#and if i try to go to bed early i just lay there

[janeyseymour]

All I Ask

Loosely based off of two prompts: one where R asks Mel to hold her as more than just a friend the night before Mel goes on a first date, and another where both R and Mel are set up on blind dates (requested by @gwennybriggs)... enjoy.

WC: ~4.15k

One thing about Barbara Howard is that she loves to play match maker.

“All I’m saying, Melissa, is maybe it’s time to get yourself back out there!” Barbara antagonizes her best friend once again during a lunch period. The kindergarten teacher looks to you with a small smirk. She knows of your feelings for a certain redhead sitting in between the two of you, and she’s hoping that the second grade teacher will just take the damned hint. The kindergarten teacher also knows of the feelings that Melissa harbors for you. 

“And all I’m sayin’, Barbara,” Melissa says that name with a pointed tone. “Is that I don’t need no one in my life to ‘complete’ me, or whatever bullshit you wanna tell me being in love does.”

“Melissa, it’s been two years since you broke it off with Gary. Don’t you think it’s time to get yourself back out there? Just maybe?”

“I don’t need nobody- not when I have a happy life as it is.”

That is the end of the conversation for the time being, but then Melissa starts to think it over. Maybe what Barbara is saying is true- it’s been a while. And she does miss having someone to fall asleep with at night. Although… whenever you come over, the two of you end up curled up on the couch together, and occasionally you will spend the night in her bed with her.

It’s platonic. It’s just friends being friends. At least that’s what Melissa tells herself. That’s what you tell yourself too when you lay in bed with her at night and wonder if maybe, just maybe, this is something more. 

So the next time you’re over, Melissa asks you about it.

“What do you think about what Barb was saying the other day at school? About… finding love and all that shit?” the redhead asks you as her head lays in your lap.

You stiffen slightly, not sure if this is your chance to say anything. Green eyes look up to meet your own, trying to figure out your thoughts.

“I mean, I think it might be good for you,” you shrug softly.

“Well,” she says as she sits up to look at you more intensely. “What about for you? Miss eternally single?”

The reason you’ve been single as long as you have been is because of your feelings for the redhead, not that she knows it. You shrug your shoulders ever so slightly, letting her know that you have hesitations in your answer. “I guess maybe I could consider going out on a date or something.”

So the next day at school, during lunch, love lives are the topic of the staff room.

“I was thinking… what if we set you up with someone I know?” Barbara asks. “C’mon, you know I would pick someone good for you.”

Melissa sighs a great breath. “Will it get you off my back if I say yes?” At the kindergarten teacher’s nod, the redhead swallows harshly before, “Fine.”

“Oh, how wonderful. I know just who I should set you up with!”

“You know, Y/N and I were talkin’ last night, and she’s thinkin’ ‘bout getting back into the dating game too. You know of anyone to set her up with, Lowercase?” Melissa asks.

Janine’s eyes brighten, and you can swear you see them almost start to sparkle at the idea of getting to play match maker for you. “I do!”

“Oi,” you roll your eyes and shake your head. You elbow the second grade teacher sitting next to you gently. “Way to throw me under the bus.”

“If I gotta do it, so d’you.”

As you and the redheaded second grade teacher head out a few minutes early to use the restroom before picking up your kids from lunch, Barbara whips around to look at Janine and the rest of the group.

“I’m going to say something, and what I say must be kept between those of us in this room,” the veteran teacher says seriously. “That means nobody will tell Melissa or Y/N.”

“Barb, how am I supposed to not tell them?” Jacob asks incredulously.

Barbara stares him down intensely. “If you cannot vow to not say a word to your roommate about this, then you may leave.”

The social studies teacher’s hands raise in surrender, and he urges her silently to continue.

“You’ve all noticed the way those two are always together, and Y/N has stolen my work wife, yes?”

She’s met with a chorus of affirmations as well as head nods. Jacob puts in that you’re almost always over, and that occasionally you end up spending the night after a glass too many.

“I’ve had about enough of this tiptoeing around that those two love sick fools are doing,” Barbara rolls her eyes. “So, I am going to pretend to send Melissa up with one of my friends. Janine, you will set up Y/N with one of your friends. And we all ensure together that the two of them end up in the same place at the same time without them finding out that they will be showing up to the same date, yes?”

“Oh my god!” Jacob grins and claps his hands together in excitement. “We all get to play match maker!”

“Do you see now why we mustn’t speak a word of this to Melissa or Y/N?” Barbara looks at the excited man pointedly.

He gives a serious nod.

That day, Barbara gives a talking head to the camera men. Janine joins her. 

“When Barbara Howard wants something, Barbara Howard gets that thing,” the kindergarten teacher states. “And what Barbara Howard wants now more than anything is for those two to get their heads out of their asses. The two of them… flirting harder than Janine and Gregory were before they finally pulled their acts together.”

“Hey!” Janine gasps. “Did I only get pulled into this interview to get insulted?”

The veteran teacher just gives her a knowing look and a pat on the shoulder.

The next day, Barbara comes in with a pep in her step as she knows that her plan will soon be put into place.

“What has you in such a chipper mood?” Melissa asks as she pours herself and you a cup of coffee before the kids come in. The redhead places your cup where she knows you’ll end up once you show up for the day.

The kindergarten teacher looks to Janine, who is sitting very quietly (for once), before grinning. “I found the perfect person for you to go out on a date with.”

“Oh?”

“A friend of mine,” is all Barb offers up. “So, you have a date at six tomorrow night at The Dandelion.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Would you rather I change it to tonight?”

A blush creeps into the second grade teacher’s cheeks. “No. No thank you.”

It’s only a few minutes later that you walk into the room, cheeks flushed from the cool air outside. 

“Hey,” Melissa smiles softly at you. She juts her chin out in the direction of your steaming hot cup of coffee. “Made it for you already.”

“You’re a lifesaver,” you grin as you go to put your lunch in the refrigerator. “I think I’m going to need it today.”

“Well,” the second grade teacher chuckles as you sit down next to her. “If you need another cup, you know you can always ask me to grab you another.”

You lay a gentle hand on her knee and squeeze it affectionately. “You’re the best.”

Mr. Johnson smirks at the camera.

Because the group has conspired to set the two of you up unknowingly to you and Melissa, no one speaks of the redhead’s date at lunch- much to her surprise. Melissa will take it though- not having to deal with the crew on her back about it.

“You comin’ back to my place today?” the second grade teacher asks as you’re packing up your lunch.

You nod with a small smile as you nudge her affectionately. “I’ll bring the wine?”

“Should I bring enough for Jacob too?”

“I will be out with a new man, so no need,” the social studies teacher cuts into your conversation. “Hopefully, this one works out.”

So, you and your coworker end up on the couch together after a long day with a delicious meal and a rather full glass of wine in front of each of you.

“So, anything interesting happen at school today for you?” you ask as you lay your head down in the redhead’s lap.

Melissa hums softly before sighing. “Barb is setting me up with her friend. I have a date tomorrow.”

Your eyes widen ever so slightly. “Oh?”

She shrugs, trying to gauge how you feel about that. And thankfully, you’re able to mask your true emotions on the matter. “That’s nice. It seems like everyone is starting to put themselves out there lately.”

“I’m sure Janine will find someone for you soon enough,” the redhead tells you. “You’re a catch, and someone is bound to see that sooner or later.”

You grimace. You’re not so sure about that. And even if you were, you only want one person, and it’s becoming more and more clear to you that you’ll never have your chance with her. So, in that moment, you decide that starting tomorrow maybe you need to start distancing yourself from Melissa in order to get over this silly crush you have on her. You have to get yourself back out there without her constantly lingering in the back of your mind.

“Hun,” she thinks she’s reading you like a book. “C’mon, you’re a great woman. Anyone with eyes can see that you’re beautiful, and then when you let your personality shine through… you’re the real-”

You shake your head as you sit up. “Can we just… not talk about this right now? I just want to enjoy tonight with you… savor our time alone while I can before someone swoops in and steals you from me.”

Green eyes meet yours, filled with a pleading look to just drop the matter of the conversation. It’s clear to you that she wants to continue to try to boost your confidence and build you up, but she relents. “So, did anything interesting happen at school with you today?”

After polishing off the bottle of wine that you brought over, Melissa ends up bringing out a second bottle. You hate to admit that you perhaps have a few too many glasses just because you’re trying to drown out your sorrows about not ever being able to tell the woman next to you how you feel and that this is probably the last night you’ll have with her where things are exactly the way they are now.

“C’mon, hun,” Melissa nudges you gently after your head has hit her shoulder for the fourth time that night. “Let’s just head to bed.”

You nod against her shoulder sleepily, but you make no moves to get up.

“Y/N,” the redhead nudges you again. “C’mon.”

“I’m comfortable here,” you yawn out. “You’re comfortable.”

“I can be comfortable up in my bed too,” Melissa retorts with a small laugh. “I can’t sleep on a couch anymore, so c’mon.”

You let out a small whine but disentangle yourself from her own limbs before looking at her with a pout.

“Trust me,” your coworker sighs as she sets a hand on the small of your back to guide you up the steps. “You being grumpy and getting up for a proper night’s sleep is much better than me being a bitch tomorrow because I woke up sore after a night of sleeping on the couch.”

You nod your head begrudgingly. The two of you crawl into bed as you usually do- both having respective sides. A chill rushes through you as the wine drunkenness begins to wear off and your met with the cool sensation of Melissa’s fan running in her bedroom.

“You cold?” the redhead asks as she lifts an arm for you to scoot under.

You nod as you shimmy into her space with a soft smile. Her arm wraps around you and pulls you even closer.

In a rather bold move, instead of laying your head on her shoulder, you turn to face her with a sad smile.

“What’s wrong?” Melissa asks you. “Are you still cold? Should I get extra blankets?”

You shake your head. “I just… things are going to change if all goes well with you and this man Barb’s setting you up with, and if Janine ever finds someone for me.”

Melissa just hums. She’s not quite sure what to say to you about this. What you’re saying is true, and it’s becoming clear to her that you aren’t necessarily thrilled with that. If she’s being honest with herself, she isn’t too fond of the idea of things changing between the two of you either.

“And… I know it’s dumb, and I know that we aren’t together, but I like what we have,” you mumble.

“I do too, hun,” Melissa squeezes your hand gently.

“Can we just… pretend for tonight?”

“What do you mean?” Green eyes look at you curiously.

“Pretend that we’re not scared of what’s coming next, or scared of having nothing left?” You quote Adele’s lyrics unknowingly. “Like… if this is my last night with you, where everything is how it usually is, can you hold me like I’m more than just a friend?” You know you’re still drunk, or at least somewhat intoxicated. If Melissa shoots you down, you can blame the alcohol. And if she doesn’t, tomorrow you can excuse your question with the alcohol too. What do you really have to lose? Not much, if you’re being honest with yourself.

The way that she pulls you close to her and wraps her arms around your waist simultaneously makes your heart grow three sizes and break. What is happening feels so right, but you know that this is only one time. It won’t ever happen again. You feel warm lips against your neck, and you inhale deeply. Why can’t this dream of yours be a reality?

As the redhead beside you gently nips at your neck, just once, she too has feelings of regret. Why is it that she only wants you right now?

The two of you fall asleep dreaming about the same thing- a life together. 

You wake first, and the feeling of still being in Melissa’s arms has you practically swooning. If anything, throughout the night, she held onto you tighter than she had while awake. It’s warm and domestic, and you can smell the perfume she was wearing last night as it surrounds and intoxicates you.

You lay there in a peaceful bliss until her alarm starts going off. She wakes with a small jolt before her eyes peel open, and you’re met with her sparkling eyes.

“Hey, hun,” Melissa smiles at you. “You sleep off all that wine last night?”

You roll your eyes playfully as you prepare to pull yourself away from her- as much as you don’t want to. “Yeah, I think so.”

“Hungover at all?”

You shake your head, only to sheepishly start nodding before rolling away from her. “My head is pounding.”

“Well, you know where the advil is,” the second grade teacher chuckles as she starts to sit up. “And I’ll make us breakfast and coffee, so hopefully the hangover lessens.”

As you get ready, neither of you speak of the events that happened last night. You quietly note that you’re surprised Jacob didn’t make his way back to the apartment last night, but that’s really all the two of you talk about. And then you’re off to Abbott in your car, while she follows behind in her own.

At school, you don’t settle in next to the redhead like you usually would for the morning news. Instead, you make up a lame excuse about having to do work in your classroom. You don’t even take the offered second cup of coffee from your coworker. You have to start distancing yourself if you’re going to survive working at her while she starts dating again.

During lunch, you make your way into the staff room quietly and grab your meal from the refrigerator before trying to make your way out relatively unnoticed. It doesn’t work. Of course, Melissa wants you to sit with her like you usually do.

“I- I think I need some peace and quiet,” you offer meekly. “But thanks.”

You’re out the door by the time Melissa is huffing about your actions. “Girl damn near lost her mind, I swear.”

It’s towards the end of the day when Janine approaches you.

“Janine, I really can’t today if you’re going to try to rope me into ‘saving the school’ again,” you sigh as you begin to gather your things in your arms. 

“It’s nothing like that,” the energetic woman tells you quickly. “I’ve been trying to get ahold of you all day.”

“Didn’t really look at my phone today,” you grumble.

“Well, I wish you would’ve. I know you have nothing to do after school today, so… my friend got back to me. You have a date tonight.”

“I’m not going on a-”

“Yes, you are,” Janine tells you in a strict, out of character, tone. “Be at The Dandelion at six.”

“Janine,” you groan. “I just want to-”

“You’ll be at The Dandelion, or my friend is going to be really pissed with me. Please.”

“Why should I?”

“Because,” the short woman struggles to come up with an answer on the fly. “Because you’ve been single for so long, and with everyone else getting back out there again… it might be good for you. C’mon, just one date. That’s all my friend is asking for- and then… if you don’t like it, you don’t have to do it again.”

“Fine.”

Janine squeals happily. “My friend will be in a green shirt tonight, so keep an eye out.” The second grade teacher knows what Melissa will be wearing because that was the topic of the staff room today at lunch, which you were not at.

You’re absolutely dreading this. You do not want to be at The Dandelion to go on a date with one of Janine’s friends. And yet, you still find yourself changing into a pair of jeans and a nicer shirt to go to dinner.

Upon your arrival, you survey the area, only to discover that you’re there before your mystery person in green. You find a seat at the bar and sigh, ordering a glass of wine.

About five minutes later, you see someone in green walk in, but they look oddly familiar. It- It’s Melissa. Fuck. She too surveys the area, clearly looking for her date. The redhead has no such luck, but she does lock eyes with you and give a small wave before making her way over.

“What are you doing here?” she asks quietly. “Come to spy on my date?”

You take a sip of your wine. “Actually, Janine set me up on a date, but they aren’t here yet.”

Melissa hums indifferently. “Neither is my date. What do you say we just wait together here?”

Not necessarily knowing how to reject her offer, you nod and pull out the stool next to you for her to sit on. She too orders a glass of wine, and once she’s served, she looks at you.

“So, we gonna talk about why you pulled away from all of us today at school?”

You blow out a breath. “I had some things to do in my classroom.” You can tell those green eyes boring into your soul don’t believe you, so you attempt to change the subject. “How were the kids today for you?”

By 6:25, neither of your dates have shown. The two of you are sitting together quietly nursing your wine and still looking around.

When the time hits 6:30, you sigh. “Do you think they’re going to show?”

The redhead glances down at her watch. “Half an hour late, and still not here? I doubt it.”

“What the fuck?” you groan. “I’m going to kill Janine.”

“Barb ain’t gettin any of my meatballs any time soon,” your coworker grumbles as she pulls out her phone.

You dial Janine, fully intending on giving her a piece of your mind. She picks up after two rings.

“Hey! How’s it going?” she answers as cheerily as she always does.

“Your stupid friend never showed up,” you grit out.

You can practically see the face Janine makes as she gasps out a, “What? No, they did!”

“No they didn’t!” you hiss into the phone. “I’ve been sitting here for the last half an hour waiting for someone in green to show up, and no one has!”

“No, my friend definitely showed up, I know it.”

At the same time, Melissa is on the phone with Barbara.

“Barb, your friend never showed! I’ve been sitting here with Y/N for the last half hour waiting.”

“My friend definitely did show,” Barbara’s voice is calm and steady as always.

It takes the two of you a few seconds to let their words sink in before you realize you’ve been played.

“You set us up,” both you and Melissa hiss into the phones at the same time.

Only then do both of your coworker step out of a booth with smiles on their faces. “Maybe.” They both hang up, wave to you with shit eating grins, and then head out of the restaurant together. 

Slowly, you turn to Melissa with wide eyes. She does the same.

“So, you’re my date?” she asks you.

“You’re mine?” you stammer out. “But I-”

“Those two are going to get it tomorrow.”

You let out a nervous chuckle as you tuck a few locks of hair behind your ear. “Yeah. They are.”

“Well,” the redhead sighs. “I guess we should get a table and have dinner.”

“You- you want to go on this date with me?” you fumble over your words. At her nod, you blush, but the smile that washes over your face is genuine and radiant.

Dinner is nice- it’s… it’s different than the other meals the two of you have shared in the past though. Conversation flows easily between the two of you as it usually does, before she takes a deep breath.

“Y/N, we should… we should talk about this.”

Her tone tells you that she’s not interested in the slightest, and you grimace. “I can just… I can just go.” You go to grab your handbag, but a hand stops you as fingers wrap around your wrist.

“I didn’t mean that,” she rolls her eyes. She tugs you in close, and her lips meet yours softly for the first time.

Your eyes go wide as you realize that the woman of your dreams is sitting here kissing you before you reciprocate. And… wow. 

“Y-you-” you stammer out once you’ve pulled away.

She just chuckles and kisses you again. Mumbled against your lips are the words, “I’m glad you’re my date, and not someone else.”

All you can do is smile. Once you pull away, you tell her, “I am too. I was not looking forward to going out with one of Janine’s friends.”

“I mean,” Melissa nudges you. “You kind of are going out with one of her friend’s right now.”

You shrug. “I guess she didn’t lie when she told me I was meeting her friend. I just… didn’t expect it to be you.”

“I didn’t expect you to be Barb’s friend either, hun,” your coworker teases you.

That night, you end up back at her place, and unlike last night where the two of you were just pretending to hold and be held as more than just a friend, it’s real. You are more than friend’s now- doing what lovers do. It’s soft, it’s sweet, it’s domestic, it’s warm… it’s everything you could’ve dreamed of when it comes to Melissa.

Your hand is laced in hers as you walk into the staff room the next morning, and Barbara and Janine look rather content with the charade that they had pulled off the night before. It’s clear to you that the others are aware of the situation before them, as Jacob can only grin and fist pump somewhat discretely.

“You still ain’t getting my meatballs anytime soon,” Melissa grumbles at her work wife as she makes her way over to the coffee machine.

“Well worth it, Melissa dear,” the kindergarten teacher chuckles into her own mug. “Well worth it if it means that the two of you finally got your heads out of your asses and are together.”

TAGS: (and let me know if you want to be included!): @schemmentis @thesapphictimelady @marvel210 @itisdoctortoyousir @morgana-larkin @doesthatsuggestanythingtoyou @marvels--slut @gwennybriggs @megamultifandomtrashposts @lemz378 @http-sam @melissaschemmentisbranzino @imaginesmultifandoms @sexysapphicshopowner @lilfartbox1 @maybe-a-humanbean @imlike-so-gaydude @a-queen-and-her-throne @notinmyvocab @melanielaufeyson @dvrkhcld @cosmichymns @sasheemo @m1lflov3rrr @ricejucie

[corazondebeskar-reads]

perchance, to dream

Jackson!Joel Miller x f!reader

technically a you know you never stood a chance post-series drabble, but all you really need to know is that joel and reader are in an established relationship and living in Jackson.

series masterlist

words: 548

summary: this is straight up domestic fluff with a hint of smut at the end. i wrote this after hbo hurt our feelings this morning. dedicated to @milla-frenchy - because you said please and ily 🖤

warnings: technically tlou pt. ii spoilers but not really and the angsty events of the game never happen. established relationship. fluff and domesticity. just a little snapshot of what their life is like in jackson.

dividers by @saradika-graphics

“Oh my god,” you hip-check him. “Are we getting ready for bed at the same time?”

He rolls his eyes and scowls, patting his face dry with a faded peach hand towel before padding out of the room. You watch him blatantly as he goes, his sweatpants sagging below the soft curve of his bare stomach. 

“Rude,” you call after him. But it’s not long before you’re pulling back the covers and climbing in behind him, arm sliding around his side. 

“Hey,” you say with a softer smile. “We’re actually going to bed at the same time.”

“Yep,” he grunts. “Means I get to do this.”

You jump and shriek as he moves to stick his ice cold footsicles against your bare skin.

He grabs you by the waist. “Where d’you think you’re goin’, huh? You’re the one who always takes the late patrol. You owe me.”

You wriggle and laugh, pushing at him to get away. He nips at your neck, and you grin devilishly. 

You know how to win. All you have to do is turn, rub your ass against him “accidentally,” and he’ll quit fooling around. 

But he catches you by the hips, wise to your wily ways. “Not tonight. I’ve got an early one.”

“What? No, you're off tomorrow. We’re both off tomorrow!” 

He grimaces, rubbing his beard against your neck while he confesses that Tommy asked him to help out, trying and failing to distract you. 

“But we’re both going to bed at the same time.” The pout is unintentional, but you stand by it. 

“Yeah. We are. Going to bed, to sleep, at the same time. Ain’t it nice?”

“Nobody said anything about sleep,” you cross your arms, leaning against your pillow. 

“I did. I am. Go to sleep, sweetheart.” 

He leans in and you turn your head, meeting him halfway. No matter that you’re sulking; you’ll never miss out on this. The kiss is sweet but loaded, drawing a groan from you both. 

“Just can’t help yourself, can ya?” He says, shaking his head as he lies down and turns off his lamp. 

You lay down and roll over, back to back, pressed up close to one another. “Love you, Joel,” you whisper, heaving an overly dramatic sigh. 

“Love ya, sweetheart,” he mumbles. 

Damnit. Nearly asleep already. 

You scowl at the darkness. 

It doesn’t last long. He’s rolled you over before you know it, tugging his old tee up over your head. “Goddamnit,” he grumbles. “You’re right. We’re goin’ to bed at the same time.”

You smirk. “Hold on, now. You gotta get up early. I’m not gonna be the reason you’re like, Deluxe Cranky.”

He pinches your nipple in retaliation, but the only reaction he gets is a hitch of your breath and a soft “mmm” before you keep on with your schtick. 

“No way,” you shake your head like he’s a naughty dog, “I’m not giving you an excuse.”

By then, though, he’s got your panties down around your knees, and your playful denial disappears with them. 

“Oh yeah?” he grumbles, lining himself up and pushing into you slowly, just to watch you arch beneath him, gasping. 

“Y-yeah,” you say stubbornly. “You gotta waive the right to complain in the morning.”

He rolls his eyes above you, and you think never, you’ll never tire of that view.

[penelopepine]

I love your work so so so so much 🩷☹️‼️

I would absolutely love to see a fic of Graves in the delivery room while his wife is in labor and how he takes care of her in the hospital after their baby has just arrived, I imagine he’d feed her with his own hands and would be so so so over the board with caring for her 🥺🩷

AHHH I love to hear that! Thank you so much!

Delivery Room

You had woken up this morning to a sharp pain in your abdomen and wet sheets below you. At first you embarrassingly thought that you had wet the bed, but when another wave of pain hit you quickly realized what was actually happening. 

Looking towards your left you see your husband, Phillip, still sleeping soundly beside you. Reaching out to him it only took you softly calling his name and a light shake of his shoulder for him to wake up. 

"Wha- What is it? What's wrong?" He asks with concern once he notices how you're clutching your stomach. 

"It's go time!," You hissed in pain, "My water broke and the baby's coming!" 

Without another word Phillip is instantly out of bed, and by your side helping you stand. “I’m here, sweetheart, I’m here. Let’s get you to the car now.” 

“It’s not time yet though; the baby isn’t due for another 2 weeks.” You hold on tight to Phillip’s arm as he leads you out to the car. Realistically you knew that the baby coming 2 weeks early is completely normal, and something your doctor had even brought up as a possibility during an appointment. Your pained and hormone filled brain couldn’t stop thinking about all the negative reasons the baby could be arriving early though. 

"Sweetheart, everything is alright with the baby. We're getting to meet them a little earlier than planned." Phillip says soothingly to you as he helps you inside the vehicle. Once you're fully inside you watch as your husband runs back inside, and grabs the hospital bag before climbing inside as well.  

The entire ride to the hospital Phillip was doing breathing exercises with you, and doing his best to comfort you. You didn't even realize you had arrived until your door was being thrown open by Phillip who was now ushering you to sit in a wheelchair. 

It only takes a few minutes of talking with the nurses for them to lead you both down the hall, and get you set up in the delivery room. You start to feel much better now that you're in the hospital knowing that the professionals are there to help you. 

The doctor comes in almost immediately after you've changed into the hospital gown. They say you're about 2cm dilated right now, and encourage you to try and get some sleep since it's the middle of the night. 

"Well you heard the doctor, sweetheart. Baby's not coming anytime soon, and you need all the energy you can get." Phillip sat beside your bed; one hand in yours and the other on your stomach. 

"So do you," You nod towards the couch in the room, "Get some sleep; I'll be fine laying here."

"That is not how this is going to work. I'll sleep once I know you are." He states, his voice not allowing any arguing of any kind. "I'm here to help you with whatever you need. Now, tell me what can I do to help you sleep?" 

"Just- Just hold my hand." That was all you needed right now. To know that the person you loved most was by your side during one of the biggest and scariest moments of your life. 

And for the next hour or so that is exactly what he did. Phillip didn't leave your side for more than a few seconds at a time getting whatever you needed to feel more comfortable until finally you fell into a sleep. 

You wouldn't say it was deep sleep, but even the few hours of sleep you got did manage to calm your panic from before.  Your head felt more clear, but now the pain was worse - 5cms dilated now, the doctor said. 

For the next 6 hours Phillip did everything in his power to make you comfortable, and help with the contraction pain. He put on music, gave you a massage, and even helped you with your exercises on the birthing ball. Until finally it was time to start pushing. 

"Just keep breathing, sweetheart. You're doing amazing." Phillip whispers to you. He's currently leaning towards you, and his hand is being crushed in yours. He doesn't complain once about you doing so - encourages it even. 

Phillip spends the next hour of you pushing standing by your side. Whispering praises into your ear; wanting you to know just how much he loves you. 

For as long as this whole thing was, it was worth it when you finally heard the shrill cry of your baby taking its first breaths - it's the most beautiful sound you've heard. With the baby now resting on your chest you take this chance to close your eyes and breathe. While you do so Phillip has grabbed a damp rag, and begins wiping your face of all the sweat and tears. 

"She's beautiful!" You stare teary eyed down at the newborn in your arms before lifting  your head to meet Phillip's gaze.

"She is," He instantly agrees with you. His eyes now move from the baby to you. "How did I end up with the two most beautiful girls in the world?"

You give a breathless chuckle before telling him, "I love you so much."

"I love you too, sweetheart. I love you too."

The rest of your time at the hospital was filled with you and Phillip taking in the presence of your new baby. This was something the two of you had wanted for so long, and it felt magical to finally have it. 

[jhoneybees]

Something different.

Hello Hello 🤗 Here is a fic for you lovelies! Now I might make this a two part fic, what do you think?

Characters: Early 70s!Elvis X reader

Warnings/triggers: SMUT HEHE, neck riding, daddy used in a sexual context, Elvis being a bit of a sub, reader being a power bottom, swearing, blowjob

Tags: @another-identityofmine @atleastpleasetelephone @i-r-i-n-a-a @theelvisprincess

_____________________________________________

You love it when Elvis takes control, being that hot and sexy daddy who would manhandle you around like you’re his ragdoll but recently you feel like the balance between the two of you has been a bit off.

You want to control him too.

So one evening, you get yourself all dolled up. Preparing to seduce the man by wearing your long, silky, curly hair down and a pretty yellow floral cotton nightie hugging all your curves.

You sit yourself on the edge of the bed to wait for him to walk into the bedroom, smiling when he does. You immediately get up and move towards him. Sneakily slithering your arms behind him to lock the door and onto his shoulder to rest around his neck. “Daddy…”

“What’re yer doin’?” He grins.

You both know whenever you would use that name, something sexual is gonna happen and as you giggle and let Elvis hold onto your firm hips, his voice drops to a sultry tone. “What does my baby want?”

Biting your lower lip with a wide grin, you lift your chin a little slowly sliding your hands to play with his collar. “Well… I’ve been thinking about something…”

“Yeah?”

Lifting your eyes to stare into the tall male’s blue ones, you can feel a heartbeat between your legs. “Mm, yeah…you know how you control things in the bedroom?”

“Mhm.”

“Well I thought maybe…tonight can be a little different.”

Elvis quirks an eyebrow and when you pull down on his collar to get a kiss from him, he hums a bit unsure. “Ya sure you want that?”

You nod, tilting your head to the side. “Something wrong with that?”

“No, nothin’ wrong with that, baby...jus’... I like how I control things…”

You giggle. “I know you do but it’s good to try something a little different.” smiling up at him as he quietly agrees and nods, you grab his wrist “C’mon.” guiding him to sit on the bed. Pushing on his chest to make him lay down and crawl to straddle his lap. You lean down to kiss him gently, slowly picking up the intensity the more time passes by. Using your little fingers to go and undo the buttons on his dress shirt, hearing him groan as you let your tongue enter his mouth to taste him.

His big, calloused hands sliding up your thighs and gripping your hips, you giggle at how he’s trying to make you grind on him. “Nuh uh, none of that.” You pull away, shaking your head.

He groans. “Why not?”

“You’ll see…just…be patient.”

He grumbles but quickly softens up again as you push your tongue back through his lips. “Mmm…”

“Mhm…” You hum in response, carefully moving his shirt to expose his toned hairy chest making him sigh through his nose at the cool air touching his skin. You stay making out with him for a while and when he glides his fingers under your nightie to feel your ass, you shuffle back and begin to kiss his jaw. Along to his earlobe, under his ear and down his neck.

“You like that?”

“Mhm.” He moans, stretching his head up to the side to give you more room.

You smirk, giving warm tongue kisses on his tender skin, you rub your hands up and down his waist and whisper little sweet nothings in his ear. “Daddy’s so sexy tonight…”

“Playin’ a dangerous game ‘ere.” He breathes, his hands finally moving to feel your ass. “What’s this?” He asks, you straighten up and playfully grind on his clothed dick making him moan.

“Wanna see?”

“You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?” He smirks.

You purr sensually and start to take your nightie off, exposing your almost completely naked body with how your full breasts jiggle the tiniest bit and thin white straps trail over the shape of your hips connecting to skimpy little panties that match your nightie.

“F*ck me, baby…” Elvis groans loudly.

“Hmm?” You watch his eyes with a smirk as he takes your body in, chewing on your bottom lip feeling his hard on poke underneath you. He starts to breathe harder and suddenly, you feel his fingers grip hard on the back of your thighs and flip you over to fall on the bed making him go on top.

“Elvis!”

“Goddamn…” He moans at the sight under him, leaning down to kiss your neck. You push on his chest but that doesn’t do anything so you reach down to grab the back of his knees and hook your leg on his hip with all of your might, flipping him back onto the bed and quickly moving to sit on his chest. “Baby!” His eyes widen at the unexpected strength you have.

You laugh a little out of breath. “Daddy isn’t being patient.”

Taking you to karate lessons was probably a bad idea.

“Honey-”

“No, you listen to me…” you coo at him.

Shaking your head when he tries to protest. “No baby, c’mon…let daddy take of ya, want ya so bad.”

“Nuh uh, want ya to listen to me.”

He groans. “Baby-” you cut him off again, this time moving to straddle his throat. Giggling as he gasps and his blue eyes stare into yours in shock.

“Daddy’s gonna listen to me…if not, no sex.”

Elvis’ groan rumbles against your clothed pussy.

“Gonna listen?” You ask with a knowing look and when he attempts to lift you again and tells you to be a good girl you punish him by grinding on his neck. “So you’re not gonna listen.”

He grunts, his eyes fluttering as your pussy grows more wet. He can feel the warmth and moisture coming from you against his skin and with his big hands cupping your ass, he squeezes your cheeks hard.

“Stay still and let me make myself feel good, okay?” Combing your fingers through his hair as his eyes dart all over your body.

“Mhm-” He hums, gasping ever slightly when your hips begin to move. Your own hands slide up your stomach to fondle with your hardened nipples, you sigh as your thighs carefully squeeze around his neck rubbing your wet panties against his throat.

“Baby-” his voice slightly out of breath as he watches the way your long hair falls over the sides of your breasts gently bouncing, framing them just right with your pretty little sighs and soft pants falling from your pink lips.

“Yeah?” You pant quietly. Your back arching a little to get that right angle wanting to feel your thinly clothed clit right up on him.

Elvis moans at the sight. His dick painfully hard, straining against his pants. You’re so sexy when you use him like this. “Feel good?”

You moan and nod.

Your jaw falls slack as the tension in the pit of your stomach builds, your moans get a little louder the more you grind and you bite your lip harshly as his large hands grip onto your ass like a vice. “feels good, daddy…oh baby feels good…” moaning out mindlessly.

“M-Mhm- mm-” He's starting to lose more of his breath, it's getting harder to breathe as you go faster and faster. He realises he loves it though. “Make yerself- feel good, baby-” His cock twitching from how your arousal starts to slide down the sides of his neck.

“F*ck Daddy…” You sigh.

Hands tangled in his hair and eyes hooded, the pleasure grows and grows and before you know it it boils over and you fall into complete ecstasy. “Ohh Elvis!”

You buck your hips against his Adam's apple, he chokes a little and you moan loudly at how good it feels, soon lazily shuffling back to sit on his stomach with his hands rubbing the top of your thighs to calm you down from your high.

“Naughty little girl…” He breathes in the hot room.

You giggle to yourself seeing him eating you alive with his piercing blue eyes. “Gotta give something in return now, baby.” the corners of his lips curl up into a smirk.

“Can’t leave Daddy, hard?” You ask in a playful tone, getting up onto your knees as your hands reach in between to undo his belt.

“Mmm no, no you can’t…” chuckling low, his lustful gaze watches as you grab his dick and pull it out of his pants, licking his lips at your eyes filled with eagerness.

You bend down, pulling his cock into your wet mouth. You swirl your tongue around and press your lips around his girth making Elvis’ eyes roll back and hit his head on the pillows.

Feeling himself twitch in your mouth as you take him deeper. “F*ck baby…” He groans, blindly gripping your hair. Adding the tiniest bit of pressure to the back of your head to get you to take all of him but he groans when you pull back a little, teasing him with a lick over his tip.

Tasting his precum on your tongue before you open your throat to swallow his dick.

“O-Oh f*ck, baby, u-uhh”

He can feel his climax building…building…and building and his breath hitches as your small hands go to massage his balls.

Reaching his other hand down to join in with his first. Elvis thrusts his hips up into your pretty mouth wanting every little bit of his cock in your throat but then you pull away, his dick slipping out from your soft lips. “N-No, baby…why did ya do that? Daddy felt so good- bring that pretty little mouth back.”

You smirk, shaking your head. Clicking your tongue when he grabs your arm, looking up at you with a hint of desperation.

“Daddy’s gotta remember that I’m in control.”

[evandsolo]

𝑫𝒂𝒅!𝑨𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒛 | Their Child’s first bday | Maknae Line

𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Ateez maknae line x f!reader 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞 : est. relationship. family. dad!ateez. fluff. 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬: 2807 in total. wc is indicated next to each part. 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: parenting. Hyung Line - LIBRARY -

𝖠𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋'𝗌 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾 : FINALLY she's here ! The Maknae part ! I really hope you'll enjoy it as much as you did for the first part ! Please, like, reblog or comment if you liked it, i'd very much appreciate it.

𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒊 𝑺𝒂𝒏 - (wc : 783)

The heat of the sun rays caress your skin in the morning. It’s been a while since the sun woke you up. You can’t even remember the last time. Sun-Hee has been taking all your mornings, since she was born. But that morning, it seems like she knew you needed sleep. You roll to the other side of the bed, so you could lay your body against your husband's, but there’s just the mattress to welcome you. You open your eyes, full of incomprehension. San was off today, why wouldn’t he be by your side ? Suddenly, you hear laughter coming from the living room. Your eyebrows frown as you get out of bed to follow the sound. You finally discover the cutest scene in the world.

San was laying on the couch, a huge smile on his face and his eyes half-closed. Your daughter was resting on his chest, eyes open, her favorite Hetmongi in her hand. She was just playing and cuddling with her daddy. It was the sweetest thing ever. The smile on your face says it all. “Eomma !” Says the little shrill voice, once she saw you. “Hi Bubba ! Is daddy sleeping ?” You ask, amused. You exchange a look with your husband, who suddenly starts to fake a snore. The little girl then stands up to put her tiny hand on her father's mouth. “Yeah you’re right, daddy’s too noisy when he sleeps !” You laugh. “We should wake him up. How would you wake him ? Let's say Daddy up ! You say it with me ?” Then you slowly start to pronounce it again, happily smiling at your baby trying to wake up her dad. Suddenly, in a scream, San opens his eyes, grabs the baby, and starts putting kisses everywhere on the baby’s face, neck and chest. Her laugh echoes in the room. It was the most beautiful sound in the world, and you were lucky enough to hear it for a year now.

“Hi Gorgeous” He finally says, when he sets an eye on you. “Hi ! You’re an early bird today ! Shouldn't you be resting ?” You wish he could sleep longer on his days off. “Today’s an important day. I wanted to spend the longest day with my precious little princess.” He loved his daughter with his whole giant heart. Pregnancy used to scare you, but San had never left your side, he was the best support and the best husband ever. He was gentle, caring, sweet and so full of love. He was so ready to start a family with you. “Eomma ! Play !” Says your precious one. “You want mommy to play with us, sweet ?” Immediately answers San, a spark in his eyes. She nods her head and begins to try to get off the bust of her father. But he catches her up in flight, to go and spin her around in the air like a plane. "Come and catch us!" He throws the little girl in his arms as he walks around the house. You chase them, without hiding your hilarity.

You loved this daily life so much, simple, without fuss, just the three of you. "My turn!" You press him by grabbing your daughter from her father’s hands and then you go out through the corridors. "He must not catch us!" You whisper in Sun-Hee’s ear. But sooner than you thought, the giant arms of your husband surround you both. “Oh no ! We lost !” “Oh-Oh !” Says the little one, her tiny hand on her mouth, covering her smile. You’ve barely ever seen her this happy. “You still can have a giant cake tonight, okay baby ?” “Cake !” She repeats. “ Yes, cake ! But it’ll be tonight, with the uncles, mommy, and daddy ! We’ll blow the candle, for your birthday ! ‘Cause Sun-hee’s a big girl now, right ?” Another nod that makes you smile even wider if that was possible. “And what do we say to our big girl ?” Starts your husband, near your ear, his head resting on your shoulder. “We say, Happy Birthday Sun-Hee !” You both say at the same time, making the toddler clap her hands.

You finally put her down, so she can play on the floor. “I can’t wait to have more like her.” You turn your gaze to him, surprised. “Let’s wait a little bit longer. She’s just turning one.” You put a kiss on his lips and leave the room to grab a quick breakfast. “But you didn’t say no ! You’ll be a big sister one day, Sun !” He says to the carbon copy of himself. 

Oh you could give him a football team if he asked you to, but for now, you wanted to focus on your now one-year old, little treasure.

𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒊 - (wc : 819)

Working as a photographer, you used to take a very pretty picture of your twins, every single month, to celebrate their lives and to see how much they are evolving. Today was an important one, their first birthday. You had everything organized before. The setting, the outfits, the theme. You’ve spent hours with your husband to glue down every balloon to a wood panel. Mingi was probably more excited than you were. He loved his babies. He adored them, as much as you do. It was such a surprise when they announced at the first ultrasound that there were not one but two little hearts that were beating at the core of your being. A boy and a girl, you were the happiest parents of the universe. You waited the whole nap for them to wake up and be the most joyous little humans. But they decided to take a longer nap today than usual. Everything was in place, Mingi brought the cakes home earlier today, and they were absolutely amazing.

You couldn’t wait any longer. “We should wake them up !” You suggested, lifting your head to your husband. “We will ruin their sleep schedule if we wake them up.” You instantly pouted when he ended his phrase. “Be patient, my love. We will enjoy it later on. And I can have a few more minutes just with you.” And it’s been a real deal to have some time just for you and your husband since the babies were born. Having a baby is a big thing, but two, it’s a rollercoaster. But you had the most patient, understanding and the funniest partner in the world to go through this with. He handled the situation with so much love and care, he was perfect.

He wrapped his hand around your body, to draw you to him and to place his head in the hollow of your neck to place a kiss. “Do you think we did a good job ?” You suddenly ask, resting your head on his shoulder. “Are you really asking ?” He said by straightening up. You lift your shoulders. “I was just thinking.” You said. It has been a struggle for you since the announcement. You’ve been so scared of being a bad mom to them. You couldn’t imagine how life would be without them, but sometimes the questions were too strong to be held back in your mind. “You’re the most amazing mom to our children, my love. And I'll tell you as much as you need to hear it.” He places a kiss on your forehead at the same time as laughs are heard. “And they’ll be here to remind you how much they love you. Let’s get them.” He said, leading you by the hand to pick up your little ones. 

You open the door to your smiley babies. “-Ma !” Said the boy when he saw you, shaking his little arms for you to pick him up. “Hi sweet Sun ! That was a good nap, huh?” You answer by lifting his little body to yours. “And that’s my little shining Star !” Said Mingi wrapping his arms around his daughter. The babies smiled to each other, grabbing each other's hand. You exchange a tender look with your husband before you go to change the twins. Later, they’re all dressed as little bears and that’s the cutest thing. Mingi adds up little bows in your daughter’s hair and a bow tie around your son’s neck. Soon you bring up the two little cakes in front of the babies, a big 1 on top of them and you start to take a lot of pictures.

It was a teamwork, as their dad tried to make them smile wide and big but the cakes had all their attention. Without you being able to prevent it, the hands of the toddlers are buried in butter cream and cakes, perfectly destroyed. Their little faces are covered in white and sprinkles. You couldn’t help but laugh, the babies were a mess, but at least they had so much fun. “I could have bet it would end up like this.” Mingi said in a laugh. “Wanna try some of that cake, mama ?” He added, sitting next to the babies, a bit of buttercream on the tip of his finger.

You abandon the camera to sit with them. You opened your mouth to taste the cream, but it ended up on your nose. “Mingi !” You squeak, making him laugh harder. “Oh look ! Mom has some cake on her face !” He said to the babies, before putting some more to each one’s nose. “We should put some on daddy too !” You said, joyfully. It was your husband’s turn to have his face painted with some food. The day ended up in a giant cake explosion everywhere, but your heart was so full. Life was so fun with those three. And it’s just the beginning.

𝑱𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒐𝒐𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 -(wc : 501 )

Life’s been pretty amazing since you gave birth, a year ago. Better, you learned that you can fall in love more than once. You can easily remember every time your heart fell again. The first was when you saw Wooyoung holding his newborn daughter in his arms for the first time. The tears in his eyes, and the brightest smile on his face, oh gosh, you've never been more in love. Then you witnessed every second of his life with the both of you, and you realized how lucky you were. 

It was late at night, you insisted on going to bed, since you were really tired and needed a good night of sleep. Luckily your beautiful baby girl was a very good sleeper, so you knew you could have the long night you deserve. Especially knowing that you and Wooyoung had spent the evening preparing a surprise for your little girl. Balloons, glitters, and tons of animals everywhere. She’ll be so happy when she wakes up in the morning. But when you're going to the room after a clean up, you realize that your daughter’s bedroom door is half open.

When you go to look at it, you find your fiancé, leaning on the little being that you had given birth to. Your heart softens as you lean against the door.  “ She’s not going to fly away, you know.” You murmur, amused to see him here. “It’s past midnight. She’s not a baby anymore…” He answers, his eyes not leaving his daughter for a second. “She's really growing up, huh ?” You approach him to surround his waist with your arms. “Too fast. I wish she could stay this innocent and tiny forever.” But time flies. It was like you’ve given birth yesterday and now, she’s one already. “Do you think she’ll love her birthday and her presents ?” he asks, grabbing your hand, while the other is drawing circles on the baby’s tummy. “She’ll adore it ! She’ll have a blast tomorrow morning, but we definitely should go to sleep if we want to survive.” And you’ll need some energy, that’s for sure. There will be some other toddlers in the room, and above all, there will be eight great men who sometimes behave themselves as happy children. "I’ll meet you in five minutes." he said, putting a kiss on your temple. You nod and walk out of the room to hear it a few moments later. "You are the most beautiful thing that ever happened to us. You make me the happiest dad on earth." You lean against the wall, your heart, warmer than ever.

“I’ll always be there for you and your mom. You’ll never have to be afraid.” You knew, he’d be the most perfect father ever. “I can’t believe you’re already one. Happy birthday, my sweet little princess.” He says, while you wipe a tear that is running down your cheek. Wooyoung loves his daughter so much, it was quite overwhelming. It was what you’ve ever dreamed of. 

𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒊 𝑱𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒉𝒐 -(wc : 704 )

It was such a special day. It was just the three of you and your husband had everything organized. He wanted that day to be locked in your child's memory forever. You had told him so many times that your little girl wouldn’t remember it, but he wanted to make it extra special. You celebrate your first birthday only once. He had booked the best breakfast in town, so that your baby could have the most delicious croffle ever. She was the most excited baby in the world. Laughing and charming everyone around. She then napped against her father’s chest, in the carrier. Her sweet chubby cheek, crushed against the fabric of the sweater that your partner was wearing. You took a lot of pictures of that moment. Jongho loved to have his baby all against his body. He used to make dinner, having her in the carrier. To play with the boys, while carrying her. And for the first months, it has been quite a relief for you. You could take time to relax, and breathe, without having to constantly rock the baby around. You loved being a mom, and Jongho made it so much easier. And she had the best sleep ever. You could understand your daughter, you loved to sleep on your hubby’s chest too.

She looked exactly like him, you adored her. She was the sweetest, funniest, calmest little girl. You felt so lucky. And the feeling was so overwhelming, that in the middle of the park you were walking in, you just wrapped your arms around your husband. “Oh Love… What’s that ?” he asked, surprised but endeared by your gesture. ‘I just feel so lucky. To have you, to have her.” You sigh. Your head rested on his shoulder and you put a hand on your baby’s back. “And that’s why you’re being so emotional ?” he answered, with the sweetest voice. “You’re making fun of me !” You whine in a pouty voice, making him laugh.

A hand of his, joined yours on your baby and he kissed the top of your head. “I’m not. I just love you a little more every time.” Your heart exploded with those words. Lifting yourself on your toes, you kiss his cheek. Love has never been that easy. But he was the answer to everything. 

Later on, you entered that big baby clothes store, you wanted to go for so long. You came here only once, fully pregnant with your baby girl, but ended up only buying her, her very first outfit, since it was very pricey. But since it was a special day, you didn’t want to give her tons of toys. The family had already taken care of it anyway.

You thought a nice outfit would do the trick, but judging by all the clothes your partner already had in his hands, he didn’t have the same idea as you. “Honey… That’s a lot.” You say. But looking at every piece, it looks absolutely amazing. So cute, and so perfect for her. “ I will buy her every special piece. Because she deserves it, she’s our little princess.” He said, looking at the smiley little baby in his arms. “You like it, Sunshine ?” The baby got a giant smile, when she looked at her dad. “She likes it !” He said, looking at you. “She likes you, Honey.” You corrected him nicely. He continued to look around, and finally ended up with a handful of tiny dresses, tops, little overalls, pajamas. “She’ll look better than the other babies, everywhere she’ll go.” You couldn’t help but smile so wide. “You’re spoiling her. We said nothing big.” You say, amused. the baby started shaking in her dad’s arms. “Little princess has enough, huh ?” Your voice soothes, and you take a look at Jongho who understood.

You headed both to the cashier. Check out every little piece of fabric, and get out of the store, arms full of bags. “Once we’re home, we’ll do online shopping for you. It’s your first birthday as a mom. We should celebrate that too.” He said, with his whole giant heart in his voice. His presence everyday sounded like a celebration, but today. You fell in love harder than ever.

Okaaay ! Here we are ! Lemme know if you'd like to see more about ateez in my suggestions ! It's open ! ✿ Every thought is appreciated ! ©evandsolo, 2O24

[piichuu]

♡ SLEEPING IN - OIKAWA TOORU

WARNINGS: fluff, gn!reader

WORD COUNT: 437

today is the first day in weeks that your boyfriend doesn’t wake up early to leave for volleyball practice. they had their last big game of the season yesterday which means that he doesn’t have to practice for at least a few days.

it’s unusual waking up to him sleeping beside you. usually, he’s already up by now, cooking breakfast for both of you and giving you a kiss goodbye before he almost has to run out of the apartment because he’s late. but now, he can just rest, and that’s exactly what he’s doing.

you woke up not too long ago, being used to waking up at this time just to say goodbye to him, and when you noticed that he was deep in sleep, a smile grew on your face. he looks more peaceful than ever, having one arm wrapped around your waist while his cheek is laying against the pillow.

“why are you awake?” he suddenly mumbles as his eyes slowly begin to open. oikawa pulls you slightly closer and puts one leg over yours. “we should be sleeping for as long as possible, not be awake.”

you nuzzle your face into his chest and hold him close, trying to stay warm. “i woke up and just didn’t fall back asleep,” you admit which causes your boyfriend to shake his head and place a kiss to your temple. “well, then try to fall back asleep, because i’m not leaving this bed for at least three more hours,” he sighs.

his fingers begin to work their way through your hair, brushing it gently as he continues to tell you that you should go back to sleep. he wants to make sure you get as much rest as he does, or he will probably feel bad about it the next time he wakes up. “if you go back to sleep, i’ll cook breakfast when i wake up again,” oikawa says which causes you to smile.

“i’ll try my best, tooru,” your voice is muffled against his skin, but he nods and kisses the top of your head, doing everything he can to make you as comfortable as possible.

your eyes eventually close and it doesn’t take too long until he can hear your heavy breathing and feel you relax in his hold. “good, you shouldn’t spend your entire morning just staring at me baby…”

TAG LIST: @stunies

if you want to join the tag list, fill out this form <3

[sourpatchys]

Logan Howlet tea prompts

You can find the original prompt sheet here! <3

Warning: some adult themes are seen throughout, this was also written with an f!reader in mind

Timeline: there’s not really a specific timeline for any of these (I tried to keep it vague) so pick whichever one you prefer!

A/N: this is my first time writing for him so I apologize if it’s a little OOC! I really like doing these prompts with new characters so I can get a feel for them haha

Masterlist guidelines

—

Lemon tea; what are mornings like with them?

Mornings with Logan can go a few different ways.

Sometimes, he’s simply not there at all, not his warmth in the sheet beside you, not his smell lingering in the pillows— he’s just gone.

It could be for a plethora of reasons, a busy schedule, nightmares, insomniac spouts, etc. Though, I doubt he’d leave you without saying goodbye in one way or another, even if you’re too deep in your rem cycle to remember it. A kiss on the cheek, a soothing brush through your hair with his fingers, a rub of your shoulders, anything to ground himself before he starts his early morning.

Sometimes mornings are loud and violent, with Logan twisting and turning, his breathing harsh and shallow before screaming the names of people he’s not even sure he fully remembers. Those are the mornings you hate the most.

His claws may come out, slicing the bed, pillows, sheets or maybe even you if the day calls for it. Of course he’s filled with guilt for his lack of control, for putting you in harms way even if it wasn’t his choice.

He’s rough on these mornings, wanting to push you away but also needing you close, he may even yell at you to just leave already. Even if he doesn’t really mean it. You hold him on these mornings, brushing your own fingers through his messy locks, pressing his ear to your chest to try and tell him that you’re there and alive right next to him. To prove that he isn’t alone and never has to be again.

And sometimes— the stars align and you get a slow, groggy, perfect morning. Logan’s arm wrapped around you, his warmth pressing into your skin in comforting waves. The early morning sun peaking through the curtains just enough for you to see his squished face in the mountain of pillows.

He’d either wake up right before or right after you, his grip tightening around your waist, pulling you closer and putting his head in the curve if your shoulder, the subtle scent of your skin grounding him in just the right way.

He’d grumble and refuse to let you get up, pulling you back down whenever you tried, lazy kisses and stubble peppering your skin at each of your failed attempts. Those are the mornings you both look forward to the most.

Peppermint tea; what do they get excited about?

It’d be easy to say motorcycles, the wind in his hair, your hands around his waist, the hilly mountains flowing past with the heavy smell of summer humidity flowing through the air.

But truly, Logan enjoys riling you up— or anyone for that matter. He’s a tease on a good day, dry humor just spoken serious enough to where no one knows if he’s being truthful or not.

He loves making connections to people, even if he puts his own road blocks in the way. To care and be cared for in return— to be understood.

Making people laugh, getting under their skin just enough to create a makeshift feud that’ll be over within the day. It’s what he looks forward to, creating these makeshift connections that allow him to be himself without revealing too much.

Chamomile tea; what is their sleep schedule like? Does it change around their s/o?

Logans sleep schedule is almost non-existent. He tries to stay consistent, but with the constant nightmares and the fear of hurting you or someone else, it doesn’t always work out.

He’s not much of a night owl, at least, not by choice. He gets tired at a normal time depending on when he woke up that day, but it’s hard for him to push aside the anxiety and uncertainty’s that come with laying down for the night. There’s no real way of telling if it’ll be a good night or not until the time comes.

With you it does get better, subconsciously knowing he isn’t alone makes the bad nights less and less frequent. Though, it’s easy for his old habits to come to surface after a bad night— especially if you end up injured because of it.

You try your best to ease his worries, wrapping the injury up all on your own, or even allowing him to do so if he feels the need to, and pretending as though it doesn’t hurt at all throughout all of your daily duties.

A couple of scratches are nothing, you aren’t dying, he hasn’t impacted you negatively, these things happen— even without mutant abilities!

It’s hit or miss on whether or not he believes you, though, at most it’ll take a week for him to try sleeping next to you again. And thus the cycle continues.

With time, things get easier— less nightmares, little to no sleepless nights, but it takes awhile to get there. As long as you’re willing to wait for him.

Earl grey tea; how did they court their s/o?

Believe it or not, it was actually quite the sentimental affair.

On this particular day you’d made an offhanded comment about not receiving flowers throughout your younger years.

It was just a small quip, something relevant to keep the conversation flowing, and Logan wasn’t even part of the conversation. Just standing off to the side, taking a few swigs of his drink a few feet away as he usually did later in the evening.

At this point, it wasn’t uncommon for the two of you to be up late together, either in a comfortable silence or talking about your day here and there as the night carried on. You weren’t exactly a night owl, but you did enjoy having some quiet time here and there, and Logan didn’t bother you unless you spoke first.

That night was a little different though— he actually went to bed first— leaving a small bundle of wild flowers in his wake, displayed in a cleaned out beer bottle.

It continued on that way for a few weeks. If you went to bed early, you could expect to see a dolled up beer bottle filled with wild flowers right outside your door, and if you stayed up a little later, he always left one behind in the counter.

It wasn’t exactly a proper courting, there was no grand love confession, no drunken sloppy make out session to lead to bad decisions. Just a few empty beer bottles and some pretty weeds.

To solidify this unspoken bond, you thanked him for the flowers with a kiss on the cheek.

The rest is history.

Milk tea; what are their kisses like?

Kissing Logan is an experience. He isn’t too soft, nor is he too rough. It’s a perfect middle ground between the two. Like dipping your toes in cool water on a hot summers day.

He’ll grab you wherever he can reach, rough calloused hands sliding up and down your torso as if they belong there— pulling you impossibly closer to him with every waking second.

Ever kiss is savored, it devours you, mind body and soul. Logan’s kisses are hypnotic, luring you in, yet you can never get close enough— as though it’s impossible to fully break through.

He kisses like an animal starved, craving nourishment. No rock left unturned, no crevice left unchecked.

And though it doesn’t happen often, around others he will kiss your forehead and cheek with such grace you’ll feel it for the rest of the day, as if his lips left a healing sunburn behind on your sensitive skin— unable and unwilling to forget.

He does not want to share his love with you, those intimate moments are between no one but the two of you. However, he does appreciate being given a small peck every once in a while, regardless of who’s around. And if you asked for a kiss before you had to part ways on a mission/work? Of course he would oblige, regardless of who was watching.

Coffee; do they get jealous easily? How do they show it?

Logan is an asshole. Potential suitors and even you aren’t an exception to that fact.

Most of the time, he’s not bothered by it, out of all the men you could’ve chose, at the end of the day, you chose him.

That’s usually enough for him.

That isn’t to say he isn’t protective, maybe even overbearing at times. It isn’t so much jealousy, as it is him being utterly pissed off that some scumbag had the balls to talk to you in the first place.

If you’re out and a guy starts hitting on you or looking at you in a way that, isn’t exactly friendly, Logan would try being civil— in his own way of course.

Wrapping his arm around you, pulling you into his chest, giving you a kiss on the forehead— maybe he’d even ask you to go get something for him and slap your ass as you’re leaving just to prove a point.

That’s stage one, claiming his territory. After this the guy usually backs off, seeing that you aren’t available more often than not sways their interest.

If it doesn’t work, if the guy is still bothering you or ogling you— then he may end up getting violent.

The only time this becomes a problem between the two of you is if you try and defend the guy.

It’s definitely caused a few issues, Logan not understanding why you’re trying to save the guy from getting his face bashed in, and you just not wanting to cause a scene.

Though, at the end of the day things resolve themselves, even if neither of you give a proper apology to the other.

Rosehip tea; how romantic are they? How do they show affection?

Logan isn’t a very romantic guy, at least, not verbally.

His love is often shown through actions,

•tucking your hair behind your ear

•getting your favorite cookies and leaving them on your nightstand

•giving your shoulder or hand two hard squeezes before you part ways for the day

•nicknames— sweetheart, doll, princess

His affection is often felt instead of heard, and intimacy happens to be where it shines the most.

He takes his time with you, holding you, caressing you, leaving no sliver of skin untouched, whether it be from his hands or lips. He feels like a waterfall, whisking you away in the current.

No matter how soft or how rough— it always feels like an act of love, as if he’d rather be nowhere but right there with you. Regardless of pace, environment, position— every ounce of his being is poured into your own.

Afterwards, he cleans you up, refusing to let you move a muscle, brushing his fingers through your hair and leaving phantom kisses behind.

He may not tell you how much he loves you— at least not often— but he insures that each day is full of gentle reminders.

Black tea; what do they look for in a person?

Logan doesn’t really have a type per se.

More than what they look like, he looks for how they present themselves and behave.

He wouldn’t want someone who couldn’t handle who he is, he knows he isn’t a great person, and while he wouldn’t put that burden on his s/o, it would still be there nonetheless.

Even when not directed towards you, his rough exterior would be prominent, shielding himself from those around him.

He would look for someone with patience and understanding, someone willing to look past his outer layers and reach inside. Someone who doesn’t see him as a personified weapon or a mutant, but as person who’s been dealt a rough life. Even if he truly doesn’t think that of himself.

A person who wants to understand and stand beside him, who will banter with him, see him, help him.

Logan, cursed as he is, would look for someone he’d rather die than lose. Someone more precious to him than the world itself.

Pomegranate tea; at what point did they know they loved their s/o?

He knew he loved you the moment he kissed you for the very first time.

He was interested in you, he wanted something with you, it just took him awhile to figure it out completely.

Logan knew he cared for you more than a fling, he knew he wanted something solid, something to build with— he just didn’t know how deep it truly went until he finally had you.

The flowers were a jerk reaction, hence his refusal to buy an actual bouquet. He simply wanted to see how, and if, things would play out.

That little kiss on the cheek was Logan’s salvation, he knew he wanted more than companionship, more than friendship and more than a quick screw.

He took things slower than intended. Prodding and teasing you more often, offering you rides on his bike whenever you had to go somewhere. Late night small talk turned into real, genuine conversations he began looking forward to.

And then— in a dimly lit room well after midnight, your arms wrapped around his neck after laughing off an attempt at his makeshift bullying— he kissed you.

Your lips felt like the rays of the sun, warming his being from the inside out. Having you in his arms, wrapped around his body so inanimately, it felt like putting puzzle pieces together.

The moment you became his— title and all— was the moment he knew he would do anything for you, regardless of the consequences.

Matcha tea; how and when do they propose to their s/o?

Logan isn’t the type for weddings.

A livelihood with him would be seen and not spoken, unless you, yourself, asked for something more.

If he could tell you wanted a ring, a symbol of some kind— he would get it for you— but it wouldn’t be a grand jester.

If you wanted a wedding, it would be small, with no more than an officiant and a witness.

He doesn’t need a legal title to tell him what he already knows, he doesn’t need a symbol to show who he belongs to. But, if you wanted that, if you needed it— if it made you happy— he’d be more than willing to comply.

To call you his wife, to be a husband, in his mind it had been official from the moment you chose him.

Chai tea; how do they spice up their relationship?

There isn’t much to say in regards of keeping things fresh and upbeat. Logan is, quite literally, ready for anything.

He’s ready to drop everything and live off the grid with you— he’s ready to put a ring on your finger the moment you ask.

When it comes to Logan, there’s no task too big or too small, whether it be your livelihoods, intimacy, diets, routines— it doesn’t matter. For you? He would do anything.

That isn’t to say he doesn’t have his own ideas, he’ll throw a curveball in your direction whenever he gets the chance— but things are never boring— and when they are? There’s nothing wrong with having a little fun or simply enjoying being in domestic bliss.

Hibiscus tea; what’s their favorite place to take their s/o?

Logan’s favorite place to be with you— is away from everyone else.

Maybe that means driving to a mountain top and looking out at the sunrise, or sneaking away to a far away cabin to do nothing but bask in each other’s presence.

He loves the peace and quiet he can have with you. The gentle laughter between you with no one to interrupt, inside jokes, sleeping in— just enjoying being together.

No prying eyes, no teasing or expectations, just the two of you for the time being, fully encapsulated in each other’s light.

Green tea;how do they comfort their s/o?

The simple answer here is that he doesn’t. He tries! Don’t get me wrong, but it’s definitely not his strong suit.

If you’re crying he’ll hold you, if you want space he’ll honor that— even if he bitches about it first.

If you’re angry he’ll get angry with you. If someone hurt you, he’ll hurt them in return.

He does whatever he thinks is right, even if it’s not necessarily what you need, but he does try. He doesn’t like seeing you sad or angry, and the only person you’re allowed to be annoyed with is him.

He’s got a one tract mindset— old habits die hard. Though, at the end of the day, you do end up feeling a little better, even if it’s not necessarily from the actions he took to get you there.

Russian caravan tea; how experienced are they with relationships?

It’s honestly hard to tell how experienced Logan is or isn’t with most things— relationships included.

He knows how to do most things as if it were second nature. He can be suave and cunning— he knows exactly how to push the right buttons. He can be a perfect gentleman when he wants to be, and a down right monster when the time calls for it.

But then there are things where he’s completely clueless. He doesn’t know how to plan a date, he fumbles with gift giving and receiving, and don’t even think about asking for his opinions on your outfit— you’re not going to get the answer you were hoping for, regardless of what that may be.

Logan knows intimacy like the back of his hand, soft, harsh, rough, gentle— all of it and more— but loving and being loved isn’t a strong suit anywhere outside of the bedroom.

He carrys a confident level of awkwardness with him whenever the two of you are out— wanting to make a good impression but simply not knowing how.

He’s not a fast leaner, but he does get there eventually.

English breakfast tea; would they want a family?

Logan’s desire for family completely depends on circumstance.

• Do you want a family?

If you wanted a family, it would be an interesting conversation to say the least. At first he’d be hesitant— it’s not that he doesn’t want a family with you, it’s purely fear.

What kind of father could he possibly be? It’s not as though he has much to go off of in terms of how parents should act towards their kids.

You’d have to make that decision together, and regardless of the outcome he’d stay by your side.

• What types of dangerous things are going on right now?

If you stated a desire to start a family with him in the midst of a potential war or borderline apocalypse— he’d call you crazy and immediately refuse. Honestly he may even get pissed at you for even suggesting such a thing.

Logan would it want to bring a child into a broken world, especially if he doesn’t know if it can be fixed.

• Are you already pregnant?

If you’re already pregnant, be it unplanned or otherwise— he’s not going anywhere.

He’d leave the option of keeping the baby or termination completely up to you regardless of the circumstances. It takes two to tango, and he knows the situation isn’t your fault.

So regardless of the world, the circumstances around the pregnancy, or your choice in the end— give him time, and he’ll come back to you.

• did the two of you accidentally adopt a child who needed a family?

Knowing Logan, the answer is probably yes.

In this case, he’s just happy to be there making a difference— and with you by his side, it’s even better.

[allpiesforourown]

Goodnight, oblivious comp het shizun binghe again below

Before he made shen yuan head disciple and moved him into the bamboo house, it wasn't strange for binghe to be off the peak for weeks at a time (on some grand adventure in the demon realm or something)

Once shen yuan moves in though, binghe is there every day. He doesn't have anything else going on (purposely ignoring all the letters asking for his time) and he really enjoys shen yuans company! A lot. Like.. more than anyone in the world.

Binghe feels all.. restless and off-balance around shen yuan. When he starts having dreams about his disciple he goes that's enough I have to get laid. and visits town

Binghe doesn't enjoy himself as much as usual? Or ... at all. He returns to the peak after only a few days of being a whore even though he said he'd be gone for two weeks approximately

Him quietly walking into the bamboo house at 3 in the morning because he did NOT want to soend the night with this woman whining nonstop about how binghe hasnt visited in soooo long... he's about to go into his room but pauses and instead opens the door to shen yuans room

And unlike binghe, who's had such a frustrating and disappointing few days, shen yuan looks so cozy and comfortable asleep on his little disciple's mat... he looks so soft and unguarded.... binghe swallows nervously and wonders how long he's been standing over his sleeping disciple and watching him like a weirdo

He doesn't know what he's thinking but he lifts shen yuans blanket and lays down next to him. It's almost more comfortable than the grand bed peak lords get, but that's not as much its material as it is shen yuans relaxing scent all around him

Binghe waking up hours later to find shen yuan flailing around in his arms because at some point in the night, binghe pulled shen yuan against him and locked him in tight. When binghe moves shen yuan goes "shizun, are you awake?? Why are you back early? Why are you in my bed??"

Binghe doesn't really know the answer to this himself, so he just says he must have been too tired to tell the difference between their rooms. It's an absurd lie but shen Yuan doesn't push and just goes "then... shizun can let go-"

And binghe just grins and replies "every morning shen yuan tells this master 'just five more minutes' over and over until he's an hour late... then this master shall also request five more minutes" and he enjoys seeing shen yuan blush and try to escape binghe's hold while he cries that's not funny!!

Binghe realizing that getting to hold shen yuan and tease him felt better than all his hookups combined... that's the last time he goes out instead of spending the night with his head disciple

[skybluewritings]

Tell me when did your winning smile become a smirk? Steve Harrington x fem!reader Part 2/2

Warning: Mentions of alcoholism, Sexist language, references to sex

Note: This is part 2! Thank you so much to everyone who read this!

Six years later…

New York, Early June, 1990

She stared at the notepad in her lap, multiple sentences were angrily scrawled out in lines of thick biro. It was a Sunday and she’d purposefully made no plans so she could for once write but several hours later nothing was happening. Pages and pages of paper lay scrunched up around her living room floor. She’d been trying to plan out the same article for the past six months, it turned out being the personal assistant to the editor of a magazine left very little time in the day. And whilst she was of course grateful for work, any work, she had hoped in her spare time she could put to use all of her experience from the job into actually writing something good. Instead, she was left with a sore wrist and a strong case of imposter syndrome.

In her final year of school, she’d decided to apply to NYU to study Journalism. Although they went practically every summer to the east coast her parents were initially unsure about her studying in another country. However, after a trip to New York and visiting NYU they were all for it. Vivienne had called delighted at the news and had suggested she call Steve to give him a nudge in the direction of applying for college. She knew he’d always struggled in school but found it odd he wasn’t even applying? He’d seemed excited growing up at the prospect of college. She never called him but figured by the time she saw him that summer he would’ve gotten in somewhere. The summer came, except Steve wasn’t there, Clyde would barely even mention him, except for the occasional shake of the head and “that son of mine.” She quickly found out he hadn’t applied to any colleges at all and had been deliberately cut from the trip as punishment. Steve didn’t come the following year or the one after that, whilst her feelings towards him were complicated it wasn’t the same without him. The next few summers were less eventful: she’d get through her college summer reading, hang out with Margo and her friends and even finally learn how to surf.

However, this year due to how consuming her job was she doubted she’d even manage any break. She wearily rubbed at her eyes, wishing the words would come to her. Her phone thankfully began to ring and she picked it up to take the call. “Hello?”

“Hi hunny.”

“Hi Vivienne.” She said pleasantly surprised.

“I wanted to know if you’re coming up to the Vineyard for my 50th birthday? It’s on Saturday July 15th,  Your mom and dad and everyone’s gonna be there.”

She wondered who everyone was.

“I’m sorry I really wish I could but I’m so tied up at work right now.” She sighed.

 “You’re going to work yourself to the bone. Do you not have any time off you can take.”

“I have some…I just don’t know how my boss would feel.”

“Just find out and let me know.” Vivienne told her kindly. “And remember to have fun, you’re only 23 once!”

 “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind!”

“It’s late I’ll let you get to bed star journalist.”

She let out a tired laugh. “Not quite yet.”

“Keep trying sweetie and it’ll pay off, goodnight.”

She really hoped it would too.

“Night.” She replied putting down the phone.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

She spun her conversation with Vivienne over in her head for the next couple weeks. Vivienne had been like a second mother to her growing up and although she’d never admit it, it’d devastate her if (Name) didn’t come. She explained the situation to her boss who admittedly had more empathy than she’d given him credit for, he gave her a week off, going as far to comment that she was a hard worker and everyone needed a vacation. She supposed her hard work had paid off, well sort of.

There she was on Sunday July 9th climbing out of a taxi suitcase in hand. Knowing who was also possibly staying in the house made her slow the walk down the drive way to the front door. She rung the doorbell and thankfully it was Vivienne that answered. In a state of excitement Vivienne made her abandon the suitcase in the hallway and come straight out to the patio where dinner had just been served.

“Look who’s finally here!” Vivienne exclaimed.

Clyde gave her a polite smile and her parents delighted embraced her. Her stomach dropped when the person she’d dreaded seeing appeared.

Steve stood blinking at her for a few seconds. “Hey.”

“Hey.” She said back stiffly.

He looked a little older and if he had been cute before he was now infuriatingly handsome.

They took their seats and didn’t interact for the rest of the meal.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Monday July 10th

Early the next morning she woke up early to go surfing. After dinner Steve had disappeared leaving her to be fussed over by everyone else. When she’d gone to bed she’d heard his bedroom click shut, then that was it. He didn’t even bother playing any music to wind her up.

She surfed a few good waves before deciding to take a break, as she came out of the water wet suit half off, she noticed another person further out. She cupped her palm over her eyes to watch them in the morning light. The person caught an impressive wave and she had to give it to them that they were pretty good. They submerged from the water and swam back to shore. She stopped watching them and instead looked out to sea, the water lapping around her ankles. She noticed out of the corner of her eye that the person was walking towards her. And on closer inspection that the person was Steve. The universe she decided was just plain mean.

 “Morning.” She faltered.

 “I didn’t realise you surfed.”

“I learnt a while back.” She explained showing him the board.

 “That’s cool.”

It felt like they were acting out a script written by aliens. She’d always known all the things she wanted to say to him if she ever saw him again, but now her mind had gone blank.

He push his wet hair away from his face, like her his suit was also around his waist giving her view of his lean muscular torso. She caught him very briefly glance at her chest, his face flushed. Her heart sped up, it was seriously unfair how much he clearly still affected her.

“I feel I should be upfront with you. I know that a lot has happened between us but I think for the sake of your mum, for the next week I’m here we should try be civil.” She suggested.

“Yeah, I can do that.” He agreed and paused. “I just wanted to say that despite everything, it’s really good to see you, seriously.”

She didn’t quite know how to respond, but she knew in that moment she felt the same.

He cleared his throat. “I’m gonna go shower but I’ll see you there.”

Her throat constricted. “Excuse me?”

 “I-I meant I’m gonna shower and then I’ll see you back at the house separately to being in the shower. You won’t obviously be in the shower with me..”

As soon as he said this her mind went to exactly that, she closed her eyes for a moment to block out the indecent image.

“Have a good shower...”

“Yep will do.” He said quickly brushing straight past her.

She wished she’d had at least a few hours away from him to shake off the embarrassment of the morning, but that afternoon she found herself on a hike, the parents at the front and her and Steve stuck at the back. She’d kept as much as distance as possible without drawing attention.

“I don’t have the plague y’know.” Steve joked.

She slowed down a little so she ended up walking next to him. “That’s what someone with the plague would say.”

“Would you rather possibly catch a deadly disease or go up there and be asked what your doing with your life?” Steve asked gesturing to where their parents were walking.

The way he was cracking jokes with her was starting to ware down her defences.

“Please don’t.” She sighed. “I’ve already been questioned several times, on when I’m ‘going to get serious’. As if being the assistant to the editor of a prominent magazine isn’t a real job.”

“I’ll do you one better, my dad still hasn’t processed that I’m majoring in graphic design.” Steve dryly told her. “I think he had hopes I would get some kind of business degree and valiantly take over his company.”

 “I know it’s long overdue but congratulations on getting into college.”

 He smiled a little at her. “Thanks.”

On the horizon was Edgartown, the largest town on Martha’s Vineyard.

“Wanna ditch them?” Steve asked her.

She wasn’t sure being alone with him was the best idea but then again she wasn’t sure how much more she could take of endlessly hiking.

“Sure.” She gingerly replied.

“We’re gonna go hang out in town, we’ll meet you guys back at the house later.” Steve called out to their parents.

They all stopped and looked at both and her Steve in surprise.

“You’re going to spend time together?” Her mum said gesturing to them.

“Yes.” She said.

“You’ll be alone, just the two of you hanging out.”

She stood up straighter. “Yes, yes we are.”

Her mum and dad exchanged a look of confusion. Clyde stared at them blankly.

Vivienne on the other hand was delighted. “Have a lovely time kids! Call the house later if you’re not gonna be back for dinner.”

“Of course they’ll be back for dinner.” Clyde interjected.

 “We might not be.” Steve said.

Clyde frowned. “We have a reservations with the Smiths at the country club, their boy Daniel will be there, he’s just graduated from Princeton.”

“And the relevance of that is?” Steve asked flatly.

“I shouldn’t have to explain it to you Steven.”

“Clyde, I think he can miss one dinner.” Vivienne calmly told her husband.

Clyde threw up his hands before walking on ahead. Vivienne didn’t bother to follow and instead walked with (Name’s) parents.

Steve glared at his dad. “Come on let’s go.” He told her.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

There was a market open when they arrived in Edgartown, their hands accidentally brushed sending a sparking sensation across her skin. He glanced at her, she looked away.

“Anywhere you like the look of?” He asked.

“How about over there.” She replied pointing to a cute jewellery stall.

She poured over the selection, the vendor was busy having a conversation with another customer.

She nudged Steve. “I bet that’d look great on me.” She said lowering her voice.

Steve held a chunky skull rung. “You mean this?”

“Obviously.”

He passed it to her and she tried it on, they both tilted their heads inspecting it.

Steve smirked. “It kind of looks like my dad.”

The tension from earlier was eased.

She laughed lightly.  “Should we get it for him?”

“That depends,” Steve pretended to think, “on how deeply you value your life.”

She nodded. “Quite a bit actually, I’d rather not end up like this ring.”

She took off the ring and placed back on the table. She then noticed a necklace with a gold chain and blue pendant. She delicately lifted it, the gem twinkling in the light.

“This reminds me of those bracelets we used to have as kids.” She said transfixed by the necklace.

Steve came closer to her and picked up the pendant in admiration. “Unlike those bracelets this probably has more value than some plastic.”

“I liked those bracelets.” She said defensively.

He smiled and shook his head. “I wasn’t trying to say I didn’t like them. Considering they cost a dollar each they were pretty cool.”

She wondered if he’d actually kept his bracelet, hers was in her bedside draw back at the house. She’d taken it off after he’d stopped wearing his and it’d been wedged into a dark corner ever since. They were so close she could make out the flecks of gold in his brown eyes. Growing flustered she moved back from him adjusting the bag on her shoulder.

The vendor a woman of about their age, gazed adoringly at them. “I’m sorry but I just have to say what a cute couple you guys make.” She gushed.

Both her and Steve glanced each other a little alarmed.

 “No no, we’re not a couple, he’s a uh” She searched for a word. “Friend? Yeah, a friend.”

“My bad.” Said the vendor apologetically, she then gave Steve a coy look. “In that case-“

“He’s not interested.” She blurted out, the Vendor looked disappointed.

 (Name) put the necklace back, Steve raised his brows at her as they both walked away. “How do you know I wasn’t interested?”

“Well, were you?” She asked point blank.

“No, but I might’ve been.”

 “Trust me I saved you back there! Do you really want to go out with someone that flirts so brazenly with customers?”

He grinned at her. “What’s wrong with flirting?”

“There’s nothing wrong with flirting, I’m the last person to judge, but just don’t put customers in a position like that.”

He didn’t look convinced. “Right.”

Before she could navigate the rest of the conversation, a saviour came in the form of Margo. Her friend spotted them and excitedly weaved through the crowds.

(Name) gave her a hug. “I thought it wasn’t meant to be seeing you until tomorrow?”

“I felt like getting out the house.” Margo explained, she then noticed Steve. “It’s been a hot second Harrington, how are you? Still using that Farrah Fawcett hair spray.”

Steve looked to (Name) in silent outrage, Margo laughed quietly into the back of her hand.

“You swore you wouldn’t tell anyone.” He fumed.

“In all fairness to me, I didn’t think she’d tell you to your face.” She sheepishly said.

“Margo do not tell anyone.” Steve said firmly.

Margo threw an arm around (Name’s) shoulder. “If you buy us iced coffee right now, I won’t. Deal?”

Steve rolled his eyes. “Deal, but if you break it, I’ll literally kill you both.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

When Steve was in the line buying their coffee Margo pulled her aside.

“What on earth is happening?! The last time you were both here one moment you were fighting then the next nearly kissing then not talking, I’m just in shock how you can be so normal around him?” Margo said.

“He apologised to me and we both on moved, there’s nothing more to it.”

“You’re obviously still angry though?”

“Yeah of course I am!”

“Then talk to him.”

She shook her head. “It would just complicate things, that’s way too messy of a thing to do when I’m only here until the end of the week. Me and him aren’t friends we’re being civil, this trip is about giving his mum a really great birthday, not making it all about old teenage drama.”

“And you’re fine with that?”

“Yes.”

Margo narrowed her eyes. “Mhm.”

Steve returned with the ice coffees. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, all good.” She said voice a little too high pitched to be convincing. “Come on let’s go check out the rest of the stalls.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Tuesday July 11th

“I can’t see anything.” Vivienne tutted, adjusting her binoculars and leaning further over the rail of the boat.

 “Mom be careful, or you’ll fall off the boat and be swallowed by a whale.” He joked.

Vivienne leant away from the edge. “If they make appearance.”

Today’s activity was whale watching, Martha’s Vineyard only offered private whale watching tours meaning it didn’t come cheap. There had been a polite argument between both her father and Clyde over who should pay, Clyde of course won, it was less about generosity and more about yet another display of wealth.

(Name) was sat at the small table and chair set, a bottle of prosecco in the centre, everyone but Vivienne had helped themselves. No one had mentioned it but so far on the trip she hadn’t seen the woman touch a single drop of alcohol.

“Darling when are we going to talk about it?” Her mum suddenly asked.

She took a sip of prosecco. “About what?”

“About what on earth you’re doing with your life!”

She groaned. “Do we have to do this now?”

“When else are we going to talk about it? Every time I bring it up you won’t talk about it.”

She set her glass down. “What is so bad about my life that you can’t leave alone?”

Her mother frowned. “The fact that after a year you’re still an assistant. An assistant! You were meant for such better things than this. You should’ve gone into law like me and dad, you’ve always had the knack for it, it’s not too late.”

She wished a whale would swallow her.

“I don’t want to do law, as I’ve told you so many times. And I’m an assistant to the editor of a respected publication, I could get promoted any day now.”

“I can’t wait to have this same conversation in another year.” Her mum sniffed.

She got up from the table. “You know what mum be disappointed in me see if I care.”

She went to the other end of the boat, her arms resting on the railing as she watched the propellors twirl through the water.

“You okay?” Steve asked coming to join her.

“I just wish my parents could be proud of me.” She admitted, lowering her eyes.

Steve exhaled heavily “Join the club.”

 “Vivienne’s proud of you, there’s no doubt about that.” She looked at him. “Did she send you?”

He shook his head. “No, no one overheard the conversation. I saw you leave looking upset, figured something was up.”

This made her chest tighten. “Oh, well that’s nice of you, thanks.”

 “I actually think your job sounds pretty great by the way, I always knew you’d end up doing something with your writing.”

He leant against the railing their arms brushing, but this time she didn’t move away.

 “My job is great-amazing even, but I haven’t written anything in a year.”

“A year?” He said in surprise.

 “Yeah, not good right? When I’m at work I’m always busy and when I’m not I’m too exhausted to even think about writing.” She sighed. “Enough about me, let’s hear about college.”

 “After I got rejected from basically every school I applied to-“

 “I thought you didn’t apply to any schools?!”

“I lied to my parents, because I was embarrassed that I was too stupid to get in anywhere.”

She placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t say that, you’re not stupid you never were.”

He smiled at her. “Thanks.”

She smiled back at him. “Anytime.”

He glanced down to her hand that was still on his shoulder.

“Sorry.” She said her hand falling away.

His lips parted as he looked at her for a moment.

“You can carry on with your story.” She said shyly.

“Yeah, right.” He laughed nervously, springing back to life. “So, I went to a local community college to get some extra credits, 2 years later I applied to Purdue-the top college in Indianna and I’ve been there ever since.”

Her heart swelled with how proud she was of him.

“And why graphic design as your major and mathematics as a minor?”

 “I really want to get into designing video games, the mathematics part is so I can learn coding.”

She dramatically lowered her sunglasses. “Steven are you a-nerd?”

“You’re one to talk.” He scoffed.

“I’m going to spread salacious gossip about you now.” She teased.

He snorted. “Then maybe I’ll have to tell people that you were so scared of the exorcist you slept with a night light until you were 13. I think we’re at a stalemate.”

 “You’ve got me there!” She agreed. “But seriously I’m glad you’ve found something you’re passionate about.”

“I used to love going to the arcade growing up, especially when the games had those like animated segments. I like the idea that you can take someone on a journey, where they have control over whether they win or not. If you’d seen the things I have, you’d want a few more wins in life.” Steve explained, his smile fading she wondered what he was talking about but didn’t press him.

She bumped his shoulder with hers. “Well, I think your future job sounds pretty great.” She said repeating his own words.

He bumped her shoulder back. “I promise to remember you when I’m rich and famous.”

She tutted. “And there’s that infamous ego, just when we were having a nice moment.”

“Careful I might feed you to the whales.”

“If we ever see any.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

  Wednesday July 12th

After the boat trip she’d gone to hang out at Margo’s, in typical fashion her friend pried her for information about Steve. (Name) had relayed their conversation on the boat.

“I think he’s still got feelings for you.” Margo said.

She shook her head. “There’s no way.”

Margo raised a brow. “I don’t know he was ready to threw away his entire relationship for you.”

“That was a long time ago, he was 17 in his first real relationship, he was probably just confused.”

“Then why is he acting so friendly with you now? In fact why are you acting so friendly with him? You like him don’t you! And don’t give me the it’s because we’re being civil crap.”

“I think he’s just missed me and is just happy to see me, despite what we’ve gone through. I feel the same, even if it’s still complicated with him.” (Name) confessed.

“I’m going out with some friends Friday night you guys should both come and I can assess the vibe.” Margo said.

“Assess away, but you’re going to come up empty handed.” She warned.

Following the whale watching, Vivienne had taken her, Steve and her mum to a painting class.

She leant over to Steve and whispered. “Do you think we’re going to have to paint a naked person?”

“If we do, I’m leaving.” He whispered back.

Thankfully there was no nudity and it was instead a bowl of fruit. After half an hour of painting her canvas resembled blobs of colour rather than any object.

“There’s a reason I’m a writer and not an artist.” She joked, then peered at Steve’s canvas. “Wow.”

He smirked. “There’s a reason I’m an artist and not a writer.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

They all arrived back at the house in high spirits and at dinner talked animatedly about the painting class.

“Your son’s a natural Clyde, that graphic design major is paying off.” Her mum said.

“Could you draw me?” Her dad asked Steve.

Steve smiled and nodded. “Yeah probably.”

 “I’ve always wanted a hand drawn picture of myself.” Her dad said.

Her mum scoffed. “We can hang it up on the wall like Henry the 8th.”

 “I’ll add a crown in too free of charge.” Steve said cheekily, this made her dad chuckle.

He was the exact kind of guy her parents would love for her to bring home. She stopped eating when she realised what she’d thought.

“Don’t encourage him.” Clyde said.

“What’s that supposed to mean dad?” Steve immediately asked.

“That this whole art obsession, is just a phase. I wouldn’t mind if you switched mathematics to your major.”

Steve carried on eating. “No, I like what I’m doing.”

“I was able to accept that you let basketball and football go by the way side and I made peace with the fact that for two years you didn’t bother to apply for college. Then you did go to college and it wasn’t even an ivy league. But if you’re as good at maths as you claim then get a real qualification in it and come work for me after graduation next year.” Clyde implored.

Steve finally looked at his dad. “Did you ever think that maybe I don’t want to live my life exactly like you, that I’m my own person? Business doesn’t interest me, but graphic design does.”

“I’m done trying to guide you, be a disappointment for all I care.” Clyde said bitterly.

“Clyde, I think that’s enough.” Vivienne snapped, everyone went still usually she wasn’t so assertive with him.

“Look at you putting me in my place.” Clyde mocked taking a swig of his wine.

Vivienne glowered at him, she briefly glanced at the bottle of wine but instead drunk her water.

As if by instinct (Name) gently took Steve’s hand under the table. He didn’t look at her but he squeezed her hand back in thanks.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Later that evening she knocked on his bedroom door.

“Come to tell me to turn my music down?” He joked, but the sadness in his eyes gave him away.

“No, I just wanted to see if you were okay?” She asked.

He waved a hand. “That was a regular Wednesday for my dad.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to-“

“I’m fine, I promise.” He told her softly, she nodded knowing when to pick her battles.

“Did you want to go out Friday night with me and Margo?” She asked.

He nodded and managed a smile. “Yeah actually, I’d love to.”

The way he was casually leaning against the door frame and smiling so easily at her, made her head swim. This was the exact moment she realised.

 “Nice.” She smiled bashfully. “I’ll let you get back to whatever guy thing you were doing.”

She paused aware of how it sounded, he stifled a laugh.

“Not like that obviously! Not that it’s anything to be ashamed of if you do or don’t-“ She stopped and clapped her hands together. “I’m just going to go to bed, goodnight.”

Once she was safely in her bedroom she buried her burning face in her hands. It was possible that Margo was nearly right, at least about her.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Thursday July 13th

When she woke up the next morning the house was eerily quiet. She went to check the patio that was next to the pool and found it to be devoid of life.

“They’ve gone to some wine tasting festival.”

She jumped out of her skin, Steve sat at the outside table eating cereal.

She put a hand to her chest. “You nearly sent me into cardiac fucking arrest.”

He smirked at her. “Need me to grab my defibrillator?”

She playfully rolled her eyes, then remembered their conversation and her own realisation from the night before. She sat in the furthest chair away from him, he looked a little confused but moved past it.

“What should we do?” Steve asked her.

“We?” She asked intrigued.

“If you feel that way, then never mind.” He said pretending to take offense.

She grinned. “What did you have in mind?”

That was how she found herself surfing competitively against Steve, when he got knocked off by a particularly large wave she laughed so hard her stomach hurt. After a while they sat by the shore to rest.

“I’ve missed being here.” He told her.

“This view never gets old.” She agreed.

He pointed to himself. “You mean this view?”

“Don’t flatter yourself.” She chuckled splashing some water at him, he grinned at her.

“I’m glad we get to hangout like this again, I’ve really missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.” She found herself saying.

His face became more serious. “I’m really sorry about what happened 6 years ago, about everything. I’m sorry for ditching you when we were kids and then ignoring you. I was just young and immature, I wanted as dumb as it sounds for other people to see me as one of the guys.”

Her eyes widened hardly believing this conversation was finally happening.

“And having a female friend got in the way of that?”

He shook his head. “No, it was that with you I could share things I couldn’t with anyone else. You made me vulnerable in a way that my dad taught me to be ashamed of, that it was bad if some sort of weakness could be sensed in me. I already struggled in school I didn’t want another reason to not fit in.”

“And unfortunately, our friendship was at the cost of that.” She said quietly.

 “I was the literal worst.” He laughed sadly. “I hope you can forgive me, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t.”

She exhaled heavily. “I won’t deny that I’ve spent the past few years so fucking angry with you, but equally and I guess being older gives you more perspective, we were just kids. You made mistakes, I did too. No one is perfect and I think it’s unfair to go your whole life tying yourself in knots because of some shit you did as a teenager.” She smiled at him. “I’ll say it right now, I forgive you.”

He took her hand in his and threaded his fingers through hers. “You’re too good for me, you always were.”

Her heart sped up as he rubbed his thumb across her knuckles.

 What she was starting to feel for him was so enormous it frightened her, she suspected it was possible he may feel the same. Even though he’d changed and she cared about him so much, she didn’t fully trust that he wouldn’t hurt her again. It was safer to keep her feelings to herself and hope they would return to their platonic nature.

The wind had picked up and the waves were getting bigger some people were starting to swim in. She pulled her hand out of his and reached for her surf board.

“I’m going to try my luck.”

“They’re pretty high are you sure it’s safe?”

 “I’ll be careful, I promise.” She said warmly.

He let her go, clearly knowing it was pointless to try stop her.

The first wave wasn’t too bad and the second was a little tricky, but then came the third. The water was growing choppier by the second, she heard the life guard blow their whistle. She’d ride this one then go back to shore she thought. The wave crashed over her, sucking her into its’ depths, she fought to swim to the surface as she was thrown about underwater.

She came to the surface gasping for air and barely made it to the sand before she was lying on her back exhausted. A small crowd of people gathered around her.

“Miss, are you alright?” The life guard who was barely 16 asked her.

“Sorry excuse me.” A voice said coming through the crowd, Steve appeared at her side. “Hey it’s me.”

He helped her stand, as she tried to walk a stinging pain went through her leg. The crowd cleared for them as they started to walk away.

“Ow.” She hissed.

“What is it?” He fretted.

She panted. “I think I did something to my leg.”

“Are you able to take your wet suit off?”

The idea of having to bend to peel off the clinging material seemed impossible in that moment.

She shook her head.

“Want me to?” He suggested.

She hesitated, this was the last thing she should let him do as it would infiltrate her every waking thought. But she had no other choice.

“Go for it.” She said hoarsely.

He knelt down and start to pull down the wet suit to reveal her bikini, although he’d seen her in one before she’d never felt so exposed in front of him. He helped her step out of the wet suit.

 She peered down, there was a cut just above her knee.

Steve delicately touched the skin just above the cut. “It doesn’t look deep enough to need stiches but it’s gonna need to be cleaned.” He looked up at her.

There was something about seeing him knelt down gazing up at her that made her shiver.

He passed her the wet suit she held it to her chest a little flustered.

“Ready?” Steve said putting his arm around her shoulder.

 She nodded. “Yeah.”

She barely even made it one step. “No this isn’t happening. You’re just going to have to leave me, save yourself.” She gasped out.

“I’ve got an idea, put your arms around my neck.”

She did as he asked. “I’m not sure how this is help-woah.” With total ease he lifted her up into arms and carried her down the beach.

“You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet.” She joked.

He let out a tired laugh. “Only you.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Steve set her down on the kitchen counter and searched in the cupboard for the first aid kit.

He bought it over to where she was sat. “You’re lucky my mom’s got like five of these lying around.”

“You know I can do it myself, you’ve done more than enough for one day!”

He left the first aid kit next to her, the cut was at an awkward angle. She tried to lean forward to inspect her leg and nearly went toppling off the counter.  “Ok maybe you can do a little more.” 

He let out a soft huff of amusement.

He poured some disinfectant onto some cotton wood and stood between her legs as he dabbed at the cut, she winced.

“Sorry.” He muttered, then placed a large plaster over the cut. “Done.”

His hands came to rest on the counter either side of her. “How are you feeling?”

He smelt like aftershave and saltwater, it was overwhelming. “Better.” She murmured.

His vision flickered to her lips, if she tilted her head just a little more she’d be kissing him. She leant forward and instead placed a hand on his check quickly kissed it. When she pulled back she noticed a faint blush on his face.

“Thank you for taking care of me I really do appreciate but I think I need to go have a lie down.” She told him, he moved back so she could slide down off the counter top.

He touched where her lips had been. “Yeah see you later.” He said, staring after her.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Friday July 14th

“Mum have you seen my blue dress anywhere?”

“Did you not put it in your laundry basket?” Her mum asked.

“I could’ve sworn I did, maybe I left it in the dryer.” She deduced. “Do you know who dried their clothes after me?”

“I think it was Steve.”

She went to knock on his door but there no answer, she tried again, nothing. She called his name but there was only silence. He was probably somewhere else in the house. She carefully pushed his door and to her delight saw the laundry basket on his bed. That was when she heard the sound of running water being turned off, he was in the god damn bathroom.

“Shit.” She whispered rummaging through his laundry, she had to get out fast.

The bathroom door opened, time almost slow down as she looked over to see him stood there with only a towel hanging dangerously low around his waist.

“Oh my god I’m so sorry.” She screeched looking away.

“Why are you in my room?!” He asked the pitch rising.

She found the blue dress and grabbed it.

She shielded her eyes as she held up the dress. “I came for this but I’ll uh leave you now, sorry again.” She hurried out the room.

Once in the safety of her room she begun to pace the floor as her mind replayed the events of the past week. When they’d met that first morning on the beach, the necklace at the market, the way he’d look at her on the boat, their conversation by the shore when he’d held her hand, how he’d carried in his arms, how he’d glanced to her lips after dressing her injury and now when she’d seen him in a complete near state of undress.

She was nervous of going out that evening, she was afraid to do something she might regret. She’d always considered herself to have a good handle on most situations, but in the face of the inevitable did she have any control?

A couple hours later she’d managed to compose herself and was sat in a taxi on the way to meet Margo at the bar. She’d been unable to look Steve in the eye.

She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry about earlier, I didn’t think anyone was in your bedroom.”

 “It’s okay, it wasn’t a big deal.” He told her kindly.

She pat his arm. “Don’t be so hard on yourself I didn’t see much but it certainly was a big-“

She saw the mild shock on his face. “Oh you meant the situation.” She let her hands fall into her lap.

Tonight was going to be a challenge.

He rubbed at the back of his neck. “Anyway, what are Margo’s friends like.” He said changing the subject.

“They’re nice, I think you met them that time at the beach bonfire back when we were 17.”

“I remember that.” He wrinkled his nose. “That’s when Tommy went streaking.”

“If it helps he didn’t have a big deal.” She nervously joked and to her relief after a few seconds he actually laughed.

“So you and Steve? I think I was right.” Margo slyly said whilst they were waiting for their drinks at the bar.

She nodded. “Yeah you were spot on, I like him.”

Margo slapped (Name’s) shoulder. “I fucking knew you liked him!”

“Keep your voice!” She pleaded. “He doesn’t know I have feelings for him and I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Why though? He obviously likes you.”

 “I’m going back to New York in two days and he’ll be back in Indiana soon.”

“It doesn’t need to be anything serious. You work your ass off all the time why not have some fun for once?” Margo cackled.

 “It would be a very very bad idea, because I’d want it to be more than just some fling. If we hook up, I’m not getting over that, it’ll really hurt me.”

 “Maybe he doesn’t want to just hook up?”

“He’s a 23 year old guy Margo that’s all they want to do. He’s different now sure, I just don’t think he’s so different that he’d do long distance.”

Margo frowned. “All I’m saying is you’re never going to know what he wants if you’re over here speculating with me, talk to him and go from there.”

She tugged at her hair. “I just don’t know.”

“Talk to him tomorrow but enjoy tonight.” Margo warmly said. “Come on let’s take the shots back to the table.”

When they were back at the table, Steve was immersed in conversation with one of Margo’s friends.

“We come back baring shots!” Margo exclaimed, as they both set the small glasses out on the table.

“Cheers.” She said clinking her glass to Steve’s.

“Cheers.” He replied knocking back the shot.

The shot burnt her throat and warmed her body, she’d already been buzzed before but she knew it’d hit her in a few minutes.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

An hour and 2 more shots later she was past tipsy, so was everyone else.

She stared up at him, swaying slightly.

“What?” He asked amused.

“You’re just so cute.” She admitted, booping his nose.

“Thank you?” He laughed, he was clearly little more sober than her.

She fisted the material of his shirt. “You just don’t get it.”

“Get what?”

“How stuck in my head I get about you, it drives me crazy. I wish you knew how much I-“ She stopped talking.

“How much you what?” He asked.

New music started.

“Oh my god I love this song!” She cried grabbing his wrist. “Let’s go dance.”

She started to lead him away. “Did you not wanna finish your sentence?”

She couldn’t recall what she’d said.

“We’ll dance first then you can tell me what it is I have to tell you.” She slurred.

Margo gave her a thumbs up, she gave a thumbs up back not really understanding why.

“Spin me around!” She told him, he chuckled twirling her.

“Now it’s your turn.”

He raised a brow. “What?”

“Less talking more spinning.” She scolded and twirled her 6 foot friend around. “Wasn’t that fun!”

 “Suprisingly, yeah.” He grinned at her. “I’ve really liked hanging out with you this week.”

She beamed. “Me too.”

“I like a lot about you.” He confessed. “I like you in a way that’s different than I feel with other people.”

She didn’t say anything her head was getting dizzy from all the dancing and drink.

“Do you understand what I’m telling you?” He asked.

Before she could have a chance to respond she could feel herself stumbling over, Steve caught her and she started giggling.

“I’m so sorry I am so drunk right now!” She snorted

He looked at her disappointed. “Let’s get you home.”

He guided her through the dance floor and to where their table was.

“Margo I’m gonna take her home.” Steve said, one arm around her.

“Good plan.” She smiled.

She hugged Margo. “Margo you’re the best, you’re such a good friend.”

Margo patted her on the back. “You’re a great friend too!” She passed her back to Steve. “Safe journey back guys.”

As they left the bar, they ran into a familiar face. It was Tyler.

“Look who it is.” (Name) cheered holding her hand up for him to high five.

Tyler gave her a weak high five and looked to Steve. “Is she-“

“A bit drunk, yes.” Steve replied curtly, the bromance between them was obviously gone.

“Oh wait I just remembered that I don’t like you.” She lightly slapped Tyler’s arm.

As they walked away she called over her shoulder. “Don’t go tricking anyone into truth or dare or I’ll find you!” She sung.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

When they returned home everyone was asleep, he took her up to her bedroom. She sat on her bed swaying her legs, he came back in with a glass water. “Drink all of this okay?”

“Yes mum.” She slurred gulping down the water.

When she was done she gave the glass to Steve, she pat the space on the bed next to her. “Come sit here.”

“Maybe you should get some sleep?” He suggested.

She shook her head. “Later, first sit.”

He took a seat next to her, even in her uninhibited state she could acknowledge how good he looked, his hair was dishevelled and shirt a little open.

She turned to face him. “What made you change so much?” She bluntly asked.

“I finally got a skin care routine-“

“No not that, why are you not in some college fraternity called delta zeta gamma ray.”

 “Sadly Purdue doesn’t have a fraternity with that name.”

She poked him in the chest. “Answer the question!”

He chuckled. “I just like teasing you.” He looked at her thoughtfully. “The reason I changed was because of the friends I made, real friends. Once I graduated high school all of the stuff that was important, just stopped. And I realised that there were people who liked me as I was, not just because I had great hair or was on the basketball team. For the first time since being friends with you I had people on my side.”

“I’m so happy for you. You seriously deserve to have people like that in your life.” Her mouth curved up. “Are you still with that girl?”

“You mean Nancy? God no, we broke up ages ago, we’re good friends now. She actually just got engaged.”

 “Good for her, that’s nice.”

“Engaged to the guy she left me for.”

She grit her teeth. “Less nice.”

He shrugged. “He’s a decent guy and I have to say they make way more sense than me and her ever did.”

 “Wow marriage, I haven’t even had a boyfriend yet.” She huffed.

“Never?”

“No sir.”

He moved a little closer. “Is there anyone at the moment?”

“Sort of, but can you keep a secret?” She hiccupped.

“Yes, yeah I can.”

She beckoned him forward. “Come closer so I can tell you.”

When he was close enough she placed both hands in his face and went to lean in to kiss him, her lips barely grazed his before he was pulling back from her.

The rejection stung her, she got off the bed. “Oh god why did I do that?” She groaned.

He stood up too. “It’s fine really!”

She shut her eyes. “It’s not, that was so incredibly dumb, I shouldn’t have tried to kiss someone who doesn’t want to kiss me.”

“I-I do.” He confessed.

She opened her eyes. “You do?”

His hand came to cup the side of her face.  “It’s not a no, it’s a no right now. I don’t wanna kiss you when you’re drunk.”

There were butterflies in her stomach. “Oh okay.”

His thumb traced her cheek bone. “Tomorrow I’ve gotta help my mum set up for the party but later on why don’t we finally talk, how does that sound?”

She smiled shyly. “Sounds good.”

He pressed a kissed to her forehead. “Get some sleep.”

As soon as he left her bedroom she was fast asleep.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Saturday July 15th

She spent the entire morning with a throbbing head ache curled up in bed. When she’d made herself semi-presentable she left her room to get some lunch. Her memory was blurry and everything after leaving the bar was totally blank.

“Hey.” Steve said coming into the kitchen holding a box of wine glasses.

“Hi.” She replied.

He put down the box and came over to her pressing a kiss to her cheek, she stepped back and touched where he’d been.

“Why did you do that?” She asked perplexed.

 “Do you not remember last night?..”

 “I don’t remember much at all, I can’t remember even getting home.”

His shoulders dropped. “So you don’t know what happened.”

“Wait what happened?!”

Last night began to return to her.

She put a hand over her mouth as it hit her. “I tried to kiss you!”

He swallowed hard. “Yeah you did.”

Then she recalled what he’d said after.

Her eyes widened. “And you wanted to kiss me, but didn’t want to do when I was drunk..”

“And if I did that what do you think that means?” He carefully asked, waiting for her to put the pieces together.

“That you like me.” She breathed.

 “I really like you. And I think that maybe- there’s part of you that feels the same?”

She couldn’t hide from it anymore.

“Steve, I won’t deny that there’s things I’ve felt for you this week that go beyond just friendship but,” She sighed, “I’m going back to New York tomorrow and you’ll be back at college in a few weeks. There’s no point starting anything now.”

He shook his head. “I don’t care about the distance, I want to try.”

“You might not care about the distance at first but eventually it’ll become a problem.”

“No it won’t.”

“But it will!” She insisted. “You’re a young good-looking guy still at college, you don’t want to long distance, you should be hooking up with the cute girl in that one lecture who keeps smiling at you. Trust me I’m saving you the pain.”

His expression hardened. “Don’t tell me what I want. I don’t want some meaningless fling with someone I barely know, I want you.”

“Until the better option comes around.” She blurted out.

 “There is no better option there’s only you!”

 “It’s a bad idea, I’m sorry but-no.”

He looked away from her his jaw clenched.

She put a hand on his arm to try to turn him towards her. “Hey, hey Steve, come on this doesn’t need to be a sad thing, I’m just trying to be practical.” She said gently.

He moved away from her, too angry to even look in her direction.

“Why do you keep doing that?” He snapped. “Why do you keep pulling away from me every time we get the slightest bit close to something happening. You aren’t trying to protect me, you’re trying to protect yourself.”

“That’s not what I’m doing!” She exclaimed.

“I know I did bad things but I’m getting really tired of having to prove to you and to everyone just how much I’ve changed.” He finally looked at her, eyes glossy with unshed tears, her chest ached. “What is so fucking wrong with me that people can’t love me?! I’m not a monster, I’m a person.” He said voice cracking.

She felt like someone had sawed through her heart. “I didn’t know you felt that way.” She said trembling.

Tears slipped down his face, he wiped at his eyes. “Well, you wouldn’t would you, no one would.” He inhaled shakily.

He reached into his pocket. “Here.” He said throwing her something.

When she opened her hands, it was none other than the necklace from the market.

She gawped at him “When did you..”

“I was going to give it you tonight, but you may as well have it now.”  He grabbed the box from the counter top and left before she could stop him.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

She sat at her vanity ready for the party. She’d had a lot of time to think about her conversation with Steve and how he had been right about how she felt, she was scared of just how much he could hurt her. But in turn not being together was hurting them both so much more. She delicately touched the pendant of the necklace, her old matching bracelet sat on her wrist. She wanted to sob when she looked at the little golden S.

There was a knock at the door, she hurried to the door in hopes that it was-

“Vivienne hi.” She said.

“Were you expecting someone else?” Vivienne chuckled. “Can I come in?”

“Yeah of course.”

She moved out of the way, then shut her bedroom door. Vivienne perched on the end of her bed and smooth the skirts of her green dress.

“You look gorgeous dear.” Vivienne complimented.

 “Thanks so do you.”

Vivienne crossed her arms and looked at her softly with concern. “We need to talk.”

She sat down next to her apprehensively. “About what?”

“About how insane both you and my son are driving one another, it’s like wuthering heights in here.” Vivienne tutted.

 “How did you figure it out?”

“Mother’s intuition.” She shook her head. “I overheard you both in the kitchen.”

“Oh god you heard all of that?” She groaned.

“You did have quite a heated conversation in the middle of a public space so yes I heard.”

 “Well then I’m sure you know that it’s over before it began.”

“Only if you don’t try sweetie.”

“But that’s what I’m afraid of, what if it doesn’t work out?”

 “When you get to my sage age of 50-48 if anyone asks!” She chuckled. “You learn what love is and what it isn’t, sometimes it’s worth the risk. And this is coming from someone who’s only found it for the first time in her adult life.”

She raised her brows. “But you and Mr Harrington..”

“Are getting a divorce. I split up with him sometime ago.”

“Why doesn’t anyone know?”

“Steve does, I told him as soon as it happened. Both Clyde and I wanted to take our time with publicly announcing it. My party will be the last time we’re ‘together’.” She did air quote marks with her fingers.

“Wow.” She said. “Good for you.”

Vivienne put an arm around her.  “It’s wonderful but I can’t be happy until I know that you kids are. What you both have is real and maybe it isn’t going to be easy or it might not last but you both deserve the chance to experience it.”

“I’ve probably ruined any chance of ever having it.” She admitted sadly.

Vivienne gave her a sly grin. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that, talk to him I think you’ll be surprised.”

She smiled back weakly. “I’ll try.”

“No more moping.” Vivienne sprung up. “We’ve got a party to enjoy!” She held out her hand pulling (Name) to her feet.

“Who’s this person you’re in love with then?” She asked.

“His name’s Pierre, he’s a French photographer, incredibly cliché I know but he’s a good man, he makes me the happiest I’ve ever been.” Vivienne told her.

She linked her arm through hers. “You deserve to be happy.”

Vivienne squeezed her arm. “So do you sweetie.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

The party was in full swing and she still hadn’t seen Steve, she however had run into Margo and Tyler who had come with their parents.

“Hey guys.” She said approaching them.

“Hey.” Margo replied hugging her whilst Tyler politely smiled.

“Tyler sorry about last night.” She apologised.

Margo snorted. “He told me.”

Tyler huffed. “I probably deserved it, I should be the one apologising to you.”

Tyler paused Margo elbowed him. “You actually have to say it.”

Tyler rolled her eyes and sighed. “(Name) I’m very sorry for being-“ He looked to his sister. “An annoying dick head with shitty hair.”

Margo burst out laughing.

“Did you tell him to say that?” She asked amused.

Tyler nodded grimly. “Yes she did.”

“Apology accepted.” She told Tyler, who finally deflated with relief.

“You guys haven’t seen Steve anywhere have you?” She asked.

“Why do you wanna know? Gonna pick up where you left off at the bar last night.” Margo suggestively said.

“It’s actually about what happened after the bar I need to talk to him, we got in a fight this morning.”

“I think I saw him go the beach.” Tyler said.

She frowned. “The beach?”

Tyler shrugged. “No idea why.”

“I’m going to go speak to him.” She said going to leave.

“Goodluck!” Margo called.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

When she was at the beach she saw Steve in the distance smoking alone by the shore, she could just about make him out.

“Steve!” She shouted from down the beach, he immediately looked in her direction.

She started walking but found the gorgeous heels she had chosen kept sinking into the sand.

“Jesus christ.” She hissed and quickly removed the heels letting them dangle from her wrist.

She picked up the skirt of her dress and ran to where he was.

He stubbed out his cigarette when he saw her. “(Name)?”

She stopped running and smiled at him. “Hi.”

He opened his mouth to talk but she stopped him. “Before you say anything I just need to get a few things straightened out.”

He nodded. “Yeah, go for it.”

“It’s my turn to apologise to you. I don’t know where you’re getting this notion from that you’re some unlovable monster because I know for a fact there are people in this life who like you exactly as you are, I should know since I’m one of them. You’re kind and funny and literally one of the smartest people I’ve ever met.” His face softened as she spoke. “And I’m so god damn sorry that it’s taking until,” She locked down at her watch and laughed, “14 hours before my flight to tell you that I’m so unbelievably, stupidly, in love with you.” Her chest heaved up and down, a little breathless from the amount she’d just said.

He just blinked at her, dazed.

“This is usually when the other person says something.” She nervously said.

He walked towards her, and was so close that the shoes on her wrist tapped against him. He took them off her wrist and they fell to the floor. He cupped her face and softly pressed his lips to hers. She sighed as his lips moved deliciously against hers. After a few seconds he stopped kissing her.

Her lips tingled from where he’d kissed her. “Yeah, that’s a good answer.” She stammered.

He smiled down at her softly. “I love you too, so much.”

“You were right by the way I was afraid-still am afraid of letting myself get swept up in this.” She gestured between both of them. “It's worth all of the risk.”

“I have a feeling that this might last.” He said warmly.

“I do too.” She smiled at him. “I’m sorry about your parents getting a divorce, by the way. Your mum told me.”

“Don’t be, I’ve never seen her this alive, she doesn’t drink anymore and she’s with someone that actually respects her.”

She shook her head fondly. “Only your mother would end up with a French photographer. Do you like him?”

He nodded. “Yeah I do." He nodded. "As much as I like talking Pierre I’d rather go back to talking about us!”

She raised a brow. “So we’re an us now are we?”

“You’re the one who ran down the beach to confess your love to me.” He scoffed.

“And you’re the one who got my favourite heels sandy.” She jokingly scolded. “Why did you just throw them on the ground.”

He sighed. “Yeah, it felt like sexy at the time, sorry.”

She grinned. “I’m just teasing it was sexy, although you will be buying me a new pair.”

He chuckled. “Shut up.” His eyes dipped down to her neck and he picked up the necklace.

“It’s lovely thank you.” She told him then held up her wrist with the bracelet. “And thank you for this as well.”

He began to laugh she furrowed her brow. “You don’t have to laugh.” She huffed.

“No I’m not I’m not, it’s just funny cause-” He rolled back his sleeve to show his own bracelet.

Her mouth fell open. “I thought you got rid of it.”

He touched it tenderly. “I’d never throw this away.”

She leant up and gave him a chaste kiss.

“Do you wanna go back to the party?” She asked.

“Sure.” He agreed, she held out her hand and he smiled taking it.

“My mouth kind of tastes like smoke now.” She said as they walked down the beach.

“So does mine.”

“You were the one smoking.”

“I could stop but I think you find it too hot.”

She rolled her eyes playfully. “I also find you quitting even hotter.”

He kissed the top of her head. “Anything for you.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Sunday July 16th

2 am

 “There’s something I wanted to ask you.” She said, they were in his bed she was nestled against him, head resting on his bare chest.

He stroked her hair. “Ask away.”

She shifted so her chin was resting on her arm. “When we went back to school that summer after we were 14, I called your house and your dad picked up, I told him to get you to call me. He never passed that message onto you did he?”

 “I didn’t even know you called, so yeah no he didn’t.” He gently caressed her face with his hand. “I would’ve if he’d told me.”

 “I knew you would’ve.”

“I wish I’d made things right with you sooner.” His chest rose and fell in a deep breath, as if letting go of something heavy.

She kissed his jaw. “Let’s just focus on now.”

They looked at each other softly and he smiled at her. “Do you find it crazy that we literally just slept together.”

 “Yeah but in a good way, like this is so amazing there’s no way it can be actually happening.” She laughed.

He laughed too. “Oh it’s happening.”

She gave him a saucy look. “If you come visit me in New York it’ll be happening all the time.”

“You’re such a flirt, I’d almost think you have a crush on me.” He wryly said.

"You know what." She pretended to gasp. “I think I do have a crush on you.”

“No I think you love me.” He teased.

“You’re done.” She sung and put a hand over his mouth.

He said it again but this time it was muffled, she took away her hand.

“I really do love you.” She said genuinely.

“I love you too.” He said softly.

 2 years later: July 16th 1992

“Is this everything?” She asked, as they stood in their new apartment, boxes taking up every inch of space.

“Why, do you have another 10 boxes of clothing?” He teased.

 “I’m sorry that I like to look cute.” She nudged him. “When did you say your friends are coming to stay by the way?”

“The 30th.”

“You excited?”

“Yeah I can’t wait!”

“It’s going to be a lot of fun, I really liked them the first time we met.”

“They loved you, maybe even more than me.” He grinned.

“The only person that loves you more than me are my parents.” She laughed.

Her parents had been over the moon when she’d told them about her and Steve, immediately asking when the wedding would be. Vivienne was delighted but she’d known from the start they’d end up together. As for Clyde, whilst things were still rocky he had actually started to call Steve more and try fix what was broken between them. At Steve’s college graduation she’d thought she’d even nearly seen him cry with pride, when his son has walked across the stage to get his diploma.

He walked towards the window she joined him, the view of New York staring back at them.

“I’m thinking that this would be a great spot for you to do your writing.” He suggested.

 “Oo so true, although I worry the view might distract me, I only just got my own column at work I don’t want to screw it up just yet.”

 “You could never.”

“How’re you feeling about your first day tomorrow?”

“Like I’m going to screw it up.” He huffed.

 “You’ll be fine!”

“God I’m lucky I have you.” He said resting his head on top of hers.

She put her head on his shoulder. “I’ll never stop thinking how lucky we both are to finally have each other.”

PART 2

[s0fter-sin]

any spoonies who regularly stay awake for 24+ hours know how to not do that? not as in you can’t sleep but you’re just not tired enough to go to bed

[ellilyre]

I can't sleep before I have my nightly dose of Diomedes thoughts

[altruistic-meme]

my poor rice :(

[lightblueminecraftorchid]

Me, yesterday, 5:30 PM: wow I’m honestly doing so great at my adult tasks; I’ve gotten some homework done, I went grocery shopping, my laundry is almost dry. I spent so many spoons and I barely feel tired! Maybe I’m finally fully recovering from burnout!

Me, yesterday, 6:00 PM: oh.

[orcelito]

Honestly hate how hard it is to start writing again when you've gone too long without it. Like for fuck's sake man Why's shit gotta be like this

[skitskatdacat63]

Set my alarm for 8:40, woke up at 7:10, the pre-race fear is real

[milo-is-rambling]

Chronic pain really got me going to bed before it’s even dark out (also my little pink unicorn lights Millie got me look so cool in the second pic)