#and at the time an acquaintance of mine looked over my shoulder and said “why does he look like the disney version of a pedo” | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

blakeswritingimagines · 6 months ago

Text

She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy

Summary: Going out to the country to spend the summer with your grandparents wasn't ever new to you... but the new cute ranch hand is.

Warnings: Pining, Slight use of Y/N, Blowjob, Outside sex, Protected sex, Some dirty talk, Talk of round two.

Word count: 4.2k

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire characters nor do I claim to own them.

He crossed his arms standing across from you, his muscles flexing softly under the sunlight as he looked you up and down, he smirked a little as his eyes landed on your figure again. He took his time checking you out as you arrived to stay with your grandparents for the summer, he had a pronounced southern accent, and he was handsome, not to mention his southern charm. He moved closer to you as he slowly spoke again. “ain’t seen you here before, sugar.”

You felt his gaze running over your body like a caress, sending a shiver down your spine. His southern accent was both charming and captivating, and his muscular frame seemed to radiate masculinity. You tried to keep your cool as you looked up at him, but you couldn’t help the way your heart raced in your chest. “Yeah, I’m just here for the summer, visiting my grandparents,” you replied, trying to sound nonchalant. “And how about you?” "Visiting family, huh?" Zack asked, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Well, ain't that somethin'. It's mighty fine to have some fresh blood 'round these parts." He stepped even closer, invading your personal space just a bit. The heat of his body was palpable, and you could smell the musky scent of his cologne mixed with the earthy aroma of horses and leather. "I'm Benji," he said, extending a large, calloused hand towards you. "Benjicot Blackwood. Pleased to make your acquaintance, miss…" He trailed off, waiting for you to supply your name. His eyes sparkled with mischief and something else - a primal intensity that made your breath catch in your throat.

Your heart skipped a beat as he approached, invading your personal space with his imposing presence. The scent of his cologne and the smell of the outdoors on his skin was overpoweringly masculine, and it made you feel both excited and slightly intimidated. You took his hand in yours, shivering at the texture of his calloused skin against your own smooth fingers. "It's nice to meet you, Benji," you said, your voice coming out a little breathless as if actually looking forward to the summer for the first time since you were a kid. "I'm Y/N." The corners of his mouth twitched into a grin as he shook your hand firmly, holding onto it longer than necessary. "Pleasure's all mine, Darlin," he drawled, "I hope you're planning on stickin' around for a while. This ol' town sure could use someone as pretty as you to liven things up." He winked at you playfully, the sparkle in his eye undeniable. Benji said, grinning widely as he let go of your hand. "I reckon we'll be seein' more of each other around these parts." He winked at you playfully before turning to leave, leaving you alone once again. As he walked away, he threw one last comment over his shoulder at you. "Don't forget now, Y/N, these parts aren't best known for its nightlife, so best be careful where you venture off to this summer."

You grew flustered at his compliment, and you couldn't help but feel a little flustered as he held onto your hand for longer than necessary. You tried to keep your composure as he smiled at you, but your heart was racing inside. What was it about this man that made you feel so off balance? You watched him walk away, your eyes lingering on his muscular form, before he turned to throw one last comment over his shoulder. You didn't know why, but his words only intrigued you.

Every day, that encounter with Benji played in the back of your mind. You couldn't shake the memory of his smile, his scent, his intense gaze. And now, as you walked through town, you found yourself looking for him, unconsciously hoping to run into him again. Your heart skipped a beat as you saw him walking towards you on the sidewalk. He was wearing a tight shirt that hugged his muscular torso and a pair of jeans that hugged his hips in the best way possible. As soon as he spotted you, Benji's grin widened even further. He tipped his hat in greeting and sauntered over to you, his boots clicking against the pavement. "Well, well, look what the cat dragged in," he teased lightly, his voice deep and warm. "Thought maybe I'd see ya wanderin' 'round town today." He leaned casually against the wall beside you, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "What brings you out and about? Plannin' on causin' trouble already?"

You tried to keep the grin off your face but failed miserably. You couldn't help it; there was something about this man that made you smile. "Just enjoying the summer breeze," you said, trying to sound nonchalant. "And no, I don't plan on causing trouble. At least, not too much trouble." You glanced over at him, taking in the way his shirt hugged his muscular body. It was hard to ignore how attractive he was. "Oh, I wouldn't be too sure about that," Benji drawled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He pushed himself off the wall and stood towering over you, making you acutely aware of your own smaller stature. "Trouble has a way of findin' people who don't expect it." He tilted his head slightly, studying your face with interest. "So, tell me, Darlin, what do you enjoy doin' when you're not causin' trouble?" You swallowed hard as he stepped closer to you, his tall frame towering over you and making you feel small. You tried to keep your cool, but your heart was beating faster than normal. "Well," you began, trying to sound as casual as possible, "I like to read, hike, that sort of thing." You took a deep breath, steeling yourself. "And you? When you're not busy ranching or chasing trouble, that is."

"Ranchin', ridin' bulls, fixin' things," Benji listed off, shrugging his shoulders. "The usual stuff. Nothin' too excitin'." He paused for a moment, his gaze drifting over your face. "But I gotta say, spendin' time with pretty ladies like yourself is always a nice change of pace." He flashed you another wink before pushing himself off the wall completely and straightening up to his full height. "Anyway, I best get goin'. Got some chores waitin' for me back home. But I hope to see you 'round these parts again real soon, Y/N." With that, he touched the brim of his hat in farewell and strode off down the street, leaving you watching after him with a fluttering stomach and a racing pulse. You watched as he walked off, his tall, muscular frame striding away with ease. Your heart was racing in your chest, and you found yourself staring after him long after he had disappeared from sight. You tried to shake off the feeling, reminding yourself that he was just a charming cowboy who probably said those kinds of things to a lot of girls. But still, you couldn't deny the effect he had on you. You knew you'd be seeing more of him soon, and that thought both thrilled and unnerved you.

As the days went by, you found yourself thinking about Benji more and more. You kept your guard up, trying to convince yourself that it was just a simple crush, nothing serious. But with each passing day, you found yourself growing more and more infatuated with him. You tried to push him out of your mind, but he was like a stubborn weed, refusing to be uprooted from your thoughts. The more you tried to avoid him, the more you found yourself in places where you might run into him. It was as if your own subconscious was betraying you. As the days passed, Benji couldn't help but notice the way you would glance his way whenever you happened to cross paths. There was something different about you, something more than just a simple crush. He wondered if you felt the same pull towards him as he did towards you. One afternoon, while he was working in the barn, he caught sight of you strolling past, your hair blowing gently in the wind. He watched you for a moment, admiring the sway of your hips and the curve of your waist. Then, without thinking, he called out to you.

You were walking past the barn, lost in your own thoughts when the sound of your name being called broke you out of your reverie. You looked up to see Benji standing outside the barn, his lean, muscular form illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the doors. Your heart skipped a beat. You quickly composed yourself and walked over to where he was standing. "Hey," you said breathlessly. Benji grinned as you approached, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Afternoon, Darlin'," he drawled, tipping his hat to you. "Been thinkin' about you lately." He leaned against the barn doorframe, his biceps flexing beneath the sleeves of his shirt. "Wonderin' if you might wanna take a ride with me sometime. Out to the river, maybe. It's a mighty fine spot for picnics and such." He winked at you suggestively, his meaning clear. "Whaddya say? Wanna spend some time with me this weekend?" Your heart skipped a beat at his words, and you tried to maintain your composure. Spending time alone with Benji, out in the wilderness, just the two of you? The idea was both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. But you couldn't deny that you were attracted to him, and the thought of spending a day in his company was very tempting. "Umm, yeah, sure," you said, trying to sound casual. "I mean, that sounds nice."

Benji's grin widened at your acceptance, and he clapped you on the shoulder, his touch firm and reassuring. "That's the spirit, Darlin'," he said, his voice low and encouraging. "Saturday mornin', meet me at the stable by nine. We'll saddle up and head on out." He gave your shoulder a gentle squeeze before stepping back, his eyes never leaving yours. "Looking forward to it," he added, before turning and disappearing back into the barn, leaving you standing there, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness wash over you. You stood there for a moment, the warmth of his hand still lingering on your shoulder, as you watched him disappear into the barn. Your heart was racing in your chest as you replayed his words in your head. A day alone with him, out by the river… It sounded both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. You smiled to yourself, your mind already imagining what the day might hold. You'd have to prepare, and make sure you had everything ready for the ride. And most importantly, try to calm down your nerves before the big day.

The next few days passed quickly, filled with preparations and anticipation. You packed a small picnic basket with sandwiches, fruit, and a couple of bottles of water, and made sure you had everything you needed for a day out in the sun. The night before the ride, you lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, your mind racing with thoughts of what the next day might bring. You tried to calm yourself, to remind yourself that it was just a casual outing with a handsome cowboy, nothing more. But despite your best efforts, you couldn't shake the anxious flutter in your stomach. Saturday morning dawned bright and clear, the sun shining down on the ranch with its usual vigor. Benji was already waiting for you at the stables when you arrived, his horse saddled and ready to go. He greeted you with a wide smile and a tip of his hat, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Mornin', Darlin'," he drawled, his voice warm and inviting. "Ready for our little adventure?" He held out a hand to help you mount your horse, his fingers brushing against yours and sending a shiver down your spine. Once you were settled in the saddle, he swung himself up onto his own horse with practiced ease, and together, you set off across the open plains, the wind whipping through your hair and the sun warming your skin.

You felt a thrill of excitement and nerves as Benji helped you mount your horse, the brush of his fingers against your skin sending a shiver down your spine. The ride through the open plains was a thrill, the wind whipping through your hair and the sun warming your skin. You chanced a glance at Benji as you rode, taking in his lean, muscular frame, the way his hips moved with the rhythm of the horse's gait. You tried to ignore the fluttering in your stomach and focus on the beauty of the landscape, but it was hard not to feel the pull of his presence beside you. As you rode, Benji pointed out various landmarks and shared stories about the land and its history. His deep, resonant voice washed over you, and you found yourself hanging on his every word. The miles seemed to melt away under the horses' hooves, and before long, you reached the riverbank. Benji dismounted first, then turned to help you down from your horse. He led you to a shaded spot near the water's edge, where a large oak tree provided welcome relief from the sun. "Here we are," he said, spreading out the blanket he'd brought along. "Ain't she a beaut?" The river sparkled in the sunlight, its waters crystal clear and inviting. Benji gestured for you to sit down, and you graciously accepted, settling in for a relaxing afternoon by the river.

You felt a sense of peace wash over you as you took in the beauty of the river, its waters sparkling in the sunlight. You sat down on the blanket, your skin prickling with anticipation at the thought of spending the afternoon alone with Benji. He settled down beside you, his body close enough that you could feel the warmth radiating off of him. The two of you ate your picnic lunch, chatting and laughing, sharing stories and jokes. The hours seemed to fly by in a blur, and before you knew it, the sun was beginning to sink low in the sky. Benji became increasingly attentive, making sure you were comfortable and had everything you needed. His presence was comforting, and you found yourself drawn to him even more. As the afternoon wore on, the heat of the day began to wane, replaced by a cool breeze that carried the scent of wildflowers and grass. Benji stretched out beside you on the blanket, propping himself up on an elbow to watch you. "You're doin' real good, Darlin'," he said, his voice low and appreciative. "Real good." He reached out, tracing a finger lightly down the side of your arm, sending another jolt of electricity through your system. You swallowed hard, suddenly aware of how close you were sitting to him, how easily he could reach out and touch you.

You felt your breath catch in your chest as his finger traced down your arm, sending a shock of electricity crackling through your body. His words washed over you, leaving you feeling both vulnerable and exposed. You tried to keep your cool, but it was hard not to notice the way he was looking at you, his gaze intense and full of desire. You swallowed hard, trying to keep your thoughts from spiraling out of control. The tension between you was palpable, and it was getting harder and harder to ignore. Benji watched you closely, his eyes reflecting a smoldering intensity. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against your ear as he whispered, "You know, I've been wantin' to get my hands on you since the moment I laid eyes on ya." His voice was low and husky, sending a ripple of desire coursing through your veins. He placed a hand on your thigh, his grip firm yet gentle, his thumb stroking the sensitive skin just above your knee. "How 'bout we make the most of this beautiful day?"

Your heart fluttered in your chest as he leaned in close, his voice sending shivers down your spine. You could feel the heat radiating off his body, the strength of his hand on your thigh, his thumb tracing lazy circles on your skin. Your mind was racing, torn between the thrill of his touch and the knowledge of what might happen if you let yourself go. You took a shaky breath, trying to find your voice. "What did you have in mind?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. Benji's lips curved into a wicked smile, his eyes darkening with lustful intent. "Well, for starters," he murmured, his voice dropping even lower, "how 'bout we lose these clothes?" He tugged gently at the hem of your shirt, his fingers deftly working their way up to your shoulders. "Seems like a shame to waste such a lovely day all covered up." His touch was light, teasing, promising more than just a simple undressing. The sensation of his fingers on your skin was intoxicating, making you forget everything else except the desire burning within you. You nodded slowly, unable to resist the urge to give in to his touch. "Okay," you breathed out, your voice laced with longing. You lifted your arms, allowing him to peel your shirt off, exposing your bare torso to the warm afternoon air. The sight of his hands on you, the look in his eyes, it was all too much, and you found yourself leaning in closer, craving the contact.

Benji's hands moved with purpose, peeling off your shirt and tossing it aside. His eyes roamed over your exposed flesh, drinking in the sight of the curves of your body. He let out a low growl of approval, his hands moving to the waistband of your pants, unfastening them with a swift motion. "You're gorgeous," he whispered, his voice thick with desire. He pushed your pants down, along with your underwear, revealing the rest of your body to his hungry gaze. You felt a rush of heat flood through you as he stripped you bare, his eyes raking over your naked form with undisguised hunger. The cool air kissed your skin, making you shiver with anticipation. You reached out tentatively, running your hands over the broad expanse of his chest, feeling the firm muscles beneath his shirt. "Your turn," you murmured, tugging at the hem of his shirt. You wanted to see him, to feel his skin against yours, to lose yourself in the heat of his body.

Benji stood up, shedding his shirt with a fluid motion, revealing his muscular torso to your eager gaze. He looked down at you, his expression filled with raw desire. "Like what you see?" he teased, his voice rough with arousal. He kicked off his boots and stepped out of his pants, standing before you completely nude. His member stood erect, throbbing with need, a clear indication of his desire for you. The sight of him, so powerful and virile, sent a wave of desire crashing over you. You reached out, tracing a finger down the length of his cock, feeling it twitch under your touch. "I can't deny it," you admitted your voice a mix of awe and lust. You leaned forward, pressing your lips against his chest, tasting the salt of his skin. Your tongue darted out, flicking over a hardened nipple, savoring the sharp intake of his breath. Benji groaned softly, his hands finding their way to your head, threading through your hair. "That feels damn good," he breathed out, his voice strained with pleasure. He guided your head, urging you to take more of him into your mouth, to taste the essence of his manhood. His hips bucked slightly, pushing his cock deeper into your warm, wet mouth.

The sound of his pleasure fueled your own, driving you to take him deeper, to explore every inch of him with your mouth. You sucked gently, swirling your tongue around the tip of his cock, savoring the salty tang of his pre-cum. Your hands wandered down his body, gripping his ass firmly, pulling him closer to your eager mouth. Benji's grip on your hair tightened as he lost himself in the sensations of your skilled mouth. "Fuck, yeah…just like that," he ground out, his hips rolling in rhythm with your movements. He could feel the heat building, his climax approaching rapidly. With a guttural moan, he pulled back, his cock glistening with your saliva. "Gonna flip you over now," he rasped, his eyes blazing with lust. "Want to be inside you when I come." The thought of him taking you from behind, filling you completely, sent a surge of excitement through your body. You nodded eagerly, turning onto your stomach, and presenting yourself to him. You glanced back over your shoulder, watching as he positioned himself behind you, his cock brushing against your slick entrance.

Benji's eyes met yours, a flash of false concern crossing his face before a sly grin spread across his lips. "Don't worry, darlin'," he purred, reaching over to grab a condom from his discarded jeans. He tore open the packet with his teeth and rolled the latex over his throbbing erection. "Now, where were we?" He gripped your hips, guiding his cock to your entrance, teasing you with the tip before finally thrusting deep inside you in one smooth motion. The sensation of being filled so completely made you gasp, your body arching back against him. You could feel every ridge and vein of his cock stretching you, claiming you as his own. You clenched around him instinctively, your inner walls clamping down on him, desperate for more. "Oh god…" you moaned, the pleasure almost too intense to bear. Benji began to move, setting a steady pace, each thrust driving deeper into your welcoming warmth. His hands explored your body, squeezing your ass cheeks, digging into your flesh as he fucked you relentlessly. "Damn, you're tight," he grunted, his strokes becoming more forceful, more urgent. He leaned over you, his chest pressed against your back, his breath hot against your neck.

You could feel his heartbeat pounding against your back, syncopated with the rhythm of his thrusts. The sensation of his hard body against yours, the way he filled you so perfectly, was overwhelming. You pushed back against him, meeting his strokes, increasing the intensity of the encounter. "Harder," you begged, your voice a needy whimper. "Please, fuck me harder." A feral growl escaped Benji's throat at your plea, his hips snapping forward with renewed vigor. He pounded into you mercilessly, the sounds of skin slapping against skin echoing through the room. One hand slid up your body, cupping your breast, kneading the soft flesh roughly. "You want it harder, baby? Want me to fuck this sweet little cunt until you scream my name?" His words were filthy, his tone commanding, demanding. He pinched your nipple, twisting the sensitive bud, sending jolts of pain-pleasure straight to your core. The combination of pain and pleasure was too much, pushing you closer to the edge. You cried out, your voice ringing with both agony and ecstasy. "Yes! Fuck yes!" You rocked back against him, desperate for more, for everything he had to offer. Your orgasm built rapidly, coiling tightly within you, ready to explode at any moment.

Benji could feel your body tensing, and hear the desperation in your cries. He knew you were close, teetering on the brink of release. He redoubled his efforts, slamming into you with abandon, chasing his own impending climax. "Come for me, baby," he urged, his voice strained with exertion. "Let go, I've got you." His thumb found your clit, rubbing the swollen nub in tight circles, pushing you over the precipice. "That's it, fucking come on my cock." His words were punctuated by a particularly deep thrust, burying himself to the hilt inside you. The sensation of your walls clamping down on him, milking his cock, was enough to send him careening over the edge. He came with a roar, his hips jerking erratically as he spilled himself inside you. The sensation of his cum filling you, marking you as his, was all it took to push you into oblivion. You screamed his name, your entire body convulsing as waves of pleasure crashed over you. You could barely stand, your legs trembling uncontrollably, but he held you up, keeping you anchored to reality even as you spiraled into bliss.

Benji collapsed atop you, his heavy breathing mingling with your own ragged gasps. He remained buried inside you, his cock throbbing with aftershocks of pleasure. Slowly, he withdrew, his spent member sliding free with a slick pop. He turned you to face him, his eyes searching yours, seeking confirmation of what had just happened between them. "Was that okay?" he asked, his voice husky with satisfaction. You smiled weakly, still reeling from the intensity of your orgasm. "It was incredible," you murmured, your voice a whisper. You reached up, running your fingers through his sweat-drenched hair, pulling him down for a gentle kiss. The taste of him on your lips, the memory of his touch, was enough to make your heart flutter. Benji kissed you back tenderly, his lips moving against yours with a rare gentleness. He pulled away slowly, his gaze lingering on your flushed features. "I'd say we're even now," he said, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He stood, offering you a hand to help you up. "But I'm thinking we might need another round to really settle things."

#benjicot blackwood #benjicot x reader #benjicot smut #benjicot blackwood x reader #benjicot blackwood x you #benjicot blackwood x yn #benjicot blackwood imagine #benjicot blackwood fanfic #benjicot blackwood smut #bloody ben

243 notes · View notes

justhotfantasies · 7 months ago

Text

My friend Clara and my husband don’t get on. I guess that’s why I haven’t seen her as much as I would have liked over the last twenty years and I’m pretty sure that’s why I got an invitation to her son’s wedding and he didn’t. Whatever the case I was booked into the Golden Lion hotel where the reception was taking place and I was decked out in what I thought was my classiest outfit: a red satin dress that clung a little more tightly to my middle-aged body than it had when I bought it, and I’d put on party make up for the first time in ages.

It was getting late. I’d had a few drinks. I’d chatted to a few old acquaintances and had a few laughs and was thinking about going to bed when a voice said, “Hold still.” A good-looking young man of about twenty-one that I recognised as the best man was holding up his phone and pointing it at me. “For the record” he said as I smiled and he took my picture. A moment later he was standing close to me showing it to me. “I’ll be back in a few minutes for a dance, OK?” he said with youthful enthusiasm.

I’ll be honest, I felt a small thrill of excitement at the thought. But I’m forty-five and married so didn’t think much more of it until he reappeared holding out his hand and saying “Now. That dance.” A little flattered and very surprised I took his hand and he led me onto the dance floor. It was a slow number and I became aware as we danced that I was becoming aroused by this young man’s hands on my body and his breath in my ear; by the movement of his chest against my breasts and his groin against my stomach.

The next few minutes are a blur. One moment we were on that dance floor. The next we were in the lift heading for the third floor and our lips were pressed together, our tongues were lashing at each other and our hands were exploring each other’s bodies. The next moment we were in my room pulling at each other’s clothes and all thoughts of my husband had vanished from my head as this young man, young enough to be my son, and I tumbled onto the bed.

His thigh ground against my pussy as my tongue danced with his. His hand explored my full mature tits as mine clutched at his tight young arse. His cock grew hard against my soft middle-aged stomach and a part of me - a part perhaps that recalled the freedom I had at his age - yearned to feel it inside me; yearned for a simple, primal, uncomplicated, undomesticated fuck.

I rolled onto my back and spread my legs. Nestled between them I felt his slim hips against my thighs as his cock moved against my wet pussy and then I gasped as he entered me, stretching me inside and sending waves of pleasure out through my body. I clutched at his strong young shoulders as he thrust deep inside me and my hips rose to meet him. Wrapping my legs around him I urged him on as he began to fuck me with a youthful vigour and urgency I’d long forgotten.

As if in a haze, at a distance, I could hear myself moaning, panting, urging him on as with thrust after thrust shock after shock of sensual joy surged through me; building, surging, rising to a crescendo until, clutching at him, the sheets, the bed, anything I could get my hands on, I came. My whole body shook as I pulled him to me and, a few moments later, I felt him swell inside me and, with a few deep determined thrusts he flooded my mature married pussy.

He rolled off and we lay panting for a while. Me more than him - I hadn’t had that much exercise for quite some time. Eventually he got dressed and went to his room and I had the best night’s sleep I’d had in some time

#mature woman #wife #older woman younger men

128 notes · View notes

waynes-multiverse · 8 months ago

Text

Polaris – Chapter 7

Series Summary: When Beau Arlen moved to Montana, he left behind a past he wasn’t proud of. But when a series of murders requires the FBI’s help, Sheriff Arlen‘s ghosts come back to haunt him one by one. With a wrong turn waiting at every crossroads, it��s hard to make the right choices and find his way back home – back to you.

Pairing: Beau Arlen x FBI Agent!Reader

Warnings: 18+, fluff, angst, serial killer, mentions of cartels, grief, smut

Word Count: 7.2k

A/N: The chapter where we find out why Ted is on Beau's punch list aka The One With Ted... 😂

Series Masterlist || Main Masterlist || Tag List

Chapter 7: Storm Coming

May 2021

“I sold the house,” you said, your voice ripping through the quiet of the car during another starry stake-out night.

“So you’re homeless now?” Beau joked and peeled his eyes away from the front window view and glanced at you from the driver’s seat, his hand resting on the steering wheel, the other one in his lap.

You chuckled. “Yup, but I got a hot plate now in my motel room and one of those Italian moka pots. So, you know, some would say I’m living the dream.”

Beau snorted in amusement before he pensively rubbed his mouth with two fingers. “You didn’t have to sell the house, you know?”

You heaved a sigh. “Yeah, I kinda did, though… I didn’t like staying in there anymore. It’s just… too many memories, I guess? ‘Sides, I’m always down here anyways. Actually considering moving here.”

Beau frowned at you, his nose scrunching. “What, to Mexico? Are you nuts? Over my dead body are you doin’ that.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had a say in it,” you retorted rather playfully and put a shocked palm on your chest in mock.

“Damn right, I do,” Beau scoffed his reply with a teasing grin. “Who do you think is lookin’ out for ya, huh?”

“Wait, you think you are? That’s what you believe?” You snorted a laugh, entering banter territory with him.

It was usually how you passed your time during most of these stake-outs – laughing, teasing, and the occasional talking about your problems. You’d never known Beau like this before. He was your husband’s best friend, but he had been more of an acquaintance to you. Now, after months of spending close to every day together, it felt like he was your best friend. Since Randy’s death, he’d been there for you, even if it was mostly out of guilt.

“Yeah, what d’you think?” Beau countered challengingly.

“Oh sweetie, you’re not looking after me. I’m looking after you,” you stated confidently. The smile that twitched on his lips seemed to actually agree with you. “Out of the two of us, you’re the way bigger wreck. Some would even think it’s your husband who died, not mine.”

“Are you calling me a girl?”

You coolly shrugged your shoulders. “Either I’m calling you a girl, or I’m calling you gay. I’ll let you pick.”

Laughingly, Beau scoffed and muttered, “You wish I was gay.”

However, you still heard his mumbled reply and responded, “Actually, I wish you were a girl and that I was gay.”

Beau stared at you and leaned back against the door for a better view of you, his brow raised and the corners of his lips drawn slightly upwards in amusement. “What are we even talking about?”

“I don’t know,” you admitted with a shake of your head.

The two of you then burst into loud laughter that filled the entire SUV. For a moment, all your sorrows and hardships seemed to be forgotten, carried away to the desert with the nightly breeze. Then, the familiar and comfortable quiet took over the car again.

“I’m moving out of the house, too,” Beau said, his eyes focusing on the barren landscape and desolate road ahead. “I’m giving it to Carla. I mean, she didn’t ask me to. God knows she can take care of herself… But I want Emily to keep living in the home she grew up in, you know?”

“Yeah, I get that. That’s really nice,” you said quietly. Your soft smile then morphed to a grin. “So you’re homeless, too, huh?”

Beau laughed, throwing his head back into the seat. “Yeah, guess I am. Maybe we should live together?” he suggested half-jokingly.

“Like roommates? Ugh, God no!” You scoffed in abhorrence. “We’re way too old for that. You’re over forty, I’m barely in my thirties–”

“You do know I know exactly how old you really are, right?” Beau teased.

You decided to ignore that jab and continued, unbothered. “It would be seriously so sad. The Widow And The Divorcee – sounds like the worst sitcom on the planet. ‘Sides, it’d be super awkward if one of us starts dating again.”

“Fine, maybe you’re right,” Beau relented with a soft chuckle and then glanced at you sideways. His heart gained speed in his chest. “You ever think about it? Dating? Gettin’ out there again? Been nine months.”

You twitched your shoulders, choosing not to look at him. “I don’t know. Is nine months long enough after your husband died?”

Thoughtfully, Beau licked his lips and let out a small sigh. “I don’t think there’s a timeline, or a right and wrong. I just think it’s one of those things that when you’re ready, you’re ready.” “Well, consider me not ready then, I guess,” you replied honestly.

“Alright,” Beau accepted, bobbing his head. “But I still think you should try again at some point, you know? You shouldn’t be alone for the rest of your life. First of all, it’d be a total waste, ‘cause, I mean, look at you. And secondly, you’re barely in your thirties, after all,” he repeated your earlier joke with a soft grin.

You felt the heat creep to your cheeks in the moonlight. As you looked at him, you could see his smirk, making you laugh. “Noted,” you replied and were thankful for his pep talk. “I mean, there’ve been offers.”

Beau quirked one eyebrow, a hard lump forming in his throat as his chest tightened. “Offers? Like plural? Who?”

“Well, just some of the guys from our team. Cody, Jordan, Ted…” you named a few. “Also a few locals. Remember those guys we played pool with a few weeks ago? Two of ‘em asked for my number.”

“Huh. That is plural…” Beau pursed his lips and couldn’t keep his brow from wrinkling, his grip on the steering wheel stiffening. “Well, you know, when you’re not ready, you’re not ready. Shouldn’t force anything. No rush, darlin’.”

Smooth, Beau thought wryly with an internal sigh.

“Right, I know,” you agreed. “I do miss sex, though. Getting kinda bored of my vibrator.”

Beau choked on his spit. “Jesus…”

“What? Am I not allowed to talk about it? I thought we were friends. You’re supposed to care about my well-being and happiness,” you argued, frowning.

“I do care. Just… Can we please not talk about that?” he begged and exhaled a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his freckled nose.

“Fine. I miss having women around…” You shrugged and muttered, “Didn’t peg you for a prude.”

“Okay, let’s just get one thing straight – I’m not a prude,” he clarified in defense, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red.

“Alright, also noted,” you quipped, smirking to yourself. Sometimes you enjoyed making him a little uncomfortable. His blushed cheeks could be quite cute. “What about you? Have you still not talked to Carla? I’m sure you can win her back if you tried. You’re a lot better now.”

“Well, thank you for the, uh, vote of confidence, but it’s really over, I guess. We just talked about all the divorce proceedings last time. I actually think she started datin’ someone recently,” Beau told you.

Your eyebrows rose in surprise. “Really? Who?”

“I guess some rich tech guy. I don’t know…”

“And you’re good with that?” you questioned in disbelief.

Beau scoffed a humorless chuckle, shaking his head. “Ha, no… But what am I gonna do? Kinda shot myself in the leg with that one. I don’t blame her for moving on. It’s been over for months now.”

“That sucks. I’m sorry. I was kinda rooting for you two,” you admitted.

“Well, thanks, but we weren’t you and Randy,” Beau said. It made your brow knit.

“What d’you mean?”

“C’mon, you know what I mean,” Beau replied as if it were obvious, but you still shook your head. He sighed. “You and Randy would’ve never gotten divorced.”

“You don’t know that.” Honestly, you doubted it yourself, but you were too curious to find out what he meant by his statement.

“I do know that,” Beau insisted with certainty. “You guys had that once-in-a-lifetime kinda love. The kind that made other people jealous, you know? Your love made every other relationship pale in comparison. I always figured once the honeymoon phase was over, you’d settle and be less vomit-inducing, but that never happened. Me and Carla were never like that. Not even in the beginning,” he explained, a small, soft smile shaping his mouth. “You guys were special. True love. The stuff folk singers write cheesy songs about.”

“I guess we were,” you mused quietly, the memory of everything Randy was to you causing tears to well in your eyes.

“Hey, I’m sorry,” Beau apologized as soon as he noticed the sadness on your face. He reached his hand over to your side and squeezed your thigh gently, just above the knee.

“No, it’s alright,” you brushed him off, swallowing your heartache down. “But hey, if Carla wasn’t your once-in-a-lifetime, maybe she’s still out there. You just haven’t found her yet. I mean, that’s kinda a nice outlook, right?”

Licking his lips, he bobbed his head, his gaze focused on his hand on the steering wheel. “I doubt it.”

“Why? Never say never,” you said encouragingly.

“Well, maybe I already met her, and it’s too late now,” he replied. It sounded more like an actual fact than a hypothetical theory. You found yourself wondering.

“What, did you have like an old college flame? The one that got away?” you teased lightheartedly, but he only grew more serious.

“Somethin’ like that,” he replied vaguely, rubbing his mouth with his fingers.

“Look her up on Facebook. Maybe she’s divorced, too. You could reconnect or something,” you suggested. He nodded but didn’t seem too convinced. You then shot him a hesitant glance from your periphery. “So, now that Carla’s moving on, are you gonna start dating now, too? Jump back into the game?”

“I guess so… Why?” A part of him was curious to hear your response, while another part reminded him that his desired answer was only wishful thinking – and completely insane on top of that.

“That fiery brunette lady at the bar last night seemed really interested in you. Maybe you should hook up with her if she’s there again tomorrow night?” you proposed in earnest.

Wide-eyed, Beau blinked at you in incredulity – like you had lost your goddamn mind. “I’m sorry, what?! Hook up? Who are you right now? Are you tryin’ to set me up?”

“Yeah.” You shrugged simply, not seeing what the big problem was. “Don’t look at me like I’m trying to convince you to get a tramp stamp above your ass with a dirty needle. I’m just trying to be a good wingman… woman. Randy would’ve tried to set you up, right?”

Beau sighed frustratedly. “Yeah, he would’ve,” he admitted in a grumble and then barked, slightly more furious, “But you ain’t him. And I don’t want you to be, so stop it, alright?”

“Geez, I’m sorry. I was just trying to help,” you mumbled defensively and raised your hands in surrender, unsuccessfully hiding your upset over his reaction. He felt guilty when he saw the small pout on your face.

Beau rubbed his forehead before dragging his palm over the rest of his face. “I know. I’m sorry, too,” he said and let out a deep breath through his nose. “I just-… I guess I’m just waiting, okay?”

“Waiting for what?”

Beau squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. For you to be ready, he wanted to say. But he couldn’t very well do that now, could he?

“For Christ’s sake, Y/N…” he breathed exhaustively. That was all he managed to say. With his palm on his mouth, he rested his elbow against the car door, gazing out the window.

“Why are you so upset?” you asked, your brow woven with confusion.

“Switch subjects,” he requested.

It was a phrase the two of you used whenever you didn’t want to talk about something anymore. When someone pushed too much, or the topic got too emotional and you needed a break. The only rule was to always respect the request, so you had no choice but to let it go after that.

“The Texans game sucked last night, huh?”

That elicited a snort from him, and he looked at you with a warm smile. “Yeah, goddamn awful.”

“How many times are you gonna watch those?”

Beau’s question broke your concentration. Your gaze snapped from your laptop screen to his concerned face. You’d been rewatching the victims’ videos for four days straight now, trying to find more clues. Maybe even something that directly led to Diane.

“I keep thinking maybe I’ve missed something,” you mumbled and stared back into the computer, your teeth gnawing on the pen between your lips. “It’s 48 hours each. We have twenty-four victims. I keep watching them sped-up to get through them all, but maybe I should slow ‘em down. I mean, I’ve watched them full-length, normal speed a couple of times before, but maybe I should watch ‘em even slower and really focus, you know? There’s gotta be something there…”

Bobbing his head worriedly, Beau pursed his lips and took a scan of your desk. He counted eight empty cups of coffee and five cans of energy drinks. There were bags under your red eyes and your hands were jittering. He knew you hadn’t slept a lot. He tried to hold you in his arms, but as soon as he dozed off, you snuck out and went back to work.

Beau shut the laptop. “You’re cut off.”

“Hey!”

“Y/N, you need to sleep. Just look at you, darlin’. This obsession isn’t healthy. I’m taking you home,” he declared sternly, ignoring your protests. You were pretty sure he had used his dad voice, too.

“I need that woman in prison, Beau.”

“You startin’ to sound like Jenny…” Beau quipped under his breath.

“We’re running out of time. There’s only one day left before the next victim drops,” you stated and tried your best to keep your voice steady as it broke off towards the end.

“I know.” Beau clasped your shoulder and squeezed gently. “And we’ll get her. I promise you. But you’re no good to any of us if you’re exhausted and losing it right now.” You nodded and rose from your chair. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you flush against him, kissing the top of your head affectionately. “How about some dinner, huh?”

You grinned warmly. “What, like a second date?”

“Exactly like a second date,” Beau said and mirrored your grin. He was making up for lost time as best as he could, even if it meant taking you out every night for the rest of your life.

Your phone buzzed on the table, your brow quirking at the number. Eagerly, you picked up and wound yourself out of Beau’s embrace. “Special Agent Y/L/N… Uh-huh… Great, thank you.”

Beau pursed his lips. “We’re not going out, are we?”

“‘fraid not, Sheriff.” You shook your head and chuckled at his groan. “That was IT. They’re finally done and sending over the IP addresses.”

“Alright, guess I’m gettin’ take out,” Beau announced with a small sigh, knowing the two of you were in for a long night – and not the one he had planned.

You smiled and pecked his lips. “Thank you.”

August 2020

Beau’s heart thudded frantically in his chest as his knuckles tapped your front door in the early evening. The sky was a color spectacle full of azures, indigos, and apricots as the summer sun slowly set. His boots only stood on that same spot not even twenty-four hours ago. It still felt like a surreal nightmare he couldn’t escape, his hope to wake up soon a ceaseless prayer.

He’d stayed with you all night, held you as you cried yourself to sleep. Beau awoke on your couch with your head resting on his thigh and a strange feeling in his gut. He couldn’t help but think you were beautiful, even in a state of utter turmoil, shoving said thought swiftly down into the depths of his darkening soul.

But he’d spent all day thinking of you, plagued by guilt and torn by misplaced feelings. He’d sat through hours of interviews, going over and over the events of last night till his mind spun like a hamster wheel. He was forced to fill out forms, sign documents, and recount each unforgettable step. He’d listened to lectures, sermons, and admonitions. His captain gave him a tongue-lashing that sounded like mere white noise before he was sent home with a suspension – investigation pending.

Only he didn’t go home; he came here.

At home, his wife and daughter were waiting – for a husband, a father, an explanation. None of which he could provide. Beau wanted to wallow in his grief, his guilt, his loss in peace. He lacked the strength to be strong, play pretend, and act above it all. He wanted to be punished, sent to perdition, and held accountable for his lapse of judgment. A suspension wasn’t good enough. It barely patched the abysmal gaps in his heart.

The only suitable punishment was you. Witnessing your suffering was his personally crafted hell. You were the broken remnants of his destruction, the shattered pieces of his idiocy, the explosive fallout of his arrogance.

And you hadn’t answered a single call or text of his. His torturous worry was part of his penalty.

Consecutive rings of the doorbell and incessant knocks remained unanswered. For a moment, Beau rested his forehead on the door. He felt helpless and clueless all the same. You had friends and family to take care of you, probably better suited and closer to you than him, but somehow he felt burdened with the responsibility.

He took the spare key out of the left-side planter and barged inside. The ground floor was deserted. Last night’s uneaten dinner still sat untouched on the table. It felt like a whiplash against his bare back.

Bolting upstairs, he found the door to the main bedroom ajar. He pried it open slowly, the sight of you delivering his second lashing. This time, he felt the sting burning through to his heart.

He found you curled up in bed, on your husband’s side, in your husband’s t-shirt, with your wedding photo album clutched tightly in your arms. His breath halted for a moment; his heart did, too.

Did he do this? Was this all his fault?

“Y/N?” His deep voice was quiet and careful as he spoke. Slowly, he walked over to your side and knelt down in front of you. “Darlin’, hey… You need to get up. Eat somethin’.”

Beau was sure you hadn’t moved all day. He didn’t ask you if you were alright or how you were doing. The question seemed insulting. The answer was obvious. Your phone was lighting up on the nightstand with a million unanswered calls and messages, his own among them. Your beautiful eyes were vacant, red, and empty. You didn’t cry, however, not anymore. You were dehydrated and all out of tears at this point. You never looked at him, not even a glance.

“I want him back,” you whispered, your voice coarse from screaming, crying, cursing.

Beau nodded, licking his lips. Caringly, he caressed your head, brushing a few strands of messy hair out of your face. “I know. I hope you know I’d trade places with him in a heartbeat if I could.”

For the first time your eyes found his. Your gaze was scathing and piercing. “Tell me what happened.”

Beau let out a harrowing sigh. He had rehashed the story all day long. He wasn’t sure if he could do it again, but maybe this version was the most important one. Who deserved the truth more than you?

“Y/N, I don’t think this is such a good idea, darlin’,” Beau tried to reason, mostly for himself. He wanted to hold on a little longer, the idea of you hating him tearing him apart. He wanted to spare himself the additional guilt, the anger, the hurt.

“Tell me or leave.”

Beau closed his eyes and nodded hesitantly. “Okay, alright.” He took a deep breath and settled down on the floor, leaning his back against the wooden bedside table. “We were closing in on that biker gang. Few murders, arms trafficking, drug deals… You know the drill. I’m sure Ra-… he filled you in.”

Not that long ago, Randy had asked you for advise on the case. You gave him your contacts in the DEA and a number to a CI.

“Your DEA guy warned us. Said the gang was working closely with the cartel down in Juárez. But I had my own intel that only a few members were meeting at the Hatcher warehouse in MacGregor. It was supposed to be a small deal. But I figured it could lead to bigger things if we shook ‘em down, you know? But fuckin’ Harper told us no like usual. Refused to give us back-up. Said to pass the case on to the DEA. But Randy and I worked our asses off the last few months to get even this far. We were so close. I didn’t wanna let go… So, I suggested we go in anyways. It was supposed to be only three guys from the gang. I knew if we were smart about it, we could easily take ‘em down, you know?”

You rolled onto your back and propped yourself up on the bed. Shaking your head, you chuckled humorlessly and grabbed the half-empty whiskey bottle from the nightstand. “‘Course you did. It’s not the first time you broke a rule or shit on authority.”

“Yeah, and I was right every single time,” Beau bit. His anger wasn’t geared at you but at himself. He knew he was in the wrong. He flew too close to the sun and got burned. But he still felt the need to defend himself, even if it was unjustified.

His gaze drifted to the dresser and the patch of wall above it, decorated with photographic evidence of yours and his partner’s life together. The wedding, dates, vacations, holidays – it was all there. Beau had watched it all, start to finish. He wished he could rewind the tape and cut off the ending, all so you could have the love of your life back. He didn’t know yet your cassette had a B-side. One that featured him.

“You got fucking lucky, is all,” you scoffed.

“Randy backed me up on it!”

“Of course he did! You’re his fucking partner! He would’ve followed you anywhere if you asked him to,” you snapped, shaking your head. You gulped down some whiskey then and locked your jaw before you met his eyes again with a glare. “And? What happened then, Beau? Was it only three guys?”

“No.” The word was almost inaudible. He shook his head with a harsh swallow. “They were meetin’ with a few cartel members there. My intel never said anything about that. When we were inside and saw what was really going on, it was already too late to get out. They made us, bullets started flyin’… They got a hold of Randy and… shot him.” A tear escaped down his cheek, his throat closing as he tried to choke out the last bit of the story. “I had to leave him there. I barely got out myself. I’m sorry, Y/N. I know this is on me.”

Your lips twitched with a bitter smile. You didn’t look at him, just rubbed your tired eyes. “Damn right it is. Get out.”

“Y/N, please–”

The storm in your eyes made him stop as you met his gaze, his useless apologies becoming stuck in his throat. “I said, get out. I ain’t asking a third time. You’re the reason my husband is dead. You’re the reason I don’t even have a body to bury. So, get the fuck out.” Like a snakebite, your words were targeted, sharp, and venomous.

You finally got out of bed and prodded towards the en-suite bathroom. The truth had been what you needed to switch the fighter inside of you back on. You knew what you wanted to do then and were determined to get it.

“Y/N–”

“Do you know what cartels do to bodies, Beau? To rivals? To law enforcement? ‘Cause I just came back from a job where we found forty-eight decapitated bodies, left to rot inside the walls of a house. Still haven’t found the heads yet. Probably never will,” you told him and stared him dead into his dark green eyes. “Ever seen that before, desperado?”

Beau bit his lips, averting his gaze. “No.”

“Yeah, didn’t think so.” You scoffed and crossed your arms over your chest. “Now, leave. Please. Get the fuck outta my house. I don’t wanna see you anymore,” you spat and slammed the bathroom door shut behind you.

Beau then grabbed the whiskey bottle you’d left and walked out of your home. It was the first of many nights he started to drink himself to sleep, but at least it kept the nightmares temporarily at bay.

“Theodore.” Beau forced a bright smile onto his freckle-dusted face, although the stiff features could barely fool anyone. At least, they wouldn’t have fooled you.

“Beau, good to see you again.” Ted smiled and did a more convincing job of it as he waltzed into Lewis and Clark County’s Sheriff’s Department. It almost seemed like he meant it. “I was surprised when Y/N told me you got a gig as a sheriff here.”

Translation: I was surprised because you were such a fuck-up back in Texas.

Beau feigned a chuckle. “Yeah, I bet you were.”

“Hopefully, you’re givin’ the DAs here less headaches,” Ted jabbed under the disguise of friendly banter. He then turned to Jenny with that same shit-eating grin. “Your sheriff is a little troublemaker.”

Sweet Lord, Beau wanted to whack the bastard.

The blonde deputy coolly brushed the accusation off. She shrugged and playfully nudged Beau’s arm, sending the Texan attorney a smile. “I prefer him that way.”

“Hey, there she is!” Beau smiled with frazzled relief when you finally hurried into the station. A little while longer, and he definitely would’ve thrown a punch.

“Hey, Ted. Thanks for coming. How was your flight?” You greeted him with a warm smile and a quick hug.

“Good, good. Never been to Montana before,” Ted said and then let his eyes wander up and down your body. “Look at you. You look great!”

“Oh, uh, thanks.” You subtly cleared your throat. You could physically feel Beau stiffen next to you. In your periphery, you could spy a tightly clenched jaw and a few strained muscles in his neck.

“Mind if Y/N and I borrow your office, Sheriff Arlen?” Ted asked and emphasized his title. “Considering the nature of this case, I’d like to keep it as private as possible. Don’t want anything to reach Ms. Newton’s ears.”

Your hunch had been right. Several IP addresses pointed to Diane, some to public Wi-Fi’s. You and the team still needed to connect her to the other states and find out where she’d been staying there, but you could definitely trace some posts in recent weeks to her home in Montana. It was enough for an arrest warrant, but you still needed more evidence.

Additionally, it had all come together a little too easily. It seemed like a giant trap you were walking into. Diane wanted to be caught. But why?

“Why don’t I just join you? I’m sure Y/N here doesn’t mind,” Beau suggested with a tight smile and then snaked his arm around your middle, pulling you closer. “Ain’t that right, darlin’?”

Internally, you sighed a little at his obvious territorial pissing, but you were willing to throw him a bone. You stretched up and claimed his plump lips in a fervent kiss that Beau only all too happily reciprocated.

“Not at all, Sheriff. You know I always appreciate your input,” you replied with a dirty smirk at the double entendre.

As Beau looked down at you, he mouthed ‘God, I love you.’ You grinned in response.

“Happy to give it to you,” he said with another sweet peck of your lips. A triumphant and slightly cocky grin graced his lips as he looked back at Ted.

“Oh, so you two are back together?” Ted realized, his brow rising to his hairline. He’d never seen you two together but certainly had heard the whispers down in Mexico from your old task force. He’d been the DA for those cases as well. You’d never explicitly told him about you and Beau, though, even when he had tried to pry a little on those dates you went on.

“Well, I’m a hard one to quit,” Beau quipped almost proudly, like a peacock showing off his fan of feathers.

“As are cigarettes and many other vices,” Ted shot back with the same stupidly proud grin.

Translation: You’re an ass. And a failure. She deserves so much better. I’m ‘better.’ But maybe that didn't need a translation.

Beau should’ve known it was hard to out-argue a lawyer and ground his jaw. After all, he’d been married to one for many years.

You, on the other hand, shared a wide-eyed and baffled look with Jenny that bordered on amusement. You had almost gasped in shock. You hadn’t expected such a fiery reply, sure the men would stick to their Southern manners. But, oh well, everyone’s packing in fucking Texas…

“Why don’t you two go ahead? I’ll join you in a minute,” you ordered more than you earnestly proposed and shooed the two men down the hallway towards Beau’s office.

“Sure it’s such a good idea to lock those two in a room alone?” Jenny teased, her eyes lingering a little too long on Ted’s perfectly formed ass as he sauntered down the hall.

You couldn’t blame her. You had checked out Beau’s in the same breath.

“It’s only for a short time. They’re not gonna kill each other,” you laughed it off. Jenny arched a doubtful eyebrow at you. “That quickly,” you added a correction. “So, what did I miss here?” you asked and nodded towards the two men, closing the door to Beau’s office behind them. All you heard last was them talking about the recent Texans game.

Ugh, of course, they’d end up by football…

“Dick measuring contest,” Jenny supplied wryly.

“Ah, figured…”

“Well, better them than to lock Agent Y/L/N and the sheriff into the same room,” Poppernak joked with a soft chuckle as he appeared next to you and Jenny, chiming into the conversation.

You gaped at him in mock-shock. “Mo! I can’t believe you just said that,” you chided playfully.

His cheeks turned crimson red. “I’m sorry, Special Agent Y/L/N,” he apologized in a fluster.

“Mo, I told you to call me by my first name,” you reminded him with a smile. “Or I’m gonna have to start giving you silly names like Beau does.”

“Oh, I love Sheriff Arlen’s nicknames,” he quickly defended with a nervous laugh.

“Do you?” Jenny tilted her head with a questioning eyebrow.

He shrugged. “They’re clever.”

August 2020

“Old Fashioned,” you ordered with a look at the bartender, feeling Beau’s confused eyes and crinkled brow wander up to you. “Couldn’t have picked a nicer bar, huh? This place is a dump. You know that, right?”

Beau clicked his tongue and took a sip from his Ranch Water. “What are you doing here? Thought you never wanted to see me again.”

You let out a small sigh but didn’t meet his gaze. “Carla called me. Your family is worried about you.”

“I didn’t tell her where I was. How did you know I was here?”

“I didn’t. Carla said you haven’t been home in three days. Figured you’d gone on a bender. This is the fifth cop bar I checked out. Finally got lucky,” you said and thanked the bartender as he placed his drink in front of you. You settled down on a barstool next to Beau.

“Quite the effort. Sure I’m worth it?”

Your tongue swept over your lips. “Beau, look at me.” His forest-green eyes found yours upon your soft plea. “I’m sorry I put all that shit on you. It wasn’t fair. It’s not your fault, okay? His death isn’t on you. I know you loved him like a brother.”

“I did.” Beau took another sip of his drink. “But it is my fault. I was reckless and arrogant. We both know it.”

“It was a set-up, alright? I talked to my DEA contact. Cody said your intel was wrong. They knew you and Randy were closing in on them. They wanted to get rid of you,” you explained.

Beau smacked his lips. “I still shoulda known better. I should’ve seen it was a trap.”

“Maybe,” you admitted. You couldn’t say you would’ve done the same thing, but you knew Beau would’ve never purposely put Randy in danger if he had even the faintest idea. “But it could’ve happened to anybody. This was bigger than you knew.”

“It wouldn’t have happened to you,” he stated quietly. You couldn’t argue with that. You were more by-the-book than he was. You would’ve never gone against a superior’s order. You would’ve respected it.

“Look, just go home. Talk to your wife. Get some help,” you said. “You missed your suspension hearing, but I spoke on your behalf. Told them it wasn’t your fault. The DEA backed me. Harper’s gonna reinstate you. Just come back as soon as you’re ready.”

Beau nodded slowly. Even if he didn’t say it, you could tell he was thankful for your efforts. “I can’t go home.”

Your brow furrowed. “Why? I’m sure Carla will understand. You need to talk to someone about this. Go to therapy – and not the alcoholic kind. Losing a partner is not something you get over quickly. You need people in your corner, including your wife.”

“You mean the wife that lets criminals out on the street?” Beau’s gaze was focused on the glass in his hands. The wrinkles on your brow deepened. “The guy that shot him… Carla’s his defense attorney. Was, at least. He was supposed to do time, but two months ago, she got him paroled.” With a dark chuckle, he emptied his glass.

“Beau…” You knew he had always struggled with Carla’s job, making you sometimes wonder about their dinner conversations at home. “It ain’t her fault more than it is yours. She’s just doing her job. You know that. You’ve been together for so long, you’d think you’re used to it by now.”

Beau scoffed a chuckle and gestured to the bartender for a refill. “I was a young cop back then. Wasn’t on the job as long. I didn’t know it would bother me so much. Still lived in that hopeful bubble, I guess.”

You smiled knowingly. “You mean the ‘I didn’t think I’d see as much shit and injustice as I do now’ bubble?”

He snickered softly. “Yep, that one. Just didn’t think it’d be this hard, you know?”

“I get it. I mean, me and Carla butt heads all the time over this stuff. But we do it in a competitive fun way and then get drunk,” you said with a light chuckle. “Guess it’s different when you’re married, though, huh?”

“Yeah, it is…” he sighed.

“Still, go home. Talk to her,” you encouraged but could see your words of wisdom fell on deaf ears. “By the way, the funeral’s on Saturday.”

He turned his gaze away from his glass and found your eyes. “You need any help with that?”

“Maybe you can give a eulogy. You knew him best. I think he would’ve really liked that,” you said with a warm smile. No matter your own feelings, you knew deep down Randy would’ve wanted you to forgive his partner.

“Yeah, I can do that. Anything you need, okay?” Beau clasped your hand that laid on the bar counter and squeezed reassuringly before dropping it again.

You smiled appreciatively and teased, “Maybe show up sober. Or at least close-to.”

Beau chuckled a little. “I promise.”

You stood up from your seat then and put some cash for your drink on the counter. “Alright, I’m heading home. You need me to call you a cab?”

“Nah, I’m good. I’m just gonna finish this drink, then I’ll head out, too,” he said.

“You sure? Don’t make me come back here,” you threatened playfully.

Beau laughed softly. “I won’t. Thanks for everything, Y/N. I mean it.”

You sent him a smile and gave his shoulder a squeeze on your way out. “You’re welcome. Get home safe, okay?”

However, Beau couldn’t keep any of his promises. He made it home after three more drinks and woke up on the front lawn of his house. Carla wasn’t happy when she found him in the morning as she brought Emily to school. But Beau couldn’t stop. Every time he closed his eyes, the tragic events flashed before him like a horror movie, witnessing Randy’s death in a never-ending loop. He kept seeing his partner get dragged away, heard the shot over and over again like a rain of bullets without a ceasefire.

The guilt was eating him alive. The guilt of getting his partner into this mess in the first place. Of leaving him behind. Of surviving and coming out alive when he didn’t deserve to.

So, Beau kept drinking to forget, even though he knew it was a futile endeavor. The memory would never fade, but at least it was blurred.

Your heavy breaths echoed through the small trailer. His mouth moved down the column of your throat, leaving a wet path of ravenous love bites in its wake.

“Fuck, baby,” you moaned wantonly, his grip on your flesh punishing as he kept you pressed flush against him while he devoured you on the little dining table. Your ass sat on the wooden surface, your crossed ankles locked tightly behind his muscular back.

“God, you made me so happy today,” he growled against the shell of your ear, his rising length rubbing against your core through layers of denim.

“I can see that.” You giggled, your hands dangling in his hair. “There’s no need to hate him so much, you know?”

“Says you,” Beau quipped and unzipped your jeans, eagerly pulling them off you as his mouth sucked your clavicle purple and blue. “That slimy coyote always had it out for me.”

Beau removed your panties as well, tossing them behind his shoulder where they landed in the kitchen sink. “Whoops.” He grinned charmingly but was unstoppable, freeing his throbbing dick as he shoved his jeans and boxers barely over his ass. He didn’t bother to slip out of them all the way, too impatient to wait any longer to enter you.

“Still, I’m already yours. I’ve always been yours,” you said and braced yourself on his broad shoulders as one large hand on your back pulled you closer to the edge of the table. His other hand grabbed his cock, twisting his fist along the hard, long shaft a few times before he glided his cockhead through your slick folds.

“Not always.” With one harsh thrust, he pushed inside you, your tight walls fighting to make room for him and adjust to his stretch.

You gasped at the pleasurable burn that coursed through your body and ignited every sizzling nerve. He dropped his head to your shoulder, giving both of you some time to get used to each other. You could tell you were in for a wilder ride tonight. You always loved when he fucked you rough and hard. There was something raw and animalistic about the need in his hypnotizing green eyes.

Beau then claimed your lips with one fervent kiss, enough of a spark to cause a wildfire. He met your gaze, hands gingerly cupping your cheeks. “But I love that you’re mine now. And I’m sure as hell gonna make you mine tonight, darlin’.”

You crashed your lips against his, your kisses frenzied and untamed as his hips began to slam into you. His pounds into your pussy were relentless as you swallowed every inch of him. You gripped him tight, already feeling your first orgasm bloom. It accumulated like dark, violent storm clouds on the horizon, forecasting roaring thunder and heavy rainfall.

“Oh God! Fuck, baby!” You screamed as your climax tore through you like a hurricane, your cunt gushing on his cock and pulsing around him. Your nails dug into his shoulder blades and scratched down his back as you came undone.

Beau groaned into your ear, squeezing his eyes shut as he barely held on himself. But he didn’t let up and kept up his furious pace, not ready to stop yet. “Shit, keep doing that. You’re so fucking tight, Y/N,” he grunted against your skin, your sensitive flesh barely withstanding his ruthless pumps. “Want you to come again, darlin’.”

With his declaration, his hand slipped between your sweat-clad bodies. You came close to losing your mind as he thumbed furiously at your clit, the stars already starting to twinkle in front of your eyes. You could feel yourself get shoved to the edge once more, staring down the steep cliffs of white-hot ecstasy.

Your mind was consumed by need, his grip on your hips bruising as you exploded. You cried out raucously, your whole body quaking in his hold upon your eruption, the aftershocks so powerful they could cause cracks in your bones.

Beau spilled his seed deep inside of you, his body stuttering in rhythm with yours as your earthquake took him down with you. Hazy gazes met each other with lazy smiles as ragged breaths mingled.

“Fuck, that was good. I think that one might make it into our Top Ten.” Beau chuckled gravelly and placed a gentle kiss on your temple.

“Hmm, not sure. We have a few greatest hits.” You giggled and bit down on your lower lip with a mischievous twinkle in your eyes. “Can I tell you something?”

Beau cupped your cheeks, thumbs caressing the heated and rosy skin as he lifted your gaze. “Anything.”

“Just between us, you’re the best lover I ever had,” you confessed with a wide grin. The corners of his mouth rose to match yours.

“Well, between us, I’ve never loved anyone like I love you. You’re it, darlin’. You know that, right? You’re the love of my life,” Beau revealed, making you smile brighter than you ever had before.

“I’m not sure about the sex, but this moment, right here, is probably gonna make it into the Top Ten,” you said softly as a few tears stung your eyes.

“Good.” Beau smiled and pecked your forehead.

The buzzing of a phone shifted your attention. You recognized it as yours, and Beau was quick to retrieve it from your jeans pocket in the pile of clothes on the floor.

“It’s Jenny,” you told him before picking up. “Hello… What?! Uh-huh, we’ll be right there.”

Beau’s brow furrowed as he watched your features flicker through an array of emotions. “Bad news?”

“Uhm, honestly, I don’t know,” you said and swallowed some of your confusion down, gathering your thoughts. “Jenny said Diane just walked into the station and gave herself up. She is ready to confess but only wants to talk to us.”

“Us? As in us two?” Beau’s eyes narrowed. You nodded. “Well, that doesn’t sound fishy at all,” he commented wryly.

“Yup, I don’t like it.”

Chapter 8: Chemical Bonds

A lot of revelations and foreboding in this one... 👀 Also, I just love having Beau say the word "coyotes" for some reason 😂

Join the TAG LIST here! 🌌 Wanna sponsor my caffeine addiction? ☕️

Everything Jensen: @alwaystiredandconfused @xlynnbbyx @lyarr24 @deans-spinster-witch @blackcherrywhiskey

@deansbbyx @foxyjwls007 @ladysparkles78 @roseblue373 @zepskies

@agalliasi @yvonneeeee @hobby27 @iamsapphine @globetrotter28

@mxltifxnd0m @lacilou @feyresqueen @suckitands33 @onlyangel-444

@syrma-sensei @perpetualabsurdity @deans-baby-momma @yoobusgoobus @jessjad

@hunter-or-the-hunted @k-slla @just-levyy @mrsjenniferwinchester @illicithallways

@muhahaha303 @ultimatecin73 @nancymcl @leigh70 @brightlilith

@nesnejwritings @autistic-gothic

Everything Beau Arlen: @snowayumi

Polaris Series: @corruptedcruiser @spnfamily-j2

#polaris #beau arlen #beau arlen x reader #beau arlen series #beau arlen x you #beau arlen reader insert #beau arlen x female reader #beau arlen x y/n #beau arlen imagine #beau arlen fanfiction #jensen ackles #jensen ackles x reader #jensen ackles characters

81 notes · View notes

gretavanlace · 2 years ago

Text

Poppins (part 8)

18+ only! Minors do not interact!

Warnings: adult themes, illusions to sex, angst, alcohol consumption, etc

*We’re getting down to it, only two (possibly three) more chapters to go ❤️

It feels like the air has been punched clean out of your lungs, but just as quickly, logic takes over and shakes you straight.

Obviously, you’ve misunderstood…and you tell him as much.

“I guess I’m not following you, Josh.” You attempt a casual laugh and nudge his shoulder with your own, scrambling for normalcy. “But, I suppose it really isn’t any of my business, anyway.”

His stare remains locked on Lily, with that proud, faraway look that so often softens his expression when he watches her. “You’re following me just fine, sweetheart. You’re just a little off kilter because I sort of threw it at you. I’m sorry for that.”

Funny, you’ve never actually had an ‘I must be dreaming’ moment…but you’re certainly having one now. That has to be it, you’ve conjured this jumbled up mess inside your head.

You’re at home, still sleeping off the blunt shared with Jake. Right? No, you can feel the warm humidity of the day building in the air, there is the faint knock of a woodpecker lost somewhere in the trees, there is the sound of him breathing, waiting, existing, beside you.

This is no dream - but it’s every bit as confusing as one.

Afraid she might overhear, you pitch your voice less than a whisper, so quiet you almost don’t hear your own question, but Josh does.

“Yes, she’s Jake’s,” a gently possessive edge nips at his tone. “Biologically. It doesn’t matter, that little girl is mine, and I’m her’s. But yeah, that’s what I meant when I said I could never repay him. Look at her…”

A smile breaks across his face, warm, gorgeous, and absolutely beaming with adoration as he studies her pointing something out in the sand. Her buddy leans in closer to inspect her discovery, as they carry on what seems to be a very serious discussion.

“He gave me my favorite girl. My everything. I would’ve died for him before, now I’d do it with a smile just because he asked. How could I ever level the playing field?”

There’s that playing field making its appearance again, albeit for a very different reason this time around.

“I don’t understand.” And you don’t. You’ve never understood anything less in your life. You can’t get a read on how, or why, or if it really even matters. It’s like someone has taken all the facts you’ve ever known to be true and mixed them all up. Nothing makes sense. Nothing fits. The puzzle is jumbled and missing pieces.

“It’s a lot, I know.” He shrugs, already intimately acquainted with the situation that has ripped the rug out from beneath your unsteady feet. “Maybe I shouldn’t have told you, but if I’m being honest…which I guess is exactly what we’re doing here…I didn’t want him to beat me to it. I wanted to be the one to tell you. I really don’t even know why, and it sounds stupid now that I’m saying it out loud.”

“He never said a word.” The moment you speak the words, you remember Jake’s, she looks like her dad.

Josh leans back against the weathered wood bench and crosses his ankle over his knee. You’d like to ask him how he’s so casually fucking with your head, but you know this really isn’t about you at all.

“Of course he never said a word. Our stoic mystery man, whom you can’t seem to quit. Just remember, my love, still waters run deep. There are a great many things that Jacob has never said a word about. He would have, though. Eventually. Something about you seems to just drag things to the surface for us. Sorceress.”

He’s only teasing. Likely trying to lighten the heaviness of the conversation, but you blush all the same. As only Josh can, he both grins at the pink in your cheeks, and pretends not to see it, to spare your pride.

The way they speak - so alike in sound, inflection, turns of phrase, poetically laced and lovely - only serves to confuse you further. At times, it's like being with the same man who just happens to have split personalities.

“A great many things Jacob has never said a word about,” You muse,” Bigger than this?” You’re not sure you want to hear the answer.

A laugh, easy and genuine, trips out of him, louder by far than anything that has been murmured thus far, “Fuck, I hope not!”

Lil’s head snaps up, attention hooked; though her friend is more interested in watching her reaction than what she is reacting to. “Daddy said a bad word!” The accusation in her tone makes him sigh, defeatedly.

“No, I didn’t!” Josh holds his hands up in innocence, clearly enamored by her tiny cross examination. “Daddy said truck. We were playing the rhyming game.”

“Like we play in the car on the way to Gramma’s?” She shouts over, with disappointment now coloring her end of the exchange…she delights in catching grown ups misbehaving.

“That’s the one.” He smiles with an exhale of relief, like a little boy who has just successfully evaded punishment. “Never, ever, tell anyone how coolly I just lied to that angelic face.” He adds through his teeth, smiling with a wave in her direction.

“That angelic face can be brutal.” You giggle at his nonsense. “Last week she caught me eating one of those vegetarian sushi rolls you hog for yourself, and milked me for extra goodies at snack time for days in exchange for silence.”

“Jokes on you,” he rolls his big brown eyes as if he can’t believe your behavior. “I count them, and I knew it all along.”

“Yeah, well, you just admitted to counting your sushi rolls, so who should be ashamed of themselves, here? ‘Cause it isn’t me.” You’re joking, but only a little.

After an absurdly easy stretch of silence, he turns serious and quiet again, “Look, I know that I dumped this on you, and I know you’ve probably got a million questions…you deserve answers to every single one of them. Come to mom’s with me, yeah? She’s making a big lunch. Sammy’s bringing the dog. It’ll be fun. We’ll eat, she’ll eventually insist on keeping Lil for the night and we’ll go home. I’ll make you dinner and we can talk.”

“Talk? Is that what the kids are callin’ it these days?” You grin, how is everything always so easy with him? This shouldn’t be so casual. It shouldn’t feel this normal to joke about sleeping with him while grappling with something so monumental.

Incidentally, why are you joking about sleeping with him? Because you want to put it out there, that you’re still thinking about it, that you still want it…that’s why.

How do they do this? Both of them. It hardly seems fair. Or normal, for that matter. And he has the nerve to talk of sorcery?

The wind is fluttering through the leaves, rustling them like a soothing psalm. It causes your thoughts to wander…which seems odd; how could you be thinking about anything but this nuclear bomb he has just detonated inside your head. But somehow, wander they do, your thoughts - and you find yourself eyeing the trees, trying to hone in on the one lucky enough to have earned Jake’s favor.

Like always, Josh seems to know what you’re thinking. “It’s across the park. Over closer to that little pond where Lil likes to feed the ducks.”

“What?” You adopt a puzzled expression, though you cannot for the life of you fathom why. Josh knows. Just like his brother, Josh always knows.

It is a frustrating, exhausting fact, but a fact all the same.

“Jake’s tree.” He clarifies, proving what you already understood to be true…that he can peer inside your head and heart as easily as he could were you made of windows. “It’s over by the pond. Would you like to see it?”

“No.” You brush your hands over your arms as if you’ve caught a chill, though the air borders on muggy.

“Okay,” He nods, completely at ease with this unusual situation you’ve found yourselves in. “Would you like to see him?”

Awkwardly, you watch those leaves as they wave and dance together, anything to save from meeting his eyes.

“Is okay to say yes, love…” he taps your knee, just an innocent ‘hello’, and so different from the last time he touched you. “I’d like to see him too. He’ll undoubtedly be at our mother’s lounging around like he owns the place. Come with us.”

“Do they know?” You venture tentatively, “Your parents?”

Your eyes are on him now as he shakes his head. Sometimes you forget how truly beautiful he really is and then you wonder how you ever could.

“Contrary to popular belief, Jake and I can keep a secret.”

“Not even your mother?” You find this hard to believe, as much as Jake taunts his twin for being a ‘mama’s boy’, he’s just as bad. They trust her with everything.

Josh nods at Lily, who is now flouncing her way over like a fairy who has misplaced her wand…all swishing ponytail and laughing eyes. “Not even her mother.”

The windows for questions has slammed shut, leaving all of yours to slam against the pane of glass like dazed birds.

“Rosie, get down!” Sam’s voice barks across the kitchen, startling you out of your thoughts. Rosie, unfazed and standing on her hind legs, continues to peruse the veggie plates and chip bowls Karen has set out on the counter, sniffing out delicious scents and temptations.

“Rosebud, I swear, if you don’t—“

“Samuel,” Karen scolds, snapping at him with the hand towel she’s been toting around. “Get off your ass and get her. Stop acting like an idiot in my kitchen.”

Sammy lopes over and grabs his faithful companion by the collar, lovingly tugging her away. “I don’t come here to be treated like I’m five, ma.” He complains, sweeping open the back door.

“Shut up, and go help your brothers.” She’s turned away from him and smiling, but judging by his returning smile, he has heard the adoration in her admonishing words.

At the table, bathed in the warmth of Karen’s sunny kitchen, you watch Jake and Josh confer near the enormous lilac bush Kelly has insisted be torn out.

“Too close to the septic system.” He’d informed the room when everyone protested ripping such a beauty from the earth, “The roots are gonna screw it all up and not a damn one of you are gonna want to come help clean up the aftermath.”

Of course, the boys have been tapped to help, as Kelly insists there’s no time like the present, and of course, Sammy has been shirking his duties ever since. True to form, rather than joining the twins, he opts for a chair to toss a tennis ball to Rosie from.

Your heart warms watching his honest and open face laugh gleefully as she chases down her bouncing prey. He is the sweetest gem, and you wish you knew him a little better.

But, as it so often does, your attention wanders back over to Josh, in his casual weekend wear, clean and crisp…and Jake, looking gorgeously rumpled and out of place in the domesticity of it all. You know he smells of ember and the Booker’s he is currently nursing out of a plastic tumbler to ensure Lil doesn’t ask questions.

You miss them both. They feel very far away as you watch on, smiling when they raise their arms to point something out to Kelly in perfect, unplanned, synchronicity.

Karen is suddenly beside you, staring out across the deck as well, chomping on a baby carrot. “It’s fun to watch them, isn’t it?”

She offers you a veggie and you take it, nodding in complete agreement around a bite.

“See how they mirror each other?” She marvels softly, wistful for her babies. “They’ve always done it. Even in the hospital, one would move, and there would go the other. Josh had terrible colic - briefly, thank god - and Jake would tense up even before Josh made a peep, like he could feel it coming. They’re each other's keepers.”

Be it motherly intuition, or perhaps just the nostalgia of having all of her boys home at once, she has chosen an ideal time to share. With the men all outside either tending to chores or shirking them, and Lil napping on the couch, you have her, and her memories, all to yourself.

“Tell me more about what they were like.”

If she senses something more behind the question, she doesn’t let on. “They were terrors. Little monsters, just awful. But, gentle angels at the same time. Always quick with a hug or a thoughtful comment. Even when they were just tiny things, they honed in on people and just sank their little teeth into heart after heart.”

“Some things never change then, I guess.” You shouldn’t have said it and long to take it back. They get their empathetic third eye from their mother, and you know she’ll clock the situation for what it is.

But again, she stays mum on the subject of why you seem just as wistful as she.

“They struggled so hard in school,” she finally confides, eyes on them as they begin wrapping ropes around the root of the bush that, evidently, must go. “It was painful. Mostly because they were just so intelligent, but it was all locked away when it came to brick and mortar schooling. They just froze right up behind those little desks.”

You knew this. Josh has explained their plight a hundred times over, wringing his hands with worry that Lily-bit might struggle to overcome the same mountains. Still, it’s so difficult to imagine them, easily two of the most intellectually enriched, well read and spoken human beings you have ever met, grappling with crippling learning disabilities.

“We worked with them endlessly, and hired tutors, and they tried so damn hard.” Her voice wavers a touch, as if she’s swallowing down tears. “When the pieces started falling in place for them, Josh took to reading faster than Jakey. He had these phonics books he liked, and they would hole up in their room for hours while Josh helped him sound the words out. I used to listen at the door. It was like magic…Josh would utilize all the inner workings of that shared mind they can access, and somehow, he’d make it make sense for his brother. He’d remind him to slow down and really see all those turned around letters so kindly it made you want to crumble. Josh was the only one Jake ever went to for help, you couldn’t have paid him to be that vulnerable with anyone else. And Josh just soaked it up, helping Jake connect those dots. He’d grow so ecstatic and proud with each tiny success.”

You both laugh as Josh shoves at Jake’s shoulder, pointing angrily at the lilac and their task, clearly unhappy with something his twin hasn’t executed to his liking.

“That’s when I knew he’d be a teacher.” Her hand, so warm and maternal, pats your shoulder. “Josh, that is. We knew Jake’s fate the minute he was old enough to crawl towards a guitar.”

“The music man,” you watch him nip at his cup, leisurely and mellow, even as his brother barks orders at him.

“The music man.” She concurs, crunching into another carrot. “Always. Have you ever seen him play a song by ear? He’ll listen to it once and just stare off into space like nobody’s home. But really, he’s plucking all those notes out and locking them away. Next thing you know, he’s got it. Just like that. It’s incredible. Kelly and I used to look at each other and think, where in the hell did he come from?”

“Josh, too,” you offer, though of course she knows. “He sings to Lil all the time. Makes up these dumb little songs to make her laugh, or to help her remember something. And he sings in the shower because he seems to think it’s a magical box where no one can hear him.”

“Ah, yes,” she laughs, sliding her plate closer to you, ever the ‘mom’ wanting to nourish anyone who walks through her hallowed halls. “The shower concerts. He used to steal all the hot water constantly. It was worth it, though, to listen. They had a little band for a while. Did you know that?”

In your mind’s eye, the few pictures you’ve seen, pop up to say hello. “Sort of, but Josh kinda blew it off when I asked. Said he just helped Jake out with a few gigs when they were kids.”

A belly laugh, so much like her sons’, trills out of her. “It was way more than that, that liar. Used to have to drag them to all these shitty bars and parties. Samuel played bass. A friend of theirs, the drums…or sometimes Josh. That was always interesting. They were a mess, all over the place, but they had something special. And that’s not just mom talking, everybody said so.”

“So, what happened?”

“They started gaining a little recognition. Started being invited to play at the nicer places around town, and that was the idea all along, we thought. But, suddenly, Jake wanted nothing to do with it.”

Jake calling it quits would have been the absolute last thing you would have deemed to be the nail in the coffin.

She senses your surprise and nods along with it. “He finally told me why one night. Came in after having one too many at one party out in the woods or another. I sat him down at this very table right here and I know he thought I was about to climb up his ass about tapping a keg with his friends or whatever the hell they did that night, but really, I wanted to drag the truth out of him. The truth that mattered.”

“And?”

She leans back in her chair, shaking her head as if she still can’t believe it. On your end, you watch Josh snatch the cup from Jake’s grasp to steal a sip of his own.

“And, it made sense…his reason. Once he said it out loud it made so much sense I still don’t know how I’d missed it. He said things were falling together too cleanly for the band. That he knew they were headed for something that would be too heavy to easily put down, and that he knew it wasn’t what Josh wanted.”

A sigh sounds sad, but her eyes swim with pride for her youngest twin. “I told him he should let his brother make that call, but he’s always been wiser than the rest of us when it comes to Josh, and he said ‘That’s the thing, ma. He’s always gonna choose what I want. He has to think he’s choosing what I want.’”

Your throat feels tight with tears bitten back, “The way they have carried each other all through life is just…” you fall silent, lost for apt words.

“Yeah, well, they used to beat the hell out of each other on a regular basis, too, but that is for another day..” She nods toward the doorway behind you, and you turn to see Lil, rubbing her eye with one fist, and clutching her blanket with the other, as she stumbles nearer to coherency and her grandmother.

Karen scoops her up and whispers in her ear…Lil nods along and nuzzles her blankie, which is actually an old shirt of her daddy’s cut in half. Maroon and decorated with strange, colorful, geometric shapes, it has been her comforting companion for as long as you’ve known them.

“Okay, then…” Karen stands and deposits her favorite person down on her teensy feet. “Time to get this lunch finished up.”

Lily is sent off with a bribery popsicle to play with Rosie and Sam, as the two of you begin preparing to feed the brood.

“Why do I always find you up here, poppins?” He’s leaning against the doorframe, like the casually dapper lead in some movie he would never watch.

You turn away from the desk, where you’ve been gingerly touching relics, as though strolling through a particularly lenient museum.

You love this space, and you make no apologies for it. “I like it in here. Comforting chaos is kind of your brand. Both of you. Why do you always seem to be sneaking up on me in here?”

He grins softly as you lob the question back at him. “I suppose I am always sneaking up on you, aren’t I? Looking for you, searching you out, hunting for my girl.”

Hunting for my girl…jesus.

A gentle hum is your only reply as he slips into the room, kicking the door closed with the heel of his boot. He has showered since the lilac bush incident, and stepped into clean clothes that still somehow look disheveled.

His hair is still slightly damp, and you long to bury into it, to breathe in the perfume of fresh shampoo and him.

“You spoiled me last night, you know, babe.” Down he plops on his bed, the crowned royal head draped across his sovereign throne, just as he had been the last time you found yourself in this room with him. “Why don’t you come over here and allow me to indulge a little more, hmm? Can you be quiet, pretty girl?”

“Jake.”

He kisses the air lazily in your direction, folding his hands behind his head against the pillow, like you haven’t spoken his name at all, “C’mon, baby, I haven’t had my dessert yet.”

You want to go to him. God, how you want to go to him. You want to climb on top of him and fuck his beautiful mouth until you fall apart, and then you want to lie with him in this silent world it seems time has forgotten. You want to be his while her face smiles out of all those curling, yellowing, snapshots. She was so beautiful, a stunning package to hide all the ugliness she had in store for his precious heart.

But, you want truth even more.

“Would you have ever told me?” Your question - accusation? - comes a whisper.

He sits up slowly, eyes locked in and narrowed on yours. He knows what you’re asking, but he’s trying to make certain. You let him watch you for the longest stretch, with his pretty face tilted, studying, observing, until you’re fighting to sit still under his white hot scrutiny.

“Yes.” He nods, at last. “I think I probably would have. It’s interesting, isn’t it? The way you coax the truth out of us. Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?”

There they go again, singing different verses of the very same song.

“She’s what you gave up?” You lean forward, hushed and hungry for answers. “Like we talked about?”

He nods again, barely perceptible in the movement. “Like a kidney, right, poppins? Only so, so much worse.”

Questions gridlock inside your head as he shakes his own. “I told you before, it isn’t my story to tell, babe…and that’s just the way this one has to be.”

He closes up shop with a blink and saunters, calm and cool as ever, over to the door. “C’mon then, Mary Poppins, if you aren’t going to allow me to have my way with you, we really should rejoin the others.”

“Would you like something light?” Josh peers into his fridge while you watch from your perch on the counter. “I just picked up some strawberries from that little stand around the corner, I could make us a big salad. Fruit, nuts, romaine, a nice vinaigrette?” He holds up the basket of berries proudly. “Look how fat they are. Fucking beautiful.”

“Whatever you want, Josh,” you smile at his enthusiasm, as well as his eagerness to please.

He turns his attention to the pantry, and your pulse picks at the memory it conjures. “Pasta?” He holds up a box of angel hair, shaking it around invitingly. “I could whip up some butter and herbs, get you drunk on carbs.”

“Seriously, whatever you want is fine. Order a pizza for all I care.”

True to his predictions, Lily remained at the Kiszka homestead, and was half asleep in Jake’s arms by the time the two of you took your leave. And now here you sit, aching to blurt out question after question while he forages in his kitchen to put together a meal you couldn’t care less about.

“Alright,” he nods, and back to the fridge he goes, finally turning to face you bearing an untouched container of his beloved veggie sushi rolls. “Pretties for the thief?”

“It was one damn piece, Joshua.” You laugh, rolling your eyes at his ridiculous name calling.

“Grab a white and a couple glasses,” he nods over at the wine rack.

You do as instructed, and join him where he has settled in the living room, placing the stemware carefully on the coffee table before uncorking the bottle of reisling you selected. It should be chilled, but neither of you have ever cared much to begin with.

On his elegant end, he loudly wrenches open the plastic container and slides it over unceremoniously.

Without cheers, he tips his glass and then shrugs, “Okay, sweetheart, this is the story of myself, my Lily, and my idiot brother…”

Taglist: @gretasintrees @greta-van-chaos @celestialfauna @s0livagant @groggyvanfleet @kiszkathecook @brokenbellz @llightmyllovee @jakesgrapejuice @doodle417 @seventieswhore @jake-kiszkas-smirk @weightofdreams-gvf @imdepressedaf1996 @alisonwonderland29 @gretavanfleas @gretavangroove @sparrowofthedawn @xserenax-13 @tbagggvf @obetrolncocktails @tripthelightjaketastic @jakeslovehandles @poofyloofy @70sgroupielovr @heatmyfleet @age-of-nyahh @sammiboo162 @gretasmokerising @spicedandicedtea @jakekiszkasleftnutsack @saoirsemaeve @mywickeddivinity @thelvnternskeeper @paintmyhouse @tripthelightfandomtastic @tripthelight-fanfic @mckenna4 @sarakay-gvf @theweightofjake @thewritingbeforesunrise @joshsmama @sammysvanfeet @rhythm-of-space @highladyofasgard @jordie-gvf-admin @calumspretty @sunfl0wer-power @sad1lynn @starcatcher-jake @gretavangroupie

226 notes · View notes

lura-valentine · 2 months ago

Text

Summary

Hawks notices that Dabi is very exhausted and invites him to his home. However, Dabi has a little secret that's why he can't sleep at night.

It's NOT a lemon.

Hinte

At the end of the fanfic, I'll show you my DabiHawks song

Please note that English is not my first language. So forgive me for the mistakes

This work was created in collaboration with an acquaintance of mine

Insomnia:

Hawks landed silently on the roof of his apartment complex and pulled in his red wings behind him, the familiar sound of feathers falling against the wind accompanying his landing. The evening was cool, the city below him as always a sea of flickering lights. But his gaze didn't wander over the skyline for long, because he immediately felt that he was being watched.

His eyes wandered to a dark corner where the shadows seemed to thicken. "Dabi," Hawks murmured, a short smile playing on his lips. He had the feeling that his fire-obsessed lover had been waiting for him for a long time.

Slowly, Dabi stepped out of the shadows, his steps awkward, his shoulders drooping lower than usual. His black boots scratched the concrete, and as he approached, Hawks saw the tiredness in his sea-blue eyes, which were otherwise cold and unapproachable. His scars somehow looked even rougher today, the burnt skin stretched even more clearly around his cheekbones.

Keigo fell from the edge of the roof with his wings majestically spread. "Looking for trouble, huh?" Hawks' voice was soft, almost worried as he looked at Dabi. "You look like you've messed with every idiot on the street." He said as he landed elegantly in front of him

Dabi shrugged his shoulders almost imperceptibly, his gaze wandered briefly to the lights of the building behind Keigo before falling on him again. "Well, what can I say," he murmured dryly, but his voice sounded rougher than usual, as if he could hardly stand on his feet. "I just can't say no when someone challenges me."

Hawks stepped closer until he stood directly in front of Dabi. He gently placed a hand on his shoulder and felt how tense and exhausted Dabi's body was. "You're exhausted," he stated bluntly. "Why don't you come in? You need a break."

Dabi laughed briefly, but it was more a breath than a real laugh. "To you? To your damn luxury apartment? That would be something." His eyes sparkled briefly, but the tiredness was unmistakable. "I'm not the type to lounge on your couch."

Hawks grinned crookedly, sliding his hand from Dabi's shoulder to his neck as he pulled him closer to him. "Oh come on, it would be an interesting experiment. I could watch you try to set my living room on fire while you wallow in my designer pillows." His voice was playful, but the concern behind it was real. "Besides, I could cook something for you. Let's see if the fire in your stomach can be extinguished with a good meal."

Dabi blinked at him as if he had just said the craziest thing in the world. "Cooking? You? I want to see that. Your stove probably burns down faster than I do."

Hawks laughed, his grip on Dabi's neck tighter, but not uncomfortable. "You'll never know if you don't come in." He let his fingers gently stroke Dabi's hair, which he normally wouldn't allow – but today he didn't even flinch. He was really exhausted.

Dabi sighed and glanced at the shimmering glass windows behind Hawks. The idea of sitting in the hero's immaculate, tidy apartment appealed to him in a twisted way. He could bring in a bit of chaos just to annoy Hawks. And maybe... Only maybe he could really rest, even if he would never admit it out loud.

"Fine," he finally murmured, his voice little more than a growl. "But I don't promise anything. Maybe I'll break your couch after all."

Hawks' grin widened as he pulled away from Dabi and showed him the way to the door of the apartment complex. "I hope so."

Dabi followed him through the great entrance hall, which was wide and impressive, with gleaming marble floors and high ceilings that reflected the echo of their footsteps. Hawks sauntered ahead in his typical, relaxed manner, but Dabi noticed how his wings remained slightly tense, as if he was still paying attention to every movement around him.

"Pretty classy here," Dabi murmured, his voice low and dry. "Doesn't look like that's your style."

"Sometimes you have to adapt," Hawks replied with a sideways glance that dismissed Dabi's comment with a confident smile. "But don't worry, I've got it a bit more 'hawkish."

Hawks led Dabi to an elevator at the end of the hall. The lift had no visible buttons, just a black, smooth panel. Without hesitation, Hawks held his hand over the sensor, and after a short, soft beep, the doors opened.

"This is... annoyingly futuristic," Dabi commented, giving Hawks a suspicious look as they entered the elevator.

"Hey, privacy is important," Hawks replied with a grin as the doors closed and the elevator slid up quietly. The movement was so smooth that it hardly felt like a ride. "So, what do you want to eat?"

Dabi leaned against the cool, metal wall of the elevator and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Soba," he answered briefly, without looking at the hero.

Hawks glanced at him, his eyes flashing with amusement. "Of course... You and your soba. Sometimes I wonder if you eat anything else at all."

"If you don't burn it, I'll eat what you cook," Dabi growled back, but his voice almost playfully.

The elevator stopped, and the doors opened noiselessly into a long, bright hallway. Dabi stepped out of the elevator and let his gaze glide over the surroundings. The walls were painted in a warm shade of yellow, accented with red details around the edges, giving the whole room a soft but lively atmosphere. The furniture he could see through the open door to the living room was modern and in a simple black and white, a contrast to the warm colors of the walls.

"That's your thing, huh?" Dabi raised an eyebrow. "Yellow? Seriously?"

Hawks shrugged his shoulders as he walked past him. "It suits me. Brightness, warmth... you know."

Dabi panted slightly and stepped into the living room, continuing to scrutinize his eyes around the room. Everything looked so neat and tidy, almost sterile. It somehow appealed to him to leave a bit of chaos here.

But before he could pursue this thought further, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye—a shadow moving quickly toward him. Instinctively, he tensed up, his hands clenched into fists, ready to defend himself. But in the next moment, he felt something soft land on his head.

"What the...?" he muttered and reflexively reached up to grab the thing from his head. But before he could grab it, it fluttered down onto his hand. Dabi lowered his hand and stared confusedly at the little creature that had settled on it.

Two tiny, shiny button eyes looked at him and a cheerful beeping sounded as the small, white-feathered budgie turned its head

"Flake," Hawks said with a grin as he watched the whole thing. "She seems to like you."

Dabi stared at the little animal in disbelief. "What the hell...?" His voice was hoarse, but his surprise was unmistakable. "You've got a bird?"

Hawks burst into laughter that echoed through the room. "Yes, and apparently he likes you more than me." Flake hopped lightly on Dabi's hand before she puffed up and let out another happy beeping. "Maybe you should take them with you."

Dabi grimaced and looked at the little bird skeptically. "Me and a pet? That wouldn't survive two days." But he couldn't stop a slight smile from creeping onto his lips.

"Oh, you'd love her," Hawks teased as he slumped onto the sofa and put his feet up. "Cute, small, and probably the only creature that brings more chaos into my life than you do."

Dabi rolled his eyes, carefully set Flake down on the coffee table, and then sat down next to Hawks. "Dream on, birdman."

As soon as he sat down, Flake fluttered off again and landed gently on his shoulder. Dabi grimaced as the little bird sat down there and chirped contentedly to himself. "Seriously?" he murmured tiredly.

Hawks smiled and leaned a little closer to Dabi, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Seems like you've found a new best friend."

Dabi raised a hand as if to drive the bird away, but his tiredness overwhelmed him, and he simply let it sink again. "Don't have the nerve for it," he murmured, his voice exhausted and hoarse. Normally he would have returned a venomous comment now, but he felt too drained to really respond to it.

Hawks casually put an arm over the back of the sofa and looked at Dabi out of the corner of his eye. "You look like you've spent the day with a whole squad of villains," he said softly. "Maybe you should take a shower first, freshen up. I'll take care of the food."

Dabi frowned and opened his mouth to disagree, but before he could say anything, Flake began to nibble on his face staples—the staples that held his healthy and burnt skin together. Dabi's eyes narrowed. "Hey, stop it," he growled and tried to wipe the little bird away.

Flake fluttered up briefly, only to sit down on Dabi's other shoulder and continue there. Hawks laughed loudly, his eyes shining with amusement. "She's stubborn, isn't she?"

"Why do you have such a cheeky animal?" Dabi asked irritably, while he tried again in vain to drive Flake away.

"Because it reminds me of you," Hawks replied with a broad grin. "Small, annoying, and stubborn like anything else."

Dabi blinked at him, too tired to get upset about the taunt, and instead leaned heavier against the backrest. "You know I could grill them, don't you?"

"You wouldn't do that." Hawks reached out and stroked Dabi's neck lightly, his touch reassuring. "So, how about it? Go take a shower. Afterwards you feel better. I'll get you clean clothes, and Flake might stop nibbling on you."

Dabi snorted and closed his eyes for a moment. He knew Hawks was right, even if it annoyed him to admit it. "Fine," he finally murmured. "But if your funny bird shreds my clothes, I'll torch your apartment."

"Sounds like a fair deal," Hawks said with a laugh and slowly rose from the sofa. "I'll pick out something fresh for you."

Dabi opened his eyes and gave Hawks a sullen look as he rose heavily. "And where the hell is the bath?"

Hawks just grinned and beckoned Dabi to follow him. "Come on, I'll show you. Just try not to fall asleep on the way."

Dabi rolled his eyes as he walked behind Hawks, past the open living area and through a narrow hallway that led to a wide door. Hawks opened the door and stepped aside for Dabi to enter.

The bathroom was spacious, almost luxurious. In the corner was a large bathtub that looked deep enough to fully immerse itself in the warm water, and next to it was a glass shower cubicle with a wide shower head on the ceiling – a rain shower. The cream-colored tiles on the walls gave the room a calm, relaxed atmosphere, almost as if this place was a refuge, away from all the noise and chaos outside.

"A bit much for someone who supposedly 'lives in the air', isn't it?" Dabi looked around skeptically before leaning against the door frame.

Hawks laughed softly and shrugged. "Hey, I like it cozy when I'm there." He went to a cupboard in the corner and took out a large, soft towel and a smaller one, which he placed on a shelf next to the shower stall. "Here, that should be enough. Shower gel and shampoo are in the cabin. Everything you need is there."

Before Hawks left the room, he noticed that Flake was still sitting on Dabi's shoulder, completely unimpressed by the two men. She nibbled on Dabi's coat this time as if she had decided to consider the leather as a snack. "Come here, you little monster," Hawks said, grabbing Flake gently before she could do any more damage.

Dabi glared at Flake briefly, but his tiredness was too overwhelming to really complain. "Make sure she doesn't end up on me again," he grumbled as Hawks left the room with another soft laugh and closed the door behind him.

He took a moment before he began to take off his clothes with a soft sigh. First, his black leather coat slipped off his shoulders and fell heavily to the ground. There he left him carelessly before pulling his white, slightly worn shirt over his head. The scars on his chest and arms, where the healthy skin was roughly separated from the burned areas, glistened in the dim light of the bathroom.

He unzipped the belt of his pants, slowly pulled them down with his boxers before stepping into the shower stall and closing the glass door behind him.

The water began to flow immediately when he turned the knob, and a strong gush of warm water poured down on him. The raindrops hit his shoulders and back, the gentle drumming of the water filled the room. Dabi closed his eyes and leaned his head back, letting the water run over his face and felt the tiredness slowly subside. The heat of the water soothed his tense muscles, and for a moment the world seemed to stand still.

But in this calm, thoughts inevitably arose. Thoughts of Hawks.

It was almost absurd that the two were together in any way. A hero and a villain. It sounded like the beginning of a bad story that no one would really take seriously. They were on opposite sides—Hawks, the golden boy of the heroic world, and he, a wreck that has fallen out of society, leaving only destruction wherever it went.

And yet... Somehow it worked. Hawks was the only one who not only saw him, but really understood him. The constant fighting, the anger, the chaos – none of it seemed to deter the birdman. He was there, stayed with him, laughed, teased him, but also with a kind of warmth that Dabi had long since given up ever feeling again.

"Maybe we're both broken enough to fit together," Dabi muttered quietly to himself as he continued to let the water run over his body.

Among other things, Hawks stood outside the bathroom door and looked down at the little bird, who squatted happily on his hand and chirped as if nothing had happened. He raised an eyebrow and shook his head.

"Stop annoying Dabi," Hawks said with a slight laugh in his voice, but still serious enough to utter something like a reprimand. "You can't just nibble on my lover, that's my job!"

Flake just beeped innocently and fluttered her wings briefly, as if she didn't understand what she had done wrong. Hawks sighed, put her on his shoulder, and gently stroked her little head. "Yes, yes, I know you don't mean it badly. But still..."

Flake hopped lightly and continued to beep happily, completely unimpressed by Hawks' gentle rebuke. Hawks shook his head with a smile before making his way to the kitchen, which was directly adjacent to the living room. The open plan kitchen was modern and decorated in neutral colours, matching the rest of the apartment. The refrigerator gleamed in stainless steel, the countertops were made of smooth granite, and the shelves were neatly stocked with spices and ingredients. It was the perfect setting to conjure up a meal.

"All right, let's get to work," Hawks muttered and began to collect the ingredients for Dabi's beloved soba. He took a look in the fridge and was glad that he had recently bought soy sauce. "Luckily I have what it takes, otherwise I'd be lost."

First he prepared everything: fresh chicken breast, spring onions, carrots, peas and a little broth powder. But the most important thing: the pasta. He wanted to impress Dabi, so he decided to make them from scratch himself.

Hawks took a bowl and put flour in it, then a little water, which he stirred carefully until a smooth dough was formed. "Soba noodles by hand... Maybe I'll do a cooking show after all," he joked half-aloud as he kneaded the dough on the countertop.

In the meantime, Flake was sitting on a shelf nearby and watched him curiously. "You could help too, you know," Hawks said as he rolled out the dough flat and cut it into fine strips. "But no, you sit there and just beep to yourself."

Flake answered with a short, joyful beeping, as if she had understood.

After the noodles were prepared, Hawks heated some water in a large pot until it was bubbling and added the fresh soba. While the noodles were cooking, he cut the chicken breast into thin strips and threw them into a pan with a little oil. A soft hiss filled the kitchen as the meat slowly browned. He seasoned it with salt and pepper before adding the carrots and peas, which he had previously cut into small pieces.

"So, Dabi should like that," he murmured while keeping everything moving. He quickly cut the spring onions into fine rings and set them aside to use later as a garnish.

When the soba noodles were cooked, Hawks drained them and rinsed them briefly with cold water to keep them nice and fluffy. Then he prepared the soy sauce mixture: soy sauce, broth powder and some water, which he heated briefly. Once everything was put together, he mixed the soba noodles with the chicken, carrot and pea mixture and poured the soy sauce over everything.

"Perfect," he said contentedly as he looked at the steaming bowl. "Now add the spring onions..." He sprinkled the green rings over the finished dish and looked at his work.

Flocke fluttered onto his shoulder and looked curiously at the bowl. Hawks gave her a warning look. "And you... stay away from the food. This is for Dabi, not for you."

The little bird chirped innocently and fluttered back onto the shelf. "Good girl," Hawks said with a slight smile before placing the finished meal on the dining table and leaning back to enjoy a moment of rest.

"Let's see what the villain has to say about it," he murmured softly as he waited for the roar of the shower to stop.

All of a sudden, he flinched. "Shit," he cursed when he suddenly remembered that he had completely forgotten to pick out clothes for Dabi. "The guy can't just walk around in a towel."

He hurried to the bedroom, where he rummaged around in his closet. After a moment's thought, he reached for loose, gray sweatpants and a simple black T-shirt – nothing special, but comfortable enough to offer Dabi some rest.

When he held the clothes in his hands, he ran back into the living room, only to find an unexpected scene: Flake was sitting in the middle of the dining table, happily fishing the spring onion rings out of the bowl he had just prepared for Dabi. Hawks' eyes widened. "Oh, no, no, no!"

"Flake!" Hawks hurried over and snatched the little bird from the table, which protested loudly through the sudden grip. "You little devil, worse than any scoundrel, I swear." He put Flocke back on the shelf, far away from the food, and shook his head in disbelief. "Now I have to cut onions again. What is Dabi supposed to think of him?"

"What do I think?" a deep, dry voice sounded behind him.

Hawks turned around, just in time to see Dabi stepping out of the bathroom with wet hair and nothing but a towel around his waist. His body was still covered by the drops of water, and his burnt scars shone in the dim light of the room. He eyed Hawks with a raised eyebrow arch as he leaned against the door.

Hawks grinned sheepishly and held up his clothes. "Uh, I picked out something for you to wear. Should have given it to you before, but..." His gaze wandered briefly to Flake, who was looking at him with innocent, black button eyes. "I had to deal with the real villain here."

Dabi panted softly, his eyes slid to Flake, who was still innocently crouching on the shelf. "Well, looks like she's beaten you," he commented dryly as he pushed off the door frame and walked toward Hawks.

Hawks only grinned wider. "Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to lose." He handed Dabi the clothes, while his gaze inevitably fell briefly on the towel around Dabi's hips. "Here, before you really set fire to me here."

Dabi took the clothes and gave Hawks an amused look. "I would never do that."

Before Hawks could respond to his remark, he heard a rapid flutter, and Flocke flew off without warning, only to sit right back on Dabi's head. Dabi flinched slightly as the tiny claws sought support in his wet hair. Flake scolded quietly, obviously irritated by the humid environment, and began to gently pull his wet strands of hair through her beak, as if she were trying to clean her own plumage.

Hawks watched the scene with sparkling eyes and couldn't help but suppress a quiet laugh. "Oh man, that's... too good," he murmured as he crossed his arms and leaned against the kitchenette.

Dabi growled softly, raised a hand and tried to scare Flake away from his head, but the tingling of her action was too strange and made him pause. "The... Tickle." He frowned and tried in vain to ignore the annoying tingling. “Dammit, chase them away before I do.”

"Oh, come on, that's cute!" Hawks stepped closer, leaned forward with a grin and watched as Flake continued to try to "clean" Dabi's hair. "She takes care of you. Can you really blame her?"

"I can blame every little beast that picks at my hair," Dabi grumbled, giving Hawks a slightly annoyed, but not too serious look.

With a soft laugh, Hawks gently grabbed Flake and lifted her from Dabi's head. "All right, all right, come here, little monster." Flake fluttered briefly and sat down again on Hawks' shoulder, where she beeped contentedly to herself.

Dabi shook his head, more to get rid of the strange feeling that Flake's cleaning action had left behind than out of real frustration. Then he looked at the clothes that Hawks had pressed into his hand and began to undo the towel that was still loosely tied around his waist.

Hawks' eyes widened as he realized what Dabi was up to, and a slight blush crept into his face. "Um, Dabi... You could... maybe change in the bedroom or bathroom?"

Dabi gave him a wry, mischievous look while he held the sweatpants in front of him. "Why? Am I making you nervous?" He provocatively dropped the towel a bit more before catching it again, just enough to make Hawks fidget.

Hawks stared at him, his face redder now. "That... is not the point!" He laughed nervously and looked to the side, embarrassed, as he tried to sort out his thoughts. "I mean... We will... observed." He pointed to Flake, who was sitting on his shoulder, completely innocent.

Dabi only grinned wider, clearly amused by Hawks' embarrassment. "I told you I was going to spread a bit of chaos. Besides, be honest, birdman, the day will come anyway when you'll see me naked." With a casual movement, he finally dropped the towel and slowly put on his sweatpants.

Hawks turned away hastily, his face turning bright red. "Dabi! I..." He searched for words, but the mischievous grin on Dabi's face made him completely lose the thread. "You're impossible."

"You've known that for a long time," Dabi replied with a grin as he pulled the T-shirt over his head and adjusted it. "And, don't worry, I'm not going to disturb you completely. Not yet."

Hawks shook his head laughing, but couldn't deny that Dabi's behavior had somehow caused him... Fascinated. "You're really incredible," he murmured softly, and the blush on his face slowly faded as he turned around again, now that Dabi was fully clothed.

"I know that." Dabi sat casually on the couch, stretched his legs and crossed his arms behind his head while he looked at Hawks with a challenging look. "Now that I'm no longer half-naked... What's there to eat?"

Hawks breathed a sigh of relief, glad that the subject had changed. "Soba. Homemade, of course. Without the stolen spring onions."

Dabi pushed himself forward a little on the couch, leaned his elbows on his knees and fixed Hawks with a critical look. "Homemade, huh?" He raised an eyebrow. "You know, infusion soba is my favorite food. If your homemade pasta doesn't taste good..." His voice became deeper, almost threatening, but with a hint of a sarcastic grin. „... I swear that I will burn down your whole place."

Hawks tilted his head, but played cool, even though he knew that Dabi could be serious. "Oh, come on. I'm not that bad in the kitchen. At least give me a chance before you start setting everything on fire." He pushed Flake off his shoulder, who curiously tried to climb back onto the dining table. "And as for you..." He looked at the small, white, beeping creature with an amused grin. "Little lady, it could be that Dabi doesn't appreciate you as much as I do."

Dabi grimaced and leaned back, his arms crossed. "This little flying thing is already getting on my nerves. Genazso, the luxury and all this shit," he looked around and looked at the modern furnishings, "doesn't suit me anyway. The white here... too clean. To... sterile." He grimaced in disgust, as if he couldn't stand the room.

Hawks grinned slightly and raised a finger as if he was about to present a brilliant idea. "Hey, I could paint the walls black. Or maybe a nice soot gray. Does that fit better?"

Dabi snorted and shook his head. "Funny. You know very well that I hate that. And as much as it tempts me to ruin your day, I'll leave your furniture alone for now."

Hawks laughed and began to fill the bowls with the noodles. "Feel honored that you can try my cooking skills at all. And don't worry, if it doesn't taste good, you have my word – you can burn down the kitchen next time."

"I should do it either way." Dabi looked at him deadly seriously, but his eyes sparkled with quiet amusement. "But I'm curious. Show me what you've got."

Hawks placed the steaming bowls on the table in front of them and sat down next to Dabi, watching intently as he looked at the noodles skeptically. Then he took the chopsticks, let them slide through the noodles and finally took a bite. He paused, looked at Hawks with a penetrating gaze, and said grimly, "Pray that it tastes good."

Hawks grinned broadly and made an exaggerated gesture as if he were bowing. "I did my best, oh big Dabi."

Dabi huffed in amusement before putting the noodles in his mouth. A few seconds passed in which Hawk's heart skipped a beat as Dabi chewed slowly, taking in the taste. The tension in the air was palpable as Hawks waited for a response.

Then, reluctantly, Dabi shrugged his shoulders and put the bowl down. "All right," he finally admitted as he placed the chopsticks on the edge of the bowl. "You're lucky. It's edible."

Hawks let the tension leave his body and laughed. "Edible? That's it? Come on, you know it's more than that!"

Dabi raised an eyebrow, took another bite, and spoke with his mouth full, "It... okay. Nothing I would die for."

Hawks shook his head, but couldn't help but smile. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment."

He got up and walked over to Flake's cage, which stood in a corner of the room. "Time for dinner, you little plague," he murmured as he filled the feeding trough with grains. Flake, who immediately sensed the opportunity, flew from Hawks' shoulder to the cage and began to peck enthusiastically. Hawks seized the moment and closed the cage with a soft click.

"So you don't do any nonsense while we sleep." He grinned contentedly as he locked the cage securely. "Locked up. At least for tonight."

With Flake in the cage and some calm in the air, Hawks went back to the table, filled his bowl with the homemade soba and sat back down next to Dabi, who had already eaten half his bowl. Hawks took a bite and looked at Dabi out of the corner of his eye. “How about a movie?”

Dabi just shoved another bite into his mouth, chewed slowly and shook his head. "No. After dinner, I only want one thing – sleep."

"Wow, you're really sociable today." Hawks smiled, even if he was a bit disappointed inside. But he knew that Dabi needed it. The guy was exhausted, that was unmistakable. "Okay, okay. Sleep is also important." He watched as Dabi got another helping of the noodles without asking.

"They're not so bad, huh?" Hawks grinned as Dabi looked at him with a look that said more than words.

"Shut up, Keigo," Dabi murmured before he returned to eating.

After dinner, Hawks got up and collected the bowls, while Dabi stretched out on the couch and made herself comfortable. "I'll do the dishes quickly, then I'll put you to bed." Hawks grinned at his own choice of words, glanced over his shoulder, and saw Dabi sink halfway into the pillows.

"You sound like a nurse." Dabi yawned, his eyes already half closed. He heard Flocke beeping excitedly in the cage because she wanted to get out, but ignored it.

Hawks shrugged his shoulders as he washed the bowls. "Well, maybe that's me. I mean, someone has to take care of you."

"No thanks, I can take care of myself," Dabi murmured and his voice was sluggish with tiredness.

"Yes, I can see that." Hawks glanced over at him as he cleaned the last of the dishes. Dabi was now lying halfway across the couch, his arms stretched out over his head and his eyes tightly closed. Flocke did her best in the background to keep making noise, fluttering around excitedly in the cage, but Dabi hardly seemed to notice it.

"Okay, I'll do the drying tomorrow. No time for that if the villain is about to doze off completely," Hawks muttered to himself as he dried his hands.

He stepped closer to the couch, leaned slightly towards Dabi and gently shook his shoulder. "Hey, you still have to go to bed."

Dabi growled, opened his eyes only a tiny crack. "It's good here, too," he mumbled.

"No..." Hawks shook his head, carefully lifted Dabi a bit until he grumbled and reluctantly got to his feet. "Come on, my bed is a thousand times more comfortable."

"You're annoying." Dabi rubbed his eyes, stumbled more than he walked and let Hawks lead him through the hallway to the bedroom.

"I know, I know." Hawks couldn't help but smile as he manoeuvred Dabi into the bedroom. When they arrived inside, Dabi immediately dropped onto the bed, face down into the pillows.

"Finally," he murmured, his tone muffled by the pillows, without even trying to lie down properly.

Hawks laughed softly. "So you're that tired?" He stood there for a moment, watching the villain who was simply finished, and finally pulled his shirt over his head. The pants and everything else followed quickly until he was only standing there in his boxer shorts.

With a soft sigh, he lay down in bed next to Dabi, who was almost asleep. "You don't make it easy for me to take care of you, you know that?" Hawks murmured as he snuggled into Dabi's side, placing a hand on his back and stroking him.

Dabi grumbled while half asleep, turned his head slightly to the side and murmured softly: "You're the one who chose this, birdman."

Hawks smiled softly when Dabi complained while half asleep. He grabbed the blankets and pulled them over the two of them, so that they lay warm and secure underneath. Slowly, almost playfully, he slid closer to Dabi until the tips of their noses touched gently. The few centimeters of distance disappeared when Hawks looked at him, directly into those damn tired, sea-blue eyes, which still had that intense expression that fascinated him again and again.

"You know, I really chose it," whispered Hawks, his voice soft and serious at the same time. "And I don't regret falling in love with you for a second."

Dabi grimaced slightly, the corners of his mouth twitching in a tired attempt to show his typical sarcasm. "Disgusting," he murmured, his voice hoarse and brittle with fatigue. "You're just disgusting when you say something like that."

Despite his words, he put his hand lazily on Hawks' cheek and without further words, Dabi pressed his lips to Hawks's, firm and demanding, although his strength was almost exhausted. The kiss was short but intense before he let his head sink back onto the pillow.

„... but I don't regret it either," Dabi murmured, little more than a whisper as his eyes half-closed. His fingers rested on Hawks' cheek, as if he wanted to make sure Hawks was still with him, even though he was about to fall asleep.

Hawks' heart beat faster for a moment. He lowered his forehead gently against Dabis and whispered, "You really have to stop being so cute, or you'll make it even harder for me to resist you."

Dabi opened one eye with difficulty and looked at him exhausted, but with a touch of humor. "Just sleep, birdman..." he murmured softly. Otherwise you'll burn more than just breakfast tomorrow."

Hawks laughed softly, pressed his lips briefly against Dabis again. "Yes, yes... I'm already asleep. Good night, you grumpy bastard."

Dabi made a soft noise that was somewhere between a laugh and a deep growl, while his eyes finally closed.

Hawks stayed awake for a moment, watching Dabi's relaxed expression and smiling softly. "Damn, he managed to steal my heart," he thought, before he closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep, which he found next to the man he truly loves.

The night passed quietly, the apartment immersed in complete darkness. Hawks lay relaxed on his side, his breathing deep and even. But Dabi, who was lying next to him, did not get a good night's sleep. At some point, in the middle of the night, he was woken up by a dull, stabbing pain that ran through his scarred skin. The places where his burnt skin was held together by stitches seemed to throb, like a constant, unpleasant pulse under his skin.

He rummaged restlessly back and forth, pulled on the ceiling and tried to find a comfortable position, but nothing helped. The cooling feel of the satin sheets only made it worse. He needed warmth. Instinctively, he reached for Hawks' blanket, pulled her over to him, and wrapped himself completely in it without thinking much about it. The pleasant warmth calmed his aching nerves a little, but he still couldn't sleep properly.

Hawks, awakened by the sudden cold, squinted wearily into the darkness and frowned. He fumbled for his blanket, only to find that it was no longer there. "Dabi..." he murmured sleepily and blinked at the man next to him, who was wrapped deep in the stolen blanket.

"Why are you stealing my blanket?" Hawks rolled onto his side and tried to grab a corner of it. "You have your own!"

Dabi only reacted with a grumble when Hawks tried to pull back his blanket. "Leave me..." he murmured, his voice heavy with fatigue and pain.

Hawks pulled harder, but Dabi's grip didn't loosen. "Okay, that's enough," Hawks said, half jokingly, half annoyed. But when he looked more closely, he noticed that Dabi's face was slightly contorted in pain, his eyebrows drawn together. "Hey... Dabi? Is everything okay?"

Dabi let out a deep, tired sigh, then slowly opened his eyes as if he no longer had the strength to ignore the pain. "It... it's the scars," he murmured softly, his voice brittle. "I overdid it with the fire a few days ago. Since then, everything has hurt."

Hawks paused, his face overshadowed by concern. "Why didn't you say anything?"

Dabi shrugged his shoulders slightly, then closed his eyes again as the pain flashed through his body once more. "Didn't want to annoy you. Come on... it's not so bad."

"Not so bad?" Hawks repeated incredulously and slowly sat up. "You can hardly get a wink of sleep because you're in pain, and you don't tell me anything?"

Dabi twisted his mouth slightly. "Yes, yes, I know. Don't annoy me with it now."

Hawks sighed and swung his legs out of bed. "Stay there, I'll get you something."

He disappeared briefly into the bathroom and returned with a tablet and a glass of water. "Here, take this." Dabi sat up slowly, took the pill and swallowed it without another word, followed by a big sip of water.

Hawks sat back down on the bed, his wings wrapped around his own body in a slightly protective way. "Warmth also helps, doesn't it?"

Dabi slowly lay back in bed and nodded almost imperceptibly. "Yes..."

Hawks watched him for a moment before spreading his wings and gently wrapping them around Dabi, almost like an additional, warming blanket. His feathers radiated the pleasant warmth that Dabi so desperately needed.

Dabi flinched slightly as the warmth surrounded him, but it felt... well. So much better than the cold sheets. A sigh of relief escaped him, and without realizing it, he sank into Hawks's arms, nestled his face against Hawks's chest, and took a deep breath.

"You're so damn warm...", Dabi murmured almost inaudibly, his words more a soft hum against Hawks' skin than a clear sentence. The pain that had been tormenting him for days seemed to slowly dissipate as he snuggled up in the warmth of his lover.

Hawks smiled softly as he held Dabi even tighter. "Well, I said I'm hot..." he murmured with a slight laugh, which he suppressed on Dabi's hair.

Dabi did not answer immediately. He just let himself fall, closed his eyes and surrendered to this strange calm that he only found near Hawks. His arms clasped him tightly, pushing Keigo even closer to him, while his breathing slowly calmed down.

"You're such an idiot," Dabi finally muttered, his voice little more than a whisper. "But... you're my idiot."

Hawks grinned, pressed a light kiss on Dabi's forehead. "And you are my grumpy fire devil. So that fits."

Dabi made a faint sound that was half laugh, half sigh, and buried his face deeper in Hawks's chest. For a moment, everything else seemed unimportant. The pain, the problems, the world – everything disappeared, and only the warmth and closeness between them remained.

"Damn," Dabi murmured quietly, digging his fingers gently into Hawk's skin to make sure it was real. "I... love you."

Hawks blinked in surprise, felt his heart skip a beat. He looked down at Dabi, his eyes soft as he ran a hand through Dabi's tousled hair. "I love you too, Dabi."

Dabi said no more. He didn't need it either. At that moment, in Hawks' arms, he finally felt calm, finally... Arrived. And for one night, just for this one night, he let his walls fall.

My DabiHawks Song

Hint

Every ♥️ and every 🔁 is very important to us creative minds. It shows that our work is well received by you. So please ♥️ and 🔁 what you like and NOT only with me, but also with the other creative minds, if you like something!

11 notes · View notes

ghostwise · 3 months ago

Note

checking to see what they think or feeling a flutter after something they've done dozens of times for the what are we? moment prompts

“I don’t know, Varric,” Harding says. “This archipelago isn’t on any of the maps I’ve sourced. We’ve come so far—what if it’s another dead end?”

The table in front of them is covered in nautical charts, along with tools and a roll of parchment full of notes. She has stared at these charts for countless hours. She feels intimately acquainted with the monstrous little creatures drawn at the edges of the maps, but it’s gotten her nowhere.

They’ve been aboard the Siren’s Song for weeks now; long enough for both of them to acclimate to the weather and settle in.

Harding had hoped that the local maps would serve them better than the old charts from Ferelden—certainly, the Lords of Fortune had the truest telling of the Boeric Ocean’s most distant reaches—but she’s seen nothing of the mystery archipelago mentioned in so many Venatori missives. It is beginning to worry her.

“Isabela says we’ll soon reach a point where the Siren can’t maneuver. Too many sand bars, too narrow for the ship. We’re running out of time. We’re going in blind.”

“Good thing we have a scout on the case, then,” Varric says. “The finest in Thedas.”

“You think very highly of me,” she tells him, in stern disapproval.

“It’s warranted.” With a rumbly laugh, Varric rises to his feet and walks over. He rests a broad palm on her shoulder.

“Why do you think Lady Lavellan put us on the job, kid? I can see the narrative. But you can see the path.”

Harding sighs at those words.

She cannot help but feel nostalgic when he talks like this. The lines on his face and the gray in his hair certainly don’t help. She has spent a decade devoting herself to this cause.

Before she can dwell on it further there is a knock on the cabin door.

“Lunch,” Lirio Laidir says when he walks in. “For my favorite guests.”

“Aw, you didn’t have to!” Harding says, instantly brightening. “I’m sure glad you did, though. I’m sick of looking at these.”

“Trouble?” Lirio asks.

“We can’t find an archipelago matching the descriptions we’ve gathered,” Varric says, taking the wooden bowl from Lirio’s hands. “What… is this?”

“Caldeirada,” Lirio says.

“Fish stew again,” Harding clarifies. “Hooray!”

“Well, mostly fish.”

“I’m getting a taste for this mostly fish,” Harding admits with a smile. Then, she pauses around a mouthful of stew, and waves a fluttering hand at Lirio. “Actually—since you’re here, think you could have a look at this? Maybe you’ll see something we’ve missed.”

Varric glances at her over his stew. The notes are not exactly a secret, but they detail Venatori movements and communications they have shared with no one, not even Leliana. And Lirio seems all too eager to help.

Varric would find it suspicious, if he didn’t know better. If he didn’t see the narrative.

“You know,” Lirio hums as he and Harding pore over the charts and annotations, “I heard a rumor from a Dalish friend of mine. He said he once saw a volcano that had formed new islands around it. He said this happens from time to time, but when there is a lyrium vein inside the volcano, curious things start to happen. The islands pop up fast. The Fade gets weak around them. There is a lyrium trade in the area.”

“So… look for volcanoes on islands?” Harding suggests.

The idea is compelling. It seems so unlikely, but it’s a route they hadn’t explored, so she quickly takes to the idea. Her frustration and fatigue from before seem to vanish.

They carry on that way, hunting for volcanoes in the charts and swapping stories, until Lirio is called to tend to the sails.

In the silence that follows, Varric sets his hands on the table politely. He gives Harding a knowing look, and a slow, inquiring smile.

“Well,” he says.

Harding sputters for a moment, a light blush on her cheeks.

“What?”

“Nothing. That was a very enlightening conversation, is all.”

#dragon age #varric tethras #datv #laidir #lace harding #rook x harding #oc: lirio laidir #rinnywrites #if nothing else i will have fun writing the lirio/lace fluff :) thank youuuu <3 #harding x rook

19 notes · View notes

queen-of-the-misfit-toys · 7 months ago

Text

Eye of the Beholder

Warnings: not much really, talk of sexy times

Word count: 0.7k a little thing

Summary: Sophie soothes Benedict's fears of needing glasses.

I can't resist this man in specs 😍🤓

____________________________________________

Benedict stood in his dressing room frantically rummaging through his waistcoats.

"Sophie, SoPHIEEEEE, I need you, Darling!!

"There's no need to shout, Ben. I was just at my vanity. Now whatever could be the problem?"

"Where the devil is my cornflower blue waistcoat? The one with the cherry and raspberry embroidery. I've looked everywhere for it and it is nowhere to be found!"

Sophie sighed as she walked over to the blue section of the wall. She reached and immediately pulled the much loved garment out of the crush of clothes.

"How? I've been through that section a dozen times! How did I miss it?"

"Darling," Sophie started softly and laid her hand on his arm, "I think it may be time to start considering spectacles. I've noticed that you are squinting a lot and I believe that your eyes may be the cause of your frequent headaches. Kate said Anthony recently received some and they have helped him tremendously."

Benedict blanched.

"Spectacles, Soph? I'm not that damn old yet!

"No one is calling you old, Ben. It's just th…"

"What next? A walking stick and an ear trumpet? Maybe a wheeled chair because I can't dodder around anymore?" His voice was reaching a pitch which Sophie knew her darling, dashing husband was about to lose it.

"Benedict Bridgerton, you are being utterly ridiculous. Needing spectacles does not mean you are old! Gracious, there are children who need them. Our dear Belinda must wear them and Daphne believes Caroline may need them as well. Do you consider your precious nieces old?"

He sat on the edge of their bed, looking chastened and forlorn.

"No, Soph. I do not consider them old," he sighed. " I've just always had perfect eyesight. Even when Colin stuck a spoon in my eye when I was seven, I recovered with seemingly no effects to my vision."

"Colin stuck a spoon in your eye?"

"He was two and I attempted to take a bowl of ice cream from him as I had finished mine. That's when we, well…I, learned how seriously he takes his food. Mother cried but Father joked that I deserved it for stealing Col's dessert."

He sat for a few minutes quietly while his wife rubbed his back.

"I'm not ready to lose my vitality yet. Or my virility, Sophie."

"Why would you think you would lose either, my love? The spectacles do not possess magical powers to suck all of your life-giving energy, Benedict." she teased him. "Only I have that magic power" she giggled into his ear as she palmed him through his breeches.

"Sophie!!

"What, my love? I am your wife. Can I not make advances towards you when the mood strikes?

"Not when I am having a crisis of confidence!"

"Darling Ben, that is quite possibly the most ridiculous thing I have heard come out of your mouth and I have heard many. Your wife, whom you daily heap praise on for being the most gorgeous, most intelligent, most interesting person of your acquaintance, has just propositioned you. One would think your confidence would be soaring."

"You won't be so amorous when you see me in spectacles. I'm sure they will make me look a fright."

Sophie kissed his shoulder.

"Actually, I think you will look very handsome in specs. Very distinguished, worthy of respect and honor. You will make all the ladies of the ton swoon, my love. And I will be first in line at your feet." She nuzzled his neck, inhaling the woodsy, smoky scent of him. " I am your biggest admirer after all."

Benedict groaned at his wife's attentions.

"You are the only person in the world that matters, my Sophie."

He reached around and pulled her into his lap, capturing her lips with his own.

"Then why are you so self-conscious about spectacles?" she mumbled against his mouth. " I've already told you how attractive I believe you will be with them. Sexy even. Very sexy. Have you ever considered making love in just spectacles, dear husband?"

"Sophia Maria, what has gotten into you? Not that I want it to stop, mind you."

He spun them around, laying her flat on the bed while he hovered over her.

"Do you really think I will look sexy in specs?" he asked as he licked along her collarbone.

"I shan't get anything done for lusting after you, my prince."

Benedict laughed heartily.

"I will call for the doctor this very afternoon."

#benedict bridgerton #sophie beckett #benophie #benedict bridgerton fanfiction #bridgerton #bridgerton fanfiction

29 notes · View notes

grey-pastels · 2 years ago

Text

Names

Fandom: Six of Crows

pairing: platonic! Kaz brekker x reader

summary: reader is set on finding out what kaz' name is.

_________________________________________

It was ten bells and the night was just getting started. This might have been a quiet time in any place but not here,not in ketterdam,not in the barrell.

I was currently leading Jesper back to the crow club after having to basically pry the cards from his hands. I had found him in one of the gambling dens,as usual. And he was losing,as usual. Normally I would've just sat next to him,letting him do his thing. But tonight I wasn't in the mood for it. I really didn't want to deal with the speech Kaz would have about him losing all the money again. He would most certainly still hold one but I was just hoping it wouldn't take 10 minutes this time. As we entered the crow club I spotted him sitting in a dark corner,his corner. He glared at us, his usual unamused glare or maybe it was just how his face was stuck by now. When Jesper spotted him he immediately looked away and made a beeline for the bar. I did not. I walked towards him and sat down. I was waiting for him to speak,but of course he didn't. He was waiting for something. Maybe an apology or maybe a simple explanation. I would not give him that,not today. If he wanted it he could ask for it nicely and I might just comply.

"Fancy seeing you here,kazper" I said mockingly.

He was staring at me. He hated it. Ever since I joined the dregs, approximately 3 years ago I had started bothering him with these nicknames. To me it just seemed improbable for someone to name their kid Kaz. I have met jespers and even inejs before. Not many but they existed. So I have made it my goal to get his name. Not for the reason others might want it. I didn't want leverage on him or his past. I just wanted him,to know him. He was a walking mystery to everyone, but not to me. I have tried many names over the years. My personal favourites include kazzie, kazper and kazpian. He didn't show a hint of emotion other than annoyance when I said them so I presumed they weren't right.

He stood up and walked up the stairs. He walked rather fast despite his limp so I had a relatively hard time keeping up. He didn't say anything yet but that didn't stop me. I followed him to his room. When I closed the door of his office he stood alarmingly close to me. Something Kaz never does. He seemed irritated,by me.

"Why are you so set on knowing my name?"

"Well for starters,kazstration. you know mine. You know me and I know you would never admit to it but i am the closest thing to a friend you have. I am aware inej and jesper are there too but it's different with us. Inej is your faith and jesper your- well actually I am not sure what he is to you"

" You are my crow, an investment. You all are. Not more nor less"

"I don't believe that"

He leaned his head to the side in disbelief. He always hated how stubborn and blunt I can be. I would never change it. It was one of my many talents to help annoy people, annoy him especially. When we first became acquaintances he had said " if you keep that up you won't survive long in the barrel and even shorter in the dregs" I simply smiled at him and continued with my day. Three years later I was still alive and he still disagreed with my ways.

"You are my family,kaz" he almost laughed at that. And I realised what I had said. It wasnt the fact that I called him my brother, I meant that and I wasn't ashamed of it. But it was the first time I had called him kaz in years. I am not sure why I had done it but it felt right. I needed him to see I was serious and it wasn't another joke.

He kept quiet after that. I didn't expect him to say it back. I didn't need him to. I slightly pressed my palm against his shoulder,shoving him gently out of my way. I could hear his breath hitch for a second but he calmed himself rather fast. I was aware of his aversion to touch and I did my best to avoid physical contact. But now I just needed space and I didn't have the nerve to communicate it. Why would I need to speak my thoughts when he never does? I turned around and opened the door to leave. Before I fully shut it again I spoke up again. "You won't get rid of me, not of my energy either. And one day your gonna have to admit it. Speak the truth. Say that you like me around and perhaps admit it to her aswell,she isn't as patient as me with you and i dont blame her" I didn't need to speak her name, he knew. He always did. " I will see you tomorrow, Kazimir" he made a noise. I shut the door and I was sure I had it. I had his name. I had him.

178 notes · View notes

matcheadz · 10 months ago

Text

HOS/ Host Of Seraphim Update!

Chapter 19 is called, "A Father's Presence."

TW for mention of alcoholism and death by it in the beginning. Mention of torture, but nothing explicit.

Here's a little spoiler-free snippet!:

“Looks like you got your hands full there Ms. Rheese. Eager to sign the adoption papers this early or are we putting them up for auction?” She snorted loudly, pressing her scarf back to her face in embarrassment as she walked up the steps. Dirty ice and vestiges of the light snowfall from the night fell off her boots with each step. “No, no, they’re not mine. Just a field trip. Don’t tempt me though, I might think about it.” She waved her hand sweetly, cupping her gloved hand against the glass and peering in through the front door. Her breath accumulated on the glass as she squinted. Her long, dirty blond hair curled around her ears like natural earmuffs, her hazel eyes jumping between the trio of them and the movement inside. She gave them a smile of intrigue, her hand still resting against the glass. “Popsicles in this weather? You must have a sweet tooth.” Vergil looked down at his popsicle and blinked, but Dante only snickered. “The real question is why the open-air market down the road still sells them.” “Ah, yes, well. The age-old question. No one really knows. I think there might be an old Innocenti out there who takes pity on the young orphans out here. I know I would.” The blond woman rubbed her mittened hands against her arms, calling over her shoulder to what Vergil presumed to be her assistant for the children. The glass door opened just enough for the woman to place her body in between it and the frame. Her face broke into a soft smile, whispering something low and kind to the person behind the door. Dante brushed himself of and made to stand up, but the woman leveled him an apologetic smile and shook her head. “Sorry sir, the schools have early access to government facilities to make sure the students are in order before they open to the public on. Sorry to cut in line, it might be a little while longer.” Dante waved a hand dismissively at her, “No worries missy, my brother here’s got a woman on the inside, apparently. She’ll pick up the degenerate street trash eventually.” Vergil blinked up at her, handing his half-finished popsicle to Dante as he stood up. “I believe she may currently be inside—” The door swung open, and the woman behind the door revealed herself in all her grinning glory. The blonde woman startled back as Allessandra opened her arms to him. “Amico?! I was starting to think you had left without saying goodbye!” Vergil did not get to open his mouth before he was forced into an embrace. Both his shoulders and his hands came up in defense and froze there, a protest dying on his lips. Mortified, he forced himself to pat at her shoulder once or twice, avoiding the suddenly calculating gaze of his new acquaintance and the burning stare at his back. Allessandra pushed away from his stiff form, hands on his shoulders as she grinned. “Oh, you said you’d be sticking around but I didn’t see you for such a long time and—oh! Mi dispiace!” She withdrew her hands, wincing at his strung-out expression and turning back to the blonde woman. The woman herself was now very stiff, her brow furrowed and crossing her arms. Allessandra gripped one of her elbows and stood up on the ends of her toes to give her a small peck on the cheek. The woman’s eyes flicked briefly down to the crowd of approaching children, but otherwise did not stop glaring at him. Vergil suddenly wanted to drown, ignoring his brother as he snorted. “Rheese, this is Vergil! You remember, I told you about him, no? Found him again last week with his son!”

#dmc #my writing #dadgil #hos #devilmaycry #text #host of seraphim

35 notes · View notes

thelampisaflashlight · 8 months ago

Text

A Cup of Sugar

[Something, something, Copia and his neighbor have a friendly discussion.]

"When I was in school, studying French, our teacher made us read The Stranger by Albert Camus." Jarno says, the cigarette clasped between his fingers becoming a long line of ash, dropping off onto the stone beneath the railing, "...I was not a particularly good student, my pronunciation was always off, but I did okay with reading, understood grammar and that sort of thing... better on paper than in practice, you know?"

He smiles.

"The book, I couldn't tell you if it was an enjoyable read, but it was a short one, a hundred and twenty-three pages or something of the sort, just one, two, three... I never did bother with it. Reading the book, but the opening line always stuck with me." he continues, finally flicking the ash away, brushing his hand over the railing to clean up the bit that had fallen there, "<<Aujourd'hui Maman est morte.>>"

"Today," he says, "Mother has died."

Jarno snuffs out his cigarette and drops the butt into his empty soda can.

"...I think part of the reason I'm so invested in Lillian Hess' case, is because she was like me." he explains, "A poor student, from a working class family... Going nowhere fast."

He leans against the railing, arms folded.

"We were in the same French class, acquaintances at best, but we talked... And it's funny in the way things are also profoundly... unfunny, but I keep thinking of that line when I think of her."

Jarno inhales slow and deep.

"I did not have a crush or some deep connection to Lillian, she and I spoke maybe once in the entire time we were in school together, but since she disappeared, the casual frankness in which others have spoken of her death hits me so..."

He stands up straight rolling his shoulders.

"Back then, it could have been me, and a sick part of me wonders why it wasn't." he sighs, "We had the same routine, neither of us were particularly fit, easy to pick off, and we were the kind of kids that always seemed to just... run away... but Lillian didn't run away, she was taken. I ran... and wound up back here, in this town."

Copia looks out over the rolling fields beyond the abbey's main walls, at the lake and the forest, "To here."

"To here." he nods, facing the older man now, "They want to blame you -your... disciples- for Lillian's disappearance, for her death, even if they never found more than a finger, they still found it in your woods."

"And what do you think happened to Miss. Hess, Mister Sheers?" the father asks, mismatched eyes aglow, "Do you wish to make any claims of foul play?"

Jarno slides his hands into his pockets.

"I have no interest in any of that."

"Then why have you come?"

He withdraws an object wrapped in a tawny terrycloth, carefully, he unfolds it to reveal a wickedly sharp looking claw.

"I know that whatever killed Lillian was not human, nor a hungry bear." he holds the claw out for Copia to examine, "You and I both know what beast this came from."

Copia's face sours as he takes the claw into his gloved hand.

"One of them has tasted human flesh and blood, they've broken their oath... a feral ghoul, or a free one."

"And you know of the ghouls, how?"

Jarno chuckles.

"I grew up there." he points to the lake, passed the buoys that mark the end of the abbey's property, "...I'm your neighbor."

"Our neighbor..." Copia whispers, thoughtful, "Then you've seen quite a lot, haven't you?"

"Enough. I have seen enough." he says, "Enough to know it would be stupid for me to even dream of trying to extort more from you than a cup of sugar."

"But here you are."

He nods.

"As I said... I am your neighbor." Jarno offers his hand, "Consider this an olive branch; A chance to keep you and yours safe, and protect mine as well. The beast that killed Lillian is likely still among your flock... I wish to cull it before more die unnecessarily."

Copia scoffs, smiling slightly, "So you have no fears of the evil cult living behind your house? No concerns over babes stolen in the night for ritualistic sacrifice?"

"You've not bothered me in all the years I have lived here, and, yes, I considered the possibility that you might be dangerous, but I also know it does you no good to kill me here, on your doorstep, especially when the police are watching you all so closely now."

"Fair enough..." Copia hums, "And if we do hunt down this beast, what then? What do you hope to gain from its death?"

"...The other nine claws."

#lamp writes #nameless ghouls #the band ghost #ghost bc #ghost band #copia #papa emeritus iv #kind of murder ghouls #ghost band oc #Jarno actually did not start off as a ghost oc #I just had thoughts and setting him against preestablished characters helps with building his personality #Anyway

16 notes · View notes

pyromaniacbibliophile · 11 months ago

Text

Snakes, Books and Radio; 1919 broadcast {featuring Rosie}

Aziraphale walked into the large entrance room. It was absolutely full of people, all dressed in the latest fashion. Namely, cocktail and flapper dresses, suits and ties. This was 1919 of course, what else would one expect? The war had ended in June, three months ago. He was very glad, it had been nigh impossible to aquire books, even in America as he was.

To celebrate, when one of his acquaintances had invited him to this party, he had said yes. Before, he had planned to return to England and his beloved bookshop , but seeing as this was a time of joy and peace, he thought that he may as well party.

He wore his best outfit, a light beige suit and trousers with a crisp white shirt and blue tie. Accepting a glass of champagne from a waiter, he surveyed the room. For some reason, his eye was drawn to (he presumed) a couple, who were talking languidly in a corner.

The man was quite young, obviously to a semi-immortal angel everyone was young but this man looked young, if he had to guess he would say mid twenties. He had light brown skin, messily styled brown hair, thin glasses balanced on his nose, strangely red eyes and he was wearing a white shirt with a red-brown waistcoat. A red rose was tucked into his pocket.

His partner was shapely and tall, with strawberry blond hair in a bob, dark eyes, pale skin, a lovely pink feathered hat and a light pink blouse with darker accents tucked into a dark pink skirt.

Aziraphale could not understand why he was drawn to them, both were definitely human and didn't look too different from everyone else. Tearing his eyes away, he looked around further and nearly spat out his drink. Crowley was not who he expected to see, and certainly not looking like-like that!

The demon's hair was far longer than usual and fell down his back in g̶o̶r̶g̶e̶o̶u̶s̶ red waves. That was not the only change, if it was the angel probably wouldn't have been so stunned. However, Crowley was wearing a (black) dress. Not only that, but h̶e̶, well, h̶e̶ had a-a bosom! And hips and a waist and-well, all the evidence pointed to the demon being female. It was definitely Crowley, but Aziraphale was fairly confident the last time they had met, Crowley was decidedly male.

Walking over, he tapped the demon on the shoulder. Crowley span around delightedly "Heya Zira, darling" she purred "fancy seeing you here."

Unsure quite how to reply, he was quite relieved when their host, Charles Adrieux, who had been talking to Crowley, exclaimed happily "I say! Mr Fell, I didn't know you and Adeline were acquainted. Magnificent! Now I can seat you two together at lunch."

He darted off before Aziraphale could comment. Turning instead to Crowley, he asked incredulously "Adeline?"

"Why yes, Adeline.J.Crowley, at your service." she curtsied.

"Well-I- That is entirely beside the point. What are you doing here? I'll have you know, Mr Adrieux is a dear friend of mine and" he was interrupted by Crow-Adeline laughing.

"Relax Angel, I'm not here for anything nefarious. Actually, Charles is" and here her eyes sparkled mischievously "as much a dear friend of mine as he is of yours. I'm just here to celebrate! Am I not allowed to have fun? Or is that a privilege taken away when one strolls leisurely downwards, if you catch my drift?"

" I suppose a tiny bit of fun might be permitted.... " He said, hoping it was the safest answer.

"Spectacular! Well Angel, would you do me the honour of being my partner for the evening?"

He must have looked stunned as Adeline added"no need to worry, it's not like any of your lot would ever come down here unless either you were in severe trouble or the world was ending, neither of which is happening so we're fine"

He wanted to protest, after all, despite her change in looks, she was still a demon, the Enemy... But her points did make sense, and one night did not friends make..."Alright then."

Adeline grinned. Just then, a loud voice boomed "Greetings everyone! It is such a pleasure to see all my friends here to celebrate the war's end!" There was a large cheer. "Now, my chefs have prepared a delectable feast, if you would start to enter the dining room, your seating will be assigned." Charles shouted into a megaphone with delight.

"so, how did you meet Charles?" she enquired

"I could ask you the same thing, Ladies first and all. "

"Well played, let me see. I believe we first met in Italy actually, he runs in similar circles as I." Aziraphale was astounded. He knew all about the sort of people Adeline's circles tended to attract, he would never have thought.. "Charles? Really?"

"Really, you wouldn't think so looking at him, would you?"

The Angel replied in the negative , then both quieted as they entered the large dining room. Quickly, they found their seats, flowery script on neat cards next to each other proclaimed

𝓜𝓻 𝓐. 𝓩𝓲𝓻𝓪. 𝓕𝓮𝓵𝓵

𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓐𝓭𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓮. 𝓙. 𝓒𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓵𝓮𝔂

Taking their seats, they fell back into conversation, after all, it had been years since their last meeting. About 5 minutes later, they were joined by their seating partners, who were, funnily enough, the couple Aziraphale had been drawn to earlier. The man drew out the chair for the lady and then sat. Looking subtly over, Aziraphale could see their cards read

𝓜𝓻 𝓐𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻.𝓒𝓸𝓻𝓶𝓲𝓮𝓻

𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓡𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 𝓛𝓮𝓿𝓲 -𝓥𝓲𝓭𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓮

Adeline, who was seated next to 'Alastor', introduced herself "Hello, I'm Miss Crowley, but please, call me Adeline. May I have the pleasure of your names?"

"A pleasure indeed to meet such a fine lady, my name is Alastor and this is my good friend Rosie." He said smoothly, kissing the back of her hand.

Aziraphale felt suddenly slightly jealous, but couldn't imagine why. The lady, Rosie, then enquired "And who might you be?"

Realising he hadn't introduced himself yet, he spoke"oh, how terribly rude of me, I'm Zira. Adeline and I are old friends."

"Well, it is a pleasure to meet both of you."The four began talking, and soon the conversation turned to their host.

"if you don't mind me asking, how did you two meet our illustrious host?" Zira asked, genuinely curious, the duo didn't seem like the type to know Charles.

"Well, he is an investor in my radio show"

Alastor began before the angel interrupted him "You have a radio show? What's it about?" he said excitedly, he adored listening to radio while reading.

"I'm unsure whether a gentleman of your standard would enjoy it, as it mainly features discussions about crime, mostly violent. Sometimes we interview the victims, if they are still alive of course. I'm afraid I have rather an interest in the criminal mind."

Adeline cocked her head. "That sounds intriguing," she said, interest clear in her tone. "I shall have to listen to it"

Aziraphale was interested as well and said so. Despite being an angel, he did rather enjoy discussions of crime. "In strictest confidence, may I ask what the next broadcast will be about?"

"Oh yes, tell all, Al. I must confess a slight curiously myself" Rosie admitted.

"I trust you all can keep a secret? Very well, it is an exploration into the possible motives of two serial killers. To be more precise, the Smiling Hunter and the Strangling Rose. I didn't particularly want to do it, however the producer insisted."

The names rang a bell, but he wasn't quite sure where from. "Would you be so kind as to refresh my memory of them?" he asked.

Rosie did so. "First, people often accociate the two together because of their victims. Both tend to target r@pists, however the Rose also kills abusive husbands while the Hunter also kills rich white businessmen. Apart from that, no one can find a link between the two so joining them is irrational. "

" Do you have an interest in crime as well?" Adeline asked Rosie.

"Not as such, I merely have a very good memory and Al talks a lot about work."

Alastor aquiesed to this statement with a brief nod. Still curious, Aziraphale queried "Why are they called the Smiling Hunter and the Strangling Rose? There must be a reason?"

"Oh, there is, but it is rather gruesome, I am afraid it isn't quite the topic to discuss over lunch. Perhaps we can continue after food?" Alastor said.

Aziraphale was fairly confident he and Adeline would both be fine, having eaten crepes while watching beheadings of aristocracy and witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, amongst other things. However neither of them could tell their present company this, so agreed. The first course was served, salmon mousse on sliced rye bread.They began to eat.

Part way through, Rosie laughed and said "do forgive me Zira, but I have been meaning to ask, where are you from? I admit having a slight curiosity"

"Go on Angel" Adeline added when it became apparent he had paused for too long.

"Well, I live in England, but the Fell family come from all over." There. No lie had been told. He was the Fell family, after all, although can it really be called a family if it only has the one member?

"Ah! England would explain your accent, yes. Tell me, what's it like? I've never been."

"it is very nice, I own a bookshop in London, the capital city."

"you own a bookshop?" Alastor said excitedly. The rest of the meal went very quickly, Rosie and Zira swapping seats so they could talk to Adeline and Alastor separately.

The time had passed so quickly, they decided to bid farewell to their host and go to 'a darling little tea shop' recommended by Rosie, to keep talking. Neither Aziraphale or Adeline had enjoyed human company this much for ages.

Strolling out of the dining room, they found Charles and said farewell to him, Alastor promising that this week's broadcast would be better (and bloodier) than ever. As they left the manor, Rosie led them round streets and through a small alley until they came out in front of a lovely, flower decorated, tea shop. Walking in, Alastor and Zira got a few looks, men didn't usually visit tearooms such as these, but soon enough the oddity was forgotten and the customers turned back to their friends.

From behind the counter, an older woman wearing a smart brown blazer and skirt rushed over, embracing Rosie with a delighted cry "Darling! It has been too long, far too long. You have finally come to your Aunt Ophelia's shop yes? Come, sit. Who are your friends?"

The four sat around the prettily decorated table that Ophelia had showed them to. Rosie smiled. "Dearest Aunt, I sincerely apologise for my absence but I have been very busy with things. Everyone, this is my godmother Ophelia. Aunt, you know Alastor,"

"Well of course I do, but I am fairly certain I have never seen these two in my life" while speaking she gestured broadly to Aziraphale and Adeline.

Both Zira and Rosie were rather stunned when Adeline winked roguishly and said"oh yes you have, surely you recall the party in 1905? The one in Lafayette?"

Ophelia looked briefly confused then shocked. "No. Crowley? Ha! You've changed"

"Oh, maybe just a bit. And it's Adeline currently" said demon purred laughingly"

My, my. Well, as it turns out I know three of this illustrious band, so may I enquire whom you may be, Mr..."

Zira started and answered "Fell, Zira Fell. A pleasure to meet you, madam."

" Ooh, no, I am no madam, just plain Ms Blanche. Shall I bring you cake and sandwiches and some iced tea?"

"The iced tea sounds perfect, unfortunately we have just been to lunch at the Adrieux manor, so we will have to decline the food." Alastor said, he adored Ophelia's cakes and was slightly disappointed at being unable to eat them today.

"But of course, no matter, I shall prepare your tea and leave you to your conversation." with that she departed.

"How did you meet my godmother?" Rosie enquired.

Adeline grinned. "It was at a rather excellent party a while back, she's an excellent dancer. Anyway, do spill the tea on these two serial killers, I find myself much intrigued..."

_______________________________________

Hope you enjoyed! There will be more in this series, I have a ✨plan✨now

#hazbin hotel #alastor #good omens #crowley #aziracrow #hazbin hotel rosie #aziraphale #Hazbin hotel+ good omens #Fanfic

22 notes · View notes

gunilslaugh · 2 years ago

Note

I love ur work! Can i ask you a Gaon oneshot where the reader is jooyeon’s bestfriend?

Thank you so much! Here's your request!

Kwak Jiseok

Summary: Jiseok has a hopeless crush on you, Jooyeon’s best friend.

WC:1.8k

Warning:grammar

photo not mine credits to owner.

Jooyeon is your best friend. The two of you met when you were both fifthteen, at an arcade. You and him ended up playing a two person shooting game together and discovered that you made a great team. Spending the rest of your time at the arcade together and exchanging numbers before parting. It was pretty much history after that, you and Jooyeon would meet up basically every weekend. Prime hangout spot was the arcade, but you also ventured elsewhere together. Like movies, cafes, markets, food parlors, just wandering the streets.

Once Jooyeon became a trainee, let alone debuted, your hangouts became less, but you understood how busy he was and supported him all the way through. It’s not like the amount of time spent together determines friendship levels.

Over time you have become acquainted with Jooyeon’s members as well. Mostly seeing them via video screen when you and Jooyeon were on a call. You did see them in person too though, you were no stranger to their dorm and occasionally you would all grab a meal together.

Presently it was one of the times that you saw the members in person. You were briefly stopping by their dorm to meet up with Jooyeon before the two of you went out.

“Well if it isn’t my rival,” you said in a playful tone upon seeing Jiseok after he opened the door for you. Jiseok only laughed at your words, stepping aside to let you in.

“Why is he your rival?” Seungmin asked, after overhearing what you called Jiseok.

“Oh it’s just a joke. Jooyeon said that Jiseok was his best friend out of Xdinary Heroes members, so I started calling Jiseok my rival,” you explained.

“I told you. Jiseok is my best friend in Xdinary Heroes, but you’re my best friend in life,” Jooyeon stated, emerging from his room.

“Tomato, tomato. A best friend is still a best friend. Are you ready?” you checked.

“Then we could just be a group of best friends,” Jooyeon slings one arm around your shoulders and the other around Jiseok’s shoulders, pulling the three of you closer together. “Yeah, I’m ready. Let’s go,” he releases Jiseok, but keeps his hold on you, turning to walk out the door.

“Well looks like your title might change from rival to best friend,” Seungmin jokes.

“I don’t want to be best friends though I want to be their boyfriend,” Jiseok pined, looking at the door you and Jooyeon just left from.

“How can you be their boyfriend when you hardly talk to them?” Seungmin laughed.

“I-I talk to them. Not frequently, but I talk to them,”Jiseok defended.

“Well if you want to up your title to boyfriend you’ll have to make talking to them a frequent occurrence,” Seungmin noted, before leaving. Jiseok was now alone with his thoughts about how he was supposed to talk with you more. It would be weird if he just randomly started conversations with you right? He thought about asking Jooyeon for your number, but then decided that might also be too weird. What was he supposed to do? Maybe he’ll just hopelessly crush on you forever.

“What if we did hang out with Jiseok?” Jooyeon questioned you as you guys walked around, eating food you bought from a street vendor.

“The three of us?” you asked, turning to look at Jooyeon.

“Yes, the three of us,” he clarified with a small laugh. “I just think that it would be fun. I’m sure you two would get along great. I mean you already talk right?” Jooyeon continued.

“We don’t really talk frequently, but yeah we’re close enough for me to jokingly call him my rival, so there’s that,” you responded.

“Exactly, so it would be nice for all of us to hangout together,” Jooyeon claimed.

“You’re really pushing this group of best friends, aren’t you?” you accused him.

“I just think that it would be nice for my two best friends to get to know each other better. Is that so wrong?” Jooyeon said. It wasn’t a lie he didn’t want you and Jiseok to get to know each other better. However it wasn’t because you’re his two best friends. It was because he knew all about Jiseok’s crush on you and he made it his goal to get you two together. He put on his cupid wings and was ready to shoot you with an arrow that had Jiseok’s name on it.

“Fine, let’s all hangout together, the three of us,” you caved. It would be nice to know more about your rival anyway.

“Great! I’ll set it up,” Jooyeon exclaimed happily. You shook your head at how excited he was, not getting how it could be such a big deal.

“You’re going to love me~” Jooyeon sang to Jiseok as he returned to the dorm.

“Why?” Jiseok pondered.

“I convinced y/n that the three of us hanging out together would be fun,” Jooyeon informed, wiggling his eyebrows.

“So what are you saying?” Jiseok asked for clarification.

“I’m saying we're all going to hang out together, so you can finally spend time with y/n instead of just pining over them. Isn’t that great?” Jooyeon told him.

“You’re right, I do love you!” Jiseok spoke excitedly. Excitement bubbling up inside of him at the thought of spending time with you, being able to have real conversations.

The day has come. The day where you, Jooyeon and Jiseok are all hanging out together. The three of you met up at a mall, thinking it would be nice to just walk around and do some shopping.

“See this is nice, just hanging out as the three of us,” Jooyeon stated. Once again one of his arms around each of yours and Jiseok’s shoulder. You were starting to get suspicious as to why Jooyeon wanted you to hang out with Jiseok so much.

“Yeah, it’s nice,” Jiseok agreed. The two are now looking over at you waiting for your answer.

“It’s nice,” you agreed too. Jiseok was fun to be around, you understood why Jooyeon called him his best friend in Xdinary Heroes.

Currently you and Jiseok were sitting at a table in the food court while Jooyeon was away getting the food. Again you found it strange how heavily he insisted on being the one to get the food. Maybe he really did just want you and Jiseok to get to know each other better and you had. After spending multiple hours with him, being a group of best friends didn’t sound bad at all. Jooyeon came back with the food, but you were too busy with your conversation with Jiseok to see the teasing look Jooyeon shot at Jiseok. Before going home you and Jiseok exchanged numbers. You saved him as “Rival :)” in your phone. Although he definitely didn’t feel like a rival now. You’re not sure he really ever did though. Thinking about it you can’t actually recall a time he said that Jooyeon was his best friend or a time he ever referred to you as his rival. He usually would just smile a pretty smile or laugh with his happiness inducing laugh whenever you called him the name.

Time went on and hangouts as a group of three became a regular thing, so did you frequently texting or calling Jiseok. So much so that now Jooyeon would joke about Jiseok being his rival for your spot as best friend.

“You know I don’t want to be their best friend, so that joke is pointless,” Jiseok argued.

“I know, you want to be their boyfriend, but in order to achieve that you’ll have to confess,” Jooyeon stated.

Unbeknownst to Jiseok, you wanted him to confess too. You didn’t want Jiesok to be your best friend. After spending more time with him and talking, for lord knows how many hours you started to think that the term boyfriend would fit Jiseok better. Yes, you got happy when Jooyeon’s contact name lit up your phone, but your heart didn’t skip a beat like it did with Jiseok’s. Spending time with Jooyeon was always great, but your stomach didn’t swarm with butterflies with your hands brushed or when you sat so close your legs touched. You found that you developed a crush on Jiseok to say the least.

Today you were doing something you’ve never done before. You were hanging out with Jiseok alone. No Jooyeon, no group of best friends. Just the two of you.

“Hey,” Jiseok greeted you with a warm smile.

“Hey,” you greeted back, offering a smile too. Both of you then headed inside the cafe you decided to hangout at. Once you received your orders you made your way over to a table, sitting down across from one another. It wasn’t awkward like you thought it might be without Jooyeon there. It was quite enjoyable actually. It was as if the two of you had been hanging out, just the two you, for years. It only made you fall deeper for him as well.

Proceeding leaving the cafe Jiseok was currently walking you back to your place. Your hands have now accidentally brushed for the fifth time, so you finally just gathered up your courage and grabbed Jiseok’s hand. He looked a little surprised at your action, but held your hand tighter in response.

“Y/n,” you called you after walking in silence for a while, hands still locked together.

“Yeah,” you replied, turning your head to face his direction.

“I have something to tell you,” he says, stopping his steps, making you do the same.

“Go ahead,” you told him. Jiseok takes your other hand in his, now holding both of your hands.

“I like you,” he confessed. “I never wanted to be your rival or another best friend. I just wanted to be your boyfriend,” he revealed. A blush creeps its way onto your face, making you look down at your shoes. You took a breath looking back up to Jiseok.

“I want you to be my boyfriend too,” you admitted, swinging your laced hands a bit.

“Really?” he asked, eyes wide, grip on your hand tightening.

“Yes, I like you too, Jiseok. I want you to be my boyfriend,” you tell him.

“Then I am. I’m officially your boyfriend,” Jiseok declares.

“Perfect. I’ll have to change your contact name now,” you say.

“What is it now?” he asked.

“Rival with a smiley face,” you informed, beginning to walk again.

“You really liked calling me that, didn’t you?” he chuckled

“Yeah, but I like being able to call you boyfriend better,” you said.

“Me too,” he agreed with a blush dusting his cheeks.

“Finally! That took you so long!” Jooyeon booms upon Jiseok telling him that he’s officially your boyfriend now. He’s happy of course because his two best friends make the best couple.

#xdh imagines #xdh x reader #xdinary heroes #xdh #xdinary heroes imagines #xdinary heroes x reader #xh gaon #xh jiseok #gaon x reader #jiseok x reader #xh jooyeon

70 notes · View notes

casp1an-sea · 11 months ago

Text

Darling Requiem Part 1

TW: STALKING AND BLOOD

This is a Horror Romance Story, for my TWST fans out there Judas is inspired by Rook Hunt. Key word is inspired by, he is not Rook!

—————————————————————————

- Supernatural, horror, stalker romance-

Chapter 1:

Boy in the rain

-On the night of the moon-

Boots on pavement. Heavy breaths. Running… running… running. I stop and scan the area around me. The harvest moon’s haunting glow illuminates the sidewalks over the tops of dying trees and closed local shops. My leg is wet. Maybe it was from a puddle I accidentally trampled in? I reached down to wipe the wetness away, but winced in pain when my fingers collided with my clammy skin. Blood. Right. I had cut my leg on broken glass. In the urgency of the situation, I forgot about my own injury. Standing here was doing nothing. I needed to get my senses about myself again. I stepped to the right, pressing my back against the cold brick on the side of an old barbershop. Shielding myself from view, if anyone passed by.

I took a deep breath and whispered, “ OK where are you? Why are you here and what’s going on? Let’s figure this out.” I thought for a moment on how to answer my own questions. My memories were foggy, as if something was holding them back. I remember the tree. A crooked tree behind the school, and a figure looming over me. A Familiar figure. A neighbor? No, a friend. a boy I met at school. I had known him. He was nice, he was… I was… I suddenly remembered something. I had been running from him. Images flashed into my mind, my body lying limp on the crook in the tree, his face looking over mine, a wicked twisted smile plastered from one ear to the other. His looks, almost inhuman. Quickly, I reached for my neck, hitting my elbow against the brick wall in the process, causing my arm to seize up a moment. Once the pain subsided, I brushed my fingers across the side of my throat. If I felt any pain, I was too absorbed in my own thoughts to notice. I pulled my fingers away. I could feel my hand shaking. A dark liquid remained on my fingertips, dripping slowly down into my palm...

-A week Prior-

I sat outside the school on the front steps, looking out into the early morning. “Hi Fabian!” Various friends and acquaintances shouted past as they walked indoors. “Hi!” I said back with false enthusiasm. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to speak to them or that I was in a bad mood, but I had this weird feeling. I just wanted some silence. Which was odd for me but nonetheless, I was happy. Music quietly played through my earbuds, making me feel as if it was a soundtrack to my own personal movie. People passed by, but avoided my spot on the steps, so as not to trip over my things.

Lunch would be ending soon, but that was OK. I wanted to keep looking at the gray placid sky. It looked as if it could break open any moment. I felt a raindrop on my shoulder. I looked at where it had landed. “It's sprinkling.” I said to no one in particular. I checked the time on my phone. 12:38, that meant I had three minutes left before the bell would ring for my second hour of broadcasting. I looked up and saw something in the distance. A tall lanky boy stood out in the field in front of the school. The rain had gotten considerably heavier now, but I was mostly covered by a metal awning. However, this guy was clearly getting soaked. He danced in circles, smiling and laughing. I could even hear him humming a faint tune despite the heavy downpour he was in the middle of. I stood up, squinting, trying to make out his features, but I couldn’t recognize him.

“That’s odd” I thought. Our school and town for that matter was very close knit and small. It was rare I would find someone I didn’t recognize, and even more rare that someone new would come along. I kept watching him. He was captivating for some reason. His smile just seemed so… so giddy. I felt my mouth open to call out to him, but I stopped myself before any sound came out. Why did I want to speak to this stranger? Lightning flashed overhead, jolting me out of my thoughts.

“Hey, you come inside young man!” I was quickly startled by the administrator's voice. For a moment I thought he was speaking to me, but then I realized he was yelling to the boy in the field, who turned quickly, waved at the both of us, and calmly walked to the front of the school.

“My deepest apologies, seems as though I got carried away.” he smiled as he spoke, nodded to the administrator with respect and walked by with an arrogant yet charming confidence to him. His clothing was soaked, and his chin length black hair was plastered to his cheeks and forehead. Making him seem a bit goofy to be acting in such a manner. He turned to me and Suddenly with an air of friendliness, said. “ I saw you watching me. If you wanted to come dance you could’ve joined.”

“dance? Oh yeah, right… is that what you were doing?” I answered awkwardly. His eyes were kind and welcoming. They were an odd unique color I had never seen in someone’s gaze before. A misty gray that matched the Hue of the stormy sky. He tilted his head and began laughing.

“Huh? What’s so funny?” I exclaimed, startled.

“You’re staring.”

“I am?! Oh sorry! I just have never seen you before.”

“It’s alright no harm done.”

“Both of you get inside and get to class!” The administrator called exasperated.

“Oh right, the bell did ring, didn’t it?” I said as I checked my phone for the time. 12:41, It had just rung.

“We’ll be fine there’s still five minutes before the tardy bell,” He assured me as he placed his cold wet hand on my shoulder. “Let us head inside. Though I would still enjoy chatting out here with you, I wouldn’t want to upset the faculty on my first day.”

“First day? Oh that explains it.” I noticed him glance at my ID and I quickly moved my jacket over it, as to hide my dead name. “Fabian! It’s Fabian!”

“Oh my apologies, force of habit. What are your pronouns?”

“He/him. Well actually also Ey/Em/Eir/Eirs/Emself, but no one actually remembers to use that.”

“Oh. Do you have a preference then?”

“Uhm no not really, I actually have two preferred names though so you can also call me Frey if you want to. Again no preference.” I looked down, I always found explaining my two names to be awkward and irrationally feared judgment. I quickly changed the subject to mask my discomfort. “What about you?” I asked him, doubts raced through my head…

“Was my introduction awkward?”

“It felt awkward…”

“OH NO IT WAS AWKWARD!”

“What if he thinks I’m too complicated?”

“Would it be weird to tell him my gender?”

“Probably but I don’t wanna be perceived as feminine or gender neutral.”

“What should I do?”

“Gosh, why can’t I stop looking at him?”

“His hand is kind of cold…”

“My name is Judas. He/him pronouns, but I really don’t mind what you use. As you know I am a new student so perhaps you could help me. Do you know where room 315 is?” The number caught my attention. That was the number of the broadcasting room.

I internally sighed with relief though the discomfort had not yet completely faded. “I actually do! That's where I’m heading right now. Broadcasting?”

“Uhm,” He pulled out his schedule to check. “Yes it seems so. What a lovely coincidence.”

“Well In that case follow me.” I walked briskly down the hallway, which was less crowded than usual, as it was later than the time I normally went to class. I took a sharp turn down a short hallway connecting the two main halls and pointed to the first door which was wide open showing a dimly lit computer lab inside. “Come on in,” I told him as I walked through the door.

“It’s Fabian! My best friend Ivy shouted in their overly dramatic way as she saw me enter the room.

“Oh so you leave us friday and you decide to show up late today?” Harper said sarcastically as she filled in a coloring sheet on the recording table. I raised my eyebrows at her and set my bags down as the bell rang.

“Pretty sure that means I’m not late bro.” I nodded towards the hall where the bell was ringing.

“If you get here after Klark you’re late.” She nodded to Klark who was busy doing something on his computer and didn’t even hear his name.

“Okay whatever, I would like you guys to meet Jud-'' My voice trailed off as I turned and saw he was nowhere to be seen.

#writing #horror romance #Darling Requiem #Re Writes

13 notes · View notes

bubblepopsims · 1 year ago

Text

R: "Okay so you remember the party correct? yeah well, you also remember how I really DIDN'T want to go? well anyway so we were at the party and everything was fine.. I forced myself to talk with people, laugh, and enjoy the food and drinks as much as i possibly could. I finally got time to just stand by myself and what did i see when I looked over? Tobias laughing with fucking redhead... she was being all flirty and touching his arm and even chest.. it took everything in me not to storm over there and break her fucking hand." J: "Damn ruby..... that's not like you AT ALL!" R: "I FUCKING KNOW... anyway. so I decided I had to take a breather and went out in the hall."

Flashback pt. I

“Ughh what the fuck is he thinking?! “Make friends” my ass! This fucker was blatantly flirting right in my fucking face. Pisses me off! And what most pisses me off about this is the fact I AM pissed!” Ruby groaned and looked up out the window just watching the cars pass by the main road that was behind the house the opening celebration of a new win for her in the ring was held. Usually she didn’t care much for them but this was one of the biggest nights of her life. One of the biggest wins. Ruby became the woman to beat, the woman to strive for in the ring…Including the biggest check. But She wanted to just go home and get into her pjs but Josiah and Tobias insist on her showing face and getting acquainted more with her team that has been working hard for her.

But now she found herself in the hall pouting and pissed off to something that might have not even been what she saw. But yet it boiled her blood to see another woman’s hand on what she believed was hers. “Mine..? What the fuck am I going on about.. no. No. No. Pull it the fuck together Ruby. You do not feel this way remember you don’t fucking care! You don’t- Her thoughts were interrupted when that familiar voice called out to her.

She sighed glancing over her shoulder to see Tobias “jesus can’t he just go away?! He is the last person I want to see right now. ESPACIALLy after that bullshit. Stupid fucking redhead. Fucking hate red heads.” and held her posture in the defense. R: “go away Tobias.” T: “woah, what’s with the attitude?”

Ruby groaned and feeling his presence closing in, already able to smell that subtle cologne radiating off of him. “Fuck he smells good….why does he always have to smell so good?!”

R: “I said go away Tobias. Leave me alone.” Tobias’s brows bunched up and crossed his arms across his broad chest. T: “what the fuck is your problem Ruby?” His tone grew stern just like his expression.

Ruby grew frustrated that he just wouldn’t go away and faced him with anger. R: “What fucking part do you not get of me telling you to go. The. Fuck. Away. Tobias. I am fucking exhausted I just went through a whole fight tonight, I didn’t want to come here to begin with but you and my fuck ass of a brother insisted on me showing face. And then I am here and I see you getting fucking chummy right in my fucking face. So please excuse me for wanting you the fuck out of my face.”

Tobias expression only hardened the more Ruby spat her angry words but when it got to the part of him interacting with another woman his brow raised. T: “Read Head?” He thought for a moment while Ruby just chuffed at him “unfuckingbelieble dude” T: “Bailey? married Bailey? who I was talking to about YOU with?.” T: “Is this what this is about? Why you are so fucking annoyed and causing a scene? Because of Bailey?”

Rubys lips parted ready to obliged realizing she read the situation all wrong but she was not going to say that to his face. but Tobias cut her off T: “it is isn’t it? You are fucking jealous. Go ahead fucking lie to me Ruby. Go ahead.” Tobias took his steps closer to her until he stood only a good foot infront of her.

Ruby huffed and tried to laugh it off R: “jealous? Me fucking jealous of what?! That fire hydrant? You have jokes now Tobias.” Tobias flicked her hat off her head and looked at a darting eyed Ruby.

T: “look at me Ruby. Look at me and tell me I am full of shit for thinking that. -he leaned in closer letting his breath tickle her hair, moving his hand to her waist to pull her close to him.- “I dare you. Because by the looks of it you’re jealous Ruby. just admit it.. you want me all to yourself. How selfish of you.”

Ruby felt her words build up in her throat, feeling the heat radiating off of him with that scent “that fucking scent” it was getting hard to think. Instead she kept deflecting. T: “say it…” he whispered into her ear, rubys breath hitched feeling herself falling into him as she felt her hair moved being moved off of her shoulder and lips hover along her skin. “Fuck….. I need to get away from him. Now or I wouldn’t be able to stop myself”

R: “Tobias no. I said leave me alone.” Her hand had moved to his chest pushing him away from her but he wouldn’t move away to far instead he came right back leaning into her lips. T: “you are fucking infuriating. You really have no idea the kind of power you have over me. It’s frustrating how you can torture me so easily, just as easy it is for you to push me away.” “I.. I torture him?” (<- music for the full effect)

Their lips connected both letting out a needed sigh as if finally they were able to quench their desires. Easily Ruby found herself falling more into that lust that was Tobias. Letting out deep breaths when Tobias pulled away just enough to still feel her breath against his lips.

Previous - next

#ts4 simblr #ts4 #ts4 screenshots #ts4 story #ts4 gameplay #the tribe #sims 4 #my sims #you need the music im telling you #for the second part too just saying #its fucking good

14 notes · View notes

liminalpebble · 2 years ago

Text

Violet: Chapter 20, The Visitation

Masterlist link

Minors DNI

Chapter 20: The Visitation

The group gathered around the brunch table the next day was a fairly cheerful one, despite a few hangovers, sleepy yawns, and the specter of Luke Garrett's threats. Katherine, the darling matron, declared over her omelet, “oh my goodness, my head! I always forget I'm not some resilient young debutante once the games begin and the punch goes around. I think I had a few too many.”

George Spencer, their guest for the day, regarded Mrs. Ambrose with the sweetest look of concern. He patted her shoulder and slyly passed her a packet of headache power, which she received gratefully, shaking it into her water. Violet chuckled, noticing the exchange.

“Oh George,” Violet said affectionately, “ever the knight in shining armor.”

The young doctor smiled and blushed at his friend's praise. “Just doing my job. It wouldn't do to let our dear Katherine suffer, especially with all the revelry yet ahead. Thank you, by the way, to all of you for your numerous invitations. Are you quite sure you wouldn't prefer it to be only family?”

Charles tutted. “Don't be silly George. You are family! You're always invited.”

“Unlike your housemate,” Jo huffed under her breath.

“Jo!” Will and Charles admonished, simultaneously, forks paused in mid-air. Although they both loathed Luke Garrett, they were sensitive to the fact that airing such grievances in company, to the man he lived with, might be unseemly.

George put up a hand as he dabbed at his mouth with a napkin, hurrying to speak. “It's quite alright, Jo! We're all well-acquainted here, and it's no secret that he can be rather...eccentric and difficult.”

You mean 'cruel and abusive', George. When will you see it? And why can't you?, Violet thought to herself, sipping her tea and risking a quick and knowing glance towards Will, thanking him wordlessly for his comfort the night before, in the aftermath of Garrett's harm.

---

Violetta reflected on how she held Will's hand, guiding him to her bed. Even if it was just a few stolen moments, she wanted his offered embrace, his gentle nature, his caring hands cradling her. For his part he desperately craved the soft presence of her in his arms. He needed to smell her sweet violet perfume, feel the warmth of her snuggled against his broad chest.

Will had noticed the red chafing on her cheek, and carefully avoided grazing it as he asked, “What is this? Does it hurt?”

“Garrett grabbed my face and kissed me there, I scrubbed until I could no longer smell his vile stench, but I could swear I still feel it there...his horrible touch.”

Will gasped, “God, how awful! That disgusting man. May I kiss you there? Erase his touch with mine?”

“Please,” she begged in a quite whisper, welcoming his lips against her skin as they caressed the hurt away.

When he traveled back to her lips, she deepened their kisses quickly, hungrily, desperate for the comfort of him. “Remind me that I'm yours...that I'm safe,” she pleaded into his ear.

“My pleasure, darling. If I touch you, can you be quiet for me?'

She nodded, eager to be good for him. “Si, Padre...but I'm so tired. I can't return the favor.”

“It's not a favor, Bella. I want to feel you,” he purred, running his hand up her thigh, grasping between her legs until he was cradling her mound, feeling its warmth and arousal. She pulled his face to hers as he slid his fingers inside of her. Violetta poured her quiet moans into the soft flesh of Will's mouth so he might trap them for himself, within himself. They were his, all his, and the ears of the rest of the world would never hear them. Their richly-laden silence; their secret.

“I love how you feel around me...inviting me inside...so open to me,” he purred out in a breathy growl, as he slid her nightgown down her shoulders, exposing her breasts. He kissed gently down her throat, more cautious this time about leaving marks. The parson closed his eyes; sensing her by scent, by feel, by the warmth and topography of her skin which he was beginning to know so well. He sensed his way to her breast like this, mouthing at it eagerly while her back arched towards him. Beneath the tender flesh he could feel the robust pulse of her heart reaching out to him.

Her breath moved more quickly, beginning to hitch and sigh, playing a melody over the percussion of her heartbeat. He pushed his palm harder against her mound, flicking his wrist to pulse and push deeper where she was warm and thick and sweet like honey swirling around his fingers. She beginning to tremble. As his thumb massaged her clit he clasped his free hand over her mouth, just as he had that first time. The thought made him open his eyes again, desperate to see the masterpiece redrawn, this time in the moonlight; eyelashes flickering, hair strewn and glossy like a cascade of raven feathers, bare shoulders and breasts kissed by the blue glow. “Magnificent” he pronounced, in awe.

As her breathing stilled her eyes grew heavy. She kissed him lazily, savoring the sight and sensation of him in the faint lunar light before the fog of dreams would find her. Will was slow to remove his touch from within her, relishing the feeling of her heartbeat entrusted in the palm of his hand, the all-encompassing intimacy of her offering, her soft submission to him. Reluctantly, he separated from her as she drifted off to sleep, kissing her flushed cheeks and forehead, as he eased off the bed.

In her sleep she whimpered and reached for his hand instinctively. “Stay...” she mumbled. The beckoning graze of her fingers hooking around his was so sweet, so innocently pining, that it melted his heart and left him powerless to resist. Will knew he couldn't stand to leave her yet, so he settled back in. Draping an arm around her waist, he curled her body against his and kept watch over this fierce and wondrous creature in her most vulnerable state.

“Alright darling,” he whispered into her ear as he stroked her tussled hair way from it. “But just for a little while.”

'A little while' became much longer. He lost all sense of time, simply feeling her breathe against him. He couldn't bring himself to go until the approaching hints of morning forced him from her bed to sneak back down the hallway.

---

Will sipped a bit more of his coffee, grinning slightly at the fond remembrance. He would need a few cups today to be of much use to anyone, but a groggy few hours in the daylight were worth the moonlit ones he had with her.

As Violetta busied herself with helping the maids clear the table, the older couple took George aside to inform him of exactly what his friend and colleague had threatened their young charge with. “Can you believe it! Spreading rumors about her medical examination. Saying some woman had covered her with love bites! True or not, it's none of his business to speak of it. Lord knows we were all young once and up to mischief, I certainly was, but that gives him no right! He should lose his practice, George!”

George's face flushed a hot deep pink as skewers of guilt and panic burrowed into him. He felt horrible, realizing that Garrett must have half-heard the part of the exam he had conducted. His guilt turned to irate indignation when he thought of how low his friend...the friend he trusted, the friend he loved...had stooped in his avarice. Spencer's warm hazel eyes darted around in distress as he said, “Par..pardon me. I must see to Violet. Assure her...dear God. What a horrible thing to do!” They nodded as he hurried over, catching Violet as she dried her hands. Will observed warily (though he tried not to eavesdrop) as the three spoke and then as the young doctor set an arm gently on Violet's shoulder guiding her into the library.

He gulped nervously, finally pulling his eyes away from the closed library doorway where they had disappeared. The vicar forced a smile as he turned his attention back to his gleeful grandson, bouncing on his knee. This gave him some comfort, easing the tight cord of anxiety and the cold sting of jealousy. Patience; if God was teaching him any lesson by giving him this beautiful, fraught love, it was patience. Will had always considered himself a patient man, but he was quickly realizing that he barely knew the meaning and extent of the word after the trials of the last few months. He twitched with surprise, summoned out of his rumination by the feeling of Jo's long, cool fingers curling around his hand.

“Papa,” she said, meeting his blue eyes with her identical ones, “it'll be okay.”

“Wh...what do you mean, darling?” he asked, trying to feign ignorance.

Jo offered a gracious, knowing expression, freckled cheeks rising into a grin.

Will slowly exhaled. “Is it that obvious?”

Jo chuckled. “No...no. Not at all. Don't worry. But I can tell.”

“You always were like your mother that way.”

Jo nodded, a bittersweet nostalgia written across her face.

“Are...are you upset with me, Jo?”

She smiled broadly. “Upset? No, Papa! I'm thrilled...well, also surprised, and concerned about the practical side of things. But mostly I'm happy that you're finally happy again. It's nice to see some life in you.”

He smiled. “My sweet daughter, wise and kind as Queen Esther. I'm lucky to have you...but...please...”

“I know. I won't breathe a word.”

“Do you like her?” he asked tentatively.

“I adore her,” she answered sincerely. He released the breath he had been anxiously holding and they both beamed, holding hands.

“So do I,” he admitted with a shy smile.

Taglist: @coldnique @muddyorbs @goblingirlsarah @acidcasualties @jennyggggrrr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @icytrickster17 @pati52 @marcotheflychair @ladyofthestayingpower @gigglingtiggerv2 @alexakeyloveloki @letsg00000honey @bitchyexpertprincess @lokisgoodgirl @sweetsigyn @talklokitome @dragonmurray @peaches1958

#lusty vicar #lusty vicarettes #will ransome #will ransome fanfic #the essex serpent #the essex serpent fanfic

24 notes · View notes