#and i think i popped my left knee out of place in the process but it went back in

[practically-an-x-man]

god I hate these fucking stairs

[rosiesmuts]

After Dark

BLACKPINK Rosé  Words: 3,000  Tags: 🍑

Whoever said nothing good happens past 2AM has clearly never met one Park Chaeyoung. An unexpected knock on your door brought upon the greatest present a man could ask for.

"Hello Rosie."

"Fuck you. You know I hate when you call me that." A side eye reserved for only the most despicable is thrown your way.

"Oh I know. Why do you think I keep doing it?"

Rosé sucks her teeth, scoffing in your direction as she pushes you out of the way to invade your living space.

"So why are you here? Didn't you just get back from your tour?" You already knew the answer, but you wanted her to say the words out loud.

"What are you? Some kind of fucking stalker?" She's always the quick witted one, never making it easy with a game of cat and mouse.

"I'm the stalker? I'm not the one who shows up unannounced at people's houses in the middle of the night."

An idol with multiple talents, one of them lesser known to the general public–able to switch from devil to angel in a blink of an eye. She stares you down, her hips swaying side to side as the distance between the two of you dwindles. Your back is against the wall, her tight little body is pressed against yours, her knee raised up right under your crotch to trap you in place. Both hands roam underneath your shirt, her nails harshly digging in as she feels around your chest.

"Oh? You don't want me here? I can take a hint, just tell me to leave and I'll get out of your hair…" 

Her angelic voice didn't match her devilish actions, her fingers nimbly trail down your chest and stomach. She works her left hand into the elastic of your sweatpants–wrapping her delicate fingers around your shaft, squeezing it tightly but refusing to stroke. Her other hand cups your face, you’re left wondering how the situation flipped so quickly.

“So should I leave?” 

Fuck. You shake your head, which brings the divine feeling of her hand methodically pumping away. It's an incredible thing. How a woman so tiny could have you wrapped around the palm of her hand. In an instant, your pants are wrapped around your ankles, she's on her knees, her gaze staring into your soul looking up into your eyes. 

Her soft fingertips gently graze against your balls, her warm breath lingering around the tip of your cock. You're left speechless, completely enamored by the gorgeous face nearly pressed against you. She spits on your cock, using slow agonizing strokes, and repeating this process until it's completely lathered in saliva. 

Rosé continuously teases, little flicks of her tongue gathering up every drop of precum. Her eye contact never breaks, opening up her mouth, merely seconds away from her lips wrapped around. The power of her seductive eyes was too strong, your eyes closed, head leaned back, already imagining the heavenly embrace of her warm mouth.

Your eyes pop wide open. ‘What the fuck?’ Your immediate thought when what was supposed to be immeasurable pleasure is instead met with great pain. She lets out an evil laugh, her grip on your balls ever tightening.

"You think I came all the way here to suck your cock?" She spits on your cock again, this time any sense of seduction gone and replaced with only disgust. Your face contorted in displeasure, the stranglehold of your precious jewels solely left to her whims. 

A groan of frustration as Rosé pops back to her feet, dragging you by the cock into the bedroom. Even in the shroud of darkness, she’s easily able to navigate your quarters, instinctively finding her way onto your bed. 

“Don’t waste my time.”

Her voice could only be described as a cold and emotionless jeer. But that couldn’t take away what was presented right in front of you. A beautiful sight that no words could ever sully: Rosé bent over on all fours, her delectable body just waiting to be taken. 

How easy it would be to go dive right in. But that's exactly what she wants. A little bit of payback was required. She needed to be teased, tested, to be shown who was in charge. 

Simple light kisses on the nape of her neck causes her whole body to tense up with light moans fluttering about. The flimsy fabric separating you from greatness stands no chance, easily torn in half and tossed away, the cost of the designer garment not even in consideration. Your lips trail down covering every surface of her slim back with gentle kisses, reaching your hands around, small sensitive nubs hardening in between two fingers. When you reach the small of her back, there’s a lingering pause for two different reasons:  taking in the visual perfection of her body and to leave her longing for more. 

The second obstacle. Another piece of flimsy fabric standing in your way, but this time you keep them on for one simple reason–they needed to be soaked through with her juices. Through the most frustrating barrier, two fingers gently graze against her outer lips, her moistness already seeping through to coat your fingertips and down her thighs.

"Is this what you wanted?" You ask, feeling the warmth radiating off of her. 

She's clearly enjoying it, letting out light moans, but she shakes her head, wagging her butt back and forth.

Every fiber in your being was telling you to stop, to torture her as she did to you just a moment ago. But her cute little ass was simply too irresistible. Too delicious to even think about stopping now, pulling down her panties just enough to expose that cute little ass. 

“Oh my gosh!”

She screams out from just the first light lick–an unexpectedly cute response to this otherwise depraved activity. This was your specialty, the thing that set you apart from all the nobodies who didn’t have Park Chaeyoung bent over in their bed. Rosé moans softly as your tongue explores her innermost depths. Each flick of your tongue soft and gentle, yet sending waves of pleasure through her body. She’s caught under your spell, your tongue like a magic wand, caressing her most intimate and sensitive areas with a skill that leaves her trembling and wanting more.

Every lick and caress sends her further into the abyss of bliss, completely at your mercy and you knew it. Her body tenses as you continue your ministrations–your tongue alternates from circles and figure eights, teasing and tantalizing her in ways like your life depended on it. The plan coming into great fruition, her panties completely soaked through, steady streams of delicious liquid flowing down her legs.

“Feels so good…” she let out, unable to catch her words until it was too late.

“What was that?” you pause, taking great pleasure in seeing Rosé quiver beneath you.

She’s close, it’s painfully obvious, you know her body more than she likes to admit. Her fingers dig into the sheets, tethering on the cusp of release–her heavy moans grow louder and louder as you worship her ass. Her inhibitions melting away with each passing second of your warm tongue tracing circles around her most sensitive hole. But then you remembered how cruel she could be. Her budding orgasm is only met with disappointment when you take your tongue away, gasping out in shock as you rip her panties into pieces, placing your hand firmly across her ass. 

"Tell me what you are Rosie." You command, your voice low, yet authoritative, your hand rubbing her ass with wicked intent. 

Again that name. You knew what response it would invoke, each party fighting for just the slightest edge of control. The look of anger in her eyes tells the whole story, her gaze piercing your soul while looking back at you with vitriol. She knows exactly what you want to hear, but refuses to give in, gritting her teeth as she shakes her head. What comes next is something she hates, yet strangely desires.

A harsh spank sends jolts of electricity through her entire body. The initial feeling of pain is chased by an overwhelming desire to be dominated. The harsh slap of your hand on her ass is followed by another. Then another, her cheeks getting redder with each subsequent spank. 

"Say it Rosie!"

Rosé screams in pain, each harsh spank on her supple ass stripping away her resilience. While she secretly loved this treatment, her tolerance can only go so far; her face is flushed with shame as she forces herself to say the words out loud. 

"I'm your little fuck doll…" it was hard to think a voice that could fill stadiums could also sound so timid.

There's nothing more satisfying than hearing her say those words–knowing that she hated herself for saying it makes it doubly so. Here she was, a world famous idol with literal tens of millions of fans reduced to nothing more than a personal plaything in your hands. She was your toy, your possession, and you could do with her as you pleased. The tension in her torso releases, thinking it was finally over with her admitting defeat.

"I couldn't hear you!" One more swift slap against her ass and she screams out as the shock, pain, and pleasure reverberates from the top of her head all the way down to her toes.

"I'm your little fuck doll!"

"Good girl," you cheekily respond, your hands tenderly soothing the spots where you slapped her skin. For just a brief moment Rosé thought you were actually a decent human being. However that thought is quickly forgotten, your hands spreading apart her cheeks and she remembers what a piece of shit you really are.

"Are you ready for what you came here for?" 

Rosé has no time to respond. She gasps, her head spinning as you push the tip of your cock against her asshole–slowly stretching her out as you push further in. 

And there it was, the confusing satisfaction of pain as you stretched out her tight little hole. The entire reason Rosé loses all logical sense with you. She hated herself for being here, laying in your bed, willing to do whatever you asked. She hated herself for being addicted to you, your cock–her discovery of how good pain can feel has been her downfall.

Yet she still let out low moans, her body betraying her mind, slowly submitting to your every demand. Her ass is tight, perhaps too tight, bordering on the line of it painfully gripping your shaft. Pain is what's part of the fun, taking a fair bit of effort to push in and out, but something that's completely worth it.

But then it gets easier, her tight little hole adjusting, stretching out to take in more and more of your length. Beforelong, her body starts shaking underneath your rough pounding, each thrust harder than the last. Rosé bites her lip, a desperate attempt to contain her moans, but it's an impossible task–the sensation of your thick cock completely filling her up makes her scream out. It becomes a personal mission to hear her honey moans even more. 

Her sensitive nipples harden underneath your touch and just the lightest touch of her clit elicits an immediate response when you graze it with your thumb.

Now stimulated from multiple points, Rosé is quickly becoming undone, the pressure of your thumb increases while it circles her clit, your other hand full on groping either of her tiny tits. Endless moans echo the room with growing frequency–losing any sense of decency with her body succumbing to the pleasure.

"I'm gonna make you squirt all over these fucking sheets."

Rosé shudders at those words, knowing her fate was inevitable. Regretfully enjoying your rough treatment, an impending eruption started to build within her core and she could do nothing to stop it. Like a prophecy coming true, her body tenses up, the euphoric feeling in the pit of her stomach threatens to release at any moment.

Somewhere in between a moan and a scream, she lets out a deafening cry, losing all strength, her arms giving out, her body flopping on the bed. A warm viscous fluid flowing out of her pussy as her orgasm rips through her entire body. She almost starts to feel embarrassed at the amount of fluid that continues to flow out of her, but that feeling is quickly taken over by something else.

A swift slap of her ass snaps her back to reality. 

"Did you just cum all over my bed?"

Rosé nodded, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps.

Now laying in a prone position, her body is on full display: her slim elegant body covered in a thin layer of sweat, legs that never seemed to end, and to top it all off is an ass that was way too shapely to belong to someone so slim. 

Seeing her squirt gives you a much needed second wind. Rosé has no escape from your almost animalistic desire for her body. Chasing after the blonde haired beauty, your thrusts continue with a renewed vigor, her entire body quivering as you fuck her with such force that she practically embeds into the sheets. Her first orgasm still felt throughout her body, she's helpless in your grasp, her face buried in a pillow, a last ditch effort to stifle her moans. 

Hearing her carnal noises was the best part; you tug on her long blonde hair and her beautiful moans once again echo in the air. Her upper body arching back while you continue to pound her ass gives you the perfect opportunity. "Do you ever let anyone else fuck you in the ass?" Your voice practically growls into her ears.

Rosé shakes her head, her brain tortures itself at the unbelievable amount of pleasure coursing through her.

"Use your voice Rosie," you tug at her hair even harder. She shudders in disgust hearing you call her this name, but she's in no position to argue–pushed far past the point of caring. She's been through this before and knows what you want to hear.

"Naur! You're the only one allowed to fuck my ass!" Rosé screams out, her lack of restraint on full display, willing to say or do anything to continue this incredible feeling.

"That's right." An evil laugh escapes, letting go of her long locks to grab two handfuls of hot idol ass–your fingers digging into her flesh as you relentlessly thrust into her.  "That's because this ass belongs to me." 

Seemingly something inside Rosé snapped. Thinking about nothing else besides the thick cock stretching her out to her limits. She looked back, her eyes practically begging. 

"Fuck me harder! Give your little fuck doll everything you've got!"

There were no words that could be more beautiful. Rosé has given up any sense of pride–fully embracing her role as your personal fuck doll. She feels so small in your hands, her entire waist being engulfed in your hands. So delicate and so small, seemingly possible to snap in two at any given moment. And yet here she was, begging you to fuck her even harder. You give her exactly what she asked for, pulling up her hips, her tight pert ass now up in the air. Rosé is the first to act, rocking her hips back and forth, her tight, fleshy paradise threatening to already milk you for everything you're worth.

There was no way you could give up control, holding her hips in place while driving her into the bed. Rosé's given up all sense of restraint, her moans come freely and in abundance. A rough rhythm is found, the exploration of her svelte physique could never truly be satisfied. 

Just when she thought her body was already pushed to its limits, endorphins continue to rush into Rosé’s brain, her asshole filling up with ecstasy as she receives the fucking of her life. She screams out, another orgasm flowing through her–her body writhing and squirmy, her mind a complete mess wracked with a combination of pain and pleasure.

The tightness of her ass increased, seemingly begging to milk you dry. Your thrusting continues even as her ass constricts until you could take no more. Rosé gasps out loud, almost in relief, feeling a new flood of hot cum unloading deep into her ass with every thrust. 

Completely spent, you collapse onto the bed. Your faces now merely inches apart, her beauty actually takes you by surprise as she lays there with lidded eyes and heaving chest trying to catch her breath–her moaning continuing even after you pulled out.

While you were too busy admiring her, the realization of what just transpired has come rushing back to her. The feeling of your cum leaking out of her for the countless time takes over her. She catches you staring and looks at you with her legendary bombastic side eye.

"I really fucking hate you," she says in a low exhausted voice.

You couldn't help but laugh, her cold callous words simply feeding into your ego.

"And yet you just begged me to fuck you in the ass. It's not my fault how much you need this dick." 

Rosé yelps when you give her ass one final slap.

"What, no smartass comeback? You're usually so feisty. It's what I love the most about you."

She lays there feeling dirty and ashamed, wondering how she ended up letting you fuck her yet again. But she also knew you were right, she was addicted and would come crawling back for more

A/N: Hi

[that-basic-simp]

Careful, I Bite

Mizu x Fem!Reader CW: Kind of citrusy. Possessive(?) Mizu WC: 1.2k+

Following Mizu's glares, they were all towards the men that were in this brothel. Again, why we were here, I don't know. It was Taigen's idea for some reason. And he was with Akemi. The woman he was supposed to marry was here in a brothel with other women. Maybe he did it to give Mizu some kind of nudge to find someone. Little did he know Mizu and I were together. We hid our relationship behind closed doors and away from Taigen. Away from others, too.

"Why are we even here?" I asked Taigen.

"See if Mizu can find someone that fits to his liking," Taigen said, his face a little flushed, clearly he was drunk.

I glanced over at Mizu, who was rolling her eyes, sipping at the tea in her hands. I shook my head and continued to drink my tea as well. There were other men who were eyeing me with some lustful looks. I moved closer to Mizu, who slowly reached underneath the table and placed her hand on my knee. She kept a close eye on the people here, making sure no one decided to pull a move on me.

"Hey, pretty lady," a guy walked over to me, trying to put his hand on my shoulder.

Mizu set her tea down and turned, grabbing the guy's wrist, pushing it away from me.

"Back off," Mizu said.

"Hey. I just want to show the pretty lady a nice time."

"I said," Mizu stood up, pushing the guy's shoulders. "Back off."

"What are you going to do about it, blind boy?" the guy back handed Mizu across the face, knocking the glasses from her face.

She turned her head to where the guy couldn't see her eye color. Reaching down, I grabbed the glasses from the floor, handing it to her. She nodded her head towards me, placing them back on before turning to face the man.

"I would advise you don't ever do that again," Mizu said.

"And I said, what are you going to do about it?"

Mizu reached down and grabbed the hilt of her sword, pushing the guard, popping it open, but not removing the blade.

"I don't think you'd want these poor ladies here to clean up blood," Mizu said.

"Do it," the man said. "You won't."

"Mizu," I stood up, placing my hand on her arm.

Mizu sighed and pushed the blade back into the sheath, stepping back.

"That's what I thought," the man said and walked off.

Mizu sighed and grabbed my wrist, walking off down a hall.

"How much for a private room?" she asked to the woman in charge.

"Normal price."

"Can you ensure that we don't get interrupted?"

"If you pay extra."

Mizu reached into her pocket and pulled out some coins, placing it in the woman's hand.

"All the way down the hall and to the left."

Mizu and I walked down the hall and she slid the door open. Stepping in, she closed the door, but she didn't face me.

"Mizu?" I asked. "A-Are you alright?"

"Taigen," she hissed.

"Are you upset that we're here when we're together?"

"Yes."

"Why don't we tell him that we're together?"

"I'd rather let him see it. Let everyone see that you belong to me."

She said it in a low and raspy voice, the voice she uses to disguise herself. A shiver went up my spine, causing the hair on the back of my neck and on my arms to stand up. Goosebumps appeared momentarily as she turned her head to look at me.

"U-Uhm, M-Mizu?"

Reaching up, she removed her glasses, a dark look appearing in them. They looked like the deepest depths of the sea with how dark they looked. It felt like I would get lost and drown in those waters. Drown in what Mizu was. Turning her entire body now, she grabbed my shoulders and pinned me to the ground. I was still processing what she said, but now this added another level to comprehend what was going on.

"M-Mizu?"

"Say it just like that, but maybe make it more of a whine. Or a whimper. I don't care," she said, tucking her head into the crook of my neck.

Her mouth pressed quick kisses against my soft skin. She reached up and moved my kimono aside a bit to reach other areas of my neck, such as my collarbone and shoulder. Before I knew it, those kisses turned into slight sucking. It was an odd sensation to feel as her mouth opened up, her tongue running up and down my skin before she closed her lips around my skin, sucking harder than before.

"Mizu," I breathed out, my eyes fluttering closed as my hips bucked up into hers.

"Not tonight, Y/N," she said. "Maybe when we're in a more private setting and it's just the two of us."

"Please, Mizu," I whispered.

"Yeah, ya like it when I kiss and suck your neck, baby?" she asked, sucking a bruise right in the middle of my neck. "You're mine. No one else's."

Hearing those words come from Mizu made something in my brain tingle, causing a fog to be cast down upon me. Like I was walking in the morning fog after a cold rain cooled down a hot summer day. My arms wrapped around her neck, my one hand digging into her hair, removing it from her ponytail. Her long, dark hair cascaded down upon us as she continued to kiss and suck at my neck. Her teeth finally grazed along my delicate skin. She nipped here and there before she reached the middle of my neck, a small sigh escaping from my lips.

"There we are," she said and harshly bit down.

I lurched forward, a moan escaping my lips as Mizu's teeth sunk into my skin, definitely leaving a mark. She pulled away, her tongue grazing across the area to soothe it. Going to the other side, she did the same and then down both sides of my shoulders. Finishing, she pulled away, some blood in the corner of her mouth. I looked up into those dark eyes of hers, finding a bit of a hungry, possessive look. I should have been scared, but it was Mizu. I trusted her and she knew I trusted her. And she trusted me.

"Gotta let these fuckers know who you belong to," she whispered huskily.

Another shiver went down my spine as she stood up, pulling her hair back into her ponytail. Grabbing her glasses, she placed them on her face and with her thumb, swiped away the blood that was at the corners of her mouth.

"You ok?" she asked.

I nodded my head, "Y-Yeah."

Extending out her hand, she helped me up and to my feet.

"Was I too rough, Y/N?"

"N-No, not at all."

"Ok. If I do get too rough, please tell me. I don't want to ever hurt you."

"I will, Mizu," I said, taking her hand.

We walked out of the room and headed back to where Taigen and Akemi were. Sitting down across from them, we went back to drinking our tea. Akemi took one look at my neck and then glanced over at Mizu, piecing the puzzle together. A sly smile appeared and when I found her gaze, she nodded, winking at me. I smiled, going back to drinking my tea.

"What's wrong?" Taigen asked.

"Nothing," we all said.

Taigen turned to face me, looking at the marks on my neck.

"How did you get those? Just now?"

"Yeah," I said, sipping my tea.

"By who?"

Mizu moved ever so closely to me, her arm wrapping around my waist. Looking in between the two of us, Taigen looked confused. Mizu, being Mizu, eyed him before tucking her face into the crook of my neck once more, biting down again.

"Oh shit," Taigen whispered.

[kestisvrse]

proximity, part 9

luke castellan x apollo!fem!reader smau & irl

🩹

series | prev | next

specific cw: blood, injury detail

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the infirmary hadn’t been this busy in years.

luckily it cleared out fairly quickly with most injuries being kids getting cut from trees or falling on their knees, quick and easy to patch up.

some were more severe than others, actual cuts from swords on accident, the no maiming rule had apparently been ignored this game.

the worst one was at the end of the game, the conch echoed throughout camp. only one bed in the infirmary remained empty, others being taken up by people currently being stitched up or ones resting.

the front doors burst open, causing you to whip your head around being the only one not currently working. chris led in luke castellan hanging on his shoulder.

his helmet had been discarded, revealing a cut on his cheek and his left side covered in dirt. your eyes trailed down to his hand that clutched his right side, his orange camp shirt seeping with blood.

“oh my gods?!” you exclaimed, running forward to help chris lead the weaker boy to the empty bed. he groaned as he sat down, applying pressure onto his wound as you pulled on gloves, “what happened?”

“some ares kid i forget his name.” chris said, hand on luke’s shoulder, “luke grabbed the flag and he didn’t like the idea of losing.”

you narrow your eyes at chris, sarcasm dripping from his voice, “i’ll take it from here chris, go clean up.”

you sat back in your chair sighing, luke stared at you with a smirk. his bloodied shirt had been discarded to the floor, his stomach stained red with blotchy spots around the stitches you had just finished. exhausted from the day and the worry about luke you plopped in the seat across from him after cleaning up.

“worried about me?” he questioned, a tight lipped smile on his face, trying to act innocent.

“yeah actually, i was.” you said plainly, staring daggers at him, “we both know you are smarter than that, how did you let him get a hit?”

he shrugs, fiddling with the pockets of his cargo shorts, “slipped up i guess.”

you don’t respond in any way, not a subtle body movement, just staring at him.

“i’m fine. you stitched me up.” he said, to which you nodded.

“doesn’t change how terrified i was when you first walked in, luke.” you whispered, he leaned forward as if he had trouble hearing you which he almost did. you stood up to pace the room, interrupted by his rough hand gripping yours, dragging you to stand in between his legs, hand hovering over your waist, scared to touch you.

“i care about you. there i said it, happy?” you admitted, staring down at his brown eyes. a blush appeared on his cheeks as a lopsided smile appeared on his lips.

“that’s all i wanted to hear.” he responded, not taking his eyes off you, “how about a kiss to make me feel better.”

“it would be evil of me to say no, wouldn’t it?”

“yeah actually, i got stabbed i think you have to.” he muttered, placing a finger to his chin like he was thinking, you shook your head biting your lip to hide a grin (it didn’t work.), but he didn’t have time to process your facial expressions when you finally connected your lips to his.

it felt like something he had been waiting years to do, his stomach bursting with a fluttery feeling that made him feel anxious, but it didn’t stop him from kissing back.

his lips were rough, having bit them to distract himself from the pain earlier, while yours felt like you had just put on chapstick, cherry to be specific.

which you had.

he almost pulled you on top of him had a scream not interrupted you, both pulling apart to stare at the door.

clarisse, chris and silena stood there, jaws basically touching the ground as their eyes popped out of their heads.

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tags ⋆ @rosieandthethorns @luvvfromme @pleasingregulus @taelattecookie @csifandom @writing-for-the-hell-of-it @annybah @fxiryeon @yourgirl-mila @harrysnovia @jacqulinm05 @balletfilmss @candylandy8173 @aheheb @ohheyitsrowan @eubybubble @kidkrowk @coconut-dreamz @mehrmonga @auras-moonstone @notacluelessblonde00 @urmomsgirlfriend1 @pipravi4life @witch-demon @gitchagitchyayadada @amortencjja @svnny-days @yuminako @ily-promise @beedeebee @ahh-chickens @ssparksflyy @remussbitch @cherryynovaa @bibblesdiscordkitten @m00ng4z3r @awezomezauce @happy-mushrooms @mxtokko @idli-dosa

[ginnsbaker]

In Losing Grip On Sinking Ships - Epilogue

Summary: A glimpse into the rest of your life with Wanda Maximoff.

Word count: 2.3k+ | Warnings: None; Just Fluff | Ship: Wanda x Reader

Author's note: We officially come to a close! I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you who read, liked, commented, and reblogged this story. This is my first time completing a multi-chapter fic and I couldn't have done it without you. You guys will always have a special place in my heart. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I'll keep writing--my request box is open :)

Series Masterlist

-

Epilogue

Ten Months Later

Montauk, especially in winter, looks as if it's straight out of a postcard. 

For as long as you can remember, Montauk is the only place that's felt like home. And you've shared it with the woman who's known you even before you took your first breath in this world. But now, there are days when she doesn't recognize you, days when she cries out in fear thinking you're an intruder, when she tearfully calls for her own mother or searches anxiously for her late husband.

The merciless grip of Alzheimer's is steadily robbing her from you, and time seems to draw out the process in a cruel, agonizing manner.

Wanda is there for you though, through every difficult moment. She is your rock when you feel like crumbling, your light in the darkest moments. You are both staying in Montauk for some time now, taking care of your mother. Your mother sometimes recognizes her, and she’s remarkably warmer to your ex-wife more than you can remember. You think, perhaps, it has something to do with her memories that are slowly wilting away, and all that is left is the love she’s always held back for the other woman in your life.

One evening, as snowflakes start to gently fall from the sky, Wanda gets the sudden urge to take a walk. After some persuasion, you find yourself pulled out from the inviting warmth of the bed you've been sharing, grumbling while putting your layers of clothing back on to indulge Wanda in her whimsical idea.

Hand-in-hand, you set off just as the sun begins its descent, painting the horizon with streaks of indigo and pink. Snowflakes settle on Wanda's hair, turning her fiery locks into a winter wonderland. She smiles, her green eyes sparkling with the reflection of the dimming twilight. 

You soak in the sight of her, the love of your life, aglow in the beauty of the snowy evening, committing it to memory. 

An old park lies ahead, its swings and benches blanketed by the fresh snowfall. Wanda leads you to the swing set, her laughter carrying through the chilly air as she plops down on one of them. You take the swing beside her, the frosty metal biting through your clothing, but you don’t mind. The sight of Wanda, her face flushed with cold yet bright with joy, is worth braving the winter chill.

As the swing set gently comes to a halt, Wanda nudges you, pointing towards a row of trees in the distance. “Look over there,” she says, “Do you see that?”

You squint at the snow-laden branches, trying to decipher what she's referring to. While you're absorbed in your futile search, Wanda quietly slips off the swing, her heart pounding in her chest. She swallows hard, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. As you turn back to her with a puzzled look, ready to ask what you were supposed to see, you find her on her knees in the fresh snow, looking up at you with an earnest gaze.

She reaches into her pocket, pulling out a small, velvet box. With a quick flick of her wrist, she pops it open to reveal a simple yet stunning ring nestled within. 

“Will you marry me?”

Your heart stutters at the sight of Wanda's hopeful gaze. For a moment, everything seems to stand still. Snowflakes suspend their descent, the air holds its breath. With a lump in your throat, you utter a word you never thought you'd say in this moment. 

“No.”

Shock registers on Wanda's face, her eyes wide and vulnerable. The world seems to crash around her, the word echoing ominously in her ears. But then, before she has a chance to fully comprehend what's happening, you're sinking to your knees in the snow beside her.

“Because,” you begin, laughter choking your words even as tears track down your cheeks. You fumble in your pocket, pulling out your own small box. You pry it open, revealing a gleaming ring nestled within. “Because I want you to marry me.”

The world, previously paused, starts up again in a rush of sound and color.

Laughter bubbles up from within you, filling the silence, mingling with the tears streaming down your face. Wanda stares at you, stunned into silence, her tears mirroring your own.

“Yes,” she breathes out finally, her voice choked with emotion. “Yes, yes, yes.”

In the stillness that follows, you gently take her hand, slipping the ring onto her trembling finger. 

You look up at her, your heart in your eyes. “Yes, Wanda, I'll marry you,” you whisper.

Wanda's fingers are ice-cold, trembling with adrenaline, when she reaches for your hand, your ring. Her focus is so intense as she slips it onto your finger that it feels as if everything else has fallen away.

Without wasting a moment, Wanda lurches forward, lips finding yours in a kiss, full of passion and relief. The chill of the snow around you seems to dissipate as your mouths move in a rhythm perfected by time and familiarity. Every small shift, every pressure, the way she tugs at your lower lip, the way you reciprocate by pulling her closer by the waist, it all stokes a warmth that radiates from your core, spreading outwards, rendering the winter air irrelevant.

The soft moan that escapes Wanda against your lips fills you with a satisfaction, an overwhelming sense of rightness that even the best of days prior to this moment had not quite achieved.

Like all beautiful things, the kiss comes to an end. She pulls away, her breath ghosting over your lips as she whispers, “Yes,” echoing your sentiment. “Yes, you will.”

Year 2

A year later, the smell of antiseptic and the sterile white walls of a hospital room are your surroundings. You lay exhausted on the hospital bed, swaddled in a light hospital gown, holding the newest addition to your family. 

A baby girl. 

Yours and Wanda’s. 

She is swathed in soft pink blankets, her tiny face peering curiously at the world she's just entered.

Overwhelmed, overjoyed, and slightly terrified, Wanda is darting around the room, fretting over everything and anything. Her brows are furrowed as she questions the nurses on the baby’s feeding, changing, swaddling. She's always been meticulous, but her anxiety seems to be on a whole new level today.

Meanwhile, she's constantly checking up on you too. A wet cloth to dab your sweaty forehead, a soft kiss to reassure you, a gentle squeeze of your hand. Each time she asks if you're okay, if you need anything, if you're feeling too tired or too overwhelmed.

Her voice is a touch higher than usual, her movements slightly rushed. It's all too adorable, you think. The endearing sight of Wanda fussing over you and the baby brings a soft smile to your tired face.

Wanda’s gaze alternates between you and the tiny bundle in your arms, as if she’s afraid that this is all some dream that she would wake from.

“You're doing great, love,” you reassure her in a voice hoarse with exhaustion, but filled with so much love and admiration for this woman. Your woman. You wouldn’t trade her frantic behavior for anything else.

“Do you want to hold her?” you ask Wanda, lifting the baby slightly from your chest.

Wanda freezes at your question, her eyes flickering from the tiny face peeking out from the swaddles and back to you. She seems to be calculating the risk of her holding something so precious and delicate. She bites her lip nervously, her hand absently wringing together.

“I'm... I'm afraid I might hurt her. She's so small,” Wanda murmurs, almost too softly to hear.

A soft laugh bubbles up from you, finding her concern endearing. With your free hand, you tenderly take hers, squeezing reassuringly.

“Wands, love, she's our daughter. She already knows you and she wants her mom. Come on,” you encourage her, your voice soft but confident.

With a deep breath, Wanda nods. She gingerly slips onto the bed beside you, her arm tentatively reaching out. Her hand hovers over the baby's tiny form, her fingers trembling slightly.

Seeing her hesitate, you gently place the baby into Wanda's waiting arms. The moment your daughter is cradled in her arms, Wanda's eyes fill with unshed tears. Her gaze is locked on the little face looking up at her.

She's silent for a moment, just looking down at the tiny, squirming bundle in her arms. You watch as she traces her finger lightly over your daughter's chubby cheek, her touch feather-light as though she's handling a priceless piece of art.

“She's... She's beautiful,” Wanda finally whispers, her voice choked with emotion. You watch as a single tear escapes, trailing down her cheek.

“She has your eyes,” you say softly, leaning against Wanda's shoulder.

Her response is a watery laugh, and she turns to press a kiss on your forehead. “And your nose,” she retorts, a teasing lilt to her voice. “I didn’t know it was possible to be even more in love with you,” she adds, looking into your heavy-lidded eyes.

As you look at Wanda holding your daughter, overwhelmed with love and emotion, you think that there can't be anything equally perfect as this moment. 

Year 4

Something equally as perfect comes two years later.

You and Wanda return to your new apartment in Manhattan, this time with a little more noise, a lot more love, and two new family members in tow. 

The eighteen arduous hours of Wanda's labor are still fresh in your mind. The anxiety and fear you felt, the helplessness, as you watched her endure the pain, fighting for every breath, are experiences you would never forget. For a moment, you feared for her life, but Wanda, as always, proved to be a force of nature. She battled through, delivering the twins normally. Your two-year-old daughter has just been promoted to big sister status, with the arrival of her twin brothers, William and Thomas.

Wanda, holding Billy, looks at you over the top of his little head. Her eyes are bright, tired but excited. You carry Tommy, his tiny hand gripping your finger, and his weight in your arms feels like the most natural thing in the world.

Despite being outnumbered by your kids, you and Wanda are no novices now. With one child already, you've learned the ropes of parenthood, even if juggling the needs of three young children is still quite the adventure. 

Looking back, you can't help but wonder. If things had been smoother, easier, would you still end up here? 

Sure, life has thrown you a few curveballs. But those curveballs brought you to this moment, to this feeling of complete and utter happiness. 

You wouldn't change a thing.

Because this is it. This is your perfect. This is the beautiful chaos of a big family you and Wanda have created together. And you wouldn't trade it for the world. 

This moment is everything you ever wanted.

Year 35

You both retire to a charming little town on the east coast, away from the relentless hum of city life. The house is a modest one, its size perfect for two people entering the golden years of their life.

It's a quiet evening when you find yourself sitting in the bathtub, the warm water soothing against your aging muscles. The bathroom door creaks open and in walks Wanda, unadorned and as beautiful as the day you met her. You watch as she undresses, each wrinkle and mark a testament to the years you've spent together. The sight of her, the raw display of strength, beauty, and age, leaves you breathless.

She eases herself into the tub, the water rising as she settles across from you. Your legs brush against each other, a touch that still sends warmth spreading through your veins. Her eyes, the same captivating pair you lost yourself in more than four decades ago, meet yours and your heart does a familiar dance.

Wanda raises an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth quirking up in a teasing smile. “You have that look again.”

“What look?” you feign innocence, though a mischievous glint gives you away.

“That look as if you're seeing a young woman, and not the one who's been trying to get a senior discount for the past few years,” she quips.

You chuckle, leaning closer, the water ripples between you two as you do. “Honestly, after all this time,” you whisper, fingers tracing the back of her hand submerged in the water, “I can't help myself.”

She playfully rolls her eyes, her cheeks tinted with a hint of a blush that reminds you of her younger self. “Ever the charmer,” she murmurs, her voice betraying the flutter of excitement she still feels from your compliments, even after all these years.

“You may have a few more lines here and there,” you whisper, your eyes taking in every beautiful detail of her face, “But to me, you're as breathtaking as the day we met. Time can't change the way I see you, Wanda.”

With deliberate slowness, you lean in, pressing a delicate kiss to her lips. As you pull back, you see the warmth in her eyes, the soft smile playing on her lips, and you feel an old, familiar urge.

Your next kiss is deeper, more insistent, and your hand finds its way to her waist, pressing her closer. Her laughter bubbles up, breaking the kiss momentarily as she playfully swats your wandering hand away.

“You really still find this,” she gestures to herself, “Desirable?”

You lean back slightly, taking in her form with a deliberate, exaggerated slowness, your gaze wandering from her face to her feet and back up again. “Every inch.”

She gives you a mock exasperated look, but the smile that's trying to break through belies her true feelings. “You and your words,” she mutters, pulling you closer by the nape of your neck, her fingers tangling in your damp hair. “Do they ever run out?”

“Not when it comes to you,” you reply earnestly, your lips hovering just above hers. “Never when it comes to you.”

Making love isn't as easy as it once was, with bodies grown old and not as supple. 

But your love for Wanda—if anything, is stuck in time.

Taglist: @canvascoloredin | @justgotlizzied , @casquinhaa | @marvelwomen-simp | @sunsol-22 | @wandanatlov3r | @kyaraderuwez | @justyourwritter69 | @stanolsevans | @aliherreraaa | @diaryoflife| @justagurlwholikes | @lizziesplant | @cowxpoke | @sokovianbaby| @swiftie1-0-1 | @scarlettbitchx | @tercerspirit-22 | @hyper-fixated-delusions

[inzsanewrites]

Morning Temptation

Leon S. Kennedy X fem!Reader

⚠︎: NSFW-ish, Suggestive Content, 1k words

♡♤▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬♡♤

It was the dip in the bed that initially woke you up, you hoped to ignore it turning around to bury your head into your soft pillow in an attempt to fall asleep once more. However, a loud metallic clack followed by a mumbled ‘fuck’ that shut down any ideas you had to returning back to your slumber.

Groggily, you began to stretch, sighing when you heard your bones pop followed by a lingering soreness that gave you the exact reminder as to why you were persistent in your desire to go back to sleep.

“Leon, honey, you couldn’t have been just a bit more quiet?” Your voice husky from last night’s activities as you brought the blanket closer to yourself.

A low chuckle sounded through the room and didn’t fail to put a smile to your face

“Of all days this thing decides to act up, it just had to be today.” Leon motioned to the strap on his thigh, adjusting the second on beneath it in a more comfortable position.

Rubbing your eyes, you blinked away the last trace of sleep as you made out his figure picking up a brown coat from your shared wardrobe. “You know you could wear one of those shoulder things. Wouldn't it be more practical when you’re walking?”

“I would but then you’ll have no reason to feel me up, my love.” A smug grin plastered his features as you sat up, holding the blanket against your bare chest. “Need I remind you it’s you who always escalate things, Agent Kennedy. Although seeing as you're up so early, I can only assume you have another mission.”

Leon turned around after he made sure all his gear was in place, but instantly froze at the sight of you. Somehow you always managed to look so pure yet tempting.

he didn’t to think too hard to recall the night before, his memory instantly bringing up the recollection of your warm skin against his and the softness of your lips he felt every time you pulled you into a frantic kiss, he swore the sound of your moans were the sweetest thing he ever heard. “Well I can’t exactly reject the President.” Walking to the bed, Leon placed his hand on your side and leaned down to grant a gentle kiss you happily received. “Sorry for waking you, sweetheart.”

You hummed softly against his lips, bringing your free hand up to cup his neck. “Is there anything I can possibly do to convince you to stay with me a bit longer?” The question was innocent at first but the unintentional sultriness of your voice changed it’s meaning completely.

He groaned outwardly, setting his attention on your neck that now seemed to be begging to be marked by him again. “Don’t start. I don’t have the self-control to be as gentle as I was last night.”

“Now you’re the one tempting me, Leon.” Your hand slid to the back of his head, giving his scalp a pleasant scratch in the process. “I may not let you leave this time,” you sighed at the feeling of his lips latching on to your pulse point and tilted your head back to give him more access.

Leon nipped at your skin while his right hand easily ventured to your chest, cupping your breast through the blanket and squeezing tentatively, paying little mind to the strain forming against his pants as a sweet moan left your lips. At this rate he was nearly back in bed with you as he propped a knee on the bed to keep his balance, wanting nothing more to untangle himself with you once again.

Though, as alluring as the thought was, the mission he was tasked with began to pull him back to reality and he heaved a heavy sigh against the crook of your neck, cursing himself when he felt your shoulder tremble with concealed laughter.

“You're too easy to read, Leon,” you cooed, a slight tug on his hair urging him to pull away - unsurprised at the lust you found in his gaze. “Go on, I’ll still be here when you come back.” He moved his hand from your breast to cup your face, his thumb stroking your cheek. “I know you will, love. Get some rest, alright?” Pressing his lips to your forehead, he went to pull himself away until you grabbed the lapel of his coat.

Releasing your hold on the blanket, you reached to smooth his hair back down, a cheeky smile playing on your lips.”We can’t have you going to work disheveled now.” Unfortunately, work was the last thing on his mind as he took in the expanse of the skin revealed to him, gaze trailing across the soft skin of your breast and swallowing thickly at the sight of your slightly pebbled nipples.

“I think I can call in late today.” He said, quickly making plans to inform Hunnigan of his change in schedule. Biting back a laugh, you covered your chest with your arms. “Shoo! you just told me to rest.” You laid back on your pillow and pulled the blanket back up to your chin, cutting off his trance with a teasing smile.

Leon chuckled again as he leaned down to kiss your check before catching your lips a kiss goodbye. “I suppose that can be my reward for coming back in one piece then.” Standing upright, He went towards the door, looking back to give you one last loving look, “I’ll try to bring back a souvenir.”

“Lovely, but don’t you even think of going out of your way to get me something just come back safe.” The glare was mostly playful, but given the amount of times you had patched him up over the years, it became painfully apparent you cared much more for his cuts and bruises than he did.

“For you? I’ll try.” He gave you one last grin before finally making his way to his ride, leaving you in the comfort of your shared bed. Smiling, you shut your eyes to rest a while long, wanting nothing more than for time to pass by faster.

[woongisi]

Gym Buddy // Seok Matthew

dom!Seok Matthew x sub!gn!Reader // SMUT

WC// 1.9k

Synopsis// You were no stranger to visiting your boyfriend to hang out while he did his workout routine. Some days, you fail to hide how watching him do so drives you absolutely crazy.

Warnings// degradation, facefucking, choking (on dick, reader receiving), minimal dubcon (reader is somewhat hesitant), blowjobs, sweat + scent kink

Author's Note// This quite literally came to me in a dream and changed my life. Absolutely wasn't into sweat or anything of the sort prior... also may have accidentally killed @gothlcsan !!!

---------

Situated in his little home gym, fashioned from an unfinished basement, you'd been spotting Matthew for a couple hours now. Perhaps your definition of “spotting” was liberal at best, but what mattered was you were with him while he worked out. You always had some great chatter when you came to visit. Listening to his stories, blasting music a bit too loud, and serving as his impromptu cheerleader.

These sessions always had an unfortunate side effect, which you tended to ignore, but your patience ran thin today. Watching Matthew do his sets in his tight white tee with sleeves rolled up and green basketball shorts that rested just above the knee always left you aching between your legs. Sometimes, you wondered if he forced his strained groans just to drive you up the wall.

Crawling off the leg press machine and stretching his arms above his head, Matthew had caught you staring off into space. Certainly not thinking about his strong arms around your waist when he’s pounding into you or anything of the sort.

“Hey, you ok?” Matthew leaned over to meet your eye level and cocked his head to the side.

Snapping out of your daze and in turn nearly toppling off the bench you were perched on, you cleared your throat awkwardly.

“Uh… I'm fine. Just thinking about a couple things.”

Matthew popped a knowing smirk.

“You're blushing, you know.”

“Fine,” You started. “If you wanna play this game.”

Staring directly into his eyes and messing with the hem of his tee shirt, you spoke quite slowly and deliberately. “I… need you… to take your cock out.” You paused. “After you take a shower.”

Matthew huffed, pretending he couldn't feel the redness rising on his cheeks. Of course he knew how he bothered you but it wasn't common for you to be so direct.

“After I shower? That's no fun. You look like you're about to explode and you insist on waiting?”

Asshole.

The way you looked from his face to his bulge with furrowed brows was telling enough for Matthew to laugh at your neediness and take you into his arms. Telling you that's what he thought and pushing you to your knees once he replaced where you were previously sitting on the bench.

Part of you was still determined to act like this wasn't exactly what you wanted, glaring up at him with faux anger. Another part of you wasn't keen on having your face anywhere near his crotch when he'd just been sweating like crazy for two hours straight. The view of his chest outlined by his damp t-shirt and strong arms crossed over one another was enough to push your doubts to the side, at least mostly.

Matthew’s breathing was still heavy, his mouth hanging open, finding it harder to recover from his workout when he was now looking at you placed between his legs. Your hand slipped up beneath his shirt, running along his abs, but causing you to mentally cringe at the wetness his sweat created on your palm. You could feel his patience already running then, he had plenty of pent up energy left and the intensity his gaze held as it rested upon you was enough to convey it.

“Shirt.” You mumbled, prompting Matthew to pull his tee over his head, nearly tearing the thin white cotton in the process. God, he really was hot. The sheen of sweat accentuated the contour of his chest, his abs, and everything in between. The way you ogled at his figure simultaneously stroked his ego but fueled his impatience.

“That's enough. You wanted this so badly, yeah?” He growled and put one hand on the nape of your neck. Matthew pulled you forward, smushing your face against his groin cheek first which coated the side of your face in his sweat. Your startled gasp caused you to take in his scent in its entirety, sending an electric shock from your stomach straight to your groin.

“Matthew, that's f-fucking gross.” You whined and the way he flashed a pretty smile at you almost pissed you off.

“You're enjoying it, you slut.” His words were cruel in contrast to his expression but you had no rebuttal. As filthy and hot as he was, his natural smell was more intoxicating than you were willing to admit to yourself or to him.

Opting not to say another word, you licked a sloppy stripe along what of his cock you could reach while he held your head in place. Matthew's sigh of relief was music to your ears. “Good…” he muttered under his breath, removing his hand from your neck only after giving it a brief reassuring rub.

Placing your hands on the outside of both of his thighs, you breathed in his scent, rubbing your head against him while you kissed at the outline of his dick. He gradually hardened under your touch, throbbing under the soft fabric of his shorts that was slowly shifting from light green to dark, becoming wet with precum and your saliva.

Matthew’s soft pants filled the air, his breath catching each time you granted extra attention to his tip. You rubbed the expanse of his muscular upper thigh with one hand, using the other to fondle his sack through the fabric.

“Shit, baby,” His head dropped back against the wall. “So good to me, thank you.”

“You smell so good…” Your own words surprised you and your gasps against your lover made his head spin. He chided you for being so adamant about him showering which left your face burning with embarrassment. You aided Matthew in pulling off his shorts, his cock slapping against his stomach. You cupped his balls lightly and peered up to see the way he smiled down to you.

“Fuck, dude, you're so full.” You scolded yourself for calling your boyfriend such a name when his cock was right in front of your face. “When's the last time you jerked off?!”

“I haven't, sweetheart. Knew you were coming within a week.” He carded his fingers through your hair. “Thought I was gonna die, but now I'm thinking it was worth it.”

He’d even taken the time to trim his hair for you. The way you pulsed against your underwear quickly began to frustrate you, forcing yourself to remember that if you're patient you'll get exactly what you want. Wrapping your hand around the base of his length, you took one of his balls gently into your mouth.

“My poor boy must be so sore.” You feigned empathy between breaths. Lolling your tongue around him eagerly. You took careful note of what Matthew seemed to enjoy most. What made his hips shudder, fingers tighten their grip, and high moans fall from his lips. He seemed to particularly enjoy each time you gave his balls a light suck and tug. The weight of his sweaty dick in your hand felt so filthy yet only made you squirm more. You were well accustomed to his taste by now, finding the added salty flavor to be a bit jarring, but more exciting than anything.

Matthew tapped your shoulder a couple times, grabbing your attention.

“Babe, babe please~” He never needed to beg you for a thing but you didn't mind this desperation. “Need my cock down your throat. Missed those pretty lil’ lips around me so badly.”

“Hmm…” You pretended to ponder his request, knowing full well you've been craving exactly that. “Since you did so well keeping your hands off yourself I’ll reward you. You can use me, as hard as you want.”

Matthew's face lit up, thanking you profusely for treating him so well. You stuck your tongue out, allowing him to place the end of his cock on it once he stood up and positioned himself in front of you. He gathered a ball of spit in his mouth, leaning over so that he could let it dribble down onto himself. Your lips closed around him, Matthew harshly grabbed a fistful of your hair, lending his free hand to brace your cheek.

“Deep breaths, baby, tell me if it's too much.” He started carefully at first, pumping in and out until you were accustomed enough for him to completely bottom out. Matthew’s hips bucked forward unintentionally once he hit the back of your throat, feeling you gag against him. He was girthy, so weighty on your tongue and adorned with prominent veins. As soon as you gave his thigh a reassuring stroke, Matthew thrusted into your wet mouth harshly.

You relaxed your throat, allowing him to fuck into you with ease. Your nails dug into the flesh of his thighs, leaving crescent moon marks in their wake and making Matthew’s cock twitch. He picked up the pace, holding your head in place as repeatedly bottomed out.

His hips connected with your face haphazardly with every thrust of your hips. Each time you choked on him sent shockwaves throughout your whole body. In the moment, you were nothing but a hole for him to fuck to his hearts content and it made want to melt.

Pulling out to allow you to breathe for a moment, you coughed harshly with your chest heaving. Tears rolled down your cheeks in steady rivulets. Allotting you little time to prepare, Matthew shoved his entire length down your throat, letting out a strangled moan when your muscles clenched down hard around him. You scarcely had any time to take in air, feeling dizzy and painfully turned on while Matthew abused your throat for all it was worth.

Thick strings of your saliva and Matthew’s leaking precum created a lewd visual of a hot sticky mess on your face and the base of his dick.

“Such a good fucking toy for me,” Matthew spat. “Taking my cock so well like the worthless piece of meat you are.”

It was rare for him to be so harsh to you, so degrading and so cruel. It only served to deepen the building coil in your stomach. You were lightheaded, eyes rolling back in your head at the lack of oxygen.

“Just a little longer, know you can take it. Be good for me, alright?” You weren't sure you truly could handle more without losing consciousness but the resounding moans and strings of curses falling from Matthew's mouth had you determined to stick it out.

Suddenly, Matthew buried himself deep in your throat and forced your head to keep in place. White hot ropes of his cum gushed down your throat, choking you in the process for what felt like forever. He tasted so good, so mouthwatering, you wondered briefly if he'd been changing his diet just for this too. Once he pulled out, you sputtered out whatever of his seed hadn't made it completely down your throat. Your chest was heaving, fresh air relieving the burning in your lungs. Your legs were trembling, heart slamming against your chest, shakily moaning as you recovered.

Matthew took your hand into his own, giving it a reassuring squeeze and caringly stroking your hair.

“Are you alright, love?” He pouted with a tinge of worry. “Was I too rough?”

You shook your head eagerly. “S-So good, Matt, so fuckin good.”

He helped bring you up on to the bench, peppering kisses across your face. “You did so well for me, my favorite little slut.”

“Matthew…” Your eyes set heavy with lust, intensely staring at your lover while taking in his scent that had only increased.

“Hm?”

“Need you in me. Now. Think I might lose my mind without it.”

“Shit, after what you just did? How could I ever deny you?”

Maybe you'd have to visit his gym more often.

[yougavemeyourheartyouknow]

Love me or hate me, both are in my favor (Miguel O’Hara x Fem! Reader [HS Academic rivals AU])

Hiii! Hope you enjoy! Not proofread

(L/N)-Last name, (Y/N)- Your name.

Cursing, fluff, villains villaining, reader not being able to catch a break, um…. Tentacles????

Word count: 3.1k

Series Masterlist Series playlist

Chapter 6: No, I don't wanna fall in love

—

“And yours of glass, (L/N).”

A silent slowly enveloped the air, the quiet shifting of the needle letting off the black vinyl disk as the record comes to an end was the only sound for a few seconds. It was painfully obvious that this project is gonna be a lot tougher of a task than you were hoping for, if Miguel couldn’t even handle reading through the script fully without complaining. You leaned forward to rest your elbows on your knees, chewing on your bottom lip as you brainstorm ways to be productive, not wanting to call it quits so early into the session. Finally after a moment, you sit up properly, and grab the tv remote that was sitting on the edge of the bed. Miguel’s eyebrow arches up in silent curiosity as he watches you turn on the small flat screen and open up the Netflix app.

“What are you doing?” Miguel’s question was only met with the smile etched on your face to widen. Miguel couldn’t help but let a small one crack on his face as well. Eventually you found what you were looking for, the images of a young Leo and Claire popped up on the screen, along with the text “Romeo + Juliet”. Miguel raised the unimpressed brow a bit more. “Really?”

“Yes, really.” You smiled at him as you pressed play, before moving to make your way to the small kitchenette in the room, rummaging through some drawers, before eventually making your way back, two cokes in one hand, some m&ms in the other. Your microwave hums in the background, before the quiet pop of the popcorn seeds expandings overcome the hum. “This is a great way to be productive with our assignment, without having to read the script.” You tell him as you set the snacks down on the small table next to your bed. If you were being honest though, you just wanted a reason to gush over the movie.

“If you wanted a movie date muñeca, you could have just said so.” He teased with a smirk, prompting you to stick your tongue out at him as you prepped a big bowl for the popcorn. (Doll)

“In your dreams, O’Hara.”

“More like a nightmare.”

“Just shut up and watch the movie please.” The order came out a bit rushed, trying not to burn the pads of your fingertips as you attempted to quickly open the bag of popcorn. Moving your face back a bit so the steam doesn’t hit it once you finally pry the bag open, before dumping it into the bowl. For once, he listens to you and pipes down.

—

“So good…” You sniffed, wiping a tear out of the corner of your eye that was threatening to fall down. A light shade of red covers your cheeks and nose as you attempt to not get too emotional about the end of the movie, refusing to be seen as vulnerable in front of the 6’9 male that was sitting to the right of you. In the process of watching the movie, you found yourself cuddling with the stuff fox plushie Mj had gifted you for your birthday, and a fluffy throw blanket covering yours and Miguel’s legs.

“Are you crying?” He asked in slight amusement, his lips twitching upwards into a light smirk as he turned to face you.

“No.” You answered back a bit too quickly.

“Yes, you are.” His smirk grew a bit as he caught the stuff fox as you go to hit him with it, a small chuckle leaving his lips as he takes the plushie, and places it on his lap.

“Oh shut up. I cried harder when I watched 500 days of summer.” You go to snatch the fox back from his lap, but you quickly notice his face light twist in confusion at your second.

“I don’t think I’ve watched that before.” He confessed, why would he? romantic comedies were not his thing, you honestly shouldn’t be surprised at the obvious fact, but that didn’t stop the gasp that left your lips as you quickly went to pick up the remote.

“We’re watching it.”

“It’s 10pm on a school night-“

“The movie isn't even that long! Plus you owe me one! You’ll be back at your dorm before midnight. Promise.”

—

“You slept in her room!?” Miguel’s hand came up to rub his temples, squeezing his eyes shut tight to soothe the oncoming headache from Gabriel and Peter shouting the question in unison.

“No wonder I didn’t see you at all last night or this morning…” Gabriel spoke under his breath as he turned back to his game, “about time you two stop bickering and got together…” Peter nodded his head in agreement as he sat down next to Miguel at their mini dining table that the brothers had put in their dorm room.

“It’s not what you guys think, we were just working on our assignment together and we lost track of time.” That was only a half-truth. In reality, you ended up marathoning a bunch of old rom-coms that Miguel has never seen before, ranging from the 1960’s all the way to the late 2010s, you were a sucker for vintage films.

To all the boys I’ve loved before,West side story, 27 dresses, 10 things I hate about you, the notebook. The whole thing ended in you passing out during the middle of sixteen candles, but Miguel didn’t notice until near the ending, when you shifted slightly and rested your head against his arm. Miguel, already tired and out of it to notice the oddly intimate moment, didn’t make any attempt to move you off right away. Telling himself he would wait a second before waking you up, but as the calming tone of If you were here from the Thompson twins hummed softly from the TV, and the faint deep breaths coming from through your nose next to him only worsened sleep's tempting call. Eventually falling victim to it, falling asleep next to you, not even bothering to pick up his head from where it fell on top of yours. He was just glad he woke up before you so he could sneak his way back into his dorm before class started.

“Maybe you just like her more than you’d like to admit, Miguel.” Peter deadpan as he pulls out his food from his take out bag and begins to dig into his burger.

“You are both reading into it too much.” He told the two as he shook his head, and if he wasn’t so stubborn, then he might see the point they were making. Though he still couldn’t stand you, over the years he had learned to… tolerate you, would be the best way to describe it. Going from not even acknowledging each other to making snarky remarks and purposely going out of each other’s way to piss the other off was enough of a telltale sign that you both didn’t despise each other in the way you both make it seem like you did. “She’s still the same annoying pest she was when I met her in the 6th grade, except now I have to make sure she doesn’t get valedictorian over me. Once we graduate at the end of the year, I’ll never have to deal with her again.” He says as he turns to Peter.

“Unless you both go to the same college.” Gabe quipped, causing his older brother to groan at the hypothetical.He dreaded the idea, the possibility although slim wasn’t entirely impossible, there were 8 ivy leagues and another hundreds of high-end colleges you both could attend, what were the chances you’d attend the same one?

“I doubt it. I’m not worried about acceptance letters, I’ll have plenty of options on schools. If she picks one I’m interested in, I’ll be sure to reject that school before she could even get the university’s sweatshirt on.”

—

“Alright everyone! You’re all adults, I expect you to behave like them. Especially since we are allowing you to roam around without chaperones this year. You’re seniors so act like it.” The biography teacher’s mini reprimanment was largely ignored as student after student began to file off the bus one by one, the sound of the ocean’s waves crashing onto Brooklyn's shoreline as the chatter and laughter quickly filled the air. The skin numbing breeze helps wake you a bit more. Having been awake since 7am to make sure you weren’t late for the bus, deciding it would be best for you and Mj to take a nap during the hour and a half long bus ride.

The annual beginning of the year senior aquarium trip, a tradition that the school has been holding for a few years now. You were pretty excited about it, but what you were more excited about is the other tradition of trying to sneak out of the aquarium and into Coney Island without the teachers catching you. It’s a lot easier when the aquarium is busier, you were hoping to go and try this bubble tea place that Mj has been raving about, thanking the lord your leg had fully healed up from your accident 3 weeks ago, so it makes the whole sneaking out thing easier.

After about half an hour of the usual lecture about being “responsible” and “behaving” from the two teachers who came along and another 20 minutes of scanning everyone’s students badges for entrance, you were finally free to roam around the aquarium. Deciding it would be best to wait a bit before attempting to sneak away, you and Mj began to wonder from exhibit to exhibit. You held onto her hand as you both weaved through the crowded plaza, eventually finding yourselves within the shark tunnel in the ocean wonders exhibit. Blues and greens illuminating the walkway as the small fish swim in between the corals that surround the tank, sharks swimming overhead of the crowd in the tunnel.

“Wouldn’t it be scary if this thing broke…” Mj whispered quietly to you, her tone teasing as she brought up the hypothetical, causing your eyes to shoot over to her with a pointed look.

“Don’t even joke like that Mj.” You whispered back harshly, causing her to let out a small giggle, her hand coming up to cover her smile, hiding her freckles in the progress.

“Just saying…” You just rolled your eyes and resisted the urge to giggle along, going to turn around and finish walking through the underwater corridor when you heard a familiar voice call out, causing you both to stop in your tracks.

“Mj! Hey wait up!” Peter’s hand goes up in the air in an attempt to stop you both before making his way through the crowd, rather smoothly too for the usually clumsy Peter, with Miguel following closing behind, his arms crossed over his chest and his usual scowl painted on his face. You couldn’t help the smirk that started creeping onto your face when you noticed Mj’s cheeks start to flush, despite knowing you’ll be force to take one for the team and converse with your least favorite O’Hara brother.

“O’Hara.”

“(L/N).”

That was the usual greeting between you both. Short and curt, although his tone was a bit more deadpan then yours. You glanced at Mj and Peter once more, watching the way he ducked his head slightly in an attempt to get closer to her as he spoke, his hands in his jean pockets The small smirk that spreads over his lips as he whispers something into her ear, probably some dumb joke that you would laugh at if you were crushing hard. The way Mj tilts her head downwards as she giggles in response, the way she tucks her hair behind her ear as her blush deeps into a light red rather than a dusty pink . The definition of teenage love was right before your very eyes. You turn back to Miguel.

“It’s a matter of time before they finally get together.” You tell him in a low tone so they don’t hear it, he nodded and let out a small hum of agreement. An oh so familiar silence fell over you both as you two waited for either one of your friends to finally let the other go so you and him could go your separate ways, but after about 5 minutes or so it became painfully clear that wasn’t going to happen. “Anyways…” You finally spoke after clearing your throat, your gaze meeting Miguel’s once more. “We should head out, right Mj?” But when you turn around you notice the two lovebirds gone, causing you to furrow your brows and Miguel to release a tsk of annoyment.

“Great…” He muttered as he raked his hand through his slicked back hair. “Guess I’m stuck with you know muñeca.” That wasn’t entirely true, you weren’t assigned a buddy system for the trip, and there wasn’t a rule saying you had to stay with another student or in a group, he could have turned around and left you to your own devices. But he wouldn’t, he knew that, but you didn’t. “What did you want to do?”

“…I have an idea…”

—

“I can’t believe you’ve never had bubble tea before.” You giggled as you watched Miguel almost choke on the boba in his drink, bringing your hand up to tap on his back in an attempt to help clear his windpipe. Once his coughing fit came to a stop he swatted your hand away.

“It's not my thing, okay?” Your brows raised playfully at the sassy response, sipping on your brown sugar drink, Miguel got one that was flavored horchata. Both of you walk side by side as you make your back towards the aquarium, from where you both left the little bubble tea shop.

“Geez sorry…” You rolled your eyes to accompany your sarcasm.

“I’m gonna make sure not to order the little squishy things next time.” He grumbled, your eyes lighting up in amusement at the adding of the last two words.

“Next time?”

He shot you a glare, as you successfully slipped back through the entrance without being spotted.

“Cállate.” You couldn’t help the shit-eatting grin that formed on your face at his annoyed remake. (Shut up.)

“Where do you think Mj and Peter are?” You asked as you both turned to enter the “spineless” exhibit, that holds the jellyfish, octopus and stuff within that nature, throwing your now empty cups in a nearby trashcan.

“Probably in a dark corner making out.” He shrugged, causing you to stifle a laugh, you hate to admit it, but you were actually having a fun time with him. The lights become dimmer as you walk further into the exhibit, Miguel following behind in tow. You both fell into a peaceful silence, the only time it was broken when either of you would point something out to one another. The only main source of light coming from the tanks of water, illuminating dark silhouettes around you both.

To bystanders, you probably looked like you were in love with one another, neither of you noticing how close had gotten to each other, your jacket sleeves grazing one another when you’d point something to him, or when he’d lower his head to you to enlighten you with a fun marine biology fact. You didn’t notice the elderly woman who turned to her husband and pointed to you both when you two were watching the pacific sea nettle jellyfish in silence. Or a father holding his baby boy who was sleeping gingerly on his chest, whispering “that used to be us at their age” to his wife when Miguel went to take a photo of you in front of the moon jellyfish with your phone. But perspective was everything.

“That’s new…” Miguel mumbled as you both wondered to the very end of the building, a lot quieter and more empty compared to the rest of it. At the very end, was an empty tank, or one that was usually empty. Instead you both saw blue and purple tentacles spread out over the glass of the tank, that tank had been vacant ever since Miguel could remember, they hadn’t even placed a picture of the animal or any information around its exhibit like it was supposed to. Something was…off… he didn’t need a spider sense to know that. The tightness forming in his chest was enough of an indicator to validate his emotions, but he didn’t want to worry you or have you tell him he was being silly so he played it off. “… we should head to a different place…”

You gave him a confused head tilt, but didn’t want to ruin that actually enjoyable day with an argument, just as you were about to agree you say one of the arms started to move, only drawing you closer to the tank out of curiosity.

“Look, it's moving!”

“I can see…” Darn you and your curiosity, Miguel tried his best to hide his grimace as he slowly followed behind you. The sense of unknown dread grew stronger with each step.

“Wait, can you take my picture with it before we head out.” With a begrudging sigh, Miguel took your phone and took a few steps away from you to get a better shot of you and the tank, you settling up against it a bit more towards the right side of the center, as Miguel beginning to count down he noticed the tentacles closest to your waist drawing away from the glass.

“Okay… one…”

It stopped moving, Miguel hesitated.

“Two…”

Crash.

You let out a gasp as you felt the warm water that once filled the tank hit your back, the pressure putting you forward a bit, almost making you drop to all fours. Out of the instant, Miguel took a few steps back, watching the water begin to pool around both of your feet. Then you felt it a wet, cold, slimy tentacle wrap around you, you let out another gasp and it pulled itself around you like a boa constrictor, the suction cups making your skin crawl. Another arm went around your legs as you started to attempt to break yourself free, your eyes glancing in the direction of the octopus, only for you to freeze at the sight of it, before you let out a blood curdling scream.

It wasn’t a regular octopus…

Your feet start to dangle as it begins to lift you up from the damp carpet, taking you to god knows where. A crowd begins to form as the workers start to scatter and call the police. Without a second thought your hand shot out.

“Miguel!”

“(Y/N)!”

He couldn’t grab it in time.

—

Taglist: @famouscattale @oharasfilipinawife @mxltifxnd0m @loser-alert @homewreckingwreck

@dumb-gemini12 @cowboylikeevie @thedevax @codenameredkrystalmatrix

[darlingsfandom]

Hi! Could you write a Tenth Doctor x reader or OC fic? If it could include DDLG and spanking it would be great. 😔🙏🏻

Hi! I’ve never wrote for the doctor before so hopefully it’s alright !

TW: ddlg, spanking, swearing, Oral(m only)

“And what is it do you think you’re doin?” The doctor stood in the doorframe watching you lay upon the soft sheets. You sat on your knees with a soft smile on your lips as you looked him up and down. Truth be told you had a little plan cooked up for awhile but with all the trips across the universe and saving the earth the plan had been put on the back burner.

“Me? I’m not doing anything. I’m just … sitting.” You shrugged your shoulders at him.

“No no, I know that look. It’s sneaky… you’re being sneaky again!” The doctor raised a finger in protest to your lie before he strolled in and closed the door with his foot.

“I’m sneaky ? Must be one of my great qualities that keep me around.” Your hands landed before you on the bed as you leaned forward to watch him carefully. The Doctor stood at the end of the bed with his glasses hanging on by the bridge of his nose. He watched you carefully. The way you were positioned, the little pink bows in your hair that had been in braided pig tails, how low your nightgown was showing off your cleavage that left nothing to the imagination. This had to be a trap! He was good with those.

“Oh sweetheart, of course YOU have many great qualities … but! This .. no this, you want something.” His finger tapped against his lip before leaning forward until his nose brushed against yours. “I hope you haven’t forgot that I am… The doctor , I know this is a set up.”

“Oh? Do you really think I’d forget … Doctor?” You clicked your tongue at him before reaching up, cupping his cheek and pulling him closer to seal the deal with a soft kiss. His eyes had went wide before closing as he moved his body to push you back so he could climb onto the bed. The two of you kissed softly at first, the type of kissing that would make you pop your foot up like in a romantic movie before your tongue poked out a little bit to lick at his bottom lip. His lips parted to let a gasp slip out so you took your chance to slip your own tongue into his mouth.

The doctor pulled away from you only for you to whine.

“Oh what’s wrong Princess? Is your plan not working the way you want it too hmm? Did you think I’d just fold ?” The Doctor stood up and went to walk away before your hand gripped onto his arm making him turn on his heel to face you.

The look of innocence was written across your face but he knew better! He knew it was placed with lust.

“Please! Don’t leave me… daddy.” You pouted your bottom lip at him as your finger tips trailed lightly up his arm and over his wrist. Both of his hearts skipped a beat as his eyes went wide.

“Stop it! You stop that right now.”

“Or what?” You teased pulling yourself up while holding his arm.

“Or… or..”

“What’s the matter daddy? Cat got your tongue?” You clicked your tongue at him making his whole body twitch and flood with a new feeling. He wasn’t sure what came over him but he found himself sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling you over his lap and lifting your night gown to show off your ass that he wouldn’t lie about , he’s taken a long look at a few times. Before he could even process anything a sharp sting covered your ass because he had spanked you hard.

“Daddy!” You wiggled your hips in hopes for another spanking and he gave you what you wanted. “I thought you wanted me to stop!” You snickered.

“I lied. The way you say it with such a soft innocence … who am I to deny you, such a pretty girl, what she wants. You’re always such a good girl.” The doctor rubbed your ass slowly almost as to admire it. He watched how you laid across his lap with a soft smile on your face, the way soft moans left your lips when he’d squeeze the warm flesh , you were a dream!

“You’re a fallen angel” The doctor pulled you back upwards until you were straddling his lap. Your arms wrapped around his neck as you pushed your chest into his.

“What makes you say that?” You played with the back of his hair while looking into his eyes.

“I’m the doctor !” He smiled ear to ear before he felt your hands running down his back. It made the feeling of pleasure run through his system. Your nails scratched that itch he had been trying to hide. The way you smiled, the innocence pooling in your eyes, the way you smelled of sex mixed with warm sugar , you were a devil in disguise.

“Yes you’re the doctor … but…” you started kissing along his jawline , down his neck making sure to nip at the skin on his shoulders “you’re my daddy.” Your teeth sank into the shoulder blade making him hiss a little bit. His hands went to grab your waist but you moved them away. “Let me take care of you, you take care of everyone else.”

He wanted to protest , but what you said was true. He couldn’t deny anything of what you said. The two of you stopped for a minute to just stare at each other, drink each other in. Your hands guided him to lay back down on the bed and he did so until he was comfortable. He watched how you undid his pants and when you pulled out his cock, the way you lit up made him smirk. “Like what ya see do ya?”

“Better than I’ve thought about.” You admitted. It was never a secret that you had a crush on The Doctor. Anyone who had ever seen him would understand.

“You’ve thought about me in this way… Oh what a naughty girl you are.” His hand ran over the top of your head gently as your hand wrapped around his cock and slowly pumped him. It was what you had imagined , not very long but average! Okay he was a little above average, he’s the doctor after all! But the girth is what was bigger than you truly thought.

“As if it’s a secret !” Your eyes rolled playfully making him furrow his eyebrows at you but before he could answer you back your lips were wrapped around the head of his cock making his hearts speed up. You bobbed your head slowly up and down while he laid back and relaxed so he could fully enjoy what was happening.

He never thought you’d actually be so naughty. You were this lost looking girl who he found watching the stars , the stars that would give answers to make you feel better about life. You looked sad but a beautiful type of sadness. He was drawn to the beauty that you radiated. The way you were when he first met you to who you’ve blossomed into, a true little vixen twisted inside of you that begged to be let out and now you’re here sucking him off as if your life depended on it! His sweet lost little companion is his naughty little angel!

“Oh my… Princess! You’re doing so well!” The doctor petted your head in a loving manner. You looked up at him through your eyelashes sucking gently on his cock until you gained enough confidence to relax yourself and deep throat him. “FUCK!” He cried out when he hit the back of your throat. “So good!” His breath hitched in his throat making his chest rise heavily as he watched how skillfully you took it. The way your lips stretched , the way your eyes watered slightly, the way you gagged just a little, you were a beauty!

“I… you… don’t stop!” He whimpered! He actually whimpered which made your thighs clench together. It was music to your ears. You placed both of your hands on his thighs and deep throated all the way down this time until your nose was against his pelvic bone. His hand rested on the back of your head to keep you in place because it was just that good to him! You wiggled a little when your breathing was becoming difficult making him pull you off only for a loud gasp to leave your lips when you pulled off. A string of spit fell from your mouth making the doctor drool in a different way .

“Are you okay ?” He asked .

“Mmhmm!” You nodded quickly before going right back to it and taking his cock down your throat.

“That’s a good girl.” He watched carefully. With his body relaxed to your touch, he felt the pleasure growing in his body quickly. The doctor whimpered again, he wasn’t going to last, not with the way you were blowing him. You sucked fast on his cock while reaching under to rub his balls. That was the cherry on top! “Oh fuck! Keep doing that!” He hands flew over his face to hide how red he was getting.

“Please cum for me daddy!” You pulled away for a split second to talk to him and massaged the spit against his shaft. The doctor was a whimpering mess. He reached to grab your head as you wrapped your lips around the head of his cock. It didn’t take long before he let out a high pitched moan followed by bucking hips as he shot his load down your throat. He was crying in pleasure while holding your head tightly to keep you in place. The salty liquid slid down your throat making you moan around the sensitive head.

The doctor laid there panting when he finished and you had pulled away. When you got up off your knees he looked at you with a weak smile to which you opened your mouth to show him that you had swallowed every drop.

“That’s my girl! Get over here.” He pulled you down by your arm before giving you a kiss. You kissed him back while stroking his chest to feel both heartbeats. As you pulled away from the kiss , he quickly pinned you down and looked into your eyes.

“You’ve taken care of me, now let me …” he stopped to brush the hair that had fallen out of place out of the way. “Take care of you.”

[luminetti]

𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒖𝒆 𝑨𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒚 ༺♡༻ Chapter 2

༘⋆Notes: sorry for the wait! This chapter turned out a lot longer than expected and I had more I wanted to include but it was too difficult to fit in. Ch3 will have more conflict, so until then, enjoy some fluff and pure idiocy at the end.

༘⋆ Chapters: ┆[1] ┆[2]┆[3]┆[4]┆[5]┆[6] ┆[7] ┆

ao3

It goes without saying that you had absolutely zero plan for taking in a near-corpse. Amongst the various other oversights, you were particularly struggling with finding a way to sneak breakfast into your room every morning. Despite Gale’s remarks, you thought yourself to be fairly crafty. The good ol’ ‘stuff-a-pancake-in-your-pocket’ trick was one of your proudest ideas, even if your company refused to see the ingenuity of your ways. You thought it worked well enough for the time being, but with Gale’s slow healing and several pockets worth of maple syrup, you reluctantly decided to look for other options.

Unfortunately, your search was ultimately cut short one night in the kitchen by none other than Sebastian Neredras, your eldest sibling.

“Put the bread down.” Sebastian spoke from the doorway, arms crossed. Ever since your father had died, Sebastian had taken on a more authoritative role with you and Euphemia. Though you would assume that he had more important things to worry about than interrogating you at eleven at night.

Turning slowly to face him, you slipped the thick piece of focaccia into your dress pocket. “What bread?”

He closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. “Tav Neredras,” he began, hauntingly calm.

Yikes. Full name.

“What is it for?” Sebastian continued, sternly.

From behind him, you could see Euphemia watching from the foyer, distraught.

“Don’t look at her. Look at me.” He shifted his weight, blocking Euphemia with his body. “Bread. Explain. Now.”

You tore off a piece of the focaccia in your pocket and popped it into your mouth. “Midnight snack?”

Sebastian’s fingers tightened into a fist and he took another slow breath in. Turning around, he diverted his attention to your sister. “Phemie, by Jove, my fist will–lovingly–be through this wall if you don’t tell me this instant.

You focused all your efforts into burning a stare into your poor sister’s eyes. Out of everyone you’ve ever met, she had the loosest tongue by far.

She apologetically met your stare as she blurted out, “He’s a Viscount!”

From the doorway, you watched as Sebastian’s posture visibly stiffened and he turned with bone-chilling fluidity. “And who, exactly, is ‘he?’”

Mustering up your best innocent smile, you cleared your throat. “Gale Dekarios.”

“–of Waterdeep.” Euphemia chimed quietly.

Sebastian hastily strode towards the guest room with Euphemia in tow. He had just barely placed one hand on the door knob when your sister cleared her throat, eyes flashing towards your bedroom door.

In disbelief, Sebastian slowly crouched to his knees as if all energy had finally left his body. His eyes closed and his chest heaved with several drawn out breaths. “Tell me you didn’t.”

You silently teetered on your heels. “I, uh, I think we both know.”

His breath came out all at once in a shaky exhale. “Phemie, please offer the Viscount a proper dinner.” Sebastian slumped against the wall, utterly defeated. “I will set up the guest room.”

“What about-

Sebastian held up a hand, cutting you off with his eyes still closed. “I can’t- I don’t- I’m not even going to start with you.” Pointing to the corner of the dining room, he waved you away. “Just sit. Sit and think about your actions.”

✣ ✣ ✣

To your surprise, a fortnight passed by fairly smoothly. Sebastian most definitely not gotten used to Gale’s presence, but he was handling it… well. Gale was more like a house pet than anything else. You and your siblings each took on different roles when it came to caring for the Viscount. Euphemia started to cook larger portions for each meal while you managed his healing process. Sebastian probably helped in some way as well, though he was quite adamant that it was not his issue to deal with.

Gale seemed to be faring well, despite his situation. You had been routinely checking up on his wound, changing the bandages when needed, and tracking the medication that he was on. Despite your consistent encounters, you knew almost nothing about the Viscount and vice versa. Well, that was until about a couple days after he was ‘accepted’ by Sebastian and moved into the guest room.

It began slowly.

Every so often when you came to check on Gale or bring him dinner, he somehow found a way to slip in a question about your personal life. Your favorite colors, foods, flowers, all of which he managed to slowly pluck out of you, night after night. Honestly, you were pretty astonished at his perseverance. However, you were perhaps even more astonished at your own reciprocity, easily relinquishing facts and anecdotes about yourself each time he asked. You were fond of most colors with the exception for certain shades of orange, you could not stand tomatoes, and you were particularly fond of eglantine flowers.

Occasionally you even found yourself asking questions back to him. After only a week you learned that he prefers the color violet, enjoys fancy wine, and his favorite flower is–appropriately–the violet.

“I never did ask,” you began one night, sitting down for the routine bandage change. “How did you manage to get this?” With the wound exposed you could see the ripples where the bullet tore his skin alongside the taut scarring that covered the edges.

Gale bristled as you pressed a cold cloth dipped in medicine against his abdomen. “It was a duel,” he explained. “I had received a letter from someone, requesting to meet on the outskirts of Waterdeep.”

You removed the cloth to apply more ointment. “Sounds like quite some havey-cavey business.”

He chuckled, humorlessly. “I’d have realized it sooner had the letter been adequately labeled with the true correspondent.” Sitting up, Gale leaned towards you, allowing for easier access to his wound. “In place of the woman I was expecting was a man who demanded an affair of honor–a duel, in her name.”

For some reason you couldn’t fight back a sharp pain in your chest at the mention of his old flame. Well… you assumed it was old. “I suppose tabletop games are more your style,” you offered, attempting to liven the gloomy atmosphere.

Gale let out a heavy breath, his body easing at your change of subject, seemingly relieved. He placed a hand on the new white gauze covering his abdomen, thanking you quietly as you collected the old bandages and exited his room.

As you walked down the hallway, you found yourself heading towards the withdrawing room. Adorning the walls were your paintings from over the years, a variety of several still life subjects and a couple portraits of your siblings. The soft glow of moonlight beamed into the room, illuminating the thin layer of dust on each surface, appropriate for the lack of usage in the past couple months. You had been so occupied with Gale’s condition that you hadn’t had the chance to even think about painting. The more you examined your surroundings, bittersweet nostalgia festered in your gut, tugging you towards your abandoned easel.

A quick paint wouldn’t do any harm, you thought to yourself, placing a fresh canvas on the platform and settling into the stool. You stared at the large white cloth for a couple minutes, considering your subjects. There was still life of course, but you had painted pretty much everything in the room already. Well, everything except the old chessboard. For as long as you remember, that chessboard had never moved from the small table in the corner. Sebastian had spent hours in your youth attempting to teach you the most popular openings, despite your inability to remember which way the ‘horse’ piece moved. A subject for another time, you decided, looking for something else.

A faint glow of purple caught your eye through the window. Looking closer, you spotted a small patch of violets in the garden, accompanied by various other colorful flowers.That’s right, Euphemia loved floriography and had taken an interest in gardening several years ago. Before your father’s death, she had several flora related projects. One of which being an attempt at a rainbow garden with ombre flowers packed neatly in the dirt.

Instinctively, you felt your hand rise, placing quick strokes along the canvas and blocking out the basic shapes of the garden. Once you were satisfied with the sketch, you fished around for your palette and paints, blowing off the dust and flicking away dried pieces stuck to the tubes. It didn’t take long for you to fall into a rhythm, painting like you had years ago. Maybe it was the way your mind quietly wandered, or the soft scratch of bristles on canvas, but you found yourself drifting off as you worked. Your movements slowed until finally, you let your head rest in your arms beside the abandoned paint palette.

The next thing you knew, a warm palm gently nudged you awake. The moonlight from before had been replaced with bright morning sunbeams that bore down onto you and your painting as you awoke.

“A bit of an odd place to sleep, but whatever suits your fancy,” a warm voice resounded in your ear, startling away your grogginess.

You jolted awake to see Gale observing your unfinished painting, looking it over.

“Oh, good morning.” You yawned, stretching your aching back.

Gale’s attention turned back to you, standing quietly off to the side.

Gale?

Standing?

Snapping upright in your stool you stared at him, standing right in front of you as if perfectly fine. “What are you doing up?” You rushed to your feet, placing a hand underneath his arm and hustling him into the chair beside the old chessboard.

“There’s no need for this,” he complained, but sat anyway despite his protests.

Surely it hadn’t healed that fast?

You hesitantly nudged the bandage covering his stitches, waiting for a response. To your surprise, he made no move to flinch or push you away.

“Nothing?”

He shrugged in reply.

“How bizarre..” you pondered out loud. What could have possibly quickened the process so much? You certainly weren’t that good at medicine.

If Gale was surprised, he didn’t show it. In fact, he looked quite bored of the topic, as if his good health was old news. Instead, his focus turned to the dusty chess board.

“Do you play?” he asked, instinctively setting up the board.

It had certainly been a while. You barely remembered what the pieces did. You knew the pawn and King can one square per turn, but that’s about where your memory left off.

“Of course I play,” you confidently countered, scooting your chair to sit across from him. “Quite masterfully, actually.”

Gale’s brows rose in disbelief. “”Really now? Well, I’ll be sure to perform at my highest.”

In a matter of about four turns, he had your King completely pinned in checkmate. From across the table, you glowered at the board.

“Yes, quite masterfully,” he chuckled, amused at your bewildered expression.

“These things are useless.” You toyed with the pawn between your fingers, tossing it back onto the board where it rolled miserably in a circle before coming to a pitiful stop. “What even is this?” You picked up a strange paintbrush-looking piece.

Gale stifled a laugh, watching you scowl at the small piece of wood like it killed your entire family. “That would be a bishop,” he spoke as he gently took it from you. Placing it on the board, he slid the piece diagonally across the squares.

“As far as it wants?”

“As far as it wants.”

You hummed, absently watching as he deftly reset the board. Gale seemed brighter today. Gone was his sickly hue, replaced with a much warmer liveliness.

He made two moves, starting by moving one of his pawns two spaces forward, then pushing out his bishop several paces diagonally.

“This is an opening. Bishop’s opening, if you want to get technical,” he told you, gesturing to the board. “It’s a specific series of moves to set up for a specific strategy.”

You stared as he deftly played against himself, taking pieces back and forth until he had won. And well, lost.

There was a sense of expertise in the way he moved around the board, as if years had been spent practicing. You found yourself wondering if he taught himself everything he knew, or if it was learned from someone else. Either way it was certainly impressive.

“So you’re an egghead?” 

Gale shuddered dramatically, clutching his heart. “Harsh words! I’ll have you know, I prefer ‘well-read.’”

Alright, sure. You admit he was charismatic. The way he looked at you through eyes creased by a smile never failed to elicit a strange uplifted atmosphere. You couldn’t help but feel a bit lighter than air whenever he was around.

“My brother used to be really interested in chess,” you started. The ambience of warm sunlight and good company left you relaxed enough to begin rambling about whatever came to mind. “He tried to teach me but I didn’t get it at all so he gave up and tried to teach Euphemia, but that didn’t work out cause she felt bad about ‘getting her soldiers killed’ so he gave up again.”

You told him about your attachment to the knight piece, which you only recently learned was actually called a ‘knight’ and not a ‘horse’ like you originally thought.

On the subject of horses, you had one as a stuffed animal, actually. Bought from a local vendor and gifted to you by Sebastian for your tenth birthday. He had suggested horse-like names, like Chestnut, or Horace. But in childlike fashion, you settled on the name ‘Horse.’

“How creative,” Gale spoke, snapping you back into reality.

You stared at him puzzled for several seconds until coming to the mortifiying realization that you had bombarded him with tales of your childhood stuffed animal.

“Don’t stop on my account,” he grinned, a glint of mirth in his eyes.

The room felt significantly warmer than before, making you squirm in your seat. “You should’ve said something sooner.”

Gale chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled, almost too earnestly to be genuine. “On the contrary, I’m a bit disappointed that I said anything at all. You showed no signs of stopping.”

“Please, don’t remind me.”

He waved you off, leaning back in his seat. “You listened to my chess talk. It’s only fair.”

You pursed your lips, still a bit mortified. “It’s your turn in that case. Drone on.”

“Drone?” He dramatically gasped, placing a hand over his heart. “I’m offended, I was under the impression you were interested. Is chess not riveting to you?”

“What can I say? As a chess master, I need something more mentally stimulating.”

Something glinted behind Gale’s eyes as you spoke, breathing slowly out his nose as he watched you. As he leaned forward his earring swung lightly, catching your attention. You hadn’t noticed the little metal piece before. Circular in shape but adorned with a small purple gemstone, shining brighter than the average jewel. It seemed far more ostentatious than jewelry you expected Gale to wear. Somehow, the gaudy earring never seemed to catch your attention over the man who bore it.

“Something more stimulating?” He repeated, thoughtfully. “What do you know about mages?”

The sudden change in topic startled you back into attention. Mages were certainly uncommon, only few known people being able to wield such a power. Some thought that mages were too dangerous to live amongst the Ton. Others thought mages were nothing more than an old wives tale until a high ranking noble had revealed their innate abilities, but you had been busy in your painting phase while it happened. You hardly remembered how it ended. You silently chided yourself for not paying more attention to the happenings of the Ton. Perhaps Euphemia would remember. You made a mental note to ask her eventually.

Between nonbelievers and 

“I know they exist,” you started, raking your brain for any helpful bits of information. “I know they are quite rare. I’ve never met one if that’s what you were asking.”

Gale inhaled shortly, shoulders rigid and tense. He fidgeted with the fabric of his shirt, gently rolling it between his fingers. “And if you met one, what would you think of them?”

“Did I know them prior to knowing they were a mage?” You asked, unsure of where he was headed.

He nodded.

With hesitation, you continued. “Then they would still be the same person, would they not? I don’t think it would change my impression of them.”

Gale exhaled a breath you hadn’t realized he was holding, shoulders easing slightly as he relaxed back into his chair. “Yes, I agree,” he replied, letting his hand return to the tabletop and releasing the fabric he was toying with. “Are you busy tonight?”

Your mind spun in confusion at another quick change in topic. “I believe so? Why do you ask all this?”

He waved you off, earring twinkling as he abruptly stood from the table. The air felt lighter than before and Gale now wore a bright smile, eagerly putting the chair back in its place. “I’d like to see you back here tonight after dinner. I have something to show you that I think you’d like.”

Feeling your cheeks redden, you sputtered. Meeting you late at night? Has he always been so forward? “But we aren’t even courting yet.”

Gale paused in shock as he failed to stop his smile from growing, his own ears beginning to bloom with pink. “Courting?” He repeated, voice soft and honeyed, the world pleasantly rolling off his tongue.

The feelings of mortification rushed back to you and all of a sudden you felt transparent in front of him. “I have greatly misunderstood, haven’t I?”

Blinking, he seemed to startle himself back into reality, clearing his throat. “My apologies, I hadn’t intended to imply… Not that I wouldn’t- I mean, only if you wanted- I just-” Gale stuttered, nervously cutting himself off and refusing to meet your gaze.

“I’ll be there.”

Gale’s  eyes caught yours and he took a deep breath. “I promise I’ll make it worth your time.” He gave you one last look before withdrawing from the room, leaving you alone as the door swung closed.

taglist:

@vhaldren

[pistachiotalenti]

saw this post by @bottleofchaos, decided to write something for it! idk!

~

"Golly, you two are too sweet."

It doesn't process in Dream's head, at least not at first. But then a weird silence falls onto them, the kind that's made when someone is expecting a response that hasn't come yet. George's eyes fall from Dream's face to search for the source of the voice, and Dream follows his gaze until it lands on the small, white-haired lady sitting at a table nearby.

She stares at them, eyes wrinkled, lips curled into a knowing grin. Now that they're all looking at each other, Dream understands that they've officially started a conversation with this woman. He has nothing to contribute besides a series of stuttered false starts: oh, uh, haha, uh, thanks–?

She interrupts him before he can spit out a whole thought. "So which one of you popped the question?" she asks, her smile spreading even wider, sweeter.

Dream nearly chokes. "Who– what–"

"I couldn't help but notice your rings," she says, uncurling her hand from her walker to point between them.

My rings? Dumbly, Dream looks down at his own hands, at the rings he wears with nearly every outfit. There's nothing really to notice about them today, other than that the one he usually wears on his pinky is missing–

George pulls his hand up between them, the thick silver of his borrowed ring gleaming pretty on his second-smallest finger. Dream starts to feel faint.

"Oh," he starts. "We're not– uh–"

"He did," George replies, and the shock that slams into Dream's entire body nearly throws him off his feet. He looks to George at a breakneck speed. George merely smiles up at him with that cheesy beam, the one where his cheeks pucker up into his eyes and his mouth spreads so wide that the very edges of his teeth show, the one that makes Dream so fucking happy to see up close in person—and my god. It hits Dream now that it's that exact type of exchange that makes them look so incredibly married, not just to the millions of viewers who search for moments like this, but also, apparently, to this random lady waiting for her order in Starbucks.

Satisfied, she claps her hands onto her knees and leans into George's space. "Oh, that's lovely! I'm sure you must've felt like a million bucks."

"I did," George answers, uncharacteristically sweet. Dream thinks that each word coming out his mouth feels like a punch to the face.

"And you," she continues, turning to Dream, "I bet you were really nervous, huh?"

Dream falters. He didn't ask for the spotlight on him, but now he's left to deal with it and this insane lie George has crafted for the two of them. He figures he should just be honest and tell her that this was one big misunderstanding, a big joke, but then he jumps at the invisible touch on his lower back. It's George, looking up at him with wide, inquisitive eyes and resting a hand on his waist like it's something he does all the time, or even ever.

Dream feels his entire face turn hot. This fucking asshole.

"Uh– I– yeah, I mean–" He can't think at all, not with this weird, dumb warmth lingering at the base of his spine. A small, still-coherent space in his mind flashes back to a few months ago at Twitchcon, where he had infamously held George's waist for the briefest of moments. He hadn't been so eager, hand not as solidly placed against his back the way George's hand is on him right now, but even if it had been, Dream wouldn't expect it to look (and feel) so... romantic.

Maybe it's a weird thought, but Dream feels like such a girlfriend in this moment, such a piece of arm candy, small and held and cared for, and it's so strange—yet also only so expected—to find himself in this position alongside George. It's a lot to think about. It's so much that he abandons thinking at all, and instead lets his tongue and teeth go on autopilot.

"I was, yeah. I mean, look at this guy. He's gorgeous. Of course I'd be nervous asking him to marry me!"

George lets out a sputtered laugh. The hand on Dream's back twitches, curling briefly into the fabric of his hoodie before slipping off and away. Dream would feel smug at successfully throwing George off-guard, if only he didn't miss the touch.

"Oh, shush. You're both handsome. You look great together," the lady assures with a wave of her hand. "But you know, in all honesty, looks don't matter. What really matters is how you two interact, and work together, and... and love each other, really."

It's an alarmingly heartfelt bit of advice, one that George takes with unexpected sincerity. "That's true. I mean, I... we met online, so I actually... I didn't know what he looked like for years, even while we were talking."

"Oh, wow. Really? That's... that's real commitment there. That's lovely." Awe flashes across her face. Dream catches George's eye, and by his strained smile, Dream can tell they both feel exposed in this instance, teetering on the edge of something a little too real, cutting a little too close to who they are and what they've been through together. The stranger before them knows no difference, chatting onward. "No, of course, I should've known two young men like you would've met on the Internet. What is it called, the one on your phone? Tinder, or Grindr, or..."

"Uh–! Grindr," Dream says, chuckling a bit as he falls back into the absurdity of this conversation.

"Sure! That sounds right. My grandson, Brian, bless his heart. He actually met his partner on one of those apps on the phone, and now they're engaged. Isn't that wonderful?"

Dream and George both chime in with the polite response, congratulating the woman for the exciting development in her family. Giddy, she basks in the well wishes. "It'll be first time one of my grandkids will get married. I'm so excited." Her dreamy expression off into the distance suddenly lazer focuses onto the both of them. "What are your names? I'll have to tell Brian about you two. I think it'll really please him to know that there are other young folk like him who are married and happy and thriving and..."

Dream and George exchange a precarious look. There's no way in hell they'd give their real names, lest the wrong people get the wrong idea and end up spreading rumors across the Internet about Clay and George's secret marriage. So George looks back to the woman. "My name is Nick."

Dream scoffs, just quiet enough to escape suspicion. "And I'm Karl."

"That's lovely. Thank you, boys. I hope you two live long, happy lives together!"

It's a sweet sendoff. The two wish her and her grandson the best, then they leave the Starbucks, making sure to pick up their drinks before the barista can holler out their true names in front of this woman they wholly, egregiously lied to. And for the most part, the moment is over with reality restored and all turning back to normal.

They're not married, or engaged. They're not even a couple. They're just... Dream is just...

"Idiot." It's the first thing either of them have said since stepping out into the Florida sun. Dream turns to George, who despite the mean name-calling, shakes his head and smiles along his straw like he's as fond as ever. "You're an idiot."

"What do you mean?" Dream asks coolly. It earns a bright smile from George, as he had hoped.

"Oh my god, don't even do this right now."

"What?"

"No, you're such an idiot. I can't believe you did that to that poor lady."

"Did what?" Dream laughs. "You were the one who lied to her first."

"No, I didn't lie. I was just going with it. But you were the one who straight up said you proposed to me."

"What? There's no way– you know that's not how that works. You are not gonna pretend you're innocent in this."

George smiles his little shit-eating grin. "I'm always innocent."

"Okay, now that's a lie."

George barks out a laugh, loud and wonderful and so very George that it makes Dream's chest ache a bit. And it aches more when George raises his hand again to brandish that matching silver ring, the one that brought them into this mess in the first place. George sighs wistfully.

"But really, I can't believe that actually happened. Like, after all the times we talked about someone thinking we were actually a couple?"

"It's insane."

"It's epic."

Dream snorts. "Sure."

"Next time, we should do that thing where one of us pretends to propose in a fancy restaurant so that we get free dessert or something."

Dream giggles, "Okay, that actually would be epic."

"Right? You can be the one that proposes." George waggles an eyebrow at him. "Unless my gorgeousness would make you too nervous."

With a roll of his eyes, Dream turns away and laughs. "Oh my god, shut up. You're so–"

"Or was that a lie, too?" George challenges, smirking because he already knows the answer.

"No, that– okay, no, I would– in this fantasy scenario, I would not get nervous just because you look... handsome, or whatever." It's a weird hill to die on, so Dream decides to make it weirder. "I would be super cool when I propose to you, all Chad-like."

"When?" George echoes. He's not even able to hide his surprise at the slip.

Dream flounders further. "No, oh my god, I mean 'if'. Er, I mean– I'm not proposing to you."

"Yet."

Dream rolls his eyes again, fond. "Yeah, sure, yet."

George laughs, pleased with himself. Then he shrugs. "Ah, I dunno. I guess we'll see if you get nervous then, once it actually happens."

Dream smiles behind his cup. "Idiot."

[goodluckclove]

RANDOM EXCERPT TIME

the cool thing about migration patterns is that ollie exists now, a character who's magic comes from her arfid. so i actually have an entirely new way to conceptualize food and nutrition.

as someone who struggles with disordered eating i really related to writing this sequence between her and tenzin (thanks to @godsmostfuckedupgoblin for inspiring me to set it in my real-life favorite park in portland). i'd love to see if anyone else in a similar place finds some joy in this!

it's not sad by the way it's very cute. i like ollie a lot.

By the time they finished the bag of peas was half defrosted. Ollie tore open the top and was tossing loose handfuls ahead of them, which quickly summoned more ducks than Tenzin was able to fully process.

“Touching peas like that doesn’t bother you?” Tenzin asked, watching form her corner of the bench.

“Hm? Ah. No, why?”

“You used to freak out about eating anything that popped in your mouth. That was probably one of your biggest icks.”

Ollie grinned and shook her head. “No, no. Eggs are my biggest ick. Uh, yeah – I’m not about to eat any of this trash. But it’s better for the birds than bread or crackers. And you gotta be nice to birds,” she leaned down slowly until she was far enough for a larger beige duck to snap some green bulbs from the palm of her outstretched hand. “I am growing, though, Like, as a person. Had a big win the other day.”

“Yeah?”

“Ate an olive.”

She wiped some moisture off her palms, slapping them together in a grandly dramatic fashion before leaning back against the bench and idly rubbing along the edge of her bad knee. Ollie cast Tenzin a look of bemused pride, the type of pride that was an actual sense of accomplishment masked as humor in order to deflect potential mockery.

Tenzin put the groceries back in the bag and set it on the concrete at their feet, where it was quickly inspected by their horde of hungry ducks. She turned on the bench, crossing one leg on the seat of it. “Like, a whole olive?”

“Straight out of the jar,” Ollie smirked.

“On purpose? I mean, did you know –?”

Ollie waggled her brow. “Oh, I knew. Knew the whole time.”

“Holy shit.”

That got a pleased laugh out of Ollie. She made a dismissive, joking gesture, but as the amusement faded Tenzin saw a slight flush simmering along her cheeks and the bridge of her nose.

“An olive,” it’s funny how one small act could take precedence over years of unspoken resentment. “That would’ve killed you when we were kids,” Tenzin leaned forward and lowered her voice. “How’d it happen? What’d you think afterwards?”

At first Ollie said nothing. She broadened her grin slightly, though tinging it with a hint of suspicion. Or maybe embarrassment? It was hard to tell. Finally she broke from her line of sight and snickered sheepishly at their audience of wandering ducks.

“I was in the Mess Hall,” she began. “Renja left a bottle on the counter. I saw it, and – I don’t know – something broke inside of me. I was just like fuck it and I ate one. It really isn’t –”

“Did you like it?” Tenzin cut in.

Ollie looked at her. She scoffed again. “Not really. The texture was fine, and I liked how salty it was, but it kind of tasted like blood.”

Tenzin stared at her friend. Her curls were well maintained. There were strands of silver that now stood out among the occasional ringlet of chestnut brown. She had smile lines starting to form in the corners of her mouth. Because she smiled a lot. Ollie always smiled a lot.

“You ate an olive,” Tenzin whispered in astonishment.

Ollie looked like she was going to laugh, but didn’t. She locked eyes again with Tenzin, searching her face, seeing something in Tenzin the same way she saw something in Ollie. When she smiled again it was surprisingly gentle.

“I ate an olive,” Ollie murmured proudly.

[a-heart-attack-ow]

The Arrangement. Part Eleven

Part Ten

Part Eleven:

It all happened so fast. 

Too fast to process.

The funerals, the press, Colby’s new position within the family estate. In a matter of weeks, everything as we knew it had changed and neither of us had time to really understand it. Colby’s new position was being treated with the utmost thought and with as much media attention as possible. Everyone treated him like a king ascending his throne and in a way he was. It was only when he became the new CEO that I understood the level of attention we were going to be under. Suddenly photographers were stationed outside of our estate, lenses poking through the gate at all hours. Colby hired his associates as bodyguards to watch over us, but more specifically me. What had happened to his parents had rattled him to his core and he’d been more desperate to keep me safe. 

Treating me like glass that’s about to shatter.

Now, at 18 weeks pregnant, my bump had popped enough to be nearly impossible to hide. I had lost so much weight since entering into my arranged marriage and now it was shifted to my stomach. I place my hands on my stomach and breathe a deep sigh as I look out the window of our living room. My eyes focus on the hedge maze I’d walked through weeks ago, my eyes filling with tears at the memory of what I’d witnessed. I jump when I hear the loud pop of a cork being pulled out of a wine bottle. 

The memory of what happened had left me rattled too.

I should be happy my in-laws are gone, but I’m not. I never wanted anyone to get hurt. I just wanted people to be good to one another. I just wanted to operate on kindness and make the world a better place. 

“Emilia?”

Sam’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts and brings me back to the present. I look at him as he fills his glass of wine. He’d noticed the way I jumped at the popping sound, his face sympathetic. I try to smile back at him, but I know it's not believable. I look at the stack of papers on our coffee table and remember that he and I had been planning the next event I was going to attend. 

“I’m sorry Sam. I spaced out for a minute.”

My voice sounds rough, my throat burning as I attempt to not cry. My emotions had been out of whack for a multitude of reasons and I knew he understood. Sam nods and hands me a bottle of water before sitting on the couch across from me. I look at the stacks of paper and breathe a deep sigh. I didn’t want to do this right now.

But I had to.

“We can do this another time Emilia. Colby will be home any second anyway and I doubt he’ll want to spend his time with you stressing about appearances.”

My eyes move to the clock hanging on the wall behind Sam, noting that it’s quarter to five. Colby’s new position gave him new hours that I hadn’t adjusted to. Before we were together nearly all of the time and now he was out of the house by 7:30 and back home by 5:00. I nod wordlessly as I stand up from the chair quickly, ready to go into the kitchen and cook something, but when I do I feel a little dizzy. 

My knees start to buckle, but Sam is quick to catch me in his arms. The moment he does we freeze, his eyes locking with mine for a moment. I see something flicker in his eyes as he takes a second to look down at my lips before meeting my gaze once more. As we look at each other I think of the last conversation I had with  my mother-in-law;

“Ever since they were children, the boys shared everything. I wouldn’t be surprised if they shared you too.” 

Unease washes over me as I laugh uncomfortably. Pulling back a little. 

“Thank you Sam, I stood up too quickly.”

I explain myself, but he looks at me with the same desire unwavering. He places a hand on the side of my face and sighs. Under his gaze I feel my breathing hitch. Neither of us speaks as he moves in closer, his lips nearing mine. For a moment I freeze, unsure of what to do, but he stops himself. 

Just as his lips graze mine.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding and took a step back. I hadn’t kissed him back, but I still felt like I’d done something wrong. 

“Sam…”

I whisper, my eyes wide as he licks his lips. It’s taking everything inside of him to control himself. But I decided to move back once more, not in the mood to tempt him further. 

“... Please don’t start this. I love Colby.”

He nods, contemplating my words before sighing. 

“I know you do, but there’s something here. Between the two of us and I know you can feel it too. I saw it in your eyes just now. Don’t act like this is all one sided.” 

He speaks calmly, but I’m completely unnerved. I did find Sam attractive and I did have a connection with him. But I knew who I was in love with and I wasn’t going to mess that up. 

“Please. I can’t do this Sam.”

My voice is a warning, my hands up in defense as I take a step around him. I don’t look back as I do this, keeping my eyes forward even though I know he’s following me. He takes my hand in his as we reach the entrance way by the front door and he spins me to face him. When he does he gives me a look of apology. I can tell that he wants to say sorry but when he goes to speak the front door opens. As it does I pull my hand from his and shoot him a look that tells him to back off. 

I turn my attention to the front door and meet the pale blue eyes of my husband, who looks between the two of us with suspicion. His eyes fixate on his brother, before narrowing. I know he wants to say something, but he doesn’t. He clenches his jaw for a moment before turning his attention back to me. Whatever suspicion he has subsides when he sees the look on my face. A silent plea for him to know that nothing has happened.

Because nothing happened.

 He sighs before speaking, trying to emulate whatever mood he’d been in before opening the door. Turning slightly, he reveals someone behind him and my heart stops. Standing behind Colby is the man I gave up my life for. The only reason I agreed to marry into the Brock family madness. 

My Father.

He stands behind Colby, slightly shorter and so much skinnier than the last time I’d seen him. Wherever my in-laws had kept my father they hadn’t treated him well. He stood before me, rail thin and graying at the crown of his head. He’d grown a beard and looked dirty. My eyes move over him, memorizing every single detail about my father. 

As if I was seeing him for the first time. 

I noted how he looked at me with equal awe. Compared to him, I was much better off. Standing before him in my designer maternity clothing, sporting not one, but three of the diamond rings my husband had given me. I probably looked like a doll to him, all done up and pretty thanks to Kris and Celina. Nothing like the poor college kid I’d been over a year ago. 

“Dad?” Is all I can say in shock before being unable to stop myself from crying. I ignore both Sam and Colby as I practically run into my father’s arms. He wraps me in an embrace and starts sobbing as hard as I am. For a moment we hold each other as tightly as we can. Almost like we’re afraid we’ll be split apart if we don’t hold onto each other for dear life. After a few minutes, he pulls back to look at me and smiles.

“Are you okay lia?”

He asks using my nickname, the one I used as a child when I couldn’t pronounce my full name yet. Apparently Emilia was a hard name for me to say at two years old. I nod looking back at him, sad that he’s asking about me when he looked so rough. I look at his left ear and feel my blood run cold. 

It was missing.

I think a part of me wanted to believe that my in-laws hadn’t actually hurt my father. That somehow the severed ear in the mail had been fake. After all, I hadn’t seen the ear myself, but I now realized that it wasn’t fake. Here he stood, without an ear because I’d spoken too much at dinner. 

Maybe it was for the best that they were gone.

I try not to let the thought overtake me. Something that is greatly helped when my father looks down at my stomach. Shock overtakes him for a moment as he realizes that his baby is having a baby. For a moment, I don’t know if he’s going to be angry that the son of the family he’d stolen money from and tortured him had knocked up his daughter, but he appears to be overjoyed as he gives me another firm hug. 

“Oh lia, you’re going to be the best mom.”

He mumbles against my head as he gives me a kiss in the same place. It felt so nice to have him here with me, but a part of me was worried that this was too good to be true. This time when I pull back to look at my father, I glance over at my husband. Colby looks back at me with a big smile on his face, a look that calms any worry I’d felt. 

“Thank you.”

I say shakily, my eyes still watering. Colby nods, giving me a light pat on the back. He studies me for only a moment before looking at my father. 

“You’re going to stay here. Until the house next door has been remodeled to your liking. Once that happens you’re more than welcome to come visit whenever you want. I’ve created a position for you within the family business and I’m going to make sure you want for nothing sir…” Colby pauses looking from my father to me. It’s then he looks at me, with the sweetest expression he’d ever given me. A look that makes me want to melt onto the floor. A look I’d always dreamed of getting from him. Right now I was in awe of his kindness and what I knew it would mean for my father.

For the life he’d been living before this.

“... Because of you, I’m married to the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. And I know that nothing I do can ever make up for what my family did to you. But I want to try because you raised Emilia to be who she is today and I’m beyond lucky to call her my wife.”

My father looks at Colby with gratitude. He doesn’t know what to say to that, but I can tell by the way that he looks from my husband to me that he approves of our union. 

Even if how we got here wasn’t ideal.

At this moment, everything feels perfect and’m thankful beyond words. At this moment, I feel like my life has some semblence of normalcy. 

–

I finished catching up with my father at around 10:00 before I decided it was time for me to head to bed. Colby had headed upstairs a few hours earlier so my father and I could catch up. Something I greatly appreciated. It had been so long since I spoke with my father and we had so much to catch up on. So much that I knew tonight alone wouldn’t be enough time to cover it all. I find myself smiling as I open my bedroom door and tuck myself inside. Once inside I find my shirtless husband sitting at his writing desk, his face focused on a document as he holds his glass of whiskey in his right hand. He looks up at me as I walk further into our room. 

“Thank you Colby. I don’t know how I’m ever going to repay you for what you did.”

He smiles at my words, placing his glass down on the desk. 

“You don’t have to repay me. He didn’t deserve what happened to him. I would’ve had him to you sooner, but I had to find where my parents had hidden him…”

He pauses, shaking his head as he mentally recalls the process. I couldn’t imagine what he’d gone through over the past two weeks. Losing his parents and then taking over the family business had taken a toll on him. Not only that, but I knew that he was now aware of all of the shit his family had done. Now that he had access to everything, he knew all their dirty secrets and I couldn’t imagine what that was like for him. 

“... Anyway, it’s nice to have him here and to see you so happy.” 

When he speaks I know there’s something he’s not telling me, but I know that it’s probably work related and I didn’t want to take that on if he wasn’t comfortable. Instead, I join him over at his desk, but feel my heart stop when I see what he’s looking at. He doesn’t speak as he leans back in the chair, allowing me better access to see what he’s been studying. I feel his hand take mine in his, as he looks at the wedding rings I’m wearing. On his desk is a photograph of Sam and I, from earlier. 

When Sam’s lips had ghosted along mine for a moment. 

From this angle it looks like we are kissing, my body in his as he’d held me up after I’d almost fallen. The photograph doesn’t show that I didn’t kiss him back. It doesn’t show that I’d moved away from Sam before anything could happen. The photograph doesn’t catch me telling him not to do this because I loved Colby. No, the photograph looks like I’m kissing Sam willingly. Like we’re two lovers stealing a moment while my husband is away at work. I don’t speak as Colby guides me to sit in his lap, his lips on my neck.

“My whole life I’ve had to share with Sam…”

He starts, his lips gently sucking my neck. My eyes flutter closed as I lean my head back, giving him better access to my neck. An action that makes him hum in amusement. 

“... Do I have to share you too?”

My heart is beating in my chest, so loud that I’m sure he can hear it. I feel my breathing gets uneven as he lightly moves his hands along my arms. Chills are left in the wake of his fingertips and I can’t think straight as he continues to suck the same spot. 

“This picture isn’t what it looks like.”

I attempt to explain myself, but when I do the gentle sucking ceases and is replaced by a playful bite from his teeth. A bite that tells me to stop talking. 

“Corey took the picture while he was patrolling the grounds. Told me all about how you pushed Sam away. Told me that Sam didn’t seem to want to listen, but did because you weren’t interested.”

I mentally thank Corey for seeing the whole situation and giving context because it really wasn’t what it seemed to be in that photograph. But the photograph didn’t seem to catch that brief moment before Sam tried to kiss me. That brief moment where we stared at each other and tension built. 

“Are you angry?”

I whimper as his fingers move to the back of my dress, slowly unzipping the back of it. The air touching my back is cool and sends a shiver up my spine as his lips move to my spine. Soft kisses go up my spine, slowly as he tugs the dress sleeves off of my arms. Once that’s done, he pulls the front of my dress down, exposing my bare chest. The cool air causes my nipples to harden, something he uses to his advantage as his hands reach around me, his fingertips slowly toying with them. As he starts toying with my nipples, a needy breath escapes me. A faint pant that escapes me as I lean into his touch, my body falling back to lean against him. He uses this as a chance to focus his attention back on my neck. Resuming the sweet, sensual assault on my neck. 

“Should I be?”

He asks, his voice rough like gravel. The sound alone makes me moan, earning another chuckle from Colby. He moves his lips from my neck and stares at me as I glance over my shoulder. Once our eyes meet and he sees how hot and bothered I am, he bites down on his bottom lip. Quietly contemplating what he wants to do with me next. 

While I wait patiently to see what happens next.  

The tension building between the both of us is so thick that I feel like I could cut it like a knife. The look of mischief in his eyes tells me that he’s enjoying the buildup between the two of us. 

“I’m yours. Only yours. I don’t want you to share me with anyone else.” 

My words are muffled by the sensation of his lips on mine. His lips don’t break away from mine as he turns me to face him, my chest against his. The kiss is intoxicating, our skin on fire as we remain locked together. It didn’t matter how many times we ended up like this, because every time only made me want him more. I meant what I said. I didn’t want him to share me with his brother, he was the only person I wanted and I was frustrated with Sam’s actions making him feel otherwise. 

In need of air, I break the kiss and stare at Colby. Both of us are out of breath as we study each other closely. 

“Can we hire someone else to help with PR so Sam isn’t the one I’m working with? I think it would be better to get more space. I’m not saying he has to go away, but it would be better for us to spend less time alone. I don’t want him to continue getting the wrong idea.”

Throughout the duration of our marriage I’d asked for very little from my husband. For the most part, I did as was expected and didn’t complain. But I knew this was something I needed. I didn’t want Sam to go, but I couldn’t play this game with him. Colby was my husband and I didn’t want to give Sam the wrong idea. 

Even if I felt that flicker he said he saw in my eyes. 

As much as I didn’t want to believe it. 

I wasn’t going to love Sam the way that he wanted and he needed to get that. I knew that any flicker of feelings I had formed were just because he was the person I spent all of my time with when Colby was away. When Colby and I had our rough seven month patch of distance. It wasn’t anything more and he needed to know that. Colby looks at me closely as if he can read my thoughts, a look of understanding washes over him.

“I already took the liberty of hiring someone new. She’ll start tomorrow and I know you’ll love her.”

I nod and breathe a sigh of relief. Someone new would be best and I hoped Sam would understand. 

“What’s her name?” 

I ask, Colby’s eyes move the mark he’d formed on my neck. He lightly brushes his thumb over the mark, the tender bruise a satisfying ache. A smirk plays on his lips when he notices how I lean into his touch, despite the ache. 

Fucking Masochist.

“Katrina. She’s an ex of Sam’s. I think she will do a good job of distracting Sam. That way he stops looking at my wife.” 

The latter part of his sentence sounds possessive and the sound alone causes a chill to move up my spine. Normally possessive men were a turn off, but it was different with Colby. He wasn’t controlling, he just wanted me and only me. Just like I wanted him and only him.

In quiet hesitance I wrap my arms around his shoulders and pull him in against me, my lips returning to his. His hands find my lower back, holding me against him as I deepen the kiss. Neither of us speaks as we continue kissing, pausing occasionally to catch our breaths before resuming. 

I feel the chills move up my spine as his fingertips rubs circles on my thighs, his lips leaving mine. We stare at each other as his eyes search mine. 

“I’ve been thinking about you, me, and Nellie…” He pauses, smiling sweetly to himself when he mentions the nickname he’s just created for our daughter.

“... I want us to move out of this house. I want us to start over and have a home that hasn’t been tainted by what’s happened with my parents. I want to move somewhere safer and in a home that we’ve built together. You and I can design it and make it our own. I just want Nellie to grow up in a house that’s actually a home, not just the calculated shell we’ve been living in.”

I study my husband closely, noting how distant his eyes look when he says this. The same look he seemed to get whenever he talked about his parents. His own internal struggle of feeling sad about the loss of two people who’d never treated him the way he deserved to be treated.

“I think that sounds really nice.” 

He nods in response, his eyes moving from mine and down to my exposed chest. He bites down on the bottom of his lip, his fingers resuming the small circles on my thighs. The heat of the moment hadn’t passed, but what I really needed from him wasn’t sex. I just wanted him in our bed and to just cuddle. Seeming to read my mind, he lifts me up into his arms and carries me to our bed. Pulling back the blankets, he lays me in the bed before joining me himself. Tucking us in, he plays with my hair and looks down at me as he starts to hum a song I’d never heard before. I feel my eyes get heavy within moments, peace overtaking me. The man laying next to me was my whole world and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. 

I think about how much I love Colby as I feel his other hand rest ontop of my baby bump. 

“I can’t wait to meet her Emilia...”

He rasps, as my eyes get heavier. My body drifting off in an exhaustion I hadn’t realized I’d been feeling. The last thing he whispers before I lose consciousness brings me such a sense of bliss that I fall asleep smiling. 

“... She’s going to be perfect. Just like you. I’ll never let anyone hurt her the way I was. I promise.”

[steddieas-shegoes]

this place is such great motivation for anyone trying to move the fuck away from hibernation

chapter 6: spend the rest of my life with what could have been rated e | start at the beginning on AO3 Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5

🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰

The next few days with Steve went by too quickly for Eddie to even process everything he was feeling.

Steve had other plans while he was there and Eddie still had to work, so they didn’t spend all their time together despite how badly they both wanted to. Life felt normal, but with an undercurrent of incoming change.

Every moment they had together was cherished, though. Mia hogged quite a bit of Steve’s attention, but Steve didn’t seem to mind. He was constantly enthralled by her, sitting on the floor to play with whatever toy she wanted, singing and dancing along to her favorite songs, keeping her busy while Eddie made dinner or a bottle for her.

Eddie watched as Mia stole Steve’s heart as much as Steve had stolen theirs.

On the day Steve left, Mia woke up cranky, almost like she knew that it wouldn’t be a good day.

She immediately started asking for “Mama”, and Eddie was doing his best not to cry about how little time they would have before Steve had to go back home.

He was having breakfast with the Hendersons and Max, then stopping to say bye to the Sinclairs and Wheelers before making his way over. Eddie had arranged for the morning off, agreeing to close up to make up for his late arrival.

Mia wouldn’t let Eddie set her down in her chair or on her mat, and he’d barely slept the night before, and he was trying to stay calm and not panic about Steve leaving again.

This time was different, he had to keep reminding himself of that.

When Steve finally showed up, Eddie immediately handed Mia to him and sat down on the couch, head in his hands.

He felt the couch sink next to him and listened to Steve whispering to Mia.

“What did you do to him, princess? It’s only 10:30 in the morning and he looks like he wants to go to bed.” Steve’s hand fell on his knee, squeezing once in silent comfort. “You alright, baby?”

Eddie nodded, and he already knew Steve wouldn’t believe him, but he didn’t really feel like going into everything now and ruining their last few minutes together for a while.

“Sorry, sweetheart.” Eddie looked up and over to where Mia was curled against Steve’s chest, her face buried against his neck. He felt a sting behind his eyes as he fought tears.

How was he supposed to do this? Sure, things were different this time and eventually, he’d be with Steve again. But right now, that felt too far away.

“It’s just a month and then we’ll see each other again, right? We can do a month,” Steve said softly, rubbing his hand across Eddie’s leg. “And then soon enough you both will get to be with me all the time.”

“Yeah,” Eddie took a deep breath. “I wish it could be now.”

“I know, love. I know.”

They stared at each other for a moment before Mia let out a small snore and disrupted them.

“Is she asleep?” Steve whispered, eyes wide. “How?”

“Neither of us slept great last night and we both got up earlier than we should’ve,” Eddie shrugged, placing his hand on Steve’s.

“Is it the teething again?” Steve kissed the side of her head. “I thought that got better once the tooth popped through the gums.”

“I think we both just don’t want you to go.”

The tears Eddie fought all morning finally fell, comfort in knowing Mia was asleep and wouldn’t see the only reason he decided to let it happen. He knew it would probably happen again tonight when she was in bed, and he was in bed wishing Steve was in his arms.

“Oh, baby,” Steve sighed, pulling Eddie against his side so he could rest his head on his the shoulder not occupied by Mia. “If I could bring you both with me right now, I would. I’d pack your bags myself.”

“Maybe I could talk to Rick, see if he needs anything sold. If I get some extra income-“

“Absolutely not.” Steve’s tone was harsh, but his hand on Eddie’s shoulder was still light, thumb tracing along his shirt. “What would happen to Mia if you got caught? Hopper doesn’t have the pull needed to get you off a felony drug charge.”

“I know. I wouldn’t do it,” Eddie didn’t even know why he suggested it. Wayne would kill him, and there was way too much of a chance that he would get caught and he couldn’t do that to Mia. “I just don’t wanna be without you.”

“It’s just for a bit, right? You’re gonna visit soon enough and then you’re gonna make the move soon after that.” Steve kissed the top of his head. “And we’ll talk on the phone so much, you may get sick of me.”

“I doubt that,” Eddie pouted.

“Are you pouting? Oh my god, you’re pouting!” Steve tried to hide his laugh, but ended up letting out a strangled noise that made Mia squirm against him. “I don’t even have to see your face to know it looks exactly like Mia did last night when you tried to give her the green bean baby food instead of the carrot.”

“Shut up, that’s not what I look like.”

Steve nudged him off of his shoulder and looked down at him. “Uh huh. Just as I suspected. Adorable.”

Eddie rolled his eyes, but smiled, didn’t want to tarnish their last few minutes with a bad attitude.

“I’m gonna go set her in her crib and be right back.”

Eddie nodded and watched Steve slowly get up and walk towards their bedroom. He could hear him whispering, but Mia didn’t wake up, content in Steve’s arms.

When she woke up, she’d be a nightmare. Hopefully, Wayne wouldn’t hate him too much for it.

Steve was wiping his eyes when he came back, not looking at Eddie as he straddled his lap and wrapped his arms around his neck. He let out a shaky breath.

“I don’t wanna leave,” Steve whispered against his neck. “Wanna stay right here in your lap and kiss you whenever I want.”

“What about my job?” Eddie smiled to himself, full of sadness, but trying his best to stay strong for just a little longer. “Mia’s diapers won’t pay for themselves.”

“I dunno, maybe we could potty train her.”

“From the couch? At her age?” Eddie laughed. “I love you.”

Steve pulled back and looked at Eddie. “I love you, too. I’m waiting for you. Don’t get in your head, okay? Promise me.”

Steve knew him well. He’d already been in his head enough, and once he was alone, he knew he’d be back in it, spiraling about how much he missed Steve and how much Steve probably didn’t miss him.

“I’m gonna miss you,” Steve said fiercely, as if Eddie’d spoken the last part out loud. “It’s gonna be awful not having you with me. But I’m gonna focus on the endgame. I’m gonna get Mia’s room ready and look for open positions you can take nearby and start babyproofing the apartment. Robin already bought stuff for the cabinets because apparently our apartment is a death trap to a baby.”

“Robin said that?” Eddie had to admit, it was weird thinking about Robin panicking about his child. She really wasn’t the motherly type, and he didn’t think she’d be super chill about having them in her home.

“She’s actually pretty excited. She said she’s never changing a diaper, though.”

Eddie barked out a laugh. “I wouldn’t have expected her to. That’ll be your job.”

He expected Steve to laugh it off, maybe joke about changing his mind. He didn’t expect him to smile fondly and nod.

“Yeah, that can be my job. Whatever you want me to do, I’m happy to do. I’m in it for the good and the not as good.”

Eddie let out a sob. “You’re ridiculous.”

It was soft, endeared.

So was the look Steve gave him in return.

“I wanna be there for both of you, whatever you need, or want. I’ll do it.” Steve kissed him softly. “I’ll always do it.”

Their lips met again, this time harder, a physical reminder that the clock was ticking and Steve had to go. Eddie let himself cry, felt Steve’s tears mix with his as they tried to devour each other, neither wanting to separate for anything, not even breaths.

Eddie couldn’t let him go, couldn’t watch him walk out the door. He knew it was cowardly, but he needed Steve to be strong for them both and be the first to step away.

Luckily, Steve did.

He pulled away, but kept his eyes closed and ran his hands down Eddie’s arms. “If I don’t look at you, it won’t hurt so much, right?”

Eddie huffed, unsure if he was actually laughing or just holding back another sob. “I don’t know, I kinda wanna look at you every possible second.”

Steve’s eyes opened at that, tears pooling and making his eyes that much prettier. “I have to go.”

“I know, sweetheart.”

“But you know it’s not like last time.”

“I know.”

“And you know I love you and I love Mia and I’m not abandoning you and I will call you as soon as I’m home and probably every day for the next month.”

Eddie smiled, nodded. “I know.”

Steve leaned in, kissed the corner of his mouth, smiled against his skin. “Gonna miss you every second.”

Eddie closed his eyes and nodded. “Already miss you.”

Steve backed away.

He was being strong for them both, had to be. Eddie wasn’t gonna be able to push him out the door.

He opened the door and Eddie pretended not to see the tears falling, pretended the sob he heard come from Steve was just a laugh that got caught in his throat.

Eddie’s vision blurred as Steve stepped out of the doorway.

“Steve?”

Steve froze and turned fully towards him. “Yeah, baby?”

“It’s just for a little bit.”

“I know.”

“I love you. Mia loves you.”

“I know.”

“Be safe driving home.”

“You’re my home.”

Eddie snorted. “That was cheesy. Call me when you can so I know you’re okay.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“Love you.”

Steve closed the door and Eddie dropped to the couch, letting out another sob.

He listened as Steve’s car started and idled for a minute, then two. A part of Eddie wanted him to shut his car off and come running back inside, tell him that he wouldn’t leave without them and they’d figure it out. Eddie would pack their things and he’d follow Steve back to his apartment, Mia babbling in the backseat. He’d find a job immediately and everything would be perfect.

But the reality sunk in as he heard Steve’s car backing out of the gravel drive. He had to have a real plan, one that kept him and Mia safe and fed and cared for, one that he wouldn’t regret going through with.

He stood up, wiped his eyes, and got ready for work.

- - - - - - -

Steve called. Of course, he called.

He called almost the moment he got through his own door, which was conveniently when Mia had realized that he wasn’t coming over.

She was too young to understand why she could hear him but not see him, but it was better than nothing.

He called every night at roughly the same time, managed to work it out that he could take his 15 minute breaks at work at roughly that time when he had a shift. He’d apparently told his boss all about Eddie and Mia, all about their plans, and his boss was very happy for them.

They had to fit a lot in in such a short call, and Steve always wanted to reserve at least a couple minutes for Mia, telling her silly stories and trying to have a conversation with someone who couldn’t say anything except “mama” and make babbling noises. Eddie found it endearing as hell and wouldn’t dream of interrupting them.

Every couple of nights, Steve would call Eddie when he got home from his shift, after Mia was in bed and Wayne was either asleep or at work.

Eddie would pull the phone into the bathroom, keeping the door cracked so it wouldn’t damage the cord. He would usually try to whisper whatever filthy words he could while Steve stripped his cock and whimpered into the phone. Sometimes it didn’t take much, sometimes Steve begged him to take it slow. Eddie’s hand always found its way to his own cock on those nights, savoring every whine and moan Steve let out as Eddie talked about everything he’d do when he got his hands on Steve.

Wayne caught on after a few times, giving him a gentle reminder that the noise from the bathroom carries directly across the hall to his room and he’d just appreciate a heads up when he’s gonna be having certain discussions with Steve. Eddie blushed, nodded, let him know he’d try to keep it to the nights he was working, apologized for anything he might have heard.

He put in for a few days off to visit Steve, started preparing for what he’d need to bring for himself and Mia. He figured it might make things feel more real if he brought a few boxes full of things in preparation for the move. Wayne agreed and brought home a few boxes from the plant so he could figure out what he could do without having here for a bit.

The time passed faster than he expected it to.

Mia kept him busy, work kept him busy, and trying to figure out his and Mia’s entire future kept him very close to a crisis.

Sooner than he realized, he was shoving boxes and borrowed luggage into his van and getting ready for his drive to visit Steve.

Wayne was getting Mia changed and saying his goodbyes, insisting on giving her a talk about being on her best behavior and enjoying the big city.

Eddie knew he just wanted to try to hide any tears from him.

“All packed and ready!” Eddie called out as he entered the trailer.

“Mia’s ready to go,” Wayne said as he came around the corner holding her. She was dressed in an outfit Steve sent last week, a onesie with guitars all over it he found at a record shop not far from where he worked. It was a little big, but bigger was better when it came to baby clothes. Mia outgrew everything so quickly, he was tempted to just keep her in diapers until her growing slowed a bit. “Did you already grab her bag?”

“In the front seat.”

“And the box of diapers I left on the porch?”

“In the back.”

“You grabbed the extra formula too?”

“Wayne.” Eddie smiled at him. “I got it.”

“I know you do.” Wayne sighed and kissed Mia’s head before handing her over to him. “Just not used to you not being right here.”

“I know. We’ll be fine though, won’t we, princess? Gonna have so much fun with Mama.”

Eddie had started referring to Steve as Mama to Mia, mostly because she was so insistent on calling him that. Also, it made Steve stutter and probably blush a bright red.

“You be safe. Say hi to Steve for me,” Wayne hugged him, his fingers squeezing his shoulder tight.

“We’ll call when we get in so you know we’re safe.”

“I’ll be waitin’.”

Eddie knew he wasn’t kidding; He’d probably be sitting right by the phone all morning waiting for the call.

“You know, you could maybe invite Hop over or something to keep you busy. He’s been bored with Joyce gone to visit Jonathan. Play cards or whatever it is you old folks do in your spare time,” Eddie gave him a teasing smile, a wink, and turned to leave.

Wayne grumbled something under his breath, but Eddie left it. He wanted to get on the road.

Steve was waiting for them.

- - - - - - -

Steve had warned him that parking would probably not be an easy task when he arrived, but he hadn’t expected this.

He’d been to Chicago and Indy plenty of times in the van to know it wasn’t the easiest fit along the sides of the street, but it was always manageable. Not today.

This was the first sign.

When he finally managed to find a parking spot almost at the end of the street, he decided to leave everything except the diaper bag for now, and hopefully a spot closer to the apartment would open up later so that he could bring up the boxes and luggage.

He got Mia out of her car seat, shouldered the diaper bag, and locked up the van.

Her eyes were wide as she took in their surroundings, people walking along the sidewalk, taller buildings than she’d ever seen on both sides of them, cars honking as they drove by.

He could hear children yelling in the distance, maybe a few blocks over, and someone was dumping trash in a dumpster in the alley directly across from them.

It was damn near overstimulating for him, and he was slightly worried that it would be too much for Mia, especially after napping for most of the drive.

She let out a giggle, and then babbled while smacking her hand against his shoulder.

“Oh? You like all the noise and people? Look, that man is wearing a red coat. You see his red coat?” Eddie read once that pointing out obvious things for babies helped them understand the world better, so he made it a point to do so when they went out. Even back in Hawkins, he always made sure to point out colors and shapes, pointed to simple words on boxes, and animals when they passed them in the car. “I bet he’s nice and warm in that thing.”

Mia kept babbling as Eddie walked up the street, a bit more nervous about the amount of people walking around than he expected to be.

If it were just him, he wouldn’t mind, probably wouldn’t even notice.

But with Mia so vulnerable in his arms, all he could think about was every worse case scenario.

Before he could spiral too much, Robin yelled out to him.

“Eddie!”

“Robin!” He walked faster to close the short distance to the building she was standing in front of. “Mia, look it’s Robin!”

Mia stopped babbling and took in Robin, who seemed very nervous to be in the presence of a baby, and maybe a little nervous to be in the presence of Eddie.

“Hi, Mia.” Robin waved, which was better than what Steve said she would do: offer a handshake. “You’re actually super cute.”

Eddie snorted. “Don’t inflate her ego too much, Robbie. Steve already spends too much time hyping her up. She’s gonna actually think she’s a princess soon.”

“Wait until she sees her room,” Robin muttered, probably trying to be quiet enough for Eddie not to hear her but failing. “Steve is gonna be back any minute. He forgot to grab something at the store and had to make a quick trip. I can let you guys in, but I have to run to class.”

Eddie nodded. If he didn’t know that Robin was just a fast-paced, rambly type of person, he’d think she was trying to avoid him.

She led them through the front door - unlocked, a sinking feeling settling in Eddie’s gut - and up two flights of stairs.

“It feels like a haul at first, but it gets a lot easier going up and down,” she said as she unlocked the door to their apartment. “It’s the only real exercise I get.”

When the door opened, Eddie’s eyes zeroed in on his worst nightmare since having Mia: a balcony.

He couldn’t explain it, it’s not like he was ever anywhere that would have one, but even just the thought of her falling off the porch would send him into a panic attack. It’s just the thought of Mia falling from something, getting hurt or dying because he took his eyes off of her for one second, he couldn’t handle it.

He immediately felt his breath leave his body, his chest heaved trying to catch it, and his legs went numb. The couch was close, so he sat down, holding Mia close to him so she couldn’t possibly crawl away.

Robin didn’t notice at first, made a comment about making himself at home while she grabbed something from her room.

“Eddie?” She was standing in front of him, worried eyes searching his face while her hands hovered near Mia like she would take her if he needed. Maybe she would. Maybe she was that worried. “What’s wrong?”

“I didn’t know there was a balcony,” Eddie whispered, surprised he even had a voice at all with how terrified he was.

“Um, yeah. We don’t really use it, and it stays locked if we aren’t on it, but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy some fresh air.” She still had her hands hovering, ready to hold Mia or comfort Eddie, maybe both. “It’s locked right now, do you wanna check?”

God, Steve really lucked out with Robin Buckley, didn’t he?

He nodded and handed Mia over to her. If he wasn’t so panicked, he probably would have laughed at the looks on their faces: Robin petrified and Mia silently judging.

He walked over to see the lock in place, pushed down and pulled up on it as hard as he could, pushed against the glass to make sure it wouldn’t collapse, and sighed.

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

His heart rate was slowing down, he was able to see more of his surroundings without a haze.

“Yeah. Sorry. I just worry.”

Robin nodded, like she understood, but she probably was just humoring him. “I get it. We’ll keep it locked while you’re here, okay?”

“Yeah. Okay.”

She smiled reassuringly, and he took Mia back before things could get awkward. Mia seemed grateful, tucking her head into Eddie’s neck and curling her fists into his shirt.

“You okay if I go? I can wait if not. Being late for class wouldn’t even phase my professor. Pretty sure she’s extremely high all the time.” Robin covered her mouth. “Sorry, should I not say that stuff?”

Eddie snorted. “She’s too young for it to matter yet, it’s fine. But I’m okay. Get to class!”

“You’re awful good at that.”

“I heard it enough,” Eddie shrugged.

Mia sighed against him, like she was sick of what was happening. She remained quiet though, surprisingly shy.

“Okay, I’m heading out, then. Bye Mia!” Robin waved and booked it out the door.

Eddie sighed. “Well, princess, should we look around? Get to know the place?”

Mia moved her head back to look at him, but didn’t babble or do anything else to acknowledge him.

He decided to do it anyway, figured she would probably become more interested the more they looked around.

The shared space was small, similar to the trailer in everything being more open. The living room was basically a couch, coffee table, and small television with a table next to it for a VHS player and a record player. The VHS tapes and records were piled up next to the table.

Eddie gulped. Mia would knock those over within seconds if he set her down and turned away from her.

That was just a small thing though, they could move them to a place she couldn’t reach.

He turned and saw the dining area, smiling to himself over the highchair that was sitting in the corner, clearly used but sparkling clean like someone had scrubbed it with every cleaning product sold on shelves. The kitchen was a little cluttered, but clean, and all of the sharp objects were put away in cabinets or high enough that there was no way Mia could reach them. He tried to open the cabinet under the sink and was met with a child safety lock and the same happened when he tried to open the cabinet next to the fridge.

He let out a breath.

This would be okay. They’d clearly thought of some things and maybe just needed Eddie to figure out the other stuff. That was one of the reasons he was here, right? To find what they would need to make this work.

He opened the fridge and saw tons of Mia’s favorite fruits and vegetables. The cabinet by the fridge had a can of her formula and some of her favorite baby food flavors, along with the rice snacks and Cheerios she liked to snack on while Eddie made dinner.

Steve had clearly thought of so much, he couldn’t really blame him for forgetting about stuff that seemed relatively harmless on the floor.

He bounced Mia in his arms as he walked down the hall, passing by the first door on the left. He had no interest in going in Robin’s room, even though he was a little curious.

Maybe later.

The next door on the left was the bathroom, and Eddie was pretty sure he was gonna cry. The cabinets had the same child safety lock on them, and the toilet lid has a special latch that would require two hands to unlock it. The baby shampoo and soap that Mia used was on the side of the tub, as well as a few bath toys. There was a toothbrush for Eddie on the sink, and hair ties on a hook hanging by the basket with a hairbrush and hairspray.

There was a note on the mirror that he knew wasn’t for him, but he couldn’t help reading.

Pick up bows for Mia Crib liner? Might not need Batteries for baby moniter

Eddie sniffled, not realizing that tears had come to his eyes while reading the note.

“He loves you so much, princess.” Eddie knew Steve was giving this everything he had, and couldn’t imagine how much money he’d spent to try to make this perfect and feel like home for them. “We’re lucky.”

He heard a door close downstairs, but assumed it was just a neighbor, so he walked across the hall into what was going to be Mia’s room.

He let out a gasp at how perfect it was.

The crib was white with light pink sheets and a hand-crocheted blanket in the corner, a small stuffed rabbit in another. The wall behind the crib was painted with a mural of a castle, a dragon flying in the sky, a princess painted in front of the castle with dark curls and a bright smile. There was a rocking chair next to the crib, and a changing table across the room. He opened the top drawer to find plenty of diapers and wipes, diaper cream, and a few pairs of socks and plain onesies. The next drawer down had some more onesies, but colorful and many with cute patterns. The bottom drawer had shorts, pants, and overalls, and what looked like a couple of dresses.

There was a small bookcase, possibly even built from scraps of wood by Steve himself, in a corner, filled with a few cardboard books. He’d look at them closer later, but he already knew Steve put thought into each and every one.

The rug in the middle of the room was also crocheted, matched her blanket, and Eddie felt safe setting her down and letting her move around a bit. He saw the toybox at the same time she did and smirked.

“Go ahead, Mia girl. Those are yours to play with,” he said before sitting in the rocking chair.

He watched her scoot her way across the floor quickly, reaching into the shallow box, and pulling out a plastic key ring set just like she had at home. She’d used it more as a teething ring lately, but her excitement was palpable.

She kept pulling out toy after toy. Normally, Eddie wouldn’t let her have all of her toys out at once, wouldn’t want her to be overwhelmed, but this was a good exploration. He could put some of them away in a few minutes.

He heard the front door open and Steve call out to them.

“In Mia’s room!” Eddie yelled back.

And for some reason, that’s what did it, what made this all feel so real.

And he wasn’t entirely sure that it was all positive.

He looked up when Steve came in the room, his beaming smile lighting up the room.

Mia noticed him immediately. “Mama! Mamamamamama! Uh uh uh!” She scrunched her hands into fists and threw her arms up, rocking on her knees to try to get him to pick her up.

He gave in immediately, wouldn’t ever let her think he didn’t want to hold her.

“Princess! I missed you so much!” Steve’s voice was shaking, Eddie could hear the emotions pouring out as he planted kisses all over Mia’s head. “Do you like your room?”

“Stevie, you didn’t have to do all this,” Eddie said, tears in his eyes at how excited they both were to see each other. “This must’ve cost a fortune.”

“We thrifted most of it, and I made the blanket and rug. The bunny was a gift from my boss. I really only bought the diapers and some of the clothes. I told you I’d take care of it.”

Eddie had to let himself have this. He had to accept that Steve wasn’t doing any of this to show off, or buy their love, or make it impossible for him to leave. He was doing it because he loved them, and he wanted them to be happy and comfortable here.

Steve set Mia down, who seemed pretty content with going back to her toys after getting so much attention from Steve.

He made his way over to Eddie and leaned down, placing his hands on the armrests of the rocking chair, bracketing Eddie in.

“I missed you even more,” Steve said quietly, leaning in to peck his lips softly.

Eddie took it, wanted it to be more, but knew it couldn’t yet.

“You guys settle in okay? Hope you haven’t been here too long.”

“Nah. Just kinda walked around the place. Most of the stuff is still in the van that’s parked halfway back to Hawkins,” Eddie half-joked.

Steve frowned. “You couldn’t find parking?”

“No,” Eddie frowned. “I’ll move it later when something opens up.”

“I had to grab stuff for dinner or I would have been here when you got here. I assumed spaghetti would be okay?”

Eddie nodded. Exhaustion was settling in as he crashed from the adrenaline of…well, everything.

“You okay?” Steve asked, kissing his forehead before pulling away and looking over at Mia. “If you wanna go rest in my bed, I can watch her for a bit.”

Eddie didn’t want to waste any time he had with Steve, even if he was ready to fall asleep, but it was hard to turn down a nap in Steve’s bed.

“Okay. Wake me up to help with dinner?” Eddie yawned.

“Sure, baby.” Steve sat down on the floor next to Mia, reaching for a ring for the plastic ring toy. “Mia and I are gonna hang out and have a chat.”

Eddie made his way to Steve’s room, barely paying attention to the board hung up in the hall with polaroids and pieces of paper. He barely even noticed anything about Steve’s room other than the bed, which was surprisingly big and surprisingly soft. It smelled like Steve, and Eddie didn’t even have time to process any thoughts before he was asleep.

- - - - - -

When he woke up, he could hear music playing and Mia giggling.

A noise he loved to hear, especially when he knew that Steve was the one making her laugh.

He got up and walked to the kitchen, smiling when he saw her sitting in her high chair with some rice snacks on the tray, Steve standing at the stove stirring a pot of noodles.

“You two having fun without me?” he asked, making Steve jump.

“Scared me, Eds.” Steve smiled at him. “We’ll have even more fun now that you’re here.”

Eddie hoped that was true.

He felt out of place for some reason, like he was a guest in a life that Steve and Mia lived. He’d never quite felt like that before and something in his brain was telling him get out, to go back to Wayne and what he knows before he ends up hurt.

He did his best to ignore it though, smiling at Mia, kissing Steve on the cheek.

They had dinner like a family, and Eddie washed the dishes while Steve brought Mia to the bathroom for a bath before bed.

They both tucked her in, kissed her forehead.

Steve whispered that he was grabbing batteries for the baby monitor in the morning, but they could leave the door cracked open tonight in case she cried for them.

Eddie knew he was being quiet.

He also knew Steve desperately wanted to say something about it, but probably didn’t want to risk ruining their entire weekend.

They went into Steve’s room and got undressed, climbed into bed, faced each other.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?” Steve asked, rubbing his thumb along Eddie’s cheekbone.

“I-“ Eddie didn’t quite know. He had a sense of wrongness, a sense of sadness, but had no idea why it was hitting him now, here.

“Baby, you can tell me. Is there something missing? I went through the list, but we can always get whatever you need. I mean I may have to save up for some of it, but I-“

“Stevie, I don’t think I can move here.”

Steve’s face fell immediately.

Eddie’s heart dropped in his stomach as he realized that he meant it.

He didn’t think it was just fear, either.

Something was telling him it wasn’t the right thing to do.

“But-I don’t understand,” Steve admitted, his voice small.

“I don’t either. I just have this feeling, this thing in my chest and my head telling me that I shouldn’t. And it’s nothing you’ve done wrong or forgotten to do, I promise. It’s so wonderful. You’ve done more than I could have ever asked for.” Eddie paused, tried to figure out how to phrase this next part. “I had a panic attack when I saw there was a balcony. And I know it’s locked and she’d never be able to get out there on her own, but in the back of my mind, all the time, I’ll be wondering if she somehow is the one baby who can undo window locks. And I’m just thinking about how walking down the sidewalk with her felt like I had to use all my energy just to stay alert enough to protect her. I can’t do that all the time, I can’t live my life constantly at the highest level of stress.”

He could feel tears falling, but somehow managed to say everything he needed to.

Steve was crying, his hand gripping Eddie’s hips, hopefully leaving bruises that would stay with Eddie for days, weeks.

“Baby, this neighborhood is safe. I promise. I even looked into the daycares and school ratings and they’re all good. She would never be alone anywhere and you know I’d protect her with my life just like you would-“

“Stevie, I know. I know all of that.” Eddie kissed him fiercely, tried to make him understand. “But knowing it and processing it are two different things. I know I can’t live like that.”

“I can’t go back to Hawkins.”

Eddie nodded. He knew that.

He knew neither of them could do what the other wanted.

“So what do we do?” Steve sniffed, covered his mouth as a sob left him.

“I don’t know, sweetheart.”

Steve shook his head. “We can’t just give up. I can’t not have you.”

Eddie could agree. He couldn’t imagine being without Steve now, couldn’t imagine Mia not having him, not even having a chance to be a family.

But he had no idea how to fix this.

“I don’t know how to have you, though.”

Steve blinked at him a few times before sitting up and moving to the edge of his own bed.

“We should sleep on it.”

Steve’s voice was broken.

Eddie had caused that.

Eddie hadn’t been able to suck it up, try it out for the weekend.

Eddie was running before the race even started.

“Yeah. I guess we should.”

[onthewaytosomewhere]

🍹& FirstPrince, I don't mind smut so you do you 😘

alright luv here ya go - this took an unexpected turn and now here we are:) this can also be found on ao3

under the cut for smut :)

Alex sees Henry across the bar. He had run up to their room to grab something they had forgotten, and they still had time before their car arrived to pick them up, so he had asked Henry to order them drinks. Henry is seated at the end of the bar, one of the few people in this bar not part of a couple or larger group. Alex can’t help but think about how damn attractive he is, this man he wants to spend the rest of his life with. An idea pops into his head, and he figures out why not; they haven’t done that for a while. He walks over and acts like he doesn’t know or recognize Henry, placing his hand on the stool beside him, “Is this seat taken?” He can tell Henry recognizes the phrase and the amped-up southern accent Alex uses for what it’s meant to be—an invitation to play a game they sometimes pull out on vacation.

“It can be, if you want it?” It’s the standard reply they use for this game of theirs worked out years ago as a way to show they were just as ready to play as whoever initiated.

“I’d love that,” Alex pulls the chair out and motions to the drink in front of him. “Were you expecting someone?”

Henry huffs out a laugh, “I thought so, but he seems to have disappeared, so it’s all yours if you want it.”

Alex takes a sip and realizes it’s the local whiskey they discovered a couple of days ago, and he can’t seem to get enough of it. He moans around the flavors in his mouth. “Their loss is my gain.” He rakes his eyes over Henry, “In both drink and company. So, what brings you to the island?”

“Oh, just a little vacation? You?”

“Oh, same. Though I must say, it’s just gotten better. I didn’t think I’d meet someone who takes my breath away tonight.” Alex drags a finger across Henry's hand resting on the bar between them.

Henry chuckles, “That’s sweet to say, but I must tell you I’m sure my fiancé won’t like you hitting on me so blatantly.”

It takes Alex a moment to process what he said. Once he does, his heart stutters, and he chokes out, “Fiancé?”

Henry pulls a ring box out of his jacket pocket and pops it open “Well, if you’ll say yes? I’ve been holding onto this all week, trying to find the ‘right time,’ but I realize that maybe that’s just a construct of my mind. So—”

Alex cuts him off with a fond, “Bastard …” he pulls a similar ring box from his pocket, “This was what I had to go back up to the room for. I had planned to ask you later.”

“You still can; this can be my proposal; well, if you give me an answer, you can still have yours later.”

“Fuck … yes … always yes, Henry.”

Henry slides the ring from the box in his hand onto Alex’s finger, and Alex can’t get over how it looks there. Henry whispers, “I love you, Alex,” and Alex nearly melts.

He looks at the time on his watch and then leans in, “We have 25 minutes before the car will be here. Come with me?”

They down what’s left of their drinks, and Alex drops some bills on the bar by the glasses. He pulls Henry toward the private restrooms he remembers seeing, and once they’re in, he snaps the lock in place. Alex pushes Henry toward the wall and gets his hand on his belt buckle as he drops to his knees. He has the belt undone with a speed and dexterity borne of years of experience. Alex undoes Henry’s fly and pulls his cock free. He takes a moment just to look, he doesn’t think he’ll ever get over how something like a cock can be so damn pretty, but Henry’s is the prettiest he’s ever fucking seen. He loves the way the foreskin plays around the tip and watching it pull back as Henry gets hard.

“If you stare at my cock too long, I won’t have time to return the favor before the car gets here.”

“Oh, fuck, yeah, this is gonna be quick and dirty. But the first time, I get to blow my well, halfway-fiance.”

“Halfway?”

“Yeah, it’ll be all-the-way-fiancé once I get to do my proposal later. Now stop distracting me so I can suck your dick.”

“By all means,” Henry says with a moan as Alex takes the head of his cock into his mouth, sliding the foreskin back to tongue at that spot right under the head of his cock that drives Henry wild. The back of Henry’s head hits the wall, and he is lost in a litany of moans and curse words. Alex wants to take his time but knows they’re on a time crunch. He makes good use of his lack of a gag reflex and works Henry fast and sloppy. He hasn’t given this sloppy of a blowjob in quite some time, but if the sounds he’s pulling from Henry are any indication, he’s enjoying himself. He feels Henry’s hand clench in his hair and reminds himself he’ll need to check it before they leave. Henry’s hips move in that way that tells Alex he’s close, so he hollows his cheeks and sucks. Henry’s coming down Alex’s throat in almost record time, and Alex works him through his orgasm, savoring every last drop.

Henry pulls Alex up and kisses him, licking into his mouth as if he’s chasing the taste of himself. It’s dirty and hot in a way that always gets Alex going. When Henry turns them and drops to the floor, fly still open and cock still out, Alex drops his head back to the wall. Henry attacks his belt and fly with a vigor reminiscent of their early days. Alex feels Henry’s mouth around his cock, and he’s not sure that he’s going to hold on long, but he supposes that’s the plan since they don’t have a lot of time.

The way Henry’s mouth feels on his dick is something that never gets old. Alex jokes sometimes that Henry could ‘go pro’ at cock-sucking, but he doesn’t want anyone else to know what it feels like to come with Henry’s mouth around them. Henry’s mouth is a national treasure in two nations, and Alex is so damn close to coming. Henry sucks, and that’s all it takes before Alex is falling over the edge, Henry working him through his orgasm. Henry’s mouth slides off Alex’s dick with a ‘pop’ that is nearly obscene.

Henry tucks Alex back into his boxers and does his fly back up, before standing and putting himself to rights. Alex pulls him in for a kiss and kisses him with every bit of love he’s feeling. Henry returns the kiss in a way that reminds Alex why he’s so damn in love with this man. He reluctantly pulls back and looks at his watch. He leans in and says softly, “Our car should be arriving any moment, and I’ve got big plans. After all, I have to make you my all-the-way-fiancé yet.”

Alex gets to make his proposal, and when they return to the hotel they make love for the first time as engaged men. As he lies cuddled up to Henry after, Alex thinks he can’t wait to make this man his husband.

[prettyflyshyguy]

It's WIP wednesday and since you all liked the last one, have the direct follow up chunk. Unedited and very raw, as a treat. Tis the season for spooks and I'm taking every excuse I can find.

Zeke jumped back at the sight of the man before him, his glasses tumbled off his head, clacking as they hit the hard concrete floor of the rooftop. Cole was perched on the edge of the couch, leaning forward slightly, one leg and foot bouncing rapidly and tapping the floor. His hands were clasped together resting on his knees as he was staring intently at Zeke with eyes that glowed bright in the dim twilight of the rooftop. It was not an abnormal feature, Cole’s eyes had lit up as he channeled the raw power of electrons that coursed through him on many occasions prior, Zeke had even commented in the past that they almost seemed to appear lit up on a normal day, a subtle tell that there was something not quite human about him. But it wasn’t the glow that frightened Zeke in the moment, it was the shade of bright red that took him aback. Cole’s eyes were piercing, and as he sat on the sofa with his back to the pyrotechnics and fireworks of the city horizon, his eyes cut through the darkness as he stared unwaveringly at Zeke. 

“Cole you’re not drunk are you…?”

Zeke bent down slowly and felt blindly behind him with one hand, searching for his sunnies, not looking away from Cole who watched him as he replied.

“No.”

As Zeke stood back up slowly, methodically placing the glasses back over his eyes curiously, pulling them up and down a few times comparing how little he could see in the darkness through the tinted lenses and how bright the red cut through still. He processed his emotions for a moment as he affixed the glasses back ontop of his hair, giving Cole a more thorough visual examination as he stayed sitting on the couch, looking more dejected as every second of silence passed between them. He was definitely not drunk, and a sinking feeling formed in the pit of Zeke’s stomach as he looked at the dark stain that had run down Cole’s shirt, tracing back to his neck where there was a bloody wound left open and bleeding slightly. He couldn’t see in the dimness and the distance away, but he knew what he’d find on closer inspection. 

“Zeke are you drunk?” his leg bouncing increased in pace and his eyes narrowed slightly, though it hardly dampened his gaze.

“No. Maybe. I don’t know.”

“Zeke I’m serious.” 

“And I am too.” he responded, moving behind the couch and bending down, looking back and forth as if to not let Cole out of his sight for more than a moment, “You know I think I got ripped off, I think they watered it down.”

“... Dude what are you talking about?”

“Ah fugedaboudid.” Zeke placed the small first aid kid he kept stashed on the makeshift milkcrate table and pulled on a pair of surgical gloves. “

"Zeke I'm kinda freaking out over here."

"I know, I can tell. Look just hold on a minute. That needs cleaning, can't have you getting sepsis. Or rabies.” he snapped on a glove, “What’d you say attacked you again?”

“A vampire, Zeke. A fucking vampire.” 

“Right, right… You sure you’re not drunk?”

“I wish I was. Hurts like hell.” he reached up to touch the wound, wincing in pain as his fingers graced it gently, still in disbelief it had even happened. “I’m all messed up Zeke my powers are all screwed and I can’t, I can’t–” 

“Cole.” Zeke was on the couch next to him, a hand squeezing his shoulder gently, “You’re spiraling man. Just. Just stop for a moment, ok? Let me fix this up first before it get’s any worse.”

Cole hardly felt it could get any more worse, but he nodded his head and turned to look out across the city as the fireworks continued to crackle and pop, lighting up the sky. 

“Alright, now hold still. This might sting a little.”

He grunted in response to the pain as he felt the alcohol bite into the puncture marks. 

“Zeke that really, really stings.”

“I did warn you.”

Zeke’s technique was rough, but thorough, ensuring the wound and surrounding skin was clean before a second round of pain hit as the antiseptic gel he began applying spared no mercy. He paused in his application, a chill swept through his body as he watched Cole grimace from the burning wound, close enough to see his teeth bared. Zeke turned his attention back to the immediate issue, refocusing on the job he had dutifully assigned himself. The surrounding skin had bruised deep violet and grey, broken up by lines of scattering dark veins spreading outwards, creeping and crawling under the surface, like vines reaching out for purchase.  

“Where’d you pick up all this stuff anyway, Grey’s Anatomy? Nurse Jackie?” 

Cole’s voice cut the stillness of the rooftop. The man had a knack for lightening the mood, but Zeke knew him too well. Cole was unsettled. This was his usual method for deflecting. 

“I got it from Trish.” 

Zeke held his breath, glancing up at Cole as he pulled open a packet of medical adhesives. Cole was silent and still, staring out across the city skyline, though he wasn’t looking at the fireworks and balloons that dotted the hazy gloom of the clear twilight sky. Zeke continued, “Back in Empire City, while you were in hospital. Had a lot of downtime, yknow? While the world was going to shit outside. It was getting scary, man. Figured I’d ask her to show me how to do stuff right in case anything ever happened.”

He lined up the patch, confirming it was the correct size before peeling the plastic protective film off and gently pressing it onto Cole’s neck.

“Didn’t think I’d ever need to.”

Before the thought could linger, the snapping sound of Zeke pulling off his gloves pulled Cole back into the moment. 

“Okie-dokie Gary Oldman, consider yourself discharged. Be sure to give the Dunbar clinic a five star review.”

Zeke stepped away to dispose of the gloves and to stash the small first aid kit back into safety, out of sight from prying eyes. He was still operating in Empire City mode. Food and aid were sacred. You didn’t know how long you were going to go without receiving more, and you couldn’t trust anyone to not take what was yours. He shuffled some boxes aside behind the sofa, carefully sliding the first aid box under a small gap cut into the foam perfectly sized. As he stood up, he snapped his fingers towards Cole who had reached up with his right hand, feeling the dressing on the wound. 

“Hey, hey! No touchie!”

He pulled his hand away, raising it in the air in response to Zeke’s authoritative tone in an apologetic gesture. 

“I just cleaned that up man, don’t aggravate it.”

“... Thanks Zeke.”

“Anytime brother.”

Zeke stepped into his view, and Cole looked up at him. He was holding out a beer, a gentle smile crossed his face. Cole took the drink as Zeke returned to his side of the couch. 

“Ok, now that you’ve calmed down a bit, how abouts you run me over what the hell happened down in the catacombs again.”

“Not gonna tell me I got drunk this time?”

“Hard to dismiss the evidence in front of me.” he smiled, “I mean now you really are the Demon of Empire City!”

“Oh come on, that's not funny.”

“And to think, you laughed at me!”

Cole rolled his eyes as Zeke held aloft a copy of some pulpy comic book, waving it gently looking smug. The cover was adorned with a classical styled illustration of a beautiful woman lit by a full moon, a swarm of bats billowing around her as she grinned, delicate fangs giving her true nature away. He had berated Zeke in the past for his particular interests, all in good nature as friends do.

“In my defense–” 

“Nope, nuh uh,” Zeke cut him off, “you don't get a defense brother. Look at you.”

Cole looked down, tugging gently at the once yellow shirt as he examined the mess of dried blood that had stained down the front. The longer he looked the more he felt sick.

“Now I don’t mean to be rude, but you look freaky. All them goth chicks at the bar I was at’d love ya. They’re real into the eyes and the teeth thing, hell I gotta get you to be my wingman sometime.”

“Hah, yeah, sure.” he raised the bottle to take a sip but paused at the last moment, frowning. He slowly placed the bottle down on the table. “Wait, Z, there’s something up with my eyes??”

Zeke glanced sideways at him, mid swig of his bottle. 

“I mean ‘ese aah kinda ‘ard ta nat nahtice.” he yanked at the set of fangs that had mysteriously formed with his fingers as he talked, confirming that they were in fact real and attached to his mouth, and not some costume props superglued down while he was knocked out. A part of him hoped they would wiggle and give, a sign that this was in fact some elaborate prank directed at him, some bizarre attempt to ruin the good name he’d made for himself since arriving, some twisted plot Bertrand had cooked up since he receded to the shadows. It still didn’t rationalise what he’d done, and how the blood flaking off his shirt was only partially his own. 

“But I haven’t exactly stopped to look in a mirror yet.” he wiped his hands down his pants, hastily removing any saliva, hoping there wasn’t anything else mixed in with it. The taste still lingered in his mouth. 

“Ooookay, uh, you might want some of that first.” Zeke pointed at the beer with one hand, while he reached into his back pocket with the other, fumbling for a moment before pulling out his mobile phone. Cole snatched the bottle back, drinking from it and relishing how the drink replaced the taste of iron in his mouth. When he was done Zeke held the phone up in front of Cole’s face and snapped a picture. Forgetting to turn the flash off, the sudden burst of light seared and burned Cole’s eyes, making him reel back, covering his face with one arm while waving the other in Zeke’s direction as a reflex.

“Hey, HEY, careful I haven’t insulated this one yet!”

“Maybe don’t try and blind me next time Z, geez…”

Zeke pulled the phone back, safely out of the danger zone that was Cole’s reach. He looked at the image he’d caught as Cole groaned, rubbing his eyes as they adjusted back to the dim evening haze blanketing the rooftop. He looked over at Zeke who was now watching him again. His vision was fuzzy, and he looked almost like he’d just been woken up. Still he gestured towards the phone, and Zeke reluctantly brought it closer, holding it up so the screen faced Cole.

“What the hell…”

Cole moved to grab the device and Zeke pulled it away once more, though there was no need to inspect the image up close to see the physical changes inflicted on his body. Cole’s eyes darted across the image, his left hand resting on his mouth and chin. He brought his right hand up to point at the screen, a safe ruler’s space between his index finger and Zeke’s only working phone.

“Shit, dude yeah, that is freaky.”