#and I agreed to some work for my brother tomorrow which is fine

[gaytobymeres]

Really thought I’d have a few days of doing fuck all after finishing my exams but I should know not to be so naive

[darkmatilda]

╰┈➤ the pumpkin reaper

epilogue

previous parts:

1 2 3

in which you and reid are visiting your brother in hospital after he tried to commit a suicide

tw: mention of a suicide attempt

contents: spender reidxfem!bau!reader, it's an epilogue, please check the previous parts if you missed them!

words: 3.1k

You couldn’t believe those words came out of your mouth, but they did. And what’s more, they were sincere.

It was late in the evening when you were heading back to the office in Quantico. No case ever ended with just catching the unsub – after that came the long hours of report writing and paperwork. After everything you’d been through, the team almost forbade you from taking on that task. Instead, they insisted that you go straight home and get some proper rest.

You rolled your eyes and nodded, like a child whose mother insists they zip up their jacket. Hotch was nowhere to be seen, Morgan was listening to music with his eyes closed, Emily and JJ were absorbed in their conversation, and Rossi… well, Rossi was doing whatever it is Rossi does. So, you reached for the case files and tucked yourself away in a quiet corner of the jet. You wanted to go over everything again, even though you knew that as soon as you saw Logan's photo, all the unpleasant memories would come rushing back with relentless force.

 But before you could open the folder to the first page, someone simply took it from your hands. You looked up to see none other than Reid—blue shirt, sleeves rolled halfway up, a look of perpetual sleeplessness, his usual worry, and… joy. Small, but noticeable.

You, too, were almost disturbingly happy. Escaping death filled you with a mood akin to the high after smoking two joints back-to-back. Of course, it would only last for a brief moment; by tomorrow, you’d likely be tossing and turning in bed, plagued by nightmares. A familiar pattern.

"I don’t even want to see you trying to work right now," Spencer said, taking a seat next to you and placing the folder beside him, just out of your reach. Or at least far enough that you’d have to put in some serious effort to grab it—and your sore ribs had no intention of letting you do that.

"Then what do you suggest I do?" you asked, rolling your eyes. "I don't want to sleep."

"Kafka on the Shore?" he suggested.

"I've already read it. By the way, what was the deal with the soldiers and the hut in the woods at the very end?"

"Well, that's an element that leaves a lot of room for personal interpretation."

"Thanks for the explanation, that told me a lot," you chuckled. You pulled your knees to your chest, trying to get more comfortable in your spot, but the movement triggered a wave of pain. You hissed.

“They should have kept you in the hospital for at least one night,” Reid said, suddenly straightening up. “Do you need anything? There might be some ice around… or I could just leave, and you could lie down…”

“No. You’re staying,” you decided firmly. He raised an eyebrow at your abrupt response. You quickly followed up with an explanation. “Well, I’ve finished reading my book, and you took my files. So now you’re responsible for my potential boredom. It’s your duty to entertain me.”

“Yeah” he agreed with a smirk “It’s my duty” 

"So, how do you plan to do that? Are you going to dance? Sing? Juggle?"

"I can't dance or sing, and I don't have anything to juggle. Is it enough if we just talk? Or is that too common of an entertainment for you?"

You pretended to think for a moment.

"Fine, I guess."

"Then what are you planning to do when you get back?"

"Visit Jeremy."

"Oh, right, sorry…”

"Come on," you interrupted, waving your hand. A moment of silence followed as you hesitated before speaking again. However, you remembered that you had decided to stop staying silent about your worries and problems, at least in his presence. "It's just... it really stresses me out. I don't know how I should talk to him, I'm afraid I'll panic when I see him..."

Spencer cleared his throat before answering. 

“That... can really be tough,” he said, not bothering to lie or reassure you that everything would go perfectly. “But hey, remember that he’s probably looking forward to seeing his big sister. Even if you start talking about something you think is silly, he’ll be happy just to have you there.”

He made you smile, though the corners of your eyes began to gently dampen. You wiped them discreetly, not wanting to burst into tears on the jet.

"I hope you're right. And I hope he doesn't hate me for not being there for him..."

You stopped, feeling him take your hand. You realized you had been clenching it into a fist for quite some time.

"I don't know Jeremy, so I can only guess how he'll react. But I'm sure of one thing—he definitely doesn't hate you."

For a long time, you simply stared at your hand in his warm grip. Your fingers relaxed, releasing the tension that had been between them, becoming limp yet yearning for the touch.

"Spencer," you said suddenly, taking a deep breath. "I don't know if I can ask you this... but... you've been there for me this whole time and... okay, I’ll understand if you say no, but... would you maybe... want to visit him with me? I don't know if I can do it alone."

You waited for his response, your heart beating faster with each passing moment. Maybe it was too much? Maybe you shouldn’t be asking him for something like this; maybe it crossed the line of your acquaintance? Just a year ago... no, even a week ago, you never would have imagined you’d be begging anyone for something like this. You would have forced yourself to do it alone, ignoring your fear.

He simply smiled.

"Of course, you can ask me to do that. And I'm glad I'll be able to accompany you."

*

The sound of quickly pressed keys echoed as you gave the hospital receptionist your brother’s last name.

The stark whiteness of the place and the blinding, intense light felt like a scene straight out of a horror movie. The thought of seeing Jeremy soon made you tremble. You had so many questions for him, including why he even tried to take his own life, but you knew you couldn’t ask them just yet. He didn’t need an interrogation to satisfy your curiosity; he needed support.

You were so overwhelmed at the thought of seeing him that you shifted impatiently from foot to foot. You felt stressed but also excited. After all, he was your little brother, and you missed him. Standing beside you, Reid smiled slightly, noticing your behavior. If you were hurting him by squeezing his hand as tightly as you could, he didn’t let it show.

"Who are you to the patient?" the receptionist asked.

"His sister."

"And you?" she turned to Spencer.

"A frie—" he began, probably intending to say friend.

"Fiancé," you interrupted, quickly offering a word that began with the same letter. You worried that if the woman found out he wasn’t connected to you or Jeremy, she might ask him to stay in the waiting room. You didn’t expect him to go into Jeremy's room with you, but you wanted the reassurance that he’d be right outside, not on the other side of the hospital.

Reid first looked at you like you were crazy. You tried to silently signal him to join in on your desperate act. Luckily, he caught on incredibly fast.

"That's right, fiancé. Basically, husband. We're getting married... tomorrow," he improvised, nodding with such conviction that he almost seemed to believe it himself. "Well, actually, not tomorrow, but the day after, because tomorrow is Sunday, and we’re Catholic. In our religion, 

“Darling,” you gritted through your teeth, seeing the receptionist’s confused expression.

“In any case, I’m very close to the patient,” he emphasized.

If he said anything more, you would’ve nudged him with your elbow.

“Well… in that case… the patient is in room number fourteen. It’s that way…” She pointed in the right direction. You thanked her with an overly wide smile. “And… congratulations.”

“God bless you,” Reid said as he waved goodbye.

You quickly turned around, so she wouldn’t see your burst of laughter. As soon as you were out of the receptionist's sight, you hit him on the back so hard that a woman with a cast on her arm almost dropped her coffee. He laughed, and you awkwardly tried to hide how much the whole situation amused you as well.

“If I had let you say one more word, she wouldn’t have let either of us in,” you complained. “She would’ve thought we were freaks. Religious freaks. Or maybe point us to the psychiatric ward.”

“Hey, I’m not the best actor. You should know that,”

“I didn’t know. I’ll remember for next time, though I’m not sure if there will ever be another situation where you’ll need to pretend to be my husband.”

"Fiancé," he corrected. "You decided that yourself."

"Basically a husband. You decided that yourself."

You didn’t say anything more, only grabbed the edge of his coat sleeve to slow his pace. You were standing outside room 14, right in front of the door. You didn’t even peek inside; you weren’t ready to see Jeremy just yet.

“I need one more minute,” you whispered.

“Take all the time you need,” he replied gently.

 The playful mood that had accompanied you both was gone. Not knowing what to do with your hands, you stood on tiptoe and began adjusting his poorly tied scarf. 

“Sorry,” you muttered under your breath. “It’s been bothering me since I saw you.”

"I'll wait for you here, okay?" he asked quietly. Because you were so close to him, he barely had to raise his voice at all. "Jeremy doesn’t know me, I don’t want to just show up unannounced..."

“Are you coming in or what?”

You turned around, startled, to see none other than Jeremy. Lying on the hospital bed, poking at a container of chocolate pudding with a spoon, and most importantly, awake. 

At first, you were surprised, but soon emotion took control of your body, and you ran to him as if he were about to disappear.

"Oh my God, I can finally see you..." His shirt, which you hugged tightly, muffled your words.

"The pudding spilled on your jacket."

"I don't care."

He chuckled into your hair, holding you tighter. You stayed like that for a moment, desperately holding back tears. If even one had surfaced, you would’ve fallen apart like a child.

ou pulled away after a long time, immediately noticing that his eyes were also filled with tears. However, he quickly wiped them away with his hand. Still, he was a sixteen-year-old boy, and crying in front of his sister felt like public humiliation for him, a shame that would last forever. You tried to do everything you could to avoid looking at his wrists. Both hands were wrapped in bandages, and from the conversation with your father, you learned that they had put in a lot of stitches. You focused on looking at his face—young, similar to yours, with the same blue eyes.

"Are parents visiting you?"

He shrugged.

"Father, surprisingly, more often. Mother drops by irregularly and talks about strange things. Apparently, our neighbor's dog has worms, and it really pisses her off. My mother, not the neighbor. Though, probably the neighbor too..."

You didn't know why you started crying.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..." you mumbled, your words slurring. “I should have gotten here earlier, and I didn’t. I regret so much that I didn’t, I’m sorry. I should have been here the moment you woke up.”

He didn’t say anything, letting you lament. Finally, you wiped away the last tear, then apologized to him about eighteen more times. You sat together in silence for a moment, busying yourself with wiping the dirty jacket. He wasn’t joking about the pudding.

“How are you feeling?”

He shrugged.

“Tolerable, I guess. By the way, who was that guy who came in with you?”

You turned toward the entrance, but Spencer was nowhere to be seen. He must have sat on one of the chairs outside the room, and knowing him, he’d probably started reading some medical brochure.

“A friend,” you replied briefly. “I hope it doesn’t bother you that I brought him... It’s just…”

You didn’t know how to explain that you couldn’t have made it here without support.

“He works for the FBI too?” he asked, suddenly curious. “Would he tell me more about the job than you do?”

You crossed your arms over your chest, pretending to be dead serious.

“I won’t let him tell my little brother any graphic details.”

“I’m not a kid!”

“To me, you are, and always will be.”

He looked like he was holding back from sticking his tongue out at you.

“Call him,” he asked. “I’d love to meet your friend. Is he a friend, or a friend?”

“Jeremy, you’re ridiculous…”

But you fulfilled his request. Spencer stared at you with wide eyes when you told him that your brother wanted to see him. As he entered the room, he almost tripped over... probably his own feet, since there was nothing else to trip on. And that’s how the rest of the visit went, the three of you together. Jeremy alternated between complaining about the hospital food and bombarding Reid with questions about absolutely everything related to being a profiler. He had always been fascinated by it, but after everything that had happened to you, you couldn’t, with a clear conscience, recommend that job to him. Spencer had been explaining everything in detail to him, and for the next hour, you almost felt like an intruder in their private conversation, which amused you instead of offending you.

Spencer left a moment before you, giving you a chance to say goodbye to your brother privately. When you finally released him from your embrace, promising you'd come back tomorrow, the same nurse who had spoken with you at the reception entered the room. She was checking Jeremy’s condition as you headed for the exit.

“Wait,” she suddenly said. “I think your husband left his scarf.”

She held up the purple scarf, indeed Reid's. You were about to thank her and take it when you noticed Jeremy’s mouth hanging open, and with horror, you realized what she'd said.

"Forgive me, dear sister, but what the fuck?”

*

“So, he’s convinced that we had a secret, spontaneous wedding that you didn’t tell him about?”

“Yeah. Something like that.”

In reality, Jeremy had probably realized immediately that there was a misunderstanding, but he just couldn’t pass up the chance to tease you. He would likely bring it up again for the rest of your life. You were also worried that you'd get an angry phone call from your mother asking why you didn’t mention your “wedding,” but overall, you were content with how the meeting went.

You both walked together in an unknown direction, neither of you sure when you should part ways or if you even wanted to. You didn’t want to, but you had no idea about him. The weather was much better than in the town where you had spent the last few days. The fewer trees meant that autumn wasn’t as pronounced. It was only present in the chilly, gusty wind.

"If you don't have any plans, how about going out to eat?" you suggested.

"Sure." Reid agreed immediately, and the corner of your mouth twitched at the speed of his response. "What are you in the mood for?"

"Well, anything. There's a good restaurant on the corner of this street... Oh, God, I just remembered, I owe someone dinner as a thank you."

"Dinner? As a thank you?" he repeated with a strange look on his face. Before he could say anything else, he caught himself and snorted. "Interesting. Just curious, is it someone I know?"

"Oh, you know him." You continued with a barely suppressed smile. "Do you remember James Rivas? The forest ranger?"

Reid literally stopped in the middle of the sidewalk.

"Dinner? With him?"

"That's right. Well, he saved my life, so I guess I owe him that."

You were shocked when you learned how your team knew where to find you after you were kidnapped. The bunker Osborne took you to was unknown to the local authorities, hidden deep in the forest, far from any paths. When the rumor spread through the town about who was responsible for the murders and that an FBI agent had been kidnapped, the forest ranger showed up at the police station. He revealed that he knew the place where you might have been held because, as a child, he used to go there with friends, including Logan Osborne.

But of course, you had no intention of taking him to dinner. You just wanted to laugh at Reid's reaction.

"You're absolutely not owed anything by him!" he blurted out with emotion, a hint of anger in his voice. "If he'd only remembered that he knew about the existence of some bunker, you wouldn't have been kidnapped in the first place. You wouldn't have had to go through that hell, and I wouldn't have been losing my mind the whole time, not knowing what happened to you. Plus, have you forgotten what an awful person he is? He's arrogant, self-absorbed, and full of self-admiration—do you really want to have dinner with someone like that...are you laughing?"

He furrowed his brow, completely confused by your reaction.

“God, Reid, I was just joking! I’d rather die than spend another hour with that jerk. Especially voluntarily,” you explained, laughing between words. Something in his remark made you smirk. “Were you really losing your mind when I was kidnapped? “

“You’re impossible," he snorted. “Where’s that restaurant?”

“Wait, don’t change the topic and answer my question”

He simply looked at you, tilting his head to the side.

 “Isn’t it obvious?”

taglist: @miriamnox @xx-spooky-little-vampire-xx @nightfullofparadox

thank you everyone for reading <3

[dyinglikenarcissus]

Kitten

7k words

Warnings: 18+ only! This is pure smut. A little dubcon. Your brother’s alpha besties want you but they’ve been so good for so long. What happens when a group trip turns into a one bed situation? Also reader is Sam’s long lost sister or something. Suspend your belief 😂 (I had to include some kind of Sam for our shared birthday)

Enjoy 😊

Please do not copy or repost my work

This really wasn’t supposed to happen.

They’re your brother’s friends. How did you end up like this?

They were supposed to be going on a boys fishing trip to celebrate your brother’s new job but he suddenly came down with something and wasn’t feeling up to it and, as his roommate and baby sister, they insisted you take his place. You didn’t know the first thing about fishing! But when it came to his two alpha buddies you got all tongue tied and your omega came spilling out like an over boiling pot. They were just so handsome and big and imposing and charismatic. They have great jobs and fancy cars and penthouse apartments. The ideal alphas.

It also didn’t help that you were a couple weeks away from your heat. It just makes their sway over you more powerful. They didn’t mean any harm. They were just used to being surrounded by other alphas. They didn’t know how to reign it in. Normally your brother was around as a buffer. You were rarely ever alone with them…

The two hour car ride was the longest you’d ever spent with just the two of them. They went on and on about baseball and beer and guns and other things you had absolutely no knowledge about so you just sat quietly in the back seat with your phone and your switch and prayed you were almost there.

But it would be fine! It was supposed to be a huge family suite with a bunch of rooms and a full kitchen and everything. You’d have your own space to retreat to if they became…too much for you.

But being there gave you absolutely no relief.

“I’m sorry!” The hotel front desk manager started after looking up your stay. “We accidentally overbooked and had to give away your room. We can rectify it tomorrow but tonight all we have is a single king.”

They readily agreed, not paying any attention to your protest. They said it would be fun. Like camping.

You never liked camping.

So now you stand between the rock that is Steve Rogers and the hard place that is Bucky Barnes.

“We’ll just take the floor, kitten,” Bucky smiles using the nickname they’ve called you since you were children. “I prefer it anyway. Better for my back.”

“Yeah. You get comfortable. Don’t worry about us,” Steve assures you. You just nod while the boys call down for extra pillows and blankets and food while you clean up from the long drive. It wasn’t super late but it was late enough that you weren’t going to do anything else tonight. The boys wanted to get up early. Apparently that’s when the fish are most active? The most you knew about fishing was from Animal Crossing and if any of that was true, they should be waiting for it to rain. Which reminds you that you that you need to water your flowers in your little digital town. You’ll do it as soon as you’re out of the shower…

Well, ain’t this some shit.

You didn’t exactly pack to share close quarters.

The only PJs you brought were mini shorts and cropped tank tops that were pretty much transparent in the right light. You should have brought a comfy sweater or something to cover up in but you wanted to pack light. You didn’t want to look like ‘that girl’ with a suitcase for every night. But at least you’d have a sleeping sweater…

You roll your eyes at your idiotic lack of foresight and choose the least see through ones and hope they don’t look too closely.

So much for that.

The second you walk back into the main room, two sets of blue eyes are on you. They suddenly forget all about their baseball, their beer, and their guns at the vision in front of them. Your soft curves are clearly visible through your lack of clothes: a sight they’ve only seen when the group goes swimming. They can barely keep it together with you prancing around in tiny fabric triangles that barely cover your wet and obviously cold body. But normally your brother was there to keep them at bay.

No older brother in sight. Just you left alone for the two of them. All. Weekend. Long.

Steve is the first one clear his throat and avert his gaze. “We ordered some pizzas. Is that okay with you?”

“Y-yeah! Pizza’s great,” you smile nervously. “I’m done in the bathroom if either of you want a turn.”

Bucky doesn’t even spare Steve a glance as he makes his way to the bathroom. “Age before beauty,” he snarks at the blond leaving the two of you alone.

You just smile at the tall blond sitting on the edge of the bed before rifling through your luggage for your Switch unknowingly giving Steve the perfect view of your peach ass through your tiny shorts.

“Shit,” Steve breathes, tilting his head slightly to see what else you’re hiding under there.

“What was that?” You ask pulling yourself out from your duffle.

“Oh, nothing,” the blond says quickly snapping his head back to the TV. “Just the game. Crazy play…” he trails.

“Oh?” You smile and nod already knowing you won’t understand what’s going on so you don’t bother asking. You snuggle up against the pillows to play your game and ignore whatever sports ball game is on.

“What are you playing?” His voice doesn’t initially reach you as you shake your head and focus on the alpha watching you. When did Steve’s eyes get so pretty? They’re like kaleidoscopes of green and blue. Hmmmm…

Wait. He said something, didn’t he?

“I’m sorry?”

“What are you playing?” He asks again leaning back to see the screen of your handheld console.

“Animal Crossing,” you whisper. He’s so close you can feel the body heat radiating off of him. He’s never been this close…

“That game’s super popular lately, huh? Never tried it. I used to just play Halo and GTA when I was as your age.”

“GTA is pretty fun,” you smile.

“What’s an innocent little thing like you know about GTA?”

“I get on my brother’s PlayStation every once in a while,” you admit. “I’m not that innocent,” you giggle singing the song.

“I feel like we’ll be learning all kinds of things about you this weekend,” Steve laughs as his hand finds your ankle, stroking the smooth skin gently. You practically leap from your skin. He can’t do that! Can he? He can’t do it again…

And then he does, his rough fingers tracing the inside of your ankle, and a wave arousal spills from you like clockwork. His fresh rain and smoke scent washes over you heavily and a soft whimper escapes your lips.

You can’t do this! Not for a whole weekend!

A knock at the door has you leaping away from him, tugging your feet away quickly.

“Someone’s jumpy,” Steve laughs before getting the door. Saved by the bell. A hotel employee brings a stack of pillows, blankets, and towels before rolling in a cart with two pizza boxes and two pitchers of beer.”

“We figured you wouldn’t eat much,” Steve laughs grabbing a chilled glass and plate before leaning next to you on the bed.

“Food’s here?” Bucky grins stepping out of the bathroom in a pair of low hanging grey sweats. Just a pair of low hanging grey sweats…

So many muscles…so much outline…

You’re going to die here.

His hair was still wet and messy as he mimicked Steve; grabbing food and finding a spot on the other side of you on the bed.

“What’s up, kitten? You gonna eat?” He asks before taking a bite.

“Uh, yeah,” you whisper and slide out from between the two giant men. When did it get so hot? You’re suddenly glad for your lack of clothing.

There’s no chairs or a table in this room. It really is the barebones. It’s hard to believe that this is the same hotel with three bedroom suites.

You sit on the edge of the bed, taking Steve’s spot and nibbling on your food quietly.

“Kitten, you know we love you but you’re blocking the TV,” Bucky groans. “Come back up here.” No. No no no no. Not back there between those two big imposing men.

“Your spots still nice and warm for you,” Steve sighs patting the spot in between them. You didn’t need warmth. Warmth was the last thing you needed. But you slide your plate across the bed and scoot back between them.

“Ain’t this nice?” Bucky asks.

“You don’t want a drink, kitten?” Steve wonders.

“Oh no,” you smile. “Beer isn’t really my thing.”

“Shit! We should’ve ordered something for you. We should know you better by now,” Steve sighs.

“Rosé, huh, kitten?” Bucky asks guiltily.

“Yeah, a rosé would be nice but I’m fine,” you insist and shake your bottle of water before taking a sip.

“That’s no fun kitten. We want you to drink with us. I’ll call down and get a bottle.” A whole bottle? Oh no! You attempt to stop the brunet alpha but he’s already on the phone ordering their best bottle.

“Don’t worry about it, kitten. We’ll pay for it,” Steve laughs. That’s not the problem! You almost shout at him but then he uses that alpha influence on you. “Sit back and relax. Please.”

“O-okay,” you whisper and settle back into the pillows.

“Who knew you could be so obedient?” Bucky laughs hanging up the phone. “You never listen to your brother like that?”

These two are not your brother.

“Did you see that play?” Steve shouts.

“He’s going! He going! He’s going!”

“Come on, Evans! Fuck yeah! You’re going to owe me a fortune at the end of the season,” Steve laughs.

“My bracket’s going to turn around. Just you wait, punk.”

“Whatever, jerk.” You smile at their antics. You’ve heard it your entire life but it never stopped being adorable.

“You two are cute.” The words slip from your mouth before you get a chance to stop yourself. Their blue gazes are back on you in an instant.

“Cute, huh?” Bucky smirks, biting his bottom lip slightly. Oh no.

“You would know, wouldn’t you?” Steve grins leaning slightly closer to you. No no no no! You almost claw your way out from between them when there’s another knock at the door. Thank God!

You move to get up but Bucky presses your thigh back down. “Sit. I got it.” He returns only to hand you a glass of wine. “Drink up. You have a whole bottle to get through.”

“There’s no way I’ll finish that, Bucky,” you laugh taking the glass with both hands.

“You won’t know until you try, kitten,” Steve smirks poking your nose with his index finger.

These two are going to kill you.

You’re soon giggling at Bucky’s jokes and leaning into Steve’s touch after your third glass of wine.

“You should’ve seen him. He was puking over the railing. Those poor fish!” Bucky laughs at the man behind you’s expense. Steve attempts to fight off his own laughter, gripping your waist and pulling you closer against him as you laugh at Bucky’s story.

“Whatever. You keep talking shit. I’m going to take a shower,” Steve chuckles and pulls away from you.

“So, kitten, tell me about your first date?”

“What?” You laugh, taking a sip of your wine.

“We told you about ours. I wanna hear about yours,” Bucky smiles running his hand up your thigh.

“Oh, it really isn’t all that interesting. It was just this guy in high school. We went to the movies. I think we saw Superbad or one of those Michael Cera movies. He tried to kiss me before my mom could come get me up but I wasn’t feeling it.”

“You wouldn’t kiss a guy after one of Michael Cera’s attempts at acting?”

“No,” you giggle. “He’s a fine actor. I just wasn’t feeling it,” you shrug.

“Alright, tell me about your first kiss then.”

“My first…?” You ask scrunching your brows up at the alpha. “Umm, well…”

“Don’t tell me you’ve never been kissed,” Bucky laughs leaning a little closer. His hand hitches a little higher on your hip, gripping what’s exposed of your ass. Any other time you would have been running as far away from him as possible but right now his sandalwood and lavender scent is going to send you straight into an early heat.

“Promise not to laugh?” You ask looking up at him through your lashes.

“I won’t. Scouts honor.”

“Like you were ever a scout,” you smile in disbelief. “Well, I didn’t have it until college.”

“Late bloomer, huh?”

You nod. “I went to my first ever college party and got really wasted and I was dancing with this guy.”

“Recipe for disaster,” Bucky grins, pulling you a little closer. You happily curl into him, slotting your leg between his. Your hand comes to rest on his lower stomach. You’ve never felt such strong abs before. You can’t help but feel a little bit. You hope he doesn’t mind.

“I told you not to laugh!” You smile.

“You’re telling the story so dramatically I can’t help it.”

You groan softly and continue your story. “So I was dancing with this guy and my friends were ready to leave so we left and he came with us. Walked with us all the way across campus, it had to have been a couple of miles and he lived close to where the party was.”

“He was trying to get some,” Bucky laughs spanking you softly.

“He was! And he wasn’t subtle about it at all! We were plotting how to ditch him the entire walk. So my friend, Milly, said just make out with him and we’ll have the automatic doors at the dorm lock him out. She didn’t know I’d never kissed a guy so I was just dreading it. Like, why do I care how this guy thinks I kiss but we made it to the dorm. They’re looking at me expectantly, waiting to slam the auto doors on this poor kids face. I just copied what I’d seen on TV, lured him right into the doorway and I just went for it. I literally puffed out my cheeks and pressed my lips against his and he tried to stick his tongue in my mouth and it was horrible! It scared me so much, I stepped back before the girls said go but Milly was on the wrestling team so she has lightning fast reflexes and she slammed the door right on his tongue.” You can’t help the laughter that spills from you and Bucky’s soon follows. “You said you wouldn’t laugh!” You cry pressing your hand against his chest.

“How could you expect me not to laugh at that?” He chuckles. “Poor fucker. Didn’t know what he was getting into with a feisty little omega like you.”

“Feisty? Me?” You laugh.

“Yes, you,” Steve laughs from behind you, sliding back into the bed freshly washed and in only a thin pair of boxers and a tank top. “What’d you do, kitten?” His strong arms wrap around your waist pulling you slightly from Bucky’s grip. One hand splays across you stomach and the other rest a little too high on your ribs to be friendly.

“She was telling me about her first kiss. She’s an evil little thing.”

“Oh, not our kitten. She’s an angel,” Steve admits nuzzling his face in your neck. It feels so good. To be wrapped in two pairs of strong arms. Both their scents settle over you so comfortably. You wish you could drown in it. You practically purr at their touch. In fact…

“Kitten,” Bucky laughs. “Are you purring?”

“No!” You deny quickly pressing away from them. “We should really get ready for bed-”

“Aw, come on, kitten,” Bucky sighs pulling you back down into his embrace. “Hang out with us.” Hang out? The last thing these two were doing was hanging out but you fall back into his arms anyway. “Was your second kiss any better?” Bucky asks distracting you from Steve’s touch.

“W-well, yeah. They were all much better after that.”

“So, you’re a pretty good kisser, huh?” Steve asks pressing his lips against your neck then licking at the sensitive skin there just above your scent gland. “Do you kiss as good as you taste?”

“Wha-! No! Steve!” You whine squirming under his touch.

“Kitten, really. I wish you’d relax for us,” Bucky sighs. “You haven’t slammed anymore tongues into doors?”

You shake your head no while Bucky’s hand grips your ass, pulling you into him and right into something more stiff than his abs but they don’t even give you a chance to react to that.

“Can you show me, kitten? How you kiss?” Steve asks softly, his hand snaking under your tiny shirt and pressing you down onto your back.

“Stevie, Bucky, w-we really shouldn’t be doing this,” you whine looking up into Steve’s ocean eyes. He really does have beautiful eyes.

“Why shouldn’t we?” Bucky asks pressing kisses to your bare shoulder. “You trust us, don’t you?”

“We’d never hurt you, kitten. You have no idea how long we’ve waited to get you away from your brother.”

“Practically since you presented.”

“That long?” You whisper, attempting to look at Bucky.

“You developed all these tantalizing curves, kitten. How could we resist?” There are hands all over your body. You can’t tell which ones belong to who. All you know is that you don’t want them to stop.

“We know you want us,” Steve sighs pressing your tiny shirt up over your breasts. “Your scent is fucking intoxicating.”

“And it spikes like crazy when we’re around. Just let us make you feel good, kitten. If you hate it, we’ll leave you alone,” Bucky promises.

“But we know you’ll love it.” Steve presses down your body and nips at your breast. You whine, spreading your legs to accommodate his large body.

“See? You already love it,” Bucky chuckles. He finally presses his lips to yours and it practically takes your breath away.

“Bucky,” you whimper against his lips as his scents spikes for you.

“Fuck,” Steve groans against your nipples. “Open up for us. Good girl, kitten.” You whine as your core clenches around nothing. You need them. You’ve never needed anyone more in your life. A set of fingers find your clothed core and you arch off the bed dramatically. “Warm her up for me, Buck?”

“You got it, pal,” Bucky chuckles around your lips. So many of your senses were firing at once. You didn’t know what to focus on. Steve’s tongue on your nipples and Bucky’s fingers at your clit. Fuck. It was all too much.

“Please,” you whisper not knowing what you wanted but you needed it.

“Please?” Steve chuckles. “Whatever you want, kitten. We’ll give it to you.”

“But you gotta tell us,” Bucky mutters. His fingers clear your tiny shorts and make contact with your naked pussy. You gasp at the feeling making them both chuckle softly.

“What can we do for you?” Steve asks.

“I-I wanna-I wanna-“

“You wanna what, kitten?” Steve’s mouth sucks at your sensitive nipples and Bucky’s fingers press against your quivering clit.

“Wanna cum!” You whine sharply.

“Yes, ma’am,” Bucky chuckles and pulls away from you along with Steve.

“Wai-! Where are you going?” You pant as they sit back to watch you.

“We need to get rid of all these clothes first,” Steve explains and presses your legs together to pull off your shorts while Bucky tugs your tiny top over your head. Then they work on themselves. Your eyes widen as you watch them peel off their bottoms, revealing their hard red leaking cocks.

“What’s wrong, kitten? You look like you’ve seen a ghost?” Bucky smirks as he tosses away his sweats and grips his heavy erection, a steady stream leaking from it’s tip and making his scent so much more heady.

“You’re alright. Just relax,” Steve’s scent permeates beyond Bucky’s settling over you like a weighted blanket as he strips revealing his own giant cock. Precum bubbles out of his tip in thick globs making you gulp.

“Y-you’re both so big,” you whisper.

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Steve laughs. “We’ll get you nice and warmed up. You’ll barely feel us.” Barely!? You want to run away but you’re paralyzed under their gaze. “Now, let me get a real taste of you.” Steve tugs your legs up over his shoulders until you’re dangling with the top of your head on his lap and staring blankly at a now upside down Bucky. You don’t even have time to think about it before his tongue licks a strip up your core and you’re left screaming for him.

“Told you we’d make you feel good,” Bucky chuckles. “Now look at you. In the perfect position to fill up that cute little hole.”

“Wh-“ But you’re cut off by Bucky tapping his tip against your bottom lips. “That’s not gonna fit!” You protest but it’s on deaf ears as he presses past your lips into your hot, wet mouth.

“See? We know what we’re doing, kitten. Trust us,” Bucky sighs as he strokes himself against your lips. A hand wraps around one of yours and guides it around his thick member, showing you how hard to squeeze. “There you go, kitten. Good girl. Just like that. Fuck. How long do you think she can stay like this, Stevie?”

Steve pulls away long enough to mutter, “Until she cums,” before diving back into your hot pussy.

You whine around your oral burden feeling the blood simultaneously rush to your head and your core until you feel like you’ll pass out from the pressure. Your whimpers get more frantic and your attention on Bucky’s cocks gets more spotty until you’re legs are clamped around Steve’s head for dear life. You get so close as everything gets so dark and fuzzy around the edges. You can’t hold on anymore. Your eyes flutter shut just as sparkles burst behind your lids and you cum flooding into Steve’s awaiting mouth.

Fuck…

Fuck!

Your eyes wretch open at the impossible stretch inside your core. “Ah! Ahhh! Stevie! Bucky!” You cry out softly as the walls of flesh around you start to console you.

“Hey! Hey, kitten. You’re okay. Calm down,” Steve instructs, his scent starting to lull you into a sense of security as his fingers stroke your cheek gently.

“We told you you’d barely feel it,” Bucky laughs from behind you.

You feel it now! He feels impossibly large and how is he fucking you twice?

You glance down to see between your and Steve’s bodies.

No. No no no no! You let out a strangled scream as the pain of having two monster cocks inside of you starts register.

“Hey! Relax!” Bucky barks. “It feels good, doesn’t it? Being this full of us?”

“Just imagine being full of our babies,” Steve grunts.

“Fuck, you’d look so beautiful. All round with huge, leaking tits,” Bucky chuckles as his fingers dance across your hard nipples.

“You aren’t on birth control, are you?”

“N-no,” you whisper, smothering your face is Steve’s shoulder.

“Good,” they both reply at once. Not good. You weren’t ready for babies. You didn’t even have a mate…

“Stop,” Bucky calls to his partner sensing your distress first. “What wrong, kitten?”

“Tell us. Let us fix it,” Steve seconds as they both still inside of you.

You can barely think straight with them stretching you like this let alone reply.

“Can’t-can’t have a baby,” you strain.

“Why not?” Steve asks, stroking your braids from your face before cupping your face.

“I-we-we’re not-“

“Out with it, kitten,” Bucky groans smacking the side of your ass.

“Bucky,” Steve reprimands. “Talk to us, kitten.”

“We’re not mated!” You finally moan into Steve’s shoulder.

“Oh?” Steve laughs.

“Is that all?” Bucky chuckles. “Don’t worry about that.”

“You’ll have marks all over you by Sunday. No one will ever question who you belong to,” Steve smirks before gripping your hips and beginning to thrust into you anew. Bucky follows suit and you wonder just how much the human body can take before it splits in half. It’s too much. Far too much. They’re too big! They take up too much space in your little body. Just when you think you’ll pass out again Steve grumbles that he’s going to cum and Bucky mimics his notion shortly afterwards.

“Please, please, please,” you chant, slurring your speech with how close your own release is.

Then one of them hits that spot just right and you’re screaming for them, clinching around them enough that they cum spilling inside of you. And then you’re left screaming again as their knots pop into place keeping all that essence bottle up inside you as they continue to spew their seed.

You gasp as you feel your belly bloat with all of it, bowing outward against Steve’s strong abs.

“Too much!” You whine at the feeling. Too full. Too tight. Too heavy. Far too much.

“Hey! I know. I know. It’s a lot. Hang in there for us,” Bucky attempts to soothe but you immediately feel another round of hot cum paint your insides and ballooning your stomach even more.

“Can’t!” You cry but both men rub your arms and your face, attempting to calm you just enough to get you on your side. Bucky’s hand finds your bloated stomach and rubs soft circles into it while Steve whispers sweet praises in your ear.

“You were so good for us, kitten. The best girl we could ask for. You gonna hold on to all that hot cum and make us a bunch of babies?” You can only nod slightly as you attempt to get comfortable. Your quickened breaths eventually get heavier as you start to doze off. “There you go, kitten. Get some rest. You deserve it.”

“She’s tight as a drum, Stevie,” Bucky sighs as his fingers find your navel. It’s straining against the need to pop to give the cum inside you a little extra room.

“We might have over done it,” Steve chuckles until he feels his partner starting to strain against his knot. “The fuck are you doing?

“She’s just so hot like this. I can’t help it,” Bucky groans as he humps into their little partner.

“Fuck, Buck!” Steve hisses trying to ignore the friction against his own cock. “You’re gonna make me cum!” But Bucky just ignores him thrusting shallowly into you while you sleep.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fu-“ Bucky sighs cumming into you once more and pulling Steve closely behind with him. You whimper softly in your sleep as your tummy bows out even more.

“Fuck, Buck! No more. She can’t handle it,” Steve says with an air of authority as he holds you against him protectively.

“I’m exhausted anyway,” the brunet yawns and cups your breast and your stomach as he follows you into sleep.

You wake up far more bloated than you remember when you fell asleep but at least both your alphas knots had gone down.

Your alphas…

It was interesting to think of them like that after so long of them being your brother’s friends. Your alphas sounds…nice.

You scramble from between the two sleeping giants and rush to the bathroom to release the load they deposited in you. You watch your bloated stomach deflate and wonder what pregnancy would be like.

You quickly shake your head of the thought. No babies without mating! You don’t care how much your omega instincts want to take over, that was never going to happen!

You return to the main room and find Bucky and Steve had turned into more comfortable positions without being knotted inside of you. You still crawl in between them and curl over Bucky’s chest in exhaustion.

“Hey? You alright?” He yawns feeling your weight as you nuzzle into him. You just nod and attempt to snuggle further into his chest. “Hang on. I want my pick of spots. Sit up for a second.” You sleepily obey, sitting on your heels before him while he scrutinizes you. He tilts your head to the left and bares his fangs into your shoulder right above your scent gland. Your eyes widen at how simple it is. No posturing. No rituals. Just a mark and you already feel more drawn to him. “There. All mine,” Bucky smiles proudly. “Punk! Wake up and claim her!” You can’t help but giggle at the two before you slide into Steve’s arms. You hold up your head on the opposite side of Bucky’s for him and that’s it. He’s marked you for life. You feel his pull start to tug you in as well as you press a kiss to his lips. You crawl from his arms and attempt to curl back in between them.

“You are far too active for a pregnant woman,” Steve mutters turning over to face you. “It obviously didn’t take and we need to try again.”

“I agree,” Bucky laughs only for you to protest and use the sheets as a shield against them.

“We have all weekend, right? You two can destroy me again tomorrow?”

Bucky smirks at you knowingly before averting his gaze to Steve. “Only if that’s a promise, ‘mega.” Your eyes widen at your brunet alpha.

“Goodnight, kitten,” Steve wishes and presses a kiss to your temple. “Get some rest. You’re gonna need it.”

You were suddenly very awake.

“Kitten? Rise and shine, my beautiful little omega.” You curl further into the sheets after hearing your name.

“Too early,” you mumble.

“What happened to you being ours today? You promised.” You whine softly and peek from the pillows to see Bucky watching you expectantly. He’s already dressed for the day and so is Steve as he rubs your back from behind you. So sore. You wiggle your hips hoping to alleviate the pain but it doesn’t help.

“We should let her sleep in,” Steve sighs pulling you closer to him.

“She’s fine,” Bucky insists. “Get up and get dressed.” You stretch against Steve’s body, the sheets falling away from you and instantly reminding you that you’re completely naked. You let out a soft gasp and cover your chest out of instinct completely forgetting about last night’s activities.

“Shy all of the sudden?” Steve laughs and kisses your cheek. “You don’t have to hide from us. Come on. Get up.” You roll from the bed and stumble into the bathroom as the events from the previous evening start to flood your mind. You’re mated now. To your brother’s best friends...

He’s going to kill them.

Your eyes widen at the thought before you catch yourself in your reflection. Your braids are a tangled mess but under them you see two sets of semi circular marks on either side of your neck. You really are theirs now.

A shutter runs through your body and ends right at your core.

Theirs.

Your alphas.

This is kind of a lot to spring on someone after one night. You laugh at the situation. You never in a million years thought you’d be mated to Steve and Bucky. Sure you fantasized about it but it was never something you thought would become your reality.

You emerge from the bathroom freshly dressed in a short sun dress. “There she is,” Bucky smiles and pulls you into his arms. “You look so cute all dolled up for us.” You stand on your toes and press a kiss to his lips. He hums positively and pulls you back for more.

Steve chuckles from behind you. “Let her go so we can get some food. Gotta keep our little omega fed.”

You giggle and grab Steve’s hand as he leads you down to the hotel restaurant.

Your first time in public as a mated omega is interesting. All the attention you’re used to getting is gone? Well, not really gone. Alphas still look but they notice the marks you proudly bare on your neck and quickly glance away. It also didn’t help that your alphas were constantly all over you: making your plate, feeding you, making sure you got exactly what you wanted.

“Grab a jacket and something to keep you entertained,” Bucky instructs when you head back to the room.

“Am I going fishing with you guys?” You ask, stretching and yawning. You just wanted to go back to sleep. Steve gives you a positive hum while he gathers his things. “I can just hang out here. Get a massage or something,” you suggest. “Maybe a bigger room will be ready and I can move our stuff…”

“Nah, you can’t do that by yourself,” Bucky denies. “And we want you with us, kitten. It’ll be fun. Better than this stuffy hotel.”

“If you insist,” you sigh and follow them out to the truck. It’s a short drive to their fishing spot, maybe a little over half an hour. They’re quiet as the set up their gear so you set up a folding chair out of their way and work on your town.

“Kitten, you didn’t think you’d sit over there with your game all day, did you?” Bucky laughs calling you over. He grips your thigh under your dress and places a kiss on your hand.

“Is this fishing? Sitting around in the sun by the water?” You ask seeing their set up: a case of beers and a baseball game streaming on one of their iPads. How were they even getting a signal out here?

“Basically,” Steve smirks up at you, those beautiful eyes squinting in the sun. “I’m glad you wore a dress today. Less to work around.”

“Huh?” You question dumbly.

“Kitten, you remember how you promised to make us a baby this weekend?” Bucky asks pulling you closer by your leg.

“Right now?” You blanch looking around the forested landscape.

“Yes, right now. We have plenty of time.”

“What if someone sees?” You ask quietly.

“They’d get a beautiful show,” Steve sighs as Bucky’s hand snakes further up your leg to find your panties. He repositions you between his thighs before tugging the little piece of fabric down your legs. Bucky presses a kiss to your stomach just before his fingers find your slit.“Bucky,” you whisper, your face heating in embarrassment.

“Open up for me, kitten.” He kicks your feet apart and you fall into him, gripping his shoulders to keep your balance. His fingers tuck into your core, making a beaconing motion and immediately finding that spot he abused the night before. You let out a soft shriek as you grip his strong shoulders. Bucky lets out a satisfied hum and kisses your cleavage. “You’re so perfect for us. So glad we have you.”

“My alphas,” you breathe.

“Our perfect little omega,” Steve sighs stepping behind you hiking up your skirt over your ass. “With the best ass on the planet,” you hear the smile in his voice right before he smacks your ass roughly. “Open her up a little more for me, Buck.”

Bucky grips your ass and pulls your knees over his thighs on his folding chair. “Shit. Hold on,” Bucky grunts and stands with your legs around his waist. “Jacket, Stevie?”

Steve lays his jacket down for you to rest your knees on.

“Thank you, Stevie,” you smile.

“Anything for you, kitten.” Steve kisses you but you chase after his lips wanting more, both of their scents calming your nerves a little.

“Is this the same omega who was worried about being caught?” Bucky laughs gripping your bare ass.

“Bucky,” you giggle squirming in his grip.

“Calm down. We’re going to fuck you no matter what,” Steve jokes and kisses you once more. Bucky sits back down with your legs spread open for Steve, you can already feel your juices slipping from your core for them.

“There’s still some cum in you, kitten,” Steve sighs, swiping his fingers through your folds.

“I-it’s your fault,” you whimper.

Steve hums back, the sound of it runs straight down to your core. “My fault? It seems like I have a little kitten who needs to learn to clean up her messes.”

You drop your face into the bend of Bucky’s neck and inhale his scent. It’s so potent and heady you can barely think straight.

“Someone’s getting a little hazy,” Bucky sighs. “Your heat starting, kitten?”

“N-no!” You quickly deny and pull away from him.

“It’s okay. Come back.” He pulls you back into his embrace. “It’s okay if you can’t control it. That’s why we’re here.”

“Let us take care of that pesky heat,” Steve sighs. “You just be our sweet little omega.”

“Speaking of being our sweet little omega, do you wanna mark us, kitten?” Bucky asks pressing his lips to the mark Steve left on your shoulder.

“Y-you want me to…?” You question, your lids starting to feel heavy from the hormones suddenly overtaking your system.

Bucky gives you an affirmative hum, his lips never leaving your skin.

The thought never crossed your mind. You always assumed you’d belong to your alpha. Not the other way around.

It didn’t seem normal. Or, at least, no one ever talked about it.

“You’re sure you want me?” You whisper, trying to fight back the heat for a moment. It was coming no matter what at this point. It’s just a matter of letting it come.

“Kitten, we told you last night. We’ve wanted you for years,” Steve sighs, tilting your head back so you can see him.

“But you’re like a skittish little cat. You run at the first sign of danger. So we had to corner you,” Bucky adds trailing his fingers along your exposed cleavage.

“Get you alone, away from that protective brother of yours,” Steve smirks and kisses your forehead before releasing you.

“We want you, kitten. We have rooms made for you at our homes. Our kitchens are stocked with your favorite foods on the off chance you might come by. We just need you to submit.”

“B-both of you?” You breathe, glancing between the two of them.

“We’re a package deal, sweetheart,” Steve chuckles.

You watch Bucky’s chest for a moment, your fingers gripping his Henley lightly. You glance up at his blue eyes before shifting your gaze to his scent gland.

You nod slightly before leaning down to meet his skin. You kiss the area, trailing kisses until you find the perfect spot for your mark. Then you bite down hard and Bucky’s scent explodes for you. A fresh wave a slick coats your core and you almost feel faint.

“…so good,” you sigh out, mostly to yourself.

“If you like that, just wait for my rut,” Bucky grunts in your ear making your face heat. Everything suddenly feels so hot and your skin is so sensitive.

“My turn?” Steve asks, picking you up to cradle you against his chest. You nod and wrap your arms around his shoulders. You nuzzle against his neck, finding the perfect spot on him as well. Your lips explore his skin before you finally bite down. A whine escapes you as Steve’s scent overwhelms your senses. You grip his shoulders as a cramp runs through your body.

“Fuck, kitten, I felt that,” Steve groans.

“You need someone to scratch that itch?” Bucky asks.

“It’s more than an itch, Buck. She needs to get fucked,” Steve laughs and places you back in his lap.

“Is that right, kitten? You need to get fucked?” A soft whine escapes your lips as you squirm in Bucky’s lap.

You nod weakly. There’s no use in hiding it now. They know you carnally. They feel everything you feel and they definitely feel the slick dripping down your thighs.

“Good girl,” Steve sighs. Steve spreads your lips with his fingers and thrusts in so slowly you feel every ridge and vein adorning his cock. The moan that escapes your lips is feral. You need this. You need them.

Steve completely buries himself in you and your jaw falls open dumbly.

“Fuck,” Steve groans. “You feels amazing, kitten.”

You feel your core clinch around him so tightly it’s almost painful.

Bucky lifts you up while you’re still impaled on Steve’s cock. He unzips his own pants and spreads your cheeks. His fingers wipe up the slick seeping out of your core before fingering your puckered hole.

“Deep breath kitten,” he sighs as he massages your insides, spreading the slick until you’re nice and slippery. “Keep breathing for me.”

Then you feel him. His thick head starting to breech that hole where it definitely shouldn’t.

“Too big,” you whine and struggle between them but before you know it, Bucky is fully sheathed within you.

Part of starts to panic as your heart and breaths race.

“Calm down, little omega. We’re gonna take care of you,” Steve coos.

“Very good care of you,” Bucky agrees.

You return to the hotel and the woman at the front desks apologizes again and hands Steve the keycards to the room he initially booked. The three of you look at each other before Steve speaks. “Actually, do you have any king suites available?”

You let your alphas carry your luggage to your new room. There were much more amenities than the last one. A kitchenette, a jacuzzi, a separate living room and bedroom.

“This a little better kitten?” Bucky asks wrapping his arms around your waist.

You nod and accept a kiss. Your phone vibrates on the table and a picture of your brother pops up on the screen. You pull away from Bucky’s grip and press a kiss to his lips before answering your phone.

“Hey, Sammy! How you feeling?”

“Way better! So I drove out to meet you guys. I knew you didn’t want to be left alone with those jokers for too long.” Your eyes widen and meet Bucky’s gaze like a deer in a set of headlights.

“What’s wrong?” Steve asks throwing himself on the bed after he finishes unpacking again.

“Um, S-Sam…Sam is-Sam is…”

Bucky plucks the phone from your fingers. “Hello?” Bucky asks all concern but his face quickly lights up. “Hey! Yeah! Come on up. Room 532.” He hangs up your phone and places it back in your hands. “Sammy’s here,” he tells Steve as if it’s completely normal.

“Cool! I’m glad he’s feeling better.”

“The couch pulls out. I’m not moving rooms again,” Bucky sighs and pulls you to the bed.

“Wait!” You cry. “He-he’s gonna know. He’s gonna kill us!”

“I’d like to see him try,” Bucky laughs rubbing your stomach comfortably. “What are we doing for dinner?”

“I was just looking…there’s a steak house in town, twenty minutes away.”

“Steak sounds good. Anything for our kitten there?”

“They have salmon, shrimp risotto, oh! Lobster ravioli! You love lobster ravioli.” You do love lobster ravioli but your brother is about to see that his two best friends obviously fucked his little sister and you were all about to be on his shit list.

How can they be so calm about this?

There’s a knock at the door all too soon before you could even start to process a defense for the situation.

Steve gets up to answer the door and you hear the two best friends greet each other. Sam sounds so happy.

Too happy!

You start to panic when Bucky’s hand finds yours.

“Hey, relax. We’ll handle this. That’s what alphas are for.”

“Where my baby sister?” You hear Sam call and you pull away from Bucky and stumble from the bedroom. Steve brushes your lower back as you step up to Sam. You look up into his brown eyes and he instantly knows something is off.

He inhales your scent and sets a glare on Steve. “You fucked my little sister.” It wasn’t a question.

“Can you blame us, Sam? We’ve wanted her for far too long. We weren’t going to pass this up.”

“We? Both of you?” His gaze falls back on you. “Are you okay?”

You cock your head to the side. Are you okay? You let out a laugh and fall into a fit of giggles. “Surprisingly, I survived,” you breathe out through your laughter.

“Are you okay with this?” Sam asks once you sober.

You glance between the two men on either side of you. “I’m really happy, actually. They’re perfect,” you smile and grip Steve’s hand.

Sam glances between the three of you. “As long as you’re happy.”

“Anyway, we were thinking steak for dinner. You hungry?” Bucky asks and grabs Sam’s bag off of his shoulder.

“Starving,” Sam sighs. “Traffic was horrible.”

“Right? Poor kitten’s switch died and she was stuck just listening to us. She’s a fucking saint for that.” You giggle falling into Bucky’s chest.

“I think I fell asleep at some point,” you smile.

“And the room situation has been a nightmare. You don’t mind sleeping on the pull out?” Steve asks leading your brother into the room.

“Let me guess, they were out of three bedrooms and it was the one bed situation and now I have to watch my sister and my two best friends act like mates?”

“Yeah! That’s exactly it, actually,” Steve laughs.

“And we did mate her. You’re pretty good at this, Samuel,” Bucky smirks.

Sam looks between the three of you absolutely dumbfounded. “Alright,” he lets out a shaky exhale. “Give me a few days to adjust to this. Please.”

Bucky grins cheekily. “Should we start calling you brother, yet?”

“What about ‘a few of days’ aren’t you getting, Buck?”

“Your sister’s anything but quiet so you’re gonna hear about it all night,” Steve smirks.

“You know what, I’m just going to get my own room. I don’t wanna hear it.” You giggle softly at your brother’s comment. “Just don’t hurt my sister and you three can do whatever you want.”

“You know we could never, Sammy,” Steve grins.

“At least not in a way she wouldn’t beg for,” Bucky smirks.

“Stop! I told you I don’t wanna hear it. I’m not listening,” Sam calls before grabbing his bag and heading back downstairs.

“Wouldn’t it be funny if the only room left was the one next door?” Steve hums, pulling you closer and resting his chin on your head.

“Or the one we just left,” Bucky muses.

“Fine! I’ll get a different hotel!” Sam groans making you laugh again.

“Be nice, boys. We’ll behave.”

“You have to behave first, kitten,” Steve mutters before pressing a kiss to your temple.

“Definitely staying in a different hotel,” Sam sighs.

“Yeah, whatever,” Bucky smirks. “Like you’ll leave her alone with us for another night. Let’s go get some food.”

Master List

[roostersbby69]

0.2 | Brothers best friend

Summary: You finally make it to Bradley’s parents house until the furniture arrives.

Bradley cut the engine as he parked in his usual spot at his house. He had texted his parents to let him know the situation and knew they would be fine with them staying.

He watched as you slept peacefully, and he really didn’t want to wake you up. He got out of the car as Jake got out of his truck and walked towards bradley.

“Well just grab clothes and things we need and work on getting the rest out tomorrow.” Jake said, “It’s too late to do much work.”

Bradley agreed and checked his watch, 11:23pm. You were right, it was eleven at night when you made it here.

He walked around to your side and opened the door. He gently placed his hand on your shoulder and rubbed up and down your arm, “Hey, Y/n, we’re here we gotta get inside.” He whispered.

Your eyes fluttered open as you stretched, you whispered an ‘okay’ as he unbuckled you and waited for you to get out of the car and then shut the door.

You watched as Jake grabbed your bag and his and carried it towards the front door.

Bradley followed behind you and moved past you to go unlock the door. You didn’t miss how his hand brushed your ribcage as he moved. But you were too sleepy to think too hard into it.

Bradley guided you inside and turned on a lamp so Jake could set the bags down.

“Okay, Jake you can take my parents room, just don’t leave a mess. Y/n, you can take my room and I’ll take the couch.”Bradley said as Jake muttered a ‘fine by me’ and made his way back to the room.

“You don’t have to do that, I can sleep on the couch.” You waved him off as you made your way to the couch.

“No. You’re the guest, you can sleep in my bed.

“Bradley, really. It’s fine.”

“Y/n go to my bed.”

“Bradley.”

“Now, Y/n.”

You huffed and grabbed your bag, “You are so stubborn.”

He scoffed and smiled as you picked up your bag and looked back at him. “So, you going to lead me to my room?”

He nodded and grabbed your bag from your hands and got in front of you to lead you back to his room which was across from his parents.

He flicked on a lamp light and set the bag down on his desk which had all kinds of papers and books and pictures scattered across it.

“Nice room.” You complimented.

“Thank you.”

He threw an extra blanket on the bed and turned to you. “If you need anything, I’ll be on the couch.” He stuck up a thumbs up to you.

“Thank you.”

“No problem, good night.” He walked towards the door.

“Goodnight, Brad.”

_

In the morning you woke up and stretched under the covers. The blanket smelled like spice and cologne, something a little bit familiar, but you couldn’t quite tell.

You got up and pulled some pajama shorts on, you forgot to put them on last night you were so tired. So you just pulled your jeans shorts off before you slipped into his bed, he wouldn’t find out.

You made your way out of the room and saw Bradley wasn’t on the couch anymore. Curiously, you kept walking and smelt coffee. Walking into the kitchen you saw Bradley shirtless with plaid pants hanging low on his hips.

He turned towards you and smiled, “Morning.”

You smiled at his messy hair, “Morning.”

“Want some coffee?” He held a cup out to you.

“Please.” You took the warm mug and sipped it slowly.

“Be right back.” He said before he slipped out of the kitchen and down the hallway.

He walked into his room and went to grab his extra phone charger by his bed. He bent down and reached under the bedside table before gabbing the cord and tugging it out.

He got up and came face to face with a pink lacy bra. That definetly wasnt his. He remembered doing his parents laundry and that couldn’t have been his mom’s bra, it was too big. There’s only one person he could remember. You. He swallowed and couldn’t help but think about it on you, he immediately shook those thoughts away and headed back into the kitchen.

When he entered the kitchen again he found you looking at a picture on the wall. It was a picture of him, his dad, and mom at the beach. He was sitting on his moms shoulders and his mom was sitting on his dads shoulders.

He saw you smile as you held the warm cup of coffee and it made him smile too.

Jake walked in rubbing his face and yawning. “morning crew.” he greeted y’all and took the mug from your hand.

“Hey!” You watched as he took a long sip and nodded his head, “Yeah, that’s good.” He sighed. You rolled your eyes and made your way to the bar that was in the Bradshaws kitchen. You pulled the stool out and sat down with a sigh, Bradley set a mug of warm coffee down in front of you and placed a jar of sugar and a bottle of creamer down as well. You looked up at him with a small smile as he winked and walked back to the stove.

You took a spoon and stirred the creamer and sugar into the coffee, the smile was still on your face as you watched the coffee turn from black to light brown. Jake walked into the kitchen and took a piece of bacon off the plate that Bradley cooked and popped it into his mouth.

“You ready for college, Y/n?” He asked you. You shrugged, “I guess.” He furrowed his eyebrows at you at came and sat beside you at the bar. “Something bothering you? You’ve been quiet the past few days.” You shook your head, even though something was wrong, “No, I’m okay.”

He didn’t believe you, but he dropped it. He decided to tease Bradley instead. “Don’t burn that bacon, Bradley.”

Bradley turned and gave him an unamused look, “I’m pretty sure I’m a better cook than you.”

“Says who?”

“Y/n.” Bradley shrugged. Jake turned to you with a look of hurt written on his face, “You say I’m a bad cook?!”. You laughed, “You’re my brother, I can say whatever I want.” He shook his head with a small smile on his face.

-

Jake called the guy again and almost cussed him out trying to figure out why the furniture was coming in so late.

“I just don’t understand why the hell our furniture is three days late!?” Jake yelled into the phone as he paced around the room.

“Jake, you’re making me dizzy, sit down.” You mumbled as you and Bradley sat on the couch and watched him.

“It’s fine, we’ll just stay here until they can get it delivered, man. I told you last night.” Bradley said as he picked at his fingernails.

“When do your parents get back from their trip?” You asked and turned to look at him.

“Ummm, I think next Tuesday.” He said in thought, “They just left yesterday.”

“Good for them.” You nodded, “I’ve always wanted to go to the beach, someday I hope to buy a little house right on it.”

Bradley smiled and watched as you daydreamed about buying a house in the future.

Jake eventually hung up on the guy, clearly fed up with him, and turned to ya’ll, “This is a disaster.”

“Why don’t we go grab some dinner.” You suggested, twirling your hair in front of you.

“I can always eat.” Bradley said, he placed his hands behind his head as he laid further into the couch.

“I might go to Veronicas house, her parents aren’t home right now.” Jake said. Veronica was Jake’s hook up since eleventh grade. They weren’t anything official, just a fuck and leave type of thing.

You sighed and Bradley groaned at the same time which made you have to bite a smile back. “Veronica.” You muttered.

“Just date her at this point, dude.” Bradley shook his head, “Y’all have had sex what, twenty times now?”

“Gross.” You turned up your nose.

“My sex life is none of yours or Y/n’s business.” He pointed at the two of you.

“Good.” You nodded.

“I’m just saying.” Bradley shrugged.

“I’ll be back around twelve or one.”

“Dang, y’all are going at it for that long?” Bradley teased as Jake rolled his eyes and grabbed his keys.

“Ive got needs, Bradley. Unlike you.”

“Can we stop talking about sex?” You tried to remind them that you were still in the room.

“Yes. I’ll be back, call me if you need me, if I don’t answer the phone… well you know why.” Jake said as he walked out the door.

You groaned and sat back on the couch as Bradley laughed to himself.

-

You and Bradley had agreed to go pick up some take away food and bring it back to the house so you piled into his bronco and backed out of the driveway.

“So, had Jake spoke anything of him and Veronica?” You asked.

“Nah, he doesn’t talk much of her anymore. I think it’s just a hookup thing.” He shrugged and placed his arm on the back of your seat and backed out.

You watched his arm contract and swallowed hard.

He drove down the street into town and pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. You had ordered at the house and all you had to do was walk in and tell them your name.

“You going in?” He parked and turned to you.

You looked at him like he was crazy, “Hell no! I look terrible.” You gestured down to your outfit which was sweats and a sleep shirt.

“No you don’t.” He shook his head.

“I’m not going in.” You shook your head.

“Fine, I’ll go in.”

“Here’s my card.” You held it out to him.

“No, I’m paying.” He declined it.

“Bradley, it’s the least I can do since you’re providing us with a home until the furniture comes in.”

He still shook his head and got out of the car, “Make sure the doors are locked.”

You sighed and shook your head as you stuffed your card back in your wallet. You felt your phone vibrate and grabbed it from your pocket, you expected a text from Jake but it was Jackson.

Unknown caller: Hey babe I miss u. Plz come over i need u.

Gross.

Bradley got into the car with the food and set it in the backseat, he looked at you, “Is that Jake?”

“No, it’s Jackson.”

He looked at you with wide eyes, “What does he want?”

You put your phone away and looked out the window, “What every boy wants.”

“He’s a dick.” He muttered as he did the arm thing as he backed out again.

This time you stared for longer and didn’t care if he caught you.

“Something wrong?” He asked and continued to drive out of the parking lot.

You hummed, “No.”

-

You sat at the table and ate your food in silence, it wasn’t an awkward silence, just one where there wasn’t anything to be said at the moment. Bradley sat across from you and focused on his food, so you focused on yours.

“So, is this your last year of college?” You broke the silence.

“Yeah, I think so, If I pass.” He laughed to himself and shoveled another forkful of fried rice into his mouth.

You rolled your eyes, “You will, your mom would beat you if you didn’t.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” His mom always made sure he was doing what he was supposed to be doing, getting assignments done, handling his money well, making sure he had everything he needed. Which wasn’t a bad thing, it was a good thing. “How’s your mom?”

You looked up as he spoke, “She’s okay.” You honestly didn’t want to get onto the subject of your mother.

“She still working?” He asked with a mouthful of food.

“Yeah, she still works at the bank she used to.” You nodded and took your fork and scraped the food to one side then made a pile of it, playing with it.

“That’s good.” He nodded, “My mom said she misses her, she doesn’t really hear from her much anymore.”

Neither do you, “Yeah, everyone says that. I guess shes just in a lifelong mood or some shit.”

He nodded again, “So, what are you majoring in?”

“I decided I’m going to major in psychology as a backup and pursue my dream get my license to work on Jets.” You always loved airplanes and wanted a cool job so you could be the one to show up to your kids career day at school and tell their class all about what you do for work.

“That’s great. I think you’ll do good.”

“Thanks, Bradley.”

“No problem, Y/n,” he smiled at you, “so, about Jackson.”

You groaned and rolled your eyes, “I don’t even want to begin with that.”

“Is he going to the same college as you?” He asked, he sounded like a dad right now. Which you thought was funny, but Bradley had always been protective over you, even though Jake told him to be.

“Yeah, he’s majoring in business.”

“Prick, that’s some rich people shit.” Bradley laughed.

“Yeah, his father owns a real estate company, so I guess he’s going to take after him. He wanted me to be a housewife and said when we got married we’d have a bunch of kids and he’d make me a housewife.”

“That sounds like torture.” Bradley shivered, “I say you do whatever makes you happy, Y/n.”

“Yeah.” You muttered, “Thanks for listening. I know I talk too much.”

He shook his head and closed the styrofoam container, “I never get tired of hearing you talk.”

Your face reddened as you copied his actions by closing your food container as well. He stood up and walked over to you and grabbed your empty box and threw it away with his. You thanked him and he smiled at you as you stood up in front of him.

“Look, Bradley, I know we aren’t close but…” you paused, “I really do enjoy being around you, I always have.” You smiled softly which made him smile as well, “I enjoy being around you too, Y/n.”

Your cheeks heated up as he stepped closer to you and brought his hand up to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear.

“You can take your bed tonight, I don’t mind sleeping on the couch.” You whispered since he was so close to you.

“Nah, ill take moms room and Jake can take the couch.” He winked and smirked once you smiled.

“Sounds evil.” You smiled.

“That’s his punishment for ditching to go hook up with a girl.”

You shrugged, “That sounds fair.”

“I can think of a better punishment though.”

You raised an eyebrow at this, “Oh yeah?”

He hummed and nodded slowly. “And what’s that?” You asked cautiously.

He licked his lips and looked down at you, he thought about it. But he didn’t do it. So instead he shrugged, “I’ve got nothing.”

You rolled your eyes and laughed softly as he smiled and stepped away from you to turn the lights off in the kitchen.

“If you want to shower my mom has some extra soap in her bathroom you can use. You’re welcome to use my shower, I’m cleaner than Jake is.” He offered.

“Thanks, you can take one before me.”

“Nope, ladies first.” He went and sat on the couch and turned the TV on. You sighed and walked down the hallway to grab the soap from Mrs. Carols bathroom. You grabbed it from under the sink and headed to Bradleys bathroom.

-

Bradley stared blankly at the television as a rerun of a baseball game played. He had already seen it, but it was either that or some kids channel.

He heard the shower on in the background for a few minutes and Bradley paid any attention to it as he continued to watch the game. For a couple more minutes he watched and didn’t even hear the shower cut off until you were yelling down the hallway.

“Bradley?” Your voice sounded uncertain.

He whipped his head back and got up from his spot on the couch and made his way down the hallway. Your head was poking out as the door covered your body and your hair was dripping onto the wood floor.

He cleared his throat, “Yeah?”

“There isn’t a towel in here,” your sighed, “can you please hand me one?”

He nodded as he watched the water drip from your face, down your neck, and down further but the door limited his visual on that.

“Yeah, let me go grab you one.” He turned and walked to the laundry room and grabbed a clean towel from the shelf. He grabbed two just in case and made his way back to you.

You had shut the door so he brought his knuckle up and knocked softly.

You peeked out and smiled, “Thank you.” Your wet, warm hand brushed his as he handed the towels to you.

“No problem.” He nodded and watched as you shut the door softly. He rubbed the palms of his hands on his jeans and walked slowly back towards the couch.

A couple minutes later you walked out in your pajamas with a towel wrapped on your head towards the living room.

“Sorry if I took long.” You apologized as you sat on the other side of the couch.

He looked at you with his chin resting on his fist, “You’re good, I don’t even have to take one tonight.” He shook his head.

“Oh, that must be nice.” You laughed and turned your attention towards the TV.

You remembered the way he looked down at you when you asked for a towel and the way his eyes looked further down rather than on your eyes. You probably just looked a mess, nothing more to it.

“Nothing good on?” You asked as you began to get bored of the game.

“Nope, unless you’re into Thomas the Train.” He laughed.

“I’ll pass.” You laughed along with him and watched the game with him.

-

You had eventually fallen asleep and Bradley had taken notice of this. He cut off the TV and places the remote on the coffee table, he walked to you and scooped you up, trying not to wake you up, he carried you back to his room.

He set you down on the bed gently and moved your hair from your face. He cut the light off and pulled the covers over your body and watched as you sunk deeper into his pillow. He smiled and walked out of the room, he closed the door gently and felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

Nicole: You busy? I miss you.

He sighed and opened his phone and clicked on her contact, Nicole and him dated his first year of college and broke up after a year. He walked down the hallway as he read the text over and over again.

No. He responded

Nicole: I’ll be over in 20

—————————————————————————————————

[hwa-stars]

Skirt lifter (Chapter 5)

Genre: High-school au, slow burning love, fluff, mention of mature language (+14)

Pairing: non!idol Park Seonghwa x fem!named reader

Summary: In which Park Seonghwa is accused of being a pervert.

Word count: 1.108k

Taglist: @dinossaurz @babigriin @hecateslittlewitchling (if anyone wants to be added to the taglist, please comment)

"So of all the things Hongjoong told me about you, I found out you're a scholar." Seonghwa leaned on the desk while watching me work. "That's surprising I must said."

"I'm most surprised that you'd talk about me."

"Well if a stranger punches your face, the most reasonable action is make some research about them" he helped me with some books. "And sue them." He laughed

"If that's the way you want to wasted your time, it's fine with me."

"Anyway, you told us to contact you if we knew about any job, right?"

"Yes" I said suspicious

"Well, I need a tutor" he sighed "In calculus."

"Really, for who?"

"Me."

"Why?"

"Why else do people hire tutors?" He asked obvious.

"I thought you meant for your sister, brother or anyone."

"I said that I need a tutor" he emphasized the I "So, what do you say?"

"I don't know Seonghwa " I muttered

"Why not? I badly one, considering that exams are next week" He fake cried "Please, please!" He begged me giving me puppy eyes.

"Why don't you ask Hongjoong?" I asked since I know he has good grades too.

"He's tutoring Yeosang and Wooyoung so he couldn't take me in" he explained "Please, I promise no skirt lifting."

"Fine" I give up and he smile "For two hours."

"What?"

"I'll tutoring you for two hours and if you still don't understand I'm done."

"Two hours is not enough!" He wined.

"Take ir or leave it."

I also think that two hours is not enough, but I don't want to be close to him or people to see us and started talking about me like those girls.

"Fine, what's your fee?" He grouned giving up.

"It's fine, you don't need to pay me." I shook my head stacking the last books on the shelf.

"But, it's supposed to be a job" he asked surprised.

"You can't put a price in education, as long as I help you understand, that's fine with me."

"Wow Minseo, you're such a kind soul" he stared at me and make my cheeks burned.

"Thank you so much, what will I ever do without you?" I facked his voice and he laughed.

He took the hood of my hoodie and placed it over my head, I looked up at him still blushing.

"Thank you" He whispered and quickly took the strings of the hoodie and tightened the hood over my face. "Pororo" He end with a smile and patted my head.

And he had to ruin the moment with his stupid nickname.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

"You used the wrong formula"

"Yeah, for this problem not for that one." I pointed out the problem.

"But you told me to used it."

"Oh, sorry" he scratched his hair shyly.

"It's fine, you can started over"

After I finished my work at the library, Seonghwa and I agreed to take one hour of tutoring today and the other hour tomorrow. However, the hour had passed and we were getting nowhere because he kept mixing the formulas and I tried to explained him.

"I'm surprised you are not yelling at me" Seonghwa comments after he finished the problem.

"Why would I be?"

"I don't know I'd figure out you'll be yelling me or giving up trying to tutoring me." He continued his worksheet.

"Oh, I've handled dumbest kids before. You are not the worst that I had." I joked

"That's encouraging" He answers sarcastically.

"I'm kidding, I think I can't be in any position to get mad since everyone has different learning capacities."

Seonghwa continued working in his worksheet as I grabbed a book to study for my history exam.

"That's true."

"I'm gonna grab a drink form the vending machine, want anything?" Seonghwa asked.

"Oh yes, one chocolate bar please" I mentioned reaching for coins in my bag.

"It's my treat" He answered before taking his wallet and walking away.

Although I didn't want to be in debt with Seonghwa even if it's a chocolate bar, I whipped the table and look at my phone when suddenly a phone vibrate and it was Seonghwa's. I didn't want to invade his privacy, but the vibration of notifications were a lot.

There were a lot of 'where the fuck are you?😡' and 'everyone's here dude' messages, I saw Seonghwa walking back and he handed me my chocolate and I thank him.

"By the way, your phone was vibrating nonstop it seem urgent." I point his phone and he nodded.

He took his phone and read his messages, for the messages I expect him to leave soon so I started packing my things while he answered the messages.

"Don't you have somewhere to be?"

"What are you doing?" He asked sitting down.

"No" he shook his head. "Quit with the chatting, we have work to do Pororo" He take his pencil again and started answering the worksheet.

It's weird, I'd have guessed that would leave at the moment because it seems like people were waiting for him.

"You want a picture of me?" He asked without looking up.

"What?"

"Well, you have been staring at me for a while." He poke my cheek with his pencil. "So take a picture of me, it will last longer." I blushed but look away. "Awww, you're blushed."

"No it's hot."

"Who? Me?" He smirked

"The weather dumbass."

"We're in an air-conditioned room Minseo."

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

I started to get boring so I started to draw an ice cream on my notebook, we've been here for two and a half hours. I'm surprised how distracted Seonghwa can be, he started asking me personal questions and making unnecessary comments riled up in him forgetting the task he had to do.

"You want to get ice cream?" Seonghwa asked looking at my draw.

"Yes, I want some."

"Then, let’s get some" he put his pencil back at the table.

"Forget it" I rolled my eyes.

"Why? You said you want ice cream."

"No, after you finished the problems you left." I point out the paper.

"Really?" He asked and his eyes sparkled, I haven't seen his eyes like that before but I nodded.

"Deal" he took his pencil and started working.

I almost hung out my mouth when 10 minutes later, Seonghwa had already finished the last problems.

"Well, let's go" He stretched out his arms.

I started checking his worksheet, looking for a minimal mistake but there wasn't any!

"How did you?" I asked confuse, a few minutes ago he was mixing the formulas and now he answered rigth.

"What can I say?" Ice cream is a great motivation." He smiled at me. "Let's get that ice cream, Pororo."

[hughiecampbelle]

Succession Preference: Tattooed Baby Sibling

Requested: Hi! Hope you are well! Idk if you're taking requests atm, feel free to ignore this if so! But I was thinking of a preference for The Roy Siblings. In which the reader would be their baby sibling, but they have A LOT of tattoos and maybe how the family reacts to them or or how they deal with that part of their sibling? - anon

A/N: I love this!!! I only have about 30, so idk if I qualify as tattooed person just yet lol, but picturing this is fantastic! Thank you for requesting my love!!! Feedback is always appreciated 💜💜💜

Connor comes from a different generation. He's not used to seeing tattoos in the professional world. Knowing this, you keep yourself pretty covered until you can't. It's at Caroline's wedding you shed some layers, letting your skin show in the heat. He's taken aback. He knew you had a few, but you're covered now. You catch him staring, unsure of his emotions, ready to defend yourself like always: they won't stop you from getting a job, they're a freedom of expression and art, they make you feel more at home in your body, some are just funny and others far more sentimental, that it's your money and you can spend it however you want, etc. Instead though, he just gives you a small smile. "I like the one by your elbow, kiddo." He has a lot of questions, like what does it feel like to get them and why you gravitate towards them when others, like him, feel no need. He knows you get enough judgment from your mother and father. He's your biggest brother, he loves you no matter what.

Kendall doesn't really understand them. Like Connor, he has questions, though you're often reverting back to your childhood self when you answer them: totally defensive. You're busy showing them off to Kerry when you catch his attention. There are a few fresh ones, still raised and irritated. It makes his skin hurt just looking at it. You're completely covered now, working on filling in the gaps. He doesn't see the appeal. He thought, like most "phases", you'd grow out of it, but these things are permanent. Forever. It's a big commitment he could never make. What if he likes something today and hates it tomorrow? You assure him you've never felt that way, but if you ever do, it's something you liked once and that's enough. He makes some not so great remarks about professionalism and what happens when you get older, but they're all out of big brother concern. Eventually you tell him that they've never affected your ability to get a job and that they'll look cool just like they do now when you're older. End of discussion. He doesn't hate them, but he doesn't think they're great either, especially you being his baby sibling. He'll never approve.

Shiv has always wanted to get a matching tattoo with you. Something small, delicate, tasteful, probably on her ankle. You make plans for this, but it never happens. You can never agree on what you want. You urge her to hurry up since you're running out of space. She loves them, she thinks they're really cool and also a huge middle finger to your father. You're always eager to show her the newest ones. She wouldn't expect anything less from you. You've been drawing on yourself since you could hold a marker. Every time you came home from school covered in ink your father would order either one of your siblings or one of the nannies to scrub you til skin came off. He barked that this was unacceptable behavior, but it never stopped you from doing it again. Now look at you. She doesn't hold the same fears or beliefs as your brothers. She's under the belief that if it makes you happy, truly happy, and it doesn't kill Logan, then it's fine. Why should anyone try to stop you? It's a tattoo, that's all.

Roman is the least bothered by them. Why would he care? It's not his body. He calls Connor and Kendall old men for being so uptight about it. Does he make fun of you to no end about them? Of course. Oh no y/n, a Chipotle bag threw up all over you! Looks like you've still got some unused space right. . . there. Where's Waldo am I right? If I can find the end of the maze do I get a prize? He has a habit of poking fresh tattoos and feigning ignorance, too. How am I supposed to know what's new and what's not? He also loves to point out new ones to your mother and father, who both despise them. Oops, did I do that? He runs away before you can hit him. He understands, while also an aesthetic thing, it's about pain, too. There's something satisfying about the needle that you can't get anywhere else. That noise, the constant poking, the radiating ache. He gets it. You all have to do what you gotta do to get by. A need to go back, this inner wanting for the pain again. It's socially acceptable and you get permanent art to go along with it. Win-win.

[louloulemons-posts]

Oil At The Coffee Shop XI

Eddie X Fem!Reader

Summary : Family time is the best time, but family truths also spill during it.

Word Count : 1.9k

Warnings : not proofread, swears, minor angst, talks of parental death, drunk driving, alcohol, cuteness, sweetheart eddie, just a lot of comfort for sad reader.

Fic Masterlist

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

Saturday rolled around and you were glad the week was almost over, excited for a lie in on Sunday. Scott, Diane and the kids had come into the shop, begging you to have your lunch with them.

El and Max had shoved you in their direction, with the promise that they were fine and would come and get you if it was urgent. You were lucky to have those girls.

Sat with Matty cuddled up to your side, Scott spoke, “So Eddie seems nice.”

“He really does,” Diane agreed.

“He is. He’s lovely. I know on the exterior he looks like the stereotypical scary metalhead, but he’s a sweetheart.”

“And he’s nice to you?” Your brother asked.

“He’s been nothing but, he’s a lovely person Scott I promise you.” The man nodded, taking your answer as the truth. If you said he was a good man, he’d believe you.

“So who are these other friends you’ve made? Not replacing me are you?” Diane asked, teasingly. You huffed a laugh, “Never, could I replace you. The girls that work here Max and El, and then their friends. Oh and Jonathan and Steve, all of their friends.”

“Jonathan Byers?” Scott questioned.

“Mhm, that’s the one.”

“How’s he doing?”

“Great, he’s a photographer. Has a girlfriend, she’s called Nancy.”

“How’s that brother of his, Will?”

“He’s as lovely as he was when he was a baby, he’s actually good friends with Max, and he’s Els brother.”

After chatting a little more, you had to get back to work. Walking past the table, you slid two cupcakes in front of Jenny and Matt. The pair squealed, happily biting into the thick icing.

The bell above the door rang and in stepped your favourite person. A smile on his face, “Hey.”

“Hi, coffee?”

“Please.”

“What’s got you so smiley gorgeous?”

“Well apart from seeing my favourite girl, works been great today.”

“Good I’m glad,” you smiled back at him, “Scott’s over there with Di and the kids.” You motioned to the tables, Jenny was now covered in icing.

“I’ll just go and say hi,” he told you, to which you nodded. Shaking your brothers hand, Eddie got down low to talk to the kids. Jenny reached out for his curls with her sticky hands, Diane pulling them away. The man laughed, as she told her mom, “But mommy they pretty!”

“Yes Honey I know, but you’ll get them all sticky.” Grabbing a tissue, she wiped her daughters hand. “There you go, now you can touch,” Eddie said, taking her small hand into his hair.

The small girl laughed loudly, finding her curls to be one of the most interesting things she’d ever seen. With Eddies coffee in your hand, you headed over, ruffling Matts hair as you did.

“What are you up too?” you asked the small boy. He was colouring a picture, “It’s a project for school, have to show some of our favourite things for a big collage.”

“That’s cool bud, what are you colouring?”

“Dinosaur, it’s a stegosaurs.”

“That’s really cool, you’ll have to show me when it’s finished.”

Eddie pried little hands from his hair, standing up next to you. “Here you go,” you smiled, handing him his drink. “Thanks Sweetheart. It was lovely seeing you all again, when is it you leave?”

“Tomorrow, back to work on Monday and little man’s got school,” Scott explained. “Well hopefully I’ll see you before you leave, I have to get back to work now though.”

He leaned down to kiss your cheek, “I’ll see you later, and tomorrow, maybe we can hang out,” he told you. “Okay,” you smiled, cheeks flushing. “It was nice to see you all.”

“You too,” Scott smiled, oh god, here comes the teasing. Eddie waved goodbye and was on his way. “Wow, that was,” your brother began, “Adorable!”Diane finished.

“I have to go back to work, so you need anything?”

“No Sweetheart not a thing,” the woman smirked. “Yep, I’m going back to work now.”

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

After work the five of you had decided to head to the park, the kids bundled up as the cool November air made their cheeks rosy.

Diane was pushing Jenny on the swing as Matt climbed up on to the slide.

“Have you told him yet?” Scott asked from beside you. “Told him what?”

“About mom and dad, about what happened.”

“It hasn’t come up.”

“You need to tell him.”

“Why does it matter? We barely speak about them.”

“They died, we’re both still dealing with that.” You sighed, you’d both been young when your parents had passed, being brought up by your grandparents.

Your aunt Callie was your grandmothers sister, she saw a lot of her and your mother in you. It was a strange way to grow up, but you’d live longer without them than you did with them.

“I’ll tell him,” you said simply, “But only when I want too, I’d don’t want you making comments that forces me too.”

“Okay. I just … it caused some issues with me and Di. I see the way you look at each other, I don’t want you to go through that.”

That was true, he hadn’t told Diane until a couple years in when they argued. She had done something that upset Scott and she didn’t understand why.

“I get it Scott, I just … I don’t remember them much, I hate that it’s such an issue.”

“Me too, as soon as you get it out of the way, the sooner it’s done.”

“Daddy! Look!” Jenny squealed as she was swinging. “Look at you! Going so high,” he laughed. You looked down feeling a tug on your hand. “Hey bud, you okay?”

“Will you push me?” he asked.

“Sure thing!” You went hand in hand, Matt climbed up on the swing, laughing loudly when you pushed him. You’d missed this, so so much.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

“I am going to miss you so much,” you said, giving your nephew a big squeeze, “But I promise I will see you soon.” Turing to Jenny you gave her a kiss on the head, “I’ll miss you munchkin.”

“Miss you.”

Standing up you hugged Scott and Diane, “Drive safe,” you said, “and call me when you get back.”

“We will, we’ll see you soon okay?” Di smiled, kissing your cheek. “Let us know about Christmas,” your brother spoke.

“I will.”

“It was great meeting you guys, hopefully I’ll see you all again soon,” Eddie said from beside you. Diane kissed his cheek, picking up Jenny who reached out for Eddies hair once more. He laughed, saying goodbye to the kids and your brother.

“Take care,” Scott said to you, “Love you.”

“Love you too.” The four of them climbed in their car, Eddie pulled you close. Sighing into his chest you hugged him, already missing them.

Leaning down to kiss your head he whispered, “You’ll see them soon, I promise.”

“I know, it just hurts my heart to watch them go.”

“I know Sweetheart,” he rubbed his hands up and down your back.

Once their car had gone from the street, you spoke, “Let’s go in, it’s cold out here.” Pulling Eddie by the hand, you wandered inside, you had to tell him. You didn’t want secrets, not after what he’d so bravely told you.

“You alright?” he asked softly, wrapping his arms around your waist so he could pull your back to rest against his chest. “Yeah, they all seemed to like you a lot, especially Jenny.”

“Yeah she’s a sweetheart,” he chuckled.

“Hey!”

“What?” he asked.

“That’s me!”

“Don’t get jealous on me, you’re my only sweetheart I promise,” he kissed the top of your head.

Turning in his hold, you looked up at him, “Can I talk to you about something?” you asked. “Sure, what’s up?”

“I just … Scott brought something up and he said about me telling you and he’s right it’d be shitty if I didn’t tell you.”

“Hey, you can tell me as much or as little as you want too. It works both ways,” he said softly, leading you to the couch.

“I wanted to talk to you about my parents. About why they’re not around,” you said.

“Okay,” he said, encouraging you to carry on. “They um … they passed when I was young. A-a drunk driver hit their car, so uh me and Scott were raised by our gran and grandpa.

“I just .. I wanted you to know. I try not to think about it, I was only 4 and Scott was 7, I don’t remember much about them. Just that they were kind, that was something my gran wanted me and Scott to keep, our moms kindness.”

Rubbing your face with your hands, Eddie wrapped you up into a cuddle. “Thank you for telling me that. I think they’d both be extremely proud, of you and of Scott,” he placed a kiss on your head.

“You think so?”

“I know so, and I do understand, how strange it is to loose your parents. My dad got sent to prison and my mom passed, it’s why I grew up with Wayne.”

“Oh Eddie I’m sorry.”

“Sweetheart it’s okay, we were raised by great people and we make them proud every day. Thank you for trusting me.”

“Thank you for telling me too, I don’t want us to have secrets.”

“So we won’t, we’ll tell each other when we’re ready, so long as we tell, does that sound okay?” You hummed, nodding into his chest and letting him hold you.

“You spoke to me about them before you know?”

“I did?”

“Steve’s Halloween party, you were scared I had been drinking, refused to get in the car.”

You scrunched your face, trying to remember.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

Eddies arm was around your waist, “Just don’t let Robin pour anymore drinks,” he said to Steve. “Yeah okay I won’t, you be careful.”

“Will do.”

Walking down the path, Eddie spoke once more, “Where are your keys Sweetheart.”

“They’re in my purse,” you fiddled with bag, opening it up and shaking the key.

“Great,” he said, taking them from your hand and going towards your car. It’d save you from picking it up in the morning. “W-wait Eddie you can’t drive!”

“Why not?”

“You’re drunk!”

“Sweetheart I’ve been drinking soda all night, I assumed I’d be driving someone home.”

“B-but I saw you! You had my drink!”

“Just a sip.”

“You can’t drive! It’s not safe!” you panicked, tears forming in your eyes. “Woah, it’s okay. It’s alright, if you don’t want me to drive I can … I can call Wayne and he can pick us up. Or we can crash here.”

You sniffled, “You can’t drink drive, we could hurt someone. You could kill someone.”

“Sweetheart what’s this about?” he asked, holding your face gently.

“He killed my parents, he was so off his head. He lived, only got a few-a few years! They died because he’d been drunk.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry that happened to them. I promise you I’m not drunk okay, I would never lie to you. If you don’t want me to drive I won’t.”

Sighing you looked up at him, looking for any signs he was buzzed. “I trust you, but you have to promise me! You’ll never drive when you’re drunk!”

“I promise you.”

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

“I remember,” you said, meeting Eddies eyes. “I didn’t want to bring it up until you were ready to tell me sober,” he explained.

“Thank you for doing that for me.”

“Sweetheart I would do anything for you. I uh I ..” he stuttered.

“You what?” you asked wide eyed.

“I like you a whole lot,” he smiled, kissing your cheek. “I like you too.”

More than like.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

A/N : I know that ending is gonna annoy so many of you 👹

Thank you so much for reading 🤍

Taglist : @corrodedseraphine @flawiette @witchwolflea @emxxblog @plk-18 @vintagehellfire @lma1986 @squidscottjeans @eddiesguitarskills @nanas-lasagna @halialex1119 @goth-cowgirl-03 @corrodedcoffincumslut @micheledawn1975

let me know if you want to be added 🤍

[julesthequirky]

Brat - Chapter One

Brat

All my work is purely aimed at those 18+ so minors kindly, DNI.

Summary: John’s not your dad and nor does he want to be, which is fine by you. But what he does believe in is disciplining the unruly. As your mother’s ex and technically your closest father figure, John takes it upon himself to fix your behavior and attitude, but you’re not having any of it and decide to fight his efforts every step of the way.

Pairings/Characters: Step Brother!Sam x Step Sister!Reader, Step Brother!Dean x Step Sister!Reader, Step Dad!John Winchester x Step Daughter!Reader, Claire x Reader, Mr. Novak x Reader, Jack, OFC Joanie.

Chapter Warnings: Bratty reader, mentions of drug use, sex toy, cussing, John being John. (Yes, this is a tamer chapter, but chapters after will be significantly wilder).

W/C: 1548

A/N: Honestly thought this was going to come out much later, as I've been juggling uni work in the day and fanfic at night, with two other fics vying for attention :P. Chapters may be sporadic as I continue to juggle for the next few weeks, and after that, I'll attempt some kind of writing routine.

A/N 2: I've had this idea for sometime all stemming from *one* scene with John, inspired by the awesome @cockslutpadalecki, with her All The Good Girls Go To Hell series.

Giggling, you stumbled to the door, sliding the key into the lock. The metal scraped, the key turning until it clicked. Your hand gripped the handle and pulled it down. Opening the door, you stepped in. Biting your lip to keep quiet, you quietly shut the door.

Footsteps thundered down the hall, and you shut your eyes. Crap.

“She stinks, Joanie!”

The giggle slipped out.

A hand yanked you into the light. The brightness seared into your retinas, and immediately you covered them, but a larger, stronger hand pulled yours down. They grasped your chin, and John’s thunderous face stared daggers. Your eyes flitted from side to side. He was spoiling your buzz.

“She’s fucking high, Joanie. Bloodshot eyes.”

He let you go, disgust written all over his face. You backed away as he turned to your mom.

“I tried, John. You know this.”

“Well, clearly you didn’t! Enough’s enough, now. She comes with me.”

Your mother nodded.

“Mom, what the fuck—”

A large hand cracked across your cheek, snapping your face to one side.

“John!!”

You cupped your stinging cheek with both hands. Fuck, hopefully, he hadn’t split anything. You gingerly checked, dabbing a finger to your lip. You couldn’t feel any wetness, just a soft, plump lip.

“She doesn’t respect you, and you continue to let this happen. We had a deal, and you agreed, Joanie. And now’s it’s time.”

“She’s eighteen… there’s nothing I can do.”

“That’s a piss poor excuse, and you know it. You just could never be bothered to discipline her.”

“She’s difficult—”

“Welcome to parenting.”

John turned to you at that point. “Go get your stuff.”

No way. No way in Hell were you going with him. You shook your head.

“Get your stuff.” His voice turned stern.

Still, you held your ground.

“Y/N, do as he says.”

“Mom, what the— No.” You responded, biting your tongue.

“Do it, baby. It’ll only be for a short while.”

You noticed it. In her eyes. In her posture. Defeat.

“You’ve just given up, haven’t you? You’re gonna let him take me away. Your only daughter!”

You didn’t wait for her answer and stomped away, buzz well and truly gone, replaced by anger.

Bitch.

You slammed your door and stewed. John could fuck off. Maybe you could kip at the Novak’s. Castiel wouldn’t mind, and it meant smoking more green.

You fished your phone out of your pocket and dialled Mr Novak’s number. The number rang, once then twice. A knock on your door had you jumping and cutting the call short.

“What?”

“You nearly done?”

It was John.

“Pfft, I’ve only just got up here.”

“Just get clothes for tonight and tomorrow. Joan— your mother, will bring them tomorrow.”

There was so much you wanted to say, yell, and scream at him, but instead, you stayed insolent, stewing. No way in Hell were you going. He would have to drag you out, kicking and screaming.

“You’ve got five minutes.”

Fuck your five minutes. “Whatever.”

“I mean it.”

You said nothing to that, mockingly mouthed, ‘I mean it.’ Hah. Sure. That’s what your mother always said, but nothing ever came of it. Instead of packing, you flopped on your bed, one leg leaning on the other as you scrolled through the bird app.

John was your mother’s ex. She’d met him at a bar. No change there. But he didn’t seem to be one of your mother’s bad choices. Your mother had notoriously bad taste in men, always attracting the losers and never managing to shake them because they always came back around. But John was different. He was a retired marine with two adult kids, whom you barely saw, who ran his household with an iron fist, and to a twelve-year-old with no routine, it was fucking Hell.

He didn’t pretend to be your dad, and you got the distinct impression that he didn’t want to be. But for a man who didn’t want to be your father, he demanded respect and authority, which you fought at every step of the way.

He lasted the longest – three years. Ultimately it was probably due to your aversion to John’s authority that broke the relationship. You just wouldn’t bend to his will, and your mother would always let you off, excusing your behaviour.

You lost track of time, and an alarm rang outside your room. You expected him to knock and to tell you again, and a slight smirk curved your lips, thinking you’d won. But it caught you off guard when the door crashed open, the handle bouncing off the wall, and your smirk cut quicker than a dying orgasm.

“What the fuck!!” You yelled, jumping up as he barged in.

“Are you packed?”

The simple question roused your anger. He seriously needed to get into his head that you weren’t going. Shaking your head, you turned away from him and laid back, resuming doom scrolling.

“Y’know, I really hoped you weren’t gonna be difficult and that you were gonna be reasonable. I now know that was a futile mistake to make.”

You rolled your eyes.

Coming out of nowhere, a hand snatched the phone from your grasp. You whipped your head around to see John pocketing the gadget.

“You’ll get this back after good behaviour and not before.”

Shooting up, you attempted to steal it back, but he slapped your hand away and pointed at you.

“Don’ you start with me lil girl. I will tan your hide.”

With that, he left you standing by your bed as he circled your room and almost ripped a drawer from its hinges as he yanked it open.

“Hey, what the Hell!”

John ignored you, throwing something at you. Bending down, you picked it up. A t-shirt. A god ugly one at that too. He continued on his rampage, opening drawers and throwing garments at you.

“You didn’t do this in the timely manner I set for you, so now you get to watch me pack for you.”

“That’s a breach of privacy!”

He spun around, holding the expensive black rabbit you’d gifted yourself for your eighteenth.

“Does your momma know you own this?”

The blood froze in your veins, and your mouth hung agape. He did not regard your privacy, and more clothes dropped by your feet. He threw the toy back into the drawer, grabbed a tote bag hanging on a bedpost, and shoved clothes inside.

“Consequences. Ever heard of ‘em? No? Well, darlin’, you’re about to get well acquainted.”

He easily picked you up, lifting you over his shoulder, his arm wrapped tightly around your legs.

The fuck!

“Let me go!! Get off me!!!”

You kicked a little in a futile attempt to loosen his grip, but John ignored this, grabbed your bag and carried you to the front door.

“Goodbye, Joanie.”

“No, wait. Mom! Mom!! Mom!!!” You shouted, heart-wrenching, as John walked out towards the car. Waiting for her to show, you repeatedly called her name, and by the time you were in the car, the front door had been shut.

How could your mom just let this man take you away without putting up a fight? The tears are hot as they cascade down your cheeks, and you angrily wipe them away. You’d done nothing to warrant this reaction from John. In fact, you were a perfectly well-adjusted teenager, or at least that’s what you thought. Sure, you smoked, drank and partied a little more than your mother would like, but wasn’t that what all the kids were doing these days? You had aspirations, just like any teenager. Admittedly, yours happened to be a little more risque than your peers, but playing it safe was for losers.

You wanted to be a Playboy Playmate. Of course, you hadn’t mentioned this to the guidance councillor or your mom. God, they’d lose their ever-loving shit if they found out. No, you threw college names in their faces and hoped for the best.

John slowed to a stop, and you looked at his house in contempt. Ugh. His door slammed shut, shaking the car a little. He rapped on the window with his knuckle, and you begrudgingly unclipped your belt as John opened the door.

Once inside, John stopped you in your tracks, dropping the bag of clothes by your feet.

“Let me lay it out for you. No friends, no boys, no cussing, no drinking and no drugs. Breakfast’s at six. And if it weren’t obvious before, you’re grounded. The concept may be foreign to you, so let me spell it out. It means you can’t go see your little friends after school or during the weekends. Now get your ass to bed. First bedroom on the left.”

You stood by the stairs, arms ramrod straight, hands curled tightly into fists, glaring daggers at him, heaving in breaths as a splitting headache worked its way into your right temple.

He chuckled softly, a soft glint in his eye as though he were enjoying himself. “You can be mad at me all you want, sweetheart, but it won’t get you anywhere.”

You bent down, snatched the bag of clothes he threw together and stomped upstairs. Then, a moment later, you slammed the door in protest.

Fuck fuck, fuck, fuck fuck. Shit. Fuck, fuck fuck, shit, shit, fuck, fuck!

Tags:

@cockslutpadalecki @amithesimpoffandoms

[im-not-a-l0ser]

Part two of Another Ongoing Fic That I Need People To Encourage Me To Finish

Admittedly, this could be considered a Swedish Barbeque story more than a michie story, but it's a chapter of a michie story, so....

It's also much longer than my last one, since it essentially includes two plots.

Feedback please, I'm terrified; this is my first time writing them.

2- Trevor and Rudolph

“Mom, can I have my friend over tomorrow?” Trevor asked as soon as he saw her coming down the stairs. 

“Uh, well, I suppose. But only if you’re okay with Richie’s friend being around too,” She said. Trevor looked over to his brother, who was sitting at the other end of the couch. His face was buried in his volume of Haikyuu, clearly just trying to cover his face.

“I thought you guys usually go over to Peter’s?” Trevor said. Richie cleared his throat, pulling the manga away from his face. 

“It’s not Pete or Ruth,” He said quietly. 

“You have other friends?” Trevor asked genuinely, even though it earned him a swat in the arm with the manga. 

“Yes!” 

“Who?” Richie froze and curled back into himself, opening his book back up. 

“None of your business,” He grumbled. 

“Well,” Their mother interrupted. “Your father has a meeting tomorrow evening, and I’ll be with Becky, so you can get some pizza or something?”

“Sounds good,” Richie said with a nod.

“Yeah, that works,” Trevor agreed. 

The next day went by excruciatingly slowly. 

Trevor only had his last period with Rudolph, which was an English class, and he was looking forward to it all day, and when he got there, he was so anxious.

It got worse as they walked through the halls to their lockers. Their lockers were on opposite sides of the hall, but almost directly across from each other, which meant that they could walk together, but it kind of made Trevor feel more nervous.

This would be the first time Rudolph was coming over to his house. They’d gone out— as friends, of course— before, but this was the first time they’d really be alone. 

Trevor didn’t even know what to do! It’s not like he had friends over very often! He didn’t even know what Richie did with his friends, they usually hung out in his room. 

That was an even more terrifying idea. Not that Trevor didn’t clean his room, he did, especially the night prior, but he didn’t know if Rudolph would think there were implications or something. He was still a bit confused at Hatchetfield culture. He was pretty good at general American stuff, but there were some things in Hatchetfield specifically that he found odd.

“Are you okay?” Rudolph asked, catching Trevor’s attention. 

“Hm? Yeah… Yeah, I’m fine,” Trevor said with a nervous laugh. 

“Are you sure?” He pressed. His accent made Trevor more nervous, but it was kind of pleasant. 

“I’m sure,” He said with a smile. “Oh, Richie’s friend is coming over today too, so you guys might see each other, is that… okay?” 

“Of course,” Rudolph responded with a smile and puff of laughter. “I don’t mind Peter. Although, Ruth is kinda…” He made a face.

Rudolph avoided Ruth at most costs. She found his accent attractive too. It made Trevor feel guilty for feeling the same way.

“But we could just go into your room.”

“Oh, well, it’s not Ruth,” Trevor said. “Or Peter. I don’t actually know who it is,” He admitted. 

“Oh, alright,” Rudolph said. 

“Is pizza okay? That’s what my mom said that we should get, but we could probably get something else Door Dashed if you’d prefer—”

“Pizza is great, Trevor,” Rudolph reassured. Trevor swallowed and nodded. They slowed as they stopped for their lockers. “Anything sounds great if it is with you.”

Rudolph’s quiet remark was easily covered with the sounds of people scrambling through the halls, and especially at the sound of Trevor opening his locker. 

They walked to Trevor’s house in comfortable silence, filled with the sounds of nature and cars. Neither of them noticed how they’d glance at each other, or how Rudolph carefully stepped in perfect sync with Trevor, trying not to let his height give him an advantage. He’d stare down at their shoes on the sidewalk, making sure to align their step to the right distance. 

When they arrived, there was an unfamiliar bike leaned against the porch. It must've belonged to Richie’s friend. 

“So, uh…” Trevor said, walking up the porch steps, “What do you want to do? We didn’t really talk about it…”

“Anything you like,” Rudolph responded, unhelpfully. 

“That’s not an actual answer!” Trevor huffed.

“Well,” Rudolph said, “It’s not exactly fun, but I do have some homework I need to complete. If that is alright.”

“Of course it is,” Trevor rushed to reassure. “I probably have some too. What class is yours for?” 

He pushed the door open. Richie’s shoes were sitting next to the door, but those were the only additions. 

“Geometry,” Rudolph responded, running his hand along the strap of his bag. 

“Oh, yeah, I’m not in that,” Trevor pouted. 

“Is that a problem?” Rudolph asked. “I can do it later.”

“No, it’s perfectly okay, it just means I won’t be able to help out or anything,” Trevor responded, nearly disappointed in himself. 

Richie was always the one who was good at math. Trevor was good at English, and some History, but Math and Science were never really his strong suit. They must’ve split the attributes in the womb. If they weren’t twins and instead were one person, they’d probably be unstoppable. 

“I am happy to just spend time with you, Trevor,” Rudolph reassured this time. “You know this. I like being your friend.”

“Right,” Trevor sighed. “I-I’m sorry. I’m not used to having people over.”

“I know,” Rudolph answered. “Is there anywhere I should put my bag?” 

“Oh, right! Should we work at the table or the couch? I prefer working with something in the background, so the couch… could work better,” Trevor said, trying not to spiral in his internal debate. 

“Perfect,” Rudolph said, walking over to the couch. Trevor scrambled to catch up, definitely a little frustrated and flustered in his behaviour. “You can put on whatever you like,” He said, pulling out his school work. 

“Right, yes,” Trevor laughed lightly. He quickly threw on Hairspray and pulled out his own school work. 

Trevor hummed along to the music as he worked, and Rudolph looked at him after every math problem with a fond smile. 

Rudolph finished his short assignment first, and slipped the work into his bag. He positioned comfortably toward the tv, but kept his eyes on the focused boy next to him. He glanced at the tv every so often, but Trevor was more interesting anyway. 

Eventually, Trevor finished his work too, and stuffed it into his bag, finally looking back at the boy he’d been semi-avoiding. Rudolph immediately averted his eyes, afraid he’d been caught, but the smile on his face said he wouldn’t mind if he had. 

“Were you staring at me?” Trevor teased, poking Rudolph in the ribs. 

“Yes,” Rudolph admitted quickly. 

“What?” Trevor defaulted. 

Luckily, Richie came down, saving them both from the embarrassment that would definitely come as ‘without love’ began on the tv. 

“Oh, sorry to interrupt,” Richie said. “Can we order pizza now? We’re a little hungry. We have A lunch,” He said with a small laugh. 

“Yeah, go ahead,” Trevor said. 

“Pepperoni sausage sound good?” Richie asked, pulling his phone,” 

“Yeah, sounds great. Rudy?” 

“Yeah, sounds good,” Rudolph agreed. 

“Either of you want pop?” Richie asked. “I’m getting an orange pop for him.” He pointed back toward the stairs, indicating his friend.

“We’ve got Dr Pepper, I’m good with that,” Trevor dismissed. 

“Dr Pepper sounds good, yeah,” Rudolph agreed.

“Okay, I’ll get it ordered. Call for me when they get here— Do Not come and get me,” Richie said. Trevor and Rudolph looked at him strangely but nodded in understanding. 

“We missed most of the movie,” Rudolph said as Richie walked upstairs. Trevor worried that Richie heard and would misinterpret what he said. 

“I, uh, yeah,” Trevor said. “We can go back if you want.”

“No, that’s alright,” Rudolph said. “I’ve watched it before.”

“Really?” Trevor asked, lighting up.

“Of course,” He said, “You really like it. So I watched it.”

“We should watch Legally Blonde The Musical while you’re here!” Trevor chittered excitedly, “And maybe Ride The Cyclone!”

“Whatever you like,” Rudolph said. 

“Wait, we should watch something you like too,” Trevor said. “Just to be fair.”

“We can watch what I like when we hang out at my house.” Trevor tried to bite back his smile as he leaned back against the couch. “Okay,” Rudolph breathed, wishing that Trevor would’ve changed trajectory and leaned toward him instead. 

Once the credits began to play, there was a knock at the door. 

“Richie!” Trevor called up the stairs, quickly followed by footsteps scrambling down the steps. 

He ran into the kitchen and grabbed the cash off the counter before rushing to the front door. 

The transaction was near silent, with the pizza deliverer simply stating the price, and then the sound of the door shutting. 

“I’m putting it on the counter,” Richie called, already walking into the kitchen. 

Rudolph and Trevor exchanged looks before walking, a bit awkwardly, to the kitchen. 

Rudolph hadn’t really interacted much with Richie, but he knew that despite looking the same, he and Trevor were very different. Trevor was afraid something bad would happen, like he had been the whole time, simply because Rudolph was in the house. Not even mentioning Richie and his own friend, it was a lot of anxiety going around.

Richie put a couple of slices each onto two plates and struggled to hold the two plates, orange pop, and dr pepper. 

“We can help bring those up if you need,” Rudolph offered. It looked like Richie could drop anything at any given moment. 

“Nope, no,” Richie said with a laugh. “I can handle it alone,” He said. 

“Why didn’t your friend come down to get it?” Trevor asked. “Did you just want extra pizza so made up having a friend over?” 

“No!” Richie spat. “But that’s genius and I may do that in the future.” 

It was clearly a joke, but also clearly something Richie would consider doing under certain circumstances. 

“Enjoy your date,” Richie said before walking off. 

“Whoa, what?” Trevor asked, turning to Richie’s new direction. Next to him, Rudolph laughed a little. 

“He’s just teasing, Trevor, it’s okay,” He reassured. “I know that he is joking.” Trevor sighed and covered his face. 

“Sorry,” He said. “Richie’s such an ass sometimes.” 

“Like you aren’t,” Rudolph joked. 

“Oh, shush,” Trevor said, shoving Rudolph in the arm.

“See?” He asked, motioning to Trevor’s action. 

“Okay, whatever,” Trevor laughed, setting his own plate. “Get food so we can watch Legally Blonde,” He said, licking grease off his fingers. 

“Hm?” Rudolph asked. “Oh, right,” He said. “You can go to the couch and set up, I’ll be out in a moment.” Trevor nodded, pulled a dr pepper from the fridge, and walked back to the living room. 

Rudolph returned just as Trevor made it to the musical. He was sitting much closer this time. He leaned across Trevor to set his soda on the table next to the couch. 

“Sorry,” He muttered quietly as he returned back to his spot. 

“No, y-you’re fine,” Trevor said with a small laugh. 

“Start the musical,” He said, motioning to the tv with his pizza. 

“Right, yes.”

It was admittedly difficult for Trevor not to sing along with the music, but it was easier when his mouth was stuffed with pizza. 

After a couple of times of Rudolph reaching over him, Trevor offered to grab it for him. The warmth was too much, not to mention being able to feel the form of Rudolph’s body, which was annoyingly fit and strong, especially when Trevor compared it to his own, slightly pathetic thespian body. 

It was when they got to So Much Better that they heard a song coming from the bathroom. Something Japanese, which pretty much confirmed that it was Richie’s phone. 

“Did Richie leave his phone in there?” Trevor asked, getting up. 

“Maybe,” Rudolph said, following though he didn’t need to. 

They followed the sound and found his phone under the pizza box. It was just an alarm for him to do his homework, so Trevor hit snooze. 

“I guess we should… give this back then,” He said with a small laugh. “I mean, I can go by myself, you don’t need to come.”

“Well, if I don’t, I’ll just be sitting bored on the couch, so.” 

Trevor rolled his eyes, but allowed Rudolph to follow him upstairs to Richie’s bedroom. 

There was music coming from his bedroom too, which Trevor recognised as the theme song to… an anime. He couldn’t remember, but he knew that it wasn’t BabyMetal, which was the music playing for the alarm.

He knocked on the door, but there was no response. He sighed and pushed the door open. 

“I got your pho… ne,” He said, trailing off once he saw what was happening. 

Richie was with someone as he said, their empty plates sitting on his messy sidetable. His laptop, which was playing an anime, sat at the end of his bed, threatening to fall. 

Behind the laptop was Richie, with a large guy underneath him. Rudolph covered his mouth in shock. The guy and Richie didn’t seem to notice the pair in the doorway. 

The alarm sounded again. Richie’s head flicked up before he rolled them both off the bed and popped up from the other side, leaving the other guy on the floor.

“Oh, hey, my phone!” He exclaimed. Trevor stepped closer, to which Richie wildly motioned for him to stop. “Nope, no, I got it!” He said, climbing over his bed. He grabbed his phone and shut the alarm off. “You guys can go now!”

“Was that Max Jagerman?” Rudolph suddenly asked, his voice slightly muffled under the hand covering his mouth, but he’d let a gap form between his lips and palm.

Trevor laughed at the question. No way in hell would Max Jagerman be in Richie’s bedroom, especially underneath Richie, attached at the lip and… elsewhere. 

“Whaaaa— No!” Richie exclaimed, lying terribly. 

“Holy shit, no way,” Trevor blurted, stomping over, followed by his friend and brother. 

The three of them hovered over Max, who was still laying on the floor. His arms were crossed awkwardly, his legs bent upward over his hips to cover his vulnerable parts from Richie’s somewhat protective brother. 

“Uh,” Max hesitated. “Hey,” He said with a nervous laugh, waving slightly. Richie sighed and reached his hand out for Max, who took it, but essentially just lifted himself up alone. 

“Are you okay? I didn’t warn you or anything—”

“I’m fine, you dork,” Max scoffed, ruffling his boyfriend(?)’s hair. 

“What…” Trevor breathed. He ran his hands from the bridge of his nose up through his hair. “H-How long has this been going on?”

“Uh,” Richie hesitated. “A while? I-It doesn’t matter,” He said with a nervous laugh. “But hey, you can’t yell at me, it’s not like you told me about your not-so-little boyfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend!” Trevor nearly shrieked. “Don’t change the subject! You’re dating a literal monster!” 

“He’s not like that anymore,” Richie argued, “And you didn’t seem to ever have a problem lusting over Edward Cullen or Jacob Black! And those are actual literal monsters!”

“Except they’re not, because they’re fictional characters.”

“I’m just saying, you have no right to judge me having a boyfriend who used to bully people,” Richie asserted, gripping Max’s hand with both of his own. 

Max squeezed his hand back, feeling his anxiety. 

“Richie, you really don’t see anything wrong with dating a guy who harassed you every day sophomore year?” Trevor urged. “What do you think is going to happen when you’re committed? You think he’s not going to turn bad again?” 

“Trevor,” Richie muttered. “We’ve been dating a really long time.”

“We’re already committed,” Max confirmed. “I am, at least.” Richie and Max smiled at each other. “I don’t want to be with anyone else ever again.” 

Richie smiled and rested his forehead against Max’s chest. 

“Richie,” Trevor asserted. “You’re going to get hurt.”

“Then I’m going to get hurt,” Richie said, turning his head. “The moment you see any sign that Max is hurting me— emotionally, physically, whatever— you have every right to step in. You have my permission to object. Before that happens? No. You don’t get to say shit about my relationship. Max and I have overcome what we used to be, and now we make each other happy. Whatever we were before doesn’t matter, okay?” 

Trevor was tense for a moment, but eventually groaned in defeat. 

“Fine,” He grumbled. “Whatever. But you have to stop joking about Rudy and me dating. We’re just friends.” His voice got quieter as he continued, wanting Rudolph to interrupt him and object. It hurt to say. 

Richie got to be with the boy he liked, a boy he had to overcome a terrible relationship with once, and now didn’t. And Trevor couldn’t even get with a boy who loved spending time with him. 

“Fine,” Richie agreed. 

They both sat in the moment, breathing out the tension before Trevor and Rudolph left the room, leaving the couple alone again. 

Trevor and Rudolph took their seats again, this time with Rudolph many more inches away from Trevor. 

Rudolph didn’t say anything for the rest of Legally Blonde. He didn’t even look at Trevor, even when Trevor sang along to the music. 

Rudolph looked upset during Take It Like A Man, like he couldn’t breathe, or didn’t want to. 

Trevor didn’t want to bother him. 

By the end though, Rudolph’s demeanour didn’t look too much better. He looked broken. 

Trevor turned off the show as soon as the finale song was finished. 

They sat in silence for a moment, which felt like so long. 

“Did you like it?” Trevor asked. 

“Yeah,” Rudolph said, leaning down to grab his backpack. “I should get home soon.”

“Uh… are you—”

“I had a good time today,” He said, finally looking at Trevor with a bittersweet smile. 

“Hey, what’s—”

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” He said before walking away, slamming the door probably more agressively than he intended. 

Trevor put on some random video that he’d seen before, sitting with his knees bent up, Rudolph’s can clutched between his hands. 

He flicked the tab down before, hearing the ‘twing, twing, twing’ that came with it as his head rushed through many ideas, anxieties and fears regarding why Rudolph left so fast.

Unfortunately, the one he settled on was that… Rudolph might’ve been homophobic. 

Later, when Max and Richie left their room, they noticed his unhappy demeanor. 

“Hey,” Richie said, confused.

“Where’s Rudolph?” Max asked, voicing Richie’s curiosity. 

“He left,” Trevor said. “Little while ago.”

“Why?” Max asked, earning a small shove from Richie.

“Dunno.”

“Hm,” Richie hummed. “You really have no idea?” He asked, like he had any clue.

“Yeah, shut your mouth, Richie,” Trevor muttered. 

“Yeah, you’re hopeless,” Richie remarked before leading Max out the door. 

Trevor went on autopilot the rest of the night, the fear of Rudolph hating him for being queer invading every thought he had. 

He was afraid the next day when Rudolph seemed to avoid him. 

But he was still at their regular seat at lunch. They always sat together. Since Rudolph first arrived. He just needed a place to sit, and there was a free space.

More than one, actually. Trevor sat alone most days, since Caitlyn flitted from table to table. 

Rudolph was sitting with his headphones on, poking at the Hatchetfield food with his fork. 

“Hey,” Trevor said with a nervous smile as he sat down next to him. Rudolph nodded politely. “Hey, c’mon, Rudy…” Trevor pulled Rudolph’s headphones down. “What’s wrong? Did I… Did I do something?” He leaned a little closer. “Does it have to do with Richie?”

“No,” Rudolph said, pushing Trevor back with his finger. “I’m just tired.” 

“Rudy…”

“Please stop calling me that,” He requested. “It makes me feel like a child. I am not your child.”

“I did something. Tell me what I did, let me fix it.” 

Rudolph stayed silent. He stood up, scaring Trevor that much more. 

“Come on,” He said, motioning for Trevor to follow. 

He did, both excited and anxious, wondering if he was going to be hurt or if they were just going to talk.

Rudolph led him to the auditorium. It was usually quiet. The only time it wasn’t was when Band class was going on backstage, which was only in the morning during the offseason. 

They sat on the edge of the stage, letting their legs dangle off. 

“Okay,” Rudolph breathed. 

“Okay,” Trevor responded with a smile. “Okay, tell me what I did wrong. Tell me how to fix it.”

“Does it… rebel you so much? The idea of being with me? Is really so bad that it… makes you want to scream like that?” 

Trevor paused.

“What?”

“You just… got so angry with Richie…” Rudolph always pronounced Richie’s name as if there was a T in the middle of it. “... whenever he joked about us dating. And I know that we are not dating. But you…” He cleared his throat. “You are so beautiful. And passionate and wonderful to be around. So last night, I had this… this stupid flicker of hope that you would. I don’t know. Do something? Something not friendly. Something like Richie and Max. Elle and Emmette. I thought maybe you wanted that too. And y-you had to know. How I feel. But I suppose that didn’t mean you’d feel the same way.”

“Rudy,” Trevor said. “U-Uh, Rudolph,” He replaced. “I didn’t know. That you liked me. I-I wasn’t even sure if you liked me platonically. Especially after you left. The idea of you liking me, th-the way that… I like you was far too good to be true. Too good to indulge the thought of.”

“Trevor,” Rudolph said, turning his body to face him. “Who wouldn’t love you?” 

“No one as good as you.” 

“I hope that means I haven’t got competition,” Rudolph said, earning a small giggle from Trevor.

“You don’t,” Trevor said, taking Rudolph’s hand, hesitating for a moment when he realised how much bigger they were than his own.

“I’d… really like to kiss you right now, vackra,” Rudolph said. “I wanted to kiss you yesterday. And most days once I got to know you.”

“I guess you’ve got to make up for lost time then,” Trevor replied. 

And he did.

Rudolph finally kissed Trevor the way they’d both wanted to for so long. 

(Later, Rudolph visits the Lipschitz house again and Richie walks downstairs as they kissed gently on the couch. He remarked about how they totally weren’t dating before leaving the room. Neither of them cared enough to tell him off or explain how things changed. It was just so nice to have each other for real now.)

[mageofseven]

Repressed Love: A DiaLuci Love Story

Chapter 13

@astroseuss @zarakem @brielle043 @missloserqueen

•▪︎▪︎◇°●♡●°◇▪︎▪︎•

With Audriana so mobile now, she was constantly on the move and kept her Dada exhausted. Between having to chase her around the castle, her constant babbling and yelling, and her rather unfortunate hitting stage, Lucifer was completely stressed.

Diavolo noticed this each day when he checked on his boyfriend and daughter; Lucifer was slowly reaching his breaking point and the prince couldn't blame him. With all this man has been through combined with being the main caretaker of a toddler? Such stress could break even the strongest men.

"Why don't we go eat tomorrow night; give you break from all of this for a bit?" Diavolo asked, right before Audriana leaned into the pride demon's ear to yell.

"Dada!" She jumped on her Daddy's lap, very insistent that he listen to her this very second and not her Papa. "Rarara puuuu la!"

Lucifer had his head in hand, looking about ready to shut down.

"She's not ready for such an environment." Luce dismissed the redhead's offer in a dead voice.

Diavolo picked his daughter up and she immediately patted her Papa's cheeks. Dia started plopping little kisses all over her face, causing the little girl to squeal.

"I agree," Dia responded to his boyfriend. "Which is why I wasn't asking Audriana; I was asking my Light."

Lucifer raised his head from his hand.

"And, pray tell, where do you expect our daughter to be?" The man stared at his boyfriend like he heard a joke that he was very unamused with.

"Well, Satan seems quite attached to her." The prince smiled, only a hint of resentment slipping into his voice from the previous stare down between him and his almost-stepson. "I'm sure he'd love to watch her for a night."

Lucifer huffed.

"Diavolo, my son is not a walking babysitter. Surely he has better things to do on a Saturday night."

"And surely you need a break." Diavolo frowned before lifting his daughter up higher and speaking in a silly voice. "You wanna stay with your brother Satan, dontcha, princess?"

"Tatatatataa TATAT!" The toddler cheered, seemingly agreeing with her Papa.

Lucifer sighed.

"I'll ask him when he gets here, but I want you--"

"We're here~" Asmo called happily from the other side of the living room, other brothers in tow and Satan among them.

"Ah, Satan, just the man we needed!" He smiled at the blonde, who raised an eyebrow. "We'd like you to watch Audriana tomorrow to give your father a break--"

"Diavolo!" Lucifer scolded the man before looking to his son.

Satan's face was bright red as the whole room looked to him. Lucifer's brothers were waiting for the wrath demon to snap at the label like he did when he was young, but when his anger never came, the men were confused.

Satan didn't want the brothers knowing about his improved relationship with his father or his bond with his sister. Diavolo knew this quite well and yet he put the young man on the spot, embarrassing and overwhelming him.

"Okaaaaaay." Mammon drew out the word, weirded out by the blonde's strange calmness over the comment. "Well are we takin' the kid or not?"

The other brothers, mainly Asmo and Beel, also insisted they take their niece for a night. The group of men believed, or at least, chose to believe, that babysitting was gonna be a group activity because honestly, that's how it was when Satan was little so surely they're all gonna get some time with this kid too?

Lucifer pursed his lip, worry filling his heart.

The blonde sighed.

"Fine. Whatever."

The visit continued without issue, but when Dia tried heading back to work, Lucifer plopped his daughter in Satan's lap without asking and followed after his boyfriend.

When Diavolo looked back and saw his boyfriend following him, he knew he was in trouble. He stopped outside his office and turned to his boyfriend.

"My Light--"

"Don't 'my Light' me." He snapped. "What the hell is wrong with you, putting my son on the spot like that?"

"Lucifer, you need a break from--"

"And why would you refer to me as his father? In front of my brothers?"

"Because...you are." Diavolo pretended to be confused, but the pride demon wasn't falling for it.

"You know my son isn't ready for them to know we're improving things now; he doesn't want the attention on him; you know this."

Though Satan tried his best to hide it, the younger demon was very sensitive and preferred not to have too much attention on him.

"He'll be fine." Dia assured. "Your brothers know he visits here daily. Surely they already noticed something is different with him?"

"That is not for you to decide." Luce stared down the prince. "If you pull a stunt like that again, I will move back in with my brothers, understand?"

The prince raised his hands in surrender.

"I understand." He assured before giving his boyfriend these sad puppy dog eyes. "I just wanted to make sure he agreed. You need this. You need a night to relax."

He put a hand on Lucifer's cheek.

"I promise...I won't do anything like that again." He said softly. "Just please...give yourself a night to relax. Even if it's not with me."

He pushed some of Lucifer's hair back, eyes still on his.

"Please, my Light."

In truth, the prince regretted what he did the moment Lucifer scolded him for it. He really did do it for the tired man, but if he was honest with himself, he also wanted to to release some of his frustration with the blonde without doing it in any obvious way.

Since his daughter was born, Satan has treated Diavolo coldly and with as much disrespect as his father allowed him. The prince tried to grin and bear it for Lucifer's sake, but in truth, it wore down on the man.

Still, he recognized it was wrong of him and in truth, the man wasn't usually so...petty. This situation showed both men that Diavolo wasn't handling things as well as he thought he was. Working all day, getting very limited time with his daughter and even more so when Satan visits, and always looking out for Lucifer.

The pride demon was starting to realize all of this. His gaze softened.

"No, we'll...stick to the plan." Luce looked away from his boyfriend. "We'll go out to eat tomorrow."

Dia gave him a small smile.

"Thank you, my Light." He told him. "May I kiss you before I get back to work?"

The redhead didn't want to depart on a depressing note with his love, but also didn't want to risk upsetting him if Luce didn't want to be kissed right now.

Lucifer huffed and rolled his eyes before leaning and kissing his boyfriend.

"Don't work too hard, alright?" Luce said softly.

Dia gave a big smile.

"Of course!" He beamed, relieved. "Now enjoy your time with your brothers--"

Audriana let loose a great wail from down the hall, causing the pride demon to sigh and turn away from the redhead to check on their daughter.

He entered the room to see Audri break free from Asmo's grasp and run back to her brother.

Satan had gotten embarrassed when Lucifer dropped his sister on his lap in front of the other men and Asmo started to complain about how Satan can hold the little cutie but he can't.

Eventually, the blonde had enough of the other demon's complaining and let him take the child, causing Audriana's almost instant wailing.

The little girl hugged her brother's leg and sobbed.

"No! Bad Tay-Tay!" She yelled at the blonde. "I stay with Tay-Tay."

Lucifer froze in the doorway. Not only did his daughter just call his son...well, by some semblance of his name, but she was able to form simple sentences! Anxiety filled his heart at this milestone.

Nearing three weeks old and she could already do so much...his heart ached.

Face red, Satan picked up the small child and set her back on his lap, where she hugged onto him as tightly as she could.

Lucifer shook his head. There was...no point in worrying, he told himself. He can't stop it; his daughter will age as she's meant to, no matter how he feels about it.

Still, he felt the clock ticking. By the end of this year, she will be all grown up; will he be able to be a better father for her than he was to Satan? Be able to give her a better childhood that Satan had?

He wanted so desperately to believe so, but in truth, the pride demon wasn't sure how much he believed in himself.

But he had to keep trying. For her.

[zafiro-anyejo]

Honestly I do think there has to be a time in your child's life where they need to learn things the hard way. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Last night I had to deal with three hours of helping my partner and his mom call my partner's sister, because she was in pain from a toothache and needed dental care.

And this is fine except... she had dental pain on Friday afternoon. But did not want to leave work to go to the dentist. Which I kind of understand? But I told her on the phone, "your employers are nice, they will understand if you need to leave early to go to the dentist. I think you should". Like she could barely talk because of the pain.

Sister said "but I don't have any money/I'm stressed about money. And I have dinner at a fancy restaurant tomorrow. My boyfriend and I were going to drive there (4 hrs away) and then drive back home that night. I think I'll be fine."

(My brother in Christ, woman, you are already in pain on Friday. Why do you think you will be ok to eat at a 5-star restaurant on Saturday night when dentists are more likely to be closed?).

So me and my partner tried to talk her out of it, but she said "No I will be fine. I'll just go to the restaurant."

Lo and behold she calls us yesterday evening literally crying in the parking lot because she is in so much pain. And she wants our help trying to fix her tooth problem. Thankfully she is in the same city as us at the moment.

I tell her she should go to a 24-hour dentist in the city (my partner is currently sending her the info as me and my partner's mom--who is staying the night--also recommend this).

Sister says "No I want to go to the dentist in my hometown instead... I don't have any money. Can you pay for it?"

Her mom starts calling different dentists but--surprise--none of them in our hometown are open on Sunday. So either go to 24-hour dentist or wait until Monday.

I feel bad she is in pain. But I also have no idea how she does not have an 'emergency medical expenses' cushion saved.

Sister lives at home, pays no rent or bills except gas and her car loan. No student debt thankfully. She makes over $3,000/month. She is in her mid twenties. A full grown adult legally not allowed to be on parents' health care plan. She went on a vacation for her birthday last week to Vegas and paid for half of it; at the time she is calling us she is at a 5-star restaurant which does not even have a menu, that's how fancy it is. White table cloth, chef's choice of dinner, probably served on a silver platter.

But she asks her mom--who has almost no savings and makes far less than her--to pay her entire medical bill. And she is complaining about not wanting to go to any doctors in this city, but wanting to feel better tomorrow.

We have given her all opportunities--a 24-hour dental clinic in the city, that she and her boyfriend can stay the night at my place, and I am even thinking about meeting her somewhere if she needs--but she said no, she wants to go back to her hometown.

After hanging up my partner's mom is stressed about money. I say maybe she can pay for half of sister's expenses and then let her pay the other half, so my partner's sister can be responsible for some of it without sister feeling like the mom is leaving her high and dry. Partner's mom seems to agree with this but idk if she's just blowing smoke or actually thinking about it.

Anyway, my partner's sister decided to go to her hometown to get dental work done. Which is entirely her choice. I get that.

But at some point? Your child needs to learn to grow up and be an adult. I guess you can lead a dehydrated cat to clean water and still, instead, it will ask for a saucer of milk.

[forevfangirlwrites]

play stupid games, win stupid prizes chapter 2

She walks into school on Monday with her new mission in mind. As expected, Percy appears at her locker first thing in the morning.

“You never sent the math notes,” are the first words out of this mouth.

Wordlessly, she pulls out the copies she made and hands them to him. The shock on his face almost makes the hassle of making the copies worth it. It’s rare she catches Percy off his guard and now that she knows how great it feels, she’s determined to do it again.

“What happened to you?” He asks, scanning the papers as if to confirm she actually did give him the notes.

She just shrugs, trying to act casual. “Nothing, just keeping my word.”

It might be a light jab at the fact that he barely helped with the script and if he wants to take it that way, then that’s completely fine with her.

Percy’s eyes narrow at her words. “What’s your deal princess?”

Boys are entirely too easy to provoke. “It’s called being nice,” she replies, shutting her locker. “You should try it sometime.”

Percy makes a face (another win for her) and sighs. “Whatever.”

The bell rings, saving her from further conversation and she walks away with a small smile on her face.

She might actually be able to pull this off.

-.-

The fact that Percy actually shows up to the library later that day is also surprising. Sure, she told him to meet her and sure he’d nodded disinterestedly, but she hadn’t actually expected him to show up.

It must show on her face because he rolls his eyes when he sees her.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“I’m not looking at you like anything,” she replies as innocently as she can. Might as well take the opportunity to get on his nerves.

He slumps down on the opposite chair and crosses his arms. “Whatever, let’s just get this over with.”

Now that’s a sentiment she can agree with. Pulling out her notebook, she flips it to where they had been working on the script. It’s evident she’d made zero progress over the weekend. (To be fair, discussing Piper’s plan took up most of her time).

Percy, of course, notices. “Looks like you didn’t get far without me.”

“It’s ‘cause I have a life, Jackson,” she snips back at him.

He leans back in his usual cocky manner and raises and eyebrow. “Really? Could’ve fooled me.”

“Jackson!” a voice across the library shouts, eliciting an angry “shhhh” from the librarian. She glances past him to see one of Percy’s friends, Jason, walk up to their table.

Jason is the reason she came into contact with Percy Jackson in the first place, being Thalia’s brother and Percy’s friend means it was only a matter of time they’d run into each other anyway.

It’s been a small encounter (Thalia didn’t really talk to her brother in school that often). Jason, along with Leo and Percy, had walked up to Thalia’s locker where she and Piper had been standing simply because he needed a textbook that Thalia had.

All Thalia had done was hand him the textbook and he thanked her. But in that amount of time Percy had already managed to shoot an annoying grin her way.

“Who’s the princess?” He’d said in the snarkiest tone ever, nodding in her direction. It had been so rude and caught her so off guard that she hadn’t been able to respond right away, which then led him to comment on how quiet she was.

And that’s when she decided she hated him and that’s when he decided to keep making life miserable for her.

“What’s up?” Percy says to Jason who’s made it to their table, breaking her out of her thoughts.

“Party at my place tomorrow night, you in?”

“On a Tuesday?” she can’t help but say it. Thalia had mentioned that Jason might throw some party since their parents were out of town, but she didn’t realize it was tomorrow.

Both guys turn to her and she feels her cheeks heat up at the unwanted attention.

“It’s called having a life, princess,” Percy retorts, throwing her own words back at her.

“You’re welcome to come too,” Jason adds, nodding at her. “Feel free to bring friends.”

“Didn’t you hear her, Jason?” Percy cuts in mockingly. “She can’t, it’s a school night.”

KEEP READING ON AO3

[harmonyckrs]

DAY 11 of Twisted Strangetown: One Step Towards Summer

THE PREVIOUS DAY

Chloe: So there's a weather machine inside of Circe's house that's responsible for Strangetown's eternal winter. I don't know how it works, but if we're able to get someone with Loki's skillset to cooperate with us, we should be able to reverse the effects!

Chloe: It's no mind control clue, but Circe did also give me access to Loki's other documents in exchange for not letting her rot in prison, so he might have some information about whatever tech was being made that Harper mentioned to us.

Ajay: Your determination is admirable, Chloe, but who are we going to find that'll know how to use that machine?

Lola: Yeah. We're agents, not scientists.

Chloe: ...But there's people in town who are.

Ajay: You're probably wondering why I gathered you four here today. As some of you know, Loki is dead.

Vidcund: Loki DIED?

Ajay: Yes...we can't disclose what happened, however.

Pascal: Erin killed him and tried to frame Olive and I, and then Circe killed Erin in retaliation.

Lazlo: !!!

Crystal: Wait, for real? Wow. I wish she succeeded on that so we wouldn't have to see your face anymore.

Pascal: And I wish she went after you instead!

Ajay: ANYWAY, we also have reason to believe that he's responsible for Strangetown's eternal winter, as a result of a weird weather machine he has on the roof of his house. None of us know how to operate it, which is why we're coming to you. Whichever one of you four are able to reverse whatever it was he caused will be given one million dollars.

Pascal: We could work together and split the money?

Crystal: No, absolutely not. That million is mine!

Vidcund: I agree with Crystal. Whoever gets the machine to work should get the full million.

Pascal: Fine. Then if I win, I won't share the money with any of you either. I'm saving it for Hecate's college fund and my future wedding with Nervous.

Lazlo: ...

Ajay: Are we all in agreement over this deal?

Pascal/Vidcund/Crystal: Yes.

Ajay: Wonderful. Does anyone have any questions or comments?

Vidcund: Well...this is to Pascal and Lazlo, specifically, but I'm moving out tomorrow.

Lazlo: ?!

Pascal: Huh? What brought this on all of a sudden?

Vidcund: Found a nice place for myself with enough room for all of my plants. Hecate can take my room so you don't have to sleep on the sofa anymore.

Pascal: Oh...kay...well, as long as you're happy.

Vidcund: Thanks.

Ajay: Any actual questions or comments?...no? Alright. Meeting dismissed.

While Ajay was busy negotiating with the remaining Strangetown scientists, Chloe and I decided to return back to our original housing spot. There were some signs of someone squatting in our house, judging by the mess they left behind and an apology note written by someone named "Ginger Newson" that mentioned them needing a place to stay, so it was a good thing we cleared out all of our personal stuff or else our identities may have been exposed. I do hope that Ginger and whoever else they were with are okay now.

The General came by to help us move some stuff. We told him about everything that happened and he suggested we could try to spy on the man who reversed Vidcund's mind control and see if he has other associates who know how to reverse it. He then proceeded to build a little tower on our lawn so that the three of us could spy on him.

It took a while to find him, but what we found was much more surprising...

Vidcund: The doctor said it was going to be twins. We barely have enough room in our house for Hecate, and I don't want to make my brothers' lives harder than they need to be.

Aktu: Is it not too late to abort it?

Vidcund: No, but I do want to keep them...that's not selfish of me, is it?

Aktu: No, of course not! It's your choice, and I'm happy to support you in any way possible. This house should have enough room for them both, but I'll have to make some rearrangements.

Vidcund: Thanks, Aktu. And sorry about the rearrangements.

Aktu: Don't worry about it! This is your house too now, after all! I want you and the babies to feel comfortable. Have you told Pascal or Lazlo yet?

Vidcund: Not yet. I was going to wait until after I gave birth.

Aktu: Well, you should probably tell them soon...knowing them, they'll find out themselves later. But enough about that! There's something else that I've been wanting to ask you for a while...

We may be agents, but I don't think this was information we should be knowing about. But as long as we don't talk to Pascal or Lazlo, it should be easy to dodge (lol what's Lazlo going to do? Tell someone? He can't even speak lmao). Ajay has them all occupied so I doubt we'd have any encounters with them soon.

General Buzz then told us that he was going to return home, since he was feeling tired. I noticed he seemed to be twitching a lot, as if someone was trying to take control of his mind, but he left before anything bad happened. Even if he is an ally, we do need to remember that he's still affected by the town-wide mind control.

Also while we were talking, Pascal dropped by and put something in our mailbox. When we went to check what it was, we realized it was some kind of invitation:

"Dear Lola and Chloe Singles,

You are invited to the wedding of Pascal Curious and Nervous Subject, on the 24th of Winter at 3:00 pm at 13 Dead End Lane. Please RSVP by the 14th of Winter if you are able to make it, and check off the boxes here for your meal preferences.

We hope to see you there."

I suppose they are thanking us for helping free Nervous from Circe. I also have no clue when the 24th of Winter is, since it's been winter for practically forever. I guess I can ask him about it later...

THE NEXT DAY

---

BONUS:

Pascal: Now that we don't have to worry about the Beakers anymore, what do you want to do?

Nervous: I want to marry you...would you like to marry me?

Pascal: Of course I'll marry you!

Olive: (So this is what I'm going to have to be dealing with now, huh? To kill or not to kill...)

[luna-is-lost]

UnderWelcomed

PART SEVEN

3rd Person POV:

“alphys, any luck?“ Sans says as he lays on the concrete floor. “N-Not y-yet, but m-maybe if l-look for c-clues at t-the sight...“ Alphys has been working nonstop in hopes of finding Papyrus. She never found any proof that Papyrus wasn’t dusted, but she’d never tell that to Sans. His mental health is fragile enough without thinking his brother died. With a deep breath she turns back to her computer. Suddenly, an idea hits her. “S-Sans!“ “yeah, al?“ Sans can’t help but sound hopeful. “W-What if P-Papyrus and t-the others a-are in a m-military base.“ “that's what i’ve been sayin’.“ Sans was obviously upset, but Alphys hadn’t finished speaking. “N-No, I t-think there's a b-base near t-the w-water. I-It was c-carved into M-Mt. E-Ebbot in 1773!” She rushes out to find the supply’s they would need for they journey. Undyne walks in coughing out the water she was drinking a few minutes later after hearing the news. “I’m leaving to find it now!” She says with new found hope. “Sans get our ‘army’ together! We leave tomorrow morning!” Sans’ eye sockets expand almost comically, tears of joy prick at them. “paps…”, sans whispers breathlessly, “we’re coming, bro.”

Papyrus POV:

…I don’t talk anymore… not after the incident. It’s fine though, they don’t ask questions either. I feel like I’m forgetting something, or someone important… Who? It’s not like anyone is coming for me anyway, heh… they never were.

They started to do some research on me. My soul… bone… magic… If I do well they’re not as cruel. So I do well. I think… Most of the time they have me do mental tests. I’ve always enjoyed puzzles, though these are more intense. Various times I thought I may lose my mind. They won’t let me though… I’m their’s now. I control of the human canine unit. I’m part of their army. A lieutenant... I guess I achieved my goal. Wait, what was my goal again?... Nyeh-heh I think something's wrong. They’re doing something to me. Or maybe it's that I haven’t seen anyone for the past three days... or more. Time has escaped my grasp in this place. I really wish that person I can’t quite remember was here...

“Papyrus!“ I look up and see the familiar face of Sir... I shutter, but nod as to acknowledge him. I don’t show emotions in front of anyone anymore. They got mad last time... “The army needs you to lead the canines. A group of monsters is getting close to the base. You need to stop them.“ I only nod. Monsters, just like humans left me locked up. Who would’ve thought I’d be stuck in captivity twice by humans. It doesn’t matter, I'm on the human’s side now. Not that I have a choice, I can't remember any monsters anyway. Or at least anyone specifically. Whatever they put in my food makes my mind all blurry and disheveled. “Let’s go.“ Sir says sharply. I stand up, uncertain, and follow him out of solitary confinement... As I always do when needed, which isn’t often. They say I'm not important anyway. He leads me to a room of dogs. Each ferocious animal quakes in fear as soon as he enters. “You leave in thirty, get yourself, the dogs, and your men ready.“ I nod once again... The dogs relax as soon as sir leaves. I conjure a few bones for them and untie the army units of fluff. A few of them come running to me and smother me. I only laugh. Though, almost silently. After the lovable canine unit is prepared I run to my fellow guards. I only order twenty men, but still, counting the dogs we make up one of the most powerful monster including armies. The moment I show up in the room they stand at attention, I motion for them to follow. Straight faced and tall, I direct them to a map I’ve set up for us. After a bit of written explanation, they all understand and agree. Then we head to battle...

Part 8 tomorrow...

[queenklu]

k-drama reclist!

Hello! While most recent fic is off to the betas and I’m waiting for new inspiration to strike, I thought I would write a love letter to all some of the best shows that have touched my heart this last year or so. As always, these rulings are 100% factual and correct, and categories include such necessary requirements as Is It Gay?, Blorbo Squad,  and Does the boy cry?

Tale of the Nine-Tailed

Plot: Producer of an urban supernatural tv show with ZERO CHILL keeps finding herself running into Actual Supernatural Beings who mostly try to eat her, except for the weirdest of all, a Nine-Tailed fox who’s working off his debt to the underworld and mostly moping about the death of his long lost love. The first half of this show feels like early spn in the BEST way, and the second half genuinely ruined me for most tv romances. Chemistry? Off the charts. Is it gay? No, but the het romance is so fucking good I forgive it. Do the boy cry? Y E S. Did not realize how starved for Men Feeling Emotions I was until I started watching asian shows, jfc. Women? multifaceted bamfs. Blorbo squad? Yes we ARE actually going to adopt his evil brother kicking and screaming and he will just have to feel some feelings about it. Music? I’m not joking when I say that half of my spotify top ten were songs from this soundtrack. Rewatchability? I’ve watched it twice and would watch again.

Beyond Evil

Plot: What’s a word for someone who’s SO outta fucks to give that he’s totally fine being suspected of his sister’s murder again because at this point it’s funny? That’s Lee Dongsik, a Been There Done That Detective who’s been kicked back to his shitty home town, which immediately starts popping up murders exactly like his sister’s from 20 years ago! And who should come on the scene but Starving For Affection Being Right Detective Han Juwon who is here to FIND ANSWERS!!(TM!)! Though mostly his methods seem to be marching up to potential murderers and begging them to confess. Anyway this show is a fucking DELIGHT of twists, turns, out-loud gasps, and sizzling hot Will-They-Won’t-They(Arrest Each Other For Murder). Is it gay? MMMMMMYES. Look at that gif! Are they gonna fight? Fuck? Who knows, least of all them! Do the boys cry? mueheheheheheeeeee. multiple times. in the rain. DELIGHTFUL. Women? Multi. Dimensional. What a concept!! No useless love interests! Will fuck you up and egg your car! Blorbo Squad. A+++ food family, work family, fucked up misfits who are going to get each other through this if it kills them. Additional notes: someone on the internet described this show as Hannibal (without cannibalism) + Hot Fuzz, and that is...not inaccurate.

Crash Landing on You

Plot: When Mega Rich Design CEO Seri accidentally parachutes into North Korea, and is somewhat reluctantly rescued and hidden by an army officer and his squad of blorbos soldiers. This is a really fascinating glimpse into the differences of North and South (and from what the internet says, former North Koreans agree that the depictions are pretty spot-on) and all the ways people are just...people, when it comes down to it. Chemistry? Phenomenal. A slow blossoming of two people who have been injured in very different ways and the ways they can grow together despite increasing difficulties. Blorbos? The best. I miss them. The genuine delight I feel seeing any of these actors again in other shows cannot be expressed. Music? I mean, FUCK, the music is its own character, own plot device, own heartbreak. FUCK. Rewatchability: I’ve watched it twice and I want to watch it again RIGHT NOW. Additional notes: Court Lady Choi AND the King from Mr. Queen are in this show!! MY LOVES!

Tomorrow

Plot: Desperately unemployed millennial accidentally falls off a bridge and winds up in a coma, where he strikes a deal: join the “elite” Grim Reaper Squad trying to prevent suicides, and he’ll get out of his coma faster! WARNING: Because this show deals with suicides in all shapes and forms, this show is not going to be right for everyone. ALSO, because our team leader is going through some shit on her own, I would argue that the first suicide attempt she handles is Not Great. However, she does learn and they all get better together. Do the boys cry? Yes, even the Big Bad (who I think would especially appeal to a certain demographic of tumblr seeing as he looks like a Korean Kylo Ren). Chemistry? BDE (Big Divorce Energy). Women? GOOOOODDD IS A WOOOOMANNN. Also, the women in this are allowed to make bad decisions! Blorbos? Kinda weird that our own entry character into this behind the scenes world winds up as more a blorbo than a main character. This isn’t a complaint, I love him and love seeing this actor again from The King’s Affection. Our giant puppy man WILL make friends with everyone, and that’s a fact. Additional notes: This show is both a good watch and a hard watch. Make sure you’re hydrated and have tissues on hand, especially for ep 9 which fails Does The Dog Die.

Other shows that I have feelings about (but maybe not wholly good feelings) below the cut:

Vincenzo: stunning cinematography, great writing, great blorbos, //absolutely NO chemistry between himself and the leading lady.// It sure says something when the lead male has better a better chance of romance with the leading lady’s dad. For all that, though, the Big Bads were fantastic, the fight scenes were stunning, and the character arc of Vincenzo and his mom was where the actors in this really shone. 9/10

The Devil Judge: I wanted to like this show. The first half was really solid, deliciously gay, and full of found family. But none of the characters actually...grew? Or changed? Ultimately unsatisfying. 6/10

Crowned Clown: STUNNING, PHENOMENAL acting. Prince and the Pauper if the Prince was also a fucking psychopath. Absolutely riveting for nearly all of it, but the last episode works too hard to shoehorn the story back into plausible historical fiction, and it loses a lot of impact for it. Yeo Jin-goo (also from Beyond Evil, Hotel Del Luna) REALLY flexes all of his astounding acting muscles in this and pulls off the coin flip of both characters flawlessly. TW: for rape of a young teen, near rape of the queen. 9/10

Hotel Del Luna: Since I mentioned it above, there was one point where I was watching HdL and CC at the same time and Did Not Realize Yeo Jin-goo starred in both of them??? Part my own face blindness, part completely different contexts. TBH I enjoyed everything about this show except for the last 20 minutes, which fucked up an otherwise deeply impactful ending. This is a show about death, revenge, growth, and moving on. I also didn’t feel like the main ship was all that good, but the blorbos will be with me for a good long while. 8/10

The Rookie Historian: Do Not Watch This Show. jfc. Everything good about the premise (Prince who writes romance! Girl who hates his books!) was wiped off the map within the first few episodes. If this show had been a tight 8 eps the pacing wouldn’t have been so off? But it was grueling by the end and we gave up and read a synopsis of the last four eps. Did not feel like we had missed out by quitting early, should have quit even sooner. 2/10

My Only Love Song: Pure fluff, but pretty fun fluff if you’re looking for something light. The time traveling van was the best part of this show, and needed more air time. 7/10

100 Days My Prince: Thoroughly enjoyable! Delightful use of face blindness as a plot point! Main ship cute as hell! OHO! 9.5/10

My Shy Boss: Some fuckery near the end, but mostly pretty solid. GREAT Phantom of the Opera vibes, no real bad guy only bad choices made by delightfully complex people! Maybe the true friends were the anxiety disorders we tackled along the way. 9.5/10

[discodeviant]

Not Duke, Not Prince - Part 3

Billy | Teen | 1k words Alternate Canon/Divergence

Made for @billyhargrovebingo! Prev. | Part 1

“A lion.”

Billy squirmed under Hopper’s icy gaze, though it was warmer than he let on. It sounded stupid when he said it like that, deadpan and tired, bored if Billy closed his eyes and listened. But he kept his eyes open, looking between the flat ceiling and the hat twirling in the Chief’s hand. “Yes, a lion, I’ve said that twelve times.”

“You hit a lion with your car.”

“It fucking ran in front of me!”

Billy took a deep breath, and then Hopper continued: “Hey, I’m not trying to piss you off, alright? You’re sure it wasn’t a mountain lion.”

“Christ, I’m sure. Probably escaped a zoo or some shit, I don’t know.”

“Well, I might agree if our zoo had an African lion, but it doesn’t, and the one that does still has it contained. So forgive my confusion.”

“I wasn’t on drugs, man.”

“You’ve also said that twelve times.”

“It’s true!”

“Then why were you driving around so late? You said, what, eleven at night? By yourself?”

Billy stilled and wished he were ten sizes smaller so Hopper would stop looking at him like that. Suspicious and crass, Billy hated that look. It reminded him too much of Neil. “Just getting out of the house,” he said, which wasn’t untrue.

“On a school night.”

“I graduated.”

“No job?”

“Fuck’s sake, Chief, what do you wanna hear? That I was sneaking out to buy heroin?”

“Were you?”

“No!” He moved his arm so fast that the IV nearly slipped right out, and Hopper held both hands up like he was taming a wildcat. Billy licked his molar, breathed a little, rolled his eyes, and said like it was a confession, “I had a date, okay?” In some ways, it was. Or it would have been if Hopper knew the whole story that dated back to San Diego, to the day his mother left, to the day he was born. There were days when Billy didn’t remember her name at all, only the face that disappeared along with every atom of hope he had left. In the time since, her golden hair turned rusty in his memory, but her eyes were still haunting. They were when she was alive too.

Hopper’s hands moved into a more inviting gesture. “See, that wasn’t so hard, was it? What’s her name?” Billy side-eyed him. “It was a her, right?”

“Yeah.” Another thing that made his stomach twist. “Just some chick from high school, alright, it doesn’t matter.”

“If it doesn’t matter, then you can tell me her name.”

He didn’t think too hard about it. “Nina Herrera.” Hopper nodded, still unimpressed.

“Easier when you don’t wanna strangle me, isn’t it?”

“Whatever.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” He stood up and put his hat back on, straightening his cop-slacks as he cleared his throat. “Alright, I’ll come back tomorrow.”

Billy clearly didn’t come off as seriously as he hoped he would, asking, “I’m not done with you yet?” because Hopper laughed and shook his head.

“No, you’re not. Get some rest, kid.”

So he did.

Susan took Max to visit him after school, and Billy wished she hadn’t when he saw the look on Max’s face. She’d made it fourteen years without looking death in the eyes, and here she was, holding back tears for a step-brother who thought he’d be better off that way regardless. Susan left them alone; Max walked straight to the love seat to put her skateboard and backpack down, not having left it in the car for reasons Billy couldn’t begin to entertain. Standing by the hospital bed, hair frazzled and clothes uneven, she looked like a little kid.

“I’m okay, Max,” Billy said, because they’d been getting along fine since the summer. The relief of minuscule financial freedom made him less tense, working as an indoor pool boy during the winter months. It meant that Max wasn’t his void to scream into anymore, which meant things could resemble normal.

“No you’re not, asshole.” Her voice trembled with her hands, and Billy didn’t blame her. The gauze on his head was probably bled through, but otherwise he was unscathed, save for whatever head trauma he endured to think he’d seen a fucking lion. Maybe Hopper was right. Maybe it was a cougar after all.

“C’mon, I’ve been worse.” The sentiment was lighthearted, but she still shoved his thigh and hissed at him not to say that. He knew she’d seen worse as it happened and been the one to take care of it afterwards, but that was routine; that was something she’d gotten used to over the years. Billy was still home blasting music in his room, or she would hear the car outside if he was coming back. He made it to breakfast every morning because it was the most normal he could get.

“The nurse said you can come home in a couple days,” she said, and neither could quite decide whether that was a good thing or not. Billy would prefer his own bed to the hospital mattress, but the nurses were better than Neil. He’d have preferred Susan’s cooking, but hospital slop was better than blood.

“I’m sure I will. C’mere.” A weak hand reached out for Max to slip into, kneeling on the floor as Billy rubbed her back, combed through her hair with stiff fingers. Having another heartbeat so close to his made him feel strangely human again, not what remained of one. She was there. She cared about him, and he desperately needed to know that.

Max stayed at the hospital with him for a long while, reading to him and reluctantly letting him help with her homework. Neil and Susan were probably glad to get them both out of their hair, so they didn’t pick her up until ten. Susan brought some of his things so he wouldn’t be so bored by himself—his Walkman, a few books, his own shower supplies. Neil waited in his truck outside.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Billy,” Max told him with one last hug. He kissed her temple, and she rubbed it right off, but they both laughed about it as she left.

In the shower, which he convinced the nurse he didn’t need her help for—he wondered when he’d gotten so hairy.

Part 4

Uh oh, someone’s testosterone is working overdrive— unless… 🫣👀