#and you’re stunned and you’re a kid and it’s several years before your first cellphone

[aliosne]

[drug abuse cw] I mostly feel compassion for my father but then sometimes Mum’s driving us all home after Christmas dinner and i vividly flash back to the time in my teens where i realised with dawning horror he was driving me home high

[negans-wifeyy]

The Babysitter

Summary: Jeffrey Dean Morgan gets down and dirty with his babysitter. 

Pairing: Jeffrey Dean Morgan x Reader

Warning: Heavy smut, major negan vibes

Tags: Seduction, angry sex, older man/younger woman (the reader is 18 and in high school), mdom, sub!reader, teasing, oral sex(woman receiving), unprotected sex(oups), etc.

Word Count: 2398

A/N: The premise of this story was heavily inspired by an audio from the subreddit gonewildaudio. I’ll put the link in the comments since tumblr won’t allow me to publish anything with a NSFW link in it. If you haven’t discovered GWA yet, you’re welcome. Also, the story involves Hilary Burton portrayed as a shitty wife but it’s nothing against her or her actual marriage to JDM. I just needed to include her in it for the story to make sense. 

-------------------

Ever since you were little girl, you’ve lived next door to the Morgans who were known in your neighbourhood like the white picket fence family. Last year, much to everyone’s surprise, Mrs. Morgan separated from her husband, Jeffrey, and even move out of their house. Now that they shared custody of their two boys, you’ve become Mr. Morgan’s trustworthy babysitter on days where he was working late. Three times a week, you’d babysit his kids after high school. You went to a private school at the other end of town but you always made sure to arrive at his house on time to welcome the kids home. Their mother would always pick them up from kindergarten and dropped them off for you to watch them over the evening. Often times, you’d rush out of your last class without even having time to change from your uniform just to be punctual. Today was one of those times, except that it was now an hour past the hour that Mrs. Morgan would usually arrive with her children. She was very much late and you tried to call her multiple times, but got no answer. Concerned, you reached her husband to let him know about the situation.

"Hello?" Jeffrey answered over the sound of a loud car horn.

"Hi, Mr.Morgan" You said. "This is Y/N. Are you driving?”

“Oh hi Y/N, I am driving but you can talk if there’s an emergency."

"The boys aren’t home yet and I arrived about an hour ago. I called your wife on her cellphone several times but only got her voicemail" You informed him.

"That bitch" He muttered under his breath. "Listen, my phone is about to die but I left work early today so I’m on my way home now. I’ll be there in a few.”

“Alright see you soon” You said before hanging up.

Not even a couple minutes later, your very enraged neighbour storm in his house while you were waiting for him in the living room. He directly went to grab the home phone and furiously dialled his wife’s number. You were sitting on the couch and watched as he stood next to the kitchen counter angrier than you’ve seen him before.

"Hello Hilary?? Where the fuck are you?!" He shouted at her. You couldn’t pick up what she was saying back but you listened closely to the entire conversation. "The babysitter’s been waiting for you to drop off the kids since 4! [... ] We had a fucking deal, Wednesday to Friday, Y/N watches them until I get off of work! [...] Oh, so now you have a problem with our agreement?![...] This was your idea! This is all on you! You decided to move out after the divorce and take our children with you! I want to see my kids! [...] Of course I’m getting mad. You— Hilary? Hilary?? Hilary??!"

Jeffrey threw the phone on the floor breaking it into pieces. His face was all red and a vein popped up from his forehead from being so angry. You stood up a bit shaken by his actions and didn’t know whether to stay and calm him down or leave to let him cool off.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to lash out like that" He apologized in a calmer tone."It’s just been hell lately trying to co-parent with Hilary. She wants to get full custody of the kids and is trying to make me look bad for leaving them with you during my nights that I’m supposed to spend with them."

"No need to apologize, I’m more sorry to hear about it. Are the kids ok?” You asked.

“Yeah, they’re fine. They’re with their mom and aren’t really aware of the drama”

“That’s good. And are you ok Mr.Morgan?”

“I have to be. But deep down though, I’m boiling inside and I just can’t believe she would do that! " He rose his voice yet again.

"She'll come around I’m sure about it." You tried to reassure him so he wouldn’t lose his temper again.

"No she won’t! That bitch is depriving me from seeing my boys and I bet her manipulative ass is gonna get away with it. I can’t believe I’m even getting mad right now! That’s exactly what she fucking wants!!" He vented to you letting out all of his repressed emotions. But, he wasn’t done yet. From the rage written all over his face, he was on the verge of really blowing up. "God I’m so... I’m so fucking pant up right now!!! I just.. I just need to pin someone down and fuck them hard until they come on my cock!!"

That was really unexpected. You were so stunned by the profanity of his statement that you stood in place wide-eyed, swallowing a huge lump in your throat. Any other person would be shocked by the obscene language that Jeffrey used but for you, it’s was surprisingly turning you on.

"I’m so sorry again, I can’t believe I said that out loud.” He said almost out of breath from yelling so much. “I hope I didn’t scare you?”

"Euh.. no. It’s ok don’t worry” You said as you cleared your throat.

"It’s just been so long ever since the divorce that I’ve... you know, done it. Our marriage was built on makeup sex from always fighting, so every time I get angry now, I can’t help getting aroused. And umm..." He declared before stopping briefly to walked around the counter and come closer to you. You were so nervous the more he closed the distance between you two. "It surely doesn’t help, when a young, attractive woman like you is dressed up in her cute schoolgirl uniform, calls me Mr.Morgan with an innocent voice and looks up at me with her dewy eyes."

He was now standing in front of you so closely and eyed you up and down like he desired you more than anything in the world. You could feel your heart pumping through your chest and your palms were sweating from the sexual tension building up. Plus, he was looking really handsome with the business suit he was wearing which turned you on even more. You’ve always been attracted to your neighbour but feared that your major age gap would be an issue for him. From the way you both stared deeply into each other’s eyes with lust and desire, you knew now that it wasn’t an issue at all. He moved his hand to your face, palming it and thumbing your bottom lip.

"You are so fucking gorgeous" Jeffrey said to you and all of the sudden, his lips crashed onto yours. He kissed you so passionately as he grabbed the back of your neck with one hand and cupped your ass with the other. "You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do this"

"Me too. " You said with your hands laying on his chest. His heart was also beating really fast.

"You know, I’m 100% sure that my attraction to you is the reason why Hilary doesn’t want you babysitting the kids. She would always get jealous of the way I looked at you when you’d come over." He lowered his head to your neck to give it gentle kisses and continued to talk in between them. “I’ve always fantasized about having you and right now, I want you more than anything.”

The way he talked while sucking at all your sensitive spots, you couldn’t help yourself but moan gently. Jeffrey moved up to your earlobe to nibble it with his mouth.

��Here’s what’s going to happen.” He whispered into your ear with his raspy and dominant voice. “You’re gonna lay down on the couch and I’m going to lick your cunt until you cum all over my tongue. After that, I’m going to fuck you hard and fill you up with my cum. Are we understood?"

"Yes Mr.Morgan” You said to him, which made him smirk slightly in satisfaction.

"Good girl" He told you as he sat down on the couch. "I want you to take off all your clothes first. Slowly. "

You did as you were told by starting to unbutton your blouse. Jeffrey was eyeing your every move and he let his hand wander down to his dick that was rock hard through his pants. Then, you got rid of your skirt, leaving you in your bra and panties. Normally, you would have been really insecure stripping down in front of someone. But, by the way Jeffrey was touching himself and looking at you like you were the sexiest thing ever, you felt really comfortable. As soon as you took your bra down, he motioned to you with his finger to come closer.

"Sit on my lap baby girl" He demanded to you and you followed his order. "Now grind on it”

You whined your hips back and forth on his thigh and Jeffrey took advantage of your proximity to massage your breasts and take your nipples in his mouth. He nibbled and tugged on them which made you even more excited and grind on him faster. The friction on your clit was getting you closer to your climax.

"That’s it Y/N. Keep grinding your pretty little pussy on my thigh. I want you dripping from your wetness.”

“Oh god! I’m gonna cum!” You cried out as you almost reached orgasm.

“No, you’re not.” He spat at you and took you off of his lap. He pinned you down on your back and laid on top of you. His eyes were filled with rage and his hand was now wrapped around your neck. "You don’t get to cum until I tell you to. Do you understand?"

"Yes”. You responded softly.

“Yes who?” He demanded and squeeze his hand on your neck, choking you gently.

"Yes Mr.Morgan.” You managed to say out of breath.

“Good girl. Now let’s see how wet you are for me” He slid down the couch and spread your legs to settle in between them. Jeffrey cupped you sex over your panties to feel your wetness. “Wow, you are dripping. Am I making you this wet?”

“Ye-Yess Mr.Morgan." You breathed out heavily as he started to rub you slowly. You rocked your hips forward following the motion of his hand.

"Don’t get too eager now baby girl, I haven’t even tasted you yet.” Jeffrey stopped rubbing you to take your panties off. He kissed down your leg slowly and when his mouth got in front of your sex, your whole body squirmed in anticipation. But he wanted to keep teasing you and kissed your inner thighs instead. When he saw that you were getting more and more excited, he licked up the length of your slit before sucking gently on your throbbing clit. You arched your back in pleasure and Jeffrey stared up at you being completely intoxicated by his oral skills. As if eating you out wasn’t enough, he pushed two fingers inside of you without warning and curled them upward to rub against your g-spot.

“Oh fuck it feels so good!!” You gasped. "Keep going!”

You grabbed both the side of the couch and Jeffrey’s hair for balance. He devoured and finger fucked you more rapidly without breaking eye contact with you. You were on the verge of cumming but remembered that you weren’t allowed unless he told you to.

"Do you need to come baby girl?” He asked you.

“Yess!” You whined out desperate.

“Beg for it.” He demanded

“Pleeeease Mr.Morgan can I come?!” You pleaded.

"Come for me right now, all over my mouth and my fingers."

"Fuckk yesss!!! You screamed out loudly and your entire body convulsed from the intensity of your orgasm. As you were coming down from it, breathless, Jeffrey moved up to kiss you so you could taste yourself. His entire mouth and beard were drenched with your cum.

“I need to fuck you right now. I need to feel that tight little cunt clench around my cock. Are you ready baby?” Jeffrey declared to you. You nodded in response and reached down to unbuckle his belt. You grabbed his dick inside his briefs and stroke it gently.

"You are so big Mr.Morgan, I wonder if I could fit you all in my mouth” You told him amazed by his size. His lips were parted and he moaned softly from your touch and your dirty talk.

"Fuck. That would feel so good” He suddenly stopped your actions and grabbed both your hands to pin them on top of your head. “But you’ll get to suck my cock another time. Right now I need to be inside of you really badly.”

Jeffrey took his member in his hand and teased the tip up and down on your entrance before penetrating fully. You took every inch of his massive cock without any time to adjust as he rammed inside of you faster and faster. His rough strokes in your cunt were hitting all the right spots and you moaned louder than you’ve ever moaned before with any other men.

"Oh fuck yesss!! Don’t stop!" You screamed.

"Your pussy is so tight around my cock! Fuck!" He grunted ou loudly. He put his hand around your neck again to choke you as you were gasping for air. "Beg for my cum!" 

"Please!! I-I want you- oh fuck!" You tried to beg but failed due to the amazing sensations and Jeffrey’s hand around your throat.

"I said: beg for my cum!" He commanded you.

"C-Can you please cum inside of me while I come around your dick Mr.Morgan?!"

“Cum right now!”

Your body twitched, your toes curled and your eyes rolled back as you came harder than before. It felt like an out of body experience and not a few seconds later, Jeffrey came too.

“Oh fuck, I’m cumming!! Take my load deep in your tight cuuunnt!!" He moaned and filled your pussy with his cum.

He let go of your hands and neck and before he collapsed on top of you, you kissed him yet again still aching for more.

“That was amazing Y/N” He told you with a grin so wide, you could see his dimples form. “Why don’t you join me in my bedroom for the night? I am not quite with you baby girl."

"Yes Mr.Morgan." You eagerly responded and returned his grin with a cheeky smile.

[wedreamerz]

Roll You In Sugar

Follow Up to Buttons

Written for @mcukinkbingo 

Square Filled: SugarBaby/Daddy 

Pairing: Tony/Peter. (Peter is 18+)

Rating: E

Warnings: None

Tags: Daddy/Sugar Baby, Daddy Kink, Praise Kink, Smut, Fluff

“Good night, Daddies,” I blew a sleepy kiss to my guests before turning off the camera.  It was a good show.  The guests had been encouraging, their comments just enough to tip me other the edge.  But I was disappointed when youknowwhoIam was mostly silent through the show.  He’d thanked me at the end but other than that, he’d been quiet.

I fell back onto my bed, surrounded by discarded clothes and dildos, hoping he hadn’t been disappointed with my performance.  A little chime sounded on my laptop, indicating a notification had come through.  I stretched a groaned, not wanting to move, but curious, a little hopeful.

<youknowwhoIam> private: You’re stunning, Sweetheart. Where are you? Let me take you to dinner? Let me spoil you like you deserve.

~~~~~~~~~~

He wore a mask, black lace that obscured his features but did nothing to hide his beauty.  I was hard, leaking and throbbing with need but I didn’t touch myself.  This performance wasn’t for me, despite his cheeky Iron Man underoos.

The others talked to him, shouted commands.  I couldn’t bring myself to speak.  I wanted to whisper in his ear.  I wanted to hear him moan when I touch him, open his tight little ass on my fingers.  He deserved flesh, flowers, kisses, and silk - not those cheap nylon stockings that clung to his firm, pale thighs.  I wanted to put him in the finest. And I wanted him all to myself.

Chest flushed, cock so hard in his fist, he came so pretty.  I watched, breathless and aching when he let go, little nose scrunched, mouth open and ready for me to fill it.

God… did I want to fill it.

 ~~~~~~~~~

My heart raced.  He wanted to meet me...like... actually meet me.  I couldn’t do that. I couldn’t meet a complete stranger I’d barely spoken to.

Could I?

<Underoos> private: How do I know you’re not a serial killer?

<youknowwhoIam> private: I’m not.

<Underoos> private: But how do I know?

<youknowwhoIam> private: I’ll prove it. Turn on your camera.

<Underoos> private: Why?

<youknowwhoIam> private Trust me, Sweetheart. All I wanna do is show you something.

I bit my lip, butterflies at war in my stomach.  I was still naked and for a moment I considered staying that way.  He’d already seen me come. But outside of the show, it felt strange, a little too exposed.  So, I pulled on my Iron Man hoodie and zipped it up before turning on the camera.

The window popped up as usual. And I saw that youknowwhoIam was the only one in the chat.  In the next moment, my screen flickered, and another window popped up, a black screen that scrolled with code for just a second before it lit up, revealing someone’s chest.

The software didn’t work this way.  I couldn’t see any of the guests, only chat with them.

“What the…” I whispered.

A large hand covered the camera lens, distorting the screen for just a moment before it pulled away and…

My stomach dropped down to my knees.

“T-Tony Stark?”

~~~~~~~~~~

The boy had a point. I could be anyone.  But I wasn’t.  And the fastest way through that argument was revealing my identity.  I had no qualms about it.  I wanted him to know me, know who I was and what I wanted.

Friday hacked the system and with a quick adjustment to the camera, I got to watch that beautiful face light up with excitement and awe.

“T-Tony Stark?” he said, eyes wide.

“See, I told you, not a serial killer,” I said with a smirk, leaning back against the headboard.

“H- how did you…right...you’re Tony Stark. Of course, you hacked my computer.”

“Not yours. Your company’s. Just a little piggybacking off of their cam feature.”

He smiled at that, genuine and so fucking sweet.  He shook his head and shrugged.  “Why?”

“Because I want you to take me seriously. I want to take you to dinner."

He looked into the camera, bit his lip.  "But why me?" he asked with a frown. "I'm just a broke college student trying to make a little money camming."

"Let's just say I don't like to share. I want you all to myself. Just dinner. No obligations. No strings. I'll fly wherever you are. And if you never want to see me again, so be it."

"I… I'm…"

He was looking for an excuse to say no.  But he wanted to say yes; I could see it in his eyes.

"Come on, Sweetheart… what do you have to lose?" I said softly, careful not to swing his pendulum in the opposite direction.  "Tell you what, let's just start at the beginning. What's your name?"

He glanced to the side at something off-camera - a door maybe? Was he alone? Did he have a boyfriend? I didn't care. He drew a breath and seemed to come to some kind of decision.

"Peter. Peter Parker."

~~~~~~~~~~

He sent a limo.  A long, black stretch limo.  A week after Tony fucking Stark hijacked my webcam, it pulled up in front of my apartment, standing out like the sorest of thumbs.

I had been waiting on the stoop, hoping May wouldn't notice.  I hurried forward as a tall, kind of cranky looking man got out of the driver's seat and met me on the sidewalk.

"Peter Parker?" he asked, eyeing the row of apartments with only a touch of distrust.

"Um, yes."  I gulped and shoved my hands in the pockets of my only good dress pants.

"Great. The Boss asked me to tell you he's sorry he couldn't be here to pick you up. He'll meet you at the restaurant. My name is Mr. Hogan. I'll be your driver tonight."

He opened the door for me, and I stepped back, second- no, fourth guessing this decision.  What was I doing? I had no business meeting a client.

But it's Tony Stark, that thirsty voice in the back of my mind piped up.  The one that had been there when I'd jerked off to the countless posters, magazines and leaked bootleg, cellphone porn videos.  He was my celebrity crush, my goal.  I wanted to be like him: genius, superhero, philanthropist.  He made a difference.

But it's Tony Stark, that other voice spoke up, the one who never failed to notice the articles about the people he'd been spotted with.

"Come on, kid. Boss isn't gonna wait forever," Mr. Hogan said, nodding at the open car door.

"Right, uh, sorry," I said as I climbed in.  

It was quiet inside, warm and cozy in contrast to the February chill.  The only coat I owned looked horrible with the grey dress pants and a blue dress shirt I'd chosen.  So, I'd ditched the coat and topped the outfit with the soft grey sweater May had gotten me last Christmas.

I didn't know where we were going or even if what I was wearing was appropriate.  I mean, Mr. Stark was used to the best, the finest.  I looked down at my pants, already wrinkled, and frowned.

This was a huge mistake.

~~~~~~~~~~

I'd done my research. 

Peter Parker had graduated high school early and was at the top of his class, in his third year at Empire State University where he majored in Biophysics and minored in journalism.  He was a photographer and had had several of his photos featured in The Daily Bugle just this year alone.

I couldn't help but be impressed.  Not only was Peter the most beautiful creature on the planet, he was a fucking genius.  But what made my boy truly fascinating was what he got up to in his spare time. And I'm not talking about camming. Imagine my surprise when I learned that my boy had a secret identity that had nothing to do with Underoos.

When the limo pulled up to the restaurant, I smiled and sauntered out from under the awning.  I waved Happy away and he waved back in acknowledgment as I opened Peter's door.

He looked up at me, all wide-eyed and fresh-faced, like a fucking princess ready for the ball.  His cheeks were flushed, lips bitten pink.

“Mr. Parker?" I said and extended my hand.

"Mr. Stark."

He smiled; a tiny thing that grew until his eyes lit with pleasure.  His hand in mine wasn't something I was prepared for, the warmth, the want of never letting it go. Neither was his cheeky grin.

He looked up at the restaurant I'd chosen and chuckled.  "Not quite what I was expecting," he said.

I eyed the little brick building and nodded.  "It's my favorite Italian joint in Queens. They have the best -"

"Chicken parm, I know," he said.  "We order from here all the time."

"Good. Unless you'd rather go somewhere else? Uptown? I have a jet; I could take you for real Italian food."

"Oh, no no no… I'm not complaining. I love this place. I just assumed…"

"That I'd take you to some big fancy Manhattan hot spot?"

Peter nodded and looked down at his shoes.

"Would you have been comfortable there?" I asked, gently turning him, tipping his chin so that he met my gaze. "Meeting me for the first time in the middle of that chaos?"

"No," Peter admitted.

"That's why I chose here," I said, not admitting to hacking his google account, looking through his Yelp reviews.  "I wanted you to feel comfortable."

"Thank you. I... I was a little intimidated. I mean…"

"I know, Sweetheart. But you shouldn't be. You're young, sure. But I did my homework. You're brilliant.  Come on. They're holding a table for us in the back."

~~~~~~~

Hand on the small of my back, he guided me inside.  I melted, literally leaned into his warmth. I'd known he was beautiful and witty.  But to have the full force of Tony Stark's undivided attention, to be swimming in that warm espresso gaze - it was more intoxicating than any amount of attention I could ever receive from the men in the chat. 

I'd expected wooing, amusing anecdotes from his trip to Japan or the last Avenger's mission.  But he continued to surprise me.

"So, tell me about your classes," he said after we had ordered.

"Oh, um… I'm studying Biophysics. But you probably already know that," I said.

"I know what you're studying and that you're top of your class. But I'd like to know what your plans are. What do you plan to do with your degrees?"

"I'm not really sure yet. I guess, whatever I do, I just want to make a difference," I said.  "I want to do something to help people."

He listened.  He didn't once look at his phone. He didn't interrupt me and seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say. Which was more than I could say for most guys my age.  But then guys my age never did interest me.

Dinner flew by so fast.  When the waiter brought the check to the table, I focused on the slice of chocolate cheesecake we were sharing. I'd reluctantly agreed to dinner and now that it was over, I couldn't help but want more.

~~~~~~~~~~

The limo was waiting, a toasty warm refuge in the flurry of flakes falling from the sky.  He'd agreed to dinner and fulfilled his promise, but I didn't want him to go.

Peter shivered and I frowned, noticing that he wasn't wearing a coat.  I stepped closer and smiled. 

"Thank you for coming to dinner," I said softly and stroked his cheek, not missing the way he leaned into my touch.

I wanted to push him into the limo, pull him to my arms - into my bed.  I wanted so much more from Peter Parker than a one-night stand.  I wasn't a jealous man.  Morally, I had no issue with the way Peter made money.  But the thought of the men in the chatroom watching Peter in his most intimate moments made me want to break things and I knew I'd never be able to handle it.

I wanted Peter all to myself.

"I had a good time," he said with a smile so sweet it made my teeth ache.

"Don't you have a coat?" I asked and he looked down, cheeks pink from more than the cold.

"It didn't look good with my outfit," he mumbled.  I pushed down the possessive urge to wrap my arms around him and instead took my coat off and set it over his shoulders.  It was too big, but he snuggled into the warmth with a grin.

"But now you're cold," he said.

I tipped up his chin.  He didn't resist.

"Then come keep me warm," I said.  "Come home with me, Peter."  I held my breath, expecting an argument or excuses.

But Peter didn't pull away.  He smiled and stepped closer.

"I'd like that."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Come here, Sweetheart," Tony purred and patted his knee.  I'd never wanted to be anywhere more and moved into his lap without hesitation.

He ran his hands up my thighs and chest, then cupped my face.

"You're so beautiful," he said.  "And smart. Peter, I'm so amazed by your mind and impressed with your tenacity and kindness. You should be proud of everything you've accomplished."

I loved the way he made me feel, all melty and out of my head.  On camera, I was in control. In my day-to-day, I had to be very aware of my schedule, budget, and time management.  But in Tony's arms, for the first time in I couldn't remember how long, I felt like I could let go.  

Tony Stark thinks I'm amazing. I couldn't help but wonder what he would think if he knew that I had yet another secret identity.  That I was the vigilante crime fighter for the people The Bugle had been going on about recently.

He rubbed his thumb over my lips, gently pressed between them when I opened for him.

"So fucking pretty," he breathed.  "Can I kiss you, Sweetheart?"

I nodded, expecting him to swoop in for the kill. Instead, he slowly moved his hands down my back, cupped my ass and yanked me closer.  He was hot, already hard, and smelled like a fucking dream.

I closed my eyes and moaned when he bent, not to my lips, but my neck.  He nibbled up the length, pausing to bite and suck at my earlobe before tracing my jaw with his tongue.  I tipped my head back and revelled in the attention.  He took his time. nibbling and sucking his way to my lips.  When he finally got there, finally took my mouth, I was ready to give him everything.

Demanding, luscious, his kiss was all-consuming.  I let him take control, bent to his will until I was panting and rolling my hips, desperate for friction.  He pulled back with a pop and then sucked my bottom lip between his teeth, biting just hard enough to make me moan.  He pressed soft kisses to my lips and then across my face.

I whined when he grasped my hips, slowing my movements.

"Slow down, little Spider," he whispered.  "I want to see you come apart in my bed."

It took a moment for his words to sink in, moving through the chemical cocktail in which my brain was swimming.

I gasped.  Eyes wide, I met his gaze, suddenly shaking.

"Shhh, it's okay. Yes, I know your secret. But it just makes me want you more."  He stroked my back, soothed my fears.  "You're so amazing, Peter Parker. Let me show you how much. Let me spoil you. Let me ease your way."

~~~~~~~~~~

Peter tensed as the reality of my words sunk in.  Yes, I knew he was Spiderman.  Friday had found out while doing a facial recognition on the boy.  A security camera had caught a few seconds of his face as he dipped down an alley to change.  When Spiderman emerged a few moments later I put it all together.

"You're so amazing, Peter Parker. Let me show you how much. Let me spoil you. Let me ease your way."

"M-Mr. Stark...I--"

I had to be cautious.  Peter was proud. And he should be. I didn't want him to think I was trying to take anything away from what he'd done on his own.

"I want you, Peter," I said softly, stroking through his curls.  "Forgive me for prying -- it's what I do. But everything about you is a fucking wonder.  Everything I learn just makes me want you more. But Sweetheart, I don't think I can share you."

Peter frowned, pouting just a little bit. My stomach clenched.

"What do you mean?"

"Watching you online...Jesus, you're fucking beautiful.  Those men don't deserve you. Peter, I... when I say I want you -- I want you all to myself. I can't… I don't think I can handle sharing you like that."

Peter looked me in the eye and shook his head.  "But I... that's how I support myself."

"Let me."

Peter shook his head and frowned. "Let you what?"

"Let me support you. Let me give you everything you need. Everything you deserve-"

"Mr. Stark, I'm not...I can't… I'm not gonna be some Sugar Baby. I work hard for-"

"Peter, just listen to my proposal, okay? Just listen to me. And if you never want to see me again, I'll have Happy drop you off at home."

"Happy?"

"The bearded man in the driver's seat."

Peter huffed a laugh.  "Ironic. I like it. Okay, go ahead," he said after a moment's consideration.  I thought it was a good sign that he didn't pull away or move from my lap.

"You're brilliant, Peter. And investing in your future would not just benefit you. I have to look out for me, too. And to that end, I need bright young minds like you in my camp. I want to offer you a full ride to your current or dream school of your choice. You study, spend your time being brilliant, graduate and then come work for me. I'd be an idiot not to snap you up before my competition gets wind of your accomplishments."

"But I still need to live. And Mr. Stark, you just met me. How can you even be sure that you'll want to continue seeing me?"

"You're right. I know, shit happens. There are no guarantees that you'll want to continue seeing me either. I mean, I snore sometimes and I can't fucking cook to save my life."

Peter giggled at my joke and I smiled. I wanted to pull him into my arms, but I knew I had more work to do if I was going to seal this deal.

"That's what contracts are for, Sweetheart. We negotiate, each party gets what they need, and we both go home happy. Or even better, we go to bed happy."

Peter bit his lip and looked at where my hands rested on his thighs.

"All this because you don't like to share?" he said softly.

"All this because I see so much potential in you. I want to encourage you; I want you to see that you deserve more than what you're settling for right now. You've done an amazing job. I am only offering to make it easier for you to achieve your goals."

Peter smiled and finally met my gaze.  "And the fact that you wouldn't have to share me with the men in the chat room?"

"Consider it a bonus," I shrugged.  “Besides, you’re fucking Spiderman.  Imagine the things we could do together.”

Peter laughed and kissed me, soft and sweet and so fucking delicious.  Then he scrambled out my lap and crawled over to the minibar.  He grabbed a handful full of napkins and then climbed back into my lap.

"Do you have a pen?" he asked.

As we made our way out of Queens and headed toward the tower, Peter and I engaged in the fine art of negotiation.

~~~~~~~~~~

We left a trail of scribbled up napkins and clothes from the door to Tony's bed.  Specifically, my clothes.  He'd stripped me bare while he remained fully clothed in the most beautiful suit I'd ever seen - charcoal with a pale silver shirt and lavender striped tie.

Tony pushed me gently onto the bed and stood up with a playful smirk.

"Be a good boy," he said.  "And watch."

I bit my lip as he slowly removed his jacket, breathless with anticipation.

"Per Article 2, Subsection 1 of our agreement, I'm now basically your Sugar Daddy. And I get to roll you sugar as often as I desire."

"I don't think that's how it's worded."

"Hmmm, but that's the spirit of the agreement."

Tony winked and moved over to his dresser.  "In fact. I'd like to start right now."

I sat up, my feet barely touched the plush carpet as I perched on the edge of his bed, curious.

"I loved your outfit the other night," he said.  "But my Baby gets only the best."

He handed me a flat, black box with a silver ribbon around the middle.  I slid off he ribbon and squirmed with excitement.  He'd bought me something before we'd even come to an agreement.  I wasn't used to relying on someone else to buy me things.  Sure, the Daddies on the chatroom bought me sex toys and underwear off my wish list.  But none of those gifts had ever been given with such an expensive brand name on the box.  It thrilled and terrified me at the same time.

My cheeks warmed; the flush spread down my neck as I opened the box to find a pair of real silk stockings.  They were black with a row of tiny, silver spiders around the thigh.

"Daddy," I breathed, stroking the fabric.  My body responded as I imagined how they would feel against my skin.  I'd never owned a thing so fine and delicate.

"May I put them on you?" he asked.

"But… I don't want to rip them," I answered, looking up to Tony's eyes.

He smirked and cupped my cheek.  "Baby, if you rip them, I'll buy you another pair."

I bit back a gasp.  Tony chuckled as he devoured me with his eyes, watched as I hardened from just his words. 

”Lie back," he said.

I did as he asked, heart beating wildly in my chest.

He took my foot in his warm hands, massaged strong fingers into the arch.  When I moaned with pleasure and closed my eyes, he murmured, "That's it, Baby, relax. Let me spoil you."

Tony pulled one stocking from the box and scrunched it around my toes.  He pulled it up, smoothed it up my thigh, and tugged the band into place.

"Exquisite," he said, stroking up and down my calves.

I peeked through lowered lids to watch him to the same with the other stocking and then press kisses up each of my legs.  I loved the warmth of his breath through the silk.

"Perfect. See the way they fit you? Like a second skin," Tony said, rubbing his lips just above the band.  "I only want the finest to touch your skin, Peter. And tomorrow, after class, we're going shopping."

I opened my mouth to argue but he pressed a finger to my lips.  "Indulge me, Sweetheart."

My cock throbbed.  The way he said even the most innocent of things made me wild, made me want to climb into his lap and please him.

"Okay, Daddy," I said, preening when he beamed at me.

"Good boy," he purred.

~~~~~~~~~~  

I wasn't prepared for the way those words made me feel.

"Okay, Daddy."

Peter had said them on the video, talking to the men.  And yeah it had been hot.  But this time… this time those words were all for me and it was as if he'd given me the keys to Disneyland.

"Come here, Baby," I said, pulling him to his feet.  "Show Daddy how you look."

Peter did a little turn, his cheeks on fire.

"You look so fucking pretty, Baby. You wanna show Daddy how much you like his gift?"

I was worried for a moment that I had taken it too far, that he'd be offended.  But he whined and nodded before falling to his knees.

"That's it, Baby," I crooned, running my fingers through his hair as he undid my belt and pants.

"Daddy," he whispered, almost to himself, when he pulled my cock free. I smiled.  He was so fucking adorable.

He wrapped his hand around my shaft and leaned forward to rub his lips over the tip. 

"You're so big," he said, breath warm against my skin.  

"You like it, Baby?" I asked.

He pressed a kiss to my frenulum and looked up at me with the most mischievous expression before parting his lips and taking me between them.  He took me slowly down his throat and for a moment I couldn't breathe.

Peter closed his eyes and shuddered, pulled back with a little gasp.  He smiled and looked up into my eyes.

"Fucking amazing," I whispered.  He squirmed and smiled at the praise, nibbling little kisses up my shaft and around the head.  He licked around the tip, little pink tongue flicking and teasing until I thought I might come like that.

"Fuck, Baby. Come here, I'm gonna come if you keep that up and I don't wanna come in your mouth this time."

He whined and pulled off my dick with a salacious pop.  I wiped his chin and patted his cheek before pulling him to his feet.

I removed the rest of my clothes and sat down on the bed, scooting back to lean against the headboard.  Peter scrambled into my lap as soon as I held out my hand.

"Condoms?" he asked, and I smiled.

"Good boy," I said and rummaged in my bedside table for the box and tube of lube.  I handed them to Peter, and he smirked as he set them aside within reach.

"Fancy," he commented, eyeing the brand names.

I shrugged and gathered him to my chest, trailed a finger down his spine. "I told you, Baby. Only the finest touches your skin," I whispered and continued down between his pert little cheeks.  "And that includes this sweet little pucker here."

Peter moaned, pushed back on my finger.

"Open me up, Tony," he murmured into my chest and stroked the sensitive skin around where the arc reactor had been.  

He had to know what he was doing, had to realize what he traced.  But he said nothing, only kissed the spot reverently and pushed back against my fingers again.

"Okay, Baby," I said and grabbed the lube.

Peter made the most delicious noises.  As I fingered him open, he whined and moaned, rocked his hips in a languid dance that left me breathless.  Our cocks brushed together with just enough friction to excite and tantalize but not tip us over the edge.

"M'ready, Daddy, please," Peter whispered, scooted back and reached for the box of condoms.

Watching Peter concentrate might be the cutest thing in the world - especially when he was concentrating on rolling a condom down my shaft.  He took his time, little pink tongue between his teeth as he drizzled lube down my length. 

Satisfied, he looked into my eyes and said, "How do you want me, Daddy?"

I pulled him closer, ran my hands over the swell of his ass, and squeezed.  "Just like this, Baby. Ride my cock."

Peter wrapped his arms around my neck and rose up on his knees.  He took me slowly, eyes never leaving mine.  I moaned as he quivered around me, desperate to thrust, take his tight little hole.  But I reined in my control and let him lead.

"Oh my God, you feel amazing," he breathed into my neck.

"So do you, Baby. Now please, for the love of all that is holy - move."

~~~~~~~~~~

Filled and enveloped, I lost track of where I ended, and he began.  Never had I been so consumed. The scent of his skin, the taste of his kiss - I took all of him into me in return.

"Daddy," I breathed.

"Don't chase it, Baby. Let it come to you."  

He bit my lip and thrust up into me.  I met him on the upstroke, sparks burst behind my eyes.

He caressed my silk-clad skin, hands skimming over my thighs, moving up to grip my hips.

"You look so fucking pretty in those stockings, Peter," Tony growled.  "I love the thought of you in pretty things, perfect, beautiful things.  Things that I buy just for you."

"Daddy," I cried out.  "Please." I needed...I needed everything, wanted all of him.  He reached between us and grasped my cock, gave it a squeeze that made the sparks return.

"So hard for Daddy. So ready to cum all over his new stockings."

"Yes."

"Yeah?" 

"Daddy!"

"Come for me," he whispered, lips on my ear, hand around my cock.  With a few firm strokes, I was there.  He pulled me down to take all of him as he grunted his release.

I looked down to find my cum on my belly and thighs, thick white streams soaking into the fabric, into the pale skin that showed through a few tears.  I shuddered and squirmed as Tony pulled another stream from my body before I collapsed against him, warm in the cocoon of his arms.

He pressed kisses to my temple and stroked my back as we caught our breath.  Still hard, Tony moved just a little, slowing sliding deeper inside.

Into the silence that followed, I whispered, "I ripped my stockings, Daddy."

Tony chuckled.  "It's okay, Baby. Daddy will get you a truckload of stockings. A pair for every single day."

I snuggled into his chest, rubbed my face into the soft hair, tracing the ridge of scar tissue with my tongue.  I was unprepared for how utterly cared for he made me feel.

"And I'll wear them only for you," I said, meaning it.  Why...how could I ever want anyone else?

Tony released a breath he seemed to have been holding.  I smiled, charmed by his little insecurities.

"Just you," I said again.

He kissed my forehead and rested his cheek against my head.  

"Just for you," he repeated my words. I knew them for what they were.

I giggled, sleepy now, light as a feather.  "You gotta. You signed a contract."

Tony huffed a laugh.  "Baby, I don't need a contract to hold me to that promise," I heard him say as I fell asleep in his arms.

[ladyreapermc]

Fic: Catching Feelings 6/? (Keanu x OFC)

Summary: AU in which Keanu is down on his luck after he comes to  Hollywood trying to be an actor. To earn some money, he joins this app for   escorts and meets Steph, a rising star who hires him to try to forget   her ex. Neither of them are expecting to fall in love and all the problems it brings. (Previous parts: 1 2 3 4 5)

Author’s Notes: Another week, another chapter. Hope you guys enjoy it and as always, feedback is appreciated.

Wordcount: 3375

Warnings: smutish (dirty talk; powerplay; choking; lots and lots of teasing)

Keanu blinked blearily and confused as he looked around his room, trying to figure out what had woken him up this early. His brain was still dazed, his movements sluggish as he followed the noise, hand finally landing on his cellphone which had found its way under the bed somehow.

The sight of Steph’s name flashing across the screen finally kickstarted his brain and he rushed to answer the call, getting caught in a yawn as the facetime call connected.

“Shit! I woke you up. I’m sorry.” She winced, her tone apologetic and he smiled, waving off her apologies.

“It’s fine,” Keanu replied, voice still thick with sleep as he settled back on the pillows. “I needed to get up anyway.”

When Keanu had left Steph’s house the night he went to pick up his bike, he once again thought that would be the end of this thing they had. He hated himself for walking away, even after she cleared up the entire thing with Kevin, but he really thought it would be for the best.

He was falling in love with her way too hard and that was a problem. She was his client and nothing more. Or at least that was what Keanu tried to tell himself until the night he got home after a meeting a client and found a voicemail from Steph. He had no idea how she got her number, but her ramblings on how much she missed him warmed his heart, right until the part the call disconnected suddenly, and Keanu was left wondering if Steph was alright.

Panic only grew when she didn’t reply to his calls or texts and he was already looking up ways to find out where she was staying when Steph finally called back, letting him know she was fine. There were a handful of times Keanu felt that kind of sheer relief in his life and all of them associated with people he loved with all his heart. As if he needed any more proof of his own feelings. The ones he was running from for the past two months.

However, Keanu decided he was done running and that was what made him call her again later. To make sure she was feeling better and make it clear that what he had with her, it wasn’t something he did with just anyone. Keanu might be an escort, but not all money in the world could make him care for someone as he cared for her and he needed Steph to know that.

Admitting to it was liberating and the facetime calls became a routine for them. At least once a day they would talk, share about their day; chat about stupid things, everything and nothing and all in between.

Steph would send random texts throughout the day, pictures of stuff she thought he would find funny. While Keanu would send the things about home he knew she loved and missed.

It was a very welcome change in their… relationship? Friendship?  Keanu had no idea how to call it, but for the first time, he knew it was completely real. There was no money involved. No strings attached, no confusion due to sex. Though he really missed the mind-blowing sex they had, strangely enough, a month of this, talking every day and joking and trying to watch Netflix together even though there were an ocean and several timezones separating them and Steph seemed to have zero self-control and would always watch an episode or two without him was proving to be even more fulfilling. Even if it meant waking up at crack of dawn to talk to Steph when she was coming back from a whole day of shooting like she was now.

Keanu took a moment to really look at her, drinking the sight of her, no makeup, her hair pulled up and away from her face with the exception of a lock of hair that must have gotten loose and was falling over her big brown eyes. To him, she would never look more beautiful and Keanu felt the proverbial butterflies on his stomach as he watched her.

“You look tired,” Steph commented, disappearing off-screen a second before two soft thuds reached his ears. Probably her boots hitting the carpeted floor. “Long night?”

“Yeah. Got home around 2 a.m.,” Keanu said, scratching his five o’clock shadow. He had been toying with the idea of growing a beard, but Mike, their producer, shot the idea down. It wasn’t the look they were going for.

Steph only hummed noncommittally, her brow furrowing ever so slightly as she looked away and Keanu smirked, his heart picking up speed because he knew that look very well. He spotted that look several times through the last few weeks whenever any magazine or gossip site splashed pictures of Steph and her handsome co-star along with rumors of them dating.

“Dogstar had a gig,” he explained, making her look up startled. “Our first paying one. I mean, it barely covered gas, but still…”

“That’s amazing, Ke!” Her grin was blinding, and his heart did a little flip in his chest. He was head over heels of this woman and there was no point in denying anymore. “I’m really happy for you.”

“Thanks,” he replied, ducking his head a little as he felt his cheeks warm. “Maybe you can come to one of them when you get back.”

“I’d love to,” Steph grinned, picking up the phone and moving through the room. The image shook for a bit before it stabilized again and Keanu could no longer see her, only the white tiles of the bathroom. “We still have another month to go. Next week we’re flying back to Paris for some additional scenes. I’ve always wanted to spend my birthday there, but I didn’t think I’d be alone.”

“Where are you?” Keanu asked, scanning the frame, hearing her giggle before her face showed up again, but sideways.

“I’m changing,” she replied.

“So? Nothing I haven’t seen before,” Keanu pointed out with a smirk and Steph rolled her eyes but came fully into view.

She had taken her sweater off and stood there in jeans and her bra and Keanu could already feel his body responding to the sight of all her gorgeous skin. Her hands fell to her buttons, undoing them so damn slowly he wished he could push them away and do it himself.

Steph turned her back on him before pushing the jeans down, actually giving her ass a little wiggle to shimmy out of them and Keanu groaned, his boxers tight over his growing erection.

“You’re such a fucking tease,” he complained, rubbing himself and she had the gall to look over her shoulder with her best ‘who? Me?’ look, complete with that big doe eyes and pout and Keanu chuckled. “You were saying something about your birthday.”

“Yeah,” she said, her expression softening a little as she sat on the edge of the tub and turned the faucet on. “It’s the big three-oh and I’ll be here all by myself.” Steph shrugged. “I mean, sure Vincent is taking me to dinner and I appreciate it, but none of my friends will be here. The real ones at least…”

Keanu bit his cheek to keep himself from reacting to the mention of Vincent. It wasn’t that he was jealous, he just… Who was he kidding? It was exactly because he was jealous, but it wasn’t enough to divert his attention from what really mattered. How sad she looked at the prospect of spending her birthday without her true friends.

“When is it again?” he asked, an idea popping in his head. A terrible, unbelievably crazy idea.

---

Keanu paced the room with quick steps, desperately needing to work out some of the nervous energy thrumming through his body and movement had always been the way he did it. Be it by waving his hands around when he was speaking or bouncing his knee or walking around.

Moving his body always had a soothing effect in his mind for some reason and tonight he needed all his strategies to calm himself because if this crazy plan of his backfired, Keanu really didn’t know what he would do.

He had always been an impulsive guy, making decisions without thinking them through. It was what took him to Los Angeles; it was what almost killed him in that mountainside years ago. And now it was what could completely ruin the best relationship Keanu had in a long time.

What if Steph didn’t like the surprise? What if she thought he was crazy for flying all the way to Paris on her birthday without telling her? Yes, she said she wished her real friends could be here to celebrate with her, but it was Keanu who assumed he was included in that category. What if he was wrong? What if he was in love with her, but she wasn’t? What if…

The sound of the phone made him jump and Keanu nearly stumbled on his own feet trying to get it, answering with a quick hello.

“I delivered the envelope, Mr. Reeves,” the concierge spoke, his accent thick and making his words almost indecipherable. “She’s on her way up.”

“Thank you.”

His hands shook as he hung up and hurried through the process of lighting up the candles and dimming the lights, before coming to sit on the edge of the bed, fighting off the urge of bouncing his feet as the minutes ticked by with no sign of her. He adjusted his collar, feeling a little breathless.

What if she went to her own room instead? What if she thought it was some kind of mean joke or a trap from the press? What if she didn’t come at all?

Keanu’s heart lunged in his chest at the low chime of the electronic lock and he got to his feet, coming face to face with a stunned Steph. She stood there for a moment, eyes wide, mouth hanging open and he forced a small, awkward smile.

“Happy birthday?” he said with hesitation, wondering if she hated the surprise until her face shifted into a smile and she all but threw herself on his arms.

Keanu breathed out a sigh of relief, cradling her close to his body, nose buried into her head, breathing in the familiar scent of strawberries. He missed her more than he first realized.

“I thought maybe…” she started, pulling back a little and looking at Keanu with eyes full of wonder and affection. “When you asked me about my birthday, but you didn’t say anything else, I thought it was just wishful thinking, but you’re here.”

“Yeah,” Keanu smiled, resting his forehead against hers. “Is that ok?”

“It’s the best birthday present I could hope for,” Steph said, her lips pulling into a grin. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too.”

Keanu cupped her cheek, tracing her face with his thumb, almost as if trying to recommit her features to memory. It wasn’t the same, seeing her through facetime. It didn’t do her justice.

Her hands crossed behind his neck, fingers playing with his hair, massaging his scalp and Keanu tried not to tense as they came way too close to his secret, but since she didn’t seem to notice, he just sighed happily, leaning into the touch for a second, before bending his head and meeting her lips for a kiss, something he was longing for weeks.

Their lips molded perfectly together, finding their rhythm with barely any effort; their tongues moving against one another, tasting and exploring, relearning each other as their hands found their way under their clothes, searching warm skin and familiar curves.

Keanu struggled to get her out of her coat and scarf while her hand moved over his crotch, rubbing him through his jeans and groaned against her lips, getting lost in the feel of it before pulling back and catching her hand.

“I’ve got you a cake,” he announced, and Steph chuckled and nodded, letting Keanu move away from her and lead the way to the table.

Her small gasp at the sight of the black forest mini cake made Keanu grin proudly as Steph glanced from the sugary treat and back at him.

“How did you know it was my favorite?” she asked, and he just shrugged, trying for nonchalant, but feeling so stupidly happy for having put that happy smile on her face. He had googled it like a stalker, but her expression was definitely worth it.

He pulled a chair out for her with one hand, while the other dug through his pocket for the candle and lighter. To Keanu’s surprise, Steph pushed him on the seat and got on his lap, making sure to squirm and wiggle over his cock, dragging out a grunt from him.

“Fucking tease,” he complained, making her chuckle.

“Careful there, Ke. If you keep using that kinda language, I’ll have to gag you,” Steph warned, giving him a sideways smirk. “Or maybe just put that mouth to better use.”

“Cake first” Keanu reminded, arms coming around her to set the candle between the two decorative cherries before lighting it up. “Then you can tie me and gag me and whatever else you want.”

“Is that a promise?” Steph asked her voice low, sounding almost dangerous as she turned sideways on his lap so she could look at him and Keanu gulped, a shiver running down his spine at the look in her eyes.

“Yes,” he replied, meeting her gaze.

Had any woman ever made him feel like this before? Get him this hot and horny with just one look and a couple of suggestive words? Keanu was pretty sure the answer to that was a no. Steph had just a way of turning him on or making him learn things about himself that he never thought it would be possible. It was liberating and that was why he got her that present in the first place. If it wasn’t for Steph, Keanu would never know how much he wanted to try that with her.

At last, Steph turned her attention to the cake in front of her, arching her eyebrow at him Keanu and with a small blush, he sang her happy birthday, his voice low and unsteady. He had no idea why he felt shy about that, but he did.

“You’ve got a nice voice, babe,” she said kissing his cheek.

“I really don’t.” Keanu ducked his head and chuckle. “Anyway, make a wish.”

There was a moment of silence and Steph leaned over, blowing the candle, before turning on Keanu’s lap until she was straddling him and catching his lips in a hungry kiss, rolling her hips tantalizingly and he moaned against her mouth, his cock throbbing and pulsing in his jeans.

“Aren’t you…?”

“Later,” she cut him off, lips traveling over his jaw until she caught his earlobe between them, sucking lightly and pleasure shot through Keanu, his hands tightening over her thighs almost at their own accord. “Right now, I just you to fuck me.”

Keanu tensed for a second, hesitant and unsure of what he was about to propose. Steph felt it and pulled back, giving him a worried look.

“Something’s wrong?”

“No…” he breathed out, brushing away the hair from her face and pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. “I just… got you something.”

“You didn’t have to, Ke,” she hurried to say, and he thought he saw her flush. “Just the fact that you flew all the way here…”

“I wanted to…” he assured, patting her leg gently so she would stand up and he could move to his suitcase and get it.

Keanu hesitated, back turned to her, box in his hands. He took another breath, before facing Steph again and handing it to her. It was a simple black rectangular box, wrapped with a blue bow. Steph pulled it loose and opened the lid, frowning at its contents.

“A chain?” she asked with a confused frown, looking up at him.

“A-uh leash, actually,” Keanu explained, swallowing hard as he unbuttoned the first couple buttons of his shirt, exposing the leather collar around his neck and Steph gasped, staring at him with wide eyes. “Is this ok?”

“Ke… I…” she stuttered, meeting his gaze again. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” he nodded, his smile a little hesitant, but very hopeful. “I thought a lot about it and… I never came as hard jerking off as when I was picturing this. I want it.”

She watched him for a moment as if trying to spot a lie in his statement or stance and he fought the urge to squirm under her scrutiny. Keanu knew Steph just wanted to make sure he wasn’t just trying to please her, which he was, to an extent, but this was about him as much as it was about her.

Finally, she moved closer to him, eyes never leaving his as she undid the rest of the buttons and pushed the shirt off his shoulders before caressing his chest, slowly making her way to the black band circling his neck.

Her small fingers ran over the edge gently, before she slipped one finger under the collar, making it tighter and Keanu swallowed hard, shuddering at the feel of it restraining his breathing just a little, making him gasp.

“Oh, babe…” Steph whispered, voice low and sultry as she petted his cheek. “You really like this, huh?”

“Yes, ma’am.” It still amazed Keanu how quickly he slipped into this whenever she used that tone with him. It was almost a pavlovian reaction by now.

“Then who am I to deny you?” she smirked at him, crooking her finger and tugging lightly on the collar and Keanu followed the motion, bending his head closer to her. Being rewarded with a dirty, searing kiss. “Especially when you’ve been such a good boy.”

She let go of him and took a step back, once again just watching him, lip between her teeth, her eyes dark and full of want.

“You look so beautiful like this, Ke,” Steph said, and he felt his cheeks heating up in embarrassment, so he ducked his head, dodging her eyes and shifting in place, hands clasped together in front of his body. “And you’re blushing? That’s so sweet.”

“Please…” his voice was low, pleading.

Not only he didn’t like being complimented like that, but his body felt like was about to combust and he was so hard it was getting painful. He couldn’t wait anymore. Keanu just wanted her. Almost desperately.

She smiled at him and nodded, moving closer once again and turning her back to him, exposing the zipper of her dress.

“Go ahead.”

He pulled it down slowly, the fabric parting to reveal her back and the purple lace of her bra. Keanu pulled the zipper all the way it would go, before pushing the straps of the dress off her shoulders, letting his lips graze over her nape and smiling lightly when goosebumps rose on her skin.

“I don’t remember allowing you to touch,” Steph chided softly, turning around to look at him and Keanu groaned at the sight before him. She was so damn beautiful.

“Sorry ma’am,” he mumbled, head down.

“No, you’re not.” She smirked.

She grabbed the chain from the box, before clasping it on the metal link on the collar and tugging on it tentatively. Keanu gasped and moaned at the feel of it, the way it tightened and led his movements. His cock twisted inside his pants, making his stumble forward even more uncomfortable.

With her free hand, Steph undid his jeans, shoving it down his hips and clicking her tongue at his lack of underwear. Keanu couldn’t care for anything except the relief of finally having his erection free.

“Someone’s eager,” she teased, pulling on the leash again with one hand, while the other stroked his cock and Keanu’s brain short-circuited at the combination of sensations.

Steph swallowed his moans in another kiss before she nipped on his bottom lip and pulled back to look at his dazed, unfocused eyes.

“This is gonna be fun.”

xx(tbc) xxx

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[marshmallow-phd]

Innocent Intentions

Part of The Untamed - EXO Wolf Universe

Genre: Supernatural, Wolf Au

Pairing: Tao x Reader

Summary: There was one thing you couldn’t stand in all your years at college: playboys. And the campus was riddled with them. So when Tao - a player with a particularly well-known reputation - inserts himself into your life, you come up with a plan to get rid of him, whether he makes your heart race or not. But the more he’s the around, the more you just might find there’s a hidden layer underneath all the rumors, including a secret you never could have guessed….

Part: 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 I 8 I 9 I 10 I 11 I 12 I 13 I 14 I Final

**

“You want me to do what now?”

All week, you’d been looking forward to tonight. Not that you hadn't also had casual lunch dates and a spare five minutes here and there to spend with Tao over the past few days when you weren’t in class or working. But you’d worked yourself up into this mindset that Tao was over the top with all his more official dates and you couldn’t wait to see what he had up his sleeve for you next. Would it be just as romantic and intimate? Or would it be something thrilling and adventurous? Or maybe something more simple, yet just as memorable. Whatever it was, you were getting to spend uninterrupted time with Tao and that was going to be the best element of your evening.

However, your assumption that the date would be happening after school seemed perfectly reasonable. Not during the time you were supposed to be in class. But there was Tao, standing in front of you in the courtyard, trying to convince you to skip your last few classes of the day.

He gave you a look that read as playfully contentious. “It’s not a big deal, (y/n). It’s just starting the weekend a little early.”

“But it’s class,” you argued. “You know, the thing you pay to attend.”

“You’ve really never skipped?” he laughed.

You clamped your jaw shut before mumbling, “No.” It didn’t seem very logical to you to not go to class unless you were sick. Even that had been a struggle to stay home.

“Then your first time will be with me.” A large grin spread across his lips, giving you an uneasy feeling in your stomach. What did he have planned for you?

Grabbing your hand, Tao pulled you away from the buildings you were supposed to be entering for class and headed straight for the parking lot. You weren’t really fighting his grip, a sense of thrill drowning out the anxiety.

As he zoomed out of the parking lot and into the street, you didn’t bother to ask where you were headed. He wouldn’t tell you anyway. you still clung your backpack that was resting in your lap as if you were being tracked by the dean, like Ferris Bueller. Granted, you were an adult and could choose not to attend class if you wanted to. It wasn’t like they took attendance or anything.

The upside, at least, was that you didn’t have any tests or major assignments due today. To be honest, though, you had a feeling Tao would still be able to talk you into not going if you did. With him, the tiny, shriveled up rebellious part of you started peeking out from the covers it usually hid under.

When Tao parked the car in one of the designated spots off the main street, you were more confused than ever. This was the shopping district, mixed with unique shops and high end stores. You went through different scenarios as to why you were here, but came up empty on a good explanation.

“What are we doing?” you asked as you got out of the car.

“I need a new jacket,” was his answer.

What?

Tao took your bag and threw it in his trunk for safekeeping before leading you into one of the expensive stores you usually avoided. The associates on duty greeted the two of you, giving the typical “let me know if you need anything” spiel before wandering off. You stood there awkwardly while Tao searched through the coats, occasionally pulling one out, inspecting it, and shaking his head as he put it back.

After ten minutes or so, he turned to you. “Aren’t you going to look?”

You raised an eyebrow at him. “Why would I?”

“I want you to like it, too,” he replied.

Seriously? “Why does it matter if I like your jacket or not?” From what you could tell of his past outfits, the two of you had different tastes in the way of clothing items. “It’s your clothes. My opinion isn’t that important.”

He went back to looking through the jackets. “Because I’ll get you one, too. Whatever I get, you’ll get one, too.”

You snorted. “Like… matching jackets?”

Glancing at you, Tao actually looked a little offended. He huffed, stepping away from the rack, and put his hands on his hips as as he stared at you. “Is there something wrong with that? Showing you off? Shouldn’t everyone know that you’re my girlfriend?”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Girlfriend?” You were completely stunned. This felt… fast. Very fast. “When did we have that conversation?”

“I didn’t realize that was a conversation we had to have,” he replied a little arrogantly. “Do you not want to be in a relationship with me?”

“W-well, it-it’s not that,” you stammered. This was such an inappropriate place to have a conversation like this. “I thought… you know… that we’d go on a few more dates before labelling us like that. Shouldn’t you make sure that you actually want to be stuck with me?”

Tao apparently didn’t like your argument. Closing the gap between you, he took your hand, maintaining eye contact with you. It was amazing how quickly his sharp eyes could turn soft. “I already know that I want to be with you. But if you need more time, I understand. I’ll… try to be patient.”

Damn it. Why did he have to be so smooth? You were such a sucker for this boy. All it took were a few slick words, a soft touch of his hand, and suddenly you were puddy. Besides, you knew where you wanted to go with this. Was a label that big of a deal?

You sighed, staring at the racks of overpriced polyester before looking back up at him. “Does it have to be something as obvious as jackets?”

The smile that flashed on his face outshined the sun.

“Come on.” He nearly tore your arm out of it’s socket when he dragged you out of the store. Finally coming to a stop about a block away, he nodded towards a little knick knack store. “This better?”

You nodded happily as he led the way in.

Funny keychains and cellphone cases and other bobbles decorated the walls. The cashier behind the register looked up from his phone just long enough to wave at the two of you before going back to whatever was entertaining him before you showed up.

Immediately, you headed for the animal themed hats, taking one off the rack that looked like a koala and putting it on your head. You looked in the mirror as you pulled on the braided strings. Sure, it was a little childish, but this store was much more your speed. And everyone was allowed a little immaturity every now and again.

“Is that what you want instead?”

You laughed when you turned to answer Tao. He’d put on the panda-themed hat on, taking his look down from runway model to little kid. The giggles coming out of you were nonstop. “You look so cute.”

Playing the part to a “T”, Tao held up a peace sign and posed in a cute fashion that fit him all too well. That just made you laugh even harder until tears started to form.

Just then, his phone rang. Tao held up a finger asking you to wait for a second. “Hello?” For a minute, he didn’t say anything as he listened to whoever was on the other end of the phone. The cheerful features on his face slowly dissolved into shock and horror. “I’ll be right there.” In one swift motion, he pulled off the hat and tossed it back onto the rack before running out of the store.

“Tao! Wait!” You took off your own hat and followed out after him, barely catching him by the sleeve of his jacket before he could get in the car. “What’s going on? What happened?”

He ripped out of your grasp. “Nothing! I just have to go!”

Something bad happened, that much was obvious. “Can I help-”

“No! Just leave me alone!”

Shocked at his sudden change and harshness, you stepped back and watched with a hanging mouth as he sped away, tires squealing against the asphalt, leaving their mark as he disappeared down the street.

**

Tao could barely see as he broke several laws getting back to the farmhouse. It seemed like every few seconds he was wiping away tears with a swipe of his sleeve just so he wouldn’t accidentally run off the road. He slammed on the breaks just outside of the house, tearing up the grass in the process. He just left the keys after turning off the engine and ran the up the porch stairs. Shoving the door open, he tore through the house until he found a majority of the pack standing in the kitchen.

No one was talking. They were just scattered around the room, staring at nothing, arms folded across their chests. Junmyeon was sitting at the table, leafing through his old family book while Minseok groaned in pain. The injured wolf was lying on the dining table face down, Jongdae holding on his hand with an unstable stoic face. A deep gash ran diagonally across his back, the blood so dark, it was almost black.

“What happened?” Tao growled.

“The hunter,” Kris replied in an equally menacing voice. “They shot at Minseok while he was out running with Luhan, Kyungsoo, and Sehun. Something was on the arrowhead that’s infected the wound. We’re trying to figure out what it was.”

Scanning the room, Tao only counted eleven wolves, including himself. “Where is Luhan?”

“We’re not entirely sure,” Yixing sighed. He looked stressed, even more so than Junmyeon and Kris. He was always the one who’d patch them up, who took pride in his work. Not being able to help Minseok heal was obviously messing with his head. “He ran out of here before everyone else came back. We haven’t heard from him in a few hours.”

“Why hasn’t anyone gone to look for him?” If anything happened to Luhan… Tao needed to keep his cool before he started shaking. He wasn’t as good at keep his emotions in check and stopping himself from shifting when he got too upset.

“We don’t need anyone else disappearing,” Junmyeon sighed. “There didn’t seem to be any clothing scattered in the area, so we think he’s at least stayed in human form. If we don’t hear from him in another hour so, then we’ll go look for him.”

Tao hated that answer, but he figured the alpha was right. Looking for Luhan while they were all on edge wouldn’t do any good.

Evie and Ming were the only mates that were currently around. They were whispering amongst themselves, occasionally glancing at the table. Ji Yeon wasn’t around, which could only mean she didn’t know yet. There was going to be hell to pay once she did.

Unable to take the tension in the room anymore, Tao stormed out through the back door. He sat in the grass, arms folded on his knees as he tried to fight back the tears. Guilt was building inside him from leaving you behind with no explanation. It was a major fault of his, this one track mind. When Sehun called and told him that Minseok was injured and it wasn’t healing like it was supposed to, all he could think about was getting back here. And in the process, had abandoned you in downtown.

Shit.

He still had your bag. You had to be pissed. Hopefully you’d understand, once Tao explained - in vague details since you didn’t know the whole truth yet. This was all too much at once and Tao felt like a giant foot was stamping down on him.

The grass next to him rustled. Tao barely glanced at Kyungsoo. The normally introverted member patted Tao’s back in an attempt to comfort him.

“He’ll be okay,” Kyungsoo said.

“I should have been there,” Tao declared through gritted teeth. Maybe he would have seen the arrow, pushed Minseok out of the way, and taken it himself.

“There’s nothing you could have done.”

Kyungsoo’s reply was straightforward and to the point. He wasn’t trying to sooth Tao’s pain or coddle him, simply telling him the truth. It didn’t really help Tao in the moment, but maybe he’d look back and appreciate it farther down the road.

“Tao? Kyungsoo?”

Both of them turned to see Jongdae standing just outside the door. “Junmyeon found the cure. But it’s going to take a while.”

“What do you mean it’ll take a while?” Tao asked.

“From what the book said, it looked like it’ll be a process to clean the poison out. Over a day or so.” He swallowed thickly. “Yixing thinks it won’t be pleasant, either.”

Minseok had to go through pain again? He had to be tortured again?

Jumping up to his feet, Tao hurried away. Away from the situation, away from the pain, away from reality.

“Tao!” Jongdae came jogging up just before he could hop back in his car. “Where are you going? We’re already missing Luhan.”

Tao shook his head. “I can't stay here, Jongdae. I need her right now. I need her.”

More than understanding of what he meant, Jongdae nodded. “I’ll let the others know. Just keep us updated, please? And if you see Luhan, tell him to call. Okay?”

“I will. I promise.”

**

You were damn lucky that Tao had only put your school back in his trunk and not your purse as well. That at least left you with your keys and wallet. Still left with exactly zero answers as to why you were suddenly stranded outside a shop in the middle of the city, you checked the bus schedule and waited forty-five minutes for the bus to arrive so you could get back to the university. And you still had enough time to attend your last two classes for the day, even if you didn’t have any of your materials with you, it was still better than not attending at all.

Your sour mood didn’t relent even by an inch as you drove home. Walking into the empty house, you just went into automatica mode, heading straight into the kitchen to raid the fridge. After three rounds of going back and forth from fridge to panty and back to the fridge, you settled on just making yourself a sandwich and calling it good. Until a hankering for ice cream came over you. You figured given the events of the day, you’d earned a bowl. A large one, at that.

The sun was setting by the time you’d finished and cleaned up and you decided that maybe you should just go to bed for the night. Tomorrow, though, you’d be thinking of what to do the next time you saw Tao. Throwing something at him while demanded an explanation seemed like a good idea.

Now showered and in your sleepwear, you shuffled back to your bedroom, more than ready to crawl in between your covers. Before you could, however, a series of taps knocked against your window, jump starting your heart and pulling a yelp out of you.

Slowly, each step taking you ten seconds or so to take, you made your way over to the window and pushed the curtain out of the way just enough to see out of it.

“Tao?”

For a moment you just stood there, staring at the boy who had ditched you earlier and was now crouched down on the roof of your house just outside your bedroom window like this was some teen rom com. His eyes were rimmed red and there was no hint of his usual smile, cocky or otherwise. He motioned for you to open the window. You were tempted to just let the curtain fall back into place, but his eyes were what stopped you.

Throwing the window open, you stepped back and watched him climb into your room.

“Is the door broken?” you asked with a bite.

“I knocked,” he said simply. “I don’t think you heard me since you were in the shower.”

“How-” Oh, right. Your hair was wet. Crossing your arms, you went in the obvious direction for the conversation. “What are you doing here?”

“I-” Tao choked up, unable to give you the explanation you were wanting. Fresh tears spilled over his eyes and he fell to his knees, unable to hold back the sobs he must have been pushing back for a while.

You stepped up to him, unsure of what to do. You’d been there for Kendall plenty of times when she cried, but this was a new experience. As soon as you were within arms reach, Tao wrapped his arms around you, pressing his face into your stomach, soaking your shirt in seconds. Instinct told you to run your fingers through his hair. It was how you could let him know that - whatever it was that was going on - you were here for him.

A few strokes seemed to help, to give him the comfort he was seeking. Tao straightened up enough for you to see his face. “I’m sorry. For leaving you.”

Your earlier anger was - not gone - but certain dissipated. “Just tell me what’s going on. Why did you leave so suddenly?”

“Minseok-” he sniffed. You knew that name. One of Tao’s “brothers” that he’d told you about. If you remembered correctly, he was one of the oldest ones. “He was hurt. Badly. They didn’t know if he would make it.”

“Oh, my god. I’m so sorry.” You pulled Tao back into a hug.

Pushing himself up to his feet, Tao sighed. “They said he’ll be okay. I hope they’re right. I just-” He stopped, shaking his head frantically as he squeezed his eyes shut. Something was tearing him apart. Was Minseok worse off than he was letting on? If the doctors said he was going to be okay, should he trust that?

You frowned. “You just what? You’re worried they’re wrong?”

Tao shook his head. “I just needed to see you.”

That line did you in. You buried your face in his chest, forgetting all the snarky lines you’d been coltimating all afternoon.

“Can I stay with you tonight?”

You nodded, the motion moving his shirt up and down. In a swift move, he picked you up and carried you over to the bed. He laid you down gently, kicked off his shoes, and held you close once he was settled on the bed as well.

Careful fingers brushed down your face as his breath tickled your nose. “Thank you,” he whispered. “And I’m sorry about earlier.”

“You were upset.” You gave him a slight smile. “Next time, though, instead of rushing off and yelling at me, maybe try and tell me what’s going on. I won’t be mad. I’ll understand.”

He nodded. “I promise.”

“Good.”

Humming in content, you shuffled in a little closer until there was basically no space between you. Tao was so warm that you were already drifting off. He was like a living heated blanket on a cold winter’s night. You hadn’t really been able to sleep with other people in the same bed in the past - is always made you anxious and hyper aware of their existence - but right now sleep was overtaking you easily.

You weren’t sure if it was your imagination, but just before you completely went under, you could have sworn you heard Tao softly singing to the tune of the song he’d played for you earlier in the week. Hopefully in the morning, you’d remember to ask him, because you wanted to hear the words he was trying to convey to you. Perhaps, something that he hadn’t been able to say directly to you yet. Whatever it was, it could wait. Right now, you were basking in being in his arms. It might not have been the Friday night you’d been imagining, but if you could be the one to comfort Tao in his time of need, it was worth it.

[upsmymindwanderedagain]

Story of The Ice Wolf

PART 9.1

OTHER PARTS: 

PART 8    PART 1

WARNINGS: a little of fluff before the storm.

Hey fellas! posting a little preview/introduction to chapter 9 of the story.

Now a little spoiler for the chapter, you’ll see Ed Sheeran’s song Perfect, however the arrangement/style that I’m conceiving for that part is the cover that Asking Alexandria made, in my humble opinion this version suits this part better than Ed’s original and I think that’s my rockhead self talking and before someone jumps on my jugular I have nothing against the original version, I love it too. Last note regarding the musical approach the reader is playing Ben Bruce arrangement. 

Enjoy!

While they were making their bets we got rid of the rust from the joints and tune up the guitars. (“Pietro says that you bet against his Bugatti, there’s no way we’ll lose this”). “Tin can, I bet my modified Lamborghini against your Bugatti Veyron”. He mocks surprise “Deal… say goodbye to your baby Y/N”. “What the shit Wolf?! Where is that sexy car?! Sam exclaims.

“Why the surprise Sam? do the math I was a captain and… other things, the Charger is a mere toy”. The three of us only give them a wide smirk before you nail the intro, by the end of the song the only one that wasn’t smirking smugly was Tony.

The next two weeks past way too fast for your liking, most of the time you were cramped either on the Hellicarrier or in the Avengers conference room with a bunch of lawyers, everyone trying to find a way to get you out of the problem you were in.

Zrinka and a not so little Costel that now is a young man at eighteen years old, they flew from Sokovia to stay the last week before your trial, upon your insistence they flew back before the trial to avoid the risk of them getting caught in a crossfire or in the trouble you were in.

The week they stayed you sneaked out of the tower several nights alongside Zrinka, Costel, Pietro, Wanda and even Loki the six of you went to your usual spot in the outskirts of the city. With a good bonfire, tea, way too much beers and cigarettes you all burnt away the nights with music and stories. You soaked as much as you could from that moments, the family vibe that the six of you have eased the uneasiness of your heart.

[Two days before Zrinka and Costel flew back]

You were driving your charger down a deserted road in the outskirts of New York, the destination a little special spot known only by you and the other five people riding alongside you, Wanda and Loki with you, Pietro in his Viper with Zrinka and Costel.

As you drive you can feel Wanda’s gaze on you “Y/N as much as I love that once in a while we sneak off from the rowdy bunch, is this a god idea? this is the third night” she asks softly as she runs her hand down your steel forearm, you switch the car to automatic mode and take her left in your right hand, you only smile at her “Worried about being caught? We’ve sneak around doing far more illegal things” you wiggle your eyebrows before wink at her, she only jiggles softly, Loki only smirks at your remark.

All of you are sited around the bonfire, Zrinka and Pietro cuddling in front of you, Costel by your right is glaring at something Pietro said, Loki is sited at your left ‘reading’ a book pretending to pay o mind, but he is actually the one messing with Costel using his witchcraft.

You are sitting cross-legged guitar resting in your lap, cigarette between your lips, Wanda walks to you through your right, you glance up at her approaching form, is all it takes a glance, to know she will sit on your lap, you briefly move the guitar from its place, Wanda sits on your crossed legs, she weights like a feather, the brunette wastes no time burying herself further on your embrace, you exhale the smoke to the sky and extinguish the cigarette on the ashtray by your right your guitar pick resting on the ashes. 

“What’s up my love? If I didn’t know better I wouldn’t believe you are Sokovian, is not that cold” you tease her as you feel her shivering a little, she playfully pinches the patch of skin between your ribcage and hip “Shut up and cuddle me” she bluntly states with a broad smile, you put the guitar in Wanda’s lap, and start fiddling with the strings tuning it.

Across from you Zrinka muses “It’s been years and I still don’t get how in the hell you two share complete conversations just staring at each other with lovestruck puppy eyes”.

“Sistra Wanda is a telepath” Costel deadpans with so much sass than even Loki snickers. Zrinka glares at his little brother “That’s not what I meant you little shit”.

Between laughs you kiss Wanda`s right cheek and you lowly whisper “See I’m not the only one with puppy eyes look”.

“You are not Wolf, but you are the worst” Loki calls on your left eyes glued to his book, you glare at him, he only smirks “However, I must state that a love like yours and Wanda is rare to find even across the nine realms”.

You raise your eyebrow playfully at him “Did I just heard the all mighty Loki saying something nice and about love?” before you can keep teasing him he makes a closing motion with his fingers making you mute, this time you glare at him.

“I will advise Wolf that you shut it before I make you shut up for good, mortals like you are not made to witness the wisdom of a god”.

“More like witness the sappiness of a god!” Costel retorts, but before he can laugh at his remark Loki sets him in a murderous glare, the poor boy audibly gulps, in a whip he stands “I-I-I think I left my cellphone in your car Piet… I must retrieve it” with that he dashes away.

Loki just grumbles under his breath “Midgardians, know no respect”.

Zrinka and Pietro can’t hold their laughter anymore, not everyday someone gets away with annoying the god of mischief.

With the now tuned guitar, you glance around for your pick, you frown un confusion when is not where you left it, you feel a kiss in your neck and you see Wanda’s index and thumb finger holding your guitar pick, you smile broadly at her, Wanda shifts the pick, so you can hold it ready to play.

You kiss her in the temple as you begin to play the first notes of Perfect by Ed Sheeran.

I found a love for me

Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet

Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me”

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love

Not knowing what it was

I will not give you up this time

But darling, just kiss me slow

Your heart is all I own

And in your eyes, you're holding mine

 Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favourite song

When you said you looked a mess

I whispered underneath my breath

But you heard it,

Darling, you look perfect tonight

 You glance forward, you see Pietro, Zrinka and Costel swinging their lighters like candles, you smile before singing on.

 Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know

She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home

I found a love to carry more than just my secrets

To carry love, to carry children of our own

 We are still kids but we're so in love

Fighting against all odds

I know we'll be alright this time

Darling, just hold my hand

Be my girl, I'll be your man

I see my future in your eyes

 Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favourite song

When I saw you in that dress

Looking so beautiful

I don't deserve this

Darling, you look perfect tonight

 As you keep playing Wanda leans up to kiss you, your lips dance a little before the last chorus.

 Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favourite song

I have faith in what I see

Now I know I have met an angel in person

And she looks perfect

I don't deserve this

You look perfect tonight

 As you play the last arpeggio, you lean your head against Wanda, rubbing your temples softly.

When the last notes die, you hear soft sniffles coming from Wanda and Zrinka, you put the guitar aside to envelope Wanda in your arms and she buries completely in your chest, Zrinka doing the same with the silver haired devil.

Zrinka’s soft voice takes over the silence “Is this a bad time to say we are having a baby?” four sets of widen eyes snap towards the woman. Loki just looks unsurprised, but he has a tiny smile on his lips.

Wanda shrieks in glee like a little girl, you can only laugh at her reaction, but Pietro’s shocked face is what makes you lose your shit, after snapping a picture of his brother-in-law Costel teases him with a “You didn’t see that coming!” the young man boisterous laughter takes over yours and Wanda’s, Loki can’t hold back his snicker at Pietro’s shocked face.

Pietro blinks a few times before Zrinka takes his face in her hands, with her thumbs she caresses his stubble trying to bring him back.

Effortlessly you lift Wanda off your lap, she walks to her stunned twin brother and crunch in front of him “Zrinka you broke him, his mind is racing beyond comprehension” she jiggles a little more before cradling his brother head with red energy dancing in her hands. When she snaps Pietro out of his shocked state he exclaims a “Fuck yeah! I didn’t see that coming!” full of glee, Wanda barely has chance to move away before he bear hugs his girl as he kiss her deeply, both now standing, you still don’t get how Zrinka got used to his lightning moves.

“Get a room!” you holler at them, before swiftly standing off the ground “Oh right Maximoff don’t hover your girl, I want to hug her too!” you say with a smile.

In a childish fashion he moves his woman away from you “No! she is mine, you have my sister”.

“Jerk” Wanda throws at him before prying Pietro away with her powers.

“Wanda! Let me go, you little…” you glare at him “witch”.

As they banter you hug the woman “I don’t know if I should congratulate you or feel sorry for you Zrin, now you won’t get rid of that anxious, restless goofball”.

“Sistra! I’m not that bad” Pietro whines as he battles Costel who is hanging from his neck clinging on his back like a koala, more like a panda bear, he now stands almost as tall as Pietro with a fair amount of pounds of muscle.

Loki calmly walks close “You sure aren’t that bad Pietro…” the blue eyed sokovian smiles gratefully at him “… you are worse” the Asgardian adds, making Zrinka laugh as Pietro glares daggers at the dark-haired man.

“You knew, didn’t you?” she asks Loki searching for the answer in his bright blue glinting eyes.

He grins broadly “I did, but I was hoping you’d break him with the news” he says as he kisses her knuckles “Congratulation lady Zrinka”.

“Zrin if you ever need a break from the disaster that my twin is, just let us now” Wanda states as she walks towards the woman to give her a mama hen hug.

 [Before the trial] On insistence of Tony, you all are assisting the trial with formal clothes, underneath you have the basic attire the usual battle suits though. Loki will be the one keeping your weapons. You are clasping the last buttons of the dark grey dress shirt. Wanda has been disturbingly silent, maybe last night felt more like a goodbye than a promise. You keep your voice soft "Little one?"  Silence is the only answer, she is about to put her blazer, so you move quickly to help her putting it on, a lame excuse to get close to her, she doesn't refuse, so you help her. She does the same for you. When you turn around you see her glassy eyes. "Wan please…"  Her stare becomes hard, is like she is putting on walls around her heart "Don't 'Wan' me right now Y/N. Thor and Loki gave you a chance, you turned it down".  You sigh in defeat, frustration, sadness is a storm of emotions ragging in your heart, but you do your best to keep them in check "Wanda, I could not just run away, that will jeopardize further the image that the people have of the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D, that will put YOU and Pietro at risk. "When will you stop playing martyr? When you are actually dead? For all I know, that could be tomorrow, and you are standing right in front of me like nothing is happening!" Her voice turns to almost a whisper "Sometimes you make me think that you are wishing your death" tears had begun to gather in her eyes. You pull her in and wrap her in a firm hug. "My love, there is a plan, unfortunately the situation I'm in goes beyond us, I'm not playing martyr, the rank I had in Hydra played completely against me and the fact that they also got a hold of the other things I did as Wolf before S.H.I.E.L.D". You put distance between your bodies, and gently wipe off her tears, a tear ran down your cheek too. "Fury told me that Salarov revealed several things about my past and family that link me to Hydra in a tight way. Things that I have no idea about" She slowly lifts her gaze "But there is a plan, when Hydra attacks, that will be my chance to prove my loyalty and I will. If everything goes as planned I'll end up being locked up under S.H.I.E.L.D jurisdiction". There’s a split second when you can see doubt and fear taking over her green eyes "And if not?" You school your features, your voice firm and doubtless "Then I'm going away on my own terms". She tries to lower her face, but you halt he cradling her face in your hands. "Little one. Whatever happens… know that you are my greatest love and my biggest joy, I love you with everything I' am. I will always be with you". "I love you too my brave Wolf, with all my heart and soul. I'll wait for you, in this life or the next" Wanda can’t hold back her urges anymore, her hands get attached on the back of your neck pulling you down you harshly kiss you.

That last kiss was a mix of slow soft lip dance and sudden fits of boldness, full of physical channeled love and why not hope.

A/N:

I hope you all enjoyed the preview of chapter 9, I’ll do my best to post part 2 on sunday.

Lastly OMFG! we are 40 now! holy shit.

[guttersvillemayor]

Hopeless Hearts Forever Scarred

[There was always something about sunrises and sunsets that got to me. Seemed to speak to me in a way that very few other things did. When I’d mentioned this to Pedro when we experienced one together near a waterfall in Arizona I didn’t think he’d go to the lengths that he did months later. We’d already been seeing each other on and off while he travelled around and I went exploring for amazing photography opportunities. When I’d mentioned that I thought it might be time to move on to a new location from the Southwest region of the US, he’d persuaded me to let him tag along to my next permanent destination so that I wouldn’t be on the road alone. The chivalry of it all was enough to make me both smile brightly and laugh deeply as it touched my heart in a way I hadn’t expected, a trait of Pedro’s I would never get used to I’m sure. But he went a step further by insisting we stop first in Los Angeles. I’d gone there at least once already and wasn’t too impressed with it as far as what I could photograph that hadn’t already been done by anyone with a cellphone camera these days.

However, when we got there he made us drop off our vehicles at the house of his friend Rex, who had gone on the Havasupai Indian Reservation trip with us though not that I remembered him at all and lived along the coast in San Pedro, only to find out that we’d be going out on Rex’s boat for a trip with his friend as sea captain. I’d giggled at the ridiculousness of it. I’d been on the water before back in the Gulf of Mexico and the family home off Mobile Bay, but I had never thought to do anything like that over here on the West Coast. With Pedro, I found myself on all these little adventures I’d never have dreamed up on my own. Which is how I found myself in a secluded camp area on Catalina Island watching the moon slowly set to the west of me while waiting for dawn to happen to the east. We’d set up camp early last night and Pedro had insisted we go straight to sleep even as the sun was still setting. It wasn’t until now that I realized why. He was giving me the perfect photo opportunity, and I wasn’t wasting it as I occasionally snapped shots here and there to pass the time.

Pedro had woken me up with soft kisses that had made me think there was something else on his mind, until he explained what he was hoping would happen and promptly went back to sleep. The thought of him sleeping in his tent bringing a soft smile to my face. I couldn’t count how many times I’d snapped quick images of him in repose as if it was a secret habit I’d picked up after meeting him. I really don’t know how I ever ended up crossing his path, but I would thank my lucky stars that I did as I’d felt more myself around him than ever before in my life. Slowly the moon disappeared from the sky as twilight started with the amazing colors lighting up the morning sky. The magic of the moment made even more special when I felt warm hands wrap around my body, startling me just a little before hearing his chuckle in my ear. “It’s just me, cariño. How are things going?”

I quickly take one more snap of the sunrise and then turn to take a few more snaps of Pedro bathed in the warm morning sunlight. His smile almost as bright as the sun.] Amazing. Thank you for this. I hadn’t even realized or thought about coming out here. [“You’re welcome, but this is just the beginning.” One of his arms comes to wrap around me again while the other points out towards the north. “There are more amazing vistas to explore with the Channel Islands National Park which Rex will be taking us to with his boat. He’ll have to stay with his boat on the water, but you and I can go hiking across the islands and find even more amazing views for you to photograph to your heart’s content and then sleep under the stars some more.” With each word, I felt lighter that this man had planned all of this for my sake. Sure he enjoyed adventure and travel, but this was a trip made specifically with my own ambitions in mind. Glancing up at Pedro for a brief moment, I press a soft kiss to his lip and then pull away to take a few more pictures of the sunrise without saying a word.

Sometimes with him, I didn’t need to because it was as if he understood that no words could be said. It was moments like that where I felt we were made for one another in some way. Once I took what felt like enough pictures, knowing that we’d be remaining in the area for a few days with more chances to capture the stunning images of sunrises and sunset, I gently set my camera down in its case and turned up the volume on my Bluetooth speaker that had been softly playing music since I woke up. Nothing too powerful but gentle music that I’d cultivated into a playlist for when I was out shooting peaceful landscapes like this. Turning back towards Pedro, I motion him over to me with just my index finger, getting him to laugh at my “come hither” move. He seems to pick up on my train of thought as a new song starts to play through the speakers and he takes one of my hands into his own while his other hand slips around my waist. My own free hand coming up to wrap around his neck as we begin to slowly sway and dance to the music. Again without words, we let the music and our bodies do the speaking for us. Lips occasionally pressing soft lingering kisses against the other’s skin.

A part of me wishing that I could capture this moment in photographic form but knowing that instead I’ll just have to hope that my memory does it justice whenever I think of it. Our kisses become more firm and heated with each moment until I feel Pedro’s hand slip under the material of my top and caress the curvature of my spine unimpeded by any bra. It’s almost as if the lazy morning swaying we were originally doing had turned into a more sensual dance as my own hand sought purchase in the hair at the nape of his neck. Our bodies not even swaying to the music any more, but still I’m conscious enough of where we are that I balk when Pedro starts to remove my clothes. A soft chuckle escaping his lips as I blush and try to pull away from his attempts to raise my top. He stops his movements and makes sure to catch my gaze before saying, “Don’t worry, Emma. I’ve been up here several times and never come across anyone else.” Though his words were meant to soothe my worries of exposure, in the back of my mind old fears and insecurities sprang up. How many times had he been up here and possibly said something exactly like that to another woman?

But for as quickly as that thought begins to creep into my mind, the touch of his rough hands over my soft skin seems to brush them aside and I lose myself in the moment with Pedro, letting him strip me of both my clothes and any inner thoughts that might have previously dissuaded me from doing anything remotely like this. Once bared to one another, Pedro lays us down on the blanket I’d placed on the ground to sit on earlier. His every touch and movement is as if to worship my body and I try my best to reciprocate and show him just how much this moment and trip means to me. It’s not until our bodies settle down afterwards that I start to marvel about the amazing man I am laying next to naked on the ground.] You know, I haven’t truly danced since my brother Jasper’s wedding years ago, and it definitely wasn’t like that. [We both laugh at the implication of what kind of dancing I mean. “And I’m guessing you don’t know when you’ll have the next wedding to dance at, cariño?” My head turns to look over at Pedro’s curious face, his curiosity seeming to match my own.] No, not really. I mean the twins are both with people who I’m sure they’ll eventually marry, but I don’t know when Jackson will get around to popping the question to Reba as they’ve been together for a few years now and Jonah and Wendy are an absolute mystery to me. Plus there are my younger brothers, Jude and Jesse, who seem so far from settling down with anyone.

[He hums in contemplation as our fingers seem to move over one another as if doing some weird dance of their own. At one point my fingers brush over his ring finger and I can’t help but wonder how someone of Pedro's looks and age is still a bachelor without anyone in their life, not including myself in that equation. Before I can help myself, my curiosity and big mouth get the best of me like usual.] How have you not found somebody yourself and settled down by now? You know, married some beautiful woman and had 2.5 children? [I laugh at my words to hide the insecurities that I’m feeling because this gorgeous hunk has somehow chosen me to spend time with when he could probably be with anyone he wanted. “That just isn’t in the cards for me. To my mother’s frustration, I don’t want to be married and settled down, as you put it. I like it out here on the road. Doing what I want and going where I please.” There’s something about the look that crosses his face when I asked about marriage and kids that almost makes me question his answer and its light tone. But my next words are said in a teasing manner belying my subconscious fears.] Well how can you be so sure there aren’t any little Pedros running around? And what would you do if there were some, ladies man?

[Without directly saying it, I can’t help but imply the question of how often does he find himself hooking up with random women if he had no plans to settle down with anyone. His hand coming up to cup my face, his calloused thumb caressing my cheek as if to coax me into meeting his gaze. “I know because this isn’t something I do on a regular basis.”] What, do you mean... deflowering innocent virgins? Or is it canoodling women in your camper? Or maybe it’s… [I’m cut off by his kiss which is broken up by both our laughter. “You are ridiculous, do you know that?”] I’ve been told that on occasion. Although, I’m curious if maybe the reason you don’t do this on a regular basis is because you haven’t realized that most women don’t appreciate being called ridiculous. [His other hand slowly trails up my bare chest until it traces over the peaks and valleys of my breasts as the sunrise causes an interesting glow on my tanning skin. “It’s a good thing that you aren’t anything like most women, mi flor.” I snort slightly because while I’m sure he means it in the best way possible, the diffident part of me focuses on the bad connotation of that phrase.] Yeah, cause most people aren’t still virgins in their 30s.

[This time Pedro’s face takes a more serious, hard edge that isn’t necessarily at me but the clear mindset I’m in. “You are more special than you realize, Emma Jean. And I only wish you could see yourself the way that I do.” I lick my lips as they quickly become dry from the intensity of his words, as if he read the doubts in my mind that had always plagued me. With a soft nod of my head, I lift up to kiss his lips and it doesn’t take long for him to reassure me in the most intimate way possible that being here with me in this way and in this place is as special as he says I am. That morning and the rest of that trip would forever stay with me. Not just the more intimate moments but also the amazing vistas and all the spectacular photos I took. Some of which would need to be hidden away for my eyes only. And before we knew it, we were back on the road headed towards the Pacific Northwest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Things had felt different after that trip to Catalina Island and the other Channel Islands, and in a way it had been different. But I also realized that we’d never discussed again why Pedro didn’t think about marriage or kids and we’d never brought up whether there was any potential future for us together. At the time, it didn’t seem important because I was enjoying travelling the open road and our adventures together as much as he was. But now back in Alabama, standing in front of a big picture from that very sunrise on Catalina Island that my mother had come across on my blog and loved enough to print for display over the fireplace mantle in the beach house, I couldn’t help but wonder why I never pushed more to know why Pedro lived his life like he did.

And just like that morning, I feel Pedro’s warm arms wrap around my body, but this time the fear that he might notice the changes in my body have me stepping forward out of his embrace and turn to face him. He'd already been here for a couple days and we’d definitely done more than enough for him to see every inch of my body without noticing my pregnant condition yet. However, the current thoughts in my head made me even more fearful of detection, of what the future would bring, of what Pedro would say if he knew. And my actions seem to confuse him as his eyebrow raises slightly in question, making it clear that I have to have this discussion now before anything else happens between us.] I was just looking at this picture. [My hand motioning to the moonset in twilight and I can’t help but think how much it might be exactly what this moment is for me. My time with Pedro setting down on me like the moon while the glow from the sunrise reflects my growing pregnancy and future with our child. The question was whether or not he’d be a part of that future.]

I took it while we were on Catalina Island, remember? [His eyes light up clearly replaying those memories in his head. “Yes, of course I remember, mi flor.” I take a calming breath to give me the courage to continue on.] That morning, you said that marriage and kids weren’t in the cards for you, but what does that really mean? [His mouth begins to open and for a moment I’m afraid he’s going to change the subject so I push forward.] Like, is that something that will never change? Or have you just never met someone who made you feel different about that? I have shared so much of myself since I met you, Pedro. And I don’t regret that. But I feel there is a whole part of your past that I don’t know and this is something I need to know about you. Do you really not see marriage and kids in your future? [He doesn’t move for a bit before he simply shakes his head slowly in response as if he can’t even say the words. My own head nodding as I step back away from him and needing air, I head out into the backyard towards the beach and wharf so I can breathe, feeling Pedro follow me in the process.

“You have to understand, Emma. Things happened to me in the past that made me realize those weren’t things I necessarily wanted in my life.” I do my best to keep my emotions in check, but the pregnancy hormones are far from helping me in this situation and already I have tears in my eyes. So I stay facing the water and do my best not to let my words come out all choked up.] But why, Pedro? Please, I need to know more about you and your past like I shared mine with you. Not everything but hopefully you can understand why knowing this is important. [I clench my fists down at my sides to keep them from wrapping protectively around my middle where our baby is growing, but as usual, Pedro seems to sense exactly what I need and unbeknownst to him, he wraps his arms around my body over his child and I suck in a breath as my own hands rest on top of his. “This isn’t going to be easy to talk about so please just let me get it all out before you ask or say anything, okay?” To prove how serious I am about wanting to hear about his past, I do as he asks and simply nod my head in acknowledgment. I can feel his warm breath on my neck as he seems to collect his thoughts before starting.

“Long ago, in what feels like another lifetime, back when I was still growing up, there was this girl. Her name was Delilah.” I’m sure he can feel my body tense underneath his hold at the knowledge that he had a childhood sweetheart, but he keeps on with his explanation. “Our mothers were friends and were convinced we’d end up together. But while I did love and care about her in my own way, I never really felt what I thought I should when compared to her feelings for me or our mothers’ wishes for us. Still I was a kid at the time and I wanted to make my mother proud and happy so we dated throughout high school and into college when suddenly we found ourselves pregnant just before I graduated. She was ecstatic, our mothers less so with their more traditional views, but it was decided that we’d get married. It was more because of expectation than anything else. However, before we could even get married, things went wrong.

The reason she was so excited about being pregnant is that she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the beginning of college and had worked to get into remission without damaging her chances of being a mother. But after getting pregnant she had a check up with her oncologist and found out that some of her symptoms were not pregnancy related but rather because of her cancer coming back. It wasn’t as bad the first time around, but now she was at stage 3 and we tried to convince her to take a more aggressive approach, but that would mean putting our child at risk which she refused to do. By the time she gave birth to our little girl, she was at stage 4 and it was only going to get worse in so many ways.” His voice seems to lower so much that it’s like a whisper on the wind coming from the bay. “We don’t know what caused it to happen, but our daughter Sandra died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome when she was barely even two months old. We put her to bed one night and next thing we knew she was gone.”

The tragedy of it all overwhelms me as tears pour down my face and a soft, quiet sob shakes my chest despite Pedro’s hold. I have to push back horrible thoughts of our own child dying this way which try to pull me down into despair and distract me from the rest of his story. “There was nothing we could have done, SIDS is an unexplainable cause of death. All we knew was that our daughter was dead and it seemed like suddenly Delilah had nothing left to live for anymore. Maybe she had always known that my love for her wasn’t what it should have been which is why we never talked about marriage before she got pregnant with Sandra and with her newest cancer diagnosis she was unlikely to ever have children of her own again, so she refused treatment, moved back in with her mother and before I knew it she was gone too. Over time I finished my degree, started writing my books and my mother tried to push me back into dating again. But I felt like I’d already tried it her way before and look where that had gotten me. With a dead child and a fiancée who was so emotionally distraught she let herself die, and it had felt like it was all my fault. I couldn’t go through that again, couldn’t see myself having that quaint family life my mother wanted for me. So once I had enough money from working and my books I set out on the road and started living the way I was when we first met and I have never looked back.

That is why I don’t think marriage and children are in the cards for me, and I hope you can understand that.” I nod my head and rested it back against his chest as I try to calm myself down from the overwhelming emotions and hormones coursing through me. Who could blame Pedro for feeling the way he did after what he’d gone through, I sure as hell didn’t. But that didn’t change the fact that he had already gotten me pregnant and that whether he liked it or not, I was going to have his child. While I was glad to know his past and how it shaped him, it made things so much more complicated and I had to decide if he needed to know that I was pregnant. But it was even more than that. As I listened to Pedro speak, it was as if something in my chest had broken so much as to leave me feeling like I needed to gasp for air.

I had known before that I cared about him, that I loved him. You don't sleep with someone and spend as much time with them as I have with Pedro and not feel something for them. But it wasn't until this moment, when he made it so clear how lost to me he was, that I realized I was in fucking love with him. That I wanted with him all the things he'd sworn off for the rest of his life. But after hearing his tragic past, I knew the chances of that ever happening were infinitesimal. We would probably never end up together, at least not the way that I had subconsciously and secretly hoped all along. Since that morning on Catalina Island, I’d done my best to suppress my insecurities that I wasn’t enough for him, that he was so far out of my league, and that one day I would lose him to someone better than me. However, never in all of that time did I ever worry that we wouldn’t want the same things, and now that the knowledge was out in the open, I couldn’t ignore it.

Mistaking my continual tears for simply feeling sadness at hearing his tragic past, Pedro turns me in his arms and starts pressing soft kisses to my wet cheeks that are cupped in his hands. “It’s okay, mi cariño. That’s all in the past for me. And now that you know, which I’m actually glad you made me tell you, I hope we can put the past behind us where it belongs and focus on the future.” My heart swelling at the possible hope that maybe he has realized like I have that he’s in love with me and wants more for us. Yet I have to stop myself from letting that stupid hope take root and causing me even more heartache. I’d asked him all those months ago what he would do if he did have children running around, but he’d never answered that question. At the time, I’d been more focused on him reassuring me that he didn’t go sleeping around with other random women while on his travels. But now I wished I had made him answer the question about possible kids because as much as I love Pedro, I love our child more and they had to come first, to be protected even if that meant from their father.

“I can see why you wanted to come back here and recharge, like you said.” His words causing me to have emotional whiplash as my mind and heart have been so focused on other things while Pedro, unaware of my inner turmoil, has shifted his focus to the gorgeous sunset that is painting red, orange and purple hues across the bay. I turn and take in the sight for myself and like usual, it steals my breath away. There really was something about sunrises and sunsets. Some magic because even without knowing it at the time, that sunrise on Catalina Island was when I first really started to fall for Pedro, and now standing here in my backyard watching the sun set on Mobile Bay, I knew this could very well be the end for me and Pedro.

Feeling his hands caress the skin just under my t-shirt, something snaps inside of me and there’s a desperate need for him that I can’t describe. My lips seek out his in a hungry, passionate kiss that catches him off guard for a moment before he returns it right back with as much vigor. His hands gripping the bottom of my shirt to take it off and I pull back to shake my head, fearing that any of my neighbors might see us. However, this has Pedro chuckling just like back on Catalina Island. “Emma Jean we’ve made love in so many open spaces, are you really worried about someone seeing us right now?” I give him a playful push and nod my head.] Yes, because not in any of those situations was there a chance that my neighbors could see us. Neighbors who are very much friends with my parents and could tell them about what they might see. [With a raised eyebrow, I challenge him with my words which have him laughing even more and I take advantage of the moment to push him back towards the house.

However we only made it as far as the screened porch before Pedro finally got his way and we slightly stumbled onto the big cushioned patio sofa as clothes started to come off. Who knows what was going through his mind in those moments, but I knew for myself that I was really and truly making love to Pedro for possibly the last time. Pouring as much of myself into the act because if this was the end, I didn’t want him in any doubt of my feelings for him even if I couldn’t say them out loud. I wanted us to both look back on this memory and know there had been real love between us. Afterwards it took everything in me not to let the tears that want to well up escape from my eyes, especially when I feel Pedro’s hand lightly running over my belly. At first afraid that he has discovered some swell or baby bump, and then knowing that he’s just marveling in the feel of my skin as he has been known to do in the past when his hand continues its journey up my body to cup my face. “You have no idea how much you mean to me, Emma.”

And just like that, the tears fall from my eyes so I quickly pull him into a kiss to keep him from questioning or thinking too much about my reaction. My words whispered against his lips between kisses.] I could say the same about you, Pedro. [We continue to kiss for a few more minutes before I shift in Pedro’s embrace to face the water as if to focus on the last of the sunset and not just hide the tears that are still cascading down my face. My heart breaking as the sun slowly disappears and I know that when it rises again, I will have to face the harsh fact that no matter how much it felt like we were made for one another and as much as Pedro and I might mean to the other, we weren’t meant for each other… but for now I could simply hide in his arms and pretend that it didn’t feel like my world was ending.]

[chronicfangirling]

Re: virtual monsters and Gucci slippers

+ “I reject the notion that I could ever be too old for Pokemon.” + “You mean we aren’t dating?”

Pairing: Taehyung x Reader Genre: Fluff Words: 893 Requested by: anon

written for my 600+ Followers Drabbles Event (requests closed!)

“Okay, that’s enough!” You snatched Taehyung’s hoodie as he zipped past you on the street for the nth time, halting him and sending him stumble backwards. You confiscated the cellphone from his outstretched hand and closed the Pokemon Go app, resisting the temptation to delete it altogether.

“But Y/N!” He whined. “I still have ten minutes on my Lucky Egg!”

Sighing, you dumped the phone in his bag, which he had foisted on you when you had expressed disinterest in playing the game with him. “Taehyung, you’re 21 years old. You’re too old to be obsessing over virtual items.”

He held up his arms in an ‘X.’ “I reject the notion that I could ever be too old for Pokemon.”

“Pokemon Go isn’t even real Pokemon,” you muttered, glancing around. It was a perfect spring day at Hongdae, and couples were having fun eating street food, shopping at the stalls, and watching the buskers while holding hands. Not that you and Taehyung were a couple, of course…

You groaned in frustration, spitting out words you didn’t really mean: “This is why you’ll never get a girlfriend.”

He winked, undeterred by your rolling of eyes. “Well I got you, didn’t I?”

“Oh yes–me,” you sniffed, yet were unable to repress your smile at his innocence. “The friend who babysits your Gucci man-purse when you decide that catching virtual monsters in the streets of Hongdae is the first thing you want to do after coming back from overseas.”

His large eyes widened further in uncertainty and he bit his lip. “No, I mean… you, the girlfriend I wanted to see first after coming back from overseas.”

“I’m your girlfriend?” You blinked up at him, your mouth hanging open. “But… we aren’t dating.”

“What?” he gasped. “You mean we aren’t dating?”

“No, Tae.” you said. Did he really have such a different view of your relationship all this time? More importantly, did he actually want the same thing as you did? “Did you want to–”

“I’m sorry, Y/N, I guess I just assumed…” he shook his, shifting on his feet. “Sorry.”

“Wait, Tae!” you yelled when he ran away. With his long legs, he soon disappeared amidst all the people milling around. You crouched close to the pavement, hugging his bag to your chest. Now you’ve ruined it. Why didn’t you pay closer attention? You knew Taehyung’s mind worked differently from most people’s, it would make sense that he’d have a different perspective on relationship progression.

Lost in your regrets, you were only snapped out of your daze by a shower of red rose petals. “What the…” Looking up, you see Taehyung scattering handfuls of petals from a tin bucket over your head. You slowly stood up, shaking the petals off your hair.

“It’s because I haven’t been acting like a real boyfriend, hasn’t it? But I’ll make up for it.” He put down the bucket and from the many shopping bags he returned with, produced a majestic bouquet of roses of all colors and several heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. He pressed the items in your arms. “Flowers work right? And chocolates. Oh, and I forgot to tell you, I have something for you in the bag.”

Adjusting the presents in your arms, you pulled out a parcel labeled with your name and opened it. “What would I do with Gucci slippers?”

“Couple items!” Gracing you with his boxy grin, he kicked out his foot to show off the same slippers. You gawked at him in stunned silence, which he mistook for disapproval. “It’s not enough, is it?” He whirled on his designer slippers, ready to run away again.

“Wait, Tae!” You dumped everything on the pavement and hugged him from behind. “I don’t need all this stuff.”

You felt him stiffen in your arms and his shoulders heaved as his breaths quickened. “Then what do you need to agree to date–”

Stepping around to confront him, you grabbed his face and kissed him. His entire body jumped in response–his skin growing warmer, his lips molding with yours, his hands tangling in your hair, and his tongue playfully swiping between your lips, turning you legs to jelly. Before it could get more intense, you pushed him away, chuckling at his whine of protest. “Tae, I like you. Do you like me too?”

He pouted down at you. “Of course I like you, I say that all the time.”

“I thought you meant you like me, as you like Pokemon or dogs, but less than Gucci and kids,” you admitted, your cheeks burning hot as it sank in that you were actually Kim Taehyung’s girlfriend now… and maybe had been, all this time.

“I meant I like you, as in be the mother of my kids.” He engulfed you in his embrace and nuzzled against your face like an overexcited puppy.

“Slow down pal, I’m still getting used to the part where you like me,” you pointed out, but hugging him back all the same.

“Alright…” He conceded. Suddenly his puppy eyes glinted with mischief and he licked his lips in that naughty way of his. “But I know you’ll love the names I picked for them.”

[crypticcravings]

Dreamscape

Day 6 of Adrinette Month is Modeling! Adrien struggles through his day modeling for his father, while Marinette follows his orders as part of her internship under M. Agreste. Unfortunately, a model goes missing from the shoot, and they need an emergency stand in.

Additional note: Here is the music I listened to while writing this chapter, in case you're into that.

Also on Ao3

On a normal July afternoon, most University students would be enjoying their small amount of free time they had over the summer. Unfortunately for Adrien, his entire summer consisted of working overtime for his father's company, even though they had both agreed that Adrien would not be continuing in the fashion industry after university. He had to admit, though, it was good money. Working overtime during the summer ensured that he wouldn't have to work during the semester and would provide a financial safety net to live off of. He would continue to be a quality model for his father's line until he graduated, and then he would finally retire modeling. 

The only plus side was that Adrien's father had taken Marinette under his wing. For the past two years, she had been working as his personal intern. Adrien had his suspicions that she would be named his successor. She had proven herself time and time again to be not only a talented designer, but excellent at time management, organization, and task distribution. She gracefully handled any challenge thrown her way. Watching her work made Adrien fall in love with her even more. Since Marinette was his father's shadow, even during the summer, it meant accompanying him on site to whatever events he attended. Adrien being the company's top model, as well as M. Agreste's son, and this being a major photo shoot for their upcoming fall line, Gabriel was on site attending to any and every issue, with Marinette at his side. 

Adrien watched from the corner of his eye as Marinette hand stitched a torn outfit while Gabriel chewed out the poor staffer who had torn it. He winced. That staffer would not be working with their company again. Once Marinette repaired the damaged garment, nearly seamlessly, she quickly retrieved her tablet--the one Nathalie normally carried around--to continue assisting with his father's checks. 

Adrien returned his full attention to his own shoot, feeling a bit more energized after watching his love bug at work. 

Suddenly, Adrien's shoot came screeching to a halt as his father's voice boomed through the warehouse. Adrien relaxed his posture and ignored the yelling. He glanced in his father's direction to see him shouting into his cellphone. He pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath before continuing in more calm, quieter tone. After hanging up, Adrien watched his father turn to Marinette and pass her a few papers. She nodded frantically and waved him off as he walked away. 

Once M. Agreste left the building, the photographer called Adrien's attention back once again. 

"There is something missing," The photographer--Raoul-- said, "Where is Collette?" 

Adrien shrugged, "I haven't seen her all day."

Raoul spun around dramatically asking if anyone had seen Collette. He was always a very excitable photographer. 

Marinette and Nathalie approached the photographer briskly once they caught wind of the issue. 

"What seems to be the problem?" Nathalie asked.

"I cannot continue this shoot without a female model…"

Adrien tuned out the photographer's complaints. He was getting bored, and just wanted off of this set so that he could go back to his apartment and cuddle with his girlfriend. 

He caught Marinette's eye while Nathalie was distracted and winked at her. As expected, Marinette's cheeks reddened and she stuck her tongue out at him. It really stroked his ego that he was still able to make her blush all these years later. Holding eye contact with her, he grinned and wiggled his eyebrows, earning him a very exaggerated eye roll.

"…just have to use a stand in model." Raoul threw his arm in the air in an exasperated manner.

"We do not have any other models on site with Collette's measurements," Nathalie said, scrolling on her tablet, presumably through the list of the day's models.  "All of the garments were tailored to her body type."

"What about Mademoiselle right here?" 

Marinette's head whipped up, and Adrien turned towards Raoul. 

"Mlle. Dupain-Cheng is nearly the same size as Collette. A couple inches shorter, but comparable." Nathalie turned her serious gaze to assess Marinette's stature. "Are you comfortable with this?"

Marinette opened and closed her mouth a few times before finally answering, "Yes! Yes, I can do this."

"M. Adrien," Raoul shouted, "We have had a change in plans. You will model with Mlle. Marinette instead."

Adrien instantly perked up. This is not how he expected his day to go.

To say Marinette was nervous would be an understatement.  

It was her second year officially interning for M. Agreste, and her fourth shadowing him in the company. She could handle any order he barked out at her, any demand with ease. However, she had not expected to be stepping in front of the camera when she got up that day. She knew they needed to finish Adrien's shoot ASAP, so she had agreed, but she wasn't sure she had known quite what she'd been signing up for. 

Adrien stood by while the stylists pulled at her hair and applied her makeup. "You'll do fine, stop worrying," Adrien reassured her. He ran a hand through his hair and crossed his arms over his chest.

His hair was coiffed back, with a few strands falling over his brow. He wore a white button down with the sleeves rolled halfway up his arms, his jacket pulled off to be re-pressed before the shoot. She was furious that he always looked so good. 

"I'm just not usually the one in front of the camera," Marinette said. 

"Really? Because I seem to recall a few times you've been faced with the press and handled it just purrfectly." Adrien winked at her.

Marinette flushed at his insinuation. "That's a very different situation."

"Mmm, I don't think it was." 

Marinette felt her head get tugged back as the stylist started on another braid. "Okay, then, Monsieur Agreste, what do you propose I do to handle this situation purrfectly?"

Adrien's eyes sparkled with mirth. He loved it when she punned.  "You just have to channel that same confidence, My Lady," he used the nickname very deliberately, "You're the same person, so why shouldn't you have that same confidence in front of the camera?"

Marinette took a deep breath. "You're right. I can do this." 

Adrien smiled broadly. "I know you can. Don't forget that I'll be with you the whole time. Just focus on me."

Marinette barked a laugh. "You think that's going to make it easier? This is literally your job. I had your photos on my wall when I was fourteen." 

"And I love you for that, but I'm also your alley cat."

Marinette pouted, "Alright, I'll focus on doing this, just you and me."

"Great."

"M. Agreste," one of the stylists said, "We should do a touch up before you return to the set."

"Alright," Adrien pushed away from the counter and gave Marinette a wink before following the stylist to the men's dressing room.

Marinette sat back in the chair and closed her eyes to let the stylist apply her eye makeup.

The shoot had several female outfits, which meant they'd be on set for at least another three hours. While normally Adrien would be bored or indifferent towards the ordeal, but the thought of modeling with Marinette was exhilarating. He was on standby on set while she finished getting dressed.  

Adrien put his embroidered jacket on once again and watched the techs adjust the lights. He couldn't be happier with the theme of the shoot. "Dreamscape" was the perfect theme for Marinette's first photo shoot. Marinette herself was like a beautiful dream. He couldn't imagine a better setting. 

His stylist was applying the final layer of setting powder when Marinette finally emerged. Adrien had seen Marinette dressed up before, but every time he was struck by how stunning she looked. 

Today she wore one of his favorite designs from the collection. It was made to compliment Adrien's jacket exactly. It was a simple, classic silhouette with an a-line skirt and a sweetheart neckline. Her sleeves fell off the shoulder. Rather than being one single piece, she wore a crop top and high-waisted skirt in dark blue, featuring silver peonies embroidered into the skirt. She had on a pair of silver six inch strappy heels, and her hair was up with braids leading up to a thick bun. She had a dark blue smokey eye and jet back winged eyeliner on her top lid, and silver liner on her bottom. 

Adrien had never seen her lips so glossy and red, like a bright, ripe cherry. 

He wanted to kiss her. 

Marinette approached the set. Adrien couldn't figure out how to close his mouth. 

"Shit."

Marinette's eyes widened at the expletive. "Goodness, Alley Cat, watch your language, we are at work!" The edge from the reprimand was lessened by the laughter in her voice. 

Adrien snaked a hand around her back, "can it really be considered work if I'm having so much fun?"

He moved to kiss her on the nose, but the photographer interrupted them before he could make the move.

"Come now, love birds, let's get shooting." Raoul clapped his hands twice to catch their attention, and the two jumped apart. "Save the romance for the camera."

Adrien took Marinette by the hand and guided her to the set. “Just focus on us.”

The photographer positioned them at different levels at first, having Marinette seated below, with Adrien standing above her to the left. They took a few shots from those levels before switching. Adrien knelt below Marinette in a way that felt very LadyNoir. He took her hand in his and kissed her on the back of her knuckles the way he did when they were just kids. He missed the habit, Adrien thought, he might bring it back. Based on the way Marinette's eyes sparkled, he thought she might enjoy the comeback as well. 

Adrien found he wanted to touch her more, and prayed for the photographer to direct them to change their position once more.

After what felt like a century of itching to touch His Lady, Adrien got his wish. In order to show off the back of the ensemble, and to evoke the appropriate amount of intimacy for the campaign, Marinette was instructed to turn her back 3/4 to the camera. Adrien placed his hand at the small of Marinette's back and she rested both of her hands on his pectorals. She peered over her shoulder at the camera, but Adrien didn’t take his eyes off of her. As terrified as she said she was of the camera, she seemed to flourish under them.

"Maybe you should transition into modeling. You're a natural," Adrien whispered into her ear. 

"After listening to you complain about it for nearly six years? Not likely. I will stick to design, thank you very much."

"But Bugaboo, you could be the next top model of all of France."

"I don't think I'm quite tall enough for that. I appreciate your confidence in me, though."

Marinette gazed into Adrien's eyes, and for a moment they forgot the flashing cameras and hot lights. For a moment, they were just two people, in a dreamscape, in love. They were lost to the rest of the world. 

In that moment, Adrien finally took what he wanted. He captured her lips in his. He missed the rapid flash of the camera attempting to immortalize the moment. He was lost in happiness with the most beautiful girl in the world.

Their photo shoot didn't just make it into magazines. The marketing team had fallen in love with Marinette and Adrien's on camera chemistry and used their joint images as the promotional photos for the entire line. Marinette started getting calls from modeling agencies left and right when it came out that she was unrepresented. She turned them all down, of course. She was happy with what she was doing. All in all, the attention didn't really bother her.

That is, until the billboard went up.

There it was, right across the street from Marinette's university. The backsplash of the ad was the now infamous kiss image from the photoshoot. The front overlay was a close up of herself and Adrien post-kiss. Her eyes were still hazy from the kiss, and Adrien's were heated as he stared into the camera, red lipstick smeared across his lips. 

The image was sexy, heated, and embarrassing beyond belief. 

Despite their propensity to show their affection in public, their relationship had never been the focus of the press. Most of Adrien's fans had no idea that he was in a relationship, which suited Marinette just fine. As Adrien had pointed out, she got enough attention as Ladybug. The release of this ad-campaign, with this billboard in particular, though, unleashed the floodgates. Now the entirety of France, and the world fashion industry knew that Adrien Agreste and Marinette Dupain-Cheng were dating. 

Even with the new bombardment of publicity, though, Marinette and Adrien couldn't bring themselves to mind. Marinette got a bit more attention from her classmates, not 100% positive. Some of Adrien’s fan girls gave her scathing looks. Her professors looked on her with suspicion, and she was occasionally accused of riding coattails to get her internship. They weren’t totally wrong on that last bit. Even Marinette had hesitated taking an official position under M. Agreste. Though she knew he was not a biased man, and that he wouldn’t go easy on her. Besides, prestigious internships were hard and few to come by. If she sincerely wanted to make it in this industry, she had to take what she could get, no matter how they came her way. 

Having their relationship out in the open proved to be a relief to Marinette and Adrien. Even with the extra attention, they found comfort in one another. They no longer avoided paparazzi, and they declared their love proudly for all of France to see.

[weopenviews]

Prosecutors on Wednesday announced criminal charges against two officers involved in the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks, who was killed during a DUI arrest after he fell asleep in his car at a Wendy’s drive-thru lane.Former Atlanta cop Garrett Rolfe, 27, has been charged with 11 counts—including felony murder—for shooting Brooks on June 12 as he was running away through the crowded parking lot, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said. After shooting him twice in the back, Rolfe then kicked the 27-year-old man “while he was lying on the ground,” the prosecutor said. “Mr. Brooks on the night of the incident was calm and cordial and displaced a cooperative nature. Secondly, even though Mr. Brooks was slightly impacted, his demeanor during this incident was also jovial,” Howard said during an afternoon press conference.“Mr. Brooks never presented himself as a threat,” he added.Atlanta Police Chief Quits, Fiery Protests Erupt After Black Man Shot DeadDuring the press conference, Howard said his office’s decision to file charges against Rolfe and the other officer at the scene, Devin Brosnan, came after reviewing eight videos of the incident, as well as taser and ballistics reports. They also interviewed seven witnesses.Howard alleged that Rolfe knew that the Taser Brooks was holding when he was shot had been fired twice—rendering it unusable and not a danger to the officers. When Brooks turned and tried to fire the Taser at the two men as he was running, Rolfe shot Brooks in the back.“Mr. Brooks was running away at the time the shot was fired,” Howard said, stating that he was about 18 feet and three inches away from Rolfe when he was fired upon, a violation of police code and use of excessive force. After he was shot, Brooks did not receive aid for two minutes—and Brosnan stood on his shoulders “as he was fighting for his life,” Howard said.“It is Atlanta law for an officer to render aid for someone after they’ve been shot,” he said.Brosnan, who Howard said had “remarkably” become a state witness, also faces three charges, including aggravated assault and violation of oath. Howard said Brosnan’s decision to testify against his colleague marks the first time an officer has agreed to “testify against someone in his own department.”However, Brosnan’s attorney said that Brosnan was cooperating with investigators but it was “absolutely untrue” to say he’d turned state witness.“The decision to initiate charges by the Fulton County DA’s office is irrational, unethical and obviously based on factors which should have nothing to do with the proper administration of justice,” Don Samuel said in the statement, adding that his client plans to plead not guilty. Howard said that while he is recommending a $50,000 bond for Brosnan, he believes Rolfe should be held without bail. Prosecutors are now asking the two officers to turn themselves in by 6 p.m. Thursday.Rolfe faces a maximum life sentence or the death penalty, while Brosnan faces up to 20 years in prison.Before Brosnan’s attorney released a statement, Chris Stewart, an attorney for Brooks’ family, had praised Brosnan for apparently having the courage to come forward and admit his wrongdoing—and agreeing to go against his fellow officer.“It’s heartbreaking but it’s an attempt to redefine justice,” Stewart said. “The positivity of this situation is the courageousness of Officer Brosnan to step forward and say what was wrong. It’s that kind of officer that will change policing.”The charges come days after Rolfe was fired when footage of the police killing spurred a national outcry, the resignation of Atlanta’s police chief, and mass protests in Atlanta amid two weeks of nationwide unrest over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Brosnan was placed on administrative leave on Sunday, the same day the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Brooks’ death a homicide. Brooks’ widow, Tomika Miller, said in a press conference on Wednesday she is heartbroken but grateful for the charges against the two officers.“Father’s Day is coming up and all I can think about is ‘what if my husband was still here,’” she said through tears.Justin Miller, another attorney for Brooks’ family, said criminal charges were “step one,” with the next move being “convicted on all charges.” “Look into your heart and have some empathy for another human being...he may not look like you but he is, and was a human being,” Miller said. “I was taught as a kid that you don’t kick a man when he’s down....that is an American thing.” “America is not America for all Americans,” he added.Authorities say the confrontation began at around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, when officers Brosnan and Rolfe arrived at the Wendy’s in south Atlanta to find Brooks asleep in a car blocking the drive-thru lane.According to released body-cam footage, the officers talked with Brooks for 27 minutes. During the conversation, the pair asked if Brooks had been drinking, to which he replied he had consumed maybe one and a half cocktails. The officers then conducted a breathalyzer test on him, finding Brooks had a .108 blood alcohol level—which is above Georgia’s legal limit.“I think you’ve had too much to drink to be driving,” Rolfe told Brooks as Brosnan tried to handcuff him, sparking a confrontation. A struggle ensued and one of the officers can be heard yelling, “You’re going to get Tased! Stop fighting!”The two cops fought with Brooks for about 41 seconds before the 27-year-old grabbed Brosnan’s stun gun, according to the video footage. Brooks got up and ran away. As he was running, he turned and fired the Taser towards Rolfe, who had already grabbed his service weapon from its holster.Howard said Wednesday that after Rolfe shot Brooks twice in the back, he yelled, “I got him!”Six minutes after the shooting, an ambulance arrived to take Brooks to Grady Memorial Hospital. Brooks was pronounced dead shortly after surgery at the hospital. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy revealed Brooks suffered two gunshot wounds to his back and died from blood loss and injuries to several organs.‘End the Suffering’: Rayshard Brooks’ Family Demands Charges Against CopsStewart said Monday that the fatal incident could have easily been avoided when Brooks told the two officers he could walk home to his sister’s house nearby. After the incident, cellphone video of the shooting exploded on social media, prompting protesters to immediately converge at the scene of the crime. Hours later, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that Police Chief Erika Shields was stepping down after determining  the shooting was not justified.“It is my hope that justice will be served—not only for the family of Mr. Brooks, but for the victims and families of the other use of force cases waiting to be resolved by the District Attorney,” Bottoms said in a Tuesday statement after the charges were announced. “My condolences and prayers remain with the family of Mr. Brooks, as well as the other families awaiting justice.”Read more at The Daily Beast.Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast hereGet our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.

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[saadullah-faisal-world]

Prosecutors on Wednesday announced criminal charges against two officers involved in the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks, who was killed during a DUI arrest after he fell asleep in his car at a Wendy’s drive-thru lane.Former Atlanta cop Garrett Rolfe, 27, has been charged with 11 counts—including felony murder—for shooting Brooks on June 12 as he was running away through the crowded parking lot, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said. After shooting him twice in the back, Rolfe then kicked the 27-year-old man “while he was lying on the ground,” the prosecutor said. “Mr. Brooks on the night of the incident was calm and cordial and displaced a cooperative nature. Secondly, even though Mr. Brooks was slightly impacted, his demeanor during this incident was also jovial,” Howard said during an afternoon press conference.“Mr. Brooks never presented himself as a threat,” he added.Atlanta Police Chief Quits, Fiery Protests Erupt After Black Man Shot DeadDuring the press conference, Howard said his office’s decision to file charges against Rolfe and the other officer at the scene, Devin Brosnan, came after reviewing eight videos of the incident, as well as taser and ballistics reports. They also interviewed seven witnesses.Howard alleged that Rolfe knew that the Taser Brooks was holding when he was shot had been fired twice—rendering it unusable and not a danger to the officers. When Brooks turned and tried to fire the Taser at the two men as he was running, Rolfe shot Brooks in the back.“Mr. Brooks was running away at the time the shot was fired,” Howard said, stating that he was about 18 feet and three inches away from Rolfe when he was fired upon, a violation of police code and use of excessive force. After he was shot, Brooks did not receive aid for two minutes—and Brosnan stood on his shoulders “as he was fighting for his life,” Howard said.“It is Atlanta law for an officer to render aid for someone after they’ve been shot,” he said.Brosnan, who Howard said had “remarkably” become a state witness, also faces three charges, including aggravated assault and violation of oath. Howard said Brosnan’s decision to testify against his colleague marks the first time an officer has agreed to “testify against someone in his own department.”However, Brosnan’s attorney said that Brosnan was cooperating with investigators but it was “absolutely untrue” to say he’d turned state witness.“The decision to initiate charges by the Fulton County DA’s office is irrational, unethical and obviously based on factors which should have nothing to do with the proper administration of justice,” Don Samuel said in the statement, adding that his client plans to plead not guilty. Howard said that while he is recommending a $50,000 bond for Brosnan, he believes Rolfe should be held without bail. Prosecutors are now asking the two officers to turn themselves in by 6 p.m. Thursday.Rolfe faces a maximum life sentence or the death penalty, while Brosnan faces up to 20 years in prison.Before Brosnan’s attorney released a statement, Chris Stewart, an attorney for Brooks’ family, had praised Brosnan for apparently having the courage to come forward and admit his wrongdoing—and agreeing to go against his fellow officer.“It’s heartbreaking but it’s an attempt to redefine justice,” Stewart said. “The positivity of this situation is the courageousness of Officer Brosnan to step forward and say what was wrong. It’s that kind of officer that will change policing.”The charges come days after Rolfe was fired when footage of the police killing spurred a national outcry, the resignation of Atlanta’s police chief, and mass protests in Atlanta amid two weeks of nationwide unrest over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Brosnan was placed on administrative leave on Sunday, the same day the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Brooks’ death a homicide. Brooks’ widow, Tomika Miller, said in a press conference on Wednesday she is heartbroken but grateful for the charges against the two officers.“Father’s Day is coming up and all I can think about is ‘what if my husband was still here,’” she said through tears.Justin Miller, another attorney for Brooks’ family, said criminal charges were “step one,” with the next move being “convicted on all charges.” “Look into your heart and have some empathy for another human being...he may not look like you but he is, and was a human being,” Miller said. “I was taught as a kid that you don’t kick a man when he’s down....that is an American thing.” “America is not America for all Americans,” he added.Authorities say the confrontation began at around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, when officers Brosnan and Rolfe arrived at the Wendy’s in south Atlanta to find Brooks asleep in a car blocking the drive-thru lane.According to released body-cam footage, the officers talked with Brooks for 27 minutes. During the conversation, the pair asked if Brooks had been drinking, to which he replied he had consumed maybe one and a half cocktails. The officers then conducted a breathalyzer test on him, finding Brooks had a .108 blood alcohol level—which is above Georgia’s legal limit.“I think you’ve had too much to drink to be driving,” Rolfe told Brooks as Brosnan tried to handcuff him, sparking a confrontation. A struggle ensued and one of the officers can be heard yelling, “You’re going to get Tased! Stop fighting!”The two cops fought with Brooks for about 41 seconds before the 27-year-old grabbed Brosnan’s stun gun, according to the video footage. Brooks got up and ran away. As he was running, he turned and fired the Taser towards Rolfe, who had already grabbed his service weapon from its holster.Howard said Wednesday that after Rolfe shot Brooks twice in the back, he yelled, “I got him!”Six minutes after the shooting, an ambulance arrived to take Brooks to Grady Memorial Hospital. Brooks was pronounced dead shortly after surgery at the hospital. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy revealed Brooks suffered two gunshot wounds to his back and died from blood loss and injuries to several organs.‘End the Suffering’: Rayshard Brooks’ Family Demands Charges Against CopsStewart said Monday that the fatal incident could have easily been avoided when Brooks told the two officers he could walk home to his sister’s house nearby. After the incident, cellphone video of the shooting exploded on social media, prompting protesters to immediately converge at the scene of the crime. Hours later, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that Police Chief Erika Shields was stepping down after determining  the shooting was not justified.“It is my hope that justice will be served—not only for the family of Mr. Brooks, but for the victims and families of the other use of force cases waiting to be resolved by the District Attorney,” Bottoms said in a Tuesday statement after the charges were announced. “My condolences and prayers remain with the family of Mr. Brooks, as well as the other families awaiting justice.”Read more at The Daily Beast.Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast hereGet our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.

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[orendrasingh]

Prosecutors on Wednesday announced criminal charges against two officers involved in the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks, who was killed during a DUI arrest after he fell asleep in his car at a Wendy’s drive-thru lane.Former Atlanta cop Garrett Rolfe, 27, has been charged with 11 counts—including felony murder—for shooting Brooks on June 12 as he was running away through the crowded parking lot, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said. After shooting him twice in the back, Rolfe then kicked the 27-year-old man “while he was lying on the ground,” the prosecutor said. “Mr. Brooks on the night of the incident was calm and cordial and displaced a cooperative nature. Secondly, even though Mr. Brooks was slightly impacted, his demeanor during this incident was also jovial,” Howard said during an afternoon press conference.“Mr. Brooks never presented himself as a threat,” he added.Atlanta Police Chief Quits, Fiery Protests Erupt After Black Man Shot DeadDuring the press conference, Howard said his office’s decision to file charges against Rolfe and the other officer at the scene, Devin Brosnan, came after reviewing eight videos of the incident, as well as taser and ballistics reports. They also interviewed seven witnesses.Howard alleged that Rolfe knew that the Taser Brooks was holding when he was shot had been fired twice—rendering it unusable and not a danger to the officers. When Brooks turned and tried to fire the Taser at the two men as he was running, Rolfe shot Brooks in the back.“Mr. Brooks was running away at the time the shot was fired,” Howard said, stating that he was about 18 feet and three inches away from Rolfe when he was fired upon, a violation of police code and use of excessive force. After he was shot, Brooks did not receive aid for two minutes—and Brosnan stood on his shoulders “as he was fighting for his life,” Howard said.“It is Atlanta law for an officer to render aid for someone after they’ve been shot,” he said.Brosnan, who Howard said had “remarkably” become a state witness, also faces three charges, including aggravated assault and violation of oath. Howard said Brosnan’s decision to testify against his colleague marks the first time an officer has agreed to “testify against someone in his own department.”However, Brosnan’s attorney said that Brosnan was cooperating with investigators but it was “absolutely untrue” to say he’d turned state witness.“The decision to initiate charges by the Fulton County DA’s office is irrational, unethical and obviously based on factors which should have nothing to do with the proper administration of justice,” Don Samuel said in the statement, adding that his client plans to plead not guilty. Howard said that while he is recommending a $50,000 bond for Brosnan, he believes Rolfe should be held without bail. Prosecutors are now asking the two officers to turn themselves in by 6 p.m. Thursday.Rolfe faces a maximum life sentence or the death penalty, while Brosnan faces up to 20 years in prison.Before Brosnan’s attorney released a statement, Chris Stewart, an attorney for Brooks’ family, had praised Brosnan for apparently having the courage to come forward and admit his wrongdoing—and agreeing to go against his fellow officer.“It’s heartbreaking but it’s an attempt to redefine justice,” Stewart said. “The positivity of this situation is the courageousness of Officer Brosnan to step forward and say what was wrong. It’s that kind of officer that will change policing.”The charges come days after Rolfe was fired when footage of the police killing spurred a national outcry, the resignation of Atlanta’s police chief, and mass protests in Atlanta amid two weeks of nationwide unrest over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Brosnan was placed on administrative leave on Sunday, the same day the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Brooks’ death a homicide. Brooks’ widow, Tomika Miller, said in a press conference on Wednesday she is heartbroken but grateful for the charges against the two officers.“Father’s Day is coming up and all I can think about is ‘what if my husband was still here,’” she said through tears.Justin Miller, another attorney for Brooks’ family, said criminal charges were “step one,” with the next move being “convicted on all charges.” “Look into your heart and have some empathy for another human being...he may not look like you but he is, and was a human being,” Miller said. “I was taught as a kid that you don’t kick a man when he’s down....that is an American thing.” “America is not America for all Americans,” he added.Authorities say the confrontation began at around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, when officers Brosnan and Rolfe arrived at the Wendy’s in south Atlanta to find Brooks asleep in a car blocking the drive-thru lane.According to released body-cam footage, the officers talked with Brooks for 27 minutes. During the conversation, the pair asked if Brooks had been drinking, to which he replied he had consumed maybe one and a half cocktails. The officers then conducted a breathalyzer test on him, finding Brooks had a .108 blood alcohol level—which is above Georgia’s legal limit.“I think you’ve had too much to drink to be driving,” Rolfe told Brooks as Brosnan tried to handcuff him, sparking a confrontation. A struggle ensued and one of the officers can be heard yelling, “You’re going to get Tased! Stop fighting!”The two cops fought with Brooks for about 41 seconds before the 27-year-old grabbed Brosnan’s stun gun, according to the video footage. Brooks got up and ran away. As he was running, he turned and fired the Taser towards Rolfe, who had already grabbed his service weapon from its holster.Howard said Wednesday that after Rolfe shot Brooks twice in the back, he yelled, “I got him!”Six minutes after the shooting, an ambulance arrived to take Brooks to Grady Memorial Hospital. Brooks was pronounced dead shortly after surgery at the hospital. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy revealed Brooks suffered two gunshot wounds to his back and died from blood loss and injuries to several organs.‘End the Suffering’: Rayshard Brooks’ Family Demands Charges Against CopsStewart said Monday that the fatal incident could have easily been avoided when Brooks told the two officers he could walk home to his sister’s house nearby. After the incident, cellphone video of the shooting exploded on social media, prompting protesters to immediately converge at the scene of the crime. Hours later, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that Police Chief Erika Shields was stepping down after determining  the shooting was not justified.“It is my hope that justice will be served—not only for the family of Mr. Brooks, but for the victims and families of the other use of force cases waiting to be resolved by the District Attorney,” Bottoms said in a Tuesday statement after the charges were announced. “My condolences and prayers remain with the family of Mr. Brooks, as well as the other families awaiting justice.”Read more at The Daily Beast.Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast hereGet our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.

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[fieldtripiowa]

Spend a weekend or a whole week enjoying all the natural beauty and small town charm on an Eastern Iowa Family Road Trip.  This unique portion of Iowa is rich in history with many exciting opportunities for fun and learning. 

Families really will have to visit more then once to enjoy all that Eastern Iowa has to offer. Follow along on our adventures as we camped out at Backbone State Park, climbed the hills of Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak and uncovered little Iowa treasures along the way. 

  Backbone State Park 

Our exploration of northeastern Iowa started with enjoying Backbone State Park. A variety of rental cabins at Backbone are available for a minimum of two nights stay during the off-season. Between Memorial Day-Labor Day cabin rental is for 7 nights, from Fri-Fri. 

The smaller cabins are perfect for our family of four. Cabins come equipped with modern conveniences including A/C & heat, running water (i.e. a bathroom and shower) and a full-sized kitchen. 

Reserve America has detailed cabin photos and information. During a night of unexpected storms, we stayed snuggle safe, dry and received a quite nights sleep. 

Cabins are perched atop unique geological rock formations along the East Lake Trail just up the road from the sand beach, home to the famous “castle” structure boat house. Our children delighted in climbing around the rock formations and finding a “cave”. 

But that wasn’t the real cave! One of the many features of the park, including 21-miles of trails, a C.C.C. Museum, shallow streams, a deep lake, rock climbing opportunities and several picnic locations, is the Cave.

We were surprised to find a live, wet, cave. It’s deep, dark, damp and has bats! Yep, I said that, for real, a bat flew right by me and totally scared me crazy! This was nothing like our guided cave tours in MN or MO which were both amazing but felt way safer with lights and peppy young tour guides. 

Prepare to get dirty and bring a headlight flashlight. We don’t recommend using a cellphone to light your path. 🙂 

  Once you’re done playing around inside, hit the awesome trails! The Backbone Trail has made the news this year due to a couple of tragic deaths, a child and an adult. From our experience, 99% of this trail is safe. There are a few locations with extreme drop offs. Instruct young children to not run ahead on the trail and keep everyone in your group way back from the edge. This trail is not stroller friendly. 

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Deer and wildlife are abundant at Backbone State Park and we saw half-dozen during our evening walks. The sunset from high above on the Backbone Trail was breathtaking. 

  Day Trip

Using Backbone as our “base camp” we headed off on our Eastern Iowa Family Road Trip to the River Bluffs Scenic Byway making our way about an hour east to the Great Iowa River Road. 

We logged an awesome gadget Geocache, passed by the Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge, went shopping at the Paper Moon (awesome bookstore with kitty cats) and enjoyed the simplistic beauty of Amish country. 

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Elkader Iowa

As we were driving along and enjoying the scenery, daddy recognized the small town of Elkader. Years ago he inspected the famous Keystone Bridge. In excitement of a new adventure, we quickly took a detour. We would highly recommend stopping by this unique small town. If you are wanting some challenging fun, check out their white water rapids. 

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Effigy Mounds

Effigy Mounds has long been on my Bucket List and during this trip, we saw a small portion of the massive park. I would highly recommend doing a little advance planning before visiting this park. 

In the visitor center kids can enjoy the hands-on learning station. There is a small museum, gift shop and other educational opportunities. We purchased our first National Park Passport books and we can’t wait to start filling in our books. I wish we had learned about this earlier. 

Outside of the visitor center is a small mound that can be viewed without taking the trail. A challenging, steep hike takes visitors to the first series of mounds and overlook points. Once you get past the gigantic steep hill, the two-mile hike is relatively easy. Our suggestion is to save this hike and portion of the park for older children who can handle the climb and appreciate the cultural value of the mounds. 

For those who do make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded handsomely with woodland beauty and stunning vistas. 

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  Pikes Peak State Park

Just down the road from Effigy Mounds is Pikes Peak, offering beautiful overlooks and Native American mounds similar to those at Effigy Mounds. Bear Mound and the main overlook are all located along a paved, easy to use path. But don’t let that fool you. With over 11 miles of trails, this park can keep you busy all day.

  We only saw a small portion of the park and enjoyed finding a waterfall along Bridal Veil Trail. 

Lock & Dam 10

I absolutely fell in love with all the beautiful, small river towns along the Great Iowa River Road and Guttenberg didn’t disappoint. Alongside charming historic buildings, Lock & Dam 10 is exciting and fun to watch.  

You’ll find the Lock & Dam located behind the school. Drive through the gated area and down to the viewing platform. Enjoy the ships passing to your heart’s content!

  Phew! What a Trip! Daddy says this was one of his favorite short trips and we all agree. With so much to see and do on an Eastern Iowa Family Road Trip, plan to visit for a week.

  Eastern Iowa Family Road Trip Spend a weekend or a whole week enjoying all the natural beauty and small town charm on an Eastern Iowa Family Road Trip.