#and after i took the pic I asked the owner if i could pat its head and she said yes again ;-;

[atsu-i]

[mythicalgemwrites]

Selkie x F! Reader (Linn) Part 1

Sorry for not posting earlier guys! I've been very busy with online classes.

Warnings: mentions of drowning. Pics are not mine, all credits go to the owner!

M! Selkie X F! Reader

Living on an island your whole life has its perks. From the fresh scent of the salty ocean air to the calming sounds of the waves crashing lazily, it never failed to wake you up with a serenity that could be found nowhere else. You had lived alone with your Toller pup for the past couple years, in the house that your grandparents had left for you. You grew up with them, as your parents always had to move from town to town due to their profession. They were both marine biologists and had taken up a job at a top secret research facility when you were 12, so they decided to let you stay with your beloved grandparents. However, on a stormy day a couple years ago, when you were 19, both your grandparents got caught in a storm while they were out fishing, and they never came back. During the funeral, you had found out that in their will, they had stated that you should get the house, in the event of something tragically happening to them.

And that’s how you got the house three years ago. When it became too lonely, you decided to adopt a Toller puppy for company, and you had named him Sam, which was your grandpa’s nickname. He provided good company and unconditional love, which is important in every home. The house had its own dock leading to the beach, so every morning, after your walk, you’d put Sam’s retriever genes to good use and play fetch with him, fetching the ball from the ocean was one of his favorite past times. Whenever you brought him to the beach, you sometimes feared he was going to be the reason why someone almost drowned. To date, you were grateful nothing like that had ever happened, but you sometimes couldn’t brush off that fear. You were a writer, and sometimes, you couldn’t control how far your imagination went, and sometimes, the words you put on paper would be some of your worst fears, if they were to come alive.

As the days go by, and the weather gets chilly, you would often take Sam on a walk to the nearby cove, usually in the warmer months it would be filled with children playing by the beach and in the waters, but as the weather got cooler, it was mostly couples going on romantic walks, or some who preferred the solitude, just came to enjoy the sunset. On this particular day, there weren’t many people by the cove, just a couple strangers. It was around 6:15 when you threw the ball the last time, and waited for Sam to retrieve it. You closed your eyes and took a deep breath, fully inhaling the chill autumn air, when you heard a whelp coming from the water. Opening your eyes, you saw Sam caught on a wave, and struggling to get back to you. In a panicked state, you took off into the water, not worrying about the growing current, but more worried about your faithful companion, struggling in grasps of strong waves, at least for a dog his size. As you grab him by his collar, attempting to pull him out, another wave comes crashing into the two of you, causing you to go under. Trying to call for help, and failing, as the water fills your lungs, you stop struggling, knowing it might make your situation worse, however, Sam starts barking, with his head barely above the water.

Suddenly, you could feel yourself being pulled out of the water, and being held against a broad chest by strong arms. Once you reached the water, you looked at your savior, beautiful greenish-blue grey eyes met yours, and you saw a cute familiar face looking back at you. It was Linn, the barista in the cute local café. You had to admit, you’ve always had a crush on him, but from afar. You didn’t know anything about him, except that people claimed that his family had lived on the island for years, centuries even.

He had shaggy brown hair, and small freckles were scattered along his face. With his help, you got up from the ground and called out to Sam. “Are you alright? I saw you getting pulled under and saw your dog barking. Do you want me to call someone?” he asked , in a boyishly deep smooth voice. Gaping like a goldfish out of the water, it took you a few seconds to process what was said. Coughing, you rasped out “ Yes… I’m fine, thank you! My dog , Sam, got caught in the waves, and I tried to get him out.” you started babbling like a lost child. “ Can I call someone to come get you?” He asked again, a hint of concern in his eyes. “ oh, no… no it’s okay, I live alone, well with Sam. There’s no one to call.” you said, trying not to act like a 15 year old who just couldn't help but be nervous around her crush. “I’ll be fine, really, I just need to walk home and dry out. Thanks again for helping!” you exclaimed. Calling Sam to you, the both of you started to walk home. “ Hey! Wait!” you heard Linn calling from behind, “ I’ll walk you home, if that’s okay. It’s getting dark anyway. I’ll see to it that you both get home safe,”. Before you could say anything, you felt him putting his jacket over you, helping with the chill. You didn’t realize you were freezing until he wrapped his jacket around you.

When the three of you reached your home, Sam was happy to be back in the warm embrace of his bed. Standing by the door “ Would you like to come in? Maybe a cup of coffee… or tea or anything else, if you prefer?” quickly giving him the option of whatever he preferred, to make sure you didn't seem ignorant. Sure, he worked as a barista in the local café, but that doesn't mean he loved coffee, right? “ Um, sure! Anything will do,” he said, as he followed you in. Looking around, you kicked yourself in your head, not keeping up to the schedule you set yourself for cleaning up around the cottage. Sure, it was decent, but paper everywhere? A heaping amount of mugs were strewn around your coffee table, as you sat there working on your next work.

Quickly picking them up and moving them to the sink, you filled up the kettle and turned it on to boil. “ There’s tea and coffee in the cabinet above the kettle, feel free to help yourself. I’ll go get dried up,” the words left you, as if you were telling them to an old friend, hoping to not make a fool of yourself anymore, you gave him a sheepish smile and made your way upstairs to your bedroom.

(Linn pov)

I made my way to the cabinet, looking through the various tea blends. Something which would help with the cold temperature would be nice. There in the right corner of the cabinet, was a box of peppermint tea. It would definitely help make her feel better, since she was soaked to the bone. I can’t help but feel a sense of concern for her. This beautiful strong woman that I always encounter in the café I worked in, and possibly have a crush on, I can’t believe I never spoke to her. I’ve always seen her writing in the corner of the café, in her spot, as my coworkers and I have labeled it. She always seems so sure of herself, and always seems ready for anything, but today, out in the water when I saw her struggling, something came over me. I had to save her, felt a sense of protectiveness for her, hence why I offered to walk her home. Taking two bigger than average mugs from the cabinet, I filled them up with the boiling water, after placing a tea bag in each and placing them on the coffee table before the couch. Her dog was in front of the heater, longing for some warmth and hoping to dry off. I heard soft footsteps coming down the stairs.

As I got to the bottom of the stairs, I saw Sam laying before the heater, trying to get warm. Making my way to the tiny laundry room, I picked up Sam’s towel. Making my way to him, from the corner of my eye I saw Linn, sitting on the couch, two steaming mugs of what seemed to be one of my teas in front of him.

“ I made some peppermint tea, it helps with colds, we don’t want you to catch one now do we?” grinned Linn.

Thanking him, and taking the mug he held one, I sat next to him on the couch. Keeping some distance between us, I asked him if he wanted to use the bathroom to clean up.

“ If you have any spare clothing that might fit, I’d like that! It’s okay if you don’t though!” he nervously exclaimed. “ I do have some spare clothing that belonged to my grandpa, they should fit. Gimme a sec! I’ll go grab ‘em, and a towel too!” I exclaimed, leaving the cozy embrace of the couch.

Making my way to my room, where I kept a spare drawer full of my grandparent’s clothes, I dug out a jumper and a pair of pajama pants which belonged to my grandpa.

When I went down, I saw Linn drying Sam with the towel that I had left by his dog bed, and Sam being the belly rub loving dog he is, happily accepted Linn drying him with the towel, belly rubs being a necessity. Letting out a chuckle at the scene before my eyes, I held out the spare clothes and a fresh towel to Linn.

“ There’s a bathroom two doors left from the stairs upstairs,” I exclaimed, reaching for the doggy towel he left by the couch and chucking it in the laundry room. “Thank you,” he exclaimed, leaving to go to the bathroom.

Once Sam was dry enough, I picked up my mug of tea, making myself comfortable on the couch. Looking out the living room window, rain droplets trickling down the class, I sip on my tea, waiting for my guest to arrive from the bathroom. A couple minutes passed, looking up when I heard soft footsteps heading towards me, I offered Linn a smile and patted down the space next to me on the couch. “ Here, you can leave once the storm stops,” I handed him the mug.

We both sat beside each other, talking about what we remember about my grandparents and how we never spoke to each other when we were younger. Sam sitting at our feet. The dying fire casted a warm allure on his face, illuminating the soft scattered freckles. Hours passed as we enjoyed each other's company over another mug of tea, laughing at all the brief mutual moments that were shared between us. He mentioned that he would always get excited to see me whenever I visited my grandparents by the docks. I didn’t want to admit it, but I always loved to catch a few glimpses of him, whenever he wasn't looking as well.

I laughed at his words, tired but somehow feeling rejuvenated. It had been a long time since I last laughed with someone. It felt good to let go.

His expression of awe paused me mid laughter. He was gazing into my eyes, as I his. For a brief moment, his gaze averted to my lips. Moving his gaze up to my eyes, as soft as a whisper “ May I kiss you?” he asked, a foreign emotion lingered behind his now soft eyes.

Giving him a gentle nod, I felt him place his hand at the nape of my neck. Inhaling a deep breath, his scent which reminded me of the sea with a hint of musky peppermint enveloped my senses.

Linn leaned in, gently bringing my face towards his. He closed his eyes, and for a brief few seconds I admired him until mine shut involuntarily as I felt his lips on mine. After a few seconds, he pulled away, still gazing into my eyes, “ I’ve been wanting to do that for quite a while now,” he said, with a sheepish grin, before kissing me again.

He deepened the kiss a little, giving my bottom lip a light lick before pulling away. “ I regretted not telling you how I felt about you earlier… I did ask permission from your grandpa before he passed. The last thing he said to me was, he’d be happy if you chose me,” he paused for a second, a hint of sadness and regret casting a shadow on his blue eyes. “ I… I need to tell you something. I might … might not be who you expect. And I understand if I’m not who you want,” he stammered. Grunting, “ The rain’s about to stop. I should probably get going,” he said as he started to get up.

Grabbing onto his hand, “ No...don’t! Please… It’s late, you should stay!” I stopped him. “And I’ve had a silly little crush on you too… I just never knew how to tell you” I whispered. He sat next to me, slowly, as if I were made of fine china. That, at any moment, I might crumble. “ You did?” he breathed, his breath close enough that I could feel it on my face.

“ I also know what you are. Grandpa made sure to educate me on myths, and he said some were not myths. I’ve seen you carry your pelt around sometimes,” I closed his hand between mine. “I know you’re a selkie, Linn. I don’t want you to hide that from me.” I breathed, gazing into his eyes. I could catch a glimpse of adoration in them. “Thank you… for not running away, even when you knew what I was,” he sighed. I gazed at his lips, before catching them with mine, a soft peck, to let him know I accepted him for who he is.

[oh-for-fic-sake]

Pooh Bear

Masterlist

Kal has a crush on his new babysitter and after watching her closely Henry has to now all he has to do is ask her out...Simple right?

Warnings: Swearing, Fluff, Slight Angst

Request: That’s so great! I was thinking maybe one where introvert chubby reader looks after Kal on set, when Henry’s filming. She and Kal become great friends, are always together, they cuddle, play, and nap together, etc. Henry might’ve secretly snapped a few pics of them. He’s happy that there’s someone else taking good care of his bestie.  Kal loves Henry but misses the reader when they’re back home. When they return to set, he expects her to be there for Kal but turns out she’s not working out there anymore. They thought her to be redundant and too much of a loner. This affects her because she always feels more happy around animals as she always wanted a dog but never really could afford it. Sorry for the stupidly long request…              

A/N: okay I did switch things up a little but i hope you still like it! And just so people know in england (or at least the south) 'A Salt' is another ways of saying someone is fit...basically saying he is a tasty looking man that you'd lick. And a 'nonce' is another term for idiot. Taglist: @being-worthy​ @two-unbeatable-beaters​ @thatgirly81​ @angelofthorrr @iloveyouyen​ @sofiebstar​ @thefangirlsblog​ @thatdamncutegirl

You smiled as your charge ran around happily with the kong toy pouncing and shaking his head the rubber dome slipped from his mouth and bounced unpredictably across the floor. It was a kong original that was a rubber 'bee hive' shape hollow and stuffed  full of one of those ham and cheese sandwich paste. He seemed to love it as he darted around happily pinning it every now and then trying to fish out the treat. You loved this job! It was incredible you literally got paid to snuggle walk play and snuggle with the sweetest dog you have ever met in your life...His owner wasn't to bad either...well now at least. You sighed crossing your ankles and fanned yourself at the thought of the bears dad...A bear of a man himself, or wolf should you say. Was stunning he was a salt... Definitely a salt. You watched again as Kal frantically chased the kong as it rolled out of his paws. You were the proud baby sitter of Kal Cavill probably the sweetest Akita anyone would ever find. Currently on set watching the pup bounce about trying to paw at the pesky kong flipping and rolling away threw the scatty motions. "Wow Kal-ee-bear that's some shit paw eye coordination baby boy..." you giggled as he snorted still patting at the rubber and moved laying down against your legs stuffing his snout at the wide opening still trying to devour the snack of cheese spread. you tried giving him snack enrichment each day to calm him down before delivering him back to his dad. "Oh I'm sooo sorry your majesty~" you jumped as Henry came up behind you. "And what has his royal highness up to today I wonder?" He crossed his arms across his chest. you flushed flinching and clamming up at him as he stood to the side of you both with a grin. You waved to Kal who was gruffing at the kong growing more irritated when he had to work for his treat. "He er.. Is huffy over the kong....He couldn’t catch it and now he has, he has to work for his cheese" Henry laughed out loud at that plopping down beside you. You flushed, you admit at first things had been rocky between you and Henry. But now he seemed to hover a lot more he wont just come and whisk Kal away at the end of his scenes he'd stay and try to chat...He for some reason wanted to get to know you. You'd been confused unsure what to make of the hunk trying to get to know you. You’d been frightened and withdrawn but he didn’t give up he spent a lot of time just sitting with you talking about his day. He didn't seem to mind you were quiet in fact he seemed to like having someone to listen to him. You sighed wistfully realizing you'd let your shyness let this chance pass you by. You'd had so many chances to talk to him properly to admit your feelings to him but you hadn't your shy personality pulled you back. Today was your final day here sitting with Kal and you were devastated you'd come to have feelings for the big bear...and his owner more then you should have...More than you cared to admit. It was silly but you'd harbored a crush on the man and for a few months and had been debating on how to show but it was hard for someone like you...To introverted for your own good...Not that you'd ever be able to open up much to people. Animals on the other hand were completely different ,you preferred animals to people and you think Henry could tell but he was stubborn ,but then he had been stubborn since day one.

When you'd first met he was worried you didn't have the strength to look after or control such a big dog...Kal was small for an Akita but he was by no means weak, he has had Henry over a few times in the past which is not to be laughed at. You remembered it well the first time he saw you he'd be the first to admit he was a bit of an ass...Well he was a complete asshole to be honest. Your mind wandered to your first ever conversation with the man.

"So did you realize he's an Akita? He needs a lot of exercise and attention...I need someone who can keep up with him and handle him when in a boisterous mood...not someone he can run rings around and overpower" you squinted at him and grunted he seemed put out and very full of himself; something he’d later regret. You'd took a deep breath and smiled trying your best not to snap or cower...His scowl was intimidating. "Yes I do...Look if I can help calm down a scared shire and pull it to a halt, and hold still a bull by its horns for tagging I think I can handle a little Akita" he had grunted at you in disbelief crossing his arms and scoffed at you. "Oh really? You did all that?" You growled at him getting a bee in your bonnet his attitude was getting right up your nose now you didn't want to anger him but at the same time you needed this job it'd pay for your van and get you up and running. "I was training to be a country vet so yes I did all that anything else Mr Cavill? A resume? Certificates I have them with me..I even know canine cpr and how to remove ticks if you wanted to Know that to" he huffed and turned to the others present.

"Fine she will do but one incident and she's not watching him that’s final I don't let just anyone look after him" you smiled confidently but inside you were bricking it hoping you didn't come across as a nasty person you wasn't...You were just in a tricky spot and you needed money...You loved dogs they were going to be your new career so this was a perfect fit for you...No customers or people just you babysitting a big ass fluffy bear. That had been the only time you'd really clapped back at him and you were proud it was rare for you to stand up for yourself.

He'd gotten copies of all your documents you'd shown to prove you were capable...when he said he wouldn't trust just anyone with his four legged son, he meant it and you understood. You'd be the same with you own puppy, as much as you wanted one of your own finances were tight and once your business was open you wouldn't have much time spare for a pup of your own. Some of the others had rolled their eyes when they saw Henry hovering like a mother hen over you and Kal for the first week. They had complained to one another expressing that Kal was just a dog he would be fine. They just didn't understand. But as it turns out you had somehow passed his requirements and he had backed off trusting you to look after his son. You gathered that he checked you out fully and realized you had done all that you said, pulled out of veterinary school deciding the larger animals wasn't for you and were now focusing on grooming. And he had but that wasn't the whole reason he had been spying on you and Kal even when you didn't realize it.

It had started when he came to apologize. You'd never know but he felt like a dick and had come to apologize for his attitude but instead found himself floored watching from a short distance you were cuddling Kal smoothing his fur raking your fingers through it giggling and kissing him every so often pulling clumps of shedding fur out of him. "Oh my! baby boy look at all this? you'll be a stone lighter once all this is out talk about a crash diet....Wish I could drop a few dress sizes just by brushing my hair" that comment had hit Henry's chest with a dull cold thud. You were beautiful why would you say that about yourself? sure you were thicker...but thicker was better in his opinion he loved curves the idea of luscious soft curves filling his palms mad him swoon! He watched as you giggled wrestling Kal to his other side before repeating. He was surprised at how much he liked watching you play with him it was nice seeing Kal so relaxed and coddled. Henry sometimes felt guilty bringing Kal on set he couldn't give him much attention when he was working so that was where dog sitters come in someone o watch him and keep Kal occupied when Henry was working. "You'll feel so much better after this...I will bring my brushes out tomorrow and give you a good tidy up! you must be so hot love..." Henry laughed as the calm didn't last long at the word brush Kal got up excitedly pouncing and licking your face. You giggled loudly as he pushed you back standing over you yipping but you didn't throw him off instead wrapping your arms around him and rolled taking the Akita clean of his feet pinning the large dog to the floor and attacking him with tummy scratches and raspberries. Henry's heart melted it was nice to see someone playing with him properly no holds bar! rough housing with an Akita was no mean feet but you managed. It was then he leaned back watching you a small smile on his lips you took your job seriously and Henry was seeing a different side to you. He had definitely misjudged you he felt even more of an asshole now.

The final hurdle you jumped was when he saw Kal mouthing at your forearm playfully keeping the arm snug between his jaws and pulling trying to tug you back down as you tried to get up. Henry panicked heart stopping for a second as you hissed a little, people can perceive mouthing as biting. Before Henry could even think he moved a few steps forward readying to charge down and explain the behavior and pray you didn't take the incident further. But before he could take another step you had taken care of it and you didn't freak out like others would have in the jaws of a large dog. You simply calmed the situation down nicely and carefully with ear rubs making Kal release you and tilt his head trying to make you rub harder onto the ear. "You got such a big mouth Kal my love! mouthing like that huh? Just one overgrown puppy~" you finished by laughing and settling down onto the ground with him.Then pulled Kal to face you kissing his snout making him go all soppy again. Henry watched dumbstruck as you peeled back his lip and shook your head. "Lets had a look at your nashers...Oh? Whats this Pooh bear? look at those teeth! And they call your daddy a wolf huh? And your not brushing them are you my little fluff ball? hmm? well we will start that tomorrow~ oh yesh we will!...You like the sound of that huh? brush these pearly whites and make your breath smell all fresh! all it'll cost you is more kisses!! yesh it will baby boy! good bear such a good pooh bear!" Henry smoothed back the wig he was wearing heaving a deep sigh relaxing with a chuckle. Yeah that hadn't put you off at all now his dog had a fucking dentist to. Henry took a moment to calm down as he realized you'd known what you were doing. The fear for all dog owners was someone saying they were bit! but in that moment he was reassured you knew a lot more about dogs then your papers said ,you handled it very well. Kal had a habit of mouthing he always had since a puppy, sometimes he even falls asleep with one of Henry's hands in his mouth just holding it sometimes suckling like a tiny pup again...It was rare now but it happened almost using his hand or fingers like a like a toddler with a soother. But when he was excited he would mouth a little harder it was pack behavior but to anyone who didn't know they called it a bite. Kal seemed to like you and you handled him beautifully.

After that Henry had meant to back off but...He couldn't seeing how you'd got Kal wrapped around your little finger had intrigued him...He was a strong believer in dogs having that sixth sense for people they could sniff out the bad ones. Kal had fallen head over paws for you and each morning got in a little tizzy waiting for you to come pick him up prancing at the door as you got closer. Henry loved how much pride you took in looking after kal and how far you went you'd all but adopted the bear. Fuck you were only supposed to walk him and play with him a few hours a day but you groomed him, brushed his fur and teeth daily even clipped his claws and filed them you pampered the dog with massages after his runs new toys and enrichment treats then had long ass naps wrapped around him. You were a nanny, packmate, cook, dentist stylist, nail technician massuse and all round mother to Kal and the bear loved it lapping up the attention and what Henry believed to be genuine love. 

He still watched but now for a different reason he wasn't worried about kal...He watched you, it had only taken him three weeks to become completely besotted with you he wanted to spend as much time with you as he could. He loved everything about you, the way your laugh made kal go crazy and lather you with kisses how you'd roll around with him no qualms about getting dusty and smothered with fur and the way you played and snuggled kal like he was your own pup kissing him and giving him the love he needed. If he was honest he adored the way you'd gone about it. Most dog sitters just sat on their phones with kal on the lead beside them and walked him when once a day. You mothered him and spoiled him rotten. And Henry loved and loathed it...Why were you so comfortable with kal and not him? Sire hed been an ass at the start but you were all past that now...Henry wanted some of you attention now but you withdrew when he was there. It was maddening.

It was a week after he had seen you deal with Kals mouthing that you'd approached him he almost expected the worse thinking you were going to quit saying kal was to much but instead you'd asked if kal was allergic to anything. Henry to be honest was stumped, he'd never though of kal having allergies. He was concerned and began running all the worst scenarios in his head of what you'd noticed or what had happened. But you had shyly calmed him down saying you wanted to get Kal some treats and chews but didn't want to cause any medical issues. Henry can honestly say his heart had swelled at that. Henry in that moment had developed a full blown crush on you. He was floored that you'd take his bears welfare so seriously that you'd asked permission to give him treats. He had stuttered out that you could give him what ever that he didn't have any allergies and you'd grinned wide then began gushing over these strange yak milk chews you wanted to get him and a deer antler? Henry just smiled laughing as you forgot who and where you was getting yourself excited.

"Oh my god this is gonna be fun! I've never been able to get this stuff I don't have a dog but now with kal I can spoil him rotten thank you Henry!" And with that said nearly every day his boy came home with a new toy or treat. Henry found it cute especially when you'd given him a little yellow squeaky teddy, Henry didn't think it would last two mineuts normally kal ripped soft teddies to shreds but this one...For some reason wasn't chewed ever not even the eyes ,sure Kal would bite it on the squeaker normally early in the mornings to wake Henry up but it was a teddy he just carried around with him and slept on. He couldn't sleep with out it tucked under his chin!

As time went on you found yourself having small awkward conversations with Henry he seemed to just want you to open up, to talk to him and get along. You wanted to but it was hard for you he was this huge hot alpha witcher male and you were a small dumpy thing. You didn't want to get attached to him, didn't want your crush to get out of hand when you knew there was no chance...He'd never go for someone like you slowly your thought began getting darker and more upsetting luckily they disappeared when kal nudged you almost knocking you over as you retied your laces he was waiting for you to hurry up it was time for his daily walk/run. You soon found yourself jog running along the trail with kal as he created wanting to go faster you panted and grunted at him waving your arms around as he pulled nearly having you off your feet. "Kal! I can't go faster!!! I'm fat haven't you noticed?! fucking lard asses can't got faster we have like three gears!" he barked at you as if to argue you scoffed. "Yes I know your daddy goes faster but I cant!" again he barked and yipped at you eager to go sprinting "No! absolutely not! I'm not letting you off again...Remember the squirrel? You promised to come back young man! and you lied I nearly had a fucking heart attack!" he yipped again tapping the floor prancing a typical kal tantrum brewing. "Nu uh! you did this if you'd behaved and not ran off like a race horse then you'd be let off and be frolicking in the woods like a pooh bear! But no you were a nonce!" he stamped again and moved capturing the lead in his mouth and pulled starting a game of tug making you swear and quickly hold it with two hands and lean back as he started bouncing back growling playfully. "Kal you little shit stop! no no don't-KAL?!" you growled and dug your heels in pulling back as he growled now wagging his tail at the new game of tug. "Kal Cavill you stop being a little brat this instant! I mean it or no peanut butter!...Yes that got you attention didn't it?....Good boy, right now thanks to you little paddy we are going back now see? You play up and we go home....Just you wait until I tell your daddy how spoiled your acting." he whined and flopped down you dropped your jaw at him scratching your head. "Wait what? kal no stop it-really? your really are a sulky little shit sometimes pooh bear....Kal come on up" you moved pulling the lead but he didn't budge you cried out in frustration. Kal just smiled panting at you making you laugh despite your annoyance. "How can I not move you?! putting my weight in it you should at least budge! I how're you doing this?...." you moved and sat beside him and curled over him trying to pick him up but nope he was not going anywhere. you sighed and sat next to him out of breath. "Kal come on mate! cut me some slack...I'm not fit like your daddy and if you wont listen to your recall then I can't let you off..." you moved a hand digging your fingers int the fur massaging him then leaned down kissing his snout he moved sitting up seeing you were upset. "You know I wish I was...Fitter then maybe he'd look at me or-or I'd have the confidence to talk to him back but..Yeah men like him don't like us plus sizes...Oh don't look at me like that kal there's no hiding the fact I'm a fucking chunk!...No matter how much I like him it'd never happen..." you stood up and kal followed licking at your fingers by your side you smiled patting his head. "Lets get back...And I lied you can have your peanut butter I'm sorry I said you couldn't it was mean...But only if you keep that little crush thing quiet okay? Good boy!, you keep that secret for me bubby" he jumped up happily you had no doubt this dog understood every single word you said to him.

Henry had made it his mission to get one date by the end of filming...If only he wasn't this shy every time he tried you'd flush blinking up at him and he'd freeze forgetting his previous thoughts and just star mind going blank. And like a coward he'd stutter out a thank you for seeing to kal and run off tail between his legs. One time; the seventh time...But he wasn't counting, he came over psyching himself up. 'Just one date just say hey your good with kal and I think your really cute and want to take you out...Or just a basic lets have dinner' he nodded to himself and smiled fisting his hands by his side and took a few deep breaths steeling himself as he made his way to a small shaded area just off set and frowned...What was? was Kal laying on you?....He was! Henry snuck up behind you hearing the bear snort in his sleep and slowly stretch out one front leg across you before sighing loudly and relaxing again. You were laying flat on your back in the grass. from what Henry could tell Kal at one point had been next to you but had rolled over in his sleep tummy flat against your side head laying heavy on your soft tummy one paw stretched out over your waist, his back legs straddling your hip from the side.  Your hand was tucked in his mouth you were both sound asleep. Kal was hugging you and Henry couldn't help feeling a little jealous he wanted to do that...He wanted to hug you...He was being out done by his own dog...Henry smiled and took in the sight. He wanted to see this more often he really needed to ask you out ...He needed to get his ass in gear time was ticking. He moved quickly looking left and right before subtly snapping a few shots you'd be none the wiser to him having a new background on his phone. He quickly tucked his phone away and sat beside you leaning back on his hands and just admired the sight drawing his eyes over your form and flushed a bright red noting your top had rose resting just below your bust... kal had somehow nudged it up, Henry had to chuckle at the thought his pup was really putting the moves on you. If only Henry could be that brave. You moved groaning blinking you were hot...So hot what the fuck? had you fell asleep? Shit. You frowned feeling a weight on your tummy you flexed your fingers they were? What the fuck why are they warm....And wet your stomach was damp to....Eww!? What the hell- your being fucking finger sucked!?! confused you gasped and jolted tipping your head up. Fully alert and blinked a few times looking around then focused looking down and giggled. Kal was dead asleep passed out on your tummy somehow he had sucked your hand into his mouth and was trying to suckle on it like a tiny puppy. You smiled and sighed relieved that it was just a silly pooh bear and not some scary ass fuck tard moving your other hand up to stroke the sleeping pups head giggling when he twitched and snorted like a piggy and kicked a back leg out. "Oh my god that's so cute~" you jumped hearing a deep chuckle beside you and saw Henry sitting watching. Instantly you froze unsure what to do or say flushing and gulping trying to remain calm, sensing your discomfort he smiled kindly then nodded to kal. "Done it since he was a pup...Like a proper baby only ever done it with me before though think you may have become his new favorite human~" you flushed lightly and tried wriggling out from under Kal but stopped when he groaned and clamped down on the fingers in his mouth. You chuckled you were not moving anytime soon bot with out upsetting the bear, you shrugged to Henry who laughed quietly again shaking his head.

"I'm afraid you are now trapped here with me until the bear decides to let go~" you blinked flushing even more as his gaze bore into you. You looked back wanting to at least sit up a bit Henry was quick to intervene and shuffled closer sitting side on crossed legged and slipped the elevated knee below our head you flushed when he cleared his throat and his cheeks became pink.

"I...Err your-Its my dogs fault and I..." you blinked slowly and lowered your head to rest on the knee your. He smirked at you feeling proud f himself being able to pull this off somehow.

"I-I Henry if I get to heavy just say...Don't want to give you a dead leg or something...." he frowned a dark look his eyes going dark making you quiver slightly your insecurity rearing its ugly head a small voice telling you your crushing him. He placed a hand to your shoulder. "Your not heavy Honestly I don't even feel you there...It'd take around six of you before I'd even feel anything!" You flushed brightly but said nothing, he must just be saying that he was polite...To polite to tell you your fat. After a few minuets of silence and Henry berating himself he cleared his throat and motioned to Kal still snoring away, his voice lowering making your insides quiver. "Stolen my own pup I knew you'd be trouble~" you swallowed and smiled shyly up at him shaking your head at him with an impish grin. "N-no...He just likes me I think....He is a good boy you should be really proud of him the best boy I have ever looked after" Henry nodded thanking you then looked down at Kal still happily snoring. "And you the best babysitter he has had~ hands down I'm really impressed...I was wrong I never did apologize for being such an asshole when we met" You were all about loosing your mind trapped here under kal ,who would throw a fit if you moved him. "No no..I understand he is your special boy and a energetic little man I can understand the concern someone large and unfit showing up" he grunted and frowned moving the hair from your face making you squeak.

"Stop that! Your a beautiful full figured woman there's nothing wrong with that!.... and for the record it wasn't that at all that made me worry...Your small and I was afraid Kal would have you over and break a bone or something...Kal has he me over many times in the past....Either way I was wrong my worry is no excuse to be rude and I'm sorry" You flushed as Henry slowly eyed your form as he spoke, his blues glittering with something you'd never seen directed at you before but it was gone before you could decipher it. He watched unblinkingly at you finally you smiled and nodded to him breathing out a quick thank you, he grinned and moved a hand stroking kal patting his side softly. "But as for this boy goes I think he more then likes you...He has taken a shine to you...Think he has a crush~ not that I blame him as I said your a very lovely woman" you blinked smiling wider and somehow going a brighter red managed to slip your hand out of the bears jaws and wiped it on your tshirt using the moment to tug it back down. "You-you don't mean that I'm...Just ...Yeah" Henry frowned at you not liking the tone you used to speak about yourself. He went to argue further but grunted a little annoyed as Kal choose that moment to stir making you look away. You watched thankful for the bear giggling softly as the dog moved up off you stretching and yawning then blinked at his dad as if you say 'what?' you moved and kissed his head softly "Come on sleeping beauty time to go home I'm sure you can nap with your daddy when you get back" Henry chuckled as Kal huffed getting up and standing beside him. Henry wanted to linger, to ask you out to do something but any courage he had was gone the moment he had you laid in his lap...It was like a kid wanting something for so long and once he had it he didn't know what to do with it. He moved standing and held out his hand to help you up you froze  and gulped smiling nervously, as strong as he might be you'd have him over and it'd embarrass you to much. Last thing you wanted your crush to know is just how fucking heavy you were. But the man didn't give you much choice as he snatched your hand dragging you up and you were amazed he didn't even lean back or grunt nothing! just pulled you straight up off the floor like it was nothing and you swooned. Henry kicked himself for days over not correcting you. You were amazing and kind and funny and he'd do anything to go out on a date with you....Apart from over come his own bashfulness that is. he wanted to show you how pretty you were to him how much he'd grown to care for you just from watching you with kal but he chickened out yet again.

You smiled moving forward to Kal already getting tearful snuggling him tightly saying your good bye running your nose through his fur Henry's heart clenched when he saw you getting upset he just wanted to wrap you up in his arms and hug you tell you how he felt but no...It wasn't fair to spring his crush on you on the last day...He should have told you sooner, swept you off your feet taken you out wined and dined you. But he hadn't and now he had to say good bye without even giving it a try, the only constellation was that he'd ask for you back next season. He watched sorrowfully at your tears Kal licked them away and you kissed his snout. "Now you listen to me pooh bear you behave..you hear me you be a good boy for you daddy and stop chewing them claws! you have a lovely set of claws and your going to ruin them and get stinky breath if you carry on!" you quickly stood up and Henry pulled you in for a quick hug. "I-er...I'm...Th-thank you for being so good with him he hasn't been this taken care off well ever I don't think!" you smiled wiping at your eye going red your heart was crumbling as you took your last few moments with him. You’d failed to keep your feelings at bay and now you were going to pay dearly for it. "No-your to kind....You do a brilliant job...I-it was fun good luck with the press tour" the conversation came to a screeching halt as you both debated telling one another but in the end you didn't each to scared. You’d turned and left tears trailing down your face once out of sight you held your head in your hands and had a good old cry. You felt ridiculous miserable and very very sorry for yourself. But whats done is done...Or not done shall we say you left shortly after needing to be at home there was a litre tub of vanilla ice cream calling your name.

It wasn't until Henry got home he let it sink in he wasn't going to see you anymore. He broke down cursing and kicking out in a very uncharacteristic manner 'you were such a fucking coward! you should have told her'....He should have grown a back bone and asked you out but no...He held himself back yet again! over the next months he had stewed regrets piling, he replayed all the times he could of just asked you out, all the times when he had to admit his feelings the list got longer  each day. He missed you Kal missed you...The teddy you bought him was with him each time he slept no matter where Kal would wander off getting the teddy and used it as a pillow.

He'd sometimes just sit in his bed with it blinking at Henry, Kal wanted to know where you were he wanted to see you again. Sometimes he would bring it up to him and drop it nudging the stuffed bear to Henry with a sad look whining pitifully like 'wheres mama?' that is what Henry had ended up calling you...In a short few months you'd more of less become Kal's mother. You dotted on him and he you....It was Henry who fucked up! and boy did he feel guilty seeing Kal so upset he had even tried hiding the teddy a few times wanting his cheerful bear back but no that had been a big mistake Henry had left the room for a few moments and came back to a hell of a mess Kal ripping the place up looking for the toy almost panic. Henry had to give it back and since then hadn't got within three feet of it Kal guarded it with his life. Henry sighed he was angry at himself if he'd opened his mouth then you'd be here visiting at least! He could of tried could of build something with you but no Henry had been a coward. and he would not be making that same mistake again!  luckily filming was starting again next week so he would see you again! he'd been telling Kal that they were going to see you both again it was nice seeing Kal get all excited he had been depressed.

And that was why is was all the more heartbreaking when he got on set and you wasn't there. Henry was pissed, he had been gearing up getting himself ready to see you again but you wasn't here...Everyone he asked said they hadn't seen you then it finally came out that no one was hired for Kal this time. You were a victim of your own success, Kal had been so good last time that it was decided the money could be spent elsewhere. It broke his heart he wanted so desperately to see you to finally ask you out for Kal to cheer up they were both love struck and both heart broken and depressed. After a week Henry had finally stopped pushing to find you resigning himself to the fact he wasn't going to get his second chance and he just hopped Kal would snap out of it...He doubted it though Akitas were revered for their loyalty and intelligence Henry wouldn't forget so the likelihood of Kal forgetting was slim. he sat at the table sighing he was down everyone could tell neither Henry or Kal had the spring in their step they once had.

Everyone knew the change in the two was because you hadn't been there Joey, Anya and Freya were at a loss unsure how to make him feel better that is until Freya asked around the local village. She remembered Henry mentioning that you were saving up to be a dog groomer and she said something in passing about an Akita in need of a good brush in the local shop and bingo! The shop owner smiled and gushed over the new mobile groomers, a local lady who had just set up shop. The woman had rushed to the counter getting a business card and little leaflet. Freya wasn't sure how but she just knew it'd be Henry's bou. She was excited thanking the woman before rushing back to set.

Once on set Freya made her way right through it searching for a down trodden Henry. She was determined to help him out...And keep a secret at the same time, she wanted it to be a surprise. Finally she found him sitting at a covered table picking at his food Kal beside him resting his chin on the bench beside him.

"Henry? I have something that might cheer Kal up~" he looked to Freya with a confused look Joey and Anya frowned to noting the sly grin on her face. Henry placed his fork down wiping his hand and took a small purple business card and matching purple leaflet. He scowled reading it. Mama bears puppy spa?. He frowned looking up at Freya who smiled knowingly.

"I found it in the village shop window...Just trust me phone up, you can email to see? and the prices are reasonable...I think get them to come give Kal a quick once over might cheer him up having a little pamper" Henry sighed looking to the scruffy boy he was shedding again so maybe a wash cut and blow dry would help cheer him up...and stop him from waking up with fur in his mouth.

"Thanks...I think I might mobile one I take it?" Freya smirked nodding to him Henry was just to out of it to even

"Gets raving reviews...A local lady I think but seriously just treat him!" he smiled thanking her again deciding he might as well he had noticed Kal chewing his claws again but hadn't got the nail clippers with him and if they were going to come out here might as well get the works done. So that's what he did asked them to come out the next day as he had it off they booked as a last minuet. And that was where he now found himself sitting by the entrance of set waiting for a big purple mobile dog groomers. He was so engrossed in looking out for the van he didn't notice Freya Anya and Joey gathered a few feet behind him watching. Henry sighed petting Kal and wiping off the shedding fur letting it fall to the floor in tufts.

"God Kal you really do need this huh buddy? must be horrible going from silky daily brushed fur to now just once a week" He smiled rubbing Kal’s back dragging his fingers through the fur.

Henry frowned as suddenly Kal lifted his head sniffing then quicker then Henry could react he sprinted off across the makeshift car park Henry jumped up shouting for him but it was to late Kal was off the dog ignored him running around the corner and down the long track. Henry’s heart clenched and his blood ran cold as Kal disappeared out of sight then he heard it large truck skid to a stop Henry screamed Kal’s name tears already streaming fearing the worst as he rounded the corner  drawing attention as he sprinted as fast as his legs could carry him and almost collapsed in relief he was okay! Kal was okay he wasn't hit. He was pacing tail going ballistic and jumping whining excitedly yipping and barking loud and frantic scratching at the door barking and creating a huge fuss.

The door opened just as Henry skidded to a stop sliding on his knees in the gravel hugging Kal who wasn't interested in the slightest still trying to jump up at the woman? He looked up trying to see just what had made Kal pee with excitement. Henry froze as a familiar woman stood before him and quickly caught a jumping Kal and fell to the floor with him and Henry as Kal frantically tried to bombard her with kisses. She crouched down and held Kals face still forcing him to look her in the eyes. He couldn't believe what he was seeing until he heard her speak.

"YOU! JUST WHAT SO YOU THINK YOU WERE PLAYING AT!?!" your shout meant nothing to the pup as he was lunging at you wanting his kisses whining  beating Henry with his tail stayed behind the bear shaking like a leaf still in shock he petting him he needed to touch him after that scare.

"Henry!? Who was watching him?! I'll fucking kick there ass! fuck I'm so happy I saw him shit... Fuck! heads are gonna roll!" Henry tilted his head looking at you moving a hand to cup your cheek slowly.

"Y/n is-is that really you?" you smiled now calming down nodding to him

"Yeah...Hi Henry...I er-I take it Kal is my client for the day?" Henry nodded still refusing the release kal even though the dog wanted nothing to do with him as far a he was concered his mama was here and he wanted his cuddles.You smiled and stood up dusting yourself off then looked to the truck Kal wriggled out of Henry's grip jumping at you making you laugh ad pet him.

"Hey pooh bear I gotta move the truck first then we can have cuddles okay? Can you go with your daddy for a bit?" Henry stood shaking his head at you.

"No he wont he has missed you something chronic...He has been real depressed" you looked down to the dog and smiled opening the truck door and motioned for hims to climb in.

"Go on then one quick little ride then we can sort you out you little scruff bear...You getting in?" Henry nodded watching wincing as Kal clambered up into the truck then jumped in behind him controlling Kal a little as you drove up and parked off to the side then turned to face the still yipping pup.

"Okay okay bear calm down here you want cuddles?" at your open arms the dog dived at you still wagging his tail how it hadn't snapped off from hitting the hand break you don't know. "So pooh bear is my last minuet appointment? For the whole hog right?" Henry was stumped you...You were different still the same beautiful woman he hadn't stopped thinking about but you were more confident. you were happier and you glowed more if that was possible. Henry was flawed now was his chance...Why wasn't he speaking? why didn't he just say something? you looked at him a little confused. "Are you err...Are you okay Henry?" you asked slightly worried as Kal began to settle now that he had his mama back he placed his heavy head on your shoulder whining quietly in your ear. "I just... He needs a pamper...A professional pamper so... could you?" you smiled quickly nodding then quickly scratched Kals back kissing his cheek making him smile again. "Absolutely! make your boy nice and clean and fluffy and I even have a cute little dicky bow for the sweet boy~ Yesh I do  yesh I do my precious little pooh bear! you wanNa look all snazzy for you daddy? you coming in to? Can give you some pointers then you want have to splash out on it" it was then that something snapped in him and he stared at you licking his lips he began talking before he could even decide what to say. "...But what if I err...what if I wanted to splashout...It..Splashout on you?...And you know have you take care of him again...Have you stick around..." you frowned blinking he wanted you around? you'd assumed he had found someone better to look after the bear when you hadn't been called back. "You want me to stick around and look after Kal again?" he nodded blushing and running a hand through his hair he looked at you and swallowed.Fuck it Henry man up! just tell her!. "No! I...I want you to stick around and look after the both of us....Fuck that sounded clingy...W-What I meant is we both missed you...We have-Kal has been depressed...That fucking teddy! the bear you gave him he has been carrying it whining with it...Looking to me sulking he wanted me to find you again...I was such an ass i got him all excited to see you again and then you wasn't here he-we were both upset...A-and I want to see you...like see you" "You want me to...I don't understand...You don't want me to dogsit? Or you want me to dogsit again?" he sighed he was really ballsing this up. He tilted his head at you and moved to stroke Kals back calming himself down it was now or never Henry don’t let her escape again just Take the bull by the horns your meant to be a fucking witcher! superman and you cant even tell her you like her. he closed his eye and spoke with a low firm voice. "I want you here! I missed you and when I got home I was kicking myself....Y/n I have a- I was super excited to see you again but your not here and I...We need you...You were right Kal has a crush on you! A crush?...He's fucking in love with you and he was depressed without you! Missed you so much" you blinked looking from the dog to Henry "Kal...Loves me?" Henry nodded biting his bottom lip he sighed he could do this...He could do this just ask! just tell you. He smiled sweetly smoothing his hand over his face watching at you glanced at him weary. Then held up a hand then let it fall to his thigh. "Well yes very very much and he missed you terribly.... And he wants to spend time with you again and talk...Get to know you better and got out for walks, coffee ,maybe dinner? and I-I'm fucking this up shit..." you blinked gasping quietly l finally catching up with him you smiled shyly before speaking in a small voice. "Are...Are we still talking about Kal Henry?" you held your breath regretting the words as soon as they left your mouth maybe your hopes were to high? Were you reading to much into this?.   "No were not I..Please would-If you don't mind..And you don't have to! but I...Would you go out with me?...For Kal! He needs a woman around! he needs his Mama-NO NOT LIKE ERR SHIT FUCK!" you flushed blushing deep as Henry panicked covering his face embarrassed muttering trying to dig himself out of the hole he had dug. You giggled at him and smiled really embarrassed and moved to Kal peeking at him. Then spoke in a clear voice halting Henry's waffling. "Kal?~...Ha-have you been telling your daddy on me?~ you know when I told you I had a crush on him it was supposed to be a secret!" Henry snapped his head up to you blinking as if still taking in the information then a huge grin split across his face. "You have a crush on- fuck yes!" he leaned over to you before you could move he pressed Kals head out of the way and captured your lips you gasped making him smirk and quickly dart into your mouth. Henry smiled tilting his head you moaned l softly as he pressed you further back twisting his head suckling and thrusting back and forth trying to coax your tongue from your mouth. Then it was brought to an abrupt end as Kal lifted his head snout bumping into you chin snapping your jaw shut biting Henry's tongue. You quickly opened your mouth as he hissed and grunted jolting back with a laugh as almost immediately Kal gave him a look thag clearly said 'my mama' then began kissing your cheeks himself. Henry rolled his eyes poking out his tongue touching it with the pad of his finger checking for blood he smiled when there was none then spoke in a deep tone almost scolding to the pup snuggling into your neck hiding fro his dad.

"Kal....Son? You know your gonna have to share your Mama with me...I am your dad.."you chuckled leaning back looking to Henry as Kal continued to hide.

"Soo you..er you want to get lunch? Maybe after I sort out Kal?...He should have a nap after a good bath." Henry grinned wide nodding to you he was over the moon. "I'd love that! Maybe get a rerun of that kiss....Minus the jealous bear" you wriggled your eyebrows at him.

"Nah! Don’t have to wait that long! We can kiss when Kals safely leashed in the bath!" Kal suddenly pulled back wide eyed looking back and froth between you both making Henry laugh.

"Oh yes I forgot the bear doesn't like his baths" you giggled at him.

"Oh well you definitely need to be there with me...for moral support" he smiled wickedly before looking to Kal who was suddenly uncomfortable with the looks he was receiving. 

"Kal-e-bear time for a bath~" the dogs ears went down flat against his head as he sensed his parents were indeed going to wrestling him into a bath.

[moral-turpitudes]

Hi! I would like request a fanfic with Finn x reader they/them. Plot: Finn takes the reader to the stables and teaches them how to ride with this promt “If this horse bucks me off I’m going to get you.”

Hi love! I apologize if it’s a bit short but I hope you like it!

A/N: Couldn’t find a gif, but did find a cute pic. Credits go to the owner.

Horsing Around:

Trigger Warnings: Fluff, Humor, Just some downright cute shit.

Characters: Finn Shelby x Reader (they/them)

Word Count: 1,344

Summary: Y/n learns the art of horse-riding while on a day off with Finn, making for an interesting experience. 

Requested by: @daleanjustwantstohavefun

It was an early-fall afternoon, the summer air still lingering amidst the falling leaves. Y/n had just arrived with their boyfriend Finn to the stables. He made sure to help them out of the car, holding their hand as he led them to the old wooden barn. It was a place he mentioned often, his family going to it when they needed a break from the business.

“Have I told you I haven’t ridden a horse before Finn?” Y/n asked, looking up at his sparkling eyes, his hair matching the color of the rust colored leaves falling every so often.

“No. But you’re in luck. I’ll teach you.” He said winking and leading them down the dirt to the stables.

Y/n grinned looking around at all the browning fields and warm toned trees, admiring how beautiful the scenery was. It was the perfect escape for them as they had been stressed due to the previous weeks blinder business.

“I didn’t think we’d be able to come, I thought they were needing us.” Y/n said, letting go of Finns hand so he could undo the locks on the stable doors. After a moment of picking the lock, he pushed the wooden doors open, the dust and dirt floating in clouds amongst the aroma of the horses.

“Nah, they have enough help. They don’t me doing a bunch of the dirty work anyways.” He said.

Finn laughed at Y/n’s facial expression as he spoke, the smell of the barn hiring them in the face.

“You’ll get used to it love. C’mon.” He said walking over to two beautiful horses one gray, and one white.

“Hey there beautiful girls. Yeah it’s me...” He said sweetly, rubbing their faces lightly. They huffed a little and squirmed a bit, clearly excited to see him.

“Awe they like you.” Y/n said reaching their hand out to let the horses sniff their hand and then gently patting them on the nose.

“They like you too babe, look.” He said smiling and pointing at their movements.

Y/n laughed and looked around at the empty stables nearby by as Finn guided them out and inspected their hooves and horseshoes. After checking them, he grabbed the saddles on a hanger nearby and strapped them to each horse.

“Would you like to lead one?” He asked.

Y/n gasped excitedly at the opportunity, always wanting to since they were younger, their family was never fortunate to own horses themselves so this was a treat To say the least. Y/n nodded, making their way over to the white horse, taking the brown leathered lead in their hands and following Finn and the gray horse out onto the field.

“You’re doing great babe. Just a little further until we get to the paths.” Finn said looking over at Y/n. Y/n smiled as the horse trotted carefully down the path, a bit wary of the new person leading them.

As they both reached the path, Finn stopped and demonstrated how to mount the horse making it look easy with his tall frame. Y/n gulped and took a shaky step up, reaching the foothold just enough to reach eagerly for the saddle. They used their arms to pull themselves up and eventually mounted, sitting high atop the white horse overlooking the fields below. Y/n smiled as did Finn, nodding in approval.

“I’m proud of you. Now, we’re going to try riding a bit alright love?” He said as he clicked his tongue and the horse gently started walking down the path.

“O-okay.” Y/n said, clicking like Finn did and patting the horses mane gently.

“Okay girl. Let’s go.” They said quietly, not wanting to startle it.

At that, the horse started walking at a steady pace quickly catching up to Finn. He looked over at them and smiled, as he let Y/n continue on leading the way.

After a couple of hours, the path got a bit rougher and Y/n got a bit nervous as the horse picked up speed. Tightening their grip on the reigns they yelled for Finn causing the horse to panic a bit. The horse jerked and turned around on the path as Y/n tried to get the horse to calm down.

“Finn! Help!” Y/n called after him. He tugged at his reigns, allowing the horse to go faster towards them hoping Y/n wasn’t in too dire of a situation. When he got there, he stopped and laughed at the scene before him.

Y/n was pulling the reigns and trying to sweetly talk to the horse to get her to calm down as it started trotting in various directions, not listening to her.

“Wha-Finn! Why are you laughing at me?!” Y/n yelled, being carried in every direction but the proper one.

“I swear if this horse bucks me off I’m going to get you!” They yelled, only further spooking the horse a bit. Finn quickly got down from the gray horse and walked over calmly and clicked his tongue grabbing the attention of the horse. It breathing roughly and trotting over.

“Woah girl. Calm....calm.....” He said taking the other part of the lead and pulling it’s face close to his. He stroked the horses head a bit and looked up at Y/n who was visibly shaken up a bit.

“You did great babe, you just have to be gentle with them and not yank the reigns too abruptly next time, trust that they know how to go on the paths.” Finn said taking the the lead and turning the horse around.

“Thanks. I just don’t know how the horses like you so much...I’m terrible at this." Y/n said their brows furrowing a bit. Finn reached up and placed his hand in their free one.

“I’ve just had a lot of experience with them thats all love. Don’t worry, we’ll come out here again and I’ll bring you to practice, I promise.” He said.

Y/n smiled at the thought of more weekend dates with him, which was rare given their lines of work, but they nodded and allowed Finn to lead the white and gray horses back to the stables.

As Y/n got off the horse, Finn helped them down, grabbing their hips to steady them. Causing Y/n to feel flustered. They had been only dating for a couple of months so even the smallest of interactions caused butterflies in their stomach.

After guiding the horses in and locking the doors they went and got some apples out of their car and fed them to the horses. Finn watched as Y/n fed the white one, gently petting it’s mane as they slowly bonded a bit with the horse.

“Ya know, maybe if I bring her an apple every time I come here then maybe we’ll be alright...what do ya say girl?” Y/n asked aloud, grinning as the horse chomped down on the last of its apple.

Finn laughed and nodded, leaving the rest of the apples in each of their stables, then taking Y/n’s hand and walking out, shutting the doors behind them.

As they drove back into the city, Y/n held Finns free hand as they looked out at the trees whipping past. The air crisp as the night drew near. Y/n could see the guys packing in to the Garrison after a long day as they parked near the shop.

“You want to go for a drink?” Finn asked.

“Sure! As long as you promise not to tell about my horse riding disaster.” Y/n said looking at him.

“Oh I don’t know about that...” He said before sprinting off towards the doors with a mischievous grin, Y/n was on his heels as they chased him. The smell of smoke and alcohol wafting through the building as they made their entrance. They earned a few startled glances from his brothers as they laughed and made their way to the bar. They were perfect for each other despite Y/n’s lack of horse handling abilities, but it didn’t bother Finn in the slightest, as long as he got to enjoy some time out with the one he loved.

[just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi]

Lucky’s Pet Spa - Brody

[First off, holy smokes! That is all. Now for the pet boi. This one is “soft” “whump” but Brody’s life isn’t/hasn’t/won’t always be so nice. Oh no no no no.]

CW: Dehumanization [big, systematic, full dehumanization.], Pet whump (muzzle, restraints, collar mention, implied human trafficking), referenced non-con drugging, touch starved whumpee, fully broken whumpee, lady whumper, 

Word count: ~2,600

[Masterlist]

Samuel was greeted by a young woman when they entered the storefront.

“Hi! Welcome to Lucky’s Pet Spa. What can I help you with today?” He stepped up to the counter, Brody mere steps behind him.

“Hey. A friend recommended this place; do you guys take walk-ins?” She smiled and nodded at him.

“Yeah, I actually have an opening right now. Here, I’ll get you started. If you have the info of the friend who recommended us, you can get a free nail cleaning,” she said as she handed over a clipboard. Samuel grinned and took it.

“Hey Brody, give me your hand.”

The blond pet quickly obeyed, laying his hand on Samuel’s waiting one. Samuel held it up to examine his nails, twisting it around.

“Can I use that on this visit?”  

“Yep!”

Samuel turned his attention to the clipboard, the leash loop sliding down his wrist and jiggling with the movement of his handwriting. The clip made a soft clinking sound as it swung against the pet’s tag and collar. The girl’s eyes shifted over to Brody, and he tried to hide behind Samuel.

“Hey there little guy. I’m Emma. I’ll be the one taking care of you today, Brody. Hmm?” She looked the Pet over more thoroughly.

Hmm, it clearly hasn’t been groomed in a while; maybe never, she thought as she surveyed the sandy blond hair falling over his eyes and around his ears. The muzzle was just the basic one, but the collar was nice; looked like it might have come from one of those boutiques. It was a saddle tan color, and looked well made. She smiled at the name-brand tee shirt and coral shorts Brody’s owner had put him in. “Brody” fits well.

His eyes were wide, and he looked terrified of her, still trying to sneak away from her gaze and hide behind his owner.

“Is this the first time its been to a groomer?” Samuel looked up blankly.

“Uh, I don’t know. It’s still pretty new.” He shrugged and finished up the last of the boxes. There was a sign on the wall with the different styles by length, and he stepped back to look at it.

“That’s okay, I’m pretty good with the new ones. Just a heads up, if we need to sedate it for some reason, there’s an extra charge and a fee.” Samuel reached over and grabbed Brody’s chin tightly, forcing eye contact.

“Brody, Behave. Got it?” The pet nodded frantically; eyes still wide. Samuel dropped his chin and Emma watched as Brody started to wind his hands into the hem of his shirt.

“How long is it going to take?” Samuel asked as he signed at the bottom and handing the clipboard back over. Emma looked it over, double checking everything was complete and which boxes he had checked. Thank god he didn’t want a bath. Those showers are a pain to clean.

“Should be less than an hour. You’re more than welcome to hang out in our waiting area and grab a cup of the free coffee.” Samuel waved his hand.

“Nah, I’ve got errands to run.”

He took the leash from his wrist and handed it over. Brody made a whimpering noise for the first time and looked desperately at Samuel. Emma took the leash and made a soft, comforting sound.

“Shh, Brody. It’s okay,” she said as she crossed around the desk and led the pet through the little white gate. “We’ll give you a call if we need anything.”

Samuel waved and mouthed be good one last time to Brody before he walked out.

Emma led Brody over to her salon chair, his head turned to the door the entire time, and sat him down. She clipped his collar onto the short lead on the headrest, and by the time she had turned around there were tears falling from his eyes and a soft whining sound coming from the back of his throat.

“Aw, Brody,” God it’s so cute. “Shh, it’s okay; he’s coming back. He just needed to run some errands.”

The Pet looked up at her with such big eyes, an expression that just screamed a pitiful, wordless, you promise? Emma awed again and put Brody’s wrists on the armrests so she could secure them. He didn’t fight or move, just let her place his hands however she wanted. She snapped the little plastic cuffs in place and gave him a pat on the leg.

“Good boy, Brody.”

Ugh, Emma thought as she rummaged around in her drawer, I hate this part. She took out her prod and hid it behind her back. She stood in front of him and waved one had off to the side.

“Hey Brody, can you be really still for me?” He nodded; eyes distracted by her fingers moving in the side of his vision. When he was looking at her hand, Emma pulled the prod from behind her back and poked it into his calf.

Brody’s eyes widened and his muscles jolted as he froze, but he didn’t move a fraction of an inch. Emma smiled and put the prod away.

“Good boy! Sorry honey, need to know if you can stay still on your own.” She made sure to keep her words light and her voice toned high; that always helped with the skittish pets. But honestly, it was easy with this one. It just has one of those faces that you have to babytalk to. God, its so cute. No, Emma, you know the deal with Ashley; no pets. No. Pets. But she would love this one.

She reached behind his head and unbuckled the muzzle. He obediently opened his mouth to release the bit when she pulled it away, and she dropped it in the little baggie by the armrest.

“There we go! Now I can see your little face,” she cooed as she rubbed his jaw and wiped away a couple tears. The second she touched his face, Brody melted into her touch and tried to rub his face into her palm. He didn’t get far, his neck secured to the headrest, but he still tried, and Emma couldn’t handle the cuteness.

She squished his cheeks and cooed at him as she reached into the pocket of her apron and pulled out one of the clear plastic mouth guards. She pulled the adhesive strips off and lined it up with his top lip.

“Keep your mouth closed, sweetheart.” She could hear the little click as he shut his teeth and it made her smile. She pressed the sticky part to the space above his lip and kept it taunt as she stuck the one side under his chin to the base of his neck. She folded the clear plastic sides around his chin and pressed the other sides down until it was stuck around his mouth. He could probably work it off if he tried hard enough, but she knew he wasn’t even going to try.

Brody’s eyes were wide and confused as he let out a tiny whine, the guard keeping his lips sealed. She combed the hair out of his eyes, feeling him relax in her hands.

“Sorry honey. I know you’re not going to bite me, but its an insurance thing.” She kept combing and let out a little laugh as his eyes closed and he let out a little contented huff. This is it. This is how I’m going to lose my job; I’m going to steal a pet. Brody? No, no this is Cody. Emma laughed to herself and pulled out her phone.

“Brody! Brody can you look up at me?” He looked up, and she snapped a quick picture. What was the point of working in a Pet salon if you couldn’t put the cute ones on your insta story? Plus, the owner liked pictures of before and after, and she knew his mop of hair would make a great example.

She mussed up his shaggy hair for the last time and scratched as his scalp as she posted the story and saved the pic. When Emma looked up, Brody’s head was circling slowly with the movement of her hand, eyes unfocused and droopy.

“You like that, huh? I think you’ll really like this then.”

She was right. By the time she had wet his hair and shampooed it, she had the sneaking suspicion he had fallen asleep. When she was done with the conditioner and the final rinse, she toweled up his hair up and knew she was right. He was entirely asleep, head rolling freely on his neck. She laughed and grabbed one of the supports they used on the sedated pets. As she placed it around his shoulders, his eyes slowly blinked open.

“Hey there, sleepy boy. Guess you really liked that, huh?” It took him a moment to wake up fully, and a few more for his words to register. He looked up at her blankly.

“You fell asleep for a second there, sweetheart,” she said has she moved behind him and started to dry off his hair. When she reached over for her blow-dryer, she heard a small sniff and glanced up in the mirror. Brody was crying. His face looked defeated; guilt bright in his eyes.

“Aw, honey, do you need permission to fall asleep?” Emma knew some pet owners did controlling stuff like that, although Samuel didn’t seem like the type. Brody nodded miserably and Emma wanted to scoop him up and take him home; angry girlfriend or not. She leaned down until she was in his line of sight and winked conspiratorially.

“I won’t tell if you won’t.” He looked up at her, eyes still brimming with tears. I won’t tell, but you’re going to the second you get home, aren’t you? She booped him on the nose and grabbed her blow-dryer.  

Emma could tell that he was trying, hard, to keep his head up and neck straight. She didn’t want to make it any harder on him, so she didn’t tempt him with any more scratches or pats, just blow dried his hair and combed it out.

His owner had wanted a style that was much shorter; nearly buzzed on the sides with the top section a bit longer. Made the pet fit the name “Brody” even more than the clothes. She finished and brushed some of the stray strands away before she pulled off the little black cape. Emma scratched on the side of his face, and he leaned into it again.

“Good boy, Brody. You did so good for me! Here, let’s take another picture. We can even show your owner, so he can see how good you were.” Brody perked up and looked up even before she had her phone out. Oh, yeah, the boss is going to love this one.

Brody didn’t seem to like his nails being done as much as he had liked his hair, but he didn’t squirm or disobey. Emma talked to him as she cleaned out his nailbeds and clipped them, telling him about her day and what she and Ashley were planning for dinner.

Soon, she was done, and she opened the plastic restraints around his wrists and unclipped his collar from the lead. Shorter hair looked good on him, opening up his face more. Emma help him stand and clipped the leash back on. She brought him out to the waiting area, but Samuel was nowhere to be seen. Emma heard a little whimper from behind her and turned to see the pet’s fallen expression.

“Brody, it’s okay. We’re just done a little early. Here, you can wait in the play area,” she offered, petting the side of his face lightly. That seemed to help. She led him over to pen A, or as the groomers called it, the “good pen”. It had some cushions on the ground, along with a couple toys and a picture book. There was another pet in there, a girl one, who quickly looked up then away as she led Brody in. She unclipped his leash, and he sat down next to one of the cushions. Emma gave him one last pat before she left to clean up her station.

It’s funny, really, she thought as she looked over her shoulder at the waiting pens, there’s toys and cushions, but none of the pets touch them. I wish the owners would give them permission before they leave. When she was done, she took another glance as she returned to the counter. Brody and the girl pet were snuggled together now, a striking contrast to the pets in the pen next to them that pulled and yanked at the floor anchors, growling through their muzzles.

Emma stood on her tiptoes to sneak another picture through the plexiglass. She would crop it later.

~

Samuel took a swig of his iced coffee and checked his watch. Today had been productive. He took Brody to the groomers, returned that shirt that had been his car for months, stopped by the pet store, and even grabbed a coffee. Nice.

He walked back into the pet spa and saw the same girl at the counter. She waved to him.

“Hey! We’re all done. Lee, can you get the blond from pen A?” she called to another worker. Samuel put down his coffee and pulled out his wallet.

“How’d it do?” he asked as he handed over his debit card. Emma smiled.

“A perfect angel. Seriously, its so sweet!” She swiped the card and handed it back. “Please know, if you take it to another groomer, I will be jealous and cry myself to sleep.” Samuel laughed.

“Duly noted.” Emma handed over the little baggie with Brody’s muzzle and a complementary trial size of pet shampoo.

Brody was led out only a second later, excited eyes and smile pulling at the mouth guard.

“Well, well, well! Look at you. All nice and clean,” Samuel said as he took the leash back. He picked up one of Brody’s hands to examine his freshly cut nails.

“Oh! I almost forgot. We take pictures sometimes and I thought that you’d like to see.” Emma turned the monitor around, a split screen of Brody’s before and after photos. The first where he seemed a little scared and teary eyed, and the second where he looked much more comfortable and alert. Great promotional material.

“I can send them to you, if you want. Also, can we get your permission to use them on our website or promotional material?” Samuel smiled wide.

“Of course! I’ll make sure to tag you guys online and send anyone who asks your way,” he said as she ran his hand through Brody’s much shorter hair. The style was perfect; looked well cared for with no daily maintenance or product. “Say goodbye, Brody.”

Brody lifted one hand shyly before he tried to hide behind Samuel like he had in the beginning. Emma just laughed.

“Bye sweetheart. See you later!”

Samuel walked him over to the waiting room and sat down. Brody kneeled in front of him, laying his chin on Samuel’s knees.

“Here, we’ve got to put your muzzle on before we go outside,” he murmured as he ripped the plastic guard off the Pet’s face. Brody winced and gave a little whimper, but he didn’t pull away. The skin where the adhesive had been was already turning red and irritated. Samuel pulled out his muzzle, and Brody didn’t resist, opening his mouth automatically for the bit. When it was buckled back on, Samuel pulled out something else from his shopping bag.

“Here! I got something for you today.”

He clipped the little bell onto the ring that held Brody’s tag. It jingled softly as it rolled against the boy’s clavicle. Samuel smiled at the noise and flicked it.

“Let’s go home.”

~~~

ALL THE NAMES. @poisonedbymagic @sola-whumping @haro-whumps @deluxewhump @whumpzone @castielamigos-whump-side-blog  @simplygrimly @whumpsy-daisies @whumptywhumpdump @crys-whump-sideblog @welcome-to-the-whumpfest @pineapple-heartache @whumpiestofthemall @much-ado-about-whumping

[oftenderweapons]

Hold Me Close – Hoseok

Pairing: Hoseok x reader (nicknamed Giggles)

Wordcount: 1.2 k

Genre: fluff, dating!AU, idol!AU

Rating: GP (general public)

Hello, my squirrels ✨ Welcome to your comforting bedtime story. I’ll be very brief since no warnings apply for this fic. Hoseok comes home after posting those adorable selcas of him wearing the teddy bear sweater. Giggles is eager to claim her special cuddle session. As they comfort each other physically, they also manage to heal each other from some negative thoughts and experiences (Giggles is a vet and one of the animals she was assisting passed from old age).

Unfortunately, my voice is not at its finest — I caught a cold because of the glacial temperatures that we’re having these days. I promise the audio version will come as soon as I’m okay 🥰💖

Also, let me dedicate this drabble to @hobisbeautifulass​, since she’s been tortured lately (I’m hissing at you @joheun-saram​) and poor sunshine Bella most definitely deserves some cuddles.

If you want more fics like these, check out the event’s Masterlist over here!

Now enjoy and sweet dreams ✨

You ran to the hall, almost dashing through the apartment, throwing yourself at Hoseok, who had just come home.

“Lemme see! I want to see it!” You exclaimed, almost ripping his coat off.

His first reaction was alarm, as usual, but shortly after he was suddenly hit by a revelation and his face lit up in joy.

“Oh, Giggles!” He cooed as you rubbed your face against the teddy bear stitched to his sweater.

“So cute…” You swooned, closing your eyes and smiling adorably. “I didn't see it this morning,” you reminded him, your morning shift making you leave way before he even needed to get dressed.

He pressed his mouth to the crown of your head, curling his arms around your body. “Shall we move to the living room, it's sort of cold here.” He said, at which you took hold of his hand, intertwining your fingers together and tugging at his arm, dragging him toward the sofa.

“God, you’re eager, I should wear this sweater more often.” He mumbled teasingly.

“Shut up, gimme the plushie.” You said, making him stand with his back to the seat and pushing him down by the shoulders, his body falling easily on top of the pillows.

You straddled him immediately, almost body slamming onto him, your upper limbs comfortably anchoring yourself to his shoulders while your legs bent on each side of him, your face pressed to his neck before you sat on his legs and parted from him, freeing your hands so that you could toy with the bear.

“The pics you posted are so cute.” You said with a pout as his hands rubbed down your back, trying to warm up from the cold weather outside. “I can’t believe you actually got this sweater. It’s so damn adorable.”

He smiled and pressed his palm against your cheek, making you flinch away from the coldness of it.

“You are so damn adorable.” He replied, his gaze so tender and enamoured. Sometimes he could be so silent about his affection only to completely drown you in compliments and affection a moment later.

“Sorry I jumped you.” You mumbled, trying to part yourself from him once you realised you couldn’t quite read his mood.

He placed his hands, delicate but steady, around your waist. “It’s nice. You’re not always this affectionate. I was just surprised. Startled, a little, maybe.” He admitted with a confused chuckle. “I like you here. Stay.” He reassured you, making your chest adhere to his.

You fixed your position, sitting with your legs across his lap, your head against his shoulder, an arm draped around his neck while your other hand stayed busy with the toy’s limbs and scarf.

“Is it soft enough?” He asked, rubbing his thumb across your cheek.

You simply nodded, staying quiet and breathing him in. The sweater was still unworn, and it still held the scent of the shop, even though you could sniff Hoseok’s cologne. It somehow reminded you of baby shampoo and sun cream.

Maybe that was his face lotion.

It didn’t matter much.

“How was your day, dove?” He asked, touching your hair, enjoying how soft it felt under his fingers.

You toyed with the plushie’s scarf.

“Mh… we had to say goodbye to a very old dog.” You told him, trying not to get too emotional. “He was supposed to undergo surgery soon, but in the night he got too sick and when I arrived this morning there was nothing left to do. We called the owner. It was… tough.”

Hoseok held you tighter, kissing your forehead a couple times before kissing your nose.

You closed your eyes and offered him your lips, a small snicker anticipating the feeling of the toy’s paw pressed to your lips.

You opened your eyes, playfully confused.

“I think Teddy is jealous.” He commented with a cartoonish voice.

Heart significantly lifted, you cocked your head curiously. “He doesn’t want me to kiss you?” You questioned, batting your lashes.

He realised you reminded him of the female bunny in Bambi.

“He doesn’t want me to kiss you.” He corrected, cuddling your face with the bear’s arm. “He fell in love with you at first sight. I don’t blame him, though. Who wouldn’t?” He flattered you.

You pouted, completely endeared. “You have absolutely no right to be this sweet.” You scolded him, blushing to your ears.

“I feel like I never tell you that enough.” He admitted. “I can be so bad to you when I get mad at work.”

You shook your head. “It’s okay, I’m here for the good and the bad parts.” You reassured him, slapping away the plushie and bringing his hand to your face, basking in his affection — and his considerably warmer skin.

“You know that I love you, right?” He asked, bending down to let his lips hover over yours, his breath fanning over your mouth.

You bobbed your head. “I do.”

“I’ll have to wear this sweater more often. I like getting jumped on the very entryway.” He cackled, finally placing his lips against yours, his tongue immediately searching for the seam of your lips, licking it gently before letting the kiss return to a more innocent puzzle of your mouth and his.

“Teddy bear is no longer jealous?” You taunted him.

“He knows you’re mine. Our love is too strong for him to compete.” He replied stoically.

You brought your hands to your chest, acting love struck. “Sweetness overload.” You groaned.

He laughed and shook his head. “Even more adorable.”

Staring at his plump cheek contracted in a full-face smile, you stretched to bite it gently, trying to spell something that sounded like ‘shark attack’ as you nibbled his soft flesh.

His devilish fingers dug into your sides, tickling you viciously. “Counterattack.” He squealed.

Your laugh was immediate, causing you to release his cheek. “No, no! I surrender!” You replied, breathless, trying to grab his wrists. “I’m sorry.”

He let you go as your body laid breathless on the sofa. “Smart Giggles. Lovely Giggles.” He fondled you, patting your head, letting you catch your breath. “What about dinner? I’d like to order in some soup or broth.”

“Oh, I can cook those. We have some stuff in the house. I think I put some in the freezer, I can defrost it in the microwave and prepare some side dishes.” You said, sitting up and dipping your fingers into his soft, fluffy hair, slightly curled by the humid, cold weather outside.

He nodded.

You stood up with a small bounce, turning around and spreading a blanket over him. “You should defrost too in the meantime.” You suggested, heading to the kitchen.

Making dinner took you maybe twenty minutes, the most of the task being cutting up some meat to add flavour to the soup, letting it cook in the boiling liquid.

When the meal was finally ready, the table laid, you went back to the living room, only to find Hoseok balled up, laying on his side, soundly asleep.

You decided to let him sleep, bringing your bowl of soup to the living room, switching on the tv and setting the volume very low, reading the scrolling news tickers rather than actually listening.

Using your spoon with one hand, the other one combed Hoseok’s hair. There was no better way to spend a cold winter night.

[baeklination]

Ocean: the deep (2)

Pic: comma.

Date: 210114

Warnings/Contains: angst, abuse (ment./emot.), gen.explicit language

Pairing: au! Baekhyun x F. Reader

WC: 7,9k

NOTE: It’s not all angst, but describing it as fluff feels off. On sensitive/explicit topics.

Prologue  Masterlist

                                    ¤¤

Alot of us tell ourselves “I’d know”, but chances are you wouldn’t. Not if they didn’t want you to. And if they did, showed you a sliver of the truth, would you be brave enough to see it instead of thinking up an excuse? 

                                     ¤¤

“Are you okay?”, Beanie asks, putting the break on her stroller so you can sit down on the park bench.

“Me? Yeah, I’m fine. A little tired. Still getting used to drinking wine instead of mixed drinks I guess.”

“No, not you. I mean you guys, you and Baekhyun.”

“What do you mean? You saw him last night.” Doubt finding its way to your mind - she has after all known him for longer than you. “Did...Did he say something to you?”

“No, but I noticed…”, she turns to you, stalling. “Don’t get mad, alright?”

“Why would I get mad?”

“Just… I’m gonna say something and I don’t want you to get mad at me.”

“Okay, I won’t get mad, Bean. What?”

“I’ve been married to Minnie for a while now, so I see Baekhyun alot, and I’ve heard some things - rumours I guess - that maybe, you know…”

“Don’t say it, Bean. Please don’t say it.” Heart sinking, you brace yourself and ask her.

“That he sleeps around..?”

“No, not that. More that he’s maybe...not so...kind.” 

“What..?”, you burst out.

“Like I said, it’s rumours, I never really hung out with his girlfriends before, so I wouldn’t know. But I…”

Beanie’s fidgeting makes your throat tighten.

“I feel like Baekhyun used to dote on you, but lately he’s been acting more like...your dad.”

“That’s ridiculous..!”, you say, swatting your hand in the air. “Besides, don’t dads dote on their kids, hm?” 

“But you’re not his daughter”, she says bluntly, fixing her eyes on you.

“Are you talking about something specific that happened last night?”

                                          ¤¤

  Hearing the lock turn you breathe a sigh of relief; having a dinner party at home without the owner of said home wasn’t your plan. Baekhyun stops in the living room to greet his guests and engage in the usual banter - as if he didn’t see half of them earlier in the day - before you hear his footsteps nearing the kitchen. 

“Sorry I’m late, sweetie. I just couldn’t seem to get out..!”, he huffs.

Putting on your best Suzy Homemaker air (jokingly, of course), you turn around with your arms open.

“You’re just in time, Baekhyun. Honestly, I just took the lasagna out of the oven.”

“Wow, this looks great…”, Baekhyun says, taking the sight of your carefully planned dishes in before kissing you. “But…Are you wearing that?”, he says leaning back, his eyes slightly narrowing.

“Hm? You picked this dress. Don’t you remember?”, you say puzzled.

“Of course I remember. But it’s...more for me, isn’t it? Just me. Maybe put on something more modest?”

“Modest..?”, you laugh. “This isn’t worse than any of the other girls...” 

“Well, you don’t have to be like them, do you? You’re my girl, aren’t you?”, he coos.

You know he’s being overly sensitive, but it won’t cost your ego much to change - not as much as this dinner ruined would, so you lift your hands up in defeat.

“Okay, you win”, you sigh.

His smile lights up not only his face, but your entire being. His hands on your cheeks is a promise of sweet touches to be given later on; his lips one of your name being whispered in love.

“I’ll set the table, sweetie.”

¤

“You changed your dress?”, Beanie asks.

“Serves me right for not wearing an apron”, you chuckle as you sit down.

Baekhyun takes your hand and smiles. 

“Please, everyone”, you gesture to the fully laden table “enjoy.”

                                        ¤¤

“No, I mean in general.”

“Well, in general, you’ve nothing to worry about. Sure, I don’t get flowers delivered every other day like before, but that’s because I practically live with him now. You know how it is”, you say, gesturing to her stroller. “The beginning is always a fairytale, and then it becomes something else. You don’t need all the trimmings when you realise you…”

“Love each other?”, Beanie says, leaning forward with big eyes.

“Yeah…”, you say, shrugging your shoulders.

“Baekhyun said the L word to you..!”

“A month ago. And every day since. God, why am I embarrassed to say it!? Stop laughing, Bean!”

“I’m sorry. This is great!”, Beanie replies, clapping her hands. “Now I feel bad for dragging him like that...”

“I won’t tell on you.” You sit quiet for a moment, then continue. “And when you say “dad”, if you mean how he sometimes suggests things for me to do, or wear, I dunno, it’s because I’ve asked him to. You know I’m not from around here, so sometimes when we go places, say for dinner, I want to know what cutlery to use, or what those goddamn french words mean, you know. It’s embarrassing - for me - to be so obviously misplaced…”

“Shit, don’t I know it…”, Beanie shakes her head. “What? You know I grew up on the other side. First time Minnie took me to a corporate event...he called it “a party”, so you know I rolled up in my shortest sequin number and my highest glitter heels… Shit, the looks I got!”, she wheezes.

“Those stiffs must’ve thought you were the entertainment!”

“Hey! But you’re right. I tell you, Minnie didn’t get any for a week.”

After wiping her tears Beanie gets serious again:

“I’m sorry, alright? Only looking out for you. But who knows...soon I might be looking for a maid of honour attire”, she smirks.

You cross your fingers and smile back.

                                         ¤¤

“I’ll be a happy man the day I don’t have to read the name Seung Inc. again”, Baekhyun sighs and slumps down on the couch, lifting your head to rest on his thigh.

“Settlement getting the better of you?”

“Their stupidity might”, he chuckles, giving you a kiss. “I’ll take Ga’ round the block before bed.”

“No, I can do it.”

“I could use some fresh air. And your overdramatic drama starts soon, doesn’t it?”

“It’s a perfectly lifelike show, Baekhyun. What, you mean your boss doesn’t slap you cross the face?”, you giggle, remembering his disbelief at the scene.

“No, but I might slap him one of these days. Come on Ga’”, he says, getting up and patting his thigh. “Gawa, come here.”

Gawa doesn’t move, so you nudge him off of the couch:

“Go!”

“Why do I always have to call that dog three times?”, Baekhyun shakes his head.

“What that dog thinks is anyone’s guess. He probably likes the way you say his name. Don’t forget-”

“Bags. I know.”

  Feeling a little antsy you busy yourself with a bit of tidying up in the kitchen, emptying the dishwasher, wiping the counters and the like. There’s really no need, as you’ve already done it, but it’s something to do while waiting for Baekhyun to come back, for him to go to bed. “Take it easy. It’s just a search, what’s gonna happen? Nothing. It’s not true, so nothing.” 

When he’s finally tucked in you bring in his water bottle - which he always forgets - and put it on the nightstand. 

“Thanks.”

“All set?”

“Beyond all set…”

“Mm, I can see you won’t need a bedtime story to fall asleep”, you say, running your fingers through his hair.

“Depends…”, he says, seemingly half asleep. “Depends on the story”, he smiles, guiding your hand downwards.

You pull it away. When he doesn’t even bother opening his eyes you know he wasn’t serious anyway, so you turn off the light and say goodnight, closing the door behind you.

                                     ¤¤ 

  Finishing your show you mute the TV and sit still for a while, making sure you can’t hear any sound except Gawa’s snoozing. “Let’s just do this.” You grab your computer and start reading. You’re relieved to find you can’t relate to most of the things you read, but once in a while the text makes you stop;

Patronizing; one month: 

Going through your phone Baekhyun had laughed when you suggested he wouldn’t like finding you going through his. “Go ahead. But I doubt you’d be able to discern anything.”

“What, ‘cus I’m not a corporate lawyer suddenly I’m dumb..?”

“No...But put it this way. Since I am a lawyer I know certain things. But you know things I don’t, sweetie. Like scanning barcodes, or working a cash register. That’s more your thing”, he had smiled. 

You had definitely felt some kind of way about the conversation. But seeing as he’d already said he wasn’t calling you dumb you didn’t find the words to approach it without it seeming like you were picking a fight.

“Joking”: Two months:

 “Baekhyun, I don’t think this is my size. Why’d you cut the label off?”

“It was huge. I knew you’d do it anyway. Maybe you’ve gained weight…”,  he said, chuckling at how the fabric cut into your waist.

You knew you hadn’t, and comparing it to your other trousers, the one he bought was definitely smaller.

Monitoring your whereabouts: three months:

Stacking condiments on the shelf at work you’d seen him coming down the aisle; a lovely surprise in the middle of a long shift. “Hi..! What are you doing here?”

“You weren’t answering your phone, just wanted to see you’re okay.”

“I don’t have it on me, you know that.”

“Okay, you got me. I was gonna pretend I wanted snacks, but really I missed you.”

You had found it adorable that he’d gotten into the car just to see you. But had he maybe done it to see if your text was true - if you were really covering a shift for a sick coworker? 

“Sweetie…”

Drunk with sleep you rub your eyes. Baekhyun is kneeling next to the couch, the white light from your laptop making him an angelic figure in the otherwise dark room.

“Oh”, you scrunch your face. “I must’ve fallen asleep…”

“You must have”, he says, brushing your hair behind your ear. “Who’s being abused?”

You jerk, suddenly fully awake, and look at your screen: “Signs to look out for”. You scramble to sit up and close the web browser.

“No, Beanie just-”

“Minnie’s abusing Beanie?”

“No. Someone in her mom circle...she thought maybe. I don’t know…” You know it’s impossible Baekhyun doesn’t hear the lie, but he doesn’t let on. “I just thought I’d see if there’s anything she could look...out for, you know. She’s busy with the baby and all...”, you shrug your shoulders, trying to brush it off as nothing special.

“If she’s that busy maybe she shouldn’t put her nose in other people’s business”, he says, cocking his head.

There’s an almost undetectable smile on his lips which sends a shiver through your body.

“It’s not like that, she-”

“Come to bed”, he says getting up on his feet.

“I... Come on, Gawa.”

“No, he stays. I don’t want him in the room.”

  There’s something distinctly different in how his shoulders look as he walks away. Something that makes you drag out your visit to the bathroom, hoping he’ll be asleep by the time you’re done. Tiptoeing into your room you breathe a sigh of relief, until you get into bed and he immediately rolls over to hug you. Any other day this would’ve been nothing less than what you expected - and wanted - but now all you can think of is how fast your heart is beating, and whether he can feel it or not. And Beanie…“What if he asks her? I can’t tell her to lie for me, then I’d have to explain why I did it in the first place…” But your thoughts are interrupted when Baekhyun exhales loudly into your neck and pulls your body closer, easing you out of your underwear.

                                         ¤¤

  Cutting the alarm at 08.15 you sit up to find the bed empty. Well, empty of Baekhyun. He’d let the door stay open for Gawa to jump into bed, as he is now halfheartedly wagging his tail, looking at you. The fact that he’s not already in your face, vying for your attention means Baekhyun has both walked and fed him. And that means he’s not angry with you about last night.

“Ay, ay”, you sigh getting out of bed, tying your robe tightly. “Maybe I should cut back even more on my hours like he wants. Whaddya say, Ga’? Staying home watching dramas all day, wouldn’t that be something?” 

 Shuffling out to the kitchen you see a note on the counter: “I’m meeting Seung Inc.redible ass for dinner. Home early, call me if you want take out.” Baekhyun always ends his notes with a star. Never a heart, or a smiley, but a star. Today it makes you pause, mulling last night over in your head. Not so much thinking as feeling. “Sweetie…” Nothing had happened, yet deep down you know something had. But since it is deep down you swat it away with ease, going about your day as planned. 

  Coming back to your apartment to find half of your plants either dead or hanging on to life by a thread was the twig that broke the back of your dubble home lifestyle. The surfaces being covered in dust and your clothes smelling stuffy was just icing on said broken back. 

“...and cleaning up feels like a waste since I’ll be gone and the same thing’s gonna happen..”, you complain over the phone to Baekhyun. 

“Sweetie..? Are you asking me if you can move in with me..?”, Baekhyun says at the other end. You can tell he has a smile on his face.

“Wha-no… I’m not”, you laugh, suddenly realising that’s exactly what it sounds like. “I was just venting.”

“So you don’t wanna move in with me?”

If you say yes it will really seem as if you were fishing, so you just stare at the phone. 

“You there…?”

“Yeah, I just… Are you really asking?”

“Yes…”

What you want to do is swing from your lamp like it’s a merry-go-round and scream, but you keep it cool, clearing your throat.

“Well, it’s a pretty big decision. Of course I’d say yes, but I have to confer with my associate.”

“This associate of yours, does it happen to be a big furry thing who is probably lying next to you, listening in..?”

“Maybe…”

“Mr. Gawa, I’m gonna make you an offer you can’t refuse.”

“Baekhyun! I’ve seen that movie - it’s not a good offer..!”, you holler.

“Okay, okay”, he laughs. “My offer is love. Good enough?”

You scrunch your face and smother a yelp of delight.

“Good enough, Baekhyun…”

“Great”, he huffs. “Typical Seung, calling to rain on my happy moment… You’ll come home tonight then?”

“My first night as the lady of the manor, wouldn’t miss it. Go easy on him..! Love you.”

“Love you. Bye.”

  You sit in disbelief for a moment. Did an everyday phone call with Baekhyun just end in you moving in with him? A dozen unfinished thoughts goes through your mind; giving up the apartment seems daunting somehow; what do I do with all my stuff; does he have room for what I wanna bring..? But it is mostly happy thoughts painted in pink.

“Hope this puts an end to the tiffs we’ve had lately. Brings it back to how it was before”, you sigh. “Look alive, Gawa - you’re moving up in the world..!”, you say, wrestling with him for a bit.

                                           ¤¤ 

“Agh!”, you huff, kicking your shoes off in the hallway and dropping your bag on the floor.

Baekhyun, for once home earlier than you, gives you a curious look from the sofa.

“Rough day?”

“My car won’t start..!”

“How’d you get home?”

“It was fine, but when I turned the ignition off my headlights wouldn’t go out, so I was gonna do it again, but it wouldn’t start. I’ve been sitting in the parking lot for fifteen minutes revving the engine like Wacky Races..! I had to cut the battery ‘cus of the lights”, you complain, slumping down next to him with your head in his lap. “I was so angry I almost forgot Ga’ in the car. Ahh, that fucking car, Baekhyun..!”, you laugh desperately.

“You gonna leave it at the shop?”

“I can’t afford it right now. Not again.”

“Don’t be silly, I’ll pay for it.” 

“I don’t want you to. I’ll take the bus.”

“What’s a bus?”, Baekhyun frowns, choking a smile.

You roll your eyes at him and shake your head, as if you don’t think him playing with high class manners is funny. 

“Wait, I wanna lie down”, he says, stretching out on the couch with you as his blanket.

“I’ll give you money for the cab tomorrow”, he says, kissing your hand.

“There’s no cab. I’m taking the bus. But thank you.”

“Some start to being the lady of the manor… Speaking of which, did you give your… How many months is the notice...?”

“Three. No, I…”, you pause.

Baekhyun shakes his head a little, a question.

“I thought you might wanna talk it over.”

“We already did..? You having second thoughts?”

“Of course not..! It was just in case, since I was whining about it, maybe you asked...on the spur of the moment, kinda?”

His honeyed laughter rings in your ears.

“You think I’d ask you to move in on the spur of the moment?”

“Well, no...when you say it like that it sounds different..!”

“ Ah, what to do with you, sweetie”, he sighs. “You wanna have a party maybe?”

“A party?”

“Not a rave, but invite a few people, you know.”

“Hm...eh, I hadn’t...hm, okay.”

“We don’t have to.”

“No, I just hadn’t thought about it. It’ll be fun, let’s do it. Wait, I don’t even know - do you have a storage room in the building? If my stuff can fit there or whether I should rent something?”

“You’re bringing your things here, aren’t you?”

“I mean the big things, my furniture and…”

“You don’t need them anymore, just throw them out? Or are you planning on leaving me..?”, Baekhyun teases.

“Nooo. But I spent money on them, I don’t wanna just chuck ‘em out.”

“It’s stupid, but do as you wish”, he sighs.

“It’s not. Humour me. For a while at least.”

In these mundane things is where your heart is, feeling Baekhyun’s breathing and warmth through his thin t-shirt while he watches the news, lightly scratching the nape of your neck, but otherwise paying no particular attention to you. 

                                         ¤¤ 

  Even though you at first hadn’t a thought of having a moving-in party, the thought really grew on you, and you decided to throw something together. It was all rather ad-hoc: drinks, ramyun, games, a few shiny balloons you’d gotten from work and a dozen guests. Most of them were from Baekhyun’s office, but that didn’t matter, you knew and liked them well enough. Oddly enough, Beanie hadn’t gotten back to you today. You knew she was coming, she’d been too excited about the news not to, but you couldn’t get a hold of her now. You’d been checking your phone so often it was borderline rude, so you’d left it in the kitchen for some peace of mind, but now hearing your ringtone you excuse yourself and dash to get it. It’s not her.

“Hey, I forgot the code to the gate..?”

“Didn’t I send you a text with it?”

“Oh… I forgot that to..! Sorry, be right up.”

  Without being unappreciative of the friends that are here you can’t help missing the one who isn’t. You could probably drink and laugh away the night with anyone of these people, but with Beanie it’s different. You don’t know if it’s because both of you are from “the other side of the tracks” and somehow ended up in fancy places, but you do know your connection with her was instant, like meeting your twin from another lifetime. You know her word is her bond and that’s why her silence unnerves you.

“Problem?”

A little startled, you spin around to see Baekhyun.

“Nah, just Katy asking for the code.”

“Really..?”, he frowns. “You seem a bit…” 

“I thought it might be Bean…”, you shrug your shoulders. “Can you try Minnie, please?”

“He’s out of town on business”, Baekhyun replies casually.

“What?”

“He had to go, sweetie.”

“Had to go? Don’t you decide that?”

“What’s your point?”

“Well… Why didn’t you tell me?” 

Baekhyun cocks his head to the side. It makes your chest tighten.

“You want me to ask you how to do my job?”

“Of course not”, you say, deflated. “I’m just disappointed.”

“Well, you have guests in the other room. Maybe you should think more about them instead of sitting in here having a tantrum over someone who doesn’t even answer your calls. Shouldn’t you?”

You don’t want to let Baekhyun off the hook for not telling you about Min, but you know it wouldn’t make a difference if you continued. 

“I just don’t get why Beanie’s not picking up… What if something’s wrong?”

“She has a kid, she’s probably busy. And at this hour”, he says, looking at his watch “...she probably has her phone on mute. Come on now. I spent a lot of money on this, you don’t wanna ruin it for everyone, do you?”

Letting his words sink in, logic and guilt alike, you come to terms with the situation and realise that you really don’t want to ruin it for everyone, or yourself. You shake your head with a crooked smile.

“That’s my girl. No more pouting”, Baekhyun says, with a light poke on your nose. 

  Getting into bed you look through your phone one last time; check the call log and text messages, in case you’ve somehow clicked Beanie away, but there’s nothing there. Now, with not so little alcohol in your system you don’t worry about her being okay, but about your friendship. Had you done something wrong? Or rather, did she think you had; had she misunderstood something maybe? You try to put it out of your mind, but it sits like a little pebble in your gut, only given a break by Baekhyun.

“Thank god they’re gone..!”, he exclaims, dragging you on top of him. 

“You talked the most, drank the most-”

“I was trying to scare them away”, he laughs between kisses. “Every fucking time you moved on the couch I imagined it was me under there… Now be a good girl and ride me, sweetie.”

                                        ¤¤ 

As you hadn’t been able to get a hold of Beanie the following couple of days you had made up your mind to go to her and Minnie’s home - one of these days. Deciding to do something and having the courage to do it can be two very different things, and it fell on divine intervention to push you forward.

Waiting for Baekhyun to pick you up from the mall you spot Minnie walking across the parking lot.

“Min..!”, you shout, zig-zagging your way through the parked cars.

He smiles when he spots you, but you detect a degree of discomfort in it.

“Oh, hi. What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been to lunch with my mom, just waiting for Baekhyun to pick me up.”

“Lunch date with mom, that’s nice. I haven’t seen you in a while, how are you?”, he asks, as he starts for his car again.

“I’m good. You?”

“I’m good, just came back from out of town-”

“Yeah”, you interrupt. “That’s actually what I wanted to ask you about… Is Beanie alright? She didn’t come to my party and I can’t get a hold of her.”

“Yeah, she’s fine. You know how it is, busy with the baby and all… She probably just forgot.”

 Even with his face turned away as he’s putting his bags in the trunk you can tell he’s not being honest. You’re not sure if you want to know why though. You study his face as he rounds the car to the driver’s door - he’s clearly uncomfortable, trying to force a normal demeanour, so you press him on it.

“But I don’t think she’d forget about it. Or not get in touch on her own - we talk almost every day, Min.”

“Shit...”, he says, fidgeting with the keys. “I asked her not to go, okay. To keep a little distance for a while.”

“From me? Why? I thought we were-”

“No, it’s…”

They way he’s frowning and struggling with his words you know why.

“Baekhyun asked me to”, he finishes, holding his hands up in defeat.

“What, no. You must’ve misunderstood, Min”, you say, not wanting to let on what you’re really thinking. “Why would he?”

“He didn’t say, he just… Aeh, you know what? Maybe I did misunderstand him. Talk to him when you see him, it’s probably nothing”, he says, getting into the car.

“Yeah, I’ll tell him you ruined my party over nothing”, you chuckle. “Tell Bean to answer next time, alright?”

“Will do. See you around?”

“See ya”, you say, waving him off.

  You spend the few minutes you have left to wait wondering - fearing - why Baekhyun would ask such a thing of Minnie. Actually, you’re not wondering at all - you know why. But if that’s the case what does it mean? Why wouldn’t he sit down with you and have a conversation about it like an adult? Why would he essentially order Min to keep her away? He must know what it looks like… And what would Beanie think it looks like? What the hell are you gonna tell her when you see her again? “If you see her, you mean? I will see her.” You promise yourself you won’t let Baekhyun get away with this, that you’re gonna have a proper talk about it. But your resolve gets a nick as soon as you get in the car, for a moment pretending that it might just be a misunderstanding…

“How’s your mom?”

“You know, same old, same old.”

“Nothing new on the westfront..?”, he smiles at you and takes your hand.

“Not much. But I saw Min. Bumped into him, I mean. Just now.”

You can’t tell if you sound casual. When Baekhyun tightens his grip on your hand you definitely feel less than casual.

“Hm. Beanie?”

“No, it was just him. He-”

“So what’d he say?”, he asks, keeping his eyes on the road.

This is your in, but you’re not as brave as you were five minutes ago. If you bring it up you can’t unsay it and everything that follows will be your doing; do you want to spend a wonderful evening with your man or do you want to walk around on glass shards?

“Beanie thinks you don’t like her…”

He spares you a quick glance with a furrowed brow.

“He said that?”

“Not exactly. He said, eh, I don’t wanna be a tattle tale...”

“What are you, ten years old?”, he scoffs. “We can talk about it when we get home”, he continues and lets go of your hand. 

 It’s sickening, the darkness that emanates from him. Even shifting in your seat to look out the window you feel like a bother to him. You don’t want to “talk about it”, you want to shout at him for trying to decide who your friends are, and for cutting you off. But you also wanna sweep it under the rug, beg his forgiveness with your saddest eyes and let him know he’s more important than anyone else.

                                            ¤¤

  From the garage to the elevator to the hallway, every step feels like you're walking closer to springing a bear trap you set for yourself.

“You’re hovering...”, Baekhyun notes when you stand by the kitchen island, watching him scroll through his phone.

“Well, you said...we were gonna talk…”

“What’s there to talk about?”

You look at him, dumbfounded, until he puts away his phone and raises a questioning eyebrow.

“Minnie. Did you say anything to him about Beanie? I’m hoping it’s a misun-”

“That he should keep her away? Yeah.”

“Why would you do that? She’s my friend!”

“Don’t raise your voice at me.”

“Baekhyun…”

You try to find the right words as your eyes start burning, but end up throwing your hands up in defeat.

“She’s my friend…”

“Sweetie”, he says, coming up to you, looking down at you. “I’ve known her longer than you, I think I know what’s best.”

“I can take care of myself. Make my own decisions.”

“Sure you can. But I’m the one who moved you from a tiny apartment to a skyrise flat, no?”, he chuckles.

You know he sometimes has a tendency to poke fun at you, but this was different. Going from letting you know it doesn’t matter what your paycheck says to making sure you know it does - the audacity doesn’t make you angry, it hurts you.

“Why do you have to put me down? Like in the car, when you called me ten..”

“What am I supposed to do with you when you act like this then?” Pausing, seemingly drawing pleasure from your expression he continues in a softer tone, putting his arms around you “I was only kidding, you’re too sensitive, sweetie.”

“I guess I am...”, you whisper, knowing you can’t make him listen anyway. “I’m gonna take Ga’ out.”

   Giving Baekhyun the silent treatment doesn’t work. He sees through it, thinks it’s childish and wants no part of it. Besides, he’s better at it than you are; making some calls, working in his home office, reading the paper while seemingly not noticing your silent rebellion. After a while the TV and Gawa can’t keep your fearful thoughts away, the ones where he decides you’re no fun anymore. The clock is creeping closer to dinner time and that’ll be make or break as you see it - making up and eating together or eating alone and making a bad situation worse. You don’t want to give up even more of your pride, but his silence won’t stop any other way. “And besides, a relationship is about diplomacy. Sometimes you have to let the other person win.. It’s normal.”

 You walk past his study and the kitchen to find him lying in bed with his phone. Quiet as a mouse you sit down on your end, suddenly scared it won’t work, that he’ll brush away your attempt at reconciliation like so many bread crumbs from the mattress. “Do I beg?” A part of you is disgusted with yourself because you know he’s waiting for you to crawl back. He doesn’t look at you when you turn around to face him, but oh, he’s waiting alright. Shuffling up next to him you cautiously lower yourself down, hoping he’ll let you in. When he moves his arm for you to lay down, putting it around you when you have, the release you feel is immeasurable. Winning or losing isn’t so important. Baekhyun is. He runs his hand over your hair, eyes still fixed on the phone, you stretch your arm out, tucking your fingers beneath his shirt to feel his warm torso. That other stuff may be important, but not right now. 

                                            ¤¤

“Dear Diary in my head… Why didn’t I say anything? I’m not afraid of him, so why was I afraid to? I was lazy ‘cus I didn’t wanna go on with the fight. But I’m not a fucking school girl wanting a boy’s approval, so I should’ve insisted. Now it sounds pathetic, “I should’ve insisted I be allowed to see Beanie”, like he’s my dad - shit, that’s what Beanie said… I AM allowed to see her, goddamn it, and I will, I don’t care. He’s the one being unreasonable - as if I love every single one of his friends..! If that article is what he's mad about it doesn't even make sense, ‘cus he’s not like that. But what if he is...like that rumour she was talking about… Jesus CHRIST, I’d know if he was! Now I’m just winding myself up ‘cus I’m irritated, stop it. I know how he is; hot headed in the moment, but forgets about it quickly. I mean what, he’s gonna hate on his colleagues wife forever? Ah-ah, he’ll get over it. And I need to stop being such a pushover when we argue, that’s for damn sure…”

                                           ¤¤ 

“How many times have you seen her?”, Baekhyun asks coldly, holding up your phone.

You hadn’t, as you first thought, forgot to take it with you to the bedroom last night - he’d taken it before you woke up. There’s no room for you to come up with a lie, white or other. Actually, this time there’s not even room for your dread as you immediately get pissed off at him for taking it.

“I didn’t opt out of having a password for you to go through my phone”, you say sternly, going to retrieve it from him. When he moves you fix your eyes on him “Baekhyun..!”

“How many times?”

“A few times. She’s my friend, and I missed her. I know y-”

“A few times?”

There’s a glint in his eye that makes you unsettled so you make like you’re starting breakfast, with him following you.

“What do you talk about?”

“Nothing. This and that…”

“For example..?”

“I don’t keep a log, do I?”, you mumble sarcastically, more to yourself than him. 

Before you have time to react he's grabbed your arm, making your head bounce against the wall.

"What did you just say?", he spits in your face, but seeing how you cower, eyes locked on his hand hanging in the air, he remembers himself. "So fucking dumb", he hisses, releasing his grip on you with a shove to the side.

Toppling over, trying to compose yourself you see him snatching his blazer from his seat before leaving. 

  In an instant Baekhyun has made you so small you feel that the chairs, table and island are all towering up around you where you sit on the floor. Your eyes are fixed on the door, terrified you’re going to see the lock turn open. You won’t hear it through the piercing sound in your ears. “He was gonna hit me…” Understanding he’s not coming back you stand up, bracing yourself against the wall. What now? You look around aimlessly, not even realising you’re clutching your arm, until you see your phone on the counter. Like a bolt the obvious answer hits you: “You can’t stay.”  Hurrying to the closet you grab one of Baekhyun’s overnight bags - he won’t miss it - and open the drawers, grabbing a handful of everything and stuffing them in it; tearing clothes off their racks, making the hangers fall to the floor with a clank and sweep toiletries in  with one movement. Lacing up your shoes your heart threatens to break your chest in half. You repeatedly call Gawa, then remember your mom’s had him a few nights.

“Where’s my...” You look around for your jacket in a fever, unable to focus. 

“Did he take my jacket? My keys...no...”, you think even though you’re certain you never saw him with it.

“Ah!”

 Running to your room you breathe a sigh of relief when you see it hanging on a chair; putting it on you check your pockets to see everything’s there and *qo...*. You freeze. Was that the bolt sliding? Not hearing any other sounds you slide your phone open, ready to call whomever, leaving sweat marks over the screen, and inch your way out to the dining room. 

“Baekhyun..?”

 Your bag is right there. If he’s somehow managed to come in without you hearing it, he’s seen it, and with the open floor plan the only doors in the apartment are on the bathroom, office and walk-in closet - all situated round the entrance. You can’t lock yourself in. Your gut churns as you expect him to round the corner with his head to the side - the way it always is when he disapproves of something. Feeling like he’s toying with you, you give way to despondency, wiping your tears before you keep walking and turn the corner. But he’s not there. The door is locked. You sink down on wobbly legs, catching your breath. Grabbing your bag you hear that sound again, and realise it was just a glass bottle in the bag settling, knocking against another one. 

“Fuck! Jesus Christ…”

 Sitting down you start thinking about where to go. In the back of your head you’d assumed your mom’s place, but now you see there are only two ways that could go: you don’t tell her why, so she’ll invite Baekhyun in when he comes looking or you do tell her and she’ll insist you report him to the police. But what’s there to report? “He DIDN’T hit me. He grabbed your arm! Yeah, he grabbed my arm in a fight when he found out I’d been lying to him… They won’t do anything…”

“Why did I lie to him..! None of this would've happened if I’d been honest, just told him the first time I saw her. And if I hadn’t acted like that when he asked… Of course he'd be angry, anyone would. Being angry is one thing, punching someone is different. But he didn't… I mean, haven't I been so annoyed I've wanted to hit him? It's not the same thing! Why not? Because he happens to be stronger than me? It's still violence...You KNOW why it isn't… If he HAD, sure, I'd never let him near me again, but he didn’t. He wouldn’t… He wouldn’t.”

 Going back and forth with yourself in your head was just a formality and a way to convince yourself you're the type of person that 1: won't tolerate being treated like shit, and 2: would give someone a second chance. “Everyone deserves a second chance. At least a chance to explain themselves.” 

Putting your things back you make sure they are exactly as they had been, while ignoring the voice that asks why you’re worried he might be able to tell a difference. Now there’s nothing left to do but somehow pass the excruciatingly long hours until he gets off work...

                                        ¤¤

 Not hearing from Baekhyun all day had you go from thinking he’d been wrong to fearing he’d still think you were.

If you can forgive him then surely he can forgive you, right? If he’s still angry, you’ll make an effort; if he doesn't say anything about it, neither will you. You’ll go on as usual, have a visit with your mom, be fine. 

Standing in front of the mirror in your closet, trying to figure out what top to wear has a different feeling to it today; you're trying to cover up your arm. There isn't any bruising on it as far as you can tell, but you never know… When the lock turns your pulse goes up. You’ve been anxiety ridden all day, as well as longing for him to come home, so you can really put this thing past you and go back to normal. 

He peeks in through the door with a gentle smile and presents a bouquet - yellow peonies.

"I think roses are the official flower of apology, but I know how you love these."

“He’s not mad, thank God, he’s not mad…” 

"I don't know what came over me”, he starts, coming up to you. “It must be all the stress at work, with the buy-out and I… I would never hurt you! When I saw that look in your eyes I couldn’t believe what I was doing-”

“Why didn’t you call me all day?”, you ask, teary-eyed with relief.

“I wanted to, sweetie, but I...every time I picked up the phone I saw that look and I didn’t know what to say… I’ll never hurt you again, I swear.”

“You real...really scared me”, you manage to say through choppy breaths.

“I know. I’ll do whatever you want, give you anything you want”, he says, hugging you tightly “...just forgive me.”

You don’t take pleasure in seeing him distraught, but note that suddenly the roles are reversed - he’s the one pleading, and you have the power to lift him up.

“You have to promise me, Baekhyun.”

“I promise, sweetie. I promise..!”

He tips your head up by the chin:

“You believe me, right?"

With such sincerity in his eyes and tremble in his voice, how could you not?

“Good”, he says when you nod, giving you your long awaited kiss. “I’m so sorry…”

“Let’s...”, you exhale deeply, turning to the mirror again.“Let’s not talk about it anymore, okay?”

“Sure. What are you up to?”

“I'm just deciding what to wear. We have to be at my mum's in forty-five minutes, so if you're gonna shower before we go…”

Coming up to stand behind you in the mirror, the way he puts his hands on your shoulders makes you wince, if ever so slightly. But he doesn't notice. 

"Do you really think it's a good idea for us to go over there today? I think we could really need this time for ourselves. Don't you agree?"

"But I've already told her we're coming over…"

"I know, but with everything that's been going on… Tell you what...You go put these in water and I'll give her a call, tell her I've got a migraine."

"I have to get Gawa, she's had him four days already", you say, happy to have found a good reason for going over.

"She won't mind will she?", he asks, spinning you around to look you in the eyes. "Aren't I as important as him? I've really missed you today, sweetie."

You don't want to upset him again, and you've really missed him too. So you give in. 

Curled up on the sofa with your head on Baekhyun's chest, his fingers are playing with your hair.

"Sweetie? Have you thought about maybe letting your mum have Gawa?"

"Have him? Past tomorrow?"

"Keep him. For good, I mean."

"What? No, why?"

"Don't get upset", he says soothing you. "I don't mean he can't come over from time to time."

A sickening feeling creeps into your heart, but not wanting to risk another fight so soon you hold your tongue. Nonchalantly flipping through the channels on the TV he adds:

"We don't have to decide anything now. It's just...something to think about."

                                            ¤¤ 

  Drying your hands after finishing up the dishes at your mom's you hear Baekhyun from the living room:

"... to have him full time."

Your stomach's in knots as you join them. Baekhyun smiles and grabs your hand. 

"I was just telling your mom how we think she should keep Gawa - if you want to, of course", he adds thoughtfully, looking at your mom. 

"But he's your everything, honey", your mom, correctly, points out. "Why would you ev-"

She cuts herself off with eyes growing wide.

"Are you pregnant..!? Oh, oh..!", she blurts out before you can stop her.

"No!"

Baekhyun bursts out laughing, pulling you to sit on his lap.

"Not yet, mother. But who knows, might not be too long before you hear the tapping of little feet around here…", he jokes.

At least you hope he is. Not feeling entirely comfortable with the turn the conversation has taken, you get up, calling Gawa to you. 

"Well, I guess we should be going, mom. Come on, Baekhyun, Ga'."

There's a flicker in Baekhyun's eyes, but you know he won't make a scene in front of your mom.

"We'll give you some time to think about it", he says, hugging her goodbye. 

You can feel the cold emanating from him like dry ice in the elevator. 

"I'll drop you off at home before I head into the office", he says, clearing his throat. 

"It's Saturday, you're off."

"I might as well get some work done if you don't want to be with me. If you choose that animal over me."

                                         ¤¤

  Forty-eight hours ago you had been looking forward to the weekend; visiting your mom with your handsome, successful boyfriend and winding down with the love of your life - Gawa. But nothing had gone the way you had imagined. Even after the incident it was as if Baekhyun hadn't let go of your arm, keeping you under his eye and forcing you to prove your loyalty to him. But then again, you had just been through something big, however short it was. It was only natural he'd want a little more attention from you than normal, right? He probably didn't mean for you to give Gawa up for good, it was just bad wording. He loved seeing you happy, why else would he buy you flowers and jewellery, insist that you cut back your hours at work to be home more, call you every other hour to say hi? 

  Thinking about it in those terms made it simple - if not easy - for you to do what he wanted. Because he was what you wanted, wasn't he? So, not having told him you were returning Gawa to your mom the same day you were waiting for him to come back home. What had started as excitement about pleasing him had, as the hours passed, turned into a tremendously guilty conscience and now, lying in bed as he approaches, you can't even pretend to be happy.

"Why is it so dark in here?", he asks, throwing his blazer on the bed. "Where's Ga'? Gawa..!", he calls.

"He's not here", you answer him, your back still turned against him. "He's with mom…"

"Oh, sweetie", he sighs, laying down behind you, giving you a kiss on the neck. "I didn't mean for you to take him back today. Turn around, let me see that pretty face. That's better", he says, brushing the hair out of your eyes.

"My red eyes and runny nose is better?", you pout, partly fishing for a compliment. 

"Mm-hm. Of course I don't like to see you sad, but I really appreciate what you've done. It shows that you respect me. That you really care about me."

Little by little his words push away your melancholy. The way he's looking at you now, with his gentle brown eyes and sweet smile, prickles your skin. This is the reaction you had wanted from him.

"And besides…", he continues, slipping his hand under your t-shirt "I've been thinking about what your mother said… About a baby."

"No. Baekhyun, that's insane. That’s…"

"Why? Too soon? Who decides that? Look...", he says, nudging your t-shirt up to show your stomach "...can't you imagine a little Baekhyun growing in here? Or my daughter? Walking in the park with the stroller, showing the baby to everyone at work… I’d show you off to everyone the minute I found out."

“Aeh..”, you swat your hand as he gets up, but when he’s out of the room you scrunch your face with delight at the thought of it. Somehow you can see it. But in your stomach isn't just the butterflies of an imagined little life - it’s the whispered knowledge that you've left the right love behind.

[pinkbubbles-and-bigtroubles]

BEST YEARS

gh

I am feeling very out of character so here is some a fluffy crazy romantic Calum blurb. It’s not even smutty. Who am I?

Calum grinned as he glanced over at the bouquet on his desk. It was just like you to surprise him with flowers at work. You were wildly romantic and refused to let his cynicism affect that. Your refusal to be anything but optimistic is what drew Calum to you in the first place. You refused to be daunted despite what the world threw at you, and he marveled at your toughness. 

When you met neither of you had been single, he was dating a woman who had the potential to be serious, and you were getting weary of a relationship that had seen better days. Your sister got involved with Calum's roommate, and while you found Roy incredibly tedious, Calum and Duke made the house one of your favorite hangouts. 

Your friendship grew closer and everyone noticed. Calum's relationship petered out. Meanwhile, your relationship quickly fell apart under constant accusations that you were cheating with Calum, or both him and Roy depending on how nasty the fight became. At that point, you hadn't even been alone in a room with Calum, and after such an ugly breakup you had no intention of jumping into a new relationship. The two of you had an easy friendship, and even after your sister upgraded her romantic partner you still came around to hang out with your boys as you called them.

Calum plucked a peach rose from the bouquet inhaling its scent, remembering your first date. It wasn't supposed to be a date, the two of you were bored out of your minds and decided to get out of the house. Calum wanted to get food, but you weren't hungry and insisted on going for a drive. You'd taken over the music, randomly selecting songs and making Calum sing along. Within an hour you'd rocked out to "London Calling," shimmied to "Jungle Love" and "Whatta Man  " His high notes in "Dancing Queen" had you giggling, but his rendition of "One Less Problem" sent you into hysterics. You made him pull over at every cheesy tourist trap and buy postcards. After a while, you were both starving and Calum pulled into the first restaurant he saw that wasn't fast food.

Opening the door he found a tiny Italian restaurant almost empty except for an older couple sharing a pizza in a corner booth. The hostess looked like someone's grandmother from the old country in Sicily. Her eyes lit up when he saw the two of you. She fussed over the two of you, blatantly ogling Calum in his blue jeans, docs, and a tight black T-shirt. 

"I'm Bianca, my husband works in the back," she introduced herself. "You two make a cute couple," the hostess commented, leading you to a table, decked out with a white linen tablecloth with white red checkered placemats.

"Thanks, it's our first date," Calum told her, leaning in towards the older woman,  lowering his voice as if he were telling her a secret.

"You came to the right place," she told him, patting his arm before giving you a not so subtle thumbs up. 

After she lit the small candle on the table, she left to let you look over the menus you'd looked at Calum, confused. 

"Shhh play along," he whispered with a wink and a brilliant smile. "We can pretend to be on a date, can't we? 

The staff went all out, starting with complimentary bruschetta which Calum made it a point to fawn over when Bianca told him it was her specialty. That was followed by antipasto before the house specialty pasta Verde, linguini with white wine sauce, chicken and spinach. There was so much food you both took several boxes to go. The drive home was slow, the music turned down so you could talk as you watched the sunset over the hills. 

You'd been a little drowsy when Calum dropped you off and walked you to your door. 

He hesitated before giving you an awkward hug and hurrying off leaving you cursing yourself for not being bolder. He was halfway home when he realized you'd left your leftovers in his car. He knew you were looking forward to the tiramisu you'd insisted on paying for yourself. He sent you a text and turned the car around. He still got butterflies thinking about how nervous you'd looked when you answered the door. How when he'd finally been ready to make a move you'd pounced first. Standing on your tiptoes in bare feet as your arms wound around his neck your lips found his, and just like that his heart was yours. 

Calum was snapped back to the present by his phone ringing on his desk. He frowned at being pulled out of his daydream until he saw your face flashing across his screen. 

"My love," you could hear the smile in his voice when he answered. "Thank you for the flowers." 

"I was about to say the same thing, but I think you went a bit overboard," you laughed holding the phone out so Calum could hear your coworkers cheering in the background. 

You worked at a small design firm with just three people and the company owner. Calum had sent all of them flowers although much smaller than the ostentatious display of orchids overwhelming your desk. 

"Nonsense, you all work so hard, and I may have had an ulterior motive," Calum confessed, putting his feet up on his desk.

"Yeah I can tell, suddenly my boss is insisting I take the afternoon off. So what's the plan Hood?" 

"What if I  order takeout from Mama's Kitchen and if you'll pick it up, I'll stop and get wine and meet you at the house. I've got a couple of calls to make, but I've canceled everything else. Sound good?" He asked her. 

"Of course, what's the special occasion?" You asked, a little confused. You'd sent him flowers on a whim, and now you were wondering if you missed something. 

"I'm in a romantic mood, what can I say? I'm not allowed to woo my beautiful girlfriend while also giving in to my craving for tiramisu," he paused, "and other sweet things," he finished, his voice trailing off to a deep rumble. 

"Order a whole one this time, you always eat more than you think you will. I'll see you at the house, love you," he grinned when he heard the "ooohs" of your coworkers. 

"Love you too, sunshine," he hung up and called the restaurant. 

The nickname, sunshine, came the day he'd asked you to move in. Nine months as a couple and he was set to go home for the holidays when his regular dog sitter fell through. You jumped at the chance to stay at Calum's place to take care of Duke. You'd sent Calum a video each night highlighting your day with Duke. One night while video chatting with he'd suggested you go through his closet a bit to try on his clothes, and take a few pics. He still had one of you in his silver sparkle jacket with nothing else on except red heels and lipstick as his lock screen.  By the time three weeks were up Calum was frustrated by how much longer the flight home seemed to take. He'd arrived home grumpy but relieved to see your car in the driveway. He'd come in the front door but heard nothing until he got further in the house. Your voice was coming from the backyard and Calum followed the sound until he saw you. You were singing to Duke, bouncing and shuffling your feet and he danced with you bopping around on his little paws.  

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine," you'd sang, almost finished with the song before a twirl brought you face to face with him, stopping you cold. He remembered the bashful look on your face and the way you couldn't meet his eyes. Duke has been caught off guard and toppled over when he ran into the back of your legs. Calum didn't say a word as he took two steps before folding you into his arms and singing the final lines. 

"You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away." He'd asked you to live with him that night and you'd been his sunshine ever since.

The cars might be different but the relief at coming home to you was still the same. Duke met him at the door and he could hear you in the kitchen. He set his flowers down on the hallway table under the mirror, and scooped Duke up to give him chin scratches. He found you setting the brushetta out on a plate while the pasta was kept warm in the oven. 

"Hey handsome, dinner's ready." You greeted him with a smile wiping your hands on a napkin as he set Duke down. 

"Food can wait, I want you first," he sighed sliding his arms around your waist and pulling you in close. 

"Mmmmm I don't know what's gotten into you, but I like it," your voice caught in your chest as Calum's lips found your neck. 

"I'm hopelessly in love," he murmured feathering kisses across your collarbone. "I know I'm not always good with words but I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling. I gotta make you understand." Calum's hands began unbuttoning your shirt and he backed you up against the counter. Your fingers tangled in his dark curls as his teeth scraped against your skin. 

"Understand what," you gasped as he pushed the food aside before he lifted you onto the counter. 

"That I'm never gonna give you up," he whispered, pushing your shirt off your shoulders. "Never gonna let you down. Never gonna run around and desert you. Never gonna make you cry. Never gonna say goodbye. Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you. Never gonna give you up. Never gonna let you down. Never gonna run around and desert you. Never gonna make you cry. Never gonna say goodbye. Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you. Never gonna give you up. Never gonna let you down. Never gonna run around and desert you. Never gonna make you cry."

@kiiiimberlyriiiicker1995​ @sexgodashton​ @tea4sykes​ @sublimehood​ @irwinkitten​ @kchillout​ @cal-pal-cuddles​ @ghostofmashton​ @noshamenion​ @ukulelecal​ @maluminspace​ @calteahood​ @h0tsos​ @wildmichaelflower​ @itstheholls​ @dukehoods​ @toofadedtofight​

[branlovestowrite]

Reunited: A Stucky Story

I recently fell down the Stucky wormhole after @dracosollicitus started posting her Stucky WIP What’s Left of Kisses (side note, go read that when you’re done here). I’ve read a lot of Stucky stories in the past two months, but I couldn’t find one that had them reuniting in a modern-day, non superhero setting. After a while I decided I should write it myself. I added in Shuri/Bucky BroTP because I LOVE them as besties, as well as a little Jessica Jones/Bucky Barnes friendship because I love JJ and want her in all the Marvel stories. And of course, the women of Marvel ship Stucky and take measures to throw them together. This is my first Stucky story, and, if it’s a ship you’re into, I hope you’ll like what I’ve come up with.

Title: Reunited

Rating: T for mild language and brief mentions of sex

Summary: Bucky Barnes never thought he’d see his childhood best friend, and source of his first heartbreak, Steve Rogers ever again. He is thrown for a loop when Steve ends up working for one of his new clients. What happens now that these boys are together again? Can Bucky finally overcome his nerves and confess his true feelings to Steve?

Also on AO3

On a typical Wednesday morning, Bucky Barnes walked into work, completely unaware that by the end of the day, his life would change forever. That morning had seemed like a normal day in the office. The coffee was stale, the old donuts sat untouched and unmoved, and Shuri was teasing him just like she did every day. “Hey Bucky!” she yelled from across the room. “Yes?” He asked, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement as he approached their shared workspace. Shuri’s brown eyes sparkled with mirth. “Peter and I are in an argument-” “More like a disagreement,” Peter interrupted, his head poking above the cube wall. “An argument,” Shuri continued “about what dating was like before cell phones. I figured you could help me settle it.” “Really?” Bucky raised his eyebrows in response. “I’m not that much older than you guys. I got my first cell phone in high school.” “But that was old tech,” Shuri clarified. “No dating apps; limited texting. What did you do when you had to… call… people?” She said the word ‘call’ as if it offended her. “I don’t know,” Bucky replied, “I just called them.” He dropped his messenger bag to the floor and sank into his desk chair. “What even is this argument about?” “I say people didn’t… have sex,” Peter explained, a flush rising up over his cheeks and ears. “I mean, that is, they didn’t have sex as soon. They waited longer. Since, you know, they weren’t sexting or sending-” he cut himself off as the remainder of his face turned the same shade as a tomato. Shuri gave an exasperated sigh. “Dick pics, Peter. The phrase is dick pics.”

Bucky groaned and hung his head, his chin length hair falling around his face. “You know, we are working…” “Anyway! I say that even if they couldn’t send dick pics, people still found ways to get nasty because people have always found ways to get nasty.” “What did I just walk in on?” Shuri’s brother, their boss and owner of the company, T’Challa walked up with a concerned look on his face. “Do I need to call Okoye?” “No, please, sir,” Peter fumbled. “Ha!” Shuri laughed. “Peter’s scared of HR!” “I’m not scared of HR; just Okoye. She can be so tough!” “Please make them stop,” Bucky pleaded, turning to T’Challa. Their boss only laughed in return. “If you find a way to make my sister stop, Barnes, you come let me know. I haven’t found one yet.” He walked on, continuing his morning lap of the office. After a minute, as Bucky was bringing up his email, Shuri pushed her chair over to his desk. “So, old man, what did you guys do?” Bucky stopped his perusal to reminisce. He remembered rushing home to get to his computer and see if Steve was online. They would chat for hours via AIM, unless one of them had to get off the computer so a parent could use the phone line. When they each got cell phones they would call each other at 9:00pm sharp, when minutes were unlimited, and talk until one or both of their phone batteries died. A flush grew on his cheeks as he remembered the not-so-innocent turn their conversations sometimes took. While he never did anything explicit with Steve, he thoroughly remembered some of the thoughts he’d had during those conversations; thoughts he’d been too afraid to express. And the things he did with other people, in an attempt to get Steve out of his head. “Shuri’s right.” He said, looking at Peter. Shuri smirked conspiratorially. “Oooo… Bucky got nasty!” “That’s all I’m saying,” Bucky replied, turning back to his screen. Bucky worked for Wakanda Tech, or WT as the employees called it, a startup taking the corporate communications world by storm. T’Challa inherited the company from his father, but most of their recent products came directly from Shuri’s designs. She was a wunderkind, with an innate understanding of technology that put people twice her age to shame. And somehow she managed to combine her technical ability with a personality that was warm and engaging. It was impossible not to like Shuri. Bucky considered himself lucky to have landed a position at WT. Most of the employees were in their early 20’s. He was a random outlier, having met Okoye, their director of HR, at a job fair for veterans. Okoye was not your typical HR rep. She had a strict no-bullshit policy and had no issue with calling out her employees when she felt they were in violation of that. But she was also fiercely loyal and dedicated to the success of WT, having grown up alongside T’Challa. Okoye had an eye for talent, and she saw something in Bucky, even if he didn’t really see it himself. He worked as a implementation manager, helping get new clients on the platform once they’d purchased a license. Bucky had an eye for organization, a direct result of his military training. His personal life might be a mess, but he knew how to get other people in order. Once Shuri and Peter settled their dispute, the office became quiet, although a hum of anticipation still hung in the air. Today was a very important day for WT. T’Challa had been in discussions with Tony Stark about bringing their product to Stark Inc. If they landed this contract, there would be a huge bonus for everyone. Negotiations were almost complete; Stark was coming by later to hopefully sign the final documents. Bucky couldn’t calm the anxiety that crept up his spine. He never liked brash, overcompensating men like Stark- or at least the way Stark was portrayed in the media. When he was younger, he’d stopped more than a few of those types from beating Steve to a pulp. He’d learned to live with them in the Army, being surrounded by meatheads who preened like peacocks to hide their insecurities. He’d had his fill of guys like that during his time in the service, and did his best to avoid them now. Unfortunately, there was only one other Implementation Manager at WT, Peter, and he was too green to take on the Stark job. Like it or not, Bucky would have to be in the room with Stark later that day, and he’d most likely also have to suck up to the man. His stomach roiled and he skipped lunch, hiding out at his desk while he nibbled on a few crackers.

The day kept moving like a freight train, and, before long, it was time. The quiet, efficient atmosphere of WT was turned on its ear when Tony Stark walked in. Bucky watched from the safety of his desk as Stark was greeted by T’Challa. “Mr. Stark,” the always professional entrepreneur began as he shook Stark’s hand. “No no,” his guest interrupted, “if we’re gonna work together, you gotta call me Tony.” The man spoke his words in a rapid clip, as if he didn’t have time to breathe properly between syllables. “Very well, Tony: welcome to Wakanda Tech.” T’Challa gestured proudly around the office. “Small operation you got here, huh?” “We believe in a flat organization structure, to maximize efficiency.” “Great use of buzzwords there, pal,” Stark replied, placing his hand on T’Challa’s shoulder. Shuri chose that moment to stand from her desk and extend her own hand to Bucky. “Shall we go in?” “Do I have to?” Bucky whined petulantly. “Yes!” she scolded, looking much older than her 22 years. “Get off your ass and come with me.” Bucky straightened up and grabbed his tablet, standing to follow the younger woman. They headed to the conference room and made it inside just before Stark and his entourage entered. “This must be Shuri!” Stark exclaimed, greeting the lady on question with a hug. Shuri halfheartedly returned the gesture before pulling away with a smile. “It is good to meet you, Mr. Stark.” “I already had this conversation with your brother. Call me Tony.” Shuri smiled politely in response and then turned to Bucky. “This is James Barnes. He is the Implementation Manager that will be working on your account.” “Jamie!” Tony said, patting the other man on the shoulder. “Tony,” Bucky returned with a bemused smirk. “Finally someone who gets it,” Tony said with a smile. He turned to the people surrounding him. “Allow me to introduce Pepper Potts, my right hand and the only reason I have any success in this world.” A tall, willowy redhead nodded her head toward Bucky and Shuri. “And this is Rhodey, my other right hand and best friend in the world.” The man in question smiled tensely at the group. “And finally, this is-” “Steve,” Bucky said in awe, looking up at the last member of Stark’s party. “Steve Rogers, from my legal team,” Tony filled in, a little deflated. “I’m sorry,” he said, pointing between them, “do you two know each other?”

“Bucky and I go way back,” Steve said, his smile still as devastating as ever. He flashed his blue eyes at Bucky, and the other man felt himself get weak in the knees. “Bucky?” Tony asked with a smirk. Bucky grimaced. “My full name is James Buchanan Barnes… but my friends call me Bucky.” “Splendid!” Tony said. “You didn’t tell me you knew someone who worked here, Rogers.” “I didn’t know I had a connection,” Steve replied warmly, still looking at Bucky. “It’s been a while since we talked.” Bucky gave Steve a shy smile. “A lot has happened since we last saw each other.” They stood like that, staring awkwardly at one another while butterflies danced in Bucky’s stomach. Finally, T’Challa intervened. “Shall we get started?” he asked as he gestured toward the table. Bucky wasn’t sure how he made it through that meeting in one piece, but, in spite of the awkwardness he felt, the meeting was a success. Stark seemed keener to sign the contract knowing there was a personal relationship between a member of his staff and someone at WT. As soon as the meeting adjourned Steve pulled Bucky aside.  

“You look good, Buck.” “Thanks,” Bucky said, refusing to meet the other man’s eyes. Steve had changed so much since he’d last seen him, He was at least a good foot taller, with much broader shoulders. Bucky had to actively try not to drool. “You do too, but… I thought you were smaller.” Steve chuckled and scratched the back of his neck. “I had a growth spurt right after I moved away.” “You look… really good,” Bucky said. He took in Steve’s chest and thick arms that filled out his jacket just right. His mind wandered to the last time those arms had been wrapped around him in a hug, when Steve was thinner and shorter. He couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel now to have them wrap around his body; to get lost in that strong embrace. “Bucky?” Steve asked, meeting the other man’s eye. “Huh? Yeah?” Bucky came back to himself with a jolt, cursing his train of thought. “You wanna get a drink later? Catch up?” “Yeah,” Bucky replied as a brilliant smile bloomed across Steve’s face. “Yeah, I’d like that.” Steve gave Bucky his card, adding his personal cell number and making Bucky promise to call him. Then he had to go, and Bucky was left standing there, feeling dumbstruck. He heaved a sigh the moment the room was clear. He was so, so screwed. ~/~ “What the hell was that?” Shuri asked the moment he got back to desk. “What are you talking about?” “Um… how about the way you eye-fucked Stark’s lawyer the entire time? Although it seems to have worked in our favor. We should pimp you out more.”

“I did not ‘eye-fuck’ anyone,” Bucky protested. “Steve’s just an old friend.” “Right… ‘friend.’ You know, it’s 2019. You don’t have to use euphemisms anymore.” “I’m not covering anything! I’ve never tried to hide my sexuality. But Steve was never like that. We grew up together.” “From the way you were looking at him, it seems like homeboy ‘glowed up.’ You gonna go for it?” “Nah. Steve’s not into guys. He’s a heterosexual, all-American boy,” Bucky replied, unable to hide the tinge of sadness in his voice. “You might want to reconsider that opinion,” Shuri replied. “What makes you say that?” “Because he spent the entire meeting looking at you the same way you were looking at him.”

This new information distracted Bucky for the rest of the day, and he had trouble focusing on even the most basic of tasks. Finally, at 4:55, he decided he couldn’t do anything else, and began to pack up. As he flipped through his portfolio, the business card Steve had pressed into his hand fluttered to the ground. Before he could retrieve it, Shuri scooped it up.

“Steve Rogers gave you his card, did he? And he wrote his personal number on there?”

“Yeah… he mentioned going to get a drink.”

“So call him!”

“Yeah… I will. Just… I need some time. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Steve. A lot’s changed. I’m not the same kid I was in high school.”

Shuri’s gaze softened and she placed a gentle hand on Bucky’s shoulder. “I think the issue is actually that you’re a lot more like that kid than you realized, and seeing an old friend brought it all back.”

Bucky huffed a sigh and gave her a wry smile. “As usual, you prove how much smarter you are than me.”

“You heading out. Bucky?” Peter asked, poking his head over the cube wall once more.

“Yeah Pete. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Actually, would you be free to head over to Nick’s with me? I wanted to ask your advice about something.” His gaze shifted to Shuri and he gave a scowl “ Away from interfering parties.”

Bucky laughed. “Alright Pete, yeah. Let’s do it.”

~/~

Steve Rogers was an adult. He’d graduated early from Harvard Law and landed a lucrative position at Stark Inc. before he’d turned 25. So influential was he in that role that he’s ended up becoming one of the principal members of the legal team at the company 18 months later. Steve was on lists like “30 under 30” and he didn’t like to brag, but he was considered in some circles to be a ‘big deal’. So why did he currently feel like a nervous teenager waiting by the phone?

He’d tried to play it off, but seeing Bucky earlier that day had thrown him. Bucky had been his best friend for the majority of his young life. He brought school work when Steve was sick and sat by his bed, helping to keep him entertained. As they got older, he’d helped protect Steve when he got into fights he couldn’t finish. He’d been there in good and bad times. Losing Bucky in his life was a blow Steve had never really recovered from.

After the meeting, he’d wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the day catching up with his friend, but there was too much to do. He cursed himself for not getting a commitment to meet the other man somewhere later on. Leaving the planning up to Bucky filled him with anxiety. Steve did not like to wait. He was not a waiter. He was a doer.

At five-o'clock his phone finally rang, the caller an unknown number. He felt his heart pounding in his chest as he pressed the ‘accept’ button.

“Bucky?”

The voice on the other end of the line gave a dry laugh. It was definitely female, so not Bucky. “No, this is Shuri.”

It took a moment for his brain to catch up with the name. “Oh, yes, from WT, right?” It was a bit strange that she was calling his personal line, but he wasn’t going to be rude. “How can I help you?”

“This isn’t business related, Mr. Rogers.”

“Please, call me Steve.”

“Yes, Steve,” she replied. “I thought you might want to know where Bucky Barnes is heading for an after work drink.”

“Oh, well if he wants me to join him, I’m sure he’ll call me and give me the place.” He pulled his phone away from his head to look at the screen, silently hoping there would be another incoming call.

“No, Steve, I don’t believe he will. I have worked with Sergeant Barnes for two years, and I know when he is vacillating. This is one of those times. He needs a nudge in the right direction.”

“I don’t know if that’s really-”

“Trust me Mr. Rogers, he would not call you of his own accord.”

This felt wrong to Steve, a violation of his old friend’s privacy. “I mean, if he doesn’t want to call me, he doesn’t have to. I’m not going to force him if he doesn’t want to.”

“No, he wants to. Of that I am sure.”

“What’s your aim here?” Steve asked, his tone changing as his suspicion rose. He didn’t want to insult the young woman, but he was starting to wonder why she was so invested in telling him where Bucky was going to be.

“I don’t mean any harm. I only wish to see my friend Bucky happy, and I know he’ll talk himself out of calling you if left to his own devices.”

Steve sighed as he took in her words. He wanted to believe that Bucky was more confident than that, but the last time he’d been in contact with his friend, he’d had the same impression. “Tell me.”

She gave him the name and address of the bar where Bucky was heading.

“Are you sure he’s gonna be there? Maybe he’s just going home?”

“He’ll be there. Our coworker Peter is going with him to make sure.”

“Is everyone at WT in on this?”

He could practically hear her smile on the other end of the line. “Just get there, Mr. Rogers. As soon as you can.”

~/~

Seeing Steve earlier in the day brought back a flood of memories for Bucky. Steve had been his best friend for his entire childhood, all the way through to the summer before their junior year of high school. He and Steve did everything together. They grew up alongside one another and had been closer in many ways than Bucky was to his own flesh-and-blood sibling.

But Steve was more than just a brother. He’d been Bucky’s first love. At the same time that he was just starting to realize his sexuality, he simultaneously realized that he was head-over-heels for Steven Grant Rogers.

When they were younger, Steve had been overlooked by nearly everyone. He was the smallest kid in class and had a slew of health problems that were the likely culprit for his stunted growth. Most prominent was his asthma, followed closely by a spinal curvature that led to him wearing a back brace for a few years. He had poor eyesight with color blindedness, which he wore thick glasses to help correct. And he had a weak immune system that caused him to get sick, and therefore miss school, all the time.

None of the other kids wanted to play with Steve. They were irritated with his inability to keep up when they ran. Or how he would break into a coughing fit in the middle of a dare, freaking everyone out with the fear that one of their cohorts might actually die from one of their stupid stunts.

Bucky was the opposite of Steve. Rambunctious and outgoing, he’d been friends with nearly everyone. He always had kids asking him to play. But Bucky only ever wanted to hang out with Steve.

He couldn’t remember the exact moment he’d first felt drawn to Steve. Bucky had known the other boy since the first grade, but they weren’t in the same class until the third grade. Because they lived in the same building, Bucky would often bring homework for Steve to do when he was out sick. At first, Steve’s mom had just expected Bucky to leave the work and run off, as other children must have done, but Bucky was precocious little fuck.

“How’s Stevie doin’ Mrs. Rogers?”

“Oh,” she’d replied, genuinely surprised at his question. “He’s getting better. He’s in his room, but he’s up and reading.”

“Can I go say hi to him?”

“Sure. Let me just poke my head in and let him know you’re here.”

Steve had seemed just as surprised at Bucky’s appearance as his mother, but welcomed the company.

“Whatcha readin’?” Bucky asked, pointing to the comic book in Steve’s lap.

“Oh, um… X-Men.”

“Killer! I like X-Men too! Who’s your favorite? I like Wolverine.”

Steve smiled at Bucky then, a real, genuine smile, and launched into a diatribe about how his favorite was Professor Xavier because even though he was in a wheelchair, he was one of the most powerful of the X-Men, but he still used his power for good, taking in young mutants and helping to guide them.

From that day forward, Steve and Bucky spent almost every afternoon together, talking about comics, movies (they once had a very heated debate about which trilogy had the superior Harrison Ford performance: Star Wars or Indiana Jones), and, when they were older, girls.

One afternoon, when they were 12 and sitting in Steve’s room, the blond turned to his friend and very innocently asked “You ever kissed a girl, Buck?”

“Yep,” Bucky replied nonchalantly, only half listening while he flipped through a comic book.

“What?! No way! When did this happen? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Bucky looked up at his friend and cringed. “It’s not my proudest moment.”

“When was it?”

“At Sharon Carter’s last birthday party. She wanted to play ‘spin-the-bottle.’”

Steve got a dreamy look at the mention of Sharon’s name. It was hardly a secret that he had a thing for the girl. She was kind to Steve, but had no inclination toward him. Steve had actually been invited to that party, but hadn’t been able to go because he was recovering from a wicked bout of bronchitis.

He looked back to Bucky with a goofy smile. “Who’d you kiss?”

Bucky’s face went red at that.

“Who was it?”

Bucky bit his lip for a moment, deliberating what to say, before finally deciding on the truth. He never usually kept secrets from Steve, and this one had been eating him alive. “I kissed Sharon.” He watched in horror as his friend’s face fell. “I’m sorry man!” Bucky continued. “I know you like her, and I didn’t want to, but the bottle landed on me when she spun it, and it was her birthday party, and I didn’t want to reject her in front of everyone.” He huffed a breath as he paused.

Steve, being Steve, gave him a gentle smile. “It’s okay, I get it.” His smile broadened into a grin. “How was it?”

“Kind of embarrassing,” Bucky admitted with a groan. “We went into a closet, and I was so nervous that I just barely gave her a peck. I couldn’t touch her because my hands were so sweaty. I didn’t want to gross her out.”

“Well maybe there’s hope for me yet.”

“As long as you can kiss better than I did.”

“Doubtful,” Steve snorted. “At least you’ve kissed someone once. I’ve never kissed anyone.”

Bucky got a wild idea then, and didn’t have the good sense to censor himself before blurting it out. “Wanna practice on me?”

“What?” Steve’s face was a mixture of shock and confusion.

“I mean, we’re buds, right? Let’s just practice with each other. Make us more ready when the next time comes.”

“Um… okay.”

Although his first kiss was technically with Sharon, Bucky always considered his kiss with Steve to be his first true kiss. It ignited feelings in him that he didn’t quite understand. He had a hard time looking at Steve the same, once he knew how soft the other boy’s lips were.

Steve eventually did get to kiss Sharon. Despite her initial reluctance, she decided to give Steve a chance and they even went steady for a few weeks in the eighth grade. But beyond that, Steve never had much luck with girls.

He remained smaller than all the other guys in their class, and ended up being the target of more than a few bullies. But Steve was scrappy. Although he was small, he could take a hit, and refused to run or stand down when confronted. Bucky always teetered on the fine line between when to let Steve stand up for himself and when to intervene to make sure Steve didn’t get seriously injured.

Bucky continued to hang out with Steve, even as he was taunted for it by the more popular kids in high school. He didn’t really care what anyone else said. Steve was his best friend.

One night during freshman year, when they were talking on the phone, Steve was whining to Bucky about how he would never have a shot with another girl in his life.

“You’re great, Stevie,” Bucky’d said, more than a little annoyed with the situation. “The right girl will come along eventually. She’ll see all the good in you and not worry about the other stuff.”

“I wish I could find a girl just like you, Bucky.”

That caused a lump to stick in Bucky’s throat. He’d decided to never tell Steve how he felt, knowing that Steve didn’t reciprocate his feelings. Bucky was terrified of destroying their friendship. He swallowed thickly before replying. “You do?”

“Yeah. You’re my best friend, Buck, and you always see the best in me. I’m so glad I have you.”

“I’m glad to have you too,” Bucky choked out in response. He’d almost decided to confess his feelings then, but Steve sighed and changed the subject before he had a chance.

“What about you, huh? I heard Lori’s got a thing for ya’.”

“Well, um… I think I might be gay,” Bucky replied, in lieu of confessing. He had been deliberating for some time on how to share this with Steve. He knew Steve, and knew his friend would never reject him, but, nevertheless, he braced himself for a bad response.

“Oh yeah?” Steve simply replied, and Bucky was immensely relieved to hear the smile in his friend’s voice.

“Yeah,” he sighed in relief.

“Okay man, cool. You got your eye on anyone, or just been thinking this for a bit?”

“Just been thinkin’ it,” Bucky admitted, not quite ready to tell Steve that he only had eyes for his best friend.

That had been the extent of Bucky’s coming out for another year, before he finally confessed to his parents and friends. He ended up going on a couple dates, had a few kisses, but never dated anyone seriously until after Steve moved.

The summer before their junior year, just after Steve turned sixteen, a bomb dropped in his world. His father, who had left his mother heartbroken when he was just a baby, suddenly died. Steve was shocked to learn that his dad had left him a house and a sizable amount of money. The house was in Indiana, and he was contacted by the grandfather he never knew he had to come out for a visit.

That summer ended up being a turning point for Steve. He got into a medical trial that ended up helping him overcome several of his physical ailments. Sarah went out several times to visit her son, and ended up really liking the area. When the summer ended, Steve’s grandpa asked if they would consider moving there. The house was nice, and Sarah would be able to make more money as a nurse if she wasn’t paying rent. And Steve wanted to get to know his family. His only concern was leaving Bucky.

“Come on, man,” Bucky’d assured him. “We got lots of ways to stay in touch. You ain’t getting rid of me.”

So Steve had gone, and although he never said anything, Bucky’s heart broke that day.

At first, they’d stayed in touch much the same way they had during the summer, through email, phone calls, and instant messaging, but, as the school year progressed, they began to drift apart. Steve had new friends. Since he wasn’t sick all the time and missing out on everything, he had an easier time meeting people. It was a fresh start for Steve, and Bucky didn’t want to keep his friend from his new social circle.

So, instead, Bucky dealt with his heartbreak in self-destructive ways: drinking heavily, experimenting with drugs, and losing his virginity to a random encounter at a party. He had lots of sex during his last two years of high school, with boys and girls. The further Bucky fell down the rabbit hole, the less he would talk to Steve. In the end, he screwed his grades up so bad that he barely graduated and didn’t have any college offers or scholarships to speak of. Directionless, he’d opted to enlist in the Army.

Enlistment had been the final thing to sever his connection to Steve. They had separate lives, and Bucky just assumed there was no chance he’d ever run into the other man again.

~/~

Bucky sat in the bar, trying not to lose his shit on Peter. He really did like the younger man, but he could be a bit over eager at times, like a puppy. Today seemed to be one of those days.

Peter got up to head to the bathroom, and Bucky decided to approach the bartender and order something harder than the beer he’d been nursing. As he stood there, waiting for his drink, he heard a surly voice speak from behind him.

“Barnes.”

“Jones,” he replied, turning to face the newcomer. Bucky liked Jessica Jones, even if she was an acquired taste. She was a PI that he’d met in this very bar, when she’d caught him on a date with a cheating husband. Jessica didn’t want to blow her cover, but after she had the pictures, she pulled Bucky aside and clued him in. Bucky had no idea his date was married, and thanked God that he hadn’t slept with the man.

“What are you doing here?” Jessica asked, the hint of a smile playing across her face. “I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“Yeah, I haven’t been going out much. It’s cheaper to drink at home and don’t have to wear pants.”

“Can’t argue with that logic.”

Bucky considered her for a moment. Her dark hair hung down past her shoulders, and she was dressed in her usual armor of a t-shirt, jeans, boots, and a leather jacket. But something was different. It could have been a trick of the light, but she seemed to have taken a little more care with her makeup. Her brown eyes looked bigger than usual thanks to her artful eyeliner. And she wore a dark lipstick that set off her creamy skin beautifully.  “Something’s changed about you, Jones. What’s going on?”

She schooled her features and gave him a stern look before breaking out into a full-on grin. Bucky couldn’t stop his small gasp when she smiled. She was truly beautiful, but her usually sour disposition tended to put people off.

“Okay, who are you and what have you done with my friend Jessica?”

“Shut up,” she replied, shoving his shoulder. “I’m on a date.” She nodded her head to the table behind her, where a gorgeous man with tan skin, jet black hair, and a neatly trimmed beard sat, watching them with interest.

“Damn girl,” Bucky replied, looping her arm with his own. “Does he swing both ways? Cause if so, send him my way when you’re done with him.”

“Oh fuck off, Barnes,” she laughed, freeing her arm.

Bucky relaxed for the first time all day, forgetting his nerves about Steve in his excitement for his friend. “You look good, Jess. Happy.”

“Thanks.” She glanced at something just over Bucky’s shoulder. “Well, I just wanted to come say hi since I haven’t seen you in a while. I’m gonna go back to my date and let you get back to yours.”

“Oh, no, I’m not on a date, just here with Pete from work.”

“Yeah?” She leaned in close and whispered as quietly as she could in the din of the bar. “Then who’s the blond beefcake two stools down who keeps staring at you?”

Bucky turned his head suddenly to see Steve sitting there, wearing a smirk and looking positively delicious. He’d removed his jacket and unbuttoned the top three buttons of his shirt, exposing the hollow of his throat. Bucky bit back the sudden urge to trace the other man’s adam’s apple with his tongue. “Oh my God… that’s Steve. I didn’t call him. How’d he know I was here?”

“That’s Steve?” Jessica asked, and Bucky automatically hissed at her to keep her voice down. He had shared the story with her one night over drinks, and she knew all about the torch he carried. “Well, Mazel Tov and all that,” she said with a wink. “Let’s get coffee sometime and you can tell me how good he fucks. And um…” she leaned to the left slightly, presumedly to check Steve out, “maybe we could arrange a trade.”

“Fuck you Jones.”

Jessica had already turned away when she called over her shoulder “We tried that, remember?”

Despite his annoyance, Bucky managed one last smile while he flipped her the bird, before gathering his courage to turn around and face Steve.

~/~

Steve watched Bucky with interest as he turned away from the stunning brunette he’d been talking to. He couldn’t help but feel a little jealous of the ease between them. It was obvious they weren’t lovers, but they were friends, and Steve missed having Bucky as his friend.

Bucky downed the shot he’d ordered and left the glass on the bar as he sauntered over to Steve. That was really the only way Steve could describe his walk. He didn’t seem as confident as the Bucky Barnes of their childhood, but he sure as hell knew how to fake it.

“Either you’re stalking me or Peter slipped something in my beer and I blacked out, because I don’t remember calling you.” Steve felt his cheeks warm as Bucky spoke. He took a minute to process the words, realizing they were harsher than the tone Bucky used to convey them.

“Um, right… well, Shuri called me and let me know you’d be here, so I thought I’d stop by after work and see if you’d be up for that drink.” He hadn’t looked Bucky in the eyes yet. “I can go, if it’s making you uncomfortable.” He moved to grab his wallet and pay for his beer.

“No, Steve, wait,” Bucky said, with a chuckle. “I was fuckin’ with you. Don’t go. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Yeah?” Steve’s lips spread wide in a grin and he finally looked up to meet Bucky’s gaze. What he saw there was heart-stopping. Bucky always had the most beautiful eyes, their color a cool gray-blue that changed from icy to steel depending on his mood. Right now they were brilliant, even in the dim light of the bar. And they were complimented by an amazing smile.

“Yeah,” Bucky replied, not breaking eye contact.

They stood there for a few seconds, just drinking one another in, before the spell was broken by the approach of Bucky’s coworker.

“Hey Buck-” Peter began.

“Shit! Pete! I’m sorry man,” Bucky replied before Peter could finish his sentence. “I abandoned you. I just ran into a couple people, and-”

“Yeah, man, no problem,” Peter replied. “I was actually gonna say I gotta split. My buddy Ned called and he needs me to come over.” Bucky raised his eyebrows at that, but before he could say anything, Peter sputtered on. “I mean… not ‘needs me’ like that, needs me. Ned’s just a friend. I mean… not that I have any problem with dudes, but Ned’s got a girlfriend and I’m kind of into this girl we went to high school together, and-”

Bucky interrupted the younger man’s diatribe. “Pete, it’s okay. You didn’t say anything to offend me.”

“Phew, that’s a relief,” Peter said, literally wiping his hand across his brow as he said the word ‘phew.’ Steve’s nerdy heart went out to the younger man. He could definitely remember being just as awkward in his own youth.

Peter swiftly made his exit, and Bucky ordered a fresh beer, abandoning the one he’d had at the table he was sitting at with Peter. He settled onto the stool next to Steve.

“So, bigwig legal guy at Stark Inc. at 28, huh? How’d you manage that?

Steve blushed again and looked down at the bar top. “I met Tony in college, and he took over his Dad’s company just as I was finishing law school. He contacted me and asked me to interview for a job on their legal team. I wasn’t about to turn down an opportunity like that. After I got the job, Tony told me he needed to clean house and that he wanted someone with his ear to the ground in legal. I helped him catch some bad actors, and when their positions were vacated, Tony asked if I wanted to take one.”

“Damn, that’s quite the story.”

“Yeah, it’s kind of unbelievable, right? Little guy from Brooklyn like me ending up here.”

“Yeah…” Bucky trailed off as he took a swig of his beer. “I always believed that little guy would go places.”

“That means a lot coming from you, Buck.” Steve looked over at the other man, his eyes soft.

“I never stopped believing in you, Stevie,” he replied, his voice soft.

“So…” Steve said after a pause. “What about you? How’d you’d end up at WT?”

“I met Okoye, the head of their HR, at a VA job fair.”

“Yeah? I remembered you enlisted after graduation. How long did you serve?”

“Six years, three tours. I was planning to retire, but I got injured on my last tour and was medically discharged.”

“Shit… What happened?”

“IED. Not a very big one, but enough to do some serious damage to my left arm. I was a sniper, and I couldn’t keep doing that job if I couldn’t hold the gun steady.”

“Oh damn… I’m sorry to hear that man.”

Bucky looked at Steve for a second, his eyes watering and his upper lip quivering. Steve felt his heart speed up at the thought of his friend’s pain. He started to stand up to give the other man a hug when Bucky’s face broke into a huge grin.

“You always were so gullible Stevie.”

“You jerk!” Steve replied with a laugh as he settled back on his stool.

Bucky pretended to look hurt. “What? Me? I’m not the one laughing at a wounded veteran, ya’ punk!”

“Yeah. yeah, asshole.” Steve tilted his beer to take a swig, his eyes never leaving Bucky’s. When he placed the bottle back down on the bartop, his smile faded a little, becoming wistful. “I’ve missed you, Buck. What happened to us?”

“I’m an asshole who doesn’t deserve nice things, that’s what,” Bucky said, suddenly looking anywhere but at Steve.

~/~

“What the hell does that mean?” Steve asked, and Bucky felt his heart constrict a little more. Sweet Stevie, always caring so much about everyone else.

“Look… it was a long time ago. Let’s forget I said anything. Tell me more about you.”

“No, Buck. I don’t want to forget it. What did you mean? If anything, I’m the asshole in the situation since I left.”

“No, Steve, no.” Bucky suddenly felt panicked at the thought that Steve would ever blame himself. Without thinking, he grabbed Steve’s hand in his own. “You could never be an asshole. You have always been the kindest, most selfless person I know. You going to Indiana was a good thing, wasn’t it? Without that, you might never have gotten healthy, and I doubt you could have afforded law school if you and your mom stayed in Brooklyn.”

“Then why? Why did we lose touch? We were always so close. Even when I had nothing, I had you.”

Bucky cringed. Even after all these years, it physically pained him to keep anything from Steve. “It was all my fault. I became a mess those last two years of high school. I was a drugged out loser. I barely graduated. You didn’t need someone like me dragging you down.”

Steve’s face softened and he squeezed Bucky’s hand with his own. “You would never have dragged me down. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to help you. It sounds like you were really hurting back then.”

“I was trying to find something.”

“What was that?”

Bucky looked up at Steve then, his eyes a bright cornflower blue, expressing his earnestness. “You,” Bucky replied, unable to tear his gaze away. “I was trying to find you.”

“You knew where I was, Bucky. If you needed me, I would have come back in a heartbeat.”

“I didn’t want to tear you away from your new life. You finally had everything you ever wanted. How selfish would it have been if I’d asked you to come back because I was working through a little bit of depression?”

“But, other than my ma, no one has ever been more important to me that you. I would have done anything to help you.”

“Naw… you had a new life. I remember those pictures on Facebook. You had that cute little girlfriend. The blonde one, kinda looked like Sharon. What was her name?”

“Kate,” Steve said with a small grin. “I think the main reason I first talked to her was because she reminded me of Sharon.” Bucky made to pull his hand free, but Steve kept his grip strong. “But what did you mean when you said you were trying to find me?”

“I…” Bucky sighed deeply and looked at the floor. “I wanted to find someone to take your place in my life. So I wouldn’t feel so empty.”

“Did it work?”

“No. Every person I hooked up with just made me feel more alone, but I kept trying. I must have slept my way through half of the teenage population of Brooklyn, but no one could hold a candle to you.”

Steve suddenly got very still. “What do you mean, Bucky? We never hooked up.”

Shit , Bucky thought, there goes my big fuckin’ mouth gettin’ me in trouble again. He looked up to meet Steve’s eyes once more, his mouth gaping like a fish out of water..

“Bucky… did you… did you want to be with me?”

“I… uh…” fuckfuckfuck “Um… I mean…” He felt his face flushing crimson red. “Shit. I never meant to tell you that Stevie. I’m sorry. Fuck… Let me just.” He grabbed his wallet out of his pocket and threw down whatever cash he had on hand, praying it was enough to cover his drinks. He’d just humiliated himself in front of Steve. The last thing he needed was to also stick him with the bill.

Steve stared open-mouthed as Bucky turned and walked as fast as he could out of the bar, heading for the parking lot. He was unlocking his car door when he heard Steve calling out his name.

“I’m sorry Stevie. Please… let me go home and hide for a while. I can’t deal with this right now.” He realized he was babbling, but it was like a dam broke and he couldn’t stop. “We were just reconnecting and then I went and fucked it up. Damnit… I am so sorry Steve. Please can we just forget I said anything? It was a long time ago and-”

He was cut off abruptly when Steve surged forward and captured Bucky’s mouth with his own. Bucky was shocked momentarily before his reflexes kicked in and he kissed back, Steve’s lips just as soft as he remembered them. He moaned softly as Steve’s hand grazed up his neck and over his jawline. The kiss seemed to drag on forever, a heavenly meeting of plush lips and velvety tongues and light nips of teeth. Bucky felt himself swoon a little inside.

When they finally broke apart, their chests panting, Steve brought his other hand up to cup Bucky’s cheeks. “You still talk too fuckin’ much,” he growled, and Bucky laughed before leaning back in for another kiss.

“I didn’t think you liked guys,” Bucky said in awe when they separated once more.

“Bucky… I have been gone for you from the moment you kissed me when we were kids. I was just so afraid to tell you then and lose you as a friend.”

“You punk… we could have had so much more time together if you’d have just said something!” Bucky chuckled as he pulled Steve’s body closer to his own.

“If I’d have said something? You’re the chatterbox you jerk! You should have told me how you felt.”

“I didn’t want to lose your friendship either.”

“Shit… we gotta get better at communicating with each other if we’re gonna make things work this time around.”

“Why don’t we start practicing on Friday? Will you go out on a date with me, Stevie?”

“Yes,” Steve whispered before closing in on Bucky for another mind-blowing kiss.

~/~

The next morning, when Bucky walked into work, Shuri was standing in the middle of their shared workspace wearing a self-satisfied smirk. “Did you have a good night, Bucky?”

Bucky tried to look offended, he really did, but he’d spent the night having pleasant dreams of kissing Steve at an outside table of a restaurant by the waterside. He smiled at his coworker. “I did.” He shrugged off his backpack and sat at his computer.

“How is Steve?” She asked as she followed him. “Will you be seeing him again?”

“You really don’t do subtle, do you?”

“I don’t have time for such things. Do you have a date or not?”

“Yes,” he replied, unable to hide his grin.

Shuri squealed with delight and danced in place. “Bucky’s gonna get nasty!”

“Just don’t send him any dick pics,” Peter mumbled from the other side of the cube wall.

Bucky blushed in response and Shuri cackled. “It’s too late for that, Peter!” she called back. “Did he send you one back?”

“I’m not saying anything about that, Shuri.”

She chuckled and took her seat at her desk. “As a sign of your gratitude, I fully expect your first daughter to be named after me.”

“Well, I was planning to do that anyway,” Bucky said with a grin.

“Damn right you were.”

Bucky looked up at his monitor and began to peruse his email. A minute later a notification popped up on his phone with a text from Steve.

Can’t wait for tomorrow night.

Bucky was unable to hide his grin as he picked up his phone to send a response.

If you enjoyed this, I’d really love a like, reblog, or comment (or all three!). Thanks for reading!

[hereiamhereigo]

The Nanny Chapter 3

Chapter 3 [Harrison Osterfield X Reader]

The Nanny

Pairing: Harrison O x reader (Tom in a starring role)

Warnings: N/A

Plot: Y/N is the nanny for the Downey family. She loves her job and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. Maybe a boy with breathtaking blue eyes?

Author Note: This is my first shot at this, so please be kind and patient. If you have any tips, please let me know! Also, huge shout out @thewiseandfree for helping so much!

Chapter 1| Chapter 2 

Chapter 3

Y/N looked at her phone, almost expecting a text. Once she realized he was in the clear, she realized she needed help. She pulled out her phone, screen shot all the messages between her and Harrison, and then them off to her best friend. Hopefully she would get some quick help.

She got Avri to settle in with her coloring pages, helping her when her assistance was required of the child. She occasionally checked the time, knowing Avri would need to be fed lunch soon. She definitely wanted to avoid a certain blonde- haired boy, but she also knew it would be incredibly selfish to make Avri wait to eat. Avri wanted to go to the main food area to eat, not wanting to snack the day away.

Once it was the right time for lunch, Avri put away the items she was working with and grabbed Y/N’s hand. Y/N turned to Susan to see if she would join them, but Susan was on a call. Y/N grabbed a scrap piece of paper and left a note, letting her know where they were going. Once that was done, she and Avri headed out.

Luckily, it looked like no one else had come in for lunch. She quickly got both her and Avri’s food, setting it down at their table. Once they were settled in, Y/N took a quick look at her phone. There was a response from her best friend and she quickly read over the advice.

Seriously girl! He wants to talk to you, don’t leave him hanging!

A second text read also, what does this hottie look like? I need a pic!

Laughing, she creeped on Harrison’s Instagram to find a suitable photo of him. Once she found one, she screenshot it and sent it off.

She knew she needed to be a little bit nicer, but she also needed to protect herself. She brushed it off, waiting until she could get more help.

Avri happily ate her food, not having anyone or anything to distract her. Once she was done, she made her movie request for the afternoon- she wanted to watch Mulan. Of course, Y/N agreed.

Y/N and Avri made quick work of cleaning up their mess, Avri always being an amazing helper. Once they were done, they headed back to the trailer. They were almost there when Avri started to tug on Y/N’s hand. When Y/N followed Avri’s eyes, we saw her looking at a dog. Not just any dog, a Grey pitbull, who seemed to know who Avri was, as its tail began to wag. The dog was on a leash but the leash was gently looped around the handle of a trailer door.

“Thessssa!” Avri cried, trying to lead Y/N towards the pup. Not knowing who the dog belonged to or if it was okay to pet, Y/N resisted.

“Y/N I wanna see Thesa.” Avri said, pulling on her nanny’s hand.

“Avri, who’s dog is that? We cannot pet dogs without asking the owner.”

Before the child could answer, the trailer door opened and out walked Harrison and Tom. Both boys greeted the playful pup.

“Y/N pleaseeee? It’s Tom’s dog. Can I please go play?” She looked up at her nanny, but never tried to pull away from her.

“Well, we have to ask Tom if it’s okay first.” Hearing his name, Tom looked up, noticing the pair.

“Why hello darlings. Do you want to play with Tessa?” Tom said, offering a toy for Avri to throw.  Y/N gently nudged Avri to take the toy from Tom. Avri threw it as far as she could, Tessa chasing after it right away.

“She should play baseball” Y/N as she watched the ball clear several trailers worth of length. Both of the boys agreed with her while Avri giggled with glee watching Tessa chase after the toy.

“And what were you ladies up to before you got distracted?” Harrison asked.

“We had lunch!” Avri answered, throwing the toy again for Tessa to chase.

“And what fine cuisine did you have?” Tom asked Avri.

“Y/N let me have chicken nuggets, but if my mom asks, I had a salad.” Avri said, reciting the line Y/N had told her. Both boys turned to Y/N for an explanation.

“She’s little and no kid wants to have a salad for lunch. I figured if someone could keep it quiet, we would be just fine” she said, shooting a playful look at Avri. Avri shrugged and kept playing with Tessa, who had laid down for pats and rubs from the four humans. Harrison started laughing.

“So we have figured out your secret- you make children lie on your behalf.” He said in between laughs.

“If I followed Susan’s meal plan for her, she would eat like a runway model. I want her to be a kid! Superfood salads are not what a kid wants to eat!” Y/N said.

“Fair enough. I love the lie though.” Harrison replied. Y/N turned her attention to Avri, making sure she was being gentle to Tessa. Avri was rubbing all over Tessa’s body, and the dog was loving the attention. Tom had joined in and was helping Avri find all of Tessa’s favorite spots.

“Is Tessa staying with you all?” Y/N asked Harrison.

“She is, and normally she does not come to set but tommy threw a fit today, so here she is.”

“Oi! I did not throw a fit” Tomsaid, defending himself. “I love Tessa and I wanted her to be with me today, that’s all. I never get to travel with her, so I want to spend as much time with her before my mom comes and gets her.” Avri’s eyes got big.

“Tessa is leaving?! When?! Whyyy?!” She yelled, on the verge of tears. Y/N went to go console her but Harrison stopped her with a shake of his head.

“Oh she’s not leaving soon, but in a couple of weeks. When I go home.”

“Where is home? I want to see Tessa” Avri questioned, not fully understanding the situation.

“I live in England, all the way over the ocean” Tom answered her  question.

“Okay, I will ask to visit there then. I love Tessa” Avri added, acting like it was nothing to go across an oven to see a dog.

“Love, I promise you will see Tessa everyday until we leave okay? After that, you might have to settle for pictures.” Once the last sentence sunk into Avris head, the tears began flowing down her cheeks.

“No. No. NO! I want to see Tessa whenever I want, and not in pictures!” She started to wail and turned to her nanny. “I want to go to momma now.” She said, grabbing Y/N’s hand and tugging her in the direction of her mother.

Y/N, completely shocked at her behavior, allowed herself to be dragged away. Before they turned the corner, Y/N glanced back to see confused looks on both boys faces. She shrugged and she turned the corner. Once they were safely away from the boys, she halted Avri in her path.

“Avri, what happened? What is the matter?” Y/N crouched down to the small child’s eye level.

“I don’t like that everyone leaves. Then we have to go somewhere else, and Exton goes to another trailer and I’m all alone. I hate it!” She started crying again at the end of her mini speech.

Y/N knew the constant movement and change was not normal, sometimes she had a hard time adjusting. This was going to be a lifetime challenge for a child, with both parents in the movie industry. Y/N tried her hardest to make things normal for Avri, but clearly she was failing. She knew however that the small child was watching her reaction, and realized now was not the time to lose her cool.

“How about we go back to the trailer and watch a movie okay? I think you are feeling a lot of things, and we need to take a moment to figure this all out okay? However, yelling at Tom like that was not okay. You need to apologize to him when you see him next Okay? He did nothing wrong and he is probably upset right now. That was not nice and we don’t talk to others that way. Does that make sense?” Y/N knew Avri was much more mature that kids her age, and Y/N hoped the message would sink in. She did not want to go thru this ever again.

Avri has stopped crying and was now nodding her head as she wiped away the last of her tears. Once that was done, she once again took Y/N’s hand and they finished they walk back to the Downey’s trailer.

Once there, Y/N got Avri all set up for her afternoon movie then nap. Once Avri was settled in, Y/N settled herself in, checking her phone. There were several text messages, some from her mother and sister, some from her best friend and almost twenty from Harrison and an unknown number. Y/N immediately looked over the ones from the unknown number. By the third message, she realized this was Tom texting her. She quickly sent a message to both of the boys so they would not worry.

Sorry. I was walking Avri back and we talked a bit and I didn’t even check my phone. She feels bad for the way she behaved, but I think she needs to rest for a bit.

She quickly hit send, going thru the messages from her mother and sister, replying to all of them. Both of them knew what she did and who she worked for, and she could freely talk to them about what was going on. She wanted to call and talk to her mom, but she could not do so in front of Avri and Susan was in the other part of the trailer on her phone. She knew she would have to wait until Avri was asleep.

She went back and checked the messages from her best friend. She chuckled at the advice given.

Damn girl! You are holding out!! GET IT.

Followed by

Also, completely off topic, does he have a hot brother or friend? I’ll take either, or both ;)

Y/N rolled her eyes at her best friends antics. She quickly replied.

Listen, he’s nice but he’s way out of my league. I can’t, plus ya know, he’s from somewhere else. I will have to find out the answer to your question for you, but his bestie is pretty hot.

The quick reply from her best friend read:

Pics or you’re lying. She laughed and quickly sent a picture of Tom, knowing her best friend was glued to the phone, waiting on a reponse. She was not shocked when a response came in right away.

D. A. M. N. I’m off to take a cold shower, thanks!

Y/N let out a quiet laugh and turned to see Avri out cold next to her. Y/N quickly muted the movie and brought Avri to her bed to nap. Y/N thought about also taking a nap, but she did not want to make Avri share the bed with her. Instead, Y/N cracked her back and started to head out to take a walk. When she reached the door, she heard Susan clear her throat.

“Y/N did something happen today after lunch? Rob just called and said something happened with Tom?” Y/N brought her hand off the handle and turned to Susan.

“Yes, Avri had a bit of a fit when she found out that Tom and Tessa were not staying here. I already talked her about it, and she is going to apologize to Tom, she just needed to rest for a bit.” Susan looked at her for a pause before speaking.

“When something like this happens, you need to let us know. That was completely out of line and out of character for her. She needs to apologize to Tom and Maybe she needs to stay in the trailer more. What did you tell her?”

“I think she just gets sad that the same people are not always around. I told her that she cannot act like that towards people and she probably hurt Toms feelings-“

“Go wake her up please. I want to talk to her now.” Susan said, cutting her off. Y/N knew better than to argue and went to wake Avri up. Avri looked over at Y/N when she woke her up.

“Hmm?”

“Your mom wants to talk to you, she’s not happy about what happened with Tom.” A look of fear crossed over Avri’s face.

“I’m sowieeee and I will tell him that too.”

“I know you will, but your mom wants to talk to you. Cmon.” Y/N took her by the hand and brought her into the main area, where Susan had not been joined by Rob.

“Daddy!” Avri said, running with arms outreached to Robert. Her father quickly picked her up, placing her on his hip.

“So I heard we had a little issue earlier hm?” He said, questioning Avri.

“Yes papa, I was mean to Tom. I need to say sorry, Y/N already told me.” Rob’s eyes looked up, connecting with Y/N’s. “Why don’t we go see him now and apologize?” Without a further word, Rob tookAvri out the trailer with him.

“Y/N, you are the nanny and you should have had her apologize to Tom right then. Were you actually going to make her say sorry? Or were you just hoping we would not hear about it?” Susan questioned Y/N.

“I was, she just needed to cool down. She-“

“That was not your decision to make. You are the nanny, not a parent. You should have said something to us. It is totally embarrassing that we had to find out from Tom that our child misbehaved.” By this point, Y/N was almost in tears. “I think it’s best that you go back to the house for now. We will take care of our children for the rest of the day, and take them to dinner. I’ll get someone from security to drive you home.”

Y/N was in total disbelief. She thought she was doing the right thing. She can’t believe she messed up. What if she got fired? That thought kept racing through her head, over and over. She quickly packed up her belongings and headed towards the area where she was normally dropped off and picked up. She felt her phone vibrating in her pocket, but she chose to ignore it.

Once she was in the parking lot, she quickly spotted the car. She heard someone calling her name, but she quickly got into the car and closed the door. The driver took off, taking her back the familiar route to the Downey’s home. Usually she looked at her phone during the trips to and from, but this time, she put her phone on do not disturb and looked at the view.

Once she got to the Downey’s home, she quickly packed everything she could, not knowing if she would be able to once the Downey’s got home. Knowing she had just a few hours, she took a shower and quickly started a load of laundry for herself.

Once out of the shower, she had no choice but to face reality- she could really be fired. She decided to call her mother, knowing this would help alleviate her tension. She quickly called her mom up, but her mom did not pick up. She left a voicemail requesting her mom call her back as soon as possible, as she may be coming home.

Once she hung up, she turned the ringer on and started looking through her messages. She ignored the ones from her best friend momentarily while she opened the almost 45 texts from Harrison.

“What could he possibly want?” Y/N groaned.

The messages started off with him saying Tom was not upset at all at Avri, but wanted to make sure the girl was okay. Then it turned into warning her that Robert had overheard the two boys talking and Robert had gotten quite upset about the lack of his daughters manners. Then the boys tried to tell him that it sounded like Avri was upset about something bigger, to which Robert shrugged off, stating that a small child could never have such big issues. Then it turned into Robert being upset that she had not immediately made the child apologize to Tom. At that point, Y/N had to take a break. This whole thing was just so overwhelming for her.

Her phone rang, cutting off her thoughts. Assuming it was her mother, she immediately answered the phone without checking the caller ID.

“Hi Mom-“ Y/N greeted the caller.

“Mum? Please don’t hang up Y/N it’s Tom. Please let me explain-“

“Explain what? How you most likely got me fired? Your best friend already did a bang-up job. Would it have been so hard for you to go someplace quiet to talk?” Y/N heard some commotion on the other end of the line.

“Y/N please. Tom and I are both very sorry and we should not have said anything. We are so sorry and we really hope you don’t get fired” Harrison pleaded with her.

“You are both incredibly sweet, but what’s done is done. I’m going to be honest, I am frustrated and upset with both of you at this moment. However, I am more so with myself, and I will continue to be. I really can’t talk right now- I need to pack everything so when they fired me, I can just grab and go.”

“Oh, uh, is there anything we can do?” Y/N heard Tom ask.

“No, not really. This is out of our hands. I really do have to go” with that, Y/N hung up. She quickly ran to get her now done laundry out of the dryer and folded them into her bag. She began to move everything to right by her door. She checked the time, knowing the family would be home soon. She knew she should eat, but she just could not bring herself to do so.

She sat and waited until she heard the car pull into the driveway.

Chapter 3

Y/N looked at her phone, almost expecting a text. Once she realized he was in the clear, she realized she needed help. She pulled out her phone, screen shot all the messages between her and Harrison, and then them off to her best friend. Hopefully she would get some quick help.

She got Avri to settle in with her coloring pages, helping her when her assistance was required of the child. She occasionally checked the time, knowing Avri would need to be fed lunch soon. She definitely wanted to avoid a certain blonde- haired boy, but she also knew it would be incredibly selfish to make Avri wait to eat. Avri wanted to go to the main food area to eat, not wanting to snack the day away.

Once it was the right time for lunch, Avri put away the items she was working with and grabbed Y/N’s hand. Y/N turned to Susan to see if she would join them, but Susan was on a call. Y/N grabbed a scrap piece of paper and left a note, letting her know where they were going. Once that was done, she and Avri headed out.

Luckily, it looked like no one else had come in for lunch. She quickly got both her and Avri’s food, setting it down at their table. Once they were settled in, Y/N took a quick look at her phone. There was a response from her best friend and she quickly read over the advice.

Seriously girl! He wants to talk to you, don’t leave him hanging!

A second text read also, what does this hottie look like? I need a pic!

Laughing, she creeped on Harrison’s Instagram to find a suitable photo of him. Once she found one, she screenshot it and sent it off.

She knew she needed to be a little bit nicer, but she also needed to protect herself. She brushed it off, waiting until she could get more help.

Avri happily ate her food, not having anyone or anything to distract her. Once she was done, she made her movie request for the afternoon- she wanted to watch Mulan. Of course, Y/N agreed.

Y/N and Avri made quick work of cleaning up their mess, Avri always being an amazing helper. Once they were done, they headed back to the trailer. They were almost there when Avri started to tug on Y/N’s hand. When Y/N followed Avri’s eyes, we saw her looking at a dog. Not just any dog, a Grey pitbull, who seemed to know who Avri was, as its tail began to wag. The dog was on a leash but the leash was gently looped around the handle of a trailer door.

“Thessssa!” Avri cried, trying to lead Y/N towards the pup. Not knowing who the dog belonged to or if it was okay to pet, Y/N resisted.

“Y/N I wanna see Thesa.” Avri said, pulling on her nanny’s hand.

“Avri, who’s dog is that? We cannot pet dogs without asking the owner.”

Before the child could answer, the trailer door opened and out walked Harrison and Tom. Both boys greeted the playful pup.

“Y/N pleaseeee? It’s Tom’s dog. Can I please go play?” She looked up at her nanny, but never tried to pull away from her.

“Well, we have to ask Tom if it’s okay first.” Hearing his name, Tom looked up, noticing the pair.

“Why hello darlings. Do you want to play with Tessa?” Tom said, offering a toy for Avri to throw.  Y/N gently nudged Avri to take the toy from Tom. Avri threw it as far as she could, Tessa chasing after it right away.

“She should play baseball” Y/N as she watched the ball clear several trailers worth of length. Both of the boys agreed with her while Avri giggled with glee watching Tessa chase after the toy.

“And what were you ladies up to before you got distracted?” Harrison asked.

“We had lunch!” Avri answered, throwing the toy again for Tessa to chase.

“And what fine cuisine did you have?” Tom asked Avri.

“Y/N let me have chicken nuggets, but if my mom asks, I had a salad.” Avri said, reciting the line Y/N had told her. Both boys turned to Y/N for an explanation.

“She’s little and no kid wants to have a salad for lunch. I figured if someone could keep it quiet, we would be just fine” she said, shooting a playful look at Avri. Avri shrugged and kept playing with Tessa, who had laid down for pats and rubs from the four humans. Harrison started laughing.

“So we have figured out your secret- you make children lie on your behalf.” He said in between laughs.

“If I followed Susan’s meal plan for her, she would eat like a runway model. I want her to be a kid! Superfood salads are not what a kid wants to eat!” Y/N said.

“Fair enough. I love the lie though.” Harrison replied. Y/N turned her attention to Avri, making sure she was being gentle to Tessa. Avri was rubbing all over Tessa’s body, and the dog was loving the attention. Tom had joined in and was helping Avri find all of Tessa’s favorite spots.

“Is Tessa staying with you all?” Y/N asked Harrison.

“She is, and normally she does not come to set but tommy threw a fit today, so here she is.”

“Oi! I did not throw a fit” Tomsaid, defending himself. “I love Tessa and I wanted her to be with me today, that’s all. I never get to travel with her, so I want to spend as much time with her before my mom comes and gets her.” Avri’s eyes got big.

“Tessa is leaving?! When?! Whyyy?!” She yelled, on the verge of tears. Y/N went to go console her but Harrison stopped her with a shake of his head.

“Oh she’s not leaving soon, but in a couple of weeks. When I go home.”

“Where is home? I want to see Tessa” Avri questioned, not fully understanding the situation.

“I live in England, all the way over the ocean” Tom answered her  question.

“Okay, I will ask to visit there then. I love Tessa” Avri added, acting like it was nothing to go across an oven to see a dog.

“Love, I promise you will see Tessa everyday until we leave okay? After that, you might have to settle for pictures.” Once the last sentence sunk into Avris head, the tears began flowing down her cheeks.

“No. No. NO! I want to see Tessa whenever I want, and not in pictures!” She started to wail and turned to her nanny. “I want to go to momma now.” She said, grabbing Y/N’s hand and tugging her in the direction of her mother.

Y/N, completely shocked at her behavior, allowed herself to be dragged away. Before they turned the corner, Y/N glanced back to see confused looks on both boys faces. She shrugged and she turned the corner. Once they were safely away from the boys, she halted Avri in her path.

“Avri, what happened? What is the matter?” Y/N crouched down to the small child’s eye level.

“I don’t like that everyone leaves. Then we have to go somewhere else, and Exton goes to another trailer and I’m all alone. I hate it!” She started crying again at the end of her mini speech.

Y/N knew the constant movement and change was not normal, sometimes she had a hard time adjusting. This was going to be a lifetime challenge for a child, with both parents in the movie industry. Y/N tried her hardest to make things normal for Avri, but clearly she was failing. She knew however that the small child was watching her reaction, and realized now was not the time to lose her cool.

“How about we go back to the trailer and watch a movie okay? I think you are feeling a lot of things, and we need to take a moment to figure this all out okay? However, yelling at Tom like that was not okay. You need to apologize to him when you see him next Okay? He did nothing wrong and he is probably upset right now. That was not nice and we don’t talk to others that way. Does that make sense?” Y/N knew Avri was much more mature that kids her age, and Y/N hoped the message would sink in. She did not want to go thru this ever again.

Avri has stopped crying and was now nodding her head as she wiped away the last of her tears. Once that was done, she once again took Y/N’s hand and they finished they walk back to the Downey’s trailer.

Once there, Y/N got Avri all set up for her afternoon movie then nap. Once Avri was settled in, Y/N settled herself in, checking her phone. There were several text messages, some from her mother and sister, some from her best friend and almost twenty from Harrison and an unknown number. Y/N immediately looked over the ones from the unknown number. By the third message, she realized this was Tom texting her. She quickly sent a message to both of the boys so they would not worry.

Sorry. I was walking Avri back and we talked a bit and I didn’t even check my phone. She feels bad for the way she behaved, but I think she needs to rest for a bit.

She quickly hit send, going thru the messages from her mother and sister, replying to all of them. Both of them knew what she did and who she worked for, and she could freely talk to them about what was going on. She wanted to call and talk to her mom, but she could not do so in front of Avri and Susan was in the other part of the trailer on her phone. She knew she would have to wait until Avri was asleep.

She went back and checked the messages from her best friend. She chuckled at the advice given.

Damn girl! You are holding out!! GET IT.

Followed by

Also, completely off topic, does he have a hot brother or friend? I’ll take either, or both ;)

Y/N rolled her eyes at her best friends antics. She quickly replied.

Listen, he’s nice but he’s way out of my league. I can’t, plus ya know, he’s from somewhere else. I will have to find out the answer to your question for you, but his bestie is pretty hot.

The quick reply from her best friend read:

Pics or you’re lying. She laughed and quickly sent a picture of Tom, knowing her best friend was glued to the phone, waiting on a reponse. She was not shocked when a response came in right away.

D. A. M. N. I’m off to take a cold shower, thanks!

Y/N let out a quiet laugh and turned to see Avri out cold next to her. Y/N quickly muted the movie and brought Avri to her bed to nap. Y/N thought about also taking a nap, but she did not want to make Avri share the bed with her. Instead, Y/N cracked her back and started to head out to take a walk. When she reached the door, she heard Susan clear her throat.

“Y/N did something happen today after lunch? Rob just called and said something happened with Tom?” Y/N brought her hand off the handle and turned to Susan.

“Yes, Avri had a bit of a fit when she found out that Tom and Tessa were not staying here. I already talked her about it, and she is going to apologize to Tom, she just needed to rest for a bit.” Susan looked at her for a pause before speaking.

“When something like this happens, you need to let us know. That was completely out of line and out of character for her. She needs to apologize to Tom and Maybe she needs to stay in the trailer more. What did you tell her?”

“I think she just gets sad that the same people are not always around. I told her that she cannot act like that towards people and she probably hurt Toms feelings-“

“Go wake her up please. I want to talk to her now.” Susan said, cutting her off. Y/N knew better than to argue and went to wake Avri up. Avri looked over at Y/N when she woke her up.

“Hmm?”

“Your mom wants to talk to you, she’s not happy about what happened with Tom.” A look of fear crossed over Avri’s face.

“I’m sowieeee and I will tell him that too.”

“I know you will, but your mom wants to talk to you. Cmon.” Y/N took her by the hand and brought her into the main area, where Susan had not been joined by Rob.

“Daddy!” Avri said, running with arms outreached to Robert. Her father quickly picked her up, placing her on his hip.

“So I heard we had a little issue earlier hm?” He said, questioning Avri.

“Yes papa, I was mean to Tom. I need to say sorry, Y/N already told me.” Rob’s eyes looked up, connecting with Y/N’s. “Why don’t we go see him now and apologize?” Without a further word, Rob tookAvri out the trailer with him.

“Y/N, you are the nanny and you should have had her apologize to Tom right then. Were you actually going to make her say sorry? Or were you just hoping we would not hear about it?” Susan questioned Y/N.

“I was, she just needed to cool down. She-“

“That was not your decision to make. You are the nanny, not a parent. You should have said something to us. It is totally embarrassing that we had to find out from Tom that our child misbehaved.” By this point, Y/N was almost in tears. “I think it’s best that you go back to the house for now. We will take care of our children for the rest of the day, and take them to dinner. I’ll get someone from security to drive you home.”

Y/N was in total disbelief. She thought she was doing the right thing. She can’t believe she messed up. What if she got fired? That thought kept racing through her head, over and over. She quickly packed up her belongings and headed towards the area where she was normally dropped off and picked up. She felt her phone vibrating in her pocket, but she chose to ignore it.

Once she was in the parking lot, she quickly spotted the car. She heard someone calling her name, but she quickly got into the car and closed the door. The driver took off, taking her back the familiar route to the Downey’s home. Usually she looked at her phone during the trips to and from, but this time, she put her phone on do not disturb and looked at the view.

Once she got to the Downey’s home, she quickly packed everything she could, not knowing if she would be able to once the Downey’s got home. Knowing she had just a few hours, she took a shower and quickly started a load of laundry for herself.

Once out of the shower, she had no choice but to face reality- she could really be fired. She decided to call her mother, knowing this would help alleviate her tension. She quickly called her mom up, but her mom did not pick up. She left a voicemail requesting her mom call her back as soon as possible, as she may be coming home.

Once she hung up, she turned the ringer on and started looking through her messages. She ignored the ones from her best friend momentarily while she opened the almost 45 texts from Harrison.

“What could he possibly want?” Y/N groaned.

The messages started off with him saying Tom was not upset at all at Avri, but wanted to make sure the girl was okay. Then it turned into warning her that Robert had overheard the two boys talking and Robert had gotten quite upset about the lack of his daughters manners. Then the boys tried to tell him that it sounded like Avri was upset about something bigger, to which Robert shrugged off, stating that a small child could never have such big issues. Then it turned into Robert being upset that she had not immediately made the child apologize to Tom. At that point, Y/N had to take a break. This whole thing was just so overwhelming for her.

Her phone rang, cutting off her thoughts. Assuming it was her mother, she immediately answered the phone without checking the caller ID.

“Hi Mom-“ Y/N greeted the caller.

“Mum? Please don’t hang up Y/N it’s Tom. Please let me explain-“

“Explain what? How you most likely got me fired? Your best friend already did a bang-up job. Would it have been so hard for you to go someplace quiet to talk?” Y/N heard some commotion on the other end of the line.

“Y/N please. Tom and I are both very sorry and we should not have said anything. We are so sorry and we really hope you don’t get fired” Harrison pleaded with her.

“You are both incredibly sweet, but what’s done is done. I’m going to be honest, I am frustrated and upset with both of you at this moment. However, I am more so with myself, and I will continue to be. I really can’t talk right now- I need to pack everything so when they fired me, I can just grab and go.”

“Oh, uh, is there anything we can do?” Y/N heard Tom ask.

“No, not really. This is out of our hands. I really do have to go�� with that, Y/N hung up. She quickly ran to get her now done laundry out of the dryer and folded them into her bag. She began to move everything to right by her door. She checked the time, knowing the family would be home soon. She knew she should eat, but she just could not bring herself to do so.

She sat and waited until she heard the car pull into the driveway.

Chapter 4

TagList ((OPEN)):  @daddarioissues @multifandomlove2002 @maggiepalma @minibog @rsublett @verynachoenthusiast

[seriouslyblacklikemysoul]

Color me purple - Sirius Black x Reader

Request: Hi um can I request a young Sirius x reader and she is a Metamorphmagus but always tries to hide it in dad hats but he has a crush on her and does some research on it and eventually confesses his love and it’s really cute??? Warnings: My English(sorry guys), and not that great? Pics are not mine/ Credits to their original owners.  Masterlist (I have a surprise for you! It will probably be posted tomorrow and let me just say… I will see you in hell ^^) It was an amazing gift and an awful curse. To you, it seemed more of a curse than a gift. You were a Metmorphmagus. A Metamorphmagus is a witch or a wizard with the ability to change their physical appearance at will, rather than requiring Polyjuice Potion or a spell like the rest of the wizarding population. They were also, extremely rare. Unfortunately, you were one of those few people. (A/N: Harry Potter Wikia) Sometimes it was nice-helpful even. But there were other times that you wished you could just stop being one. Your damn hair changed colors like crazy. Especially when a certain boy was around. It would go mad; from pink(embarrassed) to orange(confused), from light(excited) to dark(sad) blue. Lately, two new colors had decided to join you. Gray(hurt) and purple - a color that you didn’t know what it meant because you had never experienced it before. Occasionally, your hair would turn red in anger or green in terror. It sucked that people could know any time of any day what you were feeling. It gave it all away and-well, you didn’t like it. At all. So, naturally, you tried to hide it the best you could. You had dyed your hair with a Muggle color-thing but it didn’t get the memo. It just kept changing colors. You had to find another way. Eventually, you started wearing hats and turbans. Today was rather sunny and your outfit was sporty-so you decided to wear a dad hat. You were heading to the Quidditch pitch, after all. Lily was dragging you. Even if she never admitted, she was going only for one reason. James Potter. And that was the only reason you accepted without whining. The poor guy deserved a chance. “You should really let your hair down” Marlene commented. You knew her opinion about your poor excuse of disguise. But there was nothing you could do. Your hair was your enemy- even if you loved how soft and long it was. You also loved your natural color-but that was a very rare sight. You plopped down next to your friends. You noticed how the girls were looking at him. You couldn’t blame them but you didn’t exactly enjoy it. They only knew how gorgeous he was on the outside. You.. You knew how beautiful he was on the inside. Even though you barely said two words to him, you held long conversations with Remus. Remus knew about you being a Metamorphmagus. Once you trusted him enough, you told him and he felt the need to share his secret with you as well. And not only that. You talked about everything and everyone. Eventually, you found yourself thinking about one boy. The most unapproachable of them all. Sirius Black. At first, your hair would go pink whenever you thought of him but lately… Well lately, the color was purple. “Gryffindor wins!”. You all knew what that meant. You had successfully worn a very elegant turban matching your outfit. Thankfully, the girls hadn’t said anything, even though you could see their disapproving looks.  You were sitting down on a couch near the fireplace in the common room. You had decided to be a bit distant since you couldn’t exactly control yourself when all the other girls were throwing themselves at him.  And he could have anyone he wanted. Except you. Why would he want you? “Hello, Y/N” Remus greeted you kindly. You smiled, relieved it was him. “Hi, Rem. What’s up?” you asked him, patting the seat next to you.  “Nothing much. Hey, did you figure out what purple means?” he questioned you, genuinely curious. You furrowed your eyebrows and shook your head. “I’ve been doing some research and I think it means that… you’re in love” he told you. That moment many things happened simultaneously.  Lily took off your turban, Sirius popped up out of nowhere with wide eyes and a very intrigued expression and your hair must have changed about hundred colors before turning a deep shade of purple. “Wow, thanks, Lily” you told her sarcastically and walked away towards to portrait hole. Great. Just your luck.  You had walked all the way to the Astronomy Tower. Not only everyone in the common room had seen how crazy your hair could go or that you were a Metamorphmagus.. no. Purple meant that you were in love. IN LOVE. Like… with who? Okay, maybe, you were lying to yourself. Maybe, just maybe, you knew. Deep down, you knew.  To be completely honest, it sucked. Everything sucked. People reading you like an open book was awful. Your best friend revealing your secret to everyone tasted like a betrayal. The boy you liked not liking you back…It all came down to a love of a guy, after all. Or the lack of it, in this case. The moonlight was casting its captivating aura down to your hair. You loved your hair. In private. Where no one could ever see it. You sat down, your back against the wall and your gaze fixed on the night sky.  “Why did you leave?” a soft voice asked you. You were tired. Tired of playing hide and seek, of pretending that everything was alright. You closed your eyes, breathing in the cold air and letting out a long breath.  “What do you want Sirius?”. You didn’t have to look to know who it was. That voice was haunting you even when you were asleep.  “I think it’s cool. Your hair. And, if it’s any consolation, no one else noticed” he quietly and very softly told you, while you felt his body next to you. You really wanted to control that bloody purple color but you couldn’t.  You opened your eyes and pierced his.  “Well, I did some research and I know what the colors mean. All except this one” he went on as you didn’t say anything. You raised an eyebrow in question. “You mean Remus” you playfully corrected him. He hadn’t had the time to research. “Actually, I’ve known for a while now” he sheepishly admitted and a faint blush made its way to his cheeks. He, what?  “How?”. You were left utterly puzzled. You didn’t know what to think.  “I notice you” he answered under his breath. You had to take a few seconds before you actually realized what he had told you. He noticed you? Why? And for-for how long? But most importantly, why?  “I-I’ve always found you intriguing. The way you speak up for your beliefs and stand up for your friends and yourself. The way you carry yourself around. And then I noticed that you never revealed your hair. Yet, at some points, few strands were finding their way out and I was- Well, I was captivated. Because you know, I’m a Black and you feel like the whole rainbow. But I have to admit, I love the baby blue but I adore the purple. Even if I don’t know what it means”.  For about a minute you didn��t even blink. You felt your brain melting and your heart skipping beats; oh, and so many butterflies. He had truly noticed your every move. He-why? You knew that your head was a colorful mess but you couldn’t help it. He was there, black hair falling around his beautiful face; gray eyes piercing yours; plump lips slightly apart; sharp cheekbones and jawline that could cut. You were staring at him and you didn’t even try to look away. How could you? It was all or nothing. “It means… I’m in love” you whispered. Your voice soft and relieving as the summer breeze on a hot day. You saw his Adam’s apple going up and down as he swallowed hard.  He brought a hand to your hair, swirling a strand around his slender fingers, playing with it. If it was possible, your hair would darken even more. “Why don’t you color me purple?” he asked you seductively as he moved closer to your face. He gave you time to pull away if you wanted to, but WHY would you want to do something like that? He leaned down and captured your lips into a heart-melting kiss as he cupped your cheek, never pulling his other hand away from your hair.  Maybe you should thank Lily, after all.  tags: @starsepot