do was keep putting food in your mouth and you could buy yourself a moment or two.

“So, if you don’t mind my asking, how many brothers do you have?” You question after a few moments of quiet eating. You’ve both had a chance to move past your earlier flustered states.

“Thirty-seven.” He says evenly and you drop your fork.

“Thir-thirty-seven?” You had expected a big number, a dozen or so maybe, but not triple that. “Holidays must be completely bonkers.”

An amused chuckle escapes him. “Most every day is a little bonkers.” He admits. “I’m not even sure how many nieces and nephews I have since Thatch took things over. It was forty-two just from my siblings who had married and started having kids.”

He takes a bite of food, mostly to give you a chance to process everything before he continues. “Most of them moved to other cities, or islands altogether. We do a full reunion about every five years, but we usually take over Heun. It works out well.”

“Heun… No way, are you telling me that your family reunions are why Heun hasn’t needed help the last…” You start to count years in your head and you and Marco answer at the same time.

“Nine years.”

You’re quiet for a moment as you process what’s going on. “Ivankov failed to mention that Heun was off the records because of a single large family.” You say flatly after a moment.

Marco smiles. “In a manner of speaking, Ivan was the reason we chose Heun.” He admits. “I didn’t realize that’s who you worked for, but when you said donations now it makes sense.”

“Ivan’s never said he’s friends with the head vet at the animal hospital either.” You say flatly. “Not that she knew I was coming to dinner with you specifically.”

“If it makes it less surreal, I’m not directly friends with Ivan.” He says evenly. “Both of Ace’s other brothers are, and Ivan and one of my… we’ll say brothers to keep it easy, was also an associate. That old reptile hasn’t been around since the first reunion, but that connection is effectively how we ended up doing what we did.”

“So… you guys load up a big barge, water, seeds, cloth, booze and food, and party hard for a couple weeks while supplying the island?”

Marco nods. “We send yearly supplies outside of that.” He admits. “You ever send stuff to Sphinx Island?”

“In the New World? Oh yeah.”

He points with his fork. “That’s the trade. Ivan has international connections that are tried and tested. He keeps Pops’ home island on his radar, and we take care of Heun.”

“With Thirty-seven brothers, you certainly have enough hands to do it too.” You admit. “Your family has sailing experience then, I take it?”

Marco nods. “It was… years ago. Back before Roger changed the world with the One Piece.”

Didn’t change it enough. You grumble internally, but keep it to yourself. That Roger changed the world for the better was undeniable, but the change wasn’t enough. The world really needed a true revolution, a liberation from the top down. Roger managed to improve the world before an incurable disease took his life, but you always felt it would’ve been better for him to pass the torch, instead of trying to carry it.

But, it was what it was. Roger’s choices had left you with little hope, but it wasn’t like he made his decision knowing your situation.

Marco cleared his throat. “My apologies, I know that can be a heavy topic.”

“It’s alright. That’s, it’s - I mean, you don’t have to answer, but why Lvneel? If you and your family were sailors, why settle down here?”

He nearly laughs. “We didn’t come straight here, yoi. We’ve been on Lvneel, oh, I guess almost twenty years, but for a couple years we still sailed.” He looks a little melancholy and sighs. “The world changed so much, and stayed the same in a lot of ways, but in the end, fate brought us here and we settled in. Lvneel’s a good place. It was much less of a city when we first got here, yoi.”

He takes a bite of food, and you can see the tips of his ears go pink before he speaks again. “It’s certainly worked out well, so far.”

The sweet shiver that goes down your back pulls a soft, awkward chuckle from your lips, despite your efforts, and you focus on your meal pointedly for a few minutes. It’s delicious, thankfully, and once your heart stops trying to beat a dent into your rib cage you manage to shift the conversation.

For better or worse your chosen topic is likely to put you right back where you were a moment ago, but you think it might be like a bandage. Ripping it free will break some of the building tension and you spare yourself lingering anticipation.

“So, Dr. Marco,” you say with a crooked smile, trying desperately to mask your nerves. “What did you have in mind for our first non-obligatory date.”

He smiles and for a split second it almost feels like you’ve been pinned to the wall. “How do you feel about surprises, yoi?”

You almost laugh. “I’d say it depends on the surprise.” You admit. “Surprise hospital bill, not high up on my list. Surprise date that doesn’t end, say, in a hospital… certainly higher up the list.”

“What’re your Saturdays like, yoi?” He prompts with a smile.

“Mostly open. I usually go into the office for a couple hours, but it’s not required.” You answer. “Yours?”

“Minimal staff, no appointments. We generally only do discharges, if anything.” He explains. “I usually go in just to avoid being called in if something unexpected happens. But, by 3pm I could be at your place, yoi.”

“To… go somewhere?” You prompt, uncertainty and, well, nerves wasn’t really the right word. There was a part of you that wasn’t sure you’d oppose making out on your couch with this man a scant few days after having met him.

His willpower better be better than yours though, or things wouldn’t stop on the couch.

He nods. “To go somewhere.” He says reassuringly. “If you wanted to invite me in, though, I wouldn’t decline, yoi.” You look up and catch the gaze looking back at you. It was relaxed as ever, hooded eyes open just enough you could feel the unexpectedly sharp gaze root you to the spot.

Something in those eyes did not carry the promise of gentlemanly behavior.

You swallow thickly, taking a drink of water almost reflexively.

“I’m guessing the where is the surprise part then?” You question and he nods. “That’s quite the gamble.”

“Oh?”

You hum. “You barely know me, what if you take me some place I can’t stand? What if I don’t like movie theaters, or long walks on the beach.” You put quotes around the last phrase, rolling your eyes a little. “Maybe I’m allergic to ice cream. The whole day could turn into a disaster.”

“The second worst day of your life, yoi?” He questions with a smile.

“Pfft,” your earlier sarcasm breaks, and you laugh. “Well played doctor, well played.”

Marco hums a little in response.

The rest of the meal goes smoothly. You and Marco talk about nothing at all really. The weather, your work schedules. You decide to go on your surprise date in a week. Saturday’s right around the corner and you still have plenty of work to deal with, so the next one after is best.

You exchange phone numbers, and even plan to meet at Sanji’s café for lunch when work allows for it. Little details weaving between the fabric of the lives you both currently live.

Maybe you’re not as busy as you always thought you were. Maybe it’s that you’re all rough edges and biting wit. Maybe you and Kid were just a bad mix. And Daz, and Galette – though admittedly those two were only in Lvneel on business, and you hadn’t intended to leave the island. Some of your relationships had been just kind of doomed like that. Fukaboshi was a fishman with responsibilities heavy enough to try and drag you under, but it hadn’t been a bad summer that year.

In between there was always Kid.

He wasn’t a bad guy. Him, Killer, Heat and Wire ran a successful business, one you’d benefited from more than once. You fit so poorly, off and on, for so long, that you had started to think there was simply something wrong with you. Some deficiency or flaw that you couldn’t smooth down enough to make it work.

But he didn’t flinch. He didn’t hit a rough edge and growl, or pull his hand back. What little wit you’d thrown at him he’d taken in stride, and returned skillfully.

Kid was straight forward and crude. You knew within moments that he wanted to get to know you, he’d said as much in words heavy with lust and fire. If nothing else, you never had to wonder what was on Kid’s mind, or what he wanted. Which had been refreshing at first, a change of pace from people who seemed either timid or falsely polite.

Marco’s words hadn’t been crude, or timid, and there wasn’t any ulterior motive in his politeness. But yet he had still been direct in his desires. Without a single crude word, or wandering hand.

As you walked up to your door, the sun dipping low, you knew you could invite him inside and he would say yes. You knew dessert had been a while ago, but his lips would still taste sweet. You knew that his steady manner and even cadence would slip you so easily from your clothes, and you would happily drown in it.

There was no need to guess.

He put the car in park and got out, walking up to the door with you, a few paces behind, hands tucked in his pockets. The air was chill enough that your breath came out in little white puffs, catching the last few glimmers of the setting sun, and picking up the orange yellow glow of the streetlamps.

“Walking me to my door, you’re quite the gentleman, doc.” You muse, putting your back to the door and giving him a smile. You weren’t quite at eye level with him, despite the step up from walkway to porch. He gives you a smile, relaxing his shoulders and letting his coat drop down a little. You could see the chill run across his skin as little bumps formed, and remembered scrubs weren’t exactly warm.

“It’s purely selfish.” He says, reaching out for a hand you were offering him before you even realized what you were doing. He brings your fingers up to his lips bending down a little, but still keeping his eyes on yours as you feel the blood rush up to your face.

“Until next time, Miss (Y/N).” He says softly, before placing a kiss against your fingers.

“Ah… in… indeed.” You manage as he straightens back up, giving you a warm smile before going back to his car.

It took you a moment to remember how keys worked, but you got inside and realized he didn’t leave the drive until you were safe inside the house. Whether he lingered a minute longer in case you needed something, or because he didn’t want to leave, you couldn’t say.