#and she had tears in her eyes and I’m an emotional bitch so ofc i apologised

[the-winds-of-destiny-xxx]

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[mynameismckenziemae]

A Little Bit Stronger

Part 1

(next part here)

Bradley Rooster Bradshaw x OFC

Summary:

Fear is the only thing Shae Williams feels after years of abuse at the hands of her ex-husband. After an encounter where he nearly takes her life, she’s finally free of him…until he finds out where she’s staying. Fear forces her to take the help of the only person who’s offered and is introduced to Bradley Bradshaw in the process.

The last thing Shae needs right now is a relationship and the fact that Bradley understands and respects her wishes makes him that much harder to resist.

Warnings: Just like everything else / write/post: this story is for 18+ only. MINORS DO NOT INTERACT. It will contain smut, adult themes, situations and language. Please also note this story may be triggering due to the topic of domestic abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) violence-feel free to message me with any questions before reading.

*This is the Bradley from All of Me (Jake and Reese’s story). You should be able to be read as a stand-alone but it doesn’t hurt to start there.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

2 months prior.

“Why don’t you stay here for a few minutes,” Chad sneers, pushing his seed back inside you that’s beginning to leak out. He’s not gentle; it hurts, causing tears to prick at your eyes, but you refuse to wince, “give my swimmers a few extra minutes to find that egg,” he laughs.

They won’t. The Depo injection you got a few weeks ago at Planned Parenthood after Chad had found your hidden birth control pills will prevent that. It would be a cold day in hell before you brought an innocent child into this mess. The bruises from that beating were nearly healed now.

“Okay,” you reply, cold and numb.

“Dinner reservations are at tonight 6, so I’ll be here at 5:30 to pick you up,” Chad says from the bathroom as he starts the shower, “wear that black dress with the low back I like.”

“I will,” you lie.

If all goes to plan, you’ll be a few hours away by then, where he can’t find you.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

You get up as soon as he leaves, wanting nothing more than to get out of this hellhole but needing to wash the evidence of his abuse off of your body.

Your heart is pounding as you pull your suitcases out from the bottom of your closet, already packed and ready to go. Your sweaty hands tremble, barely able to pick up your last-minute supplies to toss them in a tote.

You lift the mattress and reach under where you made a slit, locating the cash you’ve been hiding there and pulling it out before packing it too.

With that cash and the money you transferred into a secret account when you had been working, you should be set until you find a job.

You set your phone on the kitchen table and take a slow, deep breath before walking towards the door.

The handle turns as you reach out to open it; your stomach does too.

“I’m so fucking glad I installed those cameras last week when you were at Pilates,” Chad chuckles darkly as you drop the suitcase, backing away in terror.

He grabs your ponytail when you turn to run, and you cry out loudly at the burning pain in your scalp as he yanks you back. “You’re not going anywhere. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever,” he seethes in your ear. Your stomach rolls in disgust as you can feel him hard against your ass; he’s getting off on this. “You belong to me.”

He pushes you into the table by the door, causing the flower vase atop it to fall and shatter.

“Stupid, ungrateful bitch,” he seethes, stepping over the mess before kicking your hunched form in the ribs, stealing the breath in your lungs from the sharp, searing pain as you land on the hardwood.

It only takes two steps before he’s on you again, gripping your shoulder and turning you to face him. His eyes are full of rage, his pupils dilated from the line he snorted in the car as he spits, “I thought you’d finally learned after the birth control incident. I should’ve known…”

Your head whips to the side and you taste blood when he backhands you, splitting your lip.

You can’t catch your bearings as you try to appease him with an apology; pain radiating from your cheek and there’s a deafening, high-pitched ringing in your ears, “I’m sorry Chad, let me explain-“

Pain explodes in the left side of your face a second later as he punches you as hard as he can before the world goes dark.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

“Shae?” says a familiar voice, sounding so far away. “Shae, honey, wake up.”

Your right eye slowly blinks open to the bright fluorescent lights; the left is swollen shut and pulsing painfully. The beeping of the heart monitor increases and the pain in your ribs makes itself known as everything comes rushing back.

The police officers arriving, the EMTs putting you on the stretcher, the chilling look in his eyes as you were rolled past, the favorite doctor you worked for giving you a sedative when you arrived in her ER panicking.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” Dr. Akins murmurs, putting her hand on yours, “he’s not here, he can’t hurt you.”

You slowly nod. “Where,” you croak, tongue feeling like sandpaper, “where is he?”

“Sitting in jail,” she replies.

“But-“

“For 24 hours,” she assures you, “even with his connections, he won’t be getting out early.”

You nod, still a little dazed and disoriented as you take a drink of the water she offers. “Thank you.”

“He’s why you quit, huh?” Dr. Akins asks. Not judging, just observant.

You nod again.

“What happened? Today I mean,” she clarifies.

“I was leaving,” you whisper, wincing when you look down from the pain in your eye from the movement. “He came home.”

“How did he know? Did you tell anyone?” She asks gently.

“No,” you reply, “not a soul. He said something about installing cameras last week.”

“That’s not legal in the state of California, Shae,” she says softly, stroking her thumb over your hand, “neither is beating your wife half to death.”

You nod once again, gasping from the pain in your ribs when you sit up, “I’ve gotta get out of here before he’s released.”

“Where will you go?” She asks.

“I’m going to rent an Airbnb in San Diego,” you wince as you try to smile, quickly reminded of the split in your lip, “My parents met there when my dad was in the Navy. I visited after college and fell in love. It was the first place that came to mind the…” you trail off.

“The what?”

“The last time this happened,” you whisper, “he found out I was secretly taking birth control since we started trying for a baby…he thought being a family man would help him get a promotion at work…as if that canceled out the alcoholism, drug use, and anger problems.”

“Oh Shae,” she replies. Your eyes fill as you look away when you hear the tears heavy in her voice.

She stands and gently wraps you in a hug, letting you cry for the next few minutes. She hands you a tissue before taking one for herself.

“So…you’ve got an orbital fracture that thankfully doesn’t need surgery, no concussion but you’re gonna have a helluva headache, 3 broken ribs, a split lip, and a few other bumps and bruises,” she says finally, not sugar coating it.

You close your eyes, knowing they’ll want to keep you overnight for another observation.

“There’s two officers from Sacramento PD waiting to talk with you,” she continues, “but I’ll get you discharged when they’re done. As a nurse, I trust you know what signs and symptoms to watch for?”

You open your eyes and nod, “Thank you.”

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

You’re tight-lipped during the conversation with the officers with the entire police department in Chad’s back pocket.

You do ask for a restraining order, knowing it’s just a piece of paper, but it gives you a little peace of mind. You don’t press any further charges either; nothing will come of the ones already existing and you refuse to add fuel to his fire.

“Here’s your discharge papers,” Dr. Akins hands you the stapled stack after they leave, “and a little something from a few of the doctors here. We haven’t forgotten you, Shae.”

“Dr. Akins, you-“ you start but she interrupts.

“Just be safe, okay? My number is in there too, please let me know when you’re settled.”

“Okay,” you whisper, ignoring the shooting pain in your ribs as you pull her in for a final hug, “thank you.”

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

You try not to, but you can’t help but cry when you open the envelope in the Uber that Dr. Akins ordered. A letters of recommendation from her and two other doctors you worked with also, and enough bills to make you feel light-headed.

“Here’s fine,” you tell the driver when he pulls onto your street and is a few houses from yours.

You feel paranoid, but knowing Chad, he’ll check the Ring as soon as he gets released. If he sees a man brought you home, you wouldn’t put it past him to look up the license plate and have his cronies at the police station pull him over; it doesn’t matter that it’s just the man’s job.

“You sure?” He looks skeptically over his shoulder at you.

“Yeah,” you sigh when you try again to smile, tasting blood again when you open the cut in your bottom lip, “thanks.”

Ed, your sweet old neighbor, comes running when he spots you gingerly getting out of the car. “Shae!” He cries when he reaches you, placing his hands on your shoulders, afraid to hurt you, “oh your beautiful eye,” he whispers, tears filling his eyes as he scans your face. “I happened to see him come home, and I knew he wasn’t happy the way he slammed his car door. I’m sorry I called 911, but I heard you yell and then a crash.”

“It’s okay,” you begin to cry too, hating how distressed he is. You’d had quickly befriended him and his wife, Jean, when you moved in. They reminded you so much of your late parents and that’s exactly why Chad put an end to the relationship. “I’m glad you did, Ed.”

“I’m so sorry about Jean,” you continue, guilt overwhelming you. “I wanted to go to the funeral so badly.”

She had passed away nearly a year ago from cancer. You earned a slap across the face when you asked Chad to go to her funeral.

“It’s okay, honey. She knew you loved her and she loved you too,” he replies, pulling you in for the most gentle, tender hug.

The gesture breaks the dam inside you and you begin to sob; body-shaking, from-the-soul sobs.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

“Come inside,” Ed asks when you finally relax, “Just for a minute. I’ve got a slice of apple pie with your name on it. You’ve gotten too thin.”

“Okay,” you whisper, letting him take your hand.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

“Do you have my number in your new phone?” Ed asks by his front door after he feeds you not one, but two pieces of his homemade pie. It was your favorite and yet another thing Chad didn’t let you have.

You insist Ed stays home while you get your suitcases, not knowing the whereabouts of Chad’s cameras. The last thing you want is someone else getting hurt, especially Ed.

You nod, “It was the first number I put it, I still have it memorized. Promise you’ll come to see me when things settle?”

If they ever settle. Your heart sinks with the thought that this mess will never stop; not until he’s in prison or one of you ends up dead.

“I will,” he kisses your forehead, and hands you an envelope from his pocket, “here honey, take this.”

“Ed, no. I can’t,” you argue, eyes widening as you feel the wad of cash inside, “Really, I’ll be okay. I’ve been planning this for a while.”

“It was Jean’s idea,” he smiles sadly, “she knew you’d get out someday and we both wanted you to have a cushion.”

“Ed,” your voice breaks and you start to cry again. Your head was pounding, your ribs screamed with every breath and you were getting more anxious as more time passed.

“Take it and use it,” he says, putting his hand in his pocket so you can’t hand it back, “hire a lawyer, get that dog you always wanted, take a nice vacation, whatever you want, honey. Besides, he can’t track cash like he can a card.”

That thought crossed your mind too before you finally nod. “Thank you,” you whisper, giving him a final hug and heading back to your former home.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

You step over the drips of your blood and avoid the dead flowers and broken glass, feeling nauseous from anxiety and the pain pulsing through your body when you pick up your discarded bag and right your suitcases.

Your lip still quirks in satisfaction when the wheels of your suitcase drag the sharp pieces of glass over the floor, scratching the hell out of the hardwood he loves.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

Ed watches from his front door as you struggle to get your suitcases in the back, but you discreetly shake your head when he opens the door to help. Chad is going to take his anger out somewhere, and you don’t want to make Ed more of a target.

You suppress your groan as you lift the floorboard in the trunk to find your secret cell phone hidden by the spare tire and turn it on after plugging it in while you fasten your seatbelt.

After typing in the address into GPS, you take a deep breath and pull out of the driveway, waving goodbye to Ed and starting your new life.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

A few weeks later (current day).

“Friday at 11,” you confirm, “I’ll be there, thank you again,” you say before hanging up with the recruiter.

You smile softly; things are looking up. You have an interview scheduled for a nursing position with a general practitioner at the Naval Base, you secured a nice apartment that’ll be ready to move into in a few weeks and Chad would be served with divorce papers any day now.

With the money you saved, the generous gift from the doctors you worked with at the ER, and the downright obscene amount from Ed and Jean, you didn’t need to rush into finding a job. So you had taken a few weeks to find an apartment and hit the beach while you healed; physically at least.

Emotionally though, you were struggling. Most nights you woke up soaked in a cold sweat, shivering in terror from your nightmares. Loud noises made you flinch. You were constantly having to remind yourself that it’s okay to go out and do what you want.

Dr. Akins checked in with you twice after letting her know you arrived. Ed texted or called almost daily; it was so nice to be able to talk to him freely.

You decide to walk a few blocks to the hole-in-the-wall restaurant you discovered on your first week here for dinner.

Taking a different way back, you come across a large, brown, and white dog tied outside a clothing shop.

The sign in the window above him reads, ‘Dog is for sale. Inquire within’.

His big, fluffy tail begins to wag when he realizes you’re approaching him and he lifts his head when you kneel, “Hi buddy.”

“Hi,” an older woman with a kind smile comes out when she sees you, “are you-“ she cuts off with a sneeze when she gets close.

“Bless you,” you smile.

“Thanks,” she sniffs, “I was trying to ask if you’re interested in him?”

“Oh,” you say, “I can’t…” you trail off as you realize there isn’t anything stopping you. The Airbnb listing said pets were welcome; same with your apartment. “Well…maybe?”

She laughs, sitting on the bench by the door, inviting you to sit beside her. “His name is Hank, he’s a 2-year-old, Great Pyrenees mix. He belonged to my daughter but…she can’t take care of him anymore; she checked herself into rehab,” she sighs sadly, “and will be for a while; she asked me to find him a good home since I’m horribly allergic and there’s too many kill shelters around here,” she answers before you can ask.

“I’m sorry,” you murmur, petting his big head when he rests it on your knee, “he’s so sweet.”

“He is,” she confirms before sneezing again, “he listens well, I’ve never heard him bark and I think he’s house trained-I’ve had to keep him in the garage at my house or I can’t breathe-but he hasn’t had any accidents there. I guess he’s a little leery of men too, but she wasn’t hanging around the best crowd either. I took him to the vet-in my car which was a terrible idea, I still sneeze when I open the door,” she laughs, “but they gave him a micro-chip and updated his vaccines. He was given a clean bill of health, I have his records in the store.”

He looks up at you with those big brown eyes; staring into your soul while tugging at your heartstrings.

“I’ll take him,” you hear yourself saying as you pull out your wallet and pull out all the cash you have in your wallet; around $500. She begins to refuse but you insist, “Please. I know the vet wasn’t cheap, and your daughter will need help getting back on her feet.”

Tears fill her eyes but she eventually nods, “Thank you.”

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

It doesn’t take long at all for you to fall in love with Hank; his personality is as big as he is. He just had one accident the first night and hasn’t barked a single time.

“How do I look?” You ask him, spinning in front of the mirror as he watches you from his spot on your bed. Dressing up felt nice, even if it was just for a job interview.

You did your best to cover the healing yellow bruise under your eye, but it was still noticeable in certain light.

He hops off the bed and nudges your thigh with his head before looking up at you in the mirror.

“Thanks, I think so too,” you smile down at him. “I’ll be back in a little bit, you be a good boy.”

He’s asleep on the bed before you shut the door.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

“Hi, you must be Shae,” the pretty woman greeting smiles as she offers her hand. “I’m Reese, nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too,” you reply.

“Please,” she gestures to the chairs across her desk as she sits, “have a seat.”

Your eyes squint when the sunlight catches your face as you sit before giving her your resume. “I also have letters of recommendation from my nursing instructor and a few of the doctors I’ve worked with,” your cheeks heat as you hand them over next.

Your stomach sinks as her gaze pauses on your concealed bruise before she scans the information given.

Your nerves settle as she asks questions and gives you different scenarios. Dr. Kerner is confident, witty and you get the impression she doesn’t take shit from anyone; which is needed when the majority of her patients are cocky men.

“Well, I’ve seen enough,” she smiles, “you can expect to from HR soon for the formal offer,” your heart soars and then sinks when her brow furrows slightly when she glances down again at her resume, “Oh, is this current?”

Your nerves come back full force and your hands twist nervously in your lap, “Yes, it’s current.”

“It’s okay,” she replies softly, picking up on your anxiety, “HR will ask why it's been 2 years since you worked last. What should I tell them?”

You feel yourself dissociate as you look out the window. “My husb-I mean, ex-husband…he didn’t want me to work.”

She nods, looking at your healing eye and piecing together where it came from. “Shae?”

You flinch slightly as you snap out of it, before meeting her eyes.

“I’m just going to tell them it was due to family reasons,” she says, watching as you sag in relief. “Are you safe though?”

“I am,” you reply, touching the slight discoloration under your eye, “I am now. He’s…a few hours away, and I have a dog now.”

“Okay,” she replies with a small smile, reaching for a pen and notepad. “Here’s my number if that changes okay?”

“Okay,” you whisper, touched by her gesture. You had very few people in your corner, and they all lived hours away. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she replies, rising to her feet. “Hope to see you again soon.”

“I hope so too,” you smile genuinely for the first time.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

“HR will be in touch soon,” Dr. Kerner says as she escorts you from her office, smiling down the hall. “Have a good weekend.”

“Thanks, you too,” you reply, eyes following hers to two men approaching.

The blonde gives you a friendly smile before locking eyes with Dr. Kerner. While he’s attractive, it’s evident he only has eyes for her.

The darker-haired one with a mustache is downright hot. The way he gives you a quick, appreciative once over before flashing you a grin has you blushing like a virgin.

You quickly head outside, feeling an odd mixture of emotions; unnecessary guilt for looking at another man, excitement that someone so good-looking finds you attractive, relief that you can still feel attraction, and nervousness that you might/might not see him again if you get the job.

Once inside your car, you blast the AC to cool your heated cheeks as you make your way back to your temporary home.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

A few days pass before receiving the call that you have the job and you agree to start the following Monday.

You hardly sleep the night before and arrive before nearly everyone.

“Ready for your first day?” Dr. Kerner smiles when she sees you at your desk.

“I am,” you answer, “I looked over your preferences while I waited. It all looks familiar so I shouldn’t have any problem getting caught up to speed.”

“I didn’t figure you would,” she replies, “let me give you a quick tour and we’ll get the day started.”

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

By lunch, you’re already getting the hang of things.

“I don’t know how I’ve survived this long without you,” Dr. Kerner smiles as she checks the time, “seriously, you’re doing a great job.”

“Thank you,” you murmur, flushing as you look down at your shoes, so unused to compliments.

“You’re welcome,” she replies, “I usually have lunch in here with Jake, my boyfriend, and Rooster, an old friend of mine. They’re both naval aviators.”

“Rooster?” You ask, looking up confused.

“Ah, sorry, that’s his callsign,” she laughs, “his real name is Bradley; you can call him either. You’re more than welcome to join us.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I’ve gotta let my dog out. I haven’t found anyone to walk him yet; I’m pretty sure he’d be fine all day but I’m staying at an Airbnb until my apartment is ready in a few weeks so I don’t want to risk any accidents,” you reply. It’s the truth, but you’re still unsure and uneasy about a lot of things.

“Understandable,” she replies, “the offer stands if and when you want to.”

“Thank you,” you reply with a smile of your own.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

“Some friends of mine are having a get-together for the 4th at their house on the beach,” Dr. Kerner says at the end of the first day, “you’re more than welcome to come if you’d like.”

“You don’t have to answer right now,” she continues when you clam up, “and there’s no pressure, either. You can say no.”

The rising tension inside you falls when she gives you a choice.

“I’ll think about it,” you answer truthfully, “if that’s okay?”

“Of course. There’s no rush; Penny will be plenty of food and drinks either way,” she gives you a reassuring smile as she picks up her keys. “Have a good night, I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Thanks,” you smile back, “you too.”

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

The next few weeks pass quickly and June turns to July.

You were still in the rental and hadn’t had lunch with Dr. Kerner yet, but you could feel yourself slowly opening up to her.

“See ya after lunch,” she calls as you pick up your keys to head out, “tell Hank I said hi.”

“I will,” you laugh, “be back in a bit.”

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>

Something is off when you unlock the door to the rental.

Hank, who’s normally asleep on the bed, is restlessly pacing.

“What’s up, buddy?” You ask, crouching to kiss him.

He’s distracted though, aggressively sniffing the welcome mat.

“Gotta go potty?” You ask, grabbing his leash, “Let’s go.”

He sits down right beside you when you get to the grass, sniffing the air and looking around.

“C’mon bud, go potty,” you coax.

He eventually takes a few steps to do his business but comes right back when he’s done.

“I’ll see you in a bit, okay? Be a good boy,” you murmur as you close the door while he stands there and watches, again so unlike him.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

“Hey,” Dr. Kerner says when you come back from lunch, looking down at her phone, “the last patient canceled, so we’ll be done early today. How was Hank?”

“Acting a little weird, but good,” you reply, brow furrowed, “he’s usually asleep when I get home, but he was up and pacing by the door. I thought he had to go potty really bad but he didn’t go without some coaxing. Who knows, probably just heard a squirrel or something.”

“Probably,” she agrees, her tone giving away that it doesn’t sit right with her.

It doesn’t sit right with you either.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

After saying goodbye to Dr. Kerner, you head home a few hours later.

Hank is again, or still, by the door.

You order food to be delivered while he eats his, sitting down on the couch with a beer while you wait.

You mull it over in your head before pulling your phone out to compose a text.

Shae: Hey Dr. Kerner, I’ve thought it over. I’d be happy to join you tomorrow if the offer still stands.

But there’s a knock at the door before you send it.

You rise to your feet, Hank gets up too, surprising you as he growls in your presence for the first time.

“It’s okay, just the delivery driver,” you coo before calling, “just a minute,” as you grab some cash for a tip.

“Wow, that was fast-“ you start to say as you open the door, but your head whips to the side. You hear the sharp slap to your cheek and eye before the pain can register.

The force of his backhand knocks you back a step and Chad follows you, gripping your arm so tightly you cry out in pain. He’s full of rage, his breath reeks of bourbon as spits in your face, “You think you can divorce me?! After everything I’ve done for-FUCK!”

Chad screams when Hank latches onto his clothed arm with a low growl. The force of his lunge pushes Chad back into the doorframe but you grab Hank’s collar to haul him off before he sinks his teeth into something more vital.

“Leave,” you say, voice shaking and barely audible over Hank’s snarls, “now.”

“This isn’t over,” he says, holding his arm as he takes taking a step back, “and that dog is dead.”

You slam the door closed behind him, locking it before falling to the floor with a sob.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

Hank lays down beside you, setting his head in your lap as he senses your distress. “You’re such a good boy,” you whisper, stroking his soft fur.

But he starts to growl again a few minutes later when a loud knock startles you both.

“San Diego PD, open up.”

You hold Hank’s collar as you crack the door to verify. “Just a minute, I’m going to put my dog in the bedroom; he’s a little worked up.”

The host of the AirBnb shows up shortly after, holding the bag of your forgotten food.

Adrenaline wearing off, your face begins to throb in time with his fingerprints on your arm as you explain what happened to the officers. You feel numb as they take pictures of your injuries, but you don’t hold much hope when the officers say they’ll find him.

The Airbnb host gives you more bad news before leaving too.

You try to compose yourself as you start to pack but hopelessness of the situation begins to set in, and you feel suddenly feel completely overwhelmed. Your thoughts begin to race before you pick up the phone; feeling as if you have no other choice but to turn to the only person that might help.

Your heart races as the line rings.

“Shae?” she answers, “what’s up?”

There’s faint music in the background.

“Hi Dr. Kerner,” you say, trying to sound calm, “I’m so sorry to bother you.”

“Please, call me Reese,” she reminds you gently, “you’re not bothering me. Is everything okay?”

“No,” your voice breaks, “it’s not. Chad…my ex, he found me.”

“Where are you? Is he there now?” She asks, anxious now.

“No, he took off when Hank bit him,” you sniff, zipping one of your packed suitcases closed, “I’m still at the Airbnb, packing my stuff.”

“Okay,” she sighs, her relief evident until your last words sink in, “Okay. Packing your-wait, why are you packing?”

“The police came a few minutes after he left; one of the units heard the commotion. The unit owner came while I was giving my statement,” You answer, walking down the short hallway to the living room, “I guess the other tenants complained to him and are scared-understandably so-but said I needed to be out…tonight.”

“Oh Shae,” she says, “I’m so sorry. Let me come help you?”

“Okay.” Both of you are surprised when you agree.

“I’m at the Hard Deck-which is a bar-with Jake and Bradley. Oh shoot, I forgot we rode together. Hang one sec,” she pauses, “I’ll order an Uber.”

“They can come too,” you say, more anxiety setting in as you look at the clock, “if they want to, I mean. I…I think I need all the help I can get. I’ve got to be out in about an hour.”

“Okay,” she says, murmuring something before coming back on the line, “they’re happy to help, Shae. Text me the address, we’re getting in the truck now.”

“I will, oh…” you cringe when you catch a glimpse of your reflection in the mirror above the couch. Your right eye is bloodshot from the trauma, below on your cheek is puffy and still red, and his fingerprints already purpling your arm. It’s nothing compared to last time, but it’s still startling, “and Reese? I should warn you, I look…rough.”

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

A/N: Well…what do you guys think? Did everything make sense (especially for those who haven’t read All of Me).

As always, any interaction is appreciated but I love hearing what you think in the comments/reblogs! Seriously, feedback helps me more than you know.

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[middleearthpixie]

Seven Days ~ Chapter Nineteen

Firefighter Frerin Durin died in a fire set deliberately. But after he helps his brother, Thorin find happiness, Frerin is offered a second chance. He has to prove himself worthy by righting the one major wrong in his life. Otherwise, history will repeat and he will die for good this time. The catch? He has seven days in which to do this and isn’t even certain what his major wrong is.

At least, he doesn’t know for long. 

Syd Prescott has known Frerin since high school. She spent one night with him and then he vanished from her life. Now, he claims he wants to make it up to her, to right was he realizes was his major wrong. But can she trust him? And can he prove to her that she can before it’s too late? 

A/N - This story is the sequel to Miss Fortune, but is a stand alone story. 

Summary: Frerin makes it to the eighth day and Syd asks about Tori

Pairing: Modern!Frerin x OFC Syd Prescott

Characters: Frerin, Syd, Thorin, Alex, Nico

Warnings: Oral Sex (m/f receiving)

Rating: M

Word Count: 4,499

Tag List: @tschrist1 @i-did-not-mean-to @lathalea @linasofia @fizzyxcustard @legolasbadass @kibleedibleedoo @xxbyimm @arrthurpendragon @exhausted-humxn-being @rachel1959 @laurfilijames @sketch-and-write-lover @sherala007 @enchantzz @knittastically @notlostgnome @myselfandfantasy @medusas-hairband @guardianofrivendell @jotink78 @frosticenow @quiall321 @dianakc

If you’d like to be added (or removed) to the tag list, please just let me know!

Previous chapters can be found here.

As he unlocked his front door, Frerin let out a low sigh. “I never thought I’d see this place again.”

Syd bit the inside of her cheek as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her yet again. She was pretty sure she’d never cried as much as she had over the last twenty-four hours. And as she just hung back in the doorway and watched as Frerin crouched to rumple the hell out of Riley, her throat tightened yet again and tears blurred her vision. He was there. He’d remain there.

She hadn’t lost him.

He looked up. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” she managed, pushing away from the doorjamb to close the inside door. “Just relieved, is all.”

“Tell me about it.” He straightened up, brushing dog fur from his Levi’s as he faced her. “Why did you decide you believed me?”

“Alex, actually. She’s usually my voice of reason.” She inched closer, smiling as she said, “When I wasn't sure I should have agreed to go out with you again, she was the one who said maybe you had changed. When I told her what you’d told me, she said Thorin had had a similar nightmare and reminded me that this is what my family does. And I was such a bitch to you, I—”

“Syd,” he closed the gap between them, easing his arms about her waist, “you had every reason to think I was playing you. My history doesn’t exactly paint me as an innocent angel and I’d already flaked on you once.”

“Yeah, but… I knew something was different about you when you came into the shop last weekend.”

“You told me to leave you alone.”

“Okay, so I didn’t realize it right away. No one’s perfect.”

A slow smile lifted the corners of his lips. “This is true. And I’m glad I didn't leave you alone.”

“Actually, I think I told you to go away.”

“Same thing.” His arms tightened about her, drawing her flush against him. “And now, I’ve grown on you.”

“You’ve grown on me.”

His thumbs brushed lightly along her back. “Want to come and meet my family?”

“What?”

“My mom and dad. Maybe my sister. You already know Thorin, so…”

“Are you serious?”

“Syd, why wouldn’t I be? I told you there was something here and I don't know about you, but it’s nothing I’ve ever felt before.”

She smiled as she draped her arms about his broad shoulders. “What do you think it is then, if you’ve never felt it before?”

His eyes softened, his smile almost shy. “I think this might be the first time I’ve actually really fallen in love, Syd,” he murmured, his voice low and almost growly, “Because I’ve said it before, but it’s never made me feel like this.”

“That could also be because you’ve come back to the world of the living.”

“I did that last week and it didn't feel like this. It’s you, Syd. You’re my girl.”

“I can live with that.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

He bent toward her, his lips soft and warm as they pressed lightly against hers. She slid her hands along the firm muscle of his shoulders, along his neck, to let her fingers slip into his hair. His arms tightened about her and without warning, he lifted her easily, sighing into her mouth as she wrapped her legs about his waist. Heat from his hands sank into the backs of her thighs, and he backed up slowly, her belly whooshing as he sank onto the sofa. Those hands swept up now, beneath her loose black and gray striped sweater, skimming along her back, his palms hot and rough against her skin as he pushed that sweater up. 

He drew back to whisk it over her head, his eyes deep blue now as he looked up at her and murmured, “You are so fucking beautiful, Syd.”

He didn't give her the chance to respond, but tugged her back to him to meet his kiss once more. She melted against him, her fingers twisting in his hair, her lips parting at the gentle probe of his tongue against them. Hot and slick, his tongue caressed hers, tangled with it, drew it back into the sinfully wet heat of his mouth. His kiss made her head spin, for he kissed her as if he thought he’d never get the chance to again, and she couldn’t fault him, as the urge to just wrap her arms around him and devour him swept through her. She realized how very close she’d come to losing him forever, and that chilled her to the center of her being.

He broke the kiss, his whispered, “You want to go upstairs, honey?” breathless with arousal.

“We can if you want.”

“I thought you were cold,” he murmured, his eyes soft as they held hers. “You shivered.”

She caught his face between her palms, her thumbs moving lightly along his cheeks. “I realized how close I came to losing you. Forever.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Syd,” he replied, smiling as his fingers brushed her bare back. “I think it’s safe to say you’re stuck with me.”

“I don't think I’ll mind that all that much.”

His laugh swept warmly against her skin. “Good.”

He tugged her back to him, his kiss fiery and demanding now and that was fine with her. She rocked gently against him, smiling at the soft moan that rose to his lips and the gentle pressure against the apex of her thighs. He arched to meet her and the solid rise of his erection against her made her shiver again. 

His fingers skimmed along her back, paused at her bra strap. A quick pinch and the band opened and he drew back to offer up a wickedly sinful grin as he caught the straps to ease over her shoulders. As the pale blue satin fell away, his hands replaced it, cupping both breasts to gently slip his thumbs about her nipples. 

Her eyes grew heavy lidded, her head almost too heavy to hold up as those sinful caresses sent a slow fire rolling through her. She bit down on her bottom lip as he rolled her nipples into tight, aching points. The fire spread wildly through her, heated her blood and sparked her arousal as the knots deep within her belly slowly tightened. 

Frerin shifted slightly, and she couldn't hold back her gasp as his lips closed about her left nipple, as the tip of his tongue flayed it in the most maddening, teasing way possible, flicking back and forth over the very tip of the taut bead, then swirled hard and quick about it. 

Her fingers twisted tighter in his hair, pulling him harder to her, whispering, “Frerin…” as she did.

He let her nipple slip free, skimming his lips along the inner curve of her left breast, up along her breastbone, her neck, until he seized her lips again and pulled her hard against him. He thrust against her, the pressure creating a sweet friction that sent tingles racing through her. 

She curled her fingers into the front of his dark gray, long sleeved tee and tugged, pulling it free from the waist of his jeans. He sat forward to give her room to tug it up and drew back with a smile so she could pull it over his head. 

Syd drank in the sight of him, from his dark hair that her frenzied fingers had shoved into peaks, to the slope of his neck into his shoulder, to the defined muscle of his chest, shadowed with just the right amount of dark hair, to the muscles of his abdomen, where that dark hair picked up just below his navel to disappear into the waist of those perfect Levi’s.

“Syd?”

“I love you,” she told him, looking up to meet his eyes. 

A slow smile lifted the corners of his lips, a smile that warmed her as much as his murmured, “I know. I heard you, at the warehouse. I heard you at the hospital. And if I could’ve answered you, I would have.”

“No,” she shook her head, trailing her fingertips down over his chest, down along his firm belly, to hook in his belt, “that’s not what I mean. I mean, I love you.”

“I know.” His eyes darkened, his hands coming to rest on her hips. “And I love you right back, honey. With everything I have, Syd.”

She held those beautiful eyes as she slowly tugged his belt from the loops and unbuckled it. His pupils widened. He smile grew more sinful. His eyes almost danced as she popped the button and tugged to lower his fly.

“Syd?”

“Shhh…” She leaned in and swept a kiss along the side of his neck, smiling at the low moan that rose in his throat as she teasingly bit him.

“Do that again,” he whispered, and when she did, his moan was louder this time. “Syd…”

She smiled, flicking the tip of her tongue along the scruff of beard around his Adam’s apple. The fingers on her hips tightened. She moved lower still, down into the hollow of his throat.

She eased off him, placing a hand on the inside of each of his knees to gently press them away from one another. He obliged, and she sank to her knees between his, her lips skimming along the defined muscle of his stomach as she did so. 

“Syd…” His voice was an airy whisper, her name floating into the air on a puff of arousal and desire. His fingers slid into her hair. They tightened. Twisted. 

She kissed down to his navel, heat wafting from him even hotter now. The coarser hair below his navel tickled her nose. The smooth waistband of his boxer briefs slid easily out of her way as she hooked a finger in it and continued her path.

That trail of coarse hair thickened, spread wider as she moved lower. A hint of musk teased her nose. Mingled with it were eucalyptus and cinnamon, his scent as heady as anything she’d ever breathed in before. 

As she tugged that smooth waistband out of her way, he sprang free and a low moan rent the air when she leaned over and swept her lips along his hot, veined length, then bent to take him in her mouth. The fingers in her hair tightened, his hips rocked gently toward her as he growled, “Sydney…”

She smiled, teasing him with long strokes and swirling caresses, savoring each moan that wafted to his lips. She treated him to a variety of sensations—slow, fast, hard, soft, swirls, flicks—and little by little, his fingers twisted harder in her hair, her name came rougher on his lips, his hips moved of their own to meet each sensual stroke. 

His body tensed. His fingers tightened. His thrusts came harder now and he growled, “Don’t stop, honey… oh, please… please don’t stop… Holy shit… that feels sofucking good…”

She didn’t stop. Didn’t slow down. Instead, she reached up, let her thumbs sweep about his nipples, smiling as he growled his approval as his body tensed even more. 

“Syd!” His hips bolted off the sofa, his release furious as he arched into her, as he gave a sharp tug on her hair and let out a strangled moan as he came. His breathing grew raw and ragged as he shuddered against her, then slowly sank back into the cushion. His fingers loosened. His body relaxed. 

He drew in a shaky breath. “Oh, holy fucking shit…” he whispered, sounding more than a little dazed. He fought to breathe, and when she pulled him free and looked up, she smiled. His head was back, his eyes closed, and she could see the pulse beating in his neck. 

Carefully, she tucked him back into his briefs, easing the waistband back into place, and smiled at the dazed note of his voice when he whispered, “Holy Christ, that—that was—oh, that was fucking amazing, Syd…”

He reached for her, tugging on her arm as he breathed, “Come up here and let me take care of you.”

“No. Not now.”

“What?” He managed to lift his head, his eyes opened to slits. “Are you serious?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because who turns down oral?” His smile grew wolfish. “And I really want to go down on you right now, honey.”

“Frerin.”

“I want to feel you get wet and slick, honey,” he murmured, his voice a low, purring rumble. “I want to feel your nails digging into my skin, your fingers twisting in my hair, and I want you screaming my name as you come against my tongue, Syd.”

A shiver ran up her spine at his growl and she smiled up at him. “I like how that sounds.”

He winked. “I love you.”

Before she could answer, he grabbed her around the waist and maneuvered her onto her back, offering up a wicked smile as he popped the button on her jeans, tugged down the fly, grabbed the cuffs, and whisked the denim from her legs. 

The first touch of his lips to her skin sent a shiver through her. It was only barely a kiss, just the touch of his lips down between her breasts, but it was enough to send heat ribboning through her. His lips were gentle, soft, and she bit down on her bottom lip at the equally soft and gentle sweep of his tongue against her now too-sensitive skin, followed by another kiss. Kiss. Sweep. Kiss. Sweep. 

He moved slowly, teasingly, caressing his way down to the scalloped lace edge of her dark green thong. With each one, she trembled a little more, the heat grew a little hotter. Her desire for him grew stronger still. Frerin looked up as he hooked a finger in that lacy band and gently tugged. 

Lace skimmed along her thighs, his breath came soft against her skin as he bent to trail a feathery kiss along her inner thigh, up toward her hip, and when he looked up once more, it was to regard her with eyes that looked like smoked aquamarines and his voice was a low, rumbling purr as he murmured, “Holy fuck, you are perfect…”

“Frerin…”

“What? You are? Beautiful face. Beautiful body. And I fucking love you…”

Her toes almost curled at purr in his voice, at the heat in his words, and when he bent to her, he stole the breath from her lungs and the thoughts from her mind with the first glide of his tongue against her. She sucked in a sharp breath with that first stroke, heat swirling through her as he moved slowly, silkily, taking his time to tease her until she shoved one hand into his hair, twisted, held on, and flung the other above her head, her fingers clawing at the throw pillow cradling her head. She caught the corner of it, tugging as her back bowed sharply with the first ripples of her orgasm swirling through her.

“Frerin… oh, god… yes…” It was all she could muster, the only words her brain and mouth could agree on. Fire filled her. Knots twisted deep within her core, radiating white-hot pulses of sweet ecstasy that throbbed through her with every beat of her heart.

 He took his time, looking up to meet her gaze and she melted at the heat in his eyes. Then, he winked and she breathed, “Mmm… I love you…” in a long, sigh that misted into the air like vapor. 

He moved slowly along her, swirled his tongue about her aching bud, he swept over it, and as she neared the summit, he didn't move faster, but he added just enough pressure that fire rocketed through her, shattered her like hot glass thrust into cold water.

Her hips bolted toward him. She yanked on his hair, unable to think or breathe or do anything other than savor the bliss tearing through her as she cried, “Frerin!” and surrendered to the moment. 

Surrendered to him.

He drew out her orgasm, drew out the fiery pleasure until she was convinced she’d melt right into a puddle there on his sofa even as his tongue slowed and he shifted to press a tender kiss along the inside of her left thigh. 

“Frerin…” 

Her eyes closed of their own accord, her entire body going to mush as he feathered kisses up and over her leg, then over her hip. Along her belly. Up between her breasts. He settled against her gently, nuzzling her as he whispered, “Want to go upstairs now?”

She could only loll her head from side to side, still too languid, too melted, to do much else. “I… I can’t move…”

His laugh came warm and soft along her neck. “Am I too heavy for you?”

Her response was to wrap her arms about his middle and pull him harder against her. “Not at all…”

His warmth became hers and she sighed softly at the teasing kisses he swept along her neck. “I hope you brought an overnight bag, honey. I plan on keeping you here.”

“For how long?”

He lifted his head, his eyes soft and gray-blue once more. “As long as you’ll let me.”

“That could be a long time. I like it here.”

He smiled. “I’m strangely okay with that, Syd.”

“Frerin?”

Syd’s voice rose like an airy mist into the darkness as they lay under the soft sheets, under the plush blanket, under the cozy comforter, wrapped as much in each other as anything thing else. He’d been dozing when her voice caught his attention to jolt him back awake. 

“Yeah?”

“Did this all actually happen?”

He smiled, even though she couldn't see it. Her head was tucked into the curve where his shoulder met his chest, and all he could see was the top of her head, dark copper in the light offered by the hall fixture. “Which part, honey?”

She lifted her head and offered up a heavy-lidded, sleep-eyed smile. “All of it, I guess, starting with you coming into the shop last Friday.”

“Yeah. It actually happened.”

“Good. I was afraid I’d imagined it.” Her head came back to rest again him and he bit back a sigh as her fingers danced lightly along his chest. Her strokes came soft and gentle, and relaxed him to the point where he wouldn’t have been surprised to start purring. He could happily lay there, like this, with Syd in his arms, until time itself drew to a close. 

Riley lay curled in a ball at the very foot of the bed, occasionally opening an eye to peer up at them, then she’d yawn and go back to sleep. It was all so absolutely perfect, that Frerin wished he had some way to hold on to that moment for a little longer. He’d learned the hard way that life was fleeting and no tomorrow was guaranteed and that the moments that mattered the most were the moments like this.

Her fingers brushed across his chest and without thinking, he brought a hand down atop hers to quiet it. He tightened his fingers around hers and for a moment, forgot how to breathe when she turned her head just enough to brush a kiss along the outside of his right nipple.

“Frerin?”

“Yeah?”

“Who was that woman? At the warehouse.”

His drowsiness drained away and he picked up his head. “You saw her?”

“Yeah. She was at the far end of the hallway at first, but then she was right there, crouching next to you. I couldn’t hear what she said, but I saw her lips moving.”

He drew in a deep breath. “Her name is Tori. At least, that’s how I knew her.”

She lifted her head. “How you knew her?”

“Yeah, the night I died,” his fingers tightened about hers once more, “I don't remember all of it, but I do remember parts of it. I was here. I’d been out with Nico and Brewer and Cassidy and Wheeler, and maybe DiBenedetto, I don't really remember. Anyway, we’d gone to Darcy’s and some guy came up to us, looking for a fight. Kept telling me to stay away from his sister. But, I wasn’t the least bit interested in his sister. Amy Lawrence is one of the worst bunker bunnies around here and I wasn’t touching her with someone else’s cock, never mind my own. So, I left because I’d been—are you sure you want to hear this?”

She lifted her head to gaze at him, and nodded. “Yes, unless you’d rather not talk about it.”

“I know how it ends now,” he grinned as she propped her head on her fist and her eyes glittered in the soft light, “so I don't mind.”

“Then tell me.”

“Lisa and I were fighting. She thought I was cheating on her—which I wasn’t, just so you know—but I do knowshe was cheating on me, not to mention she’d given a few hints that she wouldn’t mind trading up in the Durin family, either.”

Her forehead furrowed. “Trading up?”

“She wanted to bang Thorin.”

“She did not.”

“She never came right out and said it, but she dropped enough hints that I definitely picked up on it. Anyway, she went to stay at her mom’s and I went out and I was lousy company, so I came home. I was fighting with my girlfriend, this guy George wouldn’t leave me alone about his fucking sister, so I had enough and came home.

“And it was the weirdest thing. I was up here, sitting on the edge of the bed, and all of the sudden, I just got flattened by this exhaustion. So tired, I couldn’t even keep my eyes open. I passed out and when I came to, I wasn't here any more. I don’t remember the fire, or being hot or burned or breathing in smoke or anything. It was like I blinked and my surroundings changed. And it was just like you imagine it—white, quiet, tranquil. 

“Next thing I know, there’s this girl in the doorway. She was cute, and kind of shy, and she introduced herself to me. Tori. She was a teacher. Killed in a school shooting a couple months before George Lawerence barbecued me. At least, I think it was a couple of months. It’s hard to say because time really is different there. All I know is she died before I did.”

Syd winced at that, and pressed her lips together as her eyes gleamed softly. He reached up to curve his hand against her soft cheek. “It’s okay, Syd. I’m here now, remember?”

“I know but… jeez… Frerin, someone actually killed you.”

“Well, Thorin found him. And he found your sister, so at least something good came of it. And now, none of it even happened, so that’s even better, if you ask me.”

“Still…”

She leaned over then and brushed his lips with hers. It was a soft, fleeting kiss, but it was enough to warm his blood once more. But before he could wrap her in his arms, she drew back. “Go on.”

“She acted like my conscience, almost. I figured she was there to be like a guide of some sorts. There’s no welcome brochure or handbook or anything. You just kind of… meet people.”

“Like God?”

“The Big Guy? Yeah, and his right hand woman, Diane. She’s the one who showed me what happened after the warehouse fire yesterday. And the one who told me that Tori wasn't a guide for me. I was her guide.”

“What?”’

“Yeah, apparently, being a firefighter gets you brownie points and the Big Guy thought I was a decent guy. He thought I could straighten Tori out, but I didn't even know she needed it. She popped up here a few times last week, and assured me no one else could see or hear her. I thought she was helping me. Turns out, she wasn’t. At least, not as much as she was helping herself.”

“What?”

“She lured you out to that warehouse, Syd. I don't know if she pretended to be the guy you were supposed to meet with or if she took him over or what, but Diane told me Tori lured you there and deliberately set the place on fire because she knew if it burned wildly out of control, all battalions would be called in. She knew I’d find you. She knew when I came and found you, that I would put your safety before my own and that when I did, she’d make sure I ended up dead for good.”

Her eyes went wide. “What?”

“Yeah. I saw her and asked her for help, told her to just get me to the first level and I’d be able to get us out. And when I did, she told me, I wish I could, Frerin. But if I did that, then you’d be okay. And if you’re okay, you won’t be coming back here. And I want you back here. You’re mine now, and I won’t let you go again.” Renewed anger curdled deep in his gut. “She wanted me to die in that fire because she knew my time here was up and you and I hadn’t made up at that point. As far as I knew, you didn't feel about me the way I did about you, and I thought that was it. But Diane told me I was wrong. And she and the Big Guy let me come back. They knew.”

“I told you I loved you when they wheeled you out of there.” She reached down to brush his cheek with her fingers. “And you were so still, I thought it was too late.”

“It almost was. But, they knew I was happy here, that I was happy with you, and I think that played a part in their decision as well.” He shifted to ease her onto her back and carefully eased over her. As he came flush against her, he added, “Diane asked me how I felt about you, Syd. You know what I told her?”

Her eyes shimmered as they met his and her voice cracked as she whispered, “What?”

“That I love you with everything I have to give and I planned on marrying you if they’d let me come back. I want to marry you and have kids with you, and spend the rest of my life proving to you how I feel about you, honey.”

“I like how that sounds, Frerin,” she whispered, slipping her arms about his waist to trace her fingernails gently along his back. 

“Me, too, Syd.” He dipped to her, capturing her soft lips in an equally soft kiss. Her arms tightened about him and for that moment, all was right in the world. 

[90swandamaximoff]

You said you loved me more than the stars

Paring: Wanda Maximoff x reader

Warnings: Swearing, arguing, cheating,

Genre: Angst,

Summary/Prompts: 32 - “why are you watching a kids movie?” 37 - “I need you to tell me the truth! Do you love me?”

A/N: The gif is not mine. I do take requests, just pop on into my inbox! Interesting prompts but I hope I did them well!!

You look at the clock on your phone and sigh. Wanda was supposed to be home an hour ago. This is not like her yet, it keeps happening. You already called the compound and they said that Wanda left early, 3 hours ago!!! She should have been home long ago.

Your mind jumps to dark places. She’s a superhero, she could have been kidnapped, tortured, taken to space, an alternate universe, even killed.

You shake your head to get rid of those thoughts. No, Wanda’s fine. She’s probably just.... getting groceries. Yeah, that’s it. You were out of cereal anyway, so it’s a good thing that’s she’s getting more!

You turn on the tv to block out all the thoughts swirling around in your head. A Disney movie starts playing, the little mermaid to be exact. You always had a crush on Ariel when you were younger. 

You think of Wanda again and smile. “I guess I have a type.” You say aloud to yourself. You enjoy a few more minutes watching the movie before worry seeps in again. You pick up your phone, begging for there to be some sort of message from Wanda. 

There’s nothing. Just like there was nothing the last time you checked, 10 minutes ago. You debate calling her but don’t want to worry her if she’s just out shopping. You turn your attention back to the movie, hoping that maybe Wanda will call you and tell you that everything’s fine. 

20 minutes pass, nothing. 30 minutes pass, still nothing. There’s still a hour left of the movie so you try to keep your worry down. You decide that you’ll call her when the movie ends. 

-----

The door to your apartment opens 40 minutes later. You pause the movie (even if it’s the end) and run up to Wanda, pulling her into a hug. She seems surprised but drops her purse and hugs you back. 

“Wanda oh than-” You start to tell her.

She interrupts you with a strained smile, “sorry y/n, Tony had me working late. I’m really tired and just want to rest. Can you tell me later? Maybe after I watch some tv?” She asks

You grit your teeth and nod, moving aside so she can walk into the living room. She smiles as she passes you. You scowl once her back is turned. She wasn’t working!!! You called and they said she got off early!! Why would she lie to you? She never lies to you!!

“Hey y/n, why were you watching a kids movie?” Wanda asks, her tone slightly mocking. You feel your cheeks heating up in embarrassment as you stutter out an excuse. You walk more into the living room finding her sitting where you were minutes ago.

“It’s fine! I think it’s cute.” Wanda tells you. You sigh in relief and take a seat beside your girlfriend. She beams at you and snuggles closer. You enjoy this moment before Wanda’s bladder ruins it. She smiles apologetically and gets up, walking to the bathroom.  

You smile at her retreating form. Maybe she was working late and they just mixed it up. After all, why would Wanda lie to you? She loves you! 

Your thoughts are interrupted by a pinging noise. You turn to see Wanda’s phone lighting up in her purse. You grab it, curious. You enter her passcode and click on messages. You click new message and gasp at the contact name: ❤❤. You scowl and scroll up, reading through the messages from earlier today. 

❤❤: We still on for tonight?

Wanda: ofc. I’ll meet you there after work.

❤❤: Did you tell her?

Wanda: haven’t gotten the chance, I’ll do it later

You feel the tears threatening to fall. She’s cheating on you!? Why? How could she do this? But maybe she’s not, the somewhat rational part of your brain argues, maybe it’s just a friend. Maybe Wanda’s buying a gift? You continue to read the messages.

❤❤: tell her tonight when you go home

Wanda: Fineeeee

❤❤: Good. Love you 💖 ttyl 

Wanda: ly too

Tears are now running freely down your face. She is cheating on you! But why? You thought the relationship was going great! You were planning on asking her to marry you soon. You loved Wanda more than anything. 

The bathroom door opens and Wanda walks down the hallway, stopping and gasping when she see’s what you’re doing. You snap your head up and glare at her. She opens her mouth to talk but you beat her to it.

“What the fuck Wanda!! Who the fucking hell is this?” You turn the phone so she can see it and point to the messages. 

Wanda stands there for a second before scowling, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” 

“I need you to tell me the truth. Do you love me?” Wanda shrugs and you feel the anger swirling inside you. You hurl the phone at her head and scream, “Do you fucking love me? Take a look at those texts and tell me again.” 

Wanda grabs the phone from the floor and picks it up, scrolling through her messages. She scowls, “you looked at my fucking texts? You bitch!”

You recoil in shock at her words, “I’M A BITCH? ME? I’M THE BITCH IN THIS SITUATION?? NO, WRONG. YOU’RE THE BITCH BECAUSE YOU FUCKING CHEATED ON ME.”

“OF COURSE I CHEATED ON YOU, YOU’RE A LOSER. DID YOU REALLY THINK I LOVED YOU?? WERE YOU STUPID ENOUGH TO THINK THAT I ACTUALLY LOVED YOU?” Wanda screams. 

You gasp, deflated. Her words sting and more tears flow down your cheeks. “You said you loved me more than the stars.” You tell her, your voice is shaky with emotion. 

Wanda looks you right in the eye, “I lied.” She growls and turns around. She starts to walk towards the door. Your anger picks up again and you grab her shoulder, spinning her to face you.

“Who is it? Who is better than me? Who won your love?” You ask, voice full of venom. 

Wanda growls, eyes turning red with the use of her powers. She flings you against the wall and screams. Then she turns and leaves, slamming the door and using her magic to pack her stuff.

You gasp in pain as your back hits the wall. You fall to the ground and lay there, unmoving and looking at the mess of an apartment you caused. You cry out in pain, both emotionally and physically. You curl your knees to your chest and whisper Wanda’s name, heartbroken.

[trensu]

I had a thought about a vaguely Cupid-and-Psyche inspired crack!fic where Elias is a god of Love

(Jon: don't you mean Emotional Manipulation?

Elias: you say to-may-to, i say to-mah-to

Jon: ... I say to-mah-to, I'm not American, what does this have to do with anything?)

Jon is obviously Cupid. Elias took a shine to him and made him immortal against his will and keeps him as his servant or smth. Idk Elias is a douchebag, okay? ANYWAY, Elias is also a petty bitch and so he gave Jon Love arrows

(Jon: it's mind control.

Elias: they inspire passion, Jon. Just bc you don't experience it, doesn't mean--

Jon: No. Me being ace has nothing to do with it. They're mind control arrows. These people wouldn't have done all that if they weren't being influenced.

Elias: you have no romance in your soul

Jon: ...i find your interpretation of love and romance extremely suspect.)

Whenever Elias feels jealous or neglected or just plain bored tbh, he sends Jon out with to shoot whoever's caught his ire with one of those love arrows and has them make fools of themselves. Jon does it (he's bound to Elias for handwavey reasons so he can't really disobey) and it usually gets him in trouble. It's how he's gotten all those scars. (Jane Prentiss falling in love with worms and attacking Jon with them when he accidentally stepped on one while trying to make an exit was pretty tame in comparison to Jude Perry's reaction when she realized Jon struck Agnes with an arrow so she'd fall for some no-name mortal boy).

Such is Jon's life. Being immortal is not all it's cracked up to be when you can get injured and scarred. So when Elias started muttering about Peter's wandering eye, Jon knew it was only a matter of time before he'd send him out with those arrows again.

Peter, apparently, had been showing too much interest in a mortal boy named Martin, whose Loneliness tasted as bittersweet as dark chocolate (or so Peter claimed as he boasted during his dinner with Elias while Jon slowly sunk further into his chair the more irritated Elias's scowl grew).

"make him fall in love with something hideous and embarrassing," Elias had seethed at him, practically throwing the quiver at his head. At least two of the arrows pricked him so he was quite grateful that he was immune to their mind control (Elias: don't be ridiculous, Jon. Having you susceptible to the magic you're tasked to handle would be a stupid move on my part. You could get compromised and be completely useless to me!)

Grumbling, Jon set out to track down the mortal boy. He was not prepared for the the way the sunlight glinted off of Martin's light hair or his warm smile. He was not prepared for the twinge he felt in his heart when Martin's pale eyes glimmered with tears after receiving his mother's harsh words (the pain, worryingly, felt all too similar to the slice of the arrows he aimed at people).

He didn't want to shoot Martin with one of the mind control arrows. He wanted Martin to be happy. So he persuades his good friend Daisy to get her gf Basira to fake a prophecy. To her credit, she did a fantastic job delivering a fake prophecy. But there was some sort of miscommunication (or Martin's mother deliberately misunderstood; it could go either way). Instead of telling Martin's mother to marry off her son to a kind and handsome man with a gentle heart in order to avoid the wrath of the gods, the prophecy was somehow interpreted as sacrificing Martin's hand in marriage to some sort of hideous beast that lived at the peak of a nearby and treacherous mountain.

(Jon: how did she get that idea from your prophecy? what exactly did you tell her???

Basira: i can't fake a prophecy, Jon. and i'm not telling you what the prophecy was

Jon: What?? Why not???

Basira: it would violate the oracle-client confidentiality clause on the consent form we have them sign prior to a reading)

Jon was irritated by how quickly and eagerly Martin's mother was to dress up her son and dump him on the mountain. He was tempted to use the arrows on her, instead, but he figured Martin would be upset if something happened to his mother so he refrained. Jon fretted as Martin started his slow procession up the mountain. Martin wasn't made to endure such a harsh environment, and even if he had, he shouldn't have to!! Martin deserves to be loved and treated well and get given all the good things life could offer!!

So Jon constructs a luxurious enchanted castle using godly magic and more favors than he probably should've called in. He puts big obvious signage to Martin knew it would be his castle provided by his non-existent monster spouse.

(Daisy: he's gonna get suspicious when his monster spouse doesn't show up. he'll probably leave and try to find it. he seems like the self-sacrificing type and you know how those get.

Jon: i have a plan

Daisy: .... is this like all your other plans?

Jon: shut up, daisy)

So Jon pretends to be the hideous monster spouse Martin was expecting. Sort of. He only visits after dark, and informs Martin that he can not bring light into the room for if he sees his visage he'd be cursed (or something; Jon came up with something on the fly and was definitely not suave about it but Martin complied and that's all that mattered). He spends his nights with Martin, telling him stories and meekly asking permission to pet his hair and hold his hand while doing his best to ignore the pounding of his heart and the heat on his cheeks whenever Martin softly says yes. He didn't say yes the first time Jon asked, and Jon skittered away from where he had been creeping closer. He respected Martin's boundaries (he isn't Elias, after all) but as he and Martin spent more time together, Martin became less guarded and began to allow Jon close.

It got to the point where they would cuddle in bed and Jon was so content in Martin's arms that he occasionally dozed with him. Everything was great and Martin seemed genuinely happy to spend his days in the castle learning new hobbies and such while spending his nights with someone he couldn't see. Until one day Martin asked if he could have his mother visit. Jon wanted to say no, but the hesitant way Martin asked tasted too much of fear of rejection for Jon to deny him.

(Daisy: why do I have to guide her here?

Jon: bc you're my friend and if you don't Martin will be sad which means I'll be sad and you'll have to listen to me cry about it and you hate that

Daisy: damn it jon)

And because martin's mother is awful and bitter and spiteful, she tells Martin he should find out what his "captor" looked like. his spouse was a monster, after all, he should know what he's dealing with so he could defend himself and her if it should decide to attack them. so one night, shortly after his mother left, he waits until Jon has dozed off before quietly lighting a candle.

Jon wakes when he feels hot wax drip onto him and sees Martin staring a him with a shocked expression. Jon realizes what happened and flees in a panic. He knows what he looks like; short and skinny an riddled with scars of all kinds. Ofc Martin would be disgusted by him. He ends up licking his wounds at Elias's.

(Elias: my poor delicate darling precious boy

Jon: really, Elias?

Elias: can't a father worry about his child??

Jon: you're not my father!! you kidnapped me and immortalized me against my will!

Elias: details, details. anyway, you can stay here until you recover from your grievous injuries. byyyyee!

Jon: where are you going? elias? why's the door locked? elias?? LET ME OUT, YOU POMPOUS ASS)

When Jon recovers and finally manages to escape, he finds out that Martin had been trying to find him but Elias had given him impossible tasks to prove he's worthy of him. Thankfully, Daisy, Georgie and Basira all helped him out, much to elias's displeasure. Since Martin completed the tasks, Jon was able to reunite with him and they lived happily ever after~!

[lilyrachelcassidy]

Birthday Cake

A/N: Suprise folks!!! *me laughing maniacally* The whole scenery for this fic somehow appeared in my head and I just COULDN’T let it slip away, so... My biggest inspo for that was @drawlfoy!! Remember her posting the fic where Draco and Reader work at McDonald’s and are total suckers in their job (arguing with the customers; preparing wrong orders; etc.)? Dee unfortunately, deleted this precious, but it’s stuck to my head ever since (lol lol, it’s the moment where Dee wants to get rid of something, but I kindly remind everyone it existed). Therefore I present to you the next Draco x Reader fic related to our fav fast-food rest. This time, however, they’re not working at the same workplace but... I'm going to stop here cuz I don't want to spoiler :P

**The second thing that triggered me to write this fic is the YouTube video I recently saw with a lady who orders the 'specials' appearing to be out of the menu list of McDonald’s, through the Drive-Through. She asked for a birthday cake, was laughed at a few times, but eventually got what she wanted. Applause for the attitude!!

About the fic (context, my bitches): ofc it’s the modern AU, non-magical world. Draco’s the worst boyfriend ever but always manages to turn things into their righteous place. 

Summary: The birthday is upcoming, and Draco is in a rush to think up an idea for a perfect gift. His ingenuity fails, however, and leaves Y/N very unsatisfied with a disaster that has been forged. 

Word Count: 3.6k

Warnings: my brain playing a total psycho, language, alcohol, sexual undertones/allusions to sex, Pansy being too much of her self... deal...

Tags: @drawlfoy @eltanin-malfoy

Such an unrestrained desire to strangle somebody you hadn't felt in a long time.

Really.

Today was your birthday, which you had been widely announcing for almost a whole month to people you might have accidentally forgotten about it. Having your boyfriend, Draco, on your mind in particular.

You doubted he would have the guts to omit your big day, though as repeatedly as he had done for a few years back. But something between foresight and the second sense of prevention told you to keep reminding him every day of the upcoming event, with a heap of birthday-themed emojis and uppercases in the messages.

Everything was planned out in your head: him picking you up from your house with the sharp-red cabriolet that he used only for special occasions; him driving the two of you to the fanciest restaurant he could find in town; him bestowing you with a nice-looking, golden necklace or a different piece of jewelry you had been suggestively pointing out in the store's exhibition; him booking up a hotel room for you two to celebrate.

Either way, that was much beyond your expectations, as it turned out. And now you were sitting in the front yard of your house, waiting for him to show up.

'If he was going to at all.' This thought invaded your mind for the last hour, try as might to subdue it. An hour you had been sitting tight, hoping it was only a delay caused by a traffic jam or other irrational explanation he could come up with. But you were deceiving yourself, you eventually presumed -- you had been checking up your phone every one minute, only to see if any message notification popped up on the screen, other than birthday wishes from friends who actually cared for you.

2.02pm: Nothing.

2.03pm: Susan 'Happy birthday bitch!'

2.04pm: Instagram notif. (Someone liked your photo, which you had posted before leaving your room, posing in front of the mirror in the best cocktail dress you could find in the wardrobe.)

2.05pm: Nothing yet again.

2.06pm: Still... Peace and quiet.

"Fuck it...Enough," you muttered under your breath, an annoying disillusionment falling like a heavy mile stone on your chest. Tears suddenly started sprinkling in your eyes at the regret, and you were very reluctant to admit that your friends were right -- Draco Malfoy was an egoistic, negligent, self-absorbed pri--

"Hi." You heard the raspy, panting voice says. "Sorry for the delay."

You blinked slowly, stupidly. You raised your head to assure yourself it was him. That his expression actually corresponded to his words and showed some kind of remorse for standing you up. But no... There he was: standing in front of you, plainly confident and unashamed, with his cocky smirk provoking you to slap him.

Oh, how much you craved to slap him right now. "Where to the fuck have you been?"

"I've tried to pick this up," he explained, simultaneously lifting up the paper bag he'd been carrying in his hand. The big, exclaiming letters 'McDonald's' with the brand's logo were printed on its exterior, and it was fully stuffed with something inside.

Not quite comprehending, you furrowed. You attempted to hide the venom in your voice, but somehow it found its way to leak out. "Couldn't you do that in advance?"

"Nope..." It was his turn to furrow, looking almost shocked with the question. And thanks to all those years of your relationship, you knew it was his piss-poor estimation of time taking over. "It was a last-minute surprise."

"Sounds like it," you commented irritably. "What's that?"

"Your birthday present, sunshine," he drawled happily, ignoring your remark. He sounded positively delighted and satisfied with himself at surprising you with that because he saw a slight crease of shock painting on your forehead. "Here you go."

You took his deposit out of his grasp, still quite unsure. What if his gift would only make a situation worse? Can it get any worse with Draco's total lack of tact? Yes. But it was only one way to find out.

Without even stealing a second glance at him, you ripped off all of the packaging that had been folded around, protecting the contents. You tried to do it carefully and without any impact of emotions revealing the way you felt inside, but your hands were shaking with rage, and you couldn't quite contain yourself. You had been highly aware you shouldn't have expected much from him, but still...

You wondered if the universe was playing against you.

There was a moment of tense silence as you struggled to deal with all the wrappings. Rather unfortunately, you wished you hadn't put so much effort in opening your so-called 'gift' because as you finally did, it only angered you more, seeing as the disappointment laughs at your face. And yes, as a matter of fact, the universe was against you today...

"Are you kidding me?" you asked in disbelief, fury reappearing in your eyes. "A birthday cake?! From McDonald's?" Ugly, little cake with the creepiest smiley face of a clown. It wasn't even fresh, you realized, when you smelled it and felt a musty reek of a freezer, it probably had been kept in. A confusing sense of sadness in your chest couldn't reach any higher at this point.

"Don't you like it?" he asked, detecting the wrath in your eyes. At that, you felt the dumbest urge to laugh and never stop. "I thought it'd be something original."

"Oh, I love it," you said sarcastically, a faint voice of hope telling you it was only a very bad joke was still lingering in your head. But it wasn't a joke.

"It's not just--" He struggled to form a coherent sentence. "I've been asking Blaise and Theo about any ideas. I told them, what you had said to me -- 'you didn't want anything fancy.' So we decided it's... something."

"Of course I didn't tell you I want anything, you dolt!" Your voice raised up almost two octaves, and the pulse sped up so fast it entailed a headache along. A neighbor from the opposite garden who was watering the flowers looked at you, startled, and eyes widened your exasperated tone. You didn’t care. "It's how it works: you don't tell other people you expect them to buy something!"

"But I'm your boyfriend. You shouldn't -- er-- feel uncomfortable to tell..."

"Exactly! As my boyfriend, you should have known!"

"Well... I didn't. If that's what's bothering you, we can...we can..."

"Stop." Listening to him and his pathetic excuses was the last thing you were going to do now. "What – why would you even – " You sputtered out, unable to process or express exactly what you were feeling. There was definitely anger and indignation. Curiosity, for another, as to why Draco would even fall for such foolish and ill-considered idea, and -- to the top of it -- hope it would make a good fit. And possibly, the last and most satisfying part, was the wicked impulse to throw the cake directly into his arrogant face, letting him taste his own medicine he had been serving you for years on each failed birthday.

"You know, for once, you could pay more effort and try doing something nice for me," you told him firmly, deflating to calm down your buzzing nerves.

"I've been tr--"

"Do you realize how much it costs me to pretend to be happy when you forget about me? Last year, I organized a big-ass party for your birthday, inviting over all of your friends and buying the best booze I could find to celebrate it properly," you said harshly and pretentiously, as you intended. "The best part is, you didn't even thank me." You stared at him, wringing your hands and expecting to perceive any trope of shame in his eyes. For the first time, you actually did.  

"Listen, about that--" he calmly attempted to cut off your monologue.

"No, you listen..." Did you really want what was upcoming next? Maybe it was about time. "Today, I decided I'm standing up for myself. So, for the last time, get out from my porch."

He bristled, the thunderstruck air hanging around him. "Because of the stupid cake?"

"What?! No! It's just... I feel like you don't give a damn about me anymore." Gulp formed in your throat, and the tears finally left your eyes at the consciousness of what was happening. "I think we both deserve some time."

Your eyes moved to his, and you almost wished you hadn't looked. He was watching you, with pursed lips and a pure mixture of every emotion: anger, sadness, resentment, pretension, dejection. The faintest of his flustered blushes appeared on his cheeks, and you suddenly wished you could hug him. "So you are putting us..." His finger pointed at him and you as if expecting clarification. "...on a break? Is that what it is?"

You were truly torn, to be honest. Becoming single on your birthday was the last wish you had for this day, but you felt a strong sense of adequacy and pride for building up the boundaries of tolerance. Besides, seeing as it was heading nowhere, it was only a matter of time that your relationship came to an end.  

Although, it hurt. A lot. "Yes."

You darted your eyes from him, not wanting to study his reaction in case it caused you to meltdown and jump to his embrace, apologizing endlessly for your words. You loved him. But you didn't regret what you had just said.

Something like a dry chuckle of disbelief escaped out of his mouth. "Is that what you really want?"

'No,' your thoughts prompted you instantly before you could even contemplate. 'I want you to say so many things you're never willing to say. But you don't know.'

So instead, you lied: "Yes."

All expressed, you spun around without peeking back and rushed into your room, already knowing there was no more sense in strives to make this day any better; all of it would bring only bad associations. It would be depressing, even more than it already was.

God, was it how the break-up pained? Because if so, you wanted to be deceased. The world spun suddenly, and you sank to your knees, shaking madly and doing your best to find your way back to your bed, located a few mere meters from you. Part of you felt numb, but your head was wide awake and alarming you that something in terms of a disaster had just happened. Because it did. The clutching in your chest was unbearable, and tears were dashing out of your eyes like a living waterfall, which made you bury your face in your hands. Never have you ever wanted to be so drunk before.

And so many questions rung up in your head at once.

Did you make a good decision? What if you are going to miss him, yet knowing you could never call? What about college -- are things about to get awkward?

No answers.

But you knew someone who would be able to reply to them.

With the blurred by tears vision, you struggled but managed to find your phone in the purse, and then clumsily scrolled through and tapped in your list of contacts before holding the phone to your ear.

Please answer, you begged. Please, please…

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Pansy's voice roared from the other side of a line, as always, enthusiastic.

"Pansy." You tried to sound less brokenly than you were, feeling marginally worse at the reminder of your birthday. "Is Daphne around?"

"Ouch, you're a really nasty bitch sometimes, you know. I'm not goin' to point out today, but since you didn't let me end my wishes, I'll note that for the future reference." You were sure she was grinning at the teasing, seeing as much as she liked that. Normally, you wouldn't mind, but... "How--"

"Pansy, please..." you sobbed out, almost desperate to have someone to consult and share emotions with. Daphne -- contrary to Pansy, who could be very judgy sometimes -- was someone you had especially on mind now. "I need to talk to her."

You heard her sigh; the kind of sigh she used to either prove her resignation or concern. But, as much as it surprised you, she suppressed her curiosity and, without a second word, obediently handed the phone over to Daphne. At least, that's what you assumed because you heard a pause and subdued mutters in the background.

"Y/N?" the milder tone spoke up, and you felt suddenly very strange as if submerged in water of relief; relief to hear the familiar voice. That released you from keeping a distant attitude, and yet again, a sadness washed over you, triggering a loud wail to come out of your mouth. "Y/N, is everything alright?"

"No..." you sniveled, unable to collect yourself together. "I-I... We br-brok-e up."

"You and Draco?" Daphne asked, astonishment evident.

You nodded but then remembered she couldn't see you nor read your expression. So instead, you forced your vocal cords to work again. "Mhm..."

"What happened?"

Restoring the story in your brain again, you told her everything, still tearfully but much more coherently this time. You avoided the details, briefly skipping from one utterance to another, as your conversations had gone, and you were very much thankful she didn't press for more information about the prospect of the situation. If it hadn't been her sporadic gasps or loud inhales of breath, you would have almost presumed she wasn't listening. However, she was, and as soon turned out, Pansy was as well.

"That's bananas!" Pansy shouted somewhere from the back as you had ended, and despite your gloom, you giggled quietly at her comment.

"Shush," Daphne tried to silence her, covering up the fact she had put you on the speaker. You didn't mind because you knew Pansy, who would definitely expect Daphne to cite the whole conversation if needed. But knowing Daphne as well, you could bet she flushed more than she would want to at that point. "So it all started because of the cake?"

"And the delay," you added. "But it's not just about that, obviously. It feels like... he completely stopped caring. And I don't want to be stuck in a relationship where everything is about sex and having fun only. Draco wasn't looking for a commitment, which..."

"Sucks,"ended this time Pansy unhesitatingly, who wasn't now screaming from the other part of a room but openly participating in the discussion.

"Yeah," you agreed.

"As for me, I think he might love you more than you know, Y/N." It was Daphne talking again, and she sounded positively convinced about her view as for someone who had hardly exchanged any word with Draco for the past few years. As if reading your thoughts, she continued. "I've observed you a lot. I know he might seem unemotional, but it's you who discovered him. That must require a lot of trust, you know."

You contemplated, and some of the memories and images from your first encounter run across your brain, try as might to suppress it: spotting each other at the party; binging some whisky shots together; flirty teasing; the very masculine scent of cologne; and then... more spicy recollections -- eager lips pressing against each other; against each others' necks; against other parts of the body; stripping off the clothes in the passionate haste...

Receiving a long moment of silence, Daphne took a second chance and asked. "And what's with you? Do you want to end it?"

It felt like standing before the oracle of truth. Therefore, you couldn't deny it in front of yourself. "No."

"So what're you still doing there?" commented Pansy impatiently, and you could imagine her rolling the eyes. "Get out and find him!"

She was right. You will.

XOXOXOXO

"I thought I'd find you here..."

No. Actually, you didn't. 

You had tracked Draco's phone with your own one with some help of an app that, as the two of you had established still in the relationship, would be a good idea in case of an emergency. That in itself proved to be more than helpful, believing that your argument may be pinned as something in terms of an emergency, right?

So having access to his location, you had found out he was in the park where he had taken you on the first date, shortly after dinner, to watch the sunset that, as he had described, 'was a typical cliche from every romantic movie.'

But you had fallen for that. So much.

You hadn't been aware the place had actually some meaning for him until now, and that... God, that he had even remembered it. Time showed, however, that it indeed did, to which your heart reacted with a happy jolting. But also with a nasty sting of nostalgia following shortly after.

Yet, that only had encouraged you to make up your mind and go looking for him, which hadn't been such a difficult task per se. He was sitting on the bench, in the shade of a tree, and hiding his a little too delicate skin from the sun rays. As soon as he had heard your voice, his gray eyes flew up to see you standing a few meters away.

"What are you doing here?" was the immediate question that tumbled out of his mouth. He arched his eyebrow, and to your surprise, he didn't even look angry or sad with you. Nothing near the edge; actually, almost something like the amusement was painting on his face.

"Aren't you mad with me?" you asked intrigued, completely forgetting about his question.

He frowned. "Why would I be?" His tone was so mild that you weren't sure if he was referring to the double meaning; but then he smirked playfully and said, "Besides, I knew you were coming."

"Wha-- How?" you asked, eyes dilating a fraction, in shock.

He smirked, pointing at his phone in an explanatory manner. After a moment, you finally figured out what he meant: the app must have registered he had been tracked and that your phone was trying to find his. At this notice, you reacted with a wave of flush, suddenly regretting your previous lie. His smile only widened at your expression. "Wanna sit? It's plenty of room here."

"Mhm..." You nodded, pleased to accept his offer, and walked over to the bench, doing your best to hide the evident embarrassment on your face. You felt strange he had taken you with such ease, seeing as merely two or three hours ago, you had burst at him like a cram-full volcano of unspoken emotions.

Draco shifted a package from his side, making more space for you to sit, and it took you a moment to realize it was a McDonald's cake from earlier. Everything started from that -- a stupid, little piece of cake which stood up between...

You shook the thought away, taking a seat next to him, close enough to smell his sandalwood cologne. "You didn't answer my question," Draco reminded you. "What's so important to make you track my phone?"

"I'm sorry, okay?" You rounded your face to him, flustrated, leaning at the backrest of a bench. "That's why I came. I wanted to apologize."

"Oh... Couldn't you call?"

You sighed. "I figured you wouldn't want to talk to me after...you know... our quarrel," you said half-despondent, half-desperate, watching your feet as if it were the most interesting thing to peer at now. "I didn't mean what I said earlier."

"I know," he said. Out of nowhere, he was gently grasping your palms which forced you to look up directly into his intense gaze. His eyes were swirling like molten silver at you. "But I should be apologizing, love. I made a mistake, okay?" His hands traveled all across to your tense shoulders, squeezing them lightly. "I know I should be more... affectionate with you. And this was...dumb. A dumb mistake. With that cake. But I'll try to be better if you give it another shot."

He looked so serious that you instantly believed him. You wanted to actually, with all force of longing, which grew up too rapidly in you when he wasn't around. Draco was a fool, you could easily say. But he was your fool, which was a thing you couldn't be more proud of.

Peeking slowly in the other direction, you asked, out of the topic, "You remembered the place?"

"Of course," he puffed jokingly, smiling. "Our first date. Officially our place from then on."

"Right..." You smiled back.

Honestly, the mere fact that he had called this spot 'yours' warmed up your heart, and you felt yourself grinning at his never-before-discovered emotionality. To assure yourself you weren't the only one caring, it was all you needed to hear.

The whole moment was intense, and now, you realized, is when you should have hugged him. Kissed him. Said something back at his sincere endearment.

But instead, spotting plastic cutlery next to your 'gift', you asked, "So what's the taste of the birthday cake?"  

And you knew he had caught the subtext of your playful inquiry. And you knew that soon you would work things out again. But, as for now...

"I thought you would never ask."

XOXOXOXO

A/N: Looooooool. Such a drama-comedy, right? And I could easily say It feels like 50% Draco-x-Reader / 50% Draco-x-BirthdayCake... But whatever (2am is working like a drunken bud, folks). Happy beginning of August :)

[nanaminsonyfans]

✨Shouta Aizawa hcs✨

A/N; fuck it, shouta aizawa relationship headcanons because i'm a self indeulgent bitch and need my fix

Pairing; Shouta Aizawa x Gender Neutral Reader

Warnings; spoilers for season four, fluff, smut, sfw, nsfw, slight angst

SFW

Shouta Aizawa is obviously a big ol teddy bear

You love to embarrass him at UA, you yourself being a teacher at UA!

You teach them hand to hand combat, but like aggressivly, like you fucking kick ass

You're quirk is just being fast, kinda like the flash or quicksilver

Along with the speed, you are semi hyper, enough to keep up with the kids these days

You've been married to Shouta for a while but both of you agreed that your private life is to remain private, only the other teachers and nezu knew about it

You keep your ring on your finger ofc, but he keeps his in a chain around his neck, hidden behidn his binding cloth

You were on that mission to save Eri; hearing of a little girl made you frustrated and depressed

You and Shouta always talked about having kids but never really acted on it, i mean you both kinda already adopted Hitoshi Shinsou....

You were running with Mirio, honestly too fast to have the walls stop you. Also you can vibrate your patricles to slip through anything, but that leaves you comepletly naked if a wall did get in your way

Luckily that didnt happen.

Mirio was faster than you, you honestly didn't know whether to be thankful or angry at yourself because you go there late, his quirk was already gone

You tried to get the girl, overhaul was fast though, faster than you which was a first

He made the floor spikes, stabbed your feet and legs; causing you to not be able to run.

It hurt to walk or run so you didnt

"Y/n! What happened!?" Shouta finally arrived.

"You're...You're late to the party." You grunt, shoes now covered in blood and your suit ripped from your ankle to your mid thigh from the stabbing.

"Are you okay?" Concern fills your husbands voice, your couldnt see his eyes from those goggles and his hair but you could almost sense the tears.

"Sho, dont care baby. You arent the emotional one. Thats me." You teased and kissed him. "I'll be fine, worry about Deku and the girl, I-I think Mirio got out- i mean Lemillion." You sigh softly

After everything, you were bedridden in the hospital, much to your dismay

"Y/n stay in bed you can't be walking around!" "I can and i will- ah fuck-" Walking still hurt, the soreness and tenderness of your feet overpowering the need to see anyone or get around.

You heal up of course; and around the the same time as Eri. You always went over to her hospital room despite the warning not too but hey, she was obviously lonely.

You would braid her hair, paint her nails if she wished, put flowers in her braids or pigtails, you even watched Sailor Moon with her in which she wanted her hair up like hers! It was adorable

When she needed a play to stay, You jumped out of your seat so quick

"Shouta and I can take care of her!" You yell before Nezu can even finish his sentance. Your husband turned red at your declaration but he didn't argue

So she became your little buddle of joy!

You've never been happier

You teach her all of the schooling she missed out on, and helped her and answered any questions she had

Aizawa loved her as much as you, you felt like a happy family!

Then the time came; FAMILY PHOTOS

You talked Shouta into it, it was for christmas cards to send to the facility and your family! It would be cute!

So you go to the mall with Eri and Shouta, and but onesies. The theme is cats, its the only way you got Shouta to say yes to your shenanigans

Eri wanted a pink cat, you wanted a purple, and Aizawa was a basic bitch and wanted a plain black one

It was all fun though

This man loved his little family, i mean why wouldn't he?

He had the best partner and daughter, even if she was adopted she addressed you both as papa and papa/mama

NSFW

This man is big on eating you out

He can work his tongue like a GOD(i listen to too much yagami yato)

"You like that kitten? You always taste so fucking good...it's intoxicating."

His words always made you quiver

Shouta's favorite position is between your thighs, he loves to be suffocate between them

You love to have your thighs around his neck , his scruffy beard always tickled your plush soft thighs

You're always covered in hickeys and love bites, thighs, hips, chest, collarbone, he never made obvious marks, he still wanted your guys private life to be PRIVATE

He much rather give you pleasure orally than received it from you, but you love to treat him

You're very scandalous and ended up giving him a few blowjobs in the teachers louge or in broom closets at UA

You get punished for it later

Because of his binding scarf he is very much so into bondage, with your consent of course.

He'll tie you up, legs spread, blindfolded, maybe even gagged, he likes to tease

Aizawa is not into hurting you, but if you request for him to choke you of pull your hair, he will.

"Pull my hair Sho." He pulled your hair. "No, not from the roots, the ends so it hurts." Shouta was no sadist but, hearing those moans almost made it worth it.

[evera6234]

Gotham’s Salty WIP: Chapter I

RATING: T (Teen for cursing and stuff, this may change)

SUMMARY: 

Basically, the typical Daminette with a bit of lime and spice. Borderline crack fic bc i cant without humor. 

Marinette Dupain-Cheng goes to Gotham whilst carrying three years worth of emotional baggage, what she does with it, we don't know. Does she lug it around? Probably. Does she kick it off a skyscraper? Not probable, but maybe. Does she use it to drop kick an unsuspecting liar. Most definitely.                ~~~> EDITED BY OLLIETHETURTLE ON AO3

Transferred from AO3. 

Lemme know if ya wanna be tagged

OK. Umm.. First fic on AO3. K. We doin this, and we starting with this god awful piece of trash. Yes. Life. Fuck. 

Things ur signing up for:

Big boi Mari & Chloe Friendship Good Vibes TM

My ass shitting on Adrien bc im a salty bitch (and if u aint about that life, its ok. U can leave bc im not interested in fighting with people. No offence or disrespect to adrien stans but yea)

And Adrien stalker moments

Lila and Alya salt (plz see “im a salty bitch”)

Shitty update schedule, if any. I’m counting on yall to harass me to write.

Marinette & Jason “sibling-esque” relationship bc we all need that

An obscene amount of cursing (as you can already tell)

The class will not be  “Our singular communal brain-cell is fucking dead, help.” levels of dumb, but still “I have the IQ of a wet potato sack” levels of dumb.

Eventual negation of canon bc we live that life

“Espresso with a dash of Depresso” Moments TM

I'm originally an MLB fan. So do what you will with that info.

The good old “Ozmav AU” but with some lime and spice

As slow burn as I can

Mental Health stuff and the repercussions of having multiple identities treated completely differently

And the crown jewel of this entire fic… Auntie Harley and Ivy.

And….. sorry…. Ppl will kinda be OOC but im trying my very best. 

Tbh I have no idea where this going rn but... i mean… it going somewhere (specifically hell) because everything does. Leave ideas plz, don’t kill me. Just bully me. 

So yea. Lemme know what u want and if I want to, I might just squeeze it into the fic (if it fit ofc, im not just gonna add random 50 year time-lapses). I'll try my best ;)))) (<-- my quadruple chin)

~

Chloe’s head hangs heavy on Mari’s shoulder as the pressurised air surrounding them vibrates with the sounds… of well… a plane. Chloe had a tough couple weeks; late night combat practises with the new team (LB, Hornet, Viperion and Ryuuko) has obviously taken a toll on her partner. Both wrapped in a thick velvet blanket that Chloe remembered to pack (thank kwami) sharing a pair of headphones, both were lulled into a peaceful slumber.

Alya laughs as Lila tips her small glass of diet coke (that a flight attendant painstakingly poured for her) on a sleeping Marinette’s side of Chloe’s blanket, effectively waking her up. “Oopsies! Sorry Marinette! You see, the cabin air has really been worsening my arthritis. I didn’t mean it! I swear! Cross my heart!” apologized Lila with fake concern as Alya giggles beside her. 

Marinette, literally seeing Lila’s crossed figures behind her back says “At least Chloe is still sleeping, she needs the rest.” Alya, Lila and her empty cup saunter beck to their seats nearby. 

~

Mari and her class finally land in Gotham’s cold December night. Freshly hushed into a private shuttle, the class are driven to their hotel. It is late: around 3:30 AM. With heavy eyelids the class gazed out the bus’s windows in awe. The merging view of traffic and Christmas lights chase them to their residence. No one really remembers or knows what happened that night. Just the feeling of falling, be it into a white fluffy hotel comforter or into the crisp Gotham air. 

~

“Oh! My! Gosh!!!” hears Marinette as Lila on the bus to Wayne Enterprise. “I feel so. At. Home!” In Marinette’s tired ears, there were more exclamation marks. 

“Of course… The only thing that can inhabit Gotham alleyways are cockroaches and villains,” Chloe grumbles beneath her breath, looking out the window.

“What have I ever done to you Chloe?” Lila cries, “I understand why Marinette bullies me, she is a jealous and vile girl. But I thought you, Chloe, want to be a better person, not a bully like that bitch, Marinette!”

“How dare you. How dare you. HOW DARE YOU!” Chloe yells as the recent words loop in her mind, 

“Not gonna call your daddy, huh?” Alya taunts. 

Chloe, with tears in her eyes begins, but is quickly interrupted by Marinette, “No she will not. She doesn’t need to. Chloe grew a lot over the last couple months, I’m so proud of her. She doesn’t need your bitch-ass approval.” Marinette grasps Chloe’s hand which previously wrapped itself around the fabric of Chloe’s heavy caramel winter coat.

“Quiet on the bus!”, A yell came from the front.

“But, Mr. Bus Driver… Marinette is being a…”

“Shut it! Y’all want me to kamikaze this shit into a building? I’m guessing y’all value your lives so shut it!” 

“Ms.Guardian, can I please have a cookie?” Pollen softly asks from the inside of Chloe’s giant white faux leather handbag.

“Shh… Pollen! Now’s not the time!!!” stresses Tikki.

“Please Ms. Guardian!!! I’m so so so hungry. This bag isn’t very warm and it’s taking all my energy to keep warm. A lil blubber wouldn’t hurt…. please!!”.

“Of course Pollen,” quietly respond Mari with a grin, “Here you go.” She pulls out a couple cookies from a Tupperware and hands them to Pollen. “Please share them with Tikki,” whispers Marinette into the bag. 

Marinette and Chloe then hears two tiny “thank you”s followed by the sound that can only be described increasingly aggressive chomping. Both girls giggle quietly.

~

“Welcome to Gotham,” says an unenthusiastic man at the front desk. “Congratulations, you are…” He checks his computer. “On time? Interesting.”

“Yes, we are aware,” grumbles Mrs. Bustier, already done with the man’s attitude.

“Okay so before the tour starts I’m doing to need the student who set-up this field trip to sign a couple forms and stuff. Here ya go.” The man pushed a thicc pile of paper into the teachers hand. 

“Oooh! That would be me sir!” Lila chirped, intercepting the papers before skipping back to her posse of her’s. A few seconds after beginning to fill out paperwork Lila cries “Ouch! My wrist! My arthritis! Can someone help me filling out all these form.” 

“I’ll fill them out, I’m only going to need your signatures,” offered Max.

“Thank you Max, you are so sweet!” Lila complements. 

“Of course, your arthritis was badly affected by the altitude yesterday, you shouldn’t be staining your wrist so early!” Max blushed. 

“Maribug, you gonna to say something?” 

“Nah, just watch. Entertainment without a Netflix membership.”

[waywardwrestlewritingwaif]

Raise the Stakes, Part 13

I just had to sneak in one more part before the big showdown tonight. Aside from this, the card for Resurgence looks awesome!

Pairing: David Finlay x OFC x Jay White

Word count: 2,897

Content advisory: sexual content (not as graphic as previous parts, but still more than just mentions), language

Previous sections (and the prequel) available on the Master List

This is completely normal, you tell yourself. He has a big match tomorrow. He needs a clear head and sleep and, as he’s fond of telling you, he doesn’t get either of those things when the two of you are together. It makes sense that he’d want to spend tonight at his own place, by himself.

So why do you feel like something horrible is happening?

You close your eyes but the second you do, you get a vision ofJay lifting David limp body off the mat. You can still hear that awful crack of David’s unprotected skull hitting the chair and immediately you feel sick to your stomach, just as you had when you’d watched the moment unfold. You were as powerless then as you are now to change it. All you could do was follow the assistants who’d come to help him to the medic’s room.

By the time they got him back there, there was already a red welt visible on his forehead. He was barely conscious, growling at anyone who tried to help him until you approached. He hadn’t said anything, just leaned into your body and let his head fall on your shoulder. He wasn’t aware enough to notice that you were crying, even when a few of your tears dripped onto his skin.

You’d held him tight until the doctor arrived, her expression doing nothing to ease your mind. Nevertheless, after a thorough check, she pronounced that he wasn’t concussed and wasn’t injured beyond the obvious bumps and bruises. Not physically at least.

Of course, you’d insisted that he come back to your place where you could keep an eye on him and take care of the wounds he had sustained. Well, you hadn’t really had to insist. He was happy to go along, laughing at the way you tried to do everything for him. It became a rather hilarious tug of war, you trying everything to keep him still and him doing everything to annoy you, getting himself a bottle of water from the fridge, trying to make something for dinner until you’d literally smacked his ass repeatedly with a spatula, which had you both laughing so hard you almost fell down.

Getting him into bed was a battle, too, and once you got him undressed and relaxed, he’d immediately started to get frisky. He kept insisting that he was fine and had ended up spending time both last night and the first part of the day today showing you just how fine he was.

“I can’t wait until this weekend is over,” he hissed into your skin during one intimate moment.

You’d agreed because, despite the fact that there are other shows and other matches coming up, there does seem to be a sense of finality around their showdown this weekend. Sure after this, Jay’s going to calm down or get distracted and he won’t be so determined to screw with your lives.

“Never again,” Jay had fairly shrieked, sitting on David’s chest, clinging on to his belt. “You will never beat me again.”

Sure, his words made perfect sense within the context of their fight for the belt and Jay’s determination to avenge his loss months ago. But you knew that wasn’t it. The animalistic way they’d stared each other down before the fight, the rush to get started. Jay always loved to tease confronting an enemy but backed out at the last seconds toying with them until he was convinced he’d rattled their nerves. Not last night. He and David had gone right after each other, brawling like they were in a bar.

Thinking of that reminds you of a night you haven’t thought about in years, back in their early days, your early days, in the dojo. It’s not a night you should remember at all, given the condition you were in but you remember it, or at least the end of it, perfectly.

The three of you had been out drinking. Drinking a lot. You’d stumbled back to your barracks leaning on one another to form some sort of solid mass that could stay upright. You’d still ended up tumbling a few times, which was hardly surprising. You must have all had some kind of homing instinct because none of you could tell where the hell you were.

You knew that by the time you made it back, the door would be locked but your super power at that time was that you were small enough and flexible enough to get through the window in the kitchen that was stuck open. You’d needed a boost from the guys, which had taken a couple of efforts, but you were eventually able to scramble through and unlock the front door, albeit after crashing into so many things and making so much noise that there was no way anyone slept through it.

Your room was in another area of the building but you’d just headed to their room. You’d passed out on the floor on several occasions, always on the floor even though you’d already started sleeping with Jay by that point. The two of you were half-assed pretending that nothing was happening, even though you’d very quietly fool around before falling asleep.

You’d been keeping things a secret to avoid gossip but also, at least on your part, because you hadn’t wanted to hurt David. It was clear already that he was sweet on you and you’d figured that as long as it wasn’t right there out in the open, you could pretend that there was no reason for him to feel hurt. Later on, you’d confide in him about how miserable Jay was making you, but at that point, things were still fun, still inconsequential.

In retrospect, you realize this period must have been agony for him. Jay was a braggart and had advertised his conquest to his roommate pretty much right away, but from there, you’d all pretended that nothing was happening. It’s only been in the last few weeks that you found out just how much and how early he’d liked you. Going through that must have sucked.

But on that particular night, there was no problem because you were all feeling no pain, either physical or emotional. You’d ended up crawling up the stairs on all fours, basically pulling both of them along with you. Jay had informed you loudly that he needed to take a piss and you and David had somehow made it back to their room.

It was dark, which meant the two of you were stumbling all over the place, but eventually David had flopped down onto his bed and turned on the lamp that stood on the shelf just above it. Unfortunately, as he did so, he’d knocked the lamp backward and left it hanging precariously, wedged between the headboard and the wall.

“David, get the light!” You’d been laughing so hard you could barely get the words out. There were tears streaming down your cheeks.

“It’s ok,” he mumbled, laughing as much as his semi-conscious body would let him.

“It’s not ok, David, you have to get the lamp because it’s going to…” You could not for the life of you remember the word “fall” in that moment.

After a few more seconds, you’d gone over to retrieve the lamp yourself, not that you were particularly graceful at it, balancing yourself as best you could on the edge of David’s bed and placing one hand on the wall to try to keep steady, all while trying not to collapse onto David’s chuckling form.

Out of nowhere, he’d snaked an arm around your leg and pulled you down onto his face, which made you both laugh even harder. You’d been giggling as he clumsily pushed your panties out of the way and started licking you with sloppy enthusiasm.

“Oh my god, David, what the hell,” you laughed. “That tickles!”

Maybe you would have told him to stop, or he just would have passed out in the middle of what he was doing because he was just that loaded, but before either of those things could happen, you’d been interrupted.

“What the fuck?” Jay was standing unsteadily in the doorway.

You’d tried to shush him as you fell back a little, sitting on David’s chest. He was laughing too but Jay decidedly was not.

“What are you, eating her pussy?”

You’d just cracked up laughing. David hadn’t opened his eyes, just grinned in a drunk, goofy way and responded, “I don’t know. Sort of?”

“Turn the light off,” Jay snapped.

“I’m trying to!” Another wave of laughter rolled over you as you’d pondered the ridiculousness of not being able to turn off a light.

“Turn the fucking light off!” Jay yelled.

He gave it a hard kick and shattered the bulb, solving the problem. He’d helped you stand up and although you couldn’t see him well, you’d felt like David was already unconscious as Jay led you over to his bed.

He’d pushed you down and started pulling your clothes away, which was unusual. Part of trying to keep things secret was learning how to fool around without getting naked and being as quiet as possible. But that night, Jay had been insistent about getting you naked. He’d been rough and he’d been loud. And he’d bit and pinched and scratched at you until you were loud as well. If you hadn’t managed to wake everyone in the building up with your arrival, that must have done the trick.

The only person it didn’t disturb was David, whose light snoring you could hear while you were going at it.

Jay had never been one to stare into your eyes and focus intently on you during sex, not back then at least. He’d look at you, then away, like he was thinking of what he could do next, or what he could get you to do. But as you remember the night now, you realize that his eyes flickered repeatedly towards the other bed, vibrant with anger. You knew that Jay had come to see you as one of his belongings during the time that you’d been working for him, but it’s only now that you realize how early that had started. Even then, when he’d been very clear that the two of you were not exclusive, he’d been livid at the idea that someone else would touch what was his.

The son of a bitch would have known that David was hung up on you, too. He’d done his best to make sure that he’d hear him fucking you right there in the room, like David didn’t even exist. David who at that point was still his best friend.

You don’t know if David woke up while all this was happening. You hope he didn’t. Although he’d apologized for what he called “his behavior” the next day, you’ve never been sure how much he remembers. Certainly by this point, it might have faded from his memory entirely. You hope that’s the case. You hope he doesn’t remember it anything like the way you do.

In his position, you don’t know if you’d ever be able to trust you, to believe that your emotions weren’t contaminated or at least inconsistent. You can’t believe that doubts don’t start to creep in the second you’re out of his sight, which is why, although it’s understandable that he’d want to spend the night by himself tonight, you feel worried. The second he starts thinking about how many problems you’re causing and how much he’s had to deal with for years because of you, he’s likely to move to Siberia just to ensure he never sees you again.

And as if you weren’t capable of driving yourself crazy with anxiety on your own, Jay’s trying his best to make it worse. Since you are the talent liaison for New Japan in America and Jay is a New Japan performer currently working in America, you’re no longer allowed to stop him from accessing you and tonight, he’s apparently decided to take full advantage of that.

Your phone lights up to indicate another text message. You check every time because it could be David, or someone actually trying to contact you for work, as opposed to what Jay’s doing, which is trying to drive you right out of your mind. But it seems like no one has anything to say to you except Jay.

Are you alone or do you have to take care of your boy tonight?

I hope you’re not wearing him out. I want him to remember how easy it is for me to beat him even at his best. And I know how you can be.

Try not to think about me when you two are going at it.

If he’s not there, come over. I’ll keep my hands to myself if you do.

You know I can get women whenever I want but I never stop thinking about the filthy things I’d like to do to you.

Play the good girl all you want, I know you’re going to be thinking about that last text for hours. I’ll bet you’ll even touch yourself.

Send pictures when you do. No reason for us not to enjoy ourselves.

Wonder how he’d react if I told him you were coming over. Guess I could find out. Not like he’d know I was lying. Or maybe I’m not lying?

That last one does it. You can’t just ignore that because you don’t know if he’s going to make good on the threat. So you type back the only two words you can think of: STOP IT.

Ha. I knew you weren’t sleeping. And I’ll bet your sweet prince is back at his place because he wants to be focused for tomorrow. Poor boy denying himself his last meal.

You flinch and respond again in all capital letters: I MEAN IT. KNOCK IT OFF.

You’re tense. You should definitely come over. I’ll give you a back rub.

You should have just let him keep texting and gone to sleep, not that you can sleep because you’re so tense about things with David and the fact that Jay’s threatening to ruin them. Now you’re caught in one of his mazes that you can never seem to find your way out of.

Fine, you’re not coming over. Phone sex?

NO.

Come on, it’s probably the one thing we haven’t done before. Call me.

NO. GOD WILL YOU JUST STOP? I’M TRYING TO SLEEP.

I know how to help you calm down. Call.

Ok, seriously, let me help you relax. We don’t have to talk about you putting my dick in your mouth.

You roll your eyes and answer: Nothing with you relaxes me.

Seriously, I have a technique.

NO.

You’re no fun. Think I’ll bug Super Dave for a bit.

You don’t even text him back. You call because at least if he’s on the phone, he can’t be texting David to tell him god knows what.

“Well this is a nice surprise,” he purrs.

“You can’t do this. I need to sleep. Hell, you need to sleep. Just let it go, Jay.”

“I don’t really need to be well rested to beat Finlay. He got lucky the one time. Even you don’t believe he’s good enough to beat me twice.”

“Maybe I don’t care if he wins or not. Maybe I’ll be happy because I get to be with him one way or the other.”

“I’ll bet he cares.”

“I’m hanging up.”

“No, come on, I promised I’d help you sleep and now you’re even more worked up.”

You try to think of a smart comeback but you can’t. He waits a minute before continuing.

“Are you lying down?”

“Not that it’s any of your business but yes.”

“It’s purely professional interest, I promise.” You can hear a dark laugh buried in his voice. “Lay flat on your back and close your eyes.”

You’re not sure why but you do as he says. You do need to sleep and maybe the bastard actually can help with that.

“I want you to breathe all the way in, really slowly, through your nose.”

You give it a shot and he immediately interrupts.

“Don’t do it like you’re angry at me. Soft and slow, until your lungs feel full.”

You comply, fighting to keep from getting angry at him.

“Ok, now exhale very slowly through your mouth. All the way.” When he’s satisfied you’ve done that properly, he continues, “Keep doing that, as slow as you can manage. In through the nose, out through the mouth.”

You can’t deny that you can feel your body start to relax after only a few repetitions.

“Now take your hand and place it over your face, right along the hairline. Just barely let your fingers touch your skin. Then run your hand down your face, all the way to your neck. Keep your touch as light as you can.”

The sensation makes you shiver but as much as you feel like your nerves are being activated, you also feel like you’re pulling the tension out of your body. He tells you to repeat this gesture a few times, always keeping your breathing slow and even.

“Good night princess,” he whispers. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The line goes dead before you can say anything.

[wiypt-writes]

Stark Spangled Banner

Ch60: Proof Tony Stark Has A Heart.

Intro: Katie bids an emotional farewell to her brother, as the rest of the world pays their respects.

Warnings: “Language!”  Major angst- get the tissues ready.

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

A/N: So we’re almost there! One chapter after this plus the epilogue. I can’t thank @angrybirdcr​ enough for her edits!

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Katie Stark and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Chapter 59

Stark Spangled Banner Masterlist // Main Masterlist

 “Hey.” A deep voice roused Katie from her thoughts and she looked up to see Bucky walk into the kitchen wearing a pair of black sweats and a red Henley. “I would ask if you were okay but it’s a stupid question.” “I appreciate the sentiment.” She smiled at him. “Coffee is fresh, just don’t tell Steve I’ve been drinking it. He’ll only bitch and moan about caffeine being bad for the baby.” Bucky smiled. “My lips are sealed.” He moved further into the room, helping himself to a mug from the cupboard before he made himself a drink. He sat down opposite his best friend’s wife and just took her in for a moment. Her long hair was piled on top of her head in a messy bun and she looked pale and tired. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for her and just how much she was going through. Finding out you’re pregnant again, with a baby you lost whilst having to come to terms with the death of your brother, the brother you had long since thought of as a father, couldn’t be easy for anyone.

He took a sip of his drink and leaned forward slightly. “So how are you really feeling?”

She looked at him for a moment before she took a deep breath. “If I’m honest, lost.” She sniffed slightly as her eyes filled with tears. “All my life Tony has been there and the thought now that he’s not, and never will be again.” She wiped at her face, “You know Buck, for the last week I’ve felt like I’ve been in a bad dream but yesterday, getting that message and today, it just makes it so real, so final you know?” Bucky smiled softly and reached over the table to squeeze her hand. “You’ll get through this. I know all things considered we haven’t really known each other that long but I do know you’re made of strong stuff.” “I don’t feel like it at the moment.” “You have to be to put up with Stevie.” He joked, making her give a watery chuckle. “Just remember you’re not on your own.”  "I know,” Katie smiled, her eyes brimming with tears, “and Steve’s been amazing, he really has. You all have.” “Yeah, he ain’t bad for a punk.” Bucky smiled making her chuckle slightly as he let go of her hand. “Talking about me again?” Steve’s warm voice hit their ears and Katie glanced up, smiling at him as he leaned on the door frame, arms crossed, the fact he was dressed almost identically to his friend only with a blue Henley made her smile. “Yes.” Bucky nodded. Steve rolled his eyes and pushed off the frame. He crossed the room and dropped a kiss to Katie’s head before his hand gently brushed her face. “It’s early, Doll.” He gently tipped her face to look up at him. “You were so tired last night.” “Yeah I woke about an hour ago and couldn’t get back to sleep.”

Steve looked at her for a second, he’d much rather she’d have lay in for an extra hour or so, all things considered but he knew she would be stressing about today so there wasn’t any point in dwelling on it.

“You want any breakfast?” He asked her, dropping his hand back to his hip. “Not really but yes, before you say it I know I have to eat.” “French toast?” He asked and she pondered for a moment. He knew that was her favourite breakfast. And she knew that he knew. “We got any strawberries?” She asked eventually, with a faint smile.

He nodded. ”What’s French toast without the fruit?” “Wait,” Bucky pointed at Steve, “you’re cooking?”

“And?” Steve looked at him.

“The last time I remember you trying to do that you nearly burnt your apartment down and my mom banned you from ever trying again.” He snorted as he looked at Katie. “She insisted on making him food parcels!" 

"He’s actually pretty good.” Katie shrugged and Steve preened a little at her praise, flipping Bucky off with a smug grin. “He makes a wicked carbonara but breakfasts are his speciality. Jamie loves his pancakes, says they’re better than mine”

“I had a good teacher.” Steve gave her a wink before he crossed to the cupboard and pulled out the brioche.

“Think I’ll go grab a shower before the kids wake up.” Katie pushed back from the table, her hand falling to her stomach. ”And before this little peanut realises I’m awake and makes me puke my guts up again.”

Steve watched her go before he sighed and moved to the fridge to grab the eggs.

“She’ll be okay, pal.” Bucky assured him “Today’s gonna be hard but she’s got everyone around her.”

“She should be taking it easy.” Steve shook his head. “She had a rough time with sickness and tiredness when she was pregnant with Jamie up until the six month mark and this stress can’t be good for either of them.”

He trailed off as Emmy walked into the kitchen, yawning, pulling her long brown hair into a braid. “Morning, Sweetie, you want some French toast?” Steve asked as she moved to give her dad a hug, still half asleep. She nodded and made an appreciative noise before she turned to grab the orange juice from behind him in the fridge. Pouring a glass she sat at the table and said good morning to Bucky before she picked up the remote.

The three of them instantly looked at the screen when a familiar voice hit their ears. “Tony Stark was a good man.” Secretary Ross was speaking to the journalist “I had the privilege to know him well. He had th-” At that Emmy turned the channel over. “Dick.” She mumbled under her breath. Bucky caught Steve’s eye, the pair of them sharing a grin, Steve choosing not to chastise her for her language.

“Good morning to you too!” Sam grinned as he walked into the kitchen. Emmy looked at him before she chuckled.

“Not you, Ross.” “Ah. Well, no arguments from me there” Sam shrugged, heading to the coffee pot.

“Katie punched him you know.” Steve decided to interject a little bit of light heartedness into the morning. All three of them turned to face him as Sam let out a snort.

“Why am I not surprised?”

Steve raised his eyebrows, the corner of his mouth curling up into a smile. 

“Well, come on Pops, tell us!” Emmy urged.

“It was just after the snap. Katie went with Rhodey to give President Ellis a briefing. She had a disagreement with Ross, and then as she was leaving he made some snarky comment so she gave him a right hook, a pretty good one too according to Rhodey.” Sam and Bucky both exchanged a look, Sam nodding in approval, a grin split across his face. “Nice.”

“You know,” Bucky looked at him, “the more I hear and see of your Missus, the more I think I’m in love with her myself.”

Steve rolled his eyes and started to whisk the obscene number of eggs he had placed in the bowl. By the time he had finished making everyone breakfast, Katie was back at the table in a towel robe, hair damp, having brought Jamie down. No sooner had Steve placed her plate of food in front of her, she was up again, running to the downstairs bathroom to throw up.

“Is Momma sick?” Jamie asked, looking at Steve who smiled at him.

“She’s fine pal, the new baby is just making her feel a little funny, that’s all. Nothing to worry about.”

Jamie looked back at the door his mom had disappeared through before he picked up his fork and began to dig into the chopped up French toast and fruit that was on his plate.

Katie wandered back in a few minutes later and sat back at the table, pinching the bridge of her nose. Steve watched as she pushed her food around her plate for a bit, before she took a few bites. Satisfied that she was eating something he tucked into his own.

Once breakfast was done the house was a flurry of activity as people got ready. Katie, having already showered, simply had to fix her hair and make-up. She set Jamie’s outfit out for him and Emmy offered to help him dress to give her chance to get herself sorted, which she was grateful for. “Stevie?” Katie asked him as he stood in front of the mirror, doing his tie and he caught her eye in the reflection. “Can you zip me up please?”

She turned round and Steve moved, his fingers softly pulling up the zipper of her black dress before he dropped a kiss to her neck as his arms wrapped around her waist, hands flattening on her stomach.

“No bump yet.” He muttered softly and she smiled.

“I’ll be fat again soon enough.” Her hands fell over his, her fingers lightly tracing over the cool metal of his wedding band.

“I can’t wait.” He grinned as she snorted.

“I swear you have some kind of breeding kink.” “Not as such, I just love you and love the fact my baby is in there.” He pulled her back so she was pressed into him slightly. “I loved the changes I saw last time.” “You’re only hoping my boobs get bigger again.” She teased and he smiled, arching an eyebrow.

“Can you blame me?”

“Captain Bad Ass is a pervert, who knew?” She chuckled before she turned in his arms and straightened the knot on his tie slightly, smoothing her hands down his chest. She took a deep breath and looked up at him. “I’m scared, Steve.”

Instantly understanding he pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her back “Don’t be. I’ll be right there okay? It’ll be over soon enough.”

“The funeral might be.” Katie sighed. “But I’m not sure losing him will ever be over.” “You’re right it won’t” Steve agreed, and she looked at him “It’s almost ninety years since my ma died. Okay, granted most of them I was on ice for but she died when I was eighteen. There’s still not a day goes past where I don’t think about her or miss her.”

He brushed a strand of hair that had fallen loose from her bun out of her face and smiled softly. “But it does get easier. I promise you will one day be able to look back on your memories of Tony and be happy that he was your brother and such a big part of your life.”

He placed a gentle kiss onto her lips before a loud shout from the hallway told them the car had arrived. They made their way downstairs and Katie smiled at Jamie who was dressed in a black suit almost identical to Steve’s.

“Look at my handsome, little man.” Katie beamed at him, dropping a kiss to his head.

“Here.” Steve tossed the keys to his Audi to Bucky, who caught them effortlessly in his right hand.

“See you there.” Bucky nodded to Steve who smiled at his friends as they left.  

*****

It was busy outside the Cathedral. The surrounding street and road had been shut off and the sidewalks around the temporary barriers were packed with members of the public and press as they all clamoured round. Katie found the whole thing hideous, and her hand tightened on Steve’s as the car pulled to a stop just outside the building.

“I don’t know if I can do this.” She whispered and Steve turned to look at her. She was chewing her lip and shaking slightly. He glanced back at Emmy who was on the row behind.

“Em, take Jamie in okay. We’ll be there in a second.” She nodded. “Come on short stuff.” She smiled at her brother as someone opened the door for them. Jamie looked at his dad for a moment but Steve nodded and he followed Emmy, slipping his hand into hers as they headed into the building, Bucky and Sam both meeting them by the door.

“Give us a second.” Steve spoke to the man who had opened their door and he nodded, gently closing it.

“Look at me.” Steve turned to his wife and she glanced up at him, her eyes wide and frightened. “I know this is daunting, but you just gotta get through this bit. As soon as this is over, then it’s back to the lake house and there’ll be none of this or them around.” He waved his hand gesturing outside.

“I can’t.” “Yes, you can.” His voice was soft, but stern, he knew he had to be to keep her calm. “Baby, you’re the strongest person I know. And you’re not on your own, I got you. If it starts getting too much in there you just let me know and I’ll get you out, I promise, okay?”

Katie took a deep breath and looked at her husband as he gently cupped her face in his hand, stroking her cheek with his thumb. She had to do this, she had to. And she knew Steve would look after her. With a deep breath she nodded and he dropped a soft kiss to her lips before he turned and opened the door.

The minute she was out of the cars the cameras started flashing and she gripped Steve’s hand even tighter. He moved so his arm was around her, pulling her close, almost shielding her from the attention as he walked purposefully into the Cathedral Grounds, his eyes not once looking round. In a few seconds they were through the gates and mostly out of the way of the public and he felt Katie relax a little as she let out the breath she had been holding when Jamie ran to her, wrapping his arms round her legs.

“Momma, I just met the Priest. He says his name is James too!” “Wow!” Katie smiled down at her son. “Only the best people are called James.” “So that’s me, Uncle Bucky and the Priest!” Jamie ticked them off on his small fingers, beaming at her. She gave a soft chuckle as he slipped his little hand into hers. It wasn’t long before the funeral party arrived, Pepper and Morgan climbing out of the first car with Happy, the Hearst behind carried her Brother’s coffin. Katie smiled as she saw it was adorned with a wreath of greenery and country wild flowers which, in the centre, boasted the first Arc Reactor he had developed, which Pepper had framed for him all those years ago. ‘Proof Tony Stark has a heart’ was engraved on the metal halo surrounding it. It had been Pepper’s idea of a joke at the time, but Tony had insisted on keeping it by his desk ever since she gave it to him.

As Steve, Rhodey, Clint and Happy all stepped forward to take a corner of the coffin each, Bruce moved behind them, one large hand resting on the back. Katie took hold of Emmy’s hand in her spare one, and the three of them followed on behind Pepper and Morgan, heading into the Cathedral as the familiar sounds of ‘Drops of Jupiter’ by Train hit their ears.

Steve’s eyes were already misting over by the time he was halfway down the aisle. Saying goodbye to people you loved never got any easier. And he had loved Tony, as a friend and a brother. He hadn’t been perfect, none of them were, and at times he had really tested Steve’s patience. But he had been a good man. Always doing right by the people he cared about. As they placed the coffin down, he heard Rhodey give a little chuckle and he glanced over at him, puzzled. Rhodey gestured to the picture of Tony that was on the table and as Steve looked at it he couldn’t help but laugh. It was a picture of Tony, giving the thumbs up to someone in what looked like a court room, Rhodey in the back ground, looking utterly exasperated.

 “It was a senate hearing.” Rhodey whispered. “He had just goaded Stern into telling him to go eff himself.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Steve smiled, as he moved to stand in the space next to Katie, who had Jamie settled on her hip, Emmy at her other side. He gave her a gentle squeeze around the shoulder and then they were told to sit down.

Katie couldn’t tell you what hymns were sung, despite the fact she had a hand in picking them, or what readings Rhodey and Banner read out. She was in a daze, until the time came (far too soon for her liking) for her to give the Eulogy.

Steve took Jamie off her knee and leaned over “You got this.” He whispered gently, kissing her cheek as she stood up and made her way, chin raised with as much dignity as she could manage, up the four steps to the pulpit.

“You know,” she coughed and cleared her throat, “I agonised for days over what to say here, stood in front of you all, and not to mention the many, many people watching outside. I trashed about fifty different sheets of paper because not one speech I wrote could ever do Tony justice. So, in the end I decided to go with the Stark favoured tradition, the one he started, and wing it.” She took a deep breath as  few chuckles rose from the large atrium, and looked out at the heaving Cathedral before she turned her attention to the front three rows which contained the people she loved and knew.

“From the day our Parents died, Tony took on the role of being my brother, my father and my mother, which for a twenty-one year old party animal is no mean feat. Not to mention the fact he had to get to grips with running a company as well. But he did it. And he did it well, I think. I mean I turned out okay, although my kids and husband might have something to say about that.” More chuckles rang out over the congregation and she paused, waiting for them to die down.

“I never wanted for anything as a child. I was incredibly lucky, I had so many opportunities others could only dream of. But if there was one thing Tony taught me, it was that I had to earn it. Ironic, yes given that we had more money than even he knew what to do with, but he made me understand that hard work pays off. And that’s something that has stuck with me always. Everything is earned, bar love. My brother loved me unconditionally, and I him. Even though he was a pain in the proverbial to live with at times.”

Pepper smiled at this and looked down at her hand which was wrapped around Morgan’s. To her right sat Happy who was also smiling. On the row behind them Steve sat with Jamie on his knee and Emmy to his right. He smiled up at his wife encouragingly, his chest bursting with pride at how well she was conducting herself.

“There was no Boarding School for me. After spending most of his Childhood in one, Tony vowed never to do the same to me or any of his kids, and for that I’ll be eternally grateful.” Katie said sincerely, and she was. “I grew up in an unconventional, yet oh so loving environment. Yes, Tony was a party animal, I mean I lost track of the amount of times Pepper had to ‘take out the trash’…”

At that Pepper, Rhodey and Happy all laughed out loud at the little inside joke.

“But he was on the most discreet, until I got a little older that is and it became a running joke between us all. I can’t actually remember him ever introducing me to a serious girlfriend bar Pepper so congratulations Pep, you truly did tame Tony Stark.”

Katie bit her lip slightly as she felt herself wobble at the next set of words that formed in her mind.

“When I was a Kid, to me Tony was fun. He used to wrestle monsters under my bed with the Monster Killing machine, aka the Vacuum. He used to build ridiculous forts in the living room that would remain there for days during school holidays where we would hide out, eat pizza, junk and play games. He took me to Disney Land, to the Beach, to Aquariums, on holidays that were ridiculously elaborate. I was an extremely lucky little girl.  But then, when I got older, he stopped simply being my fun bigger brother and became my friend as well. When I passed my driving test we would regularly just go for drives to a Starbucks that was like ten miles away, just so we could spend time on the open road and sing like idiots as loud as we could. He held my hair back whilst I puked up after my first Keg Party aged seventeen. At twenty-one he took me to Vegas for the first time when I had graduated,” another pause and a deep breath, “but then I got older still, and he morphed from being this friend and big brother person into a true father figure and I knew one day he would make a spectacular dad. Something which was proven more recently when he welcomed his own daughter, Morgan into the world”

Steve watched as Katie rubbed her temple with her right hand, her left shifting down to her stomach, and she gave a sharp intake of breath before she looked at him and gave him a soft smile. Jamie waved at her and she wiggled her fingers back before she looked back up and over at the congregation.

“It breaks my heart when I think that he will never see Morgan start school or graduate from college. He’ll never have the chance to embarrass her awfully in-front of her friends in the many, many ways he could. He’ll never be sat, waiting with an Iron Man suit when the first boyfriend makes an appearance. He’ll never walk her down the aisle. All the things he did for me in his role as my father and I feel so guilty to have experienced those moments with him, whilst Morgan will never get the chance. We’ll all do our best to keep his memories alive but, as I know from experience, there’s only so much memories can do.”

And now she was beginning to break, and Steve could see the tears shining in her eyes, even before the first one fell. Her voice was thick when she spoke again.

“What has happened over the past five years in particular just serves as a reminder to us all that life is fragile. The time we have on this Earth is already short and we can’t lose sight of what matters the most. Friends, family, those who know us inside out and still love us all the same.” She paused, swallowing a little as she sniffed. “You know, Steve said something to me before that really struck a chord. Everyone says that time is a great healer, but it isn’t. You just learn to live with the new normal. It doesn’t stop you hurting, doesn’t stop you yearning for the ones you miss, the ones you love. And as long as you still love them, you’ll always grieve for them.”

She wiped at her face with both hands and took a shaky breath, and Steve willed her with everything he had to keep it together, just for the last few words she had to say.

“And we lost two people in our bid to bring everyone back. My brother and Natasha Romanoff, Black Widow. One of the bravest, most loyal, kind and beautiful people, inside and out that I had the honour of knowing. And now I urge you all do something with your second chances so that their decision to give their lives so you could have yours wasn’t in vain. Make the most of the time you have been given, the people that have been returned to you. Grab the opportunities you can, with the people you love. Go on those trips, have that wine, eat that cheeseburger.”

She was now crying freely as she stole herself for her last line, looking at Steve who was handing Jamie over to Emmy and rising to his feet, ready to help her down as he knew she’d be shaky. “Iron Man wasn’t a hero.” Katie shook her head as she looked out over the large Cathedral, her vision blurred from her tears. “It was the man behind the mask. My brother. Anthony Edward Stark- Billionaire, genius, playboy, philanthropist. Husband, Father, Brother, Friend.”

She stepped back from the podium, taking Steve’s hand shakily as he offered it to her, helping her down the steps.

 “I’m so proud of you.” He whispered softly in her ear, his own voice cracking with emotion as he kissed her temple, steering her back towards their seats. Jamie crawled onto her lap and kissed her cheek and she held her son tight, pressing her face into his soft, blonde hair as she desperately tried to quell the damn of sobs inside her that was threatening to burst out of her chest.

She made it through the rest of the ceremony, her hand tightly gripped round Steve’s but was beyond pleased when it was over. As the sounds of AC/DC ‘Back in Black’  rang around the Cathedral, those who knew Tony exchanged a grin, Jamie even doing a little jig in his dad’s arms as they headed outside.

“That was a beautiful speech.” Pepper smiled to Katie as they reached the courtyard, Steve taking Jamie over to speak to the priest as they boy was insisting. “He’d be so proud, you know that?”

“Thanks.” Katie nodded as she glanced at Morgan who was clinging to her mother’s leg. She had a sudden flashback to how she had done the same to Tony, hung on to him for dear life at their Parents’ funeral. Katie crouched down in front of her niece.

“Hey Moo, how are you feeling?”

“I miss Dad.” She whispered, her eyes watering up.

Katie tried desperately to keep her face from screwing up into a sob. “I miss him too, sweetie, I miss him a lot but you know something?” Morgan shook her head. “He’ll always be with you, with me, in here.” She tapped the spot over Morgan’s heart. “And we’ll have our special memories of how brave he was, how funny he was, how silly he was and how much he loved us all, okay?”

Morgan nodded softly before she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her Auntie’s neck.

"But he’s not here.” Morgan whispered and at that Katie did start to cry again as she held Morgan close, looking up and making eye contact with Pepper who was watching the two with a look of pure sadness on her face, her own tears coursing down her cheeks.

No,” Katie took a shaky breath, “he isn’t, and that, well, it just sucks. No one can replace your dad but your mom is here, so am I, Uncle Spangles, Uncle Rhodey and Uncle Happy. So many people are gonna look after you and love you and keep you safe, I promise you that from the bottom of my heart.”

******

They left the Cathedral and the Media Circus behind, heading upstate to Tony’s lake house home arriving little under an hour or so later. Now, the remaining Avengers plus Rhodey, Happy, Pepper and Morgan were sat in Tony’s living room, as instructed, whilst everyone waited outside for the final part of the day’s ceremony whereby Pepper was going to release the wreath containing the arc reactor onto the lake, only this one would be attended by friends, family and those who had worked with Tony only. No public, no press.

A few people in the room knew what was coming when the helmet’s eye slits glowed with a bright white light, some didn’t. But no one jumped, they were that used to Tony’s theatrics that it didn’t come as a surprise.

A holographic Tony was pictured, sitting the wrong way around on a chair, elbows resting over the back of it and Katie realised he was wearing the same suit he had been wearing in the message he had left for her and Steve.

“So, err, hey!” Tony spoke, a smile flashing on his face. “I’m gonna keep this short, as we all know I don’t really like attention.” At that quiet laughter rang round the room and Steve dropped a hand onto Katie’s shoulder where she was sat on the couch, Jamie sat next to her, his hand wrapped around Morgan’ s.

“Everybody wants a happy ending, right? But it doesn’t always roll that way. Maybe this time. I’m hoping if you play this back, it’s in celebration. I hope families are reunited, I hope we get it back, and something like a normal version of the planet has been restored.”

Katie reached up and took hold of Steve’s hand where it rest on her shoulder and he gave her fingers a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

“If there ever was such a thing.” Tony continued, scratching his chin. “God, what a world. Universe, now. If you told me ten years ago that we weren’t alone, let alone, you know, to this extent,” he shook his head, “I mean, I wouldn’t have been surprised. But come on, you know? The epic forces of darkness and light that have come into play.”

Even in the hologram Steve could see the glint in Tony’s eyes, almost portraying the innocent wonder of a child that had discovered something exciting for the first time. “And, for better or worse, that’s the reality Morgan and her cousins are gonna have to find a way to grow up in.”

Tony stilled slightly and his hand wiped over his mouth as he took a deep breath.

“So I thought I’d probably better record a little greeting… In the case of an untimely death,” Tony gestured outwardly with his hand, “ on my part. I mean, not that, death at any time isn’t untimely. This time travel thing that we’re gonna try and pull off tomorrow, it's– it’s got me scratching my head about the survivability of it all. That’s the thing.” Tony’s hand rest against his mouth for a moment, the way it always had when he had been contemplating something before he shrugged and continued. “Then again, that’s the hero gig. Part of the journey is the end.”

At that Katie took a shuddering breath and her fingers tightened around Steve’s as Tony got up off his chair and walked towards the camera. 

“What am I even trippin’ for? Everything’s gonna work out exactly the way it’s supposed to.” He leaned forward, hands on his knees and smiled, and then somehow his hologram looked directly at her. “To the stars and back.” Before it turned and looked straight at Morgan. “I love you three-thousand.”

The hologram faded, the eye sockets of the helmet died down, and for a horrible moment Katie was reminded of seeing the light of the Arc Reactor going out in Tony’s chest on the battle field, when she had seen the life drain from his eyes. She took a shaky breath and Steve dropped a kiss to the crown of her head.

“He always said he’d be the VIP at his own funeral.” Katie broke the silence as she wiped her tears, laughter breaking through the sniffing as the people in the room wiped their eyes.  

“I err,” Pepper cleared her throat, “let’s set the wreath on the lake. Then we can all have a few drinks and make Tony the centre of attention at a party, just how he liked it.”

They made their way outside, Pepper, carrying the wreath in one hand, heading up the line with Morgan followed by Rhodey and Happy, then Katie, Steve and their kids.

They reached the end of the jetty, and Pepper crouched besides Morgan and then she turned to look at Katie. Katie nodded to her, her eyes misting over, before she watched her sister-in-law and niece drop the wreath onto the lake. It landed with a soft splash and began to gently drift away in the wind. Steve stood with his arm round Katie, Jamie balancing on his other hip as he watched the wreath float across the water. Katie lay her head against Steve’s shoulders, allowing her silent tears to fall.

After a moment or two she raised her head slightly to glance at the people stood around, all saying their final good byes. Peter Parker, May Parker, Thor, Bruce Banner, Doctor Strange, Wong, Scott Lang, Hope Van Dyne, Janet Van Dyne, Hank Pym, Peter Quill, Nebula, Rocket, Groot, Drax, Mantis, T'Challa, Okoye, Shuri, Clint Barton & his family, Wanda, Bucky, Sam, and Harley Keener who Katie had met in Tennessee. Her eyes narrowed a little as she saw Secretary Ross next but then she instantly felt herself smiling again as she saw Maria Hill, Carol Danvers, and finally Nick Fury.

All people who had in some way or other loved, lived, laughed or fought alongside her brother, and seeing them today made her feel warm, just like she had at Natasha’s service. 

Katie smiled as she realised they were the real proof that Tony Stark had a heart. Them, and billions of other people who had been brought back to life thanks to his bravery. 

Eventually, in their own time, everyone drifted from the jetty but the Rogers-Stark family remained put a little longer, until the wreath had practically hit the middle of the lake when Jamie announced he was hungry. With a chuckle they all turned back towards the house and where the food was laid out, people already tucking in. 

Katie couldn’t tell you how long passed. But she found herself alone, simply watching Morgan and Jamie as they sat with Happy on the porch. She caught the words cheeseburgers and smiled to herself before a deep voice drew her attention.

“Little Stark.” Katie turned and Thor pulled her forward into a strong yet gentle hug “I am so very sorry I couldn’t…” “Stop.” Katie shook her head “There’s nothing to be sorry for. This was his choice.”

“I just wish I could have stopped him that day in Wakanda. Then we wouldn’t-” “Don’t torture yourself Thor.” Katie shook her head, “We’ve all done enough of that for the past five years.”

He sniffed and nodded, before looking out over the lake “I’m going travelling again.” He informed her “Back to space.” “Yeah?” She smiled.

He nodded, “with the Guardians. We can be the-” he paused before he laughed “-the Asgardians of the Galaxy. Yes, I think I will suggest that to them.”

“I’m sure they’ll love it!” Katie grinned.

“I’m going to leave Valkyrie in charge of New Asgard. She doesn’t know it yet but she’s the natural one for the job” He concluded, nodding.

“I’m all for women in positions of power.” Katie smiled. “I’m sure she’ll be great.” “You’ll have to keep in touch with her, take the Captain and the Little Rogers, including the one you have on the way.” Thor looked at her, knowingly.

“How did you-” she began but he cut her off with a chuckle.

“I’m the god of Thunder.” He shrugged simply “Some things are beyond your Earthly senses, but not mine.”

Katie smiled, her eyes flicking down to her stomach. “Bruce brought it back. But we just didn’t think it was right telling everyone, not until the funerals were out of the way.”

Thor nodded. “I understand. Your secret is safe with me.” He gave her another hug before she pulled back, tears in her eyes knowing this was a goodbye.

“You will stay in touch this time, right?” “Of course.” Thor smiled, gently touching the side of her neck in a sign of affection. “Always, Little Stark.”

And with that he turned and headed over the grass to the group of Guardians. Katie turned back to find her kids, but suddenly a wave of nausea overtook her and she sprinted back into the house and into the bathroom.

Meanwhile Steve was stood with Bruce. Neither of them had meant to get into the discussion they were having at the moment but, well, it was inevitable really.

“We have to take them back.” Bruce sighed. “It’s been weighing on my mind for a while now…” “I know.” Steve said, his eyes straying to where Emmy was stood talking to Peter Parker. He turned back to the man and looked up at him. “How long do you think it will be before you can get it running?” “Well, now Hank Pym is back, Scott doesn’t think it will be a problem. A week or so, maybe. They have a Quantum Tunnel we can extrapolate and plenty of particles so, we can even do it in a few different trips if needs be.”

Steve nodded. “Well do what you need to do, once it’s up and running we’ll formulate a proper plan.” Bruce nodded, and was about to speak again until a loud yell caught Steve’s attention.

“Daddy!” Jamie stood up, pointing to the house. “The baby made momma sick again.”

There was a pause as pretty much everyone on the lawn turned to look at Steve who hung his head giving a groan that their three year old had effectively outed them to the entire funeral party.

“Baby?” Bruce’s eyes widened. “You mean, the snap? It…” Steve nodded. “We didn’t want anyone to know, not yet, the funerals.” He sighed “Guess that ship just sailed.” Bruce’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m glad…I concentrated so hard on everything…” “I know.” Steve layed his hand on his arm. “And thank you…but I gotta…” he jerked his thumb towards the house and strode across the lawn, ignoring the questioning looks he was getting. As he did so his son’s face changed from one full of concern to worry.

“Daddy are you mad? Did I do something wrong?”

Steve cursed himself at being so easy to read. “No, buddy, you didn’t.” He crouched down.

“Momma’s sick.” Jamie urged him.

“I know, I’m gonna go find her and make sure she’s okay.” Steve assured him. “You stay here with Happy.”

He headed into the house and up to the bathroom, gently knocking on the door.

“Sweetheart?”

She opened the door and he looked at her, her face was streaked with tears and he sighed. “C’mere.” He opened his arms and she fell into them, his large hands rubbing at her back.

“I wanna go home.” She sniffled. “I’ve had enough, I’m so tired.” “Then we’ll go.” Steve nodded, pulling away slightly to look at her. “And you can sleep as long as you want.”

She sniffed. “Best say goodbye to everyone.” “Oh erm, yeah, you should know, erm, Jamie just told everyone about the baby. He didn’t mean it, but…” Katie let out a soft groan that almost turned into a chuckle as she pressed her forehead against Steve’s collar bone. “To be honest I’m surprised he kept it quiet for so long.” She mumbled and Steve chuckled. “It’s probably my fault” Steve said as she wrapped her arms round his waist. “I told him this morning when you were being sick that it was just the baby doing it so when he saw you run off before he just shouted to me that the baby had made you sick again.” “Well he’s not wrong.” She mumbled, pulling back. She looked up at her husband who smiled at her, his blue eyes soft. “Take me home, Soldier.”

“Yes Ma’am.” He smiled back, dropping a kiss to her forehead.

***** Later that night, the house was quiet. Bucky and Sam had headed off to some bar with Happy and Rhodey. Steve had turned the invite down, he wanted to be at home with his family. They lay in bed, Katie’s head resting on his chest, his hand gently carding through her hair.

“I’ve decided something.” Steve said, kissing Katie’s head.

“What?” She asked with a yawn.

“After the battle, I spoke to Fury. Told him I was quitting, that I didn’t want to be Captain America anymore, and he said that the world still needs Cap and I guess he’s right, it’s an important symbol to America and the world.” “So, you are gonna carry on?” Katie asked, moving so she could look up at him.

“No.” Steve shook his head firmly “I’m done. I’m gonna pass the shield down.”

“Not Bucky” Katie stated instantly and Steve frowned.

“Why do you say that?”

“He’s been fighting for so long.” Katie shrugged. “And you know he’d do anything for you. He’d take that shield if you asked, but that doesn’t mean that he wants it. I just, I dunno, I think he needs to find his own way for a while.” Steve contemplated what she was saying, she was right, of course. She always was. And, if he was honest, he’d gone through the same thought process himself. Other than Sam, Bucky didn’t really know the other Avengers (or what’s left of them) so how could he truly lead them? As Steve knew only too well, trust has to be earned, plus they all knew about his past, as did the public. Even if they were all willing to overlook and forgive it, he wasn’t sure Bucky himself was.

And, to be honest, Steve wasn’t sure his best friend ever would.

“Well that leaves one obvious candidate.” He stated, looking down at Katie. “Sam.”

Katie smiled “Sammy deserves it. He had non self-serving reason to let us in that time we showed up in DC, although he probably had a few second thoughts when a metal arm ripped through his car roof and tore out the steering wheel.” Steve gave a snort as she took a deep breath. “But he never left us. Even after Leipzig. He’s loyal to a fault, a good man and…” “He’s human. Not enhanced.” Steve finished, following her train of thought.

“Exactly. After everything that’s happened I think the American public could use a little ‘normality’, well as far as they can. People will relate to Sam. He’s a natural born leader.”

“And proof that anyone can be a hero.” Steve mused.

“So are you.” Katie looked up at him. “Remember, you’re just a kid from Brooklyn.” Steve smiled at her, and dropped a kiss to her lips before she settled down again. “There is one tiny problem…” 

“What?” “Your shield bit the dust, big time.”

“Yeah.” Steve agreed, although he already had a perfectly good plan forming in his mind about where he could get another.

“Mind you, sure T'Challa will be happy to provide enough Vibranium to make him a new one” Katie gave another yawn. “Bruce can sort it in the lab.”

“Yeah.” Steve’s hand began once more running through her hair. He hated lying to her, but he had absolutely no intention of correcting her, or telling her what he was actually planning to do.

He couldn’t, it would kill her. 

Steve lay there in his own thoughts, long after Katie had fallen into an exhausted sleep, her body warm against his. He had watched her today. So brave, so strong. She was stronger than he could ever be and it scared Steve just how lost he would be without her, which, as he realised at the Cathedral before, was a reality he was going to have to face at some point.

Seeing Pepper say her goodbyes to Tony had made him suddenly think about what Katie had been saying regarding him not growing old as fast as she did. And there, sat on that wooden bench besides her, surrounded by other mourners, he had realised in a fit of horror that one way or another that he would be in Pepper’s position someday. He would outlast Katie, the serum would see to that. The sudden understanding had hit him like a tonne of bricks, almost making him sick.

And now, after speaking to Bruce before about the next step, his mind was finally made up. He couldn’t do it, couldn’t lose her like that.

What he was going to do instead would kill him, but it was a small price to pay to stave off the heartache he would feel later in life. Captain America was going to take that final mission, to put the stones back where they came from.

And he wouldn’t be returning, for a very long time.

 **** Chapter 61

**Original Posting**

[villainousshakespeare]

Putting it Back Together Chapter 4

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3

Adam/OFC

Rated M (will probably change to E) - Grief, angst, eventual smut, mention of characters dead before the start of the story, blood, slow burn, touch starved

Summary: Since the death of his beloved Eve, Adam had been barely living, only alive due to a promise he made to her. Then one night he meets his new neighbor, a woman dealing with grief of her own. Will they help each other heal or drive each other crazy?

@yespolkadotkitty @just-the-hiddles @hopelessromanticspoonie @wine-and-whines @arch-venus25 @caffiend-queen @devilish–doll @enchantedbyhiddles @hiddlesholic @i-do-not-fangirl-i-fanwoman @kellatron55 @ladyoftheteaandblood @latent-thoughts @gorgeous1974 @maryxglz @myoxisbroken @nuggsmum @nildespirandum @pedeka @redfoxwritesstuff @sinfully-lustful-darling @vodka-and-some-sass @wrathkitty @kingtwhiddleston @wolfsmom1 @poetic-fiasco @shiningloki @dangertoozmanykids101 @bookworm-christina @thecutestlittlebunbunfairy @amwolowicz @delightfulheartdream @frostbitten-written @what-a-flammable-heart @tom-hlover @nonsensicalobsessions @myraiswack @loki-yoursaviourishere

This had not been part of his plan, Adam thought as he switched on a lamp and cringed at the disaster that was his livingroom. Instruments and musical equipment were strewn all over the place, wires and amps just waiting to trip the unwary or uncoordinated. Which, by everything he had observed so far, definitely included his companion.

"Sorry for the mess," he mumbled, clearing a path to the sofa with his foot.

"Don't be," Lilly smiled, looking around with avid interest. "It's exactly how I envisioned it!"

"Great," Adam rolled his eyes.

"Not that I've been envisioning it," she blurted out, face turning scarlet. "I just meant... well, if I thought about it at all, which I only did because I could hear you so clearly over here... and what with all the clattering around..."

"You expected it to be a wreck," he finished for her as he swept a collection of books off of the ancient sofa and onto the floor.

"It's cozy," she said lamely.

"If you say so. Sorry I don't have anything to offer you except water to drink. I don't entertain. Ever."

"Water would be perfect," she smiled encouragingly at him, as though he were a toddler displaying acceptable manners in company.

Which, he supposed, was about right. Fuck, he wasn't even sure if the water here was potable. He had never drank any of it, of course. He only used the kitchen sink to wash the cordial glasses from which he drank his blood. Fetching a slightly larger cup that he had found in the cupboard when he moved in and giving it a quick clean, Adam let the water run for a few minutes to help clear out the pipes. It didn't look too contaminated; he hoped he was not about to poison her.

"Here," he walked back to the livingroom and thrust the glass into her hand. "No ice, freezer doesn't work."

"I'd say you should call the super, but I guess that doesn't work if you're the owner."

"It doesn't really bother me," he replied with a shrug. "I'll fix it myself eventually."

"After all, you don't have guests," she said impishly.

"Right."

"Perfectly drinkable," she judged after taking a sip from the cup.

"Good. Now, let me see if I can find that tape player."

That was what she was doing here, after all. Why his invitation had popped out he could not fathom, much less how he had ended up bringing her back here that very night. At least this way he could limit the time he spent with her, he supposed. It was already two in the morning; not long until the sun began to approach the horizon and he would be forced to show her the door whether he wanted to or not.

Glancing over to where she lounged on his sofa, he was not so sure what the decision would be on that one. Her legs, stretched out on the cushion, were quite shapely despite her petite stature, and the red top just invited one to run their hands over it to feel the silky material and the lush curves underneath. And then, of course, there was her neck, long and white and begging to be bitten.

Adam swallowed and turned away. He  could not help but think of the last time he had had a mortal in his home, though it had not been this one. Ian, his supplier of instruments and all around procurer had been almost a friend, if a zombie could ever be thought so. He was sweet and harmless, and Adam had a genuine affection for him in a distant sort of way. It had been a horrid shock to walk into the room one night after sun set and see the young man sitting lifeless on the couch, blood drained from his body and drying on the face of Ava, Eve's feral sister.

Adam had always hated Ava, and that night had been the last straw. It was also the beginning of the end to life as he knew it. Within hours he had tossed her out on her skinny ass, disposed of poor Ian's body, and was on a flight with Eve to Tangier, where she was destined to drink tainted blood and die. All because Ava had sucked Ian dry. All the more reason to hate his late wife's bitch of a sister.

Still, looking at Lilly stretching herself out, he could understand a little better how Ian had come to die. Ava had whined to them about how cute he had been, how she couldn't resist. At the time he had scorned such a thing as a pathetic lack of self control. He still did to a large extent, but at last he knew the urge. Not just the urge to feed, an impulse they all shared, but an urge to take a human in such an intimate embrace. When Eve was alive it would never have occurred to him, he had had her for such connections, he needed no one else. Now though, alone and untouched for years, he longed to feel Lilly's smooth skin against his mouth, to hear her gasp and sigh as he ran his lips over her neck.

Not that he would ever drain her, of course. He was not such a monster. He would not even drink from her. To do so would expose his true nature, and that would mean relocating again, as well as putting her life in danger.

No, he would do her this one favor, and then he would return to seclusion. He would make sure that he left through the basement when absolutely necessary so that she did not hear him, would otherwise stay inside so that their paths would cease to cross. It would be better for them both.

"Here it is," he mumbled with satisfaction. "Give me a moment to set it up."

"Take your time," she said happily.

Glancing over, Adam saw that she had given up lounging and was now coiling up all of guitar cables into neat rounds. He had to admit that she did a good job - they were neither too tight so as to damage the wires nor too loose so as to unravel as soon as she walked away. With a shrug of his shoulders he allowed her to continue. The cables could use sorting, and he was certainly not inclined to the task.

"Sorry," she said with a blush as she caught him staring. "I warned you, I fidget. I seem to always need something to do with my hands."

He could think of several things she could do to keep her hands busy, he thought. God, what was wrong with him? Was he really so touch starved?

"Where's the tape?" he finally asked

She leapt up from where she had been sitting, breasts bouncing as she did, and almost reverently handed him the box containing her Grandmother's recordings. Adam turned back around, discreetly adjusting himself as he did. He carefully placed the spool in his machine, grateful for something to occupy him until he got himself under control.

After a short series of clicks and static while the tape began to unreel, a scratchy blare of a trumpet began to waft through the air, soon joined by a piano and soft brushes on drums. Adam was taken back to a different era. A time when he had circulated more among the general population of humans. Women wore dresses and hats, men suits and ties, and a sophisticated style permeated the music scene. He had forgotten how much he enjoyed that era, the end of the 40s and beginning of the 50s. Between his excitement at the recent technological advances and his nostalgia for the old days of the height of classical composition, Adam sometimes forgot the joy and sorrow, the feeling that jazz could evoke.

When the voice, low, smooth, and heavy with emotion, slid in like honey, he looked instinctively to Lilly. Her mouth was open, shaped with a hint of smile at the corners. Her eyes blinked quickly, struggling he was sure to hold back tears. This would be the first time, he supposed, that he had heard her Grandmother sing since she had died. Even without the connection to the woman, Adam himself was moved by the song. He was struck by how strong Lilly was being, listening and holding back her tears.

Moving one step towards her, Adam opened his arms. With a catch of indrawn breath Lilly took two steps of her own and for the second time buried her face against his chest. It was so different thought, he thought as his arms came around her. That first night on the roof, she had been some annoying zombie woman, pushing herself in where she was not wanted. Her blubbering all over him had been almost violent in the way she sobbed and clutched at him. Now, she simply melted against him, and he gently stroked her back as he rested his chin on the top of her head.

The song ended and another began, this one he remembered. It had been a huge hit, still was sung every so often, covered by lesser vocalists. Lilly's Grandmother was not one of those. She was a true artist.

"There's a somebody I'm longing to see, I hope that he turns out to be Someone to watch over me..."

As the music continued, Adam found himself swaying to it, bringing Lilly along with him. She was stiff at first in his arms when he began to dance with her, but when she realized what he was doing she relaxed and allowed herself to feel the rhythm. She would never be a natural dancer, and she was clearly still in her head, but there was something sweet about that. She tried so hard at everything. Tried to be strong, tried to keep busy, tried to learn, tried to be happy.

When was the last time he had been happy, Adam wondered. When was the last time he had even tried? Not since Eve, certainly. Before that, he was unsure. There were moments, of course, even at the end with her when he had been so. He loved her with an enduring passion. But he had been going through the motions for decades, shutting himself off from the world around him. Ian had been practically his only connection to it.

Pulling back a bit, he spun Lilly about and half smiled at her. It felt strange to smile even that much. Muscles he had not used in forever only half remembered how to work. He had always had a brooding nature, but of late it had become harsh even for him.

They kept dancing until the tape ended, adjusting to the tempo and style of each song. It felt so good to lose himself in someone else's music for a change. To hold someone, to connect with someone. She was right, what she had said earlier that night. Music required no discussion, no messy dialogue. You could just feel it, let it move through you. And where there was someone else there, someone who even if not a musician herself clearly had an ear and more to the point a soul for it, to share it with it could be a profound experience.

When at last the song ended, Adam and Lilly's eyes met and something deeper than a smile passed between them. It was sad and joyful and required no words. They both collapsed on the sofa, Adam pulling her into the crook of his arm as he sat sprawled and tired. Lilly's legs were curled under her and she rested her head against his chest. He could feel the rise and fall of breathing, fast at first from the exertion of dancing, begin to slow. It was some time later that he realized she had fallen asleep on him.

How strange, he thought, that she should be so comfortable with him that she could so easily drift off. He had perfected the art of scaring people off, and yet this tiny woman had tenaciously refused to be run off. She seemed to trust him, even, had shared something deeply personal with him.

The sun would be up soon. He should wake her, he knew. Yet, looking at how peaceful she looked he could not bring himself to do so. Gently, Adam slid out from beneath her, lowering her head down onto a convenient throw pillow. He foraged about until he found a blanket on an armchair and draped it over her, tucking her in. Lilly sighed and burrowed deeper into the sofa, a light sigh escaping her lips.

Taking one last look, he made sure the curtains were drawn, turned off the light, and headed to his bedroom. Things would go back to normal tomorrow; they had too. But let them both sleep peacefully today.

***

Lilly scrunched her eyes and stretched a bit, trying to wriggle away from a hard lump she could feel under her left side. What had she left on her bed that was poking into her with such insistency. Feeling under her blindly, she pulled out something long and wooden. A drumstick? How on earth had that ended up in her bed? And why did the mattress feel like velvet?

As she emerged from the fog of sleep, Lilly came to the sudden realization that she was not, in fact, in her own bed.

Sitting up, she felt a smile cross her face that was lit from within. Last night had been a good night. She had reconnected with some old friends, and maybe even made a new one. Twenty-four hours ago Lilly would have thought the possibility of a friendship with Adam a fantasy at best, delusion more likely. And yet he had approached her, he had accepted her invitation to the club, and he had issued an invitation of his own that led her back to his apartment.

Oh, not that Lilly was crazy enough to think that he meant anything more by it than friendship. She was not the type of woman that brooding musicians stayed up composing love songs for. She was the type who hounded them with her insistent chirping until they finally relented and occasionally allowed them inside, like the mangy cat you gave milk to once who would forever after haunted your door. She was fine with that, she told herself. He had been a friend when she needed one, lending her an arm to dance with and a shoulder to lean on when she needed it most.

He had also, it seemed from the blanket draped around her, tucked her in. Her grin widened. Despite how hard he tried to cultivate his grumpy persona, Adam had could not hide the sweet kindness in his nature from her any longer. She had felt it as he had held her last night, and later when they danced.

That had been something she would not soon forget. Lilly was too tense as a rule to be graceful, but Adam was such a strong leader that she had stopped worrying about his poor toes and let herself simply enjoy. His body had been a continuation of the music, feeling it to the tips of his fingers and the ends of his hair it seemed. All loose and yet firm where his hand lay on her back, he had guided her flawlessly, swaying to the sound.

All in all, it had been a far better send off for her grandmother than the stuffy funeral planned by her father. The old woman would have enjoyed last night, Lilly knew, and she would have enjoyed Adam. Beyond the shared love of music, his sharp tongue and kind heart would have been just to her liking.

Not wanting to send her mind down fruitless paths, Lilly stood up to get a better look at the room. It really was exactly how she had imagined it, if not more so. Every flat surface from the floor to the mismatched furniture was covered in instruments, sound equipment, mechanisms for which she had no names, and the odd notebook or staff paper. Three of the walls were covered in sound proofing foam, the third in an odd collection of portraits. Looking at them, Lilly found scientists, authors, artists, philosophers, all sorts of creative and intellectual types. She made a game of naming them all, only coming up blank on two (although three more were guesses), and trying to decipher meaning from who was present and who absent. Somewhere in there, she was sure, was the secret to his mind's inner working.

Part way through her perusal, Lilly realized that nature was calling. Assuming the layout to his home was similar to hers, she made her way as quietly as she could up the creaky staircase. Once at the top, she was greeted with a long hallway, three doors on each side.

The first door she tried opened into a room dominated by a large drum kit. Scattered about around it were a music store's worth of other percussive instruments. Some day, she thought, she would like to come back and play in here, to see if she could bang out some of her inner frustration. It must be as good as therapy in some ways!

As she opened the second door an avalanche of what she thought were rugs or tapestries of some sort threatened to come spilling out and bury her. She quickly leaned all of her weight against it to close it shut again, hoping she hadn't disturbed anything expensive and moved on to the third door.

Lilly forgot how to breath as she opened it. There, spread out on a large bed covered in pillows, lay Adam, completely naked.

Lilly knew she needed to quickly exit, closing the door behind her, but she could not seem to make her limbs obey her. If Michelangelo had wanted a model for his David, he could have used him, she thought. Adam lay on his stomach, face buried in a pillow. While this luckily or unfortunately (she could not decide) preserved some of his modesty, there was still quite a bit on display to appreciate.

Broad, well muscled shoulders and back gleamed pale, contrasting against the dark of his hair where it fell. His waist segued gorgeously into a pair of slender hips and - dear lord, there should be a law! - a perfectly firm and round ass that Lilly would have given her right hand to squeeze. Long, lean legs seemed to go on for days, and actually fell off the bed before reaching his gigantic feet. A mischievous part of Lilly felt the urge to reach out and tickle them, and she actively clasped her hands behind her back to keep from acting on this awful impulse.

Had she really tried to convince herself, just moments before, that she was perfectly happy to just be his friend? If so, she had been deluding herself. Oh, she would take what she could get, but Lilly knew in that moment that she would go to her grave ruined for anyone else.

As she stood staring unabashedly at him, Adam mumbled something incomprehensible into the pillow. Lilly started to make for the door, but his head turned towards her and she realized he was still asleep. Cautiously, she lingered a moment longer, watching as he reached out to the other side of the bed, as though searching for something not there.

"Eve," he said, clearly this time. "Baby, I miss you."

Someone had reached into Lilly's chest and crushed her heart between their fist.

She had no idea why it had never occurred to her that he might have a lover, or even a wife. He was beyond gorgeous, brilliantly talented, and obviously had money. Anyone would want him. Why should she assume that just because there was no woman here at this moment he was single?

And yet, clearly, she had. The raw emotion in his voice, the need as he called the woman's name had been all it took to destroy her heart.

Following the direction he was facing, Lilly realized that in this room of dirty laundry and bedding, one picture stood out like a beacon. Placed on the table next to the bed where it could clearly be seen was a photo of Adam and a woman of ethereal beauty. She was not "pretty" in a conventional way, but had something far beyond that. Almost as tall as he was, and perhaps even paler, she was stunning in a cream colored suite with yellow gold hair. Adam had his arms twined around her center, and looked at her with such love in his eyes that it was unmistakable.

Forgetting her need for the bathroom, Lilly bolted out of the room and down the stairs. She needed to get out of here. Away from the perfect man who she was afraid she had already fallen for and the perfect woman who was clearly everything Lilly was not. Including it now became clear, the one that Adam wanted.

[keanureevesisbae]

Mister Cavill, your dog is kinda fat - Chapter 14

Summary: Veterinarian Olivia Tran has zero time for bullshit. After becoming a mom at age twenty three, the one thing she wants is a good life for her daughter Vanessa. Her ex didn’t want anything to do with her nor the baby and she decided that man are officially banned out of her life. But then she meets Henry Cavill at her clinic and her ban slowly starts to crumble apart. Henry on the other hand is looking for one thing: a family. And when he meets Olivia Tran, he finds just that.

Henry Cavill x Olivia Tran (ofc)

Warnings: Implied smut, but not really though

Wordcount: 4.2k

Masterlist // Previous chapter // Next chapter 

It took lots of planning, long conversations with Vanessa and some negotiations with Olivia, but Henry finally managed to arrange a weekend away with just Olivia. It will be hard for all of them, but they quite the good arrangement to get through this weekend. Vanessa is staying over at Henry’s parents, but all four of his brothers and Belle (who is dating Simon now for at least four weeks) are definitely going to visit her. Vanessa will also FaceTime  with them every morning during breakfast and every night before she goes to bed.

Henry understands that this might be a very difficult time for Vanessa and Olivia, but he knows that with these arrangements, it’ll probably go well.

Since they met up with Wesley, time has been such a weird concept. In five weeks time, he talked to his lawyer and a long story short: Olivia and Henry will sign the adoption papers in seven weeks. Seven whole weeks, that’s almost two months before Vanessa will be officially his daughter.

Can he wait that long?

They finally arrived in their cottage and since it’s around seven (and Vanessa is most likely to go to bed in half an hour), Olivia already pulls out her phone, so she can FaceTime with Vanessa. She walks around the living room after a short tour of the cottage. ‘And on Sunday night, sweetheart,’ he hears her say, ‘your dad and I will be there and will be kissing you, okay?’

‘Okay, mommy.’

Henry stands behind his beautiful girlfriend, wraps an arm around her waist and places his head on her shoulder. He sees that Vanessa is sitting on his mothers lap and the sight of his mom being the grandma she always wanted to be, makes him even happier than he already was. ‘You give grandma, grandpa and Kal a big kiss from us, okay?’

‘Yes, daddy, I will do that. I love you.’

‘We love you too,’ Olivia says. ‘Sleep tight, honey.’

‘You too.’ Vanessa blows them a kiss and they both pretend that they catch it, before blowing one back.

The call ends and Olivia lets out a sigh. ‘I miss her already,’ she whispers.

‘Oh sweetheart,’ he chuckles, turning her around, so he can give her a proper kiss. ‘Remember, if it’s too hard, you and I can always go back earlier. We’re only an hour away from my parents.’

She sadly smiles. ‘I’m so sorry, Henry. I’m being a big baby right now. I mean, I really want to be on this trip, it’s just that I’ve never been away from Vanessa this long and this far.’

Henry notices the tears building up in her eyes and he simply shakes his head. ‘Honey, you don’t have to apologize and you are certainly not a big baby.’ He can’t help but press another kiss on her lips. ‘Do you want to go back? We can do that, that’s absolutely no problem at all.’

She chuckles. ‘That’s not necessary, though it’s really sweet. What did I do to deserve such a loving boyfriend?’

He swoops up his girlfriend in his arms and carries her to the couch. He sits down, makes sure she is safely sitting on his lap and he feels her slender hands on his chest. ‘You are such a lovely mother,’ he says. ‘I’m so grateful that I have the privilege to be your boyfriend.’

Her lips are formed in a tightlipped smile. ‘Stop it.’

‘Tell me why.’

‘Because I’m going to cry.’

‘That’s all okay,’ he says with an adoring smile on his face. ‘I admire you so much. The way you love and take care of your, I mean our daughter. The way you love me, despite me having the tendency to overfeed my dog. The way you love my family. I’m so glad I get to start this whole adventure with you. But the most important thing to me is, that I want you to be happy and that also means that if you want to go home, no matter if it’s three in the morning or whenever, I will happily drive us back.’

‘Henry, you fucker,’ she sniffles, before she wraps her her arms around his neck and buries her face in his neck. ‘Why are you so sweet?’

She has been like this ever since they saw Wesley and it’s hard for him to witness. She has been irritable, a lot more emotional and she tosses and turns when in bed. He doesn’t understand why she is behaving this way, nor does Vanessa get it. She keeps telling him it’s nothing, but it’s definitely bothering her and when something bothers her, it bothers him.

At first he thought she was reconsidering the whole adopting thing, but when he brings that up, her smile gets so bright and it seems that—just like him—she can’t want for those seven weeks to be over.

‘Are you okay, my love?’ he asks, slowly pushing up the tank top underneath her sweater, so his hands can touch her soft skin.

‘I’m fine.’

No, you’re not, he thinks to himself. ‘You can talk to me about it, I hope you know that,’ he says.

Olivia pushes herself up a bit and he sees that she is frowning pretty deep. ‘Talk to you about what?’

‘About Wesley.’

She freezes. ‘Why would I want to talk about Wesley?’

‘Because, sweetheart, whether we like it or not, he is going to be a part of our lives forever. And this meeting we had a few weeks ago, I can see the change in you and I don’t want it to eat you alive.’

She bites her bottom lip, as she avoids eye contact with him. ‘Was he right?’ she asks.

No, that son of a bitch wasn’t right about anything. ‘Was he right about what?’

Olivia sighs deeply. ‘Did I badmouth him behind his back? Should I have reached out to him before? Should I have given him a second chance?’

That asshole made more of an imprint on her than he figured out. ‘You did everything right, baby. Don’t let that idiot get into your head.’

She doesn’t respond and he hates that. He hates seeing her like this.

‘Listen to me,’ he says to her. ‘You did everything right. You didn’t badmouth him behind his back, you told Vanessa the truth about him. You shouldn’t have reached out to him nor give him a second chance, because he walked away when he had a chance to be a dad. In this whole scenario, Wesley is the biggest loser of us all and he will always be just that.’

She groans. ‘I shouldn’t be thinking like this, I’m so sorry. I don’t know why this is happening to me. I’m starting to doubt myself and my parenting skills. I hoped that I would never run into him, so I don’t feel this desperate need to explain myself.’

‘You don’t have to explain yourself,’ he says. ‘Ever. Not to him, not to me, not to anybody for that matter.’

She hides her face in her hands and she starts to cry. It breaks his heart to hear those loud cries, those painful cries, as if she is finally truly letting out her feelings.

‘Sweetheart,’ he tries to calm her down, ‘it’s all good.’

‘I’m so sorry, I have been totally acting like a moody and overly emotional bitch to both Vanessa and you,’ she cries out.

Henry hates that that asshole, though they totally told off the other day, is still making her feel this way. This idiot has too much influence on their lives, though it seems that Vanessa has long forgotten about him and he is thankful for that.

He pulls her against his chest and simply holds her, because he knows that there aren’t words right now that he can tell her. She needs to let all those feelings out and though it angers him to the bone that it’s because that piece of shit she is feeling like this and crying like this, this is all he can do at the moment.

He doesn’t know how long she cries, but finally he feels the tension slowly disappear out of her shoulders and she lets out a deep sigh. ‘Thank you,’ she mumbles. ‘I think I needed that.’

He can’t help but let out a chuckle. ‘I think you did too.’

She pushes herself a bit up and gives him a small smile. ‘I’m so in love with you, mister Cavill and thank you for doing this.’

‘For doing what?’

‘Just holding me. It was exactly what I needed.’

He places his hands on her warm and wet cheeks and kisses her nose. ‘How about you and I get to bed? You are tired and I need you top fit tomorrow.’

‘For what?’

‘Dirty grown up stuff,’ he chuckles, before he stands up from the couch and carries her upstairs.

Olivia simply rolls her eyes, but he hears a soft chuckle leaving her lips. When he walks into the room, he helps her to get undress. He peels off her shirt and her sweatpants and every time another one of her tattoos is revealed, he can’t help but press a kiss on them. ‘You are my everything,’ he whispers to her, as he unclasps her bra and pushes down her underwear. ‘Get in bed, my love.’

She quickly gets underneath the covers, but he notices how she is staring at him, as he strips out of his own clothes. He quickly gets in the bed, the second his boxers hit the floor. He pulls her naked body against his. He usually slept naked, but ever since he made it a habit of sleeping at Olivia’s nowadays and Vanessa keeps visiting them in the middle of the night, he sleeps his boxers and shirt.

However, feeling her naked body against his, he can’t help but let out a content sigh. She climbs on top of him and buries her head in his neck. ‘I love you.’

Henry smiles. ‘I love you too, love.’

≫≫≪≪

The next morning, Olivia woke him up with her godly lips on his cheek, his jawline and in his neck. They spend around thirty minutes making out like teenagers, before Henry made sure that she was well taken care of. He loves making love with her, but when he buried his fingers in her thick hair and pulled her head a bit to the side, so he’d expose her neck, he knew that this weekend would be filled with sex, maybe a bit rougher than usual and he wasn’t complaining or anything.

They took a long shower and after that, he’d make her breakfast, while the two of them were FaceTiming Vanessa, who got through her night just fine between Marianne and Colin.

During their long walk (which feels different because Kal is not there) they talk about the adoption and all the things they are going to do as a family together. Henry loves spending time with her and just her, because he feels like he gets to know her even better, on even a deeper level. He was already madly in love with her, but his love for her grows with ever second.

He gets to know more about her family that dropped her and she shows him some pictures of her younger self. She was absolutely adorable and Vanessa looks just like her.

‘So,’ he says, as he walks back into the living room with two cups of coffee in his hands, ‘your parents raised the cutest, most adorable little girl they could possibly get, and they simply drop you when you need them the most?’

She shrugs. ‘Apparently.’

He scoffs. ‘Fucking ridiculous. Here you go, love.’ He hands her her cup of coffee and sits next to her on the couch. ‘We should talk about nicer things.’

‘We do,’ Olivia smiles.

‘Tell me, sweetheart, how many kids do you want?’

‘With you or in general?’

He fake gasps, before he looks to the side, to see her chuckling, a lovely dimple appearing a little bit below her eye, a unique place to have a dimple when you laugh and he adores the fact that Vanessa has the exact same simple when she laughs. ‘With me, you minx.’

She shrugs. ‘How many would you like?’

‘I always wanted like a really big family,’ he admits. ‘With at least five kids.’

‘At least five?’ Olivia yells. ‘Henry, why would you do that to me? Don’t you love me? Your mom showed me the pictures of you Cavill boys as babies and I don’t know how she survived!’

His laughter fills the living room. ‘I won’t do that to you, sweetheart. I mean, you are doing the hard work.’

Olivia chuckles. ‘I don’t want to push out at least four more kids, so you can have your own Cavill Clan. I think two more is my maximum. But, I don’t want them back to back or anything. It took me at least two years before I sort of felt the same after my pregnancy with Vanessa.’

‘We’ll take as much as time as we need,’ he says, pressing a loving kiss on her cheek.

‘What is the reason you want a family so bad?’ she asks. ‘Charlie and Piers mentioned a few times that they all want a family, but in the last few years you have been the most desperate for it.’

Leave it to his brothers to embarrass him behind his back. ‘It’s weird,’ he mumbles.

‘Please, I want to know.’

‘I always dreamed of having a wife and kids, but the dreams started to become more realistic. After that horrible movie I did, I had no one to fall back on. I mean, I had my own family, but it took me awhile before I could face them. The thing is I realized that I hadn’t created a little family of my own, a safe haven, a whole mini family where I could lean back on. Someone that I would share the most beautiful thing with. After that movie, I simply wanted to go home, be engulfed in hugs and kisses by a wife and kids.’

She nods. ‘But what is so amazing about the prospect of kids?’ she asks. ‘I never quite knew for sure if I wanted them, because I thought they were dirty and weird.’

He can’t help but laugh. ‘It’s the process of seeing them grow and loving them unconditionally. What you have with Vanessa basically.’

‘You are the kindest man on earth,’ she admits. ‘And remember: you can always lean back on me and Vanessa and whoever comes along. No matter how shitty your movie is, we will be proud of you.’

It’s weird, he thinks to himself. He never knew how much he needed to hear this from someone else than his mother. ‘That’s something nice to look forward to.’

‘You want sons or daughters?’ Olivia asks.

‘I don’t mind, as long as they’re happy and healthy and ours.’

Olivia rolls her eyes. ‘Oh, you boring idiot,’ she chuckles. ‘Come on, I know that even if we had the opposite of what you say you want, you would love them unconditionally. So please, sweetheart, tell me.’

She knows exactly how to persuade him. ‘I would love to have sons,’ he admits, ‘but something about an entire household with just girls, is a dream.’

‘Really?’ she chuckles. ‘You would like an entire house filled with girls?’ He loves it when she laughs like that. ‘Poor you when we’re all on our period.’

He laughs. ‘It’s a situation that I can totally handle, my love.’

As they drink their coffee, she pulls out her phone to give to Henry, since he wants to see more pictures of her and Vanessa. Normally he checks a few of them when they are in bed, but Vanessa walks in and they cuddle with her. But now he has the time to stare at every single one of them. He goes back in time, seeing Vanessa change from seven year old, to see her as a chubby four year old, to a newborn.

Henry smiles as he stares at the pictures. They always look so happy and content when they are together and sometimes he fears that he is interfering in their relationship, only for Olivia to say that he is the only man that she would share her lovely daughter with.

He stares at Vanessa’s chubby cheeks when she was two years old. He hears her giggles when he presses play. ‘Vanessa, what does a cow say?’ a twenty five year old Olivia asks the little girl on her lap.

Vanessa frowns, as she stares right into the camera. ‘Meow.’

Olivia laughs. ‘No, baby, a cat says meow. What does a cow say?’

‘Meow!’ She claps her little hands and bounces up her lap. ‘Meow, meow, meow.’

Henry swipes back even further and sees pictures of Vanessa after she was just born. He figured that Belle made these pictures. He sees, even through the pictures, how tired Olivia was and he can’t help but turn a little bit emotional. She had to figure this whole thing out all on her own and that makes him angry, as well as sad. She did not deserve that. She deserved to be loved and to be taken care of.

‘Yo Olivia,’ he hears Belle say from behind the camera, ‘how are you feeling?’

‘I swear to God, if you don’t stop filming me, I’m going to kill you.’

Olivia sits up in bed, looking insanely tired. She holds a little bundle wrapped up in blankets and when Belle starts to film a just born Vanessa, Henry hears her sniffles. ‘She is so beautiful.’

He hears Belle giving her a kiss. ‘I know, sweetheart and you did it. I’m so proud of you.’

‘Did it hurt?’ Henry asks.

Olivia slaps him across his chest. ‘Of course it hurt,’ she chuckles. ‘It’s giving birth, not going to a spa.’

‘Stupid question.’ He watches her place her empty cup on the coffee table and he holds her hand tightly in his hand. ‘You sure you want to go through that again?’

She nods. ‘I do, because this time I’m with you. I mean, I have shown the world that I can do this all by myself, I sure can do it with the love of my life right next to me.’

‘What was it like when you found out that you were pregnant with a girl?’ he asks. He loves that they have the time now to talk about this. No hurrying up to pick up Vanessa from school, to walk Kal or to be ringed back to the clinic. Just the two of them.

‘It was unbelievable,’ she admits. ‘Belle and I went together to the ultrasound appointment, like she did with ever appointment. She thought I was pregnant with a boy, I thought a girl. Either way, it didn’t matter to me. But when the doctor said I was pregnant with a girl, I cried for hours on end. It was a good things anyways, because I could only think of girls names.’

He snickers. ‘You had more names?’

She nods. ‘I always wanted to call my daughter either Vanessa or Chloe. But when I saw my baby right after she was born, I knew she was a Vanessa.’

‘That’s beautiful,’ he says, bring her hand to his lips, to press a kiss on her knuckles.

‘Well mister I want a family so badly, have you thought about names yet?’

‘For a boy I always thought Duncan was nice and for a girl Heather.’

Olivia nods in approval. ‘Heather and Duncan… You know what you are doing, mister Cavill.’

‘I certainly do,’ he laughs. ‘I have one more question.’

‘I am happy to answer it.’

‘Do you want Vanessa to change her last name?’ It’s something that kept him busy for so long already, but he didn’t had the guts to ask it. He still doesn’t know why, maybe because her last name is something so personal and meaningful, especially for Vanessa as she always introduces herself as Vanessa Tran.

Olivia takes a deep breath. ‘I was hoping we could add your last name to mine. So she becomes Vanessa Tran-Cavill.’

Henry nods, because this sounds perfect. ‘You want that for all our kids?’

‘I do,’ she says. ‘Because it’s also how I want it for me when one day we get married. Olivia Tran-Cavill.’

One day when they get married! She wants to marry him, that’s unbelievable. Good thing he desperately wants to marry her too.

‘I’m sorry, but my last name is really important to me and I want our kids to have it too.’

‘I totally understand, sweetheart,’ he says. ‘Your last name means a lot to me too.’ He kisses her cheek. ‘I can’t wait for you to be pregnant,’ he admits. ‘I think that it would continue to make our lives a little bit better.’

‘It would,’ she chuckles. ‘But not yet, honey. I don’t feel like we should get pregnant now.’

‘I know, I know, but we can get some practice in.’ Henry wiggles his eyebrows and she rolls her eyes.

‘You mean now?’ she asks.

He nods. ‘Right here, right now, baby.’

≫≫≪≪

‘And auntie Belle farted,’ Vanessa chuckles. She managed to get through the day without a hitch and when they are all on FaceTime, she seems happy and not at all sad and for them it’s the most important thing. Henry holds his phone in his hands, as Olivia sits next to him on the couch.

‘I did not,’ Belle says, coming into frame. From the look of her face and the blush on her cheeks, it’s obvious she is lying. ‘It was the chair.’

Off camera Charlie adds: ‘It was you. Simon, tell your girlfriend her farts smell.’

Olivia chuckles next to Henry before she says: ‘Belle’s farts do indeed smell.’

Vanessa squeals in happiness because her mom agrees with her. ‘They do, they do, they do.’

‘I hate you, Olivia,’ Belle says into the camera. ‘I let out one fart around you and you never drop it. I never complained about your millions of farts.’

‘That was because I was pregnant. You can never blame a pregnant woman for her farts.’

Charlie and Simon start to chuckle and Simon says: ‘The lady has a point.’

‘Simon!’ Belle hisses. ‘You are my boyfriend, you should agree with me.’

Vanessa grabs the phone from Belle. ‘I miss you a lot, mommy.’

‘I miss you too, baby,’ Olivia says. ‘But tomorrow when you’re about to get in bed, dad and I will be back.’

She nods. ‘Good, because I miss daddy too.’

‘Oh, sunshine, you are also greatly missed here.’ He smiles in the camera and Vanessa smiles back. ‘Don’t make too much fun of your auntie Belle, okay?’

‘Listen to your dad,’ Belle says.

Henry can’t help but laugh. ‘If you think her farts smell bad, you should stay far away from uncle Piers then.’

‘Oh yes,’ Charlie laughs. ‘I can compare and little princess,’—he walks up to her, lifting her up in his arms—‘and his farts smell a lot worse than Belle’s. In comparison to Piers’, hers smell like flowers.’

Vanessa scrunches up her nose. ‘But hers smelled really bad.’

‘Watch it,’ Belle says in a stern voice.

‘Imagine uncle Piers’ farts.’

Olivia and Henry laugh as they watch Vanessa pretending to throw up. ‘You know whose farts smell?’ she adds. ‘Kal’s farts smell really bad.’

‘Agree,’ Henry adds.

‘Mommy, do daddy’s farts smell?’

Olivia looks to the side. ‘They don’t actually.’

Vanessa nods. ‘Mommy’s farts don’t smell either.’

‘Oh, wait a minute,’ Belle says, standing next to Charlie and Vanessa. ‘You, sweetie pie, have never smelled her farts when she was pregnant.’

‘You cannot blame a pregnant woman for her farts,’ Olivia says again. ‘Because, Vanessa, when you were growing in my stomach, you kind of move around the organs there a bit and your entire body is changing, so your farts smell different.’

‘Yeah, auntie Belle,’ Vanessa says. ‘Don’t you blame my mommy.’

Belle starts to laugh, before she pretends to pout. ‘Simon, they are being mean to me,’ she fake cries, before walking over to him.

Vanessa tells them she loves them, that they should have sweet dreams, before she hurries over to Belle, to give her a kiss. Charlie looks into the camera and adds: ‘She is doing fine, don’t you worry now.’

‘I wasn’t worried,’ Olivia says. ‘I trust you completely.’

‘I know you weren’t,’ Charlie laughs. ‘But, look at your man, Olivia. See you guys tomorrow.’

He hangs up and when Olivia looks to the side, she gasps. ‘Are you crying, baby?’ she asks, wrapping her arms around him.

Henry isn’t necessarily crying, but he does feel emotional. A tear slips out of his eye and he whispers: ‘I just miss her a lot and seeing her get along with my family, is such a blessing.’

‘If you want to go home, we can go home,’ Olivia says with a smile. ‘And I mean it.’

[iflostreturntosteverogers]

Bullies and Bee Stings

Characters: Dean, Reader, J.C. (OC), Sadie-Jo Bennett (OFC), Zawa the Cat, Benny, Ms. Collins (OFC), Sam 

Warnings: Angst, Bullying, Assault, Attempted Murder, Low Self Worth, Some Comfort 

Beta: @fictionalabyss​

Header: @sorenmarie87​

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

       Being the new kid in a tiny ass town was not going as well as Dean had hoped it would. Not that you had told him that of course. You really didn’t wanna burden him with more of your shit and it was just some middle school bullies. You could handle it on your own. 

J.C. discreetly squeezes your knee under the lunch table when Sadie-Jo Bennett cackles after asking if you were going to start looking more ‘human’ at some point because “you’re so disgustingly scarred and skinny. There is just no way you’re not one of those aliens or something.” It’s stupid and her little groupies laugh like dumb hyenas, but it gets to you. You grit your teeth and will yourself not to break her nose. Her dad is the fucking mayor and you don’t want to cause trouble for Dean. It’s the only reason you haven’t dealt with her. Her dad could get Dean fired or worse, and it would be all your fault. 

“Are you listening to me?!” She screeches, her face red with anger at your lack of reaction. 

“No,” You deadpan. She sneers and before you can react grabs a fistful of hair, slamming your face down onto the lunch table. “Then listen to me now.”

“What the fuck, Sadie-Jo?!” J.C. jumps up and reaches for her, but one of the groupies grabs them. 

“You are nothing. You’re a fucking bug for me to step on. Start respecting me and bowing down like everyone else or I’m going to make your life a living hell. Understood?” She pushes your face harder into the table with each word. 

“Loud and clear, bitch,” you grind out. She lifts your head again and slams it back into the table one more time before walking away. Your eyes sting and you know you’ll have a nice bruise later. You lay with your head against the table, eyes closed and shoulders shaking, trying to take deep breaths and calm down. J.C. startles you when they place a gentle hand on your back. “Are you okay?” 

“Me?! They barely touched me. Let’s go to the nurse so she can give you some ice for your cheek.” You shake your head. They sigh and rub small circles on your back. “Have you told Dean and your uncle about her?” 

“No, I can handle it. No need to get them involved.” 

“But they could-“

“No, J.C.. They don’t need to worry about this. I’ve not been with them very long and the way Dean got custody of me was really chaotic and stressful. I don’t need to add more shit to that. I’m lucky he wants me as it is.” You sit up and stretch. They look like they want to say more but let it go for now. “C’mon we better get to math.” 

Two days later you’re sneaking into the bunker with a busted lip and the bruise from the assault on Monday a nice deep purple that paints your left cheek. You can only hope Dean is still at work and Uncle Sammy isn't home from his business trip yet. Tears streak angrily down your face as you set your backpack on your desk. Zawa raises his head from the top tier of his cat tree with a meow and scrambles down to cuddle when you face plant onto the bed. He kneads his paws on your back before curling up and purring. The vibrations and weight help you get your emotions under control. You take your iPad off of your nightstand and pull up FaceTime. 

“Hey, darlin’... What the fuck happened?” You give a watery laugh and wipe at your face gingerly. 

“Hi, Benny. I fell on my way home. No big deal.” 

“We both know that’s bullshit. Try again.” You sigh and catch Benny up on all things Sadie-Jo Bennett. “Let me guess. You haven’t mentioned this to Dean?” He sighs when you bite your lip and look away. “Darlin’, he can’t help you if you don’t talk to him.”

“I don’t want him to help me, Benny. He’s done enough. I don’t want him to have more to worry about when it comes to me. That’s not fair.”

“So it’s fair that you’re getting the shit beat out of you by some two bit little bitch? You know Dean loves you and he wants to take care of you.”

“I know. It’s just… she’s the mayor’s daughter. I’m no one. Who are they going to believe? They could hurt Dean. Take his job away or something and he really likes his job. It’d be all my fault and all because I couldn’t handle some stupid bully. I don’t want that.” 

“Listen to me, sweetheart. The actions of adults do not fall on the shoulders of children. Not only that but that is a worse case scenario and it’s highly doubtful that it would happen. Talk to someone about this.”

“I’m talking to you.”

“Okay, smartass,” he chuckles and you smile. “Talk to someone who’s not thirteen and a half hours away, and can help you. I also want you to talk to your therapist about how you see yourself. You are worth so much more than you think and she can help you see that I bet.” 

“Fine,” you whine. He smiles and blows you a kiss. 

“Good girl. So tell me what else is new with you.” 

       “Man, I hate baseball. Why can’t we play soccer instead?” J.C. laughs at your whining as they walk to the field with you for gym class. 

“Well, probably because we played soccer last week, Miss I wanna be the next Megan Rapinoe. We can’t all be soccer stars.” You pout at them and roll your eyes. 

“You whined just as much when we switched from basketball to volleyball last month. I’m fine with that as long as you’re going to be my non-binary Sue Bird.” You smirk. J.C. smiles and looks around before kissing the tip of your nose. 

“Deal.” 

You make it halfway through the gym class without incident. The last one being your busted lip a week ago. The gym teacher, Ms. Collins, turns her back to make a phone call and Sadie-Jo starts running her mouth while she stands in front of you at home plate. You try your best to ignore her, eventually getting fed up and just removing your face guard to go talk to J.C. at the pitcher’s mound. Big mistake, though you never thought she’d hit you in the face with a baseball bat. You stumble forward, black spots dancing across your vision. “What the fuck?!” Someone yells. You’re too focused on not passing out or throwing up to notice who it is. There’s blood in your eye and your face is throbbing. Someone has a hand on your back protectively.

“What happened here?” Ms. Collins asks, there’s a nervous edge to her voice as she looks between you and Sadie-Jo. 

“She tripped and hit her head, Ms. Collins,” Sadie-Jo answers in a sickly sweet tone. There’s an underlying threat that everyone reads. Ms. Collins grits her teeth and sighs. 

“J.C. take Ms. Winchester here to the nurse and get her looked at.” J.C. nods and starts to help you up. You sway when you’re upright and they hold tightly to your waist. Sadie-Jo steps up and places a hand on your shoulder. You flinch away from her touch. 

“I’ll take her, Ms. Collins.” J.C. starts to protest, but the teacher shakes her head. 

“Okay, Sadie-Jo.” You whimper when she takes hold of you and all but drags you back to the school building. 

“I told you I was going to make your life hell. The best part is no one is going to help you. They’re all too afraid of Daddy to stop me. We’re gonna have some fun or I guess I will. Heard you were allergic to bees.” Your eyes widen and you start shaking your head.

“Please.”

“Oh no, you had your chance to be good and listen.” She opens the door to one of the supply closets and shoves you in. You’re so dizzy, you don’t catch yourself, and land roughly on the concrete floor. She smiles vindictively down at you before grabbing a broom and banging it against the ceiling. “Bet you didn’t know there’s a giant bees nest up there did you? Works out perfectly if you ask me. Bye bye now.” She slams the door shut and something scrapes against the floor. You can only assume she’s pushed something in front of the door. Angry buzzing spikes your adrenaline. You fish your phone out of your leggings pocket and dial Dean’s number. 

“Dean,” you whimper when he answers. You can hear him lay whatever he’s working with aside to give you his full attention. 

“Hey, kiddo. Aren’t you in school? What’s wrong?” 

“I need your help. Please, help me.” You start crying, letting the dam break. “I… I’m locked in a closet and there’s pissed off bees. Please, Dean.”

“Deep breath, sweetheart. I’m coming for you. I’m leaving right now, only a few minutes away, okay?” He shouts to someone in the shop and then you hear his car rumble to life. You shriek when you look up and see a couple of bees flying above your head. “I know it’s hard, but try to stay calm. I’m on my way.” 

“I’m scared, Dad. Please,” you sob. 

“I’m coming, baby. I-“ the line goes dead and you curse your dead phone, tossing it to the ground. One of the bees lands on your arm and you hold your breath in fear. When it crawls up closer to your face, you shake your arm out of instinct and it stings you.

“Oh fuck… Please hurry, dad.”

        An annoying beeping sound wakes you up. You grumble and reach out for your alarm clock. “Whatcha doin, kiddo?” You open your eyes, squinting against the lights, and make eye contact with Sam. “You scared the shit out of us.” You blink at him confused before everything rushes back to you. 

“Oh shit.” He nods his head solemnly.

“Yeah, oh shit.” You groan, closing your eyes again. You were going to have to tell them everything. They were probably so pissed. The two of you sit in silence for a while with you refusing to open your eyes again. He sighs. “I'm going to grab a coffee. I’ll be back. Want anything?” You shake your head and listen to him leave. Calloused fingers suddenly smooth over your furrowed brow. 

“What’s going on in that head of yours?” You tense at Dean’s voice. “Look at me, I’m not mad at you or whatever you’re thinking.”

“You should be,” you mumble, opening your eyes to look at him. He sits on the edge of your hospital bed and runs his thumb over your cheek. 

“Why?” 

“Because I caused you more trouble. I scared you. I’m just a burden, Dean. Why don’t you just send me back?” 

“Because I love you. You’re not a burden. You didn’t cause me more trouble. Am I a little hurt you felt like you couldn’t come to me about whatever is clearly going on? Yeah, but I also know you’re not used to relying on people for help and probably wanted to handle it on your own.” You pick at the blanket covering you. 

“I’m being bullied by the mayor’s daughter.” 

“I wouldn’t call attempted murder bullying. How long has this been going on?”

“Since I started school…” 

“Baby, that was four months ago.” He runs a hand over his face. “Tell me everything.” So you do. You tell him how it started with simple verbal assaults and taunts and somehow very quickly turned into this mess you were in. He holds you while you break down and explain about why you didn’t want to tell him, reassures you that no job is worth his daughter’s happiness. He reminds you he loves you over and over and that he won’t let you go. 

“I love you, Dad,” you whisper as you fall asleep that night in his bed. His smile is wide and his eyes shine in the darkness. 

“I love you too, kiddo. Get some rest.” He’ll burn that school to the ground tomorrow, take down every adult that stood by while his girl was tortured and hurt. But for tonight he’ll be your safety and your comfort.

Tags: @leave-me-2-rot-among-the-flowers, @hobby27, @samfreakingwinchester, @akshi8278​, @jassiejj2118

[suitofvibraniumarmor]

Headstrong

Part Seven

Summary: After an expected visit from Brock, Haven turns to Bucky for comfort.  Pairing: Bucky Barnes x OFC Word Count: 2240 Warnings: Discussion of infidelity and drunk driving, language, almost smut. A/N: Taglist is open, you can be added to the one for this fic or Buckvember simply by sending an ask. I don’t know a whole lot about how boxing standings work, so just know that any errors are unintentional and everything is for the sake of the story. Happy Reading!

Series Masterlist

Haven was cleaning out her office desk when Bucky showed up early one day for an afternoon training session. He had come in through the back slider, announcing himself so he wouldn’t catch her off guard — or naked.

“I’m walking through the house,” he called, “I’m nearing the bedrooms.”

Haven laughed. “I’m in the office, goofy.”

Bucky smiled as he entered the office and took up the chair across from her. “Doing a little light cleaning?”

“Trying to. The clutter has been building up for a while. You’re here early.”

“Yeah, I met Steve and Tony for lunch, figured I’d just head over. That okay?”

“Fine by me,” Haven sighed, taking a stack of papers from one of the drawers. “Let me just get through this stack and then …”

Her sentence trailed off as she picked up a picture under a couple old bills she didn’t need anymore. She could have sworn she got rid of every piece of evidence that she and Brock had ever been happy together, but here she was, looking at a picture of them kissing the last New Year’s they were together — one of the last times they had been happy. 

“Did you ever fight him?” Haven asked, tossing the picture across the desk. 

Bucky picked it up and his features tensed. He crumpled the photo and threw it in the trash before taking the stack from her, checking for more pictures before letting her have the stack back. 

“Yeah, I fought Rumlow once, in my amateur years. He fought dirty, I still won the fight. He didn’t like that.” Bucky chewed on the inside of his cheek for a few seconds before asking her a question in return. “He ever fight you?”

Haven shook her head. “Nah, not outside of training, nothing out of anger. Brock was pretty well content to break my heart beyond that. He’d sleep with another girl, come back apologizing, telling me he was so afraid I was going to leave because I was so much better than him, so he at least wanted to be at fault for something he could control. Things would be good for a little bit, and then the whole cycle would run again.”

She dropped most of the papers in the trash bin then got up from the desk. Bucky followed her out to the hallway and through the house to the kitchen where she downed a glass of water before continuing. Her gaze was directed to the backyard, the sunlight catching a glare against the water rising in her eyes. 

“The night of the car accident, Brock and I weren’t just arguing about him cheating — I’d caught him. We were at a party for one of his friends, and, like I told you before, I wasn’t sober, either. I fell asleep … I remember Brock laying down with me in the guest room bed. I remember not being with it enough to — to do anything. I fell asleep and, when I woke up, the house was quiet, except for noises coming from the bathroom next door. I recognized Brock’s voice.”

Bucky cursed under his breath. “I’m so sorry, Haven.”

She shook her head and wiped her eyes. “I was stupid enough to believe he would ever change, so it was my own fault. I’m mostly okay now, Wes made sure I got the mental therapy I needed afterwards. Still have a monthly appointment.” Turning to him, she swallowed down the lump in her throat. “I’m okay, until I’m not. Until I come across something like that picture and everything comes rushing back. You and I have crossed lines, Buck, and I’m not … I don’t want to step back from where we are. But, I also don’t want to come across a picture of us together in my desk one day and feel like I’m gonna fall apart.”

Bucky came around the island and hugged her from behind. “We don’t have any pictures together, so we should be good.”

Haven laughed and leaned back against him. “Thanks. I’m gonna go change for practice — which means I will be undressing, so don’t walk through any closed doors.”

Bucky shook his head. “Don’t worry, I’m not even gonna stay in the house. See you in the gym.”

Haven watched him go back through the slider, winking at her as he went. Her tears were gone now, and a gentle smile graced her face. Letting Bucky in was scary as hell, but she figured she could summon up the courage to get past the fear. 

His best bet, he figured, was to let things progress as they would. Haven was still working through some things, and while Bucky knew and accepted that he was entirely gone on her at this point, he had no problem taking things slow. She needed to heal. He was in no rush to push things past her comfort level. They would get there. 

That didn’t stop Bucky from feeling both protective and possessive of Haven the day he walked into the gym and found Brock Rumlow there with her. Haven was standing several feet away from Brock, her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes darting to the door and filling with relief the moment she spotted Bucky. Those feelings went from droplets he could control to a massive wave that crashed over his entire body; he was going to struggle to stay afloat in calmness if he wasn’t careful. 

“Rum, this is Bucky Barnes. My new coach,” Haven introduced as Bucky dropped his bag on a bench and came to stand behind her — not so close as to give Brock any idea something more was going on, but plenty close enough for Brock to know that Bucky wasn’t going to stand down when it came to Haven’s safety. “Brock was stopping by to … to, um …”

Brock held his hand out to Bucky, but the gesture went ignored. “I wanted to see how Haven was doing. We go way back.”

Bucky nodded, once. “So I’ve heard.”

“Thought you fell out, Barnes. Word around was that you weren’t coming back to boxing if your life depended on it — which, I see now, maybe it did?”

Bucky tensed his vibranium arm and noted that Haven’s hands balled into fists at her sides at Brock’s reference to Bucky’s arm. He wanted to put a hand on her shoulder, a silent gesture to tell her it was okay, to take a deep breath, but he didn’t want to let on anything to Brock, either.

“If you’re done seeing how Haven’s doing, we have a training session we need to begin. I’m assuming you know the way out.” Bucky’s jaw was clenched so hard, he could feel the ache in his temple. 

Brock shrugged and took a couple steps backwards, toward the door. “Yeah, of course, I get that. By the way, Haven, the organization will be reaching out to you guys — my new fighter is just chomping at the bit to show you what a mistake it was to take your pro bid.”

“A mistake to take it, or a mistake to take it without you?” Haven bit out when Brock turned his back. The man’s eyes were fire when he turned back around and took such a menacing step towards her, Bucky stepped in front of her, his chest puffed out and chin held high. 

“You certainly got yourself a bodyguard out of this one, didn’t you?” Brock was asking Haven, but he stood toe to toe with Bucky. “Don’t you worry, Barnes, I wouldn’t ever lay a hand on her. I’ll let my fighter do the ass kicking.”

Brock winked at both of them before seeing himself out of the gym. As soon as the door closed behind him, Bucky was on his phone, sending a text message. 

“What’s so important on your phone right now?” Haven asked. 

“Texting my connections to see who Brock’s coaching,” Bucky answered, unfazed by her snappy inquiry. 

Haven calmed, a little. “Charlotte?”

“Charlotte,” Bucky confirmed. “How long was he here before I got here?”

“Too fucking long,” she mumbled, reaching for her wraps to get going with training. “I just want to forget about it for now. Is that okay?”

Bucky nodded. “Yeah, of course.”

He watched her carefully through the few hours they trained. After their cool down, they picked up the gym together, then lingered around while Bucky checked his phone. 

“Carol Danvers,” Bucky announced. “Charlotte said the press was just sent the release, there’s going to be a conference soon to make the announcement.”

“Shit! She’s been pro for years already. How the hell did Brock get a job coaching her?” Haven groaned. “She’s probably so good, she coaches herself. Maybe that’s what she wanted and Brock was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.”

With another groan, she stomped out of the gym building and back up to the house. Bucky followed her through the slider, worried about the anger and whatever other emotions filling her chest with short, heaving breaths and what she would be pushed to do. At least there were no cliffs around for her to jump off of. 

She pulled a beer out of the fridge, popped the top off, and drank down half the contents in a few gulps. She closed the fridge door and pointed at the fridge. 

“Help yourself, Coach. I'm gonna shower then have more.”

He stopped himself from taking the bottle out of her hand. “Is Wes home? Maybe drinking this away isn’t such a good idea.”

“Nope, he's out of town. I'd say that’s the best time to be drinking this away, when my brother isn’t going to bitch at me, for once. Unless you're gonna do that.”

“No, I’m not gonna bitch at you. Just want you to be careful.”

Haven gave him a tight, forced smile before disappearing toward the bathroom. A couple of minutes later, Bucky heard the shower start. Making a somewhat hasty decision, he pulled a bottle of beer from the fridge and took a seat on the couch to wait for her. He was still sitting there, about done with his beer, when she came back through the front room, dressed in a pair of baggy sweats and a sports bra. Her hair was still wet and hanging down her back. 

“Oh, sorry,” Haven mumbled, taking a step back when she realized he was still there, “I didn’t know you were still here. I would have put a shirt on.”

He waved her off. “Doesn't matter. Just didn’t want you drinking alone.”

“Thanks.”

They went through the six pack of beer, and then Haven produced a fifth of whiskey from Wes’s stash. She found two shot glasses and they kept up with different drinking games from there. Under two hours passed before he was tipsy, she was drunk, and Bucky had no doubt that the look in her eyes meant trouble. 

Hoisting herself onto the kitchen counter, Haven pulled Bucky by his shirt so that he was pressed against the counter between her legs. She wrapped her arms around his middle and tipped her head up. 

“Tell me, James, how much longer are you gonna wait before you kiss me tonight?”

He was so used to hearing his given name when he was in trouble or there was some kind of official interaction happening, but when it came from Haven’s lips, he wanted to do away with his nickname and only go by James for the rest of his life. 

Bucky slid his arms around her shoulders as his mouth claimed hers. There was no hesitant start, no sweet kisses before she was pressing her tongue to his mouth and Bucky was parting his lips for her. She tasted like the whiskey they had been drinking, but Bucky was far more drunk on Haven than he was on the liquor. 

Haven’s legs squeezed to hold him in place as she scooted to the edge of the counter to be even closer to him. Her hands were in his hair, grabbing at the back of his shirt, anything she could find purchase on. Bucky moaned into her mouth when her hips tilted just enough to cause friction against him. 

“Take me upstairs,” she pleaded, nearly breathless between kisses. 

Bucky didn’t hesitate then, either. He scooped her off of the counter and went straight for her room, setting her gently on the floor. She stepped back, plopping to the edge of the mattress, while Bucky threw his shirt to the side before kneeling in front of her. He took a good look at her — really looked at her — and told her how beautiful she was. 

“Are you only saying that because you want to see me naked again?” Haven whispered. 

“No,” Bucky chuckled. He took her face in his hands, kissing her soft and sweet, “and I know I brought you up here, but is this really something you want to happen this way?”

Haven’s eyes filled with tears. “I just need to feel somebody close, somebody real. Somebody who isn’t Brock. Please, Bucky. Please.”

As sobs wracked through her body and she finally let go of every piece of sadness and anger of the past, Bucky climbed onto the bed and pulled her back against his chest. He kissed her temple and promised to sit there all night, if that was what she needed. 

“I’m right here, Haven. I’m right here.”

Buckvember: @peace-love-hobbitness​ @disastersoldierbucky​ @connie326​ @rebekahdawkins​ @wonder-cole​ @shynara51​

Headstrong: @disastersoldierbucky​ @ashleymalfoy​ @amanda-teaches​ @star-spangled-man-with-a-plan​ @tanelle83​ @tellmewhatyouwill​ @capandbuckylvr​ @pinknerdpanda​ @mizzzpink​ @ntlmundy​ @siggy85​ @itsallyscorner​ @m-blasterrr​ @just-the-hiddles​

[lancearcherinrippedjeans]

It Was All Good...Then in Comes Kenny

For previous parts, click HERE

Pairings - Adam Page x OFC, Matt Jackson x OFC x Kenny Omega, Chuck Taylor x OC

Categories - Fluff, Angst, Almost Smut

Warnings/Promises - Cussing (like always), sexual jokes, and well uh, almost smut

Summary/Desc - Adam and Gabby get into an arguement, Brianna has a rough day, Parker and Chuck finally talk, and Adriana gets into a, well, entanglement.

Back in Gabby’s life, her and Adam had bought a house in Ann Arbor Michigan where they planned to raise their baby. A baby boy named Ashen Page. 8 months into her pregnancy she was on lock down not knowing when the baby would come, other on Adam’s hand he still had to wrestle.

“He’s not home yet?” Parker said, “Nope.” Gabby sighed. Gabby and Parker were facetiming while she sat on their couch, waiting for Adam to arrive home. Minutes later she heard the sound of the door being unlocked, “Ok he’s here I’ll call you back.” She hung up the phone. Adam entered the house, hair in ponytail, luggage draped over his shoulder. “Hi baby!” Adam dropped his bags and ran to where Gabby was, “Hi!” 

They kissed, when Gabby noticed something...off, “Have you been drinking again?” “Of course not, babe.” Adam placed his hand on a frustrated Gabby's stomach. While she was pregnant, her and Adam promised he’d sober up, unless it was drinking for work. She immediately moved his hand off her, “I’m not fucking dumb Adam, I can taste the whisky in your breath.” she rolled her eyes. They sat down on the couch, “I was stressed about work and you and Ashen, I just had to.”

“You sound fucking dumb, if I can’t drink for 9 months, you can’t either.” Gabby shook her head in disappointment. “When are you gonna become more understanding Gabrielle, like fuck!”

“More understanding?! I’ve been nothing but understanding bro.” A tear ran down her face. “It’s like you want me to be this person that can wrestle, and be a great dad, and pleasure you, plus be your emotional support system? I can’t do it all.” “So what? Am I asking for too much? Because if I went to Joey and asked him to be my emotional support system, or fuck it. Go to him for sex them what would you do Adam?” Gabby wiped her tears, crossing her arms. “Really? Maybe I wasn’t wrong about you and Kenny then!” he shouted. 

“What is it Adam? You think we fucked? Kissed? Want each other? I’ve told you it's not like that at all. You're the only man I want.” Gabby teared up again. Adam couldn’t bear to see Gabby cry anymore, so he pulled her into a hug. “I’m sorry about the drinking babe.” “It’s ok, I love you”. Adam used the tips of his thumbs to wipe the tears off her face, lifting Gabby’s shirt rubbing her baby bump. “Love you so much more.”

All the way over in Jacksonville, Brianna was getting ready to film a BTE bit. She had agreed to film with Brandon and Frankie Kazarian, and was a bit excited. “Alright, Brianna you ready?” Brandon asked, Bri nodded enthusiastically. “Kaz you ready?” She looked over at Frankie and he was glaring at her. “Yeah, I’m ready.” He said in a sharp tone.

She went back and got into place and Brandon started filming.

Bri was hunched over looking through Twitter on her phone, not watching where she was going. “OW- What the shit!?” Frankie Kazarian yelped. Bri quickly looked away from her phone to see that her foot was on top of Frankie’s heel. “Oh my god. I am so sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going-” she rambled. Frankie was steamed. He was already angry, as usual, and this made it a MILLION times worse.

“You know what I am sorry for BRI-ANNA?” He asked quite loudly which made everyone turn to look at him. “I'm sorry that someone as talented as Joey Janela wasted his hard earned money on someone like you.” Bri opened her mouth to apologize again but was cut off. “HOW are you even back here? I don’t know if you have read the fucking signs EVERYWHERE, but this is for talent only! What talent do you have Bri? Besides getting on your knees for people other than the Lord himself?” Kazarian was extremely dramatic with everything he said during BTE- but this seemed a little too real.

“Like honestly, as soon as you get here you have Marq Quen following you around like you’re important; and then the very next day I SEE you talking to Cash Wheeler- who has only been here for a couple WEEKS?! I’m surprised you didn’t all go in a room together and fuck yourselves, or maybe you did.”

Bri was actually concerned. “How the hell does he know who I’ve been with… this wasn’t in the script?” She began to notice everyone around listening into her conversation whispering to each other. “This is so embarrassing.” she thought. “What else have you done here? You’re by far the LEAST relevant outta of your little friend group, and you crave attention so much - so now you got it! Should I go off and check everyone you’ve batted your eyelashes at since you’ve been here?” 

Bri shook her head no, but it was too late. “There was Marq of course, then when you got bored with him you crawled over to the new hottest thing; Cash Wheeler. But do they know who you’ve had between them?” Bri’s eyes slightly widened.  “You had made heart eyes, with not one but ALL members of Team Taz. What is wrong with you?! Two of them have families of their own, You damn homewrecker!” She saw some of the people backstage shake their heads. 

“Kaz… stop.” she mumbled under her breath. 

“Nah nah, don’t be quiet now you fucking cheater! Everyone has heard you, like when you thought since you were in a janitor closet with Austin Gunn no one would notice the strange moans coming out of them?” Shit. Bri was tired of hearing this man exposing her, “I told you - that wasn’t me. This arena is old, could have been a ghost Frankie.” she lied of course, but she would do anything to get out of this situation.  

“Last time I checked we were at a wrestling arena not a damn haunted mansion. Everyone is smart enough to know the difference between a moan full of fucking pleasure from a cry from a ‘ghost’.” 

Brandon Cutler began to lower his camera but Kazarian yelled at him. “Don’t you fucking dare cut this! We’re all about being real, well THIS right here,” as he points as Brianna, “Is as real as we’re gonna get. Because some people are stupid enough to let bitches like this come in here and suck off the whole roster.” Bri was shocked. 

“Who are you calling a bitch? I know the least important member of SCU isn’t talking. Let me talk to Scorpio.” she rolled her eyes, there was no way in hell this was getting posted online. “Sorry, he’s trying to stay away from women that seduces half of the indie wrestlers on Dark.” 

Bri slapped Frankie with tears starting to form into her eyes, “You ain’t shit.” and she meant every word. She didn’t care that Cutler was calling her name, or even some of the wrestlers trying to stop her- she had to get out of not only this situation, but the arena as fast as possible.

The Elite

The The Elite

The Elite

The The Elite

The Elite

The The Elite

Superkick PAAARRRR-

Tan Legs

“Why are there so many rooms in this damn arena?” Adriana questioned as she was acting like she was looking for Tony Khan’s office. She had been searching everywhere as Brandon Cutler followed her with his camera. The camera cut to her in front of the Elite locker room, raising her hand to knock at the door. A relieved Kenny popped in the doorway. “Oh Adriana, am I glad to see you!” He moved over and invited Adriana into the room, closing the door behind him. 

“Well, I would love to sit here with you Kenny, but could you show me where Khan’s office is-?” Kenny pushed his finger onto her lips making her shush. “Shhh, I can show you where his office is. But I need something from you since Matt is busy handling phone calls.” 

Her face lit up to the mention of Matt’s name, but she had to stay in character, so she immediately nodded and mouthed an okay. She sat down in the chair, across from the couch Kenny was sitting on. “You’re a little far, wouldn't you say?” he said as he began to shift to the edge. “Uhm, that depends what exactly am I doing?” As she looked at him with confusion. 

“Just move a little closer.” Kenny demanded. “We gotta get this over with.” Adriana’s mouth slightly fell open, in shock of the words coming out of his mouth. “I- I’m sorry. What do you mean get this over with-” Kenny chuckled, “No one was out there right- you came alone?” She nodded quickly, unable to speak; she could feel the room closing in on her, making her move her chair slightly to where he was on the couch. He looked at her weird, “Haha a little closer than that Adri.” 

He said as he leaned over folding his hands. “Well, how close do I have to be?” she tilted her head up giving him her full attention. “I mean…you’re still a little far for what we have to do.” She began to pull her chair forward, but Kenny pushed her back down lightly and stood up. “What WE have to do?” She asked, not understanding the signals he was giving to her. At this point she was losing it on the inside, he’s never been so forward with her. His hands began to adjust the band of his gray shorts. 

“Yea, hey you mind getting on your knees?” he asked with all seriousness in his voice making Adriana almost fall out of her chair. From the corner of her eye she could see Brandon’s eyes widened a bit. She looked up and saw a slight smirk from Kenny, which made her roll her eyes. “He knows what he’s doing.” she thought in the inside of her head. Kenny stood there , looking stupid as Adriana came back to reality. 

“O-on my knees? Are you sure?” As she began to crawl out the chair. “Uh yea- I know this isn't your first time, but I thought you would be more prepared.” he joked. She had almost let out a laugh. “Oh, and take that ponytail holder on your wrist and tie your hair up- this could get a little messy.” as he pushed his shorts down his legs- making her face to face with his package. She felt Brandon move closer to get a better shot of her face, and she wished he hadn’t. She shot her head back, letting out a sigh. “Damn, he is bigger than I thought.” She closed her eyes, and tried to gain control overself. She did a slight prayer as she closed her eyes and opened her mouth slightly, waiting for Kenny. When he placed it in her mouth she was shocked, it was thick… but cold. 

She opened her eyes when she heard Kenny freaking out. “ADRIANA! STOP BEING RIDICULOUS! DID YOU SEE HOW WHITE MY LEGS ARE?” Adriana also started freaking out as she spat out a bottle of tanning spray. “STOP LOOKING AT MY RIDICULOUS QUAD DEVELOPMENT AND GET THIS GOD DAMN QUICK TAN ON MY LEGS STAT!” Kenny yelled.

 “YES- TAN! RIGHT, NOTHING ELSE.” as she scurried to pick up the bottle.  Adriana had struggled unloosing the cap not only because of the commotion, but because of the fact she thought she was about to get filmed for a porno with Kenny Omega. “ADRIANA! HURRY UP. THE COLOR OF MY ARMS, AND THE COLOR OF MY FACE DO NOT MATCH THE COLOR OF MY LEGS!” He pouted as she finally shook the can getting ready to spray but then it accidentally slipped out of her hands. “SPRAY MY LEGS!” 

She shot the cap throwing it somewhere in the room. “God, I’m an idiot.” she said to herself. “Sorry Kenny, I didn’t know they were this pale-” “MAKE THEM ORANGE!” He ordered, making Adriana spray faster. “Eh it’s looking… pretty good!” he said while examining his now newly tanned legs. “I knew I could count on you. Thanks.” he said. 

“You’re so welcome, sorry I don’t know why that was so hard for me to do.” She said as she got up from her odd position to sit on the end of the couch. “Why were you so freaked out-” He asked as he spotted the spray can top in the corner of the room. “I’m not sure honestly, it’s just something I do nowadays.” She lied, but he didn’t think anything of it. 

He took the can out of her hand and popped the cap back on as he sat next to her, “Anyways, since Matt isn’t in here. You should get over here and suck me o-”

Stolen Bit Partner

“Did you see how big his biceps were?” John Silver said, walking down the hallway with Alex and Parker, arms hooked. “You were right John, his milkshake sure does bring all the boys to the yard.” Parker said, chuckling slightly. Alex was about to protest what Parker was saying, but agreed. No one could deny that Wardlow was a beautiful human. The trio kept walking, talking about the man who’s locker room they had just left, when they bumped into another trio, one that Parker was very familiar with.

The Best Friends and Orange Cassidy.

They all stopped in their tracks. That’s when Alex detached from Parker, him and Chuckie going around in a slow circle, sizing each other up. Trent and John just looked at each other. And in the middle of all of this, Cassidy took off his glasses, and started looking Parker up and down.

The rotating finally stopped when Chuck spoke up, “You stole my bit partner, Reynolds.” “Oh, YOUR bit partner?”

And so the argument began, Trent bending down to get in Silver’s face, and Chuck and Reynolds pushing each other back and forth. Behind it all, Parker looked over to Orange and waved, but when he didn’t even give a sup motion, she turned away, a defeated look on her face.

“At least I’m not in a cult with a bunch of spooky perverts!” “Well these spooky perverts have a better hug than you guys!”

“What even is a ‘Johnny Hungie’?!” Trent yelled, “Well what the fuck is an ‘olive tit’ TRENT?!” “Boys, Boys! Please!” Parker yelled, standing between all of them. “Did they experiment on your brain!?” Chuck questioned, looking down at Parker. “What- Okay. No they did not experiment on my brain!”

“Did they TRAIN you to say that?” Trent said jumping at Silver. Parker pushed Trent back lightly. “Train Trent? What do you think we are? Some kind of cult?!” John argued. “Yes! That’s exactly what we’re saying.” Chuck answered.

“Y’know what?!” Alex grabbed Parker by the arm, “We’re leaving!”

Parker swatted Alex’s hand, that look on her face. “I think I’m going to...be on Sammy’s vlog instead.” She gave a nervous smile before walking behind the camera, “See ya Brandon.” “Uh, bye.”

Alex pointed his finger in Chuck’s face, Kool-Aid container still in his hand, “This isn’t over.” Reynolds and Silver walked away when Chuck mumbled, “We’re in the middle of a pandemic, keep your hand out my face.” Trent and Cassidy looked at each other while Chuck walked away. Trent shrugged one more time before following.

Orange just sighed, minding his own business.

Hungry Hungry Hippos

The room had conversation and laughter, when Trent spoke up, “Uh, BTE Championship match, triple threat.” The camera panned over to the left, “Marq Quen checking in.” Marq said with a smile, Isiah waving from behind him. The camera panned past Trent to the right, “Parker here, with uh, Chuck Taylor.” Chuck and Parker looked awkwardly at each other before Parker looked back at the camera, “My other friends decided to be dicks and not show up.”

Brandon pointed back towards Trent, who explained the game, “So uh, we’re playing the game Hungry Hungry Hippos, first one to get to two victories wins my BTE championship.”

The next scene showed all of them surrounding a table. “I am a GOAT at this game.” Marq said, rubbing his hands together. Parker pointed at him, “Oh yeah? Well prepare to lose Quen.” 

The game had started, and the game had almost fallen off the table. “Y’all are so aggressive!” Matt Jackson laughed, pointing out how seriously they were taking the game.

Marq had quickly gotten the first victory. Trent and Parker groaning at their defeat.

“Already halfway THERE.” “Shut up!” Trent and Parker said in unison.

And the games went on, until all of them were tied with one victory each.

The three looked at each other, before talking to their “coaches” for a moment. 

They had all returned to the table, and the tiebreaker had started. This round was definitely the most aggressive, with Trent actually trying, Marq jumping up and down making noises, and Parker trying to be as quick as possible.

When all the marbles were gone, they had each counted them up.

Trent had gone first, only having 5. Then Parker counted theirs, having 8. Marq counted the last of the marbles.

“Five, Six,” He pulled out the last marble, “Seven.” Marq had dropped to the ground, while Parker jumped up, knees almost to her chest in victory. “New BTE champ!” Nick said, grabbing the championship and handing it to Parker.

Parker held up the championship, before looking at it, “I have to go rub this in Adriana’s face so she gets mad at me.” She was about to leave the room, when she stepped back, “Oh yeah, I promised Marko I would fight him for this if I won. So next week, we balance KitKats on our heads.” “You’re gonna WHAT?!”

The screen showed Parker vs Marko for next week, for the Being The Elite Championship.

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The Elite The The Elite

What Nick you’re not gonna sing it all with me this time?

Brianna was so embarrassed. How did Frankie even know all that? She kept thinking to herself, “Did Marq tell everyone?” He wouldn’t...right? This was just all too much for her, cause of some stupid mistake.

She stayed outside the arena the whole show, not wanting to show her face in there. Then wrestlers and producers started walking out, some mumbling when they looked over at Bri. She looked over at the people walking out, and saw Marq and Isiah. Marq and Brianna stared at each other, before Marq looked away, almost like he didn’t want to look at her. She watched them pack up and drive off, and she heard a familiar voice call out from behind her, “Hey Brianna!”

She looked over her shoulder and saw Cash walking over to her, and they both started smiling. That smile quickly turned back into a frown, when Dax grabbed Cash by the arm, dragging him away.

Great. 

She went back to staring at the ground, upset. She almost jumped back when someone sat next to her. “They said we can delete it.” Brandon Cutler said, trying to sound sympathetic. “Thank you.” Brianna mumbled. “Look, we got Kaz to calm down, and he’s gonna talk to you about it,” Brandon put his hand on her shoulder before getting up, “Hang in there, alright?”

“Could this day get any worse?” Brianna thought to herself.

When of course, with Brianna’s luck, it could. She felt something drop on her head, then her arm, then ankle. It’s like the rain started on command. “This is so fucking cliche.” Brianna said, standing up and walking to her car, not without one of her heels breaking. 

She waited until she got in the car, and then she screamed, at the top at her lungs. She just wanted to go to sleep, and find a fucking way to prove Kaz wrong.

Back at the Hotel

It had been months. Months since Parker and Chuck broke up. She wanted to talk to him outside of BTE for months. But she didn’t have the guts to do it.

She was watching tv in her hotel room, thinking about him, like always.

She pulled out her phone and facetimed Gabby, the only person she could really talk to about this stuff. There were a few rings before Gabby picked up, clearly irritated, “Girl it is half past midnight. Why are you calling me?” “I need to talk to him.” “Talk to who?” “Chuck! I can’t keep putting it off anymore.”

“Well then just talk to him?” “I can’t just discuss that over the phone.”

“Well, ask if you can talk in person.” Parker nodded, and went to her contacts, and clicked on the one she hadn’t touched in months. She read through the last of his messages to her, she didn’t answer.

It made her feel horrible.

She finally worked up the courage to type it out, “Can we talk? Like in person?”

“Okay, I did it.” “Great, now you just have to wait and see what he says.”

“Gabby, I’m sure he’s sleeping right now. And I can’t blame him if he doesn’t respo-” Parker paused, and looked like she had just seen a ghost. “Parker? Everything okay?” “....He texted back.”

“Well what did he say?!”

“He said of course, and then his room number…” “Well then go!” Parker got up quickly, tripping over her own feet walking to the door. “Wait wait Parker!” “What?”

“Put shoes on, don’t be a hobo.”

Parker laughed, quickly putting on some shoes, before hanging up on Gabby and making her way towards the elevator.

She waited when it opened, Trent coming out the elevator. “Oh, hey.” Parker said, looking at her feet. “He sent me to James’ room so you guys could talk.” Trent said, slightly laughing. Parker didn’t say anything, “Hey, it doesn’t have to be awkward y’know. We’re still cool.”

Parker smiled, and hugged Trent, before getting into the elevator. 

She walked out the elevator, for once walking with some pep in her step. It stayed that way until she reached the front of his door. She reached her hand up, and was about to knock when she put her hand down.

Well, not without hitting the door.

When she realized, she started freaking out. In silence of course. The door creaked open, Chuck and Parker looked at each other. “Do you wanna come in?”

Parker nodded, walking through the doorway. She sat on the couch, rubbing her hands awkwardly, looking at the floor. “So, what did you need to talk about?” He asked, sitting on the opposite side.

She could feel it coming, word vomit, “I made a mistake, and I know I did when I broke up with you, but I couldn’t work up the courage to talk to you cause I know you want nothing to do with me and-” “Wait wait, you still…” “Yes I do, and I know things will never be the same and just...I know this was a mistake.”

“Parker, I have been waiting to talk to you. Just at least when you’re ready. I miss you.”

Parker continued to look at the floor, slightly smiling. Chuck lightly gripped her chin, lifting her head up. “I love you, Parker.” Parker smiled, “I love you too, Chuck.” 

For the first time in months, they shared a kiss. “I missed having my whatever.” Chuck said, foreheads pressed together.

“Now can we please go back to being bit partners John keeps saying my name over and over.” The couple laughed, “Of course, I’ll tell James to stop giving you dirty looks.” “And I’ll tell the spooky perverts to not argue with you anymore.” The couple jumped when they heard the door open.

“I forgot my bag of chips.” Trent said, walking into the room. “God Trent you could’ve texted.” Chuck said, slapping his forehead. “I did. Did I interrupt something important?” Parker and Chuck looked at each other and smiled.

Trent started to “ooo” like he was in middle school. Parker stood up, cheeks red, “Okay on that note I’m leaving.” She started towards the door, “I love you Parker!” Chuck yelled out. “I love you too.” She was out the door when she heard Trent, “OH MY GO-” The door closed, and Parker laughed listening to Chuck yelling at Trent to shut up.

Parker walked towards the elevator, glad to have that situation of her shoulders and to have Chuck back.

“So, what's next for you two?” Trent asked, sitting back on his bed. Chuck looked out the window, “I don’t know yet exactly, I just know that I can’t lose her again.”

Back at Daily’s Place

“Did you see the look on Brandon’s face, it was priceless!” Kenny and Adriana had just finished their BTE bit and were now laughing at themselves for how clever they were. “Dude, I think we’re geniuses. Only we could come up with stuff like this.” Kenny said while holding his stomach from laughing. 

“You know, for a second I thought you were serious.” Adriana said after wiping her tears. Kenny tilted his head to the side. “What are you talking about… my legs were actually white as paper.” She shook her head, “That’s not what I’m talking about and you know that.” Kenny seemed to understand her a bit clearer now as he scooted closer next to her. “Do you really think that I would let you give me head at our job?” He asked with interest in his eyes. She began to start breathing heavily noticing their knees were touching. 

“You’re right - what was I thinking. You’re all business.” She sighed and put her hand on her face covering it up. Kenny thought it was cute how she was trying to hide from this conversation instead of talking about it. “That’s not true. I do childish shit all the time. And if we really wanted to, it would be way more than just head.” 

Adriana felt like she was powerbombed on the apron. “Plus I don’t see you as a person to give head in weird places like this EVP room, in a public bathroom, or even inside of a car.” He added. Her head whipped up so fast she thought it would fall off. “Right, why would I do that? That’s gross and disgusting-” she lied. If only he knew… “What’s gross, having sex with me or giving head in weird places?” She opened her mouth to speak but decided against it. 

He noticed as he rested his hand on her thigh. “I saw the look in your eyes Adriana. The way you looked at me when we did that bit for Being the Elite, is something I won’t be able to get my mind off for a long time. So - I am not saying it has to be today, but soon I want to hangout with you out of work. I want to know the real you.” She was left speechless, once again by Kenny Omega. “I got to go, but I’ll think about it.” 

She got up from the couch and wiped her now sweaty hands on her jeans. Kenny also stood , studying her. The way she avoided eye contact, the way her feet shuffled trying to gain her stuff immediately. His heart started to get louder as she finally looked at him and reached for a hug, making him open his arms. It wasn’t anything like he wanted. It was short and meaningless but he did get the chance to smell the perfume she was wearing and that alone made him swoon. Kenny gave her a wave as he sat back on the couch, “Shit.” he mumbled. “What have I gotten myself into.”

 On the other side of the door, Adriana was trying to come back to reality. “That really just happened.” she thought. “Did you have fun with ‘Spray Tan’ in there?” a voice asked sarcastically. She jumped up and when she turned around she was met with a frustrated Matt Jackson.  “Oh! Jeez you scared the hell out of me. I didn’t know you were here today.” She mentally slapped herself, “I really need to learn how to lie.” 

Matt leaned on the wall looking her over. “Really, last time I checked - I was an EVP. You on the other hand - are not - so what were you doing in this room for that long?” He asked. Adriana bit her lip, they hadn’t seen each other since their session in the car and both of them were aching for more ever since. “I had to record something with Kenny for BTE. It’s not that serious.” Matt ran his hand through his hair shooting his head back. “I saw the segment, Adri.” He plainly said. “Is this what we’re going to do? We’re going to act like what we did was nothing?” He walked closer to her sliding his hands to her waist. He lifted his hand to move some of her hair out of her face and leaned in to whisper in her ear, “Meet me at the Jacksonville Jaguars Stadium at 10 O’clock. And wear a bathing suit.” He hovered his lips over her neck before patting her ass and then walking away. 

Adriana stood there dumbfounded. She had waited a whole week to be able to get to see Matt, since they last met in the car and all she got was teasing. She looked toward the EVP room and sighed. She was so confused with emotions, she needed to get this stuff with Matt out of her system before it was too late. Adriana began her walk to her car, so she could get ready for a night with Matt Jackson.

“I SWEAR NONE OF THESE HOES ANSWER THE PHONE WHEN I NEED THEM!” Adriana threw her phone onto the bed after attempting to call Gabby, Parker, and Bri and of course they declined. Every. Single. Time. “Guess I have to go at this alone.” She sighed. She really missed talking to her friends, no matter how annoying they got. She would never feel complete without them. 

She pushed her friends to the back of her mind as she threw clothes out of her suitcase. After 15 minutes deciding which bathing suit to wear she chose a normal two piece with some shorts and a normal tee to go over them. After she changed in the bathroom she grabbed everything she needed and headed out the door. 

She pulled up to the stadium and parked confused on where to enter until her phone buzzed. Matt Jackson : I see your car, we’re the only ones here. So I’ll let you in.” Adriana chuckled. She got out the car fluffing her hair so she appealed somewhat decently. She saw Matt waiting for her at the entrance. 

He picked his head up from his phone and let out a low whistle. “Well damn, I was not expecting this.” He fumbled with his keys as she rolled her eyes. When they finally got in he took her hand and led her to the pool. She removed her shorts and shirt as he did the same. Adriana dipped her toe in removing it as she felt how cold it was. 

Before she could react she was pushed into the pool and when she got to the top for air she saw Matt jumping and doing a cannonball, making water go everywhere. Matt swam around a little before looking over to a shivering Adriana. “Yo-you’re an i-idiot.” Her teeth chattered making Matt laugh. “Ah, stop being a big baby and swim with me.” He slapped water onto her making her gasp. “I think I should wait till it gets w-warmer.” She smudged, making Matt swim over to her. 

“I have a couple ways we could speed up the process.” She smirked. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he backed her up to the edge. He lightly pressed against her, making her let out a small whine. “If you’re going to do something just do it.” She said, clearly impatient. He pressed his lips onto hers, as she kissed back. He began to lower his hands trying to find the part to disconnect her bottom. She smirked into the kiss making him hungry for more as he pushed his tongue onto her bottom lip. She opened her mouth a little, only to hear a “IS ANYONE IN HERE?” Adriana tried to disconnect, but Matt pulled her back. “Whoever it is, will either go away soon or get a free show- I couldn’t care less.” Adriana pushed Matt off making him groan. She heard the door open and was shocked when Kenny Omega came out in swim trunks. 

“Oh, it’s just you guys. What are you doing here?” he asked, confused. “Nothing much, just going for a late night swim.” Adriana lifted her finger to her mouth as she could feel her lip swollen at how hard Matt had bit it. Kenny nodded, “Right… mind if I join you?” He asked. Matt mumbled something too low to understand. “Of course, come on.” She smiled. “There it is again, that damn smile.” He felt weird seeing her in a bathing suit and it was even more weird seeing one of his best friends next to him. 

Matt turnt around and faced Adriana , so Kenny couldn’t hear what he had to say, “He totally just cockblocked me. It had to be on purpose.” He whined. Adriana rolled his eyes, “He didn’t know. Leave him alone, let's just save our first time somewhere other than a public pool.” He scoffed, but he couldn’t stay mad at HER. 

It was Kenny who was the problem, and he would make sure that he stayed out of the way.

WE’RE BACK FAM!!!! Thanks again to my co-writers @westanaew​ and @adriii-omega​ , it feels great to get back into the series! <3

[waywardwrestlewritingwaif]

Raise the Stakes, Part 11

Let's mainline some angst, shall we?

(Don't forget to check the Master List for previous segments)

Pairing: David Finlay x OFC x Jay White

Word count: 1,483

Content advisory: language and some toxic relationship stuff that some might find disturbing/ upsetting

You smack your arm on the corner of a crate of equipment as you pass. It hurts and it’s probably going to leave a bruise but you don’t care. There are other people around but you hardly see them. If any of them is trying to talk to you, you can’t hear them because the blood pounding in your ears blocks everything else out. You’re on a mission. You’re going to kill the son of a bitch.

It occurs to you that maybe you should grab something so that you might look a little threatening. If there wasn’t still action going on in the ring, you’d run out and see what was stashed under it. That’s where all the potential weapons are kept, right?

You keep replaying the backstage scene in your head. One minute Juice and David are there, pumped from winning their match and talking about challenging for the tag titles again and then they’re just ambushed, a coward’s attack.

Son of a bitch. You’re going to murder him when you find him.

His voice gives him away, always too loud because he wants to make it impossible to focus on anyone but him. And although you can’t hear much of the sound around you, that voice cuts right through. You find him sitting with Chris Bey, of course, the two of them laughing and carrying on. He turns to face you, smile still plastered on his face, but his eyes are predatory. He wanted this showdown. You’ve played into his hands but you don’t care because he’s taken things too far.

At first, David had withstood the attack well enough, he’d gotten some blows in. But it wasn’t a fair fight. Jay had been fresh and knew what was coming. Even then, he’d resorted to smashing a heavy palette with equipment cases right into David’s prone body. It was at that point that you’d covered your face but the sounds were bad enough.

As soon as you’d made sure that David was off to get checked by the doctor, you’d started hunting down his nemesis. Your nemesis.

“Uh-oh, looks like he sent his muscle after you,” Bey croons as you enter the room.

“Damn right. She’s the scary one,” Jay laughs.

“You sleazy bastard,” you snarl. “You pompous little chickenshit. What the hell were you trying to prove?”

“Look out man, I think you pissed her off.”

“You think this is pissed off? This is what she’s like when she’s happy.”

The two of them crack up laughing again.

“Get the hell out, Chris,” you seethe. “I have to talk to your new boss alone.”

He glances at Jay who gives him a little nod, then makes his way out of the room, acting like he’s scared of you.

“Are you not enjoying the show tonight, angel?”

“If you ever pull anything like that again…”

“That’s the job. If he can’t handle a few punches then maybe he should go work as a crossing guard or a data entry clerk or something. Might be easier for him, now that I think about it. Less chance of being a complete failure.”

“The job is to make audiences believe in what they’re seeing, not to actually hurt people.”

“Hey, I’m the one getting hurt. He stole my shot at the title in Japan. He stole my girlfriend. You should be feeling sorry for me, not him.”

You aren’t quite able to hide the surge of feeling you get when you hear him call you his girlfriend. Ex-girlfriend, you tell yourself.

“You leave him alone. Have your big big blow off match since that’s what you want so much. Then you get on a plane back to Japan and stay there. You don’t come near him otherwise.”

“Strange that they haven’t told you yet.”

He knows something you don’t and although you hate to play into his hands, you can’t help but do so.

“Who hasn’t told me what?”

“New Japan. They’re doing more shows in America. A bunch of them. So they needed to bring in some star power. I guess they’re trying to figure out who’s going to do all this liaising or whatever you’re calling it.”

“I can handle a little extra work.”

“You’re not going to be doing it.”

“Is that your way of saying you’re going to get me fired? And I’m supposed to be all scared like I could never get any other job?”

“Fired? Of course not. You’ll always have a job as long as I’m around.”

He stands and moves closer to you, running his fingers up your forearm with an unkind smirk.

“Stop that. I don’t work for you anymore.”

“Believe me, I know. I think about it all the time.”

You back away, trying unsuccessfully to avoid getting pinned against the wall.

“I am going to beat him. I am going to humiliate him. There’s nothing you can do about that.” He leans in close and continues, “But whatever else happens, that’s up to you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I told you: I can make it so that he can’t get work at anything larger than a midwestern bingo hall. But I’m a generous man, so I’ll leave it in your hands.”

You stare at him, hoping he’s not implying what you think. His cheeks are flushed with excitement. He’s winning and he knows it.

“You come back to work for me. You forget this silly fling you’re having and get back to what’s important. And if you do that, I’ll let your little boyfriend keep his job.”

“Are you for real? That is sick, Jay, even by your standards! You want me to whore myself out to you to protect the man I love? What sort of tacky 19th-century melodrama are you living in?”

At the sound of the words “the man I love”, you can see something dark pass over his features. It takes him a long moment to compose himself before he takes both your hands in his and presses them to his lips, kissing them and letting his tongue slide over the skin.

“I know it’s my fault. You felt neglected and so you ran to the person you knew was desperate to please you. And when I got you back so quickly-”

You flinch the second you hear that but you grips your arms tight and continues.

“I clearly didn’t express some things well enough. If my reactions seem extreme, it’s actually because I want the drama over with. Sweet though I’m sure he is, David Finlay is a distraction for you. So consider this me protecting you from your own bad instincts.”

This is one of those moments, and there have been a number of them over the years, when you wish that Jay would haul off and punch you the way he would if you were a man; like somehow it would be easier to take if the two of you could just get in a fist fight than engaging in this sort of dialogue. The wounds would heal faster.

Everything he’s saying is about his ego, manipulative and self-serving and yet you know it would be so easy to lean in, to let him kiss you which you can tell he wants to do. He still occupies a space inside your head, big enough that no matter what sort of bullshit he’s spouting, you feel obliged to consider it.

“No,” you snap, twisting to get out of his grip. “Not this time. Get your hands off me.”

His hold on you tightens.

“Jay, I’m serious, let me go right now or else.”

“Or else what?”

“Let her go.”

David’s voice slices right through, an unusually dark tone behind it.

Jay laughs a little and waits for a few seconds before releasing you and stepping back to allow you to leave. You scramble clear and grab hold of David’s arm, gasping like you’ve been held underwater. At first you don’t notice the look passing between them but when you do, it almost frightens you. There’s real violence in it, real hatred. You’ve been watching the two of them bond and square off for years, you’ve seen the bitterness, envy, and insecurity they’ve raised in each other but never anything like this. They’d look like animals preparing to tear into each other if the emotions on their faces weren’t so uniquely human.

“Come on,” you whisper, gently tugging on David’s hand. Every muscle is tensed, all the way up to his neck and you’re worried that you’re not going to be able to stop a fight. “Please,” you whimper.

David relaxes just a little and leans back without ever taking his eyes from Jay’s. He doesn’t move to leave on his own but he lets you lead him away very slowly. It feels like a long time before you’re able to pull him close to you.