#anyway I’m resting and watching trash tv but it really is just me and my heat pack against everything else rn

[chronicillnesscaneffoffplease]

It’s just me and my heat pack against the world

[solarmorrigan]

Movie Nights

For the @steddie-spooktober day 25 prompt: Frankenstein Friday Rated: T | Words: 1514 | CW: None | Tags: established relationship, outsider POV, I know the movie is over 90 years old but I didn't actually watch it myself until a month ago, so just in case there's anyone else out there who hasn't seen it, Frankenstein (1931) spoilers Divider credit: @steddiecameraroll-graphics

Part 3 of the Good Neighbors series

Gladys can appreciate new things. Books, television, music – the little joys to be found in new discoveries are what make life worth living. She isn’t as set in her ways as some people her age can be, but she does have her favorites.

She loves her mysteries and her thrillers above all else; the likes of Agatha Christie, Elizabeth Peters, and Arthur Conan Doyle line her shelves. She’s dipped into the genre of spies and intrigue, digging into Ian Fleming and John Le Carré. She’s even been known to appreciate a good horror film now and then.

Emphasis on “good.”

“So this is what passes for horror these days?” Gladys asks as a young man on the TV screen is sucked down into his bed, only to be spat back out as an absolute geyser of blood.

Eddie chuckles, glancing up from the screen. “Not your cup of tea?”

Gladys leans on the back of the couch, resting her arms there. She’d only come over to the boys’ apartment to see if they had a spare baking dish she could borrow; they certainly hadn’t invited her in to critique their choice of entertainment. But all the same–

“I just think they should try a little harder to really scare people. These days, it’s all shock and gore. All they have to do is shower people in blood and call it a day,” Gladys says. “I remember a time when they put real effort in.”

“Back in your day?” Eddie teases, grinning at her.

Gladys tsks, cuffing him upside the head – not hard, barely more than a tap, but he still falls sideways onto the couch with a gasp, clutching his head, and then rolls right off and onto the floor with a thump. Gladys rolls her eyes, but doesn’t bother to hide her smile at his antics.

“Hey, will this work for–” Steve exits the kitchen, a glass baking dish in his hands, and stops as his attention is almost immediately diverted to Eddie. “Why are you on the floor?”

“Gladys attacked me,” Eddie replies.

“Oh. Good for her,” Steve decides, holding up the dish again. “Will this work for you?”

“That would be fine,” Gladys says, accepting it as Steve passes it over.

“She also thinks my movie is trash,” Eddie says brightly as he levers himself back up onto the couch.

“I did not say it was trash,” Gladys says. “At worst, I said it was cheap.”

“Okay, but that’s not better,” Eddie says.

“I’m not a huge fan, either,” Steve leans in to stage whisper to Gladys, “but it makes him happy.”

“Yeah, yeah, everyone’s a critic.” Eddie rolls his eyes, then leans back a bit so he can look up at Gladys. “What would you call a good horror movie, if not the genius of Wes Craven?”

Gladys purses her lips, thinking for a moment. “I don’t suppose you’ve ever seen the classics? Dracula, The Creature from the Black Lagoon?”

Eddie lets out a thoughtful little noise, shaking his head. “Can’t say I have.”

“Well, you ought to. You’ll see where it all began, then,” Gladys says.

“And I get the feeling you’d enjoy showing us,” Eddie says, wiggling his eyebrows up at Gladys.

“’Us’? Who’s ‘us’? When did I get roped into this?” Steve asks, and Eddie reaches out to take one of his hands.

“We’re a package deal, baby, everyone knows that,” Eddie says.

“No one around here but Gladys knows that,” Steve reminds him.

“Everyone important knows that,” Eddie amends. “Anyway, what do you say, Gladys? Feel like educating a couple of horror philistines such as ourselves?”

“Well,” Gladys says slowly, “I’m sure I could come up with something.”

This is how she ends up in her armchair the following Friday night, the boys both sitting on the loveseat, all watching as the audience is warned of the frightening nature of the upcoming film playing out on the television.

“Now, this wasn’t Universal’s first horror film, and it wasn’t even the first movie adaptation of Frankenstein,” Gladys says when the opening credits come on, “but it is a bit iconic. I thought you might get a kick out of it.”

“But is it scary?” Eddie teases.

“Well, I don’t know about scary, but maybe a bit shocking. Look at it this way:” Gladys says, “it was 1931. Graverobbing and murder might seem mundane to you, but we weren’t quite as desensitized to seeing it on the screen back then.”

Steve glances over at her. “Do you remember when this came out?”

“Oh, barely.” Gladys wiggles her hand back and forth in a so-so gesture. “I certainly didn’t go to see it in the theater, I was only six or seven at the time.”

“Still, that’s pretty cool,” Steve says, and Gladys favors him with a smile.

If they aren’t altogether horrified by the movie, the boys are at least engaged, keeping up a running commentary that has even Gladys laughing. (“He had that coming,” Steve says when the monster finally catches Frankenstein’s assistant. “Yep. Rest in pieces, Fritz,” Eddie adds.) However, as they reach the midway point, the father onscreen bidding his daughter to go play with her cat while he works, Steve shifts uneasily in his seat.

“Wait, they’re not going to do anything to the cat, are they?” he asks, cutting a worried glance at Gladys.

As if the thought hadn’t occurred to him until Steve voiced it, Eddie sits up straight in his own seat. “Gladys,” he says, pointing an accusing finger at the screen, “you’re not showing us a movie where they kill a cat, are you?”

One brow raised, Gladys regards the pair of them. “You’re worried about the cat, but not the child?”

Steve scoffs. “It’s 1931, they’re not gonna kill a kid,” he says, while Eddie nods in agreement.

Both brows raised now, Gladys only gives them a little “hm,” and turns back to the screen. With some suspicion, Eddie and Steve do the same, watching as the scene unfolds.

“Oh, shit,” Steve says, taken aback as the monster tosses the little girl into the lake.

“Damn. Guess we should’ve worried about the kid, after all,” Eddie says.

“You have to have some idea of how this movie ends,” Gladys says, shaking her head. “Did you really think they’d form an angry mob over a dead cat?”

“I would,” Eddie declares, then looks down at Steve, who at some point in the last half hour had ended up tucked into Eddie’s side (when, Gladys isn’t sure, but it’s sweet; it’s a pleasant feeling knowing how comfortable the two of them are here). “Steve, would you form an angry mob with me if someone killed our cat?”

“We don’t have a cat,” Steve says.

“That’s not the point,” Eddie insists, and Steve relents.

“I would come with you if only to make sure you didn’t get yourself killed,” he decides.

“I’ll take it,” Eddie says with a shrug.

The rest of the movie plays out on the screen – the forming of the mob, the confrontation with the monster, the burning windmill, and, at last, the peaceful conclusion.

“Wait,” Eddie says, brows furrowed as he watches the end credits play, “that’s it? That’s how it ends? A toast to the house of Frankenstein, the end?”

“Yes…” Gladys says slowly. “Why? How should it end?”

“Oh, I don’t know, how about a little restitution for the guy whose daughter got murdered?” Eddie demands, shooting up out of his seat so quickly that Steve has no time to brace himself and falls sideways onto the loveseat with a little ‘oof.’ “How about a little accountability? I mean, seriously, this is just typical; some rich, entitled asshole plays around with things he can’t control, creates a problem he refuses to solve, and the poor end up being the ones to pay the price!”

“Now you’ve got him started,” Steve mutters to Gladys as he sits himself back up.

“Is there any way to get him to stop?” Gladys asks, though she’s a little fascinated with the theatrical way Eddie throws himself around the living room as he rants.

“Uh.” Steve glances over at Eddie and back away again, and there actually seems to be a little color rising in his cheeks. “Not, um…”

“Take him home first, if you’re planning to do something like that,” Gladys says primly, only to lose the fight to her laughter when Steve looks over at her, aghast.

“I wouldn’t–!” he protests indignantly, his face going redder.

“Are you guys even listening to me?” Eddie demands, turning back to face the pair of them.

Gladys declines to answer, asking instead, “Eddie, dear, how did you like the movie?”

“Oh. Aside from the ending, it was great.” Eddie drops back onto the loveseat, reaching out absently to tug Steve back over to his side. “What else ya got?”

“Well,” Gladys says, picking through the stack of tapes she’d managed to dig up at the video store. “If you like entitled rich people, let’s see how you feel about Dracula.”

[fandom-imagines-stories]

Grains of Sand

Season Two Episode Four

Dr. Spencer Reid x Reader (Aaron Hotchner’s Sister)

Words: 4039

Series Masterlist

Summary: The team drums up ideas to help Spencer and Y/N celebrate their one-year anniversary.

Notes: Oh my god, I can’t believe I accidentally skipped this episode! No wonder my numbers were off. Anyway, this is the actual episode four. I’m so sorry! I promise, I’m really trying to give you guys some fluff this season, but there’s just so much angst haha. 

Warnings: Mild sexual content, alcholism 

-

You were getting better. Each day, Spence noticed that you smiled a little more than the last, you laughed more, and you resembled the woman he met again. He was right. 

You were the strong one. 

“What are you working on?” He asked, pouring you both your morning coffee. You had your nose in a file, hand scribbling away in your notebook.

“I’m putting together a possible study,” you said. 

“Oh?” He set your mug in front of you and kissed your temple before taking the seat across the table. 

“It’s just an idea,” you shrugged. “I’ll tell you about it when I figure out a little more.” 

“Oh.” He tried not to sound too dejected. You usually couldn’t wait to share your projects with him. 

You put your notes aside and gave him a bright smile. “So, there’s a classic horror marathon on TV this weekend and I was thinking- fingers crossed you’re here- that we can make a big deal out of it. We can get cheap Halloween candy, stay in our pajamas, and have a cozy, creepy weekend all to ourselves.”

Spence grinned. Having already made his own plans for the weekend, this was a good cover to make sure his stayed a surprise. Plus, he was always up for classic monster movies, especially with you. 

You always laughed when he did the voices along with the actors. Everyone else thought it was weird. 

Now he just needed the time to actually plan his plans. With absolutely no idea where to start. No big deal. 

Spencer got up to clear the table and you slurped down the rest of your coffee. 

“I’ll get it,” you blurted, hurriedly grabbing his plate and yours and walking over to the trash. You dumped the food scraps and used napkins on top of the empty bottle at the bottom of the bag. 

That was close.

You made a mental note to take it out as soon as he left for work. 

Spence noted your odd reaction, but decided not to say anything about it. He checked his watch and finished his coffee. 

“I have to get going, but maybe we can get lunch?”

“Actually, I’m getting lunch with JJ today,” you said, making your way back to the table to give him a kiss. “How about I bring you coffee in the afternoon, hm? Sonia wants to meet with SES Strauss anyway, so I can stop by her office and set up a meeting.” 

“She lets you do that?” He asked, surprised. To be completely honest, he had always been just a little afraid of the Section Chief. 

You snickered. “I’m pretty sure she likes me more than my brother, so I should be fine.”

“Strauss really doesn’t seem to like him, does she?” He chuckled and shook his head. You watched him as he left, keeping a sunny grin on your face until the door closed behind him. You fell against the table, face in your hands and shoulders slumped. 

Two weeks had passed since Colorado. Two weeks of splitting yourself in half. One side smiled and laughed and planned fun date weekends. The side that was genuinely getting better. The side that felt normal again. Then there was the other half- the empty one that could only be filled by that numbing liquid. The side that had to suffer in order for the other to recover, like your own personal Omelas. 

But if it meant keeping Spencer and Aaron from worrying- on top of everything else in their lives- then it was worth it. Spence was already dealing with so much after what happened with Ben Cyrus, you couldn’t stand being an added thing. So you learned how to keep the two sides separate, which was exhausting, but in the span of everything, what harm could a few nights a week really do? 

You took a moment to collect yourself and walked to your desk. The little table calendar was decorated with little ghosts and pumpkins that Spencer drew and every time you saw it, you couldn’t help but grin. This year, Halloween meant more than just a holiday of spooks and treats. 

In just over a week it would be you and Spencer’s one year anniversary. 

And that was reason enough to put on a smile. 

-

Reid had an unusual pep coming into the office that morning and it did not go unnoticed. Morgan watched him set his bag down and then rush off to Garcia’s office with this goofy glow on his face. 

“What’s that about?” Prentiss asked. While the injuries on her face were barely visible, Reid still had a hard time looking her in the eye since they got back. Seeing him excited made her heart happy. 

Morgan stood up with a curious smirk. “I’m gonna go find out.” 

Garcia was setting a new knick knack on her desk when the sweet genius knocked on her door. 

“Vault of the All Knowing, you may enter,” she proclaimed. 

Reid stepped in tentatively, “Hey Garcia,” he said, “you consider yourself to be a romantic, right?” 

She spun around so quickly she almost fell out of her chair. “Are you asking me for love advice?” 

The wild excitement in her eyes was enough to frighten him a little. “Yes?” 

Garcia squealed. “Oh my God, come in, sit down. I have been preparing for this.” She pulled two mugs out from a drawer. “What kind of tea do you like?”

“I really don’t need any-”

“Do you want my help?” She snipped. He nodded, wide eyed. “Then we are doing this the right way.” She picked out two bags and sashayed out to get some hot water. Reid sat awkwardly and waited, toying with one of Garcia’s desk-pets. 

“I am hurt.” The voice from the doorway made him jump. Reid whirled around and felt an embarrassed blush rush to his face as he saw Morgan’s smug grin. “I am deeply offended that you would go to Garcia for advice with the ladies and not me. Sorry, lady. Singular.” 

“It’s not really that I need advice, I just-” 

It was too late. Morgan took the chair across from him. Garcia returned. 

“Yay, now it’s a party,” she beamed, handing Reid the mugful of earl gray. “Okay, ask away my beautiful, brilliant friend.”

The room fell into silence. Reid shrunk under the stares of the two agents before him and nervously sipped the warm tea. 

“I-um- I was just hoping you would have some ideas to help me with- uh-” He stammered. “Okay, I need you both to stop looking at me like you’re my parents and I’m going on my first date.” 

“Alright then, Lover Boy, what do you need help with?” 

Garcia smacked Morgan’s arm. “This is why you weren’t invited.” 

“I’m just trying to get this moving,” he said. “He clearly needs help with something.” 

“Our anniversary is coming up,” Reid finally blurted. The two bickering friends turned back to him. “And I need help figuring out what to do. I don’t really know how to be… romantic, I guess.”

They looked at him, then at each other, then back at him and wide grins spread across their faces. 

“A year already, huh?” Morgan asked.

“That is so sweet!” Garcia cheered. She clapped her hands together. “Oh, there’s so many possibilities. Okay, brainstorm. What are the things that make you think of Y/N?”

Reid answered with little need to think. “Books. Coffee. Research. Homicide. Criminal Psychology. ABBA.”  

“Whoa, slow down, sweetie.”

Morgan held up a hand. “Hold up,” he leaned forward on his elbows. “ABBA?” 

Reid took another sip and shrugged. “She used to put them on and dance around the apartment when she thought I wasn’t home. Now she sometimes gets me to dance with her. It’s actually pretty fun. ABBA’s upbeat tempo and lyrics are quite nice for stress dancing. Plus, it’s really cute when Y/N sings along.” 

He smiled into his mug and Garcia put a hand on her chest, her lower lip jutting out in a pout. 

“That is adorable.” 

Reid set the mug down and let his hands fall helplessly to his lap. “But I still don’t know what to do to make this day special. I mean, so much has happened, and with everything that happened in Colorado, I think she’s been trying really hard to make everything feel normal and I want to do something that would mean a lot.” 

“I think you’re selling yourself a little short, Reid,” Morgan said. “You took the woman to London less than a month ago. That was romantic, right?” 

Reid’s blush returned, his mind conjuring images and feelings of you and nights spent not sleeping. Sheets and skin and sighs…

 He rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah.”

Morgan smirked, sensing the younger agent’s shift in thought. “See? You know what you’re doing. You just have to get out of your head to do it, you know?”

“Follow your heart,” Garcia added. 

Spencer took this in and felt a flurry of ideas pop up in the back of his mind. It wasn’t much, but it might be something to go off of. He stood and smiled. 

“Thanks guys.” 

He bounded out the door with new determination, leaving the other two to sit in satisfied silence. 

Morgan chuckled. “They grow up so fast.” 

-

The waitress filled your waters and you gazed over the menu. 

JJ wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think I can actually stomach any of this.” She laughed lightly and put the menu aside, committing to her drink instead. “Thanks for being able to do this, by the way. I feel like I haven’t seen you at all lately.” 

“Are you kidding? Your schedule is busier than mine. I’m always happy to see you guys. I barely see the one I live with as it is,” you said. After ordering, you both talked about work and the London trip and other things you’d been meaning to catch up on. “You’re due in just a couple of weeks, right?” 

She nodded. “Yes, and then this will finally be over!” She laid a hand on her middle, laughing. “I gotta say, as excited as I am to have this baby, I’m just as excited to not throw up and waddle and cry from hormones all the time.” 

The both of you snickered for a moment and you looked down at your silverware, twisting your fork back and forth on the table. JJ read you like a book. 

“You and Spence’s anniversary is next week right?” She asked. 

You perked up again. “Yeah. October 30th. It’s kinda crazy to think it’s been a year. I mean… so much has happened.” 

“You two have been through a lot together, that’s for sure,” she said. “But I’ve never seen him happier.” Another few quiet moments passed. JJ watched your gaze dart between her belly and her face, and each time you would take another long gulp of water. There was something in your eyes that she recognized. “Have you thought about it?” 

“Hmm?” You snapped back to the table, having been lost in your thoughts. 

“Have you ever thought about having kids?” She wondered. “If you don’t mind me asking.” 

“No, I don’t mind.” You took another drink. “If I’m being honest, I never have before. When the things that happened to me happen, I don’t know, it doesn’t exactly fuel a maternal drive. Plus the only serious relationship I had after that, the guy twice my age and using me. No, I’ve never really seen myself as a mother.” You got that look in your eye again. A kind of dreaminess. Hope. “But Spence would be such a great dad, wouldn’t he?” 

JJ smiled, but there was almost a sadness in her eyes. A kind of sympathy that you didn’t understand the origin of. But she could tell how heart broken you were at the thought of never being good enough to be a mom because of your past. She wanted to tell you that you would both make great parents, that any kid would be lucky to have you for a mother. But she knew that now wasn’t the right moment. 

“Yeah,” she agreed. “That kid would have the best bedtime stories.” 

Both of you hardly touched your food and Jennifer picked up on other little things throughout the meal. She may not be a profiler, but she could tell that you were on edge, but doing a damn good job of hiding it. Maybe it was nerves about your anniversary or still recovering from Spence almost getting killed in Colorado, but something was definitely up. She just hoped her bringing up having kids hadn’t upset you. 

“We should probably get going,” you said, forcing yourself to have a few more bites despite not being hungry. “I told Spence I’d bring him some coffee this afternoon when I go to talk to Strauss.” 

“You should stop by your brother’s too,” JJ suggested. “I know he would love to see you.” 

“Are we talking about the same Aaron?” You chuckled. While progress had been made concerning your odd connections to his job, he still always seemed very uncomfortable to see you at the BAU. Besides, you still had reason for keeping off your big brother��s radar. “I’ll see you in a bit, I guess?”

She smiled and nodded, wanting to say more but knowing how. Jennifer watched you walk away with an ache in her chest. There was something wrong- something you were desperately trying to hide- but she just didn’t know what.

-

“Well look who’s decided to grace us with her presence,” Morgan said, getting up from his desk to hug you. 

“It’s good to see you too, Derek,” you laughed, stretching out your arm so the cupholder full of coffee cups wouldn’t fall. “And, I bring gifts.” 

“Oh my god, you’re an angel,” Emily exclaimed, taking her coffee with a grin. 

Derek patted your shoulder. “Professor Hot Stuff strikes again.” He spoke pointedly at Reid, chuckling at the jealous tint in the younger agent’s cheeks. It was all brotherly fun, of course.They both knew that Derek would never cross that line- he only saw you as a good friend. But it was good for the team’s genius to get his blood boiling every once in a while. 

You set a cup on Spencer’s desk and ran a hand through his hair. He gave you a small smile, putting a hand on the small of your back as he set his paperwork aside. 

“How was lunch?” 

You thought of your conversation with JJ and couldn’t help the creeping images of Spence with some little boy or girl, reading to them before bed and helping with their math homework. You pushed the thoughts aside. 

“Good,” you said. “I’ve been craving a little girl-talk.” 

“Which is why we have plans to get coffee next week,” Emily chimed. 

Derek held up his hand. “Alright, now I just feel left out.” 

“From what I hear you get plenty of company,” you teased. His jaw dropped in mock offense. Spencer had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing too loud. “Don’t worry, Muscle Man, I’m sure I can work you into my busy schedule sometime.” 

The four of you conversed merrily for a while before a looming, serious presence appeared over the bullpen. You gave your brother a wide, hiding smile. 

“Aaron, hey. I brought coffee.” You held up the last cup as a peace offering. 

“Hey,” he said. He didn't seem angry or annoyed. He seemed genuinely glad to see you. Still, you knew how to recognize the concern in his gaze. “Can I talk to you for a second?”

You gulped. “Actually, I’m here to see SES Strauss for my boss-”

“It’ll just take a second.” 

Any more resistance would raise questions so you just agreed with a shrug. You gave Spence a parting smile and walked up to Aaron’s office. With every step, you evaluated all of your motions, every tell he would be able to catch. 

“You know, you should really work on your entrance,” you joked as he closed the door. “I mean, every time I’m here, you just appear like the Phantom of the Opera-”

“Why are you avoiding me?” He interrupted. 

Your brows drew together to imitate confusion. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“You haven’t taken my calls, you’ve canceled dinner plans twice, and you stopped staying with Haley when we’re on a case.” 

“I stopped sleepwalking,” you shrugged. “I didn’t want to keep being an inconvenience. Hell, I’m even sleeping through the night now. How does that mean I’m avoiding you?”

“We haven’t spoken since Reid got trapped in the compound.” 

“In case you haven’t noticed, Aaron, we’re both incredibly busy people,” you said. You crossed your arms. “Work has been going really well. I enjoy what I do. Spencer finally doesn’t walk on eggshells around me. Things have started to feel normal. I don’t know why it’s so hard for you to believe that I could actually be doing better.”

“You’re overcompensating,” he argued. He narrowed his eyes. It was clear how hard you were trying to put everything to the way it was before your birthday, but it was more than just not wanting to deal with the trauma. There was something else you were hiding. 

“And you aren’t?” You fired back, turning this ridiculous inquiry on him. “You were back in the field before you were even really cleared. You’ve been burying yourself in your work ever since what happened in New York.” 

“This isn’t about me-”

“Maybe it should be.” 

“The explosion was months ago,” he started, but again you interrupted him.

“So was the anniversary.” You took steps towards him. “You aren’t the only one who’s worried, Aaron. Maybe you should figure out yourself before you jump on me.” 

You started for the door, but he put a hand on your arm. 

“Wait,” he sighed and pulled you into his arms. 

The embrace, at first, made your body go rigid. You wanted to crumble and cry and tell him everything. Inside, you were screaming to tell him about the bar. The bottle at the bottom of the trash can. The burning in your throat you were feeling even now. But you didn’t. You couldn’t. 

“You’re right. I’m sorry,” he said against your shoulder. He held you a little tighter. “I just… I just wish you would talk to me.” 

A crack of guilt shot through your heart. Still, you kept your demon buried, if only to protect him from him. 

“I’m doing better, Aaron. Really,” you smiled, pulling away. “And I worry about you too, you know? You have to take care of yourself every once in a while or you’re going to fall apart.” You hugged him again, hiding your teary eyes from his gaze. “I love you, big brother.” 

His hand cupped the back of your head like you were a little kid and his arms were the one thing protecting you from the monsters. Even if you wouldn’t let him see what the monsters were. 

“I love you too.” 

You pushed away again, putting on a brave face and giving him a small smile. “I’d better get to Strauss’ office before she finds a way to blame you for my tardiness.” 

He chuckled and opened the door. 

You went back to Spencer’s desk to retrieve your cup of coffee. He hooked his finger through your belt loop. 

“Is everything okay?” He asked. 

You nodded and cleared your throat. “Oh that? Yeah. He was just asking if I wanted to come to a late birthday dinner for Jack.” You leaned down to kiss his forehead. “I’ll see you later, yeah?” 

“Okay,” he hesitated. You seemed fine enough, but there was something you weren’t telling him. Before you could go, he pulled you down for one more kiss, to which you both came away beaming. 

As you left, he could sense Morgan’s teasing gaze on him. Reid just smirked and opened a new file. 

“Shut up.” 

-

Something shifted after the day you came to the BAU. Spencer noticed you working a little harder to be cheery when he came home from a case or to comfort him when he was stressed. It seemed every time he had a nightmare- which were more frequent recently- you were already awake and ready to hold him until he fell asleep again. You were a pillar of strength when he wanted to be one for you. 

All the more reason he wanted to do something extra special when the day of your anniversary finally came.  

He got Garcia to help him go shopping and made sure that dinner was ready by the time you got home. He filled ornate chalices with fruit punch and carefully lit dozens of candles around the table and kitchen until the apartment somewhat resembled the gothic manor he was going for. 

You heard the music before you even reached the door. The low classical sound beckoned your curiosity. You snapped your gum- the minty aroma masking your breath- and continued towards it. 

You opened the door, expecting to see your regular apartment, but instead you were greeted by candlelight and a red carpet leading to the dinner table. 

“What the hell-” You started, mouth agape with surprise. 

“Wait wait wait!” Spence exclaimed, sticking his head out from the kitchen. “You’re home early, just… just give me a second.” 

“Okay?” You spit your gum into the trash and closed the door. Spencer hurried back out, a long black cloak hung around his shoulders. 

“Velcome to o-our an-an-ani,” he sighed. “Hold on.” He took out a pair of plastic fangs. “Welcome to our anniversary dinner.” He held out his hands, displaying the table setting behind him with a bright, goofy grin. 

You laughed, taking in everything. The chalices, the pasta, the candles. “Is this supposed to be… Dracula?” 

He beamed. “‘How blessed are some people, whose lives have no fears, no dreads; to whom sleep is a blessing that comes nightly, and brings nothing but sweet dreams.’ It’s the book you talked about on our first date and I thought, with it being so close to Halloween and all, it would be fitting. I don’t know, I know it seems silly, but it made me think of you and Garcia and Morgan told me to just follow my heart so-”

“I love it,” you blurted before he could get too far in his own head. “But Spence,”Your smile was sweetly surprised, but still confused. “Our anniversary isn’t until next week.” 

“The anniversary of our first date is next week,” he corrected, his eyes filling with such love it made your chest ache. “But today- a year ago today- at 3:35 P.M., I helped a beautiful, brilliant, incredible woman reach Anna Karenina from the top shelf.” He took your hand in both of his and held it up to his lips. He kissed each knuckle gently, helping him focus through his overwhelming emotions. “Y/N, to me, today is our anniversary because I knew from the moment I met you that I wanted to be with you.” 

Your heart swelled and the lump in your throat made it impossible to speak. “Spencer…”

“I love you, Y/N. And I know things are hard right now and I know I haven’t been able to be with you through it all like I want to, but I need you to know how much I love you and how much you’ve changed my life and made this year the best of my life.” 

He pulled you into his arms, wrapping the cape around the both of you and closed the space between your lips. 

You were breathless, overwhelming happiness and surprise still making your chest fill with warmth. The stress of the day melted away quicker than it had when you tried using your flask to forget everything. 

“Happy anniversary, Y/N,” Spencer grinned, pulling away to look at your face. 

You gazed back into the loving, hazel eyes and let yourself drink in his presence. “Happy anniversary, Spencer. I love you.”

-

The In-Betweens series: @amywright; shesoperfectt;  hereforsmutbcicantgetenough;  violetbossler;  hyper-half-blood;  i-bitch-you-bitch; xcastawayherosx; preciousbabypeter; @jori21; @sol-48;  @murdermornings ; @ staygoldsquatchling02; @ ara-a-bird

[i-willstealyourtoes]

Hiiii I really like your writing could you write a fluffy fic Sokol x masc!y/n x jacket, watching old horrors and cuddling I think it’d be cute, I’m not great at describing stuff sorryyyyy

Hiiii this is actually my first poly fic so pls bare with me lmao- Anyway, u described it well, ur all good :)

Sokol + Jacket with (male/masc) s/o watching (old) horror movies

- Okay so

- It was actually a pretty peaceful day today, despite your hectic job

- There was actually no heists to do for you three, so this entire day you guys were just chilling

- Maybe you were at the gym, maybe you were playing games, idk

- But what I do know is by the end of it y'all were all sitting on the couch in Jackets room (in the safehouse), watching some random horror movie on his small TV

- The movie itself was not important

- What was more important was how y'all were sitting

- You were sitting in the middle, your arm around Sokol and his around you, while Jacket simply rested his head on your lap

- (You is living the life frrr)

- Sokol and Jacket were both just watching the movie, whilst you just looked at both of them, feeling blessed (as you should tbh)

- Sokol was just commenting on how he would 'never die because of the murderer/monster' and that 'he would kill them instead'

- Jacket wasn't really watching with full attention, he seemed really tired today

- He was kind of watching??? But he only rlly looked at the violent moments

- Whenever someone died on screen, Sokol and you would just talk about how stupid the victim was

- Jacket would add another point fo you two and it would further prove how dumb they are

- It was a frequent back and forth where you guys were just constantly trashing the movie 💀

- If there was any romantic pair, Sokol would absolutely trash talk them 💀

- Especially if they split up of their own accord

- 'What idiots. I would never split up with you guys.'

- Jacket would chip in about how even if you all split up the killer wouldn't get you

- Which is true, you guys kill for a living so-

- Eventually Jacket would actually fall asleep

- You and Sokol would just be like 'awwwwww'

- 'Aw, how cute. We should draw uh... moustache on his face.'

- 'Sokol, NO-'

- Jacket would kill you two if you did

- If you fell asleep with Jacket, then Sokol would just sigh, satisfied with his life

- I mean duh, he's got too lovely boyfriends ofc he is happy :>

- 'Aaahh.... this, this is the life.'

- If anyone came in to judge y'all/wake you guys up, Sokol would just whisper shout and glare

- He would shout but he'd wake you guys up :(

- 'Hey! Shut the fuck up! They're sleeping, дебил!' (Дебил (debil) means idiot I think)

- He'd then just pull both of you closer, then fall asleep with you guys

- If Sokol fell asleep before you did, feel free to carry them to bed or smth

- I mean, you could just sleep with them there but like- Back owies

- So after carrying them (bonus points if you carry them at the same time) to bed, you just decide to lay with them too :)

- Sokol's on his back, your sleeping in his arms as Jacket rests on your chest

- It's so comfy there... can't life just be like this all the time??? 😭

- Sokol and Jacket snore kind of but very lightly so don't worry

- It's actually kind of calming to hear their breathing in a way??? It let's you know that they're both still there and stuff :)

[expatesque]

Ok I feel SICK but the text has been sent - I said I’d call at 7pm on Saturday. Any words of advice/a pep talk? Is this a definitive break up idk what’s going on I’m just LIVID AND SO HURT.

Ok update - I called, he didn’t answer, I’m pretty sure he’s blocked my number. I can’t go to his house as he just moved (like, the weekend he ghosted) so idk his address and he also is back in his family home so I don’t want to cause a scene there even if I did know the address. What do I do next?

+ context

Oh babe I'm so sorry (and so sorry for the delayed response). I think the only thing left is to enter the move on phase. It's totally unfair that you have to do this with no closure or understanding of what happened, but there's nothing else for it. I can't tell you how to grieve and move on, but I do have some suggestions...

Embrace week 1: Box up his stuff. Ideally you'd also get rid of it (mail it to him, get in touch with a mutual friend to get it off your hands) but if you can't find a way to do that (1) you can throw it out or (2) shove it into the furthest corner of your closet. That's for stuff that's owned by him but similarly, you should also deal with stuff that reminds you of him (gifts, mementos from dates, etc) - box or trash, your call, but get it off your walls so you can stop being constantly reminded. Then the rest of week 1 can be for The Great Wallow. This is when you spend a week being your least productive self - order in food or eat ramen, watching bad TV, feel no compulsion to leave the house or make any plans. Embrace this period in your life and acknowledge the sadness with bad TV and takeaway. But after week one, you should have the bulk of the wallow out of your system. Now I'm not going to give you a plan for the following weeks because everyone handles this differently, but I do think the week 1 of boxing + nothing else is a really good foundation.

The 90 day rule: This is likely to be less relevant in your case given how (infuriatingly) he's handled this situation but adding it just in case - 90 days no contact with him. No texting, no coffees, no nothing. I'm personally team dead exes (when you break up with someone, they die) but at the bare minimum, 90 days helps you get your head clear.

Think about mutual friends: If you have mutual friends, are you likely to run into the ex at events held by them? If yes, then I would consider (after a few weeks) setting some rules with them for how to interact with the two of you. For me personally, I asked to be told if the ex was invited to an event so I could decide whether to come / adjust accordingly. Personally, I don't think it's nice or fair to ask people to choose between you but asking to be told is very fair (and the real ones will choose you anyway, without your asking).

Consider doing something dramatic: Not like, dangerous, but a classic breakup move is to change something in your life, like dramatically changing your hair color, cutting it really short, or getting a pet. You can also always plan and go on a trip - even just a weekend away in the countryside can help, just a change of scene. I also think planning a big trip so you have something to look forward to is nice.

I hope some of that is helpful and I'm just so sorry babe. If you ever want to come vent in my inbox, you're absolutely welcome.

[liesonthefloordramatically]

you know that I continue to be feral for news of hualian fake dating and also I'll tell it right this time I swear.... but if you'd prefer a different one, oldseph character study?

(ask game over here)

Rowan, you are very sweet, so, guess what, you get snippets of all three.

Hualian fake dating: I feel like pretty much every bit from this that's viewable is in fact something you have already seen, but here we go anyway. At least half of this fic is Hua Cheng Going Through It because he's in a fake dating fic while Xie Lian has the entire TV Tropes page for fake dating pulled up in his mind at all times. I love Xie Lian and I love writing him from an outside perspective even more. He's so frickin' weird.

“I’m sorry if I’m prying,” Xie Lian says, not breaking eye contact, “but...I know what it’s like to be lonely.  I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”  He smiles, a half-hearted, lopsided jerk of his mouth.  Xie Lian smiles so much, but so often his smiles are there to make him look harmless–a quiet, gentle, ever-smiling trash collector.  Someone easy to overlook.  Someone not worth the effort.   “I’m sorry that gege is lonely,” Hua Cheng says, because it’s easier than addressing the rest of it. Xie Lian’s gaze drops again.  “I’m not lonely anymore,” he says, and maybe there’s real happiness behind his small smile this time.  “I have you, don’t I?” Hua Cheng’s throat works, but no words come out. “And Shi Qingxuan,” Xie Lian continues, oblivious to Hua Cheng’s floundering.  “And Fu Yao and Nan Feng.  And Lang Ying and Ban Yue!  I have so many new friends.” “Good,” Hua Cheng says, far too fervently.  “Everyone should love gege.” Xie Lian looks up again, that strangely penetrating gaze.  “Mm,” he says, and then very quickly changes tacks.  “And you have your beloved.” Hua Cheng’s too aware of the proprietor furiously wiping the table behind them long after it should have been spotless.  “You are my beloved,” he says, and if his voice trembles, he can blame it on stage fright. There’s no blush this time, strangely–just Xie Lian watching him, just Xie Lian’s thoughts hidden behind his unreadable face.  Then, an apologetic smile–and Hua Cheng can see the performance now, the moment when Xie Lian chooses to make himself small and harmless.  “Right,” Xie Lian says.  “Ah, where is my head tonight?”

I'll tell it right this time I swear: the premise of this fic is simply "can I craft a fic that is custom-engineered in a lab to make Rowan lose it." (Slightly more serious explanation: it's a fic about grief and memory and iterative storytelling. there's a lot going on here, don't worry about it.)

You don't answer. You haven’t had to explain yourself to anyone yet. Lucy understood--or she understood enough not to ask. You were grateful, at the time, too scraped raw by Gyro’s loss to even be able to imagine retelling it. Maybe that’s why there are no words when you reach for them. Maybe you just haven’t had enough practice sketching the hole Gyro left behind. (Maybe it’s none of their fucking business.)

Oldseph fic: fun fact: I think I started this one before I started writing linear time is fake. when I say it takes forever for the words to coalesce I am really not kidding. the number of things in this one that are me going "I've connected the dots" about things that literally no one cares about is wild, but please have the opening of the fic (complete with my incomplete sentence because this is how my process works).

The morning after they’ve made it back to Japan, Joseph rolls out of bed (literally rolls, because the bed is on the floor, which is insane and he hates) with a crick in his neck.  It’s not surprising--as his grandson loves reminding him, he is old, and the bed is on the floor for some unfathomable reason and plane rides have always wreaked havoc on his body, even when he hasn’t literally wrecked them. If you kept up with your hamon practice, this wouldn’t happen, a voice inside his head nags, and he stubbornly ignores it, as he always does.  He could [whatever], but hard work and routine are near the top of the list of things Joseph can do without.  Still, sometimes hamon can be useful, especially when he needs to get a crick out of his neck. Joseph makes sure his posture is more or less correct.  He takes a deep breath.  For a moment, it feels like all his blood is running backward through his veins, and then a moment later the pain spreads from his chest to his torso all the way to his fingers and toes.  It’s indescribable--like liquid fire, like his skin is going to blister and slough off.  Joseph’s breathing stutters, his energy shuddering out of his grasp, and just as suddenly as it started, it’s over, and he just feels like he’s been sunburned from the inside out. The morning after they’ve made it back to Japan, Joseph discovers that being pumped full of vampire blood has some unintended consequences.

[rosemariiaa]

~All Eyes on You~

part: 2

pairing: Paige x Oc

a/n: ok i really like the way i made the insta kind of post! yes paige is a stalker but we knew that lol! pretty long.. anyway happy reading lovelies 💌

warnings: teasing, language, sexual innuendos

Enjoy!!!

Victoria.C

curls or no?

Liked by paigebueckers and others

| paigebueckers ouu who’s this diva? 🤗

↪️ Victoria.C hi paige :)

comments…

It had been a week since the charity event, and Victoria couldn’t shake the thought of Paige. They’ve been having more interactions ever since that night. Everything about their brief conversations lingered in her mind—how easy it felt, how Paige seemed genuinely interested in her, and the way she could make Tori laugh without even trying.

Jason had been worse than ever lately, blowing up her phone with his usual jealousy and controlling bullshit. Every interaction with him felt like a chore, draining her more than she was willing to admit. But there was one bright spot in her life lately—Paige.

It wasn’t just that Paige followed her on Instagram; it was the comments, the messages, the way Paige seemed to pop up at the perfect moment to distract Tori from everything else. Like now, for instance. Tori had posted some selfies from her car and bathroom showing off her glowy tan skin and bouncy curls. It wasn’t anything special, but Paige had commented almost immediately.

I’m liking what i see princess. You ever have a bad day or nah?

Tori smiled, her fingers hovering over her phone as she tried to think of something witty to say back.

Princess? Don’t gas me up too much, Bueckers. You’ll give me a big head.

She sent it, then rolled her eyes at herself. What am I even doing?

But her phone buzzed almost immediately.

I mean, if the shoe fits. I call it like I see it.

Tori laughed quietly to herself, trying not to grin too much. Paige had a way of making her feel like the only person in the room, even over texts.

You’re ridiculous, you know that?

Only sometimes. Admit it though, you love the attention.

Tori’s heart raced a little as she typed out her next message.

Who says I’m not getting attention from other people?

Lmao. Okay, Tori. I see you.

But let’s be real, none of those other people are me.

Tori bit her lip, trying not to let her smile get too big. Paige was right, though. There wasn’t anyone else like her.

For the rest of the night, they kept texting back and forth, the conversation getting more playful, more flirty with each message. Every time her phone buzzed, it was Paige, saying something that made Tori forget about the stress in her life, if only for a moment.

But Jason’s messages kept coming too. His jealousy was getting worse. Tori hadn’t even done anything, but that didn’t stop him from accusing her of talking to other guys, demanding to know where she was and what she was doing.

Why the fuck are you ignoring me?

You better not be texting anyone else right now.

Saw you liked Paige Bueckers’ post. You think I’m fucking stupid? What, you into girls now?

Tori groaned, tossing her phone onto the bed. The dude was insufferable. Why am I still with him? Her phone buzzed again, but this time it wasn’t Jason. A message from Paige lit up her screen, and she couldn’t help but smile as she opened it.

You still up? Or did I finally bore you to death?

I’m still here, don’t flatter yourself.

What are you up to?

Trying to find something to watch. You got any good recommendations or nah?

I bet you got trash taste.

You think I’m about to let you roast my TV taste? Absolutely not.

Lmao, come on. What are you watching? I need new shit to binge.

Honestly? I’m rewatching the big bang theory because I have no life.

Damn, guess I’m the only exciting thing going on for you lately, huh?

Tori rolled her eyes at her phone but couldn’t stop smiling.

Please, don’t flatter yourself. You’re like… mildly interesting at best.

Oh yeah? Then why do you keep texting me back?

That comment made Tori pause. She stared at the message for a second longer than she should have, feeling that little spark in her chest again. Why do I keep texting her back?

Touché.

Thought so.

You gotta admit, I make your day a little better. I can tell you’ve been smiling at your phone this whole time.

Okay, chill. You’re not all that.

Nah, I’m definitely all that.

Tori laughed out loud, biting her lip to stop herself from grinning so hard. Paige was… too much. But she was exactly what Tori needed right now. Something light, something fun, someone who didn’t make everything so heavy and complicated. Paige made her feel like she could breathe again, even if it was just through a screen. The smile lingered on Tori’s face as she typed her next message.

Alright, I’ll give you that. You make my day a little better.

See? Was that so hard to admit?

Next step: you stop pretending and just tell me you miss me.

Tori laughed softly at her phone, shaking her head.

Miss you? We hung out like once.

And yet, here we are, texting like old friends.

You miss me, Tori. Just admit it.

Tori’s heart raced a little. Paige was flirting, clearly. But it wasn’t over the top. It was just enough to keep Tori on her toes.

She paused before typing back.

Maybe I do.

The message hung there for a second, and before Tori could second-guess it, Paige’s response popped up almost immediately.

Knew it.

Tori shook her head, laughing to herself. Paige’s confidence was kind of infuriating, but also… incredibly attractive. She was about to type something else when her phone buzzed again. This time, it wasn’t Paige.

It was Jason. Again.

You haven’t responded to me in hours. You’re probably texting someone else, aren’t you?

Her smile instantly faded, and the familiar wave of frustration hit her. She didn’t even want to look at his texts anymore. He’d been getting worse every day, his possessiveness suffocating her.

She was so tired of it. Of him.

But then her phone buzzed again—Paige, like a breath of fresh air.

You good?

Tori sighed and hesitated for a second before responding.

Honestly, not really. Just dealing with some shit.

Damn, sorry to hear that. Anything I can do to help?

Tori smiled weakly at her phone. Paige didn’t even know how much she was helping, just by being there, just by distracting her from the mess that was her life.

You’re already helping. I think you might be the only thing keeping me sane right now.

I’m glad I could provide some entertainment. But seriously, Tori, if you need to talk, I’m here.

That message made Tori pause again. Paige wasn’t just flirting anymore. She was genuinely offering to be there for her. And that made Tori’s chest tighten in a way she wasn’t prepared for.

Thanks, Paige. I really appreciate that.

She stared at the screen for a moment longer, the weight of everything hitting her all at once. The mess with Jason, the suffocating relationship she was stuck in, and this new connection with Paige that felt so easy, so right. Tori closed her eyes, trying to shake the thoughts from her mind. But one thing was clear—Paige was the one thing keeping her grounded right now.

————-

Victoria wakes up to the soft morning light filtering through her blinds. Her phone is the first thing she grabs, almost instinctively checking her notifications. There’s a lingering buzz of excitement as she hopes to see another message from Paige. She scrolls to her Instagram, the post Paige had commented on staring back at her. There’s something about seeing Paige’s name and comment that makes her heart race a little faster than she’d like to admit.

God, why am I so stuck on this? It’s just Paige…you’re average blonde white chick.

But just as she’s about to scroll past the comment, her phone lights up with a text from Jason.

Jason: “Good morning. You doing anything today?”

She stares at the message, rolling her eyes. He always acts like everything’s fine after being possessive and picking fights. She feels her stomach sink a little as she realizes she’s more disappointed about not hearing from Paige than about Jason’s text.

Jason texts again before she even has the chance to respond.

Jason: “You didn’t respond last night. Where were you? Who were you with?”

Victoria groans, tossing her phone to the side. This is exactly what’s been draining her. The constant questioning, the insecurity. She’s tired of it. After a moment, she picks up the phone again, deciding to ignore Jason for now. Instead, she heads to Instagram, pulling up her DMs. Paige’s name is right there in the conversation list from last night, and Victoria bites her lip, wondering if she should make the first move this time.

She hesitates for a second before typing:

“You alive?”

A few moments pass, and Victoria starts second-guessing sending the message, until her phone vibrates. It’s Paige.

“Barely. What’s up?”

Victoria smiles, feeling a little thrill run through her. This is already the highlight of her morning.

“Just checking if last night’s convo knocked you out.”

“Please, Tori, I’m unstoppable.”

“Unstoppable, huh? Is that what they’re calling it now?”

“You’ll have to see for yourself.”

Victoria’s heart skips a beat at the response, and she’s suddenly very aware of the smile on her face.

But just as she’s about to respond, her phone starts ringing—it’s Jason, again. With a frustrated sigh, she declines the call, dropping her phone beside her on the bed. She knows she can’t avoid him forever, but right now, she’d rather think about Paige and this… whatever it is between them.

After a few more minutes of talking with Paige, Victoria feels bold enough to suggest meeting up. She hesitates for a second, typing and deleting before finally sending the message.

“You in the mood for a coffee run?”

She stares at her phone, anxiously waiting for Paige to respond. It doesn’t take long.

“Always. I’ll pick you up in 30.”

Victoria smiles, her stomach doing a little flip. She quickly gets out of bed, throwing on something casual but cute—just enough to catch Paige’s attention. A lacy v neck white top and ripped jeans, with her hair pulled up into a messy bun. She checks herself in the mirror, satisfied, before heading out the door.

————-

30 Minutes Later…

Paige pulls up outside Victoria’s place, driving a sleek black jeep. Victoria gets in, and immediately, the energy between them is different—charged, but comfortable. Paige gives her a once-over, smirking as she pulls out of the driveway.

“Damn, Tori, is this your casual look? No wonder you’re always blowing up on my phone on literally every app.”

Victoria rolls her eyes, feeling her face heat up despite herself. “Please. I barely post anything.”

“Yeah, I noticed,” Paige says, side-eyeing her with a teasing grin. “Had to scroll back pretty far through insta.” Victoria’s eyes widen. “Oh, so you’ve been stalking my Instagram now? That’s funny but i’m not surprised.”

Paige chuckles, shrugging as if she doesn’t have a care in the world. “Touché. But let’s not act like you weren’t waiting for me to like those photos.”

Victoria’s heart skips a beat at Paige’s confidence, and for a second, she’s not sure how to respond. Before she can think of a clever comeback, they pull up to a small, cozy coffee shop tucked away from the main street. They step inside, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and there’s a soft hum of chatter around them. Paige leads the way to the counter, glancing back at Victoria.

“What are you having?”

Victoria shrugs, looking over the menu. “I’ll probably just get a latte.”

Paige grins. “I’ll grab it. You go find us a spot.”

Victoria nods, heading over to a quiet corner of the shop by the window. She sits down, taking a deep breath, trying to figure out why her heart is racing like this. She knows it’s because of Paige, and the more she tries to ignore it, the more obvious it becomes.

Paige joins her with their drinks, sliding the cup over to her. They sit in a comfortable silence for a moment, just sipping their coffee and watching the people outside. “So,” she begins, her voice soft, “what’s got you all wrapped up lately? I noticed your texts seemed a little off this morning and last night.”

Victoria exhales slowly, the weight of Jason’s constant nagging starting to bubble to the surface. “It’s just… Jason. He’s been more possessive lately. I didn’t answer his calls last night, and now he’s acting like I’m hiding something from him.”

Paige raises an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. “He sounds like a piece of work.”

Victoria laughs bitterly. “Yeah, you could say that.”

Paige leans back in her chair, crossing her arms as she looks at Victoria. “So, what are you going to do about it?” Victoria fidgets with her coffee cup, feeling the weight of the question. She knows what she should do, but it’s not that easy. “I don’t know. I’m just… tired, you know? Tired of always being the one who has to calm him down or reassure him. It’s exhausting.”

Paige watches her for a moment, then reaches across the table, placing her hand over Victoria’s. It’s a small gesture, but the warmth from Paige’s hand sends a comforting jolt through her.

“You deserve better than that, Tori.”

Victoria looks up, her eyes meeting Paige’s. There’s something in the way Paige is looking at her—soft but intense, like she really means it. Victoria feels her chest tighten, the air between them suddenly thick with tension. “Yeah, maybe I do.”

They sit like that for a few more moments, the coffee shop buzzing around them, but all Victoria can focus on is the feeling of Paige’s hand on hers. The moment feels significant, like a shift in something she didn’t even realize was happening. After finishing their coffee, Paige stands up and stretches, glancing out the window. “You up for a walk? It’s too nice out to head home already.”

Victoria smiles, feeling a little lighter after talking things out with Paige. “Yeah, a walk sounds perfect.”

They leave the coffee shop, stepping into the bright sunlight, the early morning air crisp around them. The city is alive with people going about their day, but there’s a sense of calm between them as they fall into an easy stride. Their shoulders occasionally brush against each other, sending subtle but electric jolts through Victoria.

As they walk, Victoria notices a puppy trotting along the sidewalk with its owner, its tiny tail wagging furiously. Without a second thought, she gasps and kneels down to greet it.

“Oh my god, hi!” she coos, her voice softening as she reaches out to the little fluffball. The puppy bounds over to her, immediately licking her hand. “Aren’t you the cutest thing ever?” Victoria laughs, her entire face lighting up as she pets the puppy, her fingers scratching behind its ears. She leans down even more, planting a soft kiss on its nose.

Paige watches from a few steps back, her heart swelling at the sight. There’s something so genuine and carefree about Victoria in this moment—it’s like all the stress and frustration she’s been carrying with Jason just melts away. Paige can’t help but smile, feeling her chest tighten for a whole different reason now.

“You’re good with dogs,” Paige says, her voice lower as she watches Victoria with soft eyes.

Victoria looks up from the puppy, her smile wide as she scratches behind its ears one more time. “I’ve always loved dogs. I want one so bad, but with everything going on, I’m barely keeping my head above water.”

The vulnerability in her words hits Paige, and she steps closer, slipping her hands into her pockets. “You’d make a great dog mom,” she teases lightly, her tone warm. “Maybe you can get one when things calm down… or when you ditch the extra baggage.”

Victoria lets out a small laugh at that, standing back up. “Yeah, well, we’ll see if that happens anytime soon.”

They continue walking, but now there’s a shift. Victoria is more relaxed, and Paige keeps stealing glances at her, admiring the way her face softens when she talks about the things she loves, the way she glows in the sunlight. She wants to say something, but she keeps it to herself for now, not wanting to push anything too soon.

As they walk a little farther, there’s a comfortable silence between them. Victoria is lost in her thoughts, feeling lighter, while Paige is struggling to hold back how much she’s enjoying this—how much she’s enjoying her.

Eventually, Victoria speaks up again. “You didn’t say much back there when I was venting about Jason,” she says, glancing over at Paige. Paige shrugs, her gaze still focused ahead. “It’s not really my place, you know? But for what it’s worth, you seem like you already know what you need to do.”

Victoria sighs, shoving her hands into her hoodie pockets. “Yeah… I do. I’m just scared of actually doing it.”

Paige stops walking, turning to face her. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, Tori. You’ve got this. And I’m here for you… whatever you need.”

Victoria looks up at her, surprised by how genuine Paige sounds. Her heart skips a beat as Paige’s words sink in. She’s not used to someone being so… supportive. It’s not something Jason has ever given her, and it makes her realize just how different things feel with Paige.

“Thanks,” she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Paige smiles, her gaze lingering on Victoria’s eyes for a second longer than necessary. “Anytime.”

As they continue walking, Paige can’t help but bring the conversation back to Victoria’s interaction with the puppy. “I gotta admit,” Paige says with a smirk, “watching you go full soft mode on that puppy was pretty cute.”

Victoria scoffs, a blush creeping up her neck. “Oh, shut up,” she laughs, shoving Paige’s shoulder playfully. “You’re just jealous.”

Paige raises an eyebrow, her smirk widening. “Jealous? Please. If anything, I was just wondering if you’d give me the same amount of attention.”

Victoria stops in her tracks, turning to face Paige with a teasing grin. “Oh? Is that what you want, Bueckers? For me to pet you and kiss your nose?”

Paige bursts out laughing, but there’s a glint in her eye as she steps closer to Victoria, closing the small distance between them. “I mean… I wouldn’t say no to that,” she teases, her voice dropping a little, making Victoria’s heart race.

Victoria rolls her eyes, feeling her face heat up. “You’re impossible.”

Paige just grins, leaning in a little more, her face inches from Victoria’s now. “And yet, you can’t seem to stay away.”

Victoria feels the breath catch in her throat, her pulse quickening. She’s suddenly all too aware of how close Paige is, how the air between them feels electric. But instead of pulling away, she smirks, meeting Paige’s gaze head-on.

“We’ll see how long that lasts,” she says, her voice low but playful.

Paige’s grin doesn’t falter. “Oh, I’m not going anywhere.”

After their walk, Victoria can’t shake the feeling of warmth that’s lingering. As they make their way back to her place, Paige is walking a little ahead, and Victoria finds herself watching Paige, her thoughts wandering.

Why does everything feel so different with her?

It’s been gnawing at her since their first encounter, but now it’s undeniable. She can feel it in the way her heart skips every time Paige flashes that stupid, confident smile. She never felt this way with Jason—not even close. Sure, Jason had a certain pull over her, but it was never like this. Never this… easy.

As they approach her apartment, Victoria’s mind is racing, the weight of it all finally hitting her. This is more than just a little crush. This is something real, something I can’t ignore anymore.

Paige glances back at her, catching her staring, and smirks. “You good, Vic? You look like you’re lost in space.” Victoria snaps out of her thoughts, blushing slightly as she catches up. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just… thinking.”

“About me, I hope,” Paige teases, winking as they walk through the front door.

Victoria rolls her eyes, trying to play it cool. “You wish.”

But inside, her heart is doing flips.

Once inside, Victoria offers Paige a drink before they settle on the couch. Victoria flips through the TV channels aimlessly, trying to distract herself from the way her pulse quickens with Paige sitting so close to her. Paige stretches her long legs out, getting comfortable as she steals the remote from Victoria’s hand.

“I’m picking something,” Paige says with a grin, not even waiting for a response as she scrolls through Netflix.

Victoria just shakes her head, a small smile playing on her lips. How is she so effortlessly charming?

As they settle into a show, the room falls into a comfortable silence. Paige’s presence feels calming, but at the same time, Victoria can’t focus on the screen at all. Her thoughts keep drifting back to how right this feels. Being with Paige doesn’t feel forced or exhausting—it’s natural. It’s easy.

She can feel the tension between them, like an unspoken question hanging in the air, and for the first time, she lets herself admit that she doesn’t just like Paige. She wants her—her attention, her smile, her everything.

But then the doubts start creeping in. What am I even doing? She just sorta got out of a messy situation with Jason, and now she’s falling for someone else? Is this even okay?

Paige must’ve sensed her sudden mood shift because she nudges Victoria with her elbow. “You sure you’re good? You’re super quiet all of a sudden.”Victoria takes a deep breath and glances at Paige. Her heart flutters when she meets her gaze—those blue eyes piercing into hers, searching for something more.

“I’m… Yeah, I’m good,” Victoria finally says, but her voice wavers a bit.

Paige narrows her eyes, not buying it. “Bullshit.”

Victoria lets out a soft laugh. “Okay, maybe I’m not fine. It’s just…” She hesitates, unsure if she’s ready to spill everything.

Paige leans in, her arm resting on the back of the couch as she watches Victoria intently. “Look, you can talk to me, Tori. What’s going on?”

Victoria bites her lip, feeling the weight of the moment. She looks away, staring at the TV, but she’s not really seeing anything. Her mind is racing, trying to sort through her feelings.

“I don’t know,” she finally admits, her voice quiet. “It’s just…” She inhaled sharply before speaking again. “I’ve been feeling things. For you. And it’s weird because I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. Not even Jason.”

Paige stays quiet, letting Victoria continue.

“I guess it’s just confusing, you know? Because I’m not used to… this.” She gestures between them, her cheeks flushing slightly. “It’s new. But it feels… right. And that freaks me out.”

Paige watches her, a slow smile spreading across her face. She shifts closer to Victoria, her hand lightly brushing against her leg. “You think I don’t feel the same way?” she asks, her voice low and playful.

Victoria’s breath catches as she glances down at Paige’s hand on her thigh. She swallows hard, her pulse racing.

“I wasn’t sure,” she admits, her voice barely above a whisper.

Paige’s fingers trail up her thigh, sending shivers down Victoria’s spine. “Well, now you know.”

The air between them crackles with tension, and Victoria feels her body responding to Paige’s touch, every nerve alive and buzzing. She turns her head to face Paige, their eyes locking in an intense gaze.

“You’re so cute when you’re nervous,” Paige teases, her lips curving into a smirk as her hand inches a little higher.

Victoria lets out a breathy laugh, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

Paige leans in closer, her breath warm against Victoria’s ear. “And yet, you still want me.”

Victoria’s cheeks flush red, but she can’t deny the truth in Paige’s words. She does want her. Every inch of her is screaming for it, but there’s still a small part of her that’s holding back.

“I just…” Victoria starts, her voice trailing off as Paige moves even closer, her lips brushing against Victoria’s jawline.

“Just what?” Paige whispers, her lips ghosting over Victoria’s skin, sending chills down her spine.

Victoria’s breath hitches, her heart pounding in her chest. She can barely think straight with Paige this close, with her vanilla scent filling her senses and her touch setting her skin on fire.

“I just… don’t want to mess this up,” she finally says, her voice trembling slightly.

Paige pulls back just enough to look into Victoria’s eyes, her hand still resting on her thigh. “You’re not going to mess anything up, Tori,” she says softly, her voice gentle now. “I promise.”

Victoria’s heart flutters at the sincerity in Paige’s voice, and for the first time, she feels a sense of calm wash over her. Maybe she’s overthinking this. Maybe it’s okay to just… feel for once.

Victoria breaks the tension with a small smile, her usual confidence returning. “You think you’ve got me all figured out, don’t you?” she teases, her tone lightening.

Paige grins, leaning back slightly but keeping her hand on Victoria’s thigh. “Pretty much, yeah.”

Victoria rolls her eyes, but she can’t help the smile tugging at her lips. “You’re so cocky.”

Paige laughs, her fingers giving Victoria’s thigh a playful squeeze. “Only because I know what I’m doing.”

“Oh, do you now?” Victoria shoots back, her voice playful as she raises an eyebrow.

Paige leans in again, her lips dangerously close to Victoria’s. “You tell me,” she whispers, her eyes flicking down to Victoria’s lips.

Victoria’s heart skips a beat, her breath catching as she feels the tension building between them again. She knows she should probably slow down, but right now, all she can think about is how much she wants to close the gap between them.

Victoria doesn’t hold back this time. She leans in, pressing her lips softly against Paige’s, her hand sliding up to cup the back of Paige’s neck. Paige doesn’t hesitate to respond, deepening the kiss as her fingers tighten on Victoria’s thigh.

The kiss is slow at first, both of them savoring the moment. But as the tension between them builds, it becomes more heated, their bodies pressing closer together.

Paige’s hands move to Victoria’s waist, pulling her even closer as their kiss intensifies. Victoria’s fingers tangle in Paige’s hair, a soft moan escaping her lips as she feels the heat between them rising. But before things can go any further, Victoria pulls back slightly, her breath coming in soft pants as she stares into Paige’s eyes. “You’re so fucking hot,” she whispers, her voice full of admiration.

Paige smirks, her hands still resting on Victoria’s waist. “I could say the same about you angel,” she replies, her voice low and teasing.

They share a small laugh, the intensity between them softening into something more playful. But even as they joke, the tension is still there, simmering just beneath the surface.

Victoria stands up, stretching her arms above her head, trying to shake off the lingering heat from their kiss. “Alright, get out,” she says playfully, motioning toward the door but not quite ready for Paige to leave.

Paige raises an eyebrow, her lips curling into a teasing smirk. “Oh, now you’re kicking me out? Just when things were getting interesting, baby.”

Victoria feels a flush rise to her cheeks at the nickname, her heart racing. “You think you can just charm your way in and out like that?”

Paige takes a step closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I don’t just think it; I know it. You’re the one who’s flustered, princess.” She leans in, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. “Look at you���blushing like crazy.” Victoria bites her lip, fighting back a smile as she tries to maintain her composure. “Shut up. I’m not blushing.”

Paige leans in even closer, brushing her fingers lightly along Victoria’s arm. “Sure you’re not. But you know, if you wanted to see how flustered I can make you, all you had to do was ask.”

Victoria can feel the tension building again, her heart racing as she locks eyes with Paige. “And what if I don’t want to know?” she retorts, trying to sound defiant but failing miserably as her voice wavers slightly.

Paige grins, clearly enjoying the playful banter. “Oh, come on. You know you want to find out. Just imagine what else I could do to you if I had you all to myself, all night long.”

Victoria swallows hard, her pulse quickening as she imagines the possibilities. “You’ve lost it.”

Paige takes another step closer, their bodies nearly touching now. “I mean, I’m just saying… It could be fun.” She brushes her thumb across Victoria’s jawline, tilting her head slightly to meet her gaze.

“Fun?” Victoria repeats, her breath hitching as Paige’s hand slides to her waist, pulling her in closer. “Like, how fun?”

Paige leans in again, her lips brushing against Victoria’s ear. “Oh, I think you know exactly what I mean, Tori. But maybe you’re just scared to find out.”

Victoria gasps softly at the sensation, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness flooding her system. “I…”

Before she can finish her thought, Paige’s expression turns playful again. “But I know the rules. If you want a sleepover, you’ve got to earn it.” “Ugh, seriously?” Victoria rolls her eyes, but she can’t help but smile, her competitive spirit igniting. “You think you can just tease me and get away with it?”

Paige steps back toward the door, winking at her. “Oh, I know I can. And trust me, I’m up for the challenge if you are. I will definitely get that sleepover soon.”

As Paige turns to leave, she glances back one last time, her eyes smoldering with desire. She closes the gap between them, capturing Victoria’s lips in another heated kiss, deepening the connection as she pulls Victoria closer, their bodies fitting perfectly together. Victoria melts into the kiss, her fingers tangling in Paige’s hair, feeling the warmth radiating between them.

Paige pulls back slightly, their foreheads resting together, both breathing heavily. “You taste so sweet,” she murmurs, brushing her thumb across Victoria’s cheek. Victoria’s heart races, her cheeks flushing. “You’re not too bad yourself, Bueckers.”

Paige smiles, leaning in for another kiss, this one soft and lingering, full of promise. Victoria’s hands slide down to Paige’s waist, pulling her even closer, their bodies pressed tightly together. The kiss deepens, and Paige’s hands roam over Victoria’s back, sending electricity coursing through both of them.

As they finally pull apart, both breathless and slightly dazed, Paige smirks. “Now, that’s how you earn a sleepover.”

Victoria chuckles, her heart racing. “Good luck with that. You have some serious competition.”

Paige leans in once more, brushing her lips against Victoria’s, teasingly whispering, “Oh, I thrive on competition, you know that.”

As Paige turns to leave, she glances back one last time. “Goodnight, princess,” she whispers, her voice low and sultry.

Victoria watches her go, her heart racing and her thoughts a jumbled mess. “Goodnight, Bueckers,” she replies, trying to sound casual but feeling anything but.

As the door clicks shut, Victoria leans against it, taking a moment to catch her breath. What the hell just happened?

———-

tags: @thaatdigitaldiary @patscorner @ohbueckers @mrsarnold

[sixth-love-language]

.

IDK i know it was a bad idea but my ex’s mom replied to one of my snap stories that she missed me and i miss her too so so so much y’all have no idea so i came to stay with her this weekend and all the memories gmfu and part of me wishes i would have stayed and dealed with their neglect just to be with the rest of the family like she was going to be my mother in law and she’s more perfect than i could ever deserve like not in the fake happy perfect family way in the dysfunctional messed up but dammit she’s trying way and their sisters were so excited to see me when they came to pick me up from the airport and their baby brother is talking now and their oldest sister has her own place now and everything is different but it’s so familiar i can feel it like the humidity in florida and i can reach out my hand and grab it but it always slips through my fingers and i remember when their mom overslept and i took the girls to school and when i helped the oldest sister with her college spanish homework and everyone watching trash TV together in the living room and smoking a cigarette with their mom’s kinda sorta not really man when i’d had too much to drink and their mom and oldest sister crying the day i finally moved out and i found out from drinking with their mom that that fucking asshole asked her after i was gone why she was crying and she told them that they would never move anyone else into her house again and anyway i’m watching red white and royal blue in their room is this self harm or

[twinkletwinkletruly]

You know, saying “FRIENDS was always problematic and kinda cringe and you should watch *insert other show instead*”, is missing the point by a lot.

The show wasn’t bad at the time it came out, we grew as a society and came to realise that the jokes in the show are “problematic” (misogynistic, homophobic and so on).

To those who grew up with the show, they wouldn’t have noticed at the time and they would’ve ignored it or put it aside as less important, since the rest of the show was “good”.

It’s familiar. If a person needs a pick-me-up they’ll usually go for what they know they like. Not a new show. There’s a reason we have comfort foods, comfort books, comfort movies … we know they’re trash, that they don’t hold up, that there’s problematic or questionable content in them, but we know them, we grew up with them. Telling us to just watch something else and that our taste in TV is garbage btw, is either gonna hurt the people who already know as much and are actively trying to do better, or make people on the fence double down and consume that media more.

If I’m craving a box set of pasta carbonara but the brand that makes it, is destroying the rain forest and I am actively choosing to not buy from said brand, I don’t want to be told “well, that brand’s carbonara is awful anyways and you should just buy a different box set of pasta carbonara” cuz that’s not the brand I’m missing. That’s not the one I grew up with. If I’m choosing to forgo a small comfort even when I really want it, I don’t want sympathy, but also don’t want to be insulted because I didn’t grow up eating the right kind of pasta meal kit. I know the taste of that box set, I know the lines in that movie, I know the story in that book. I’m missing the comfort and the nostalgia from my childhood. I can’t just replace that with something new and pretend I never liked XYZ media. So please, don’t grandstand about something just cuz it turns out the media or the creator or the brand is crap. Don’t feel superior cuz you grew up watching or reading something that hasn’t turned out to be bad. And don’t think you’re safe from it either. I’m not saying “oh, everything is being made problematic today, some culture, blah blah blah!” I’m saying, unless the creator has been dead for many years and it’s already been established that they have some questionable opinions on things, you can’t be sure the creator doesn’t suddenly decide to go full JKR or Kanye one day.

[astraldelights]

Still Moments

Synopsis: Steven can have rough days, you decide to make them a bit better.

Content: fluff!! No spoliers

Author's note: my monkey brain compelled me to write this. After watching the 1st episode I felt I had to write this. HE DESERVES ALL THE LOVE IN THE WORLD. He baeby.

'Click'

The door to Steven’s apartment unlocked. Making your way into the cozy but cluttered place, you got to work.

With the knowledge that Steven would always be working much later than you, a small routine had started to make his rest at home more comfortable. Just doing little things like picking up the trash bin and clearing it conveniently whenever you came over to the apartment. It was always filled to the brim. Walking over to the fish tank, you greeted one of the two residents of this apartment.

“Hey Gus, had an interesting day? I know I didn't. "

"What do fishes do all day anyway.” Pausing for a response that never came.

“Swimming I guess.” You answered back for the fish. Grabbing his food from the side, you sprinkled it and watched as he globbed up the floating specks.

“Now that your dinner is done I suppose it's time for mine too.” No response again from the illusive fish.

You walked off to take a quick shower before starting your own and Steven's dinner. The fridge door swung open, it was almost empty except for a few pieces of chicken and lettuce. You needed to restock it, but well that was a chore for tomorrow. Taking them out, you prepared simple chicken sandwiches with mayo. After eating your own portions you left two for Steven. Not really much appetite left for a dead tired man and with limited ingredients you didn't make too much for him.

Moving to the TV you sat down on the couch you got him for Christmas. When he first received the gift he seemed shocked, he wasn't very used to people being nice to him. Mostly with the fact that people treat him like a pest. It also doesn’t seem he’s close to any other family members that are not his mom and even she never visits. Previously, he’d only have a roller chair in the apartment. However when you started hanging out at his place more, he had another person to watch the history channel with, but only one chair. You decided to fix that. While the couch was a hassle to move into the already cluttered apartment, you still made it fit.

Sitting on its soft cushions, the TV droned on in the background as you drifted off.

' I hope he’s home soon '

-

‘Click’

The door unlocked. Steven walked in, exhausted to the bone.

“Gus,I'm home”

He dragged his feet in and saw you sleeping on the couch as the Television continued showing reruns of old Wheel of Fortune episodes. Steven kissed your forehead lightly before heading to the kitchen. However, that light affectionate gesture had woken you up from your rest. You slowly got up from the couch, following Steven to the kitchen.

“Looking for something to eat? I made you some sandwiches but i should probably heat them up first, and you can shower first”

“Thanks babe” He smiled with a sleepy face, leaving a chaste kiss on your cheek.

-

Placing the chicken sandwiches in the microwave, you waited as he freshened up. When you first met Steven, you thought he was awkward and a bit weird, but he still had a certain charm to him. You couldn't really describe it, but one thing led to another and after a few dates you started dating. Although it was difficult at the start trying to understand some of his ‘certain’ habits, you got used to them. Loving him, quirks and all.

‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’

The microwave called out, drawing your attention back to the present. You carefully took out the hot plate and placed the sandwiches on the counter. Steven exited the shower and placed a towel on top of his head. Dragging a chair to the counter, Steven sat down beside you and started eating his food. You stared as he ate, appreciating his deep brown eyes. You brushed his wet hair from his face, tracing your finger through his thick brown locks. The moment was still, peaceful. A contrast to the chaos of daily life, it seemed like time stood still with him there. You could just appreciate each other's presence, no words needed to be exchanged.

Both of your minds thinking, "How did I end up with someone like you?"

-

Lit lavender candles on the table, you snuggled up on the couch with Steven. He laid his head on your chest, enjoying the calming scent that was given off from the candles. The channel had been switched to his favourite, the History channel. While he laid in comfort, it still seemed his mind was troubled.

“I fed Gus, he said his day was boring. I think fish don’t do much, do they?”

“Yeah, they mostly just get to swim all day. Although, I might prefer that than facing Donna at the Museum.”

“Was it that bad? Did she call you ‘stevie’ again?” You traced circles in his hair. He relaxed further into your embrace with this comforting gesture.

“Something like that. But only you are allowed to call me that.” He huffed. You laughed slightly at this, he was so cute.

“Well, do you want to talk about it, ‘stevie’?”

With that comment he blushed at the nickname you had given him. He nuzzled his face into your neck,”Not really babe, i j-just want to enjoy this right now”

You silently agreed and let him rest. Turning your eyes to the television, it had seemed his favourite segment of the history channel had started. Ancient Egypt 101. Steven tried to intently watch the program, but it had seemed his fatigued state would not let him.

“His soul will be judged by 42 assessor gods who must be convinced that he has lived a righteous life.” The television program spoke.

“Did you know-yawn- there was an artefact called the heart scarab amul-yawn-et that would allow the user to not reveal the sins they committed as they…” Steven tried to continue on explaining but it seemed that his exhaustion had taken over.

You patted his head gently,”Rest Steven, I'll still be here in the morning.”

With his final bit of energy he said, “ Thank you love, for all this”

With the lavender scent and the comfort of your embrace, he had finally allowed his hectic mind to rest.

[madnessformunson]

Double Daddy Part 2

Warnings: pregnancy, angst

Part 3

You stayed quiet the whole day, focusing on keeping it together. You knew you couldn’t handle seeing Eddie sit with Chrissy at lunch so you decided to hang out in the library during lunch period instead. You weren’t hungry anyway so you could just read your book and try to focus on how you were going to tell Eddie everything. And your dad. Oh man, you can’t even think about your dad right now. Just as lunch was ending, Eddie came in looking for you. As he approached the table you were sitting at you could tell he wasn’t in a great mood.

“What’s going on with you y/n? You’ve been avoiding me all day.” Eddie asked, clearing annoyed.

“Uh nothing Eds, wanted to catch up on my reading” you said not looking at his face.

Eddie just rolled his eyes. He knew not to keep asking and you told him what was going on Eventually. He figured it was something to do with you dad and Joyce since you all didn’t get along much lately.

“I will meet you outside after the school day ok? Maybe we can go to your house and watch a movie” you asked, now looking up at him. He nodded and seemed pleased with that idea. The bell rang so you packed your things up and headed to your next class alongside Eddie.

The end of the day came by so fast. You were waiting out front as Steve pulled up to get Robin.

“You need a ride y/n/n?” Steve called out to you. You shook your head as you approached his window

“I’m gonna go over to Eddie’s house tonight”

Robin overheard you as she got to the car and gave you a hug, “I’m so proud of you, call me as soon as you get home and you better not leave out any details!” Steven looked confused and Robin just shook her head. You knew she would be telling him your secret in the car but that was alright with you. You said your goodbyes as you went to sit on the curb. Eddie came up behind you, “ready to go sweetheart?” And you nodded as you got up to face him. But that’s when you saw Chrissy again hanging on Eddie’s arm for life. You didn’t want to say anything but you couldn’t help it, it came out before you could stop yourself

“You are taking her home again?” Jealousy was seeping into your voice.

“Uh no, I’m taking you home and then Chrissy is coming over to my trailer for a bit” Eddie said back a little hard.

“I thought we were going to go back to your trailer and watch Halloween?” You whispered towards him.

“Yeah I know I said we could but Chrissy was really upset and said she needed to talk to me privately so I figured you wouldn’t care if we rescheduled”

“Oh man you are right I don’t care at all” you said as you put your headphones on and turned to start walking home.

“Come on y/n! At least let me take you home. It's over a 5 mile walk” Eddie said as he grabbed your shoulder.

You shrugged him off and pressed play on your Walkman as you started the journey home. Eddie called after you a few times and you flipped him off, not turning around to look.

Once you got home you let out a sigh as you closed the door. You started up the stairs as your dad, Jim Hopper, called your name from the kitchen. You moan. You are not in any frame of mind to deal with him.

“Yes dad” you called him the steps of the stair not wanting to face him since you had clearly been crying.

“Joyce is making us a special dinner tonight so please come down on time and be on your best behavior!” He yelled back and you rolled your eyes walking up the rest of the stairs. When you got into your room you rummaged through your backpack pulling out a pamphlet Robin had brought for you. It had a list of options with numbers to call for counseling or support groups. You crumbled it up and tossed it into your small trash can by the desk missing it but not caring to get up. You decided to take a shower hoping it would clear your head a bit. During your shower, Joyce and her boys had come over with a lasagna and salad in hands. Will and El went up to her room and Jonathan sat on the couch watching the TV. Hopper was helping Joyce set the table.

“I’m just not sure what is going on with her Joyce, I feel like she gets more distant and has more attitude every day that passes” hopper said as he tossed the salad.

“She’s a teenage girl Hop, she’s got lots of emotions right now. Has she talked about seeing any boys?” Joyce didn’t want to pry but was also curious as to your sudden mood changes towards her.

“Not that I know of, she doesn’t talk to me. She just gets mad and fights with everything I say” hopper looked defeated.

“Maybe this dinner is what she needs! A little family time will do her good” Joyce smiles trying to lighten the mood.

“El, Will and y/n! Dinner is ready!!” Hopper called out.

El and Will hurried down the stairs and sat at the table quickly.

“Where is y/n/n?” Joyce said, trying to use the sweetest tone she had.

“It sounded like she was in the shower” El said as she started to fill her plate.

“I’ll go grab her,” Hopper said, getting up from his seat already wearing a frown. Joyce looked at him and smiled, silently reminding him to be gentle and kind.

Hopper knocked on your door even though it was halfway open, ��hey y/n/n? Are you here?” As he stepped into the room he noticed that it was empty. He huffed and sat on your bed. He knew you weren’t in the shower any longer as the bathroom door was wide open, as well as your window which you must have used to escape. As he went to stand up he noticed a crumpled piece of paper by your trash can. He picked it up and unfolded it only to nearly fall over at what the pamphlet was about.

Meanwhile at Eddie’s trailer

Eddie and Chrissy walked into the trailer and headed straight to his bedroom. She sat on the end of his bed and he Reluctantly sat next to her.

“So you wanted to try some Special K or..” he said as he went through his black lunchbox.

“I’m pregnant Eddie” Chrissy stated.

[iwadori]

are you going to do a 'when the haikyuu boys make you insecure' part with Iwaizumi / could I request that?

When they make you insecure part 6 (Iwaizumi,Matsukawa)

Part 1 Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5 Part 6

Word Count: 2.8K

Genre: Angst, Fluff

masterlist

AN: Did I embedd myself in this story? Yes, yes i did. :3 (it’s only a small part dw loool)

Iwaizumi

One day when you were walking to the gym to go see your boyfriend  

You overhear him and the team talking about some instagram girl

“She’s hot” you hear Boktuo yell doing a hoot as he fawns over a picture, with the rest of the guys agreeing.  

“What do you think Iwaizumi?” Hinata ask  

“She’s cute... I guess?” the rest of the guys, grunt in disagreement at Iwa’s lack of drooling over the girl.

“Well I see why you wouldn’t want her Haji-kun,” says Atsumu “you are into the more simple girls bro”

“Simple?” Iwaizumi questions, and the rest of the guys agree

“Yeah simple, you know Y/N... she’s simple” says one of the guys, with the word ‘simple’ rolling off their tounge with a tone of disgust.

“I guess your right guys...” Iwaizumi says “Y/N is pretty basic and simple but-”

You leave the gym before you hear what the rest of them had to say. When you got to your house you bolt straight to the mirror, you look at your outfit and frown. You never thought your style was ‘basic,’ to be fair you wouldn’t describe anybodys style as basic or simple. Of course, you weren’t like those instagram influencers, that wasn’t your thing. But Iwa has known that about you for years... but I guess that’s not what he truly likes.

You go to your closet and take out all the contents, just tossing all your clothes (even some of your favourite items ever) and dashing them in a black trash bag putting them to the side. You were already on a mission to buy a whole new wardrobe, going through all different stores and looking on pinterest for inspo.

You didn’t really talk to Iwa for the rest of the week, since you wanted him to see you in your ‘new form,’ you weren’t being radiosilent but you didn’t initiate any hang outs with him or face time calls (which he did find slightly odd, but didn’t think that much by it.)

Finally, the clothes came and you were kind of shocked at how much you ordered you spent over £200 on clothes from all different places. When you were trying them on, you liked some of them the ones that were kind of similar to your past style but not so ‘simple,’ the others you kind of frowned at since it definitely didn’t feel like ‘you’ at all. ‘This is for Iwa,’ you reminded yourself as your forced a smile on your face analysing yourself in the mirror.

You had everything sorted, your wardrobe was now changed and done the colours and styles you once wore before is now the complete opposite. You invited Iwa over, hesistantly waiting to see how would he react.  

When you hear your door knock, you rush over to open it and model a pose you saw one of those girl do trying to look as natural as possible.

“Hey babe ho-” he says, with his eyes widening seeing your new look “Woah Y/N!”

“Hey Haji..come in!” you exclaim with a beaming smile pulling him inside to the couch. “So, are we going to continue watching the crown, I watched the previous episode and god prince phillip is such a dick.”

You look over your shoulder and see Iwa still standing in your entranceway a bit awkwardly, looking a bit stunned. “Come sit down then, we’ve got an episode to watch.”

“uh oh yeah, sure” he says blinking, following you to the couch.

You got through atleast 4 episodes together, you barely talked as you were really engrossed in the show. Iwa was barely paying attention, he was too busy questioning how you were acting. This definitely wasn’t the girl he knew, even the way you were acting whilst watch the show was odd. The way you’d cutely giggle and ‘sublty’ look over to him whilst laughing at a funny part of the show instead of just doing your usual obnoxious laugh that he loved to hear.

“Oh Y/N, I’m going to go to the bathroom.” he says standing up, you don’t reply you just wave your hand in acknowledgement.

On his way to the bathroom, Iwa nearly trips on a black bag left outside your bedroom door. He opens it, and mildly gasped when he saw all your old stuff jumbled up in there. He picks up the back and goes straight back to the living room and stands in front of you.

“Haji, what are you doing you’re blocking the TV” you complaining trying to see what’s happening behind him.

He drops the black bag infront of you and you internally curse yourself for not moving. You stare at him waiting for him to say something.

“Well whats this then.” he says looking down at you, almost like a disapproving dad.

“Clothes.” you say smartly, knowing what he was asking.

“You know what I meant Y/N, why are all your clothes in a garbage bag.”  

“Because I wanted to put them there,” you wanted to seem as nochalant about it as possible as if putting all your clothes in a garbage bag doesn’t make you feel sad.

“Yeah but why?” he says sitting down next to you.

“Just because I wanted to” you reiterate “what else do you want me to say?”

“Well this isn’t like you, its just a bit random Y/N” he says

“I know this isnt like me you” you spat, standing up “Isn’t this what you wanted anyways.” You head to your bedroom picking up the bag with you, with Iwa hot on your heels.

“What do you mean this is what I wanted?” he says in disbelief “When did I ever say that?”

“It doesn’t matter” you mumble, you start to aggressively take our your old clothes and shove them back into your wardrobe whilst Iwa is just talking. You’re not really listening to him your just putting the clothes back.

“Y/N Stop!” he yells kind of knocking you out of your ‘trance,’ “what is going on with you?” he grabs you hands and pulls them down stopping you from what you were doing and he winced at seeing your tear stricken face.

He gently pulls you into his arms sitting you both on your bed, waiting for you to speak. “I don’t know what you want from me Iwa..” you start your voice slightly breaking “it’s just I did this all for you and you don’t even appreciate it.”

“I don’t know what you mean Y/N?” he says sounding genuinely confused.

“Y/N is simple and basic.” you say repeating words that you heard your boyfriend say about you, you feel him tense as you say it and you slowly get out of his hug.

“Y/N I-”

“That really hurt Hajime, I know now that I'm not your ‘type’ but I-”

“No Y/N, you are my type of course you are!” he says gulping in nervousness “I love you, and your style. I’ve always being enamored by how you dress and present yourself and I don’t know why I even said you’re basic and simple I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Really?” you say sniffling looking down

“Yes really you idiot,” he says lifting your head up “To be fair I don’t care what you wear, since you look great in anthing I just want you to be happy Y/N and especially not dress for anyone including me. Okay?”

“Okay,” you agree slightly nodding your head.

“Good, so can we go and finish the crown and then burn all these clothes?” Iwa jokes as he stands up.

“Burn them!” you exclaim “These cost £200, you muppet.”

“£200! Gosh Y/N, next time you go shopping im definitely coming with you.” he says shaking his head “can’t have you blowing out your bank account for clothes you don’t even like that much.”

You spend the rest of the day finishing of The Crown and you and Iwa eventually both sort out your wardrobe. Your style and aethetic changes a lot more through the times you were together and Iwa was very supportive and helpful of every single change. Especially *insert your favourite dress aesthetic here.*

Matsukawa

You were walking with your friends; Iwa, Tooru, Maki and your boyfriend Matsun. Walking to school as you did every morning, today the topic of conversation was Tooru’s bad taste in women.

“Gosh yesterday was horrible, she didn’t want to talk to me at all,” he complained “all she wanted to do was to come straight to my place, I didn’t even have the chance to tell her my hair routine.”

“That’s why you don’t find dates off of Tinder shittykawa” grunted Iwaizumi

“Well I know that now!” he exclaimed.

“Y/N,” said Makki grasping your attention “Would you ever use Tinder?”

“Well I-”

“Of course she wouldn’t” your boyfriend interrupted wrapping his arm round your shoulder “she’s got me”

“Yeah, but if you two weren’t together, would you use it.”

“Well may-”  

“Y/N definitely wouldn’t” he said interrupting you AGAIN “she’s way to frigid for that shit”

Frigid? You thought to yourself, ouch. Their was a quick awkward silence and all you could hear was Matsukawa laughing with the others laughing after awkwardly in pursuit. After sensing your uncomfortability (is that a word?) Oikawa decides to change the subject to make things less awkward,

“I need a woman who understands me!” he rants “One that can listen to me and appreciate my awesome hair.”

“Goodluck with that Shittykawa.”  

Oikawa rambles on as you walk to school with the other guys chiming in. You on the other hand, were lost in thought. Your sex life wasn’t something you would want to publicly talk about let alone to you and your boyfriends' male friends. Also, with Matsun describing you as ‘frigid’ struck a nerve. You weren’t frigid, well at least to you, you weren’t.  

When you got to school you immediately rushed straight to your lesson claiming that you teacher really needed to talk to you. Which was odd to Matsukawa as you usually all hung around each other until the bell rang, the other boys gave each other knowing looks all assuming the reasons for your odd behaviour.

At lunch time, you stayed in your class instead of going up to the roof where you and your friends usually end up. In the class room you hear one of the girls in your class, Empress having one of her usual gossip conversations with her group of friends.

“Hajime is so hot!” she said, fanning her face being dramatic  

“Of course he is! You should totally go for him.” her friend said and the rest of the friends agreed.

“What do you think Y/N?” she says to you catching your attention “you’re close friends with him right?”

“Yeah, I am” you say a bit sadly “You should definitely go for him, I think you’d be perfect together.”

“Okay! I think I might later” she says smiling. Her and friends leave, but then Empress returns and walks straight to you.

“Are you alright doll?” she asks softly smiling

“I guess so..” you say hesitantly “It’s just something my boyfriend said to me this morning.”

“Matsun?” she asks and you nod in reply “What did he say?”

After you rehash the situation from this morning Empress scowls in annoyance, “Boys can be such pigs sometimes, such a dick thing to say.”

“I know right!” you respond “Even if I was frigid, which im totally not it’s not even a bad thing nor is it something to reveal to people in public in a ‘jokey’ way.”

“Yeah!” she agrees “I think you should go and give him a piece of your mind.”

“I mean...” your voice falters, when it comes to Matsun you’ve never really given him a ‘piece of your mind,’ even when he makes jokes that you’re not so fond of.

“Come on!” she encourages “I’ll come with you and cheer you on.”

“You just want to come to see Iwa Empress” you say pointedly “But fine let’s go.”

You both power walk to the roof where you see the four seijoh boys sitting down and eating. “Oh hi Y/N/-chan and look Iwa its Emp-chan... isn’t that a surprise!” Iwa blushes and the rest of the guys laugh.

You walk straight up to Matsun and stand right infront of him. “Matsukawa I need to talk to you,” you say folding your arms. “Why whats up babe?” he says, still sitting down with a cheeky grin on his face.

“Alone.” you say turning around walking to a secluded spot. Behind you, you hear Matsun get up and the rest of the boys saying “oooh Matsukawa your in trouble” as they laugh.

“What’s wrong with you today Y/N?” he asks slightly accusatorily.  

“I didn’t appreciate the comment you made today on the way to school,” you say with your arms folded.

“Oh that little comment about you being frigid, come on it was just a joke I wasn’t being serious.” he says lightly laughing but he stops once he sees the glare you give him ”you knew it was a joke right?”

“Matsun, some are your jokes just aren’t funny,” you say “especially when they're about me and our sex life in front of our friends too.”

“Y/N I didn’t mea-”

“You just come off as a huge dick sometimes, and I can’t do this anymore if you keep on making these comments anymore I don’t think I can do this.”

“Woah Y/N, are you threatening to break up with me?” he asks “Over a few little comments?”

“These aren’t a few little comments, sometimes what you say is just unnecessary and rude.”

“Okay well...”

“Well...” you repeat staring at him waiting for to apologise or atleast say something, “fuck you Matsukawa.”

You storm away and walk bout to the group saying “Empress lets go.” She jumps of Iwa’s lap and waves by to them following you back down to the school. You walk into the bathroom and just start to cry, “Y/N whats wrong?” Empress says pulling you into a hug  

“H-He doesn’t care,” you cry “He pretty much excused his stupid comments, passing them off as little ‘jokes,’ that didn’t apparently mean anything.”

“Oh dear,” Empress says consoling you “he’s not worth your time right now.”

“B-but but I love him.” you wail fat tears streaming down your face.

“I know sweetheart, I know,” she says letting go of the hug “so what do you wanna do about him?”

“I don’t know,” you say “I don’t want to break up with him or anything, but is there a point in staying if he’s just going to make these comments again.”

“I don’t know Y/N, but whatever you wanna do I’ll support. Wether it’s keying his car or reading shitty fanfiction and crying.” Empress says making you laugh.

The final bell rings and now it's time to go home, of course you don’t walk with the guys so you just enjoy your own company walking home.

“Y/N! Y/N!” you hear from behind you and of course the only person it can be is Matsukawa.

“What do you want?” you mumbled  

“I..I want too” he says heaving out of breath from the running he had to do “I want to apologise. I need do.”

“Okay...” you respond

“Im sorry, Im so so sorry,�� he says “those jokes and comments were stupid and I agree I can be a dick sometimes. Well a lot of the time, but I never wanted to be a dick to you.”

“Well you were.”

“I know I was, and I’m so sorry. There’s no excuse what I said and what I have said before I just hope I can make it up to you.”

“Okay then.”

“So are we not broken up?”

“No we’re not broken up, but it’ll take a lot of making up to do for me to fully forgive you.”

“Great! And I'll spend every day to get you to forgive me.”

Which he did, he spent every day showering you with love and affection. He was way better than he was before, you even went on double dates with Oikawa and his flavour of the week and triple dates with Iwa and his girlfriend. Matsukawa, although he still made jokes, he never targeted them and centered them around you in an insulting way.

AN: I didn’t really like the matsukawa one since i couldn’t really write for him properyl sooo sorry bout that one kids.

[theunquenchablethirst]

Hooked (Jerome X Reader)

Ok, so this is a thing. I was kinda surprised nobody had used this scene yet, because the Gotham fandom seem to collectively agree that Jerome is BIG KINKY and yet the one scene where he canonically has people cuffed up and hung from the ceiling... nobody has touched??? Y'all have been sleeping on that scene! It's fanfic gold! Anyway, enjoy the hedonism. Much love xxx

Warning: SMUT, 18+, GRAPHIC SEXUAL CONTENT, BDSM, bondage, cuffs, dom/sub, vaginal fingering, oral sex, biting, spanking, slapping, pussy slapping, light choking, spitting, belt whipping, praise/degradation, marking, mention of scratching, Jerome is big meanie pants mean man

The new mayor of Gotham is having a meeting with his council members, but things take a turn when the Legion of Horribles show up to kidnap them and reader. When the victims are being unloaded from the truck, Jerome Valeska notices reader, because she isn't exactly on the guest list.

Tag list of lovelies: @gabile18 @valeskaduh @fangirl--writes @persephoneblck

Masterlist

I had been working as a housekeeper for the new mayor. It was a good job, but I wasn't appreciated. I was just there to clean and serve when needed. I don't think he even knew my name. I was just hired help to him. To all of them.

He was hosting a dinner for his council that day. I had been placed in the corner of the room with a bottle of expensive wine where I was to wait until wanted. He gestured for me to come forwards and fill their glasses while they started talking about their displeasure with the rising foul play in the city, like it was anything new for Gotham. The chairwoman wanted to know what he was going to do about it. Very little in my opinion. He was just coasting. In too deep over his head. He had been appointed far too fast and everyone knew it. He wasn't going to last.

He made an attempt to save face and talk about how he too was disturbed by the recent goings on and was doing everything he could. Trash, utter trash. As he rose from his seat, the lights fizzled out. I stopped pouring. Had this been any other city I would have assumed it was a simple power outage, but nothing was that simple in Gotham. The security guard closed us in and went to see what was happening. The air turned icy. No, this was not good. Gunshots and screams came from the hallway and everyone rose from the table terrified. We quickly started walking towards a door hoping to make an escape, but there was something about the windows. They were freezing over.

The doors burst open and I dropped the wine. It smashed into pieces as a blueish man in some kind of robotic suit and a weird looking, but huge gun stepped into the room. Was that Victor Fries? Then through the second set of doors another man in a top hat who I recognised as Jervis Tetch burst in with some other strange looking friends.

Before I could comprehend the situation, we were all being cuffed and taken outside. Our kidnappers pushed and pulled us towards a huge truck, all the while the mayor tried to buy his way free. He was showing just how little he really knew about the underbelly of Gotham. I knew just by looking at them that they were probably Arkham escapees and couldn't be bought like a sane man could. They had their own plans and you can't bargain with crazies.

We got to the truck and they opened the back door. My blood ran cold when I saw that standing there waiting for us was Jerome Valeska. Of all the criminals Gotham had seen he had been the only one that had scared me, truly and thoroughly. He didn't have any kind of reason for what he did. He just enjoyed death and chaos. And after his last escapade he looked like madness personified, his scars circling his face and eyes and giving him a permanent evil smile. Dread consumed me as I realized that he was no doubt the leader of this operation and if that was true, we were already dead.

I felt myself jolted forwards. The mayor had pushed me in front of the rest of the council to get whatever was coming first. If I wasn't cuffed, I would have turned around and broke his nose. I was lifted into the truck, my hands were pulled above my head and fixed to two hooks. I had to stand on my toes to keep standing which made it awkward and difficult as they pushed me to the back of the truck.

Was that Penguin? What was he doing here? He didn't belong here. I had gone to Penguin looking for a job in his club when I was 16. He was impressed with my audition, but when he asked my age, he rejected me.

"This establishment is not a playground for children. It's a nightclub." He had told me. At the time I had been steaming mad, but in hindsight he was probably right. Even if he was rude. So, after that, I found it hard to understand why he was here and working with Valeska. Maybe he had been kidnapped too?

The rest of the council were loaded on and hooked. The mayor was still trying to offer them money and pardons. When he saw it wasn't working, he resorted to empty, unintimidating threats. Jerome was completely unfazed and even a little disappointed in the lack of smiles.

"Nobody knows how to have fun anymore, right?" He said putting his arm around Penguin. So, he was a part of this.

Jerome pointed to a scary looking figure dressed like a scarecrow. Johnathan Crane? Crane released some kind of purple gas in the face of a member of a council. She started laughing and convulsing violently.

"What have you got to lose? Except your sanity?" Jerome joined in the crazy laughter. So, this was his plan. He'd figured out a way to forcefully drive everyone insane. With a gas.

I silently prayed to God in my mind for any kind of help.

After sufficiently terrifying us half to death, they left us in the back of truck. None of us could say anything and after a few minutes the truck started moving.

"Is she ok?" I asked looking towards the victim of the insanity gas.

"Who cares?! We have to figure out what they want and get out of here." Replied the mayor.

"Maybe they want publicity for whatever that gas is. Offer them some TV time." Guessed the chairwoman.

"Don't you get it?! This isn't a situation you can buy your way out of!" I snapped, frustrated with their idiocy.

"These aren't normal criminals. They don't want your money. They want chaos and madness." They stood there silently stunned. They had never heard me speak with such confidence, but in that moment, they knew I was right.

After what felt like hours the truck finally stopped.

"What's going on?" The mayor whispered.

Everything was quiet. We listened for any noise or sign of life. All we could hear was our own breath.

Then suddenly the doors flung open once again and in hopped Valeska, Tetch and Crane.

"We're here!" Jerome grinned.

The other two started to pull the council one by one off the hooks and walk them out of the truck, closely watched by Jerome. Until they got to me.

"Wait..." He stuck an arm out to stop Tetch from unhooking me.

"Who's she? She wasn't on the party list." He took a few steps closer to me.

"This poor young girl is an unlucky maid. Wrong place, wrong time. Very bad day." Jervis explained looking at me.

"Would you like me to... dispose of her?" Asked Crane, stalking close to me and lifting needle covered fingers to my throat.

"Not so fast, Mr Potato Head." Jerome said pulling him away from me.

He came so close that we were only inches apart. He looked down at me as if he was thinking for a few seconds then smirked and turned around to the others.

"Guys, go and see that our guests are comfortable, will ya? Get everything ready." He ushered them out of the truck. Fear travelled up and down my body. This had all been a bad situation, but being alone with Valeska scared the hell out of me.

"You're lucky I have a soft spot for pretty little girls." He closed the truck doors and turned to look at me.

"Freddy Krueger there... not so much." He relaxed, leaning back against the doors with his hands in his pockets. "You got a name?"

I stayed silent, more out of fear than defiance. He sucked his teeth and stood up straight.

"I get it. You're scared. Who wouldn't be, right?" He started slowly walking closer. "But things will go a lot smoother if you just play nice."

I still couldn't find any words.

"Aw, come on, doll! I'm getting awful lonely over here." He brought his hands up out of his pockets and leaned against a wall of the truck.

He was quiet for a few seconds and I noticed that his eyes were making their way up my legs. Being held up by my wrists on my tip toes had pulled my uniform skirt up and almost all of my thighs were exposed. I blurted out my name in an attempt to distract him from my bare legs. He smiled.

"What a pretty name. Now, was that so hard?" He pushed himself off the wall and came a little closer.

"So, you're the mayor's dust bunny, huh? I gotta say, doll, I can see why he keeps you around." He chuckled, eyeing me.

My whole body flushed and my face turned hot and red.

“But, uh, the thing about mayors in this town, they don’t last very long.”

"Please let me go." I whimpered.

"Oh, but we're having such a good time! Plus, if I did that, you'd scamper off to the GCPD and I can't have good ol' Gordon crashing the party early."

I scoffed at his suggestion. Not likely. I had a distinct distaste for the GCPD. They hadn't helped me when I needed them. I would never need them again.

"What's the matter? He book ya before or something?" Jerome smiled with intrigue.

"My parents... they... did things to us. When I ended up in the hospital one too many times..." Tears stung my eyes as I remembered. "They left me there and disappeared with my little brother. No one ever managed to track them down."

I didn’t fully understand why I was opening up to Jerome, but for a second, I saw a spark of humanity in his eyes. Like he understood my pain. I'd heard his first kill had been his mother, so maybe he did?

"I'd give anything to see him again." I sniffed and a tear rolled down my cheek.

"Yeah, I had shitty parents too." He sighed. "I killed them both."

I had thought about what I would do if I ever saw my parents again. What I would say, what I would ask. I could never think of the right words. But the thought of killing them, well that made me smile.

"What was it like?" I asked.

Jerome grinned from ear to ear and stepped closer so that we were toe to toe.

“Have you ever stood at the edge of a really tall building? You know that little voice in the back of your head that says ‘Jump! You can fly!’ even though every other part of you is screaming ‘No you can’t! You’re gonna kill us!’”

I nodded shakily.

“It’s like finally giving in to that voice. Like jumping off Gotham Bridge and finding out you can fly. And realising you never have to walk again.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and my heart felt like it was going a million beats per minute. His eyes were locked on mine and it felt like he was looking straight into my soul.

“You wanna fly, doll?” He brought his hand up to cup my jaw and ran his thumb along my bottom lip.

It wasn’t humanity I saw in Jerome Valeskas eyes. It was freedom. A freedom that I had wanted for as long as I could remember. And I could have it right now. He was offering it to me. The only thing standing in my way was myself.

“Yes.” I breathed. “Yes, I do.”

The next thing I knew, his lips were crashing into mine and he had hooked his hands under my thighs and was holding them around his waist. His kiss was desperate and hungry, like he had been starved for days and his grip on the bare flesh of my thighs was rough enough to leave bruises. I locked my ankles together behind him to steady myself from swaying underneath the cuffs. When I did, he drove his crotch forwards, grinding into my centre, a quiet moan escaping me as I felt him.

He slowly trailed a hand from my thigh, up my back and to the nape of my neck, before balling my hair in his fist. I gasped as I felt the sudden, sharp tug of him pulling my head back.

His eyes wandered down to settle on my exposed throat, before yanking my head to the side and nestling in the crook of my neck. He must’ve left a hundred open mouth kisses, but as he started to suck, I felt his teeth sink into my skin. I pulled back with a hiss at the sting, but he wouldn’t let go. He just kept on leaving harsh, red bitemarks and pulling my hair, all the time grinding harder into me.

He licked over the bruises he’d left and gently kissed them, before trailing his tongue up my neck to nip at my ear. He smiled darkly and pulled back away from me, dropping my legs back to the floor. He stalked around me, eyeing me up and down like a predator. I felt him behind me, his hands softly holding onto my waist, pulling me close to his chest.

“You know what’s great about this?” He cooed. “You’re already pre-cuffed.”

I flushed and my core swelled hot, his breath so close to me made my skin tingle all over. He pulled at the top of my skirt and dragged it down my hips, letting it fall down around my feet. He caressed my thighs and then stepped back, tugging at my underwear, playfully letting the elastic snap back to me.

“Y’know...” He said, before the familiar sound of a belt unbuckling. “Marquis de Sade said ‘sex without pain is like food without taste’...”

My eyes widened at his words and my heartbeat quickened.

“So, let’s make this... delicious.”

A million thoughts raced through my mind, but before I could process any, I felt the sharp snap of leather against my ass. I jolted forwards and let out a high pitch yelp.

Even though I couldn’t see him, I could tell he was smirking. I could hear it in his voice. I bit my lip in an attempt to brace myself and he landed the belt across me again.

“Please, Jerome...” I whimpered at the sting, closing my eyes.

He brought it down again, making me arch my back in a gasp. A couple of tears rolled down my cheeks and I realised there was little point in resisting the torment. So, I gritted my teeth and prepared for another lick of the belt.

He whipped me once more, harder this time and a small scream escaped me.

“Please!” I begged.

I heard him chuckle with dark delight. The bastard was enjoying this. Of course he was. What else had I expected from someone like him? I tightened all my muscles for the next sting...

But it didn’t come. Instead, I felt him pulling my underwear down. Relief washed over me when I heard the belt drop to the floor and I realised Jerome was finished and was now crouched, ready to inspect his work. He ran his fingers over my burning flesh, taking in the bright red lashes he had left on me.

“What a pretty picture?” He said, landing a spank. “I wish you could see too doll, but having you cuffed is half the fun.”

His voice was dripping with venom and arousal and I could practically feel his grin in the air. He traced the marks with his fingers a little longer, before grabbing my flesh in fistfuls and sinking his teeth in. I gasped loudly at the hard bite. I wasn’t sure how many more of Jerome's surprises I could take. He laughed and ran his tongue over the new bruise.

“Yep. Definitely a pretty picture.” He smiled, giving me another spank. “I like those little noises you make, doll. Why don’t you make some more for me?”

He snaked his hand up my inner thigh and began stroking along my slit, relighting the fire in my stomach. I moaned, biting hard on my lip and tried to bring my thighs together, wanting friction.

“Naughty.” He said, landing a swift slap on my entrance causing me to let out a little yelp. “I need you to keep those legs open for me.”

It wasn’t as bad as the belt. In fact, it felt quite good. The heat inside me swelled as Jerome returned to running his fingers back and forth in my slickness. I hummed softly in my throat, fighting the urge to close my thighs again, my knees starting to shudder underneath me.

“Look how wet you are and I’m barely touching you.” Jerome chuckled darkly. “I wonder what happens if I do this?”

Jerome plunged two fingers deep inside me and slowly started pumping them. I let the warmth roll through me, moaning blissfully. He gently started to pick up speed, making it nearly impossible for me to keep my thighs apart. The faster he got, the deeper he dove, making me tighten around his talented fingers and struggle to keep steady on my toes.

My legs were shaking and despite my best efforts I just had to squeeze them together. As soon as I did, Jerome removed his fingers from me, leaving me feeling empty and spanked me hard.

“What did I say about that?” He barked, laying down another spank.

His spanking felt different this time. It felt pleasurable and sent a thrill up my spine.

“Sorry.” I whimpered.

“Sorry for what?” He spanked me again. “For being a needy little whore? Hm?” Another spank.

“Yes!” I gasped. “I’m a needy little whore! I just...”

“What? You just what?”

Jerome landed another slap at my core. It made my muscles clench, but it also aroused me so much more in a way I’d never thought I’d experience.

“What? What do you want, whore?”

“Please...”

“Big words, princess. What...” Spank. “Do you...” Another spank. “Want?”

“I want... I want you...” I forced, breathlessly.

“You want me? What do you want me to do, princess?” Jerome teased, tracing a finger along my burning entrance, just barely touching me.

“Please... Make me feel good, Jerome... Make me cum.”

“Are you gonna be a good girl?”

“Yes...”

“Are you gonna do as I say?”

“Yes, I will.”

“Exactly as I say?”

“Yes! Yes! Yes! Just please...Jerome.”

I couldn’t take it any longer. I felt so pathetic and needy. I needed him to touch me.

“So desperate.” He giggled sadistically. I supposed he loved seeing me beg.

Then, finally, he spread me open and dove his tongue deep into my wanting warmth. I closed my eyes and bit down hard on my lip as he swirled his tongue around inside me. I wanted to grab his hair and feel it in my fingers, but all I could do was squeeze my fists together in empty frustration.

Jerome grabbed a hand full of my ass, gripping it tightly, digging his nails in and rose his other hand to my pelvis front, pulling me down further onto his tongue. I squealed, a delightful mixture of pleasure and also pain from the tugging on my aching forearms. He ran his front hand down to play with my swollen clit, circling his fingers around beautifully.

He grinded his face deeply into me, sliding his tongue up, down, around and around inside me. He pressed his fingers down harder on my clit, forcing a loud moan out of me. I felt the pressure inside me build, coiling and tightening like a burning spring. I squeezed my thighs around his head in a desperate attempt to pull him deeper, his tongue nestling inside finding all of my sweet spots and lighting them on fire.

I could feel myself ready, ready to burst. He was pulling an amazing orgasm out of me and I wanted nothing more than to just let it go. All it took was one more upward jolt of his head, pushing his tongue that last little bit deep enough to push me over. I screamed out in erotic pleasure, letting the feeling flood me like warm water. My back arched and my legs convulsed until I withered, letting myself dangle from my cuffs in a breathless defeat.

Jerome slid his tongue out of me and pulled his face back away.

“You sing so pretty, dollface. Like a little birdie.” He said, squeezing the flesh off my ass.

He gave me one more light bite and a spank, before he rose back up to stand, snaking his hands along my sides all the way. He let his hands wander up to cup my breasts, massaging them softly. He leaned in close and began leaving wet kisses in the crook of my neck. I shuddered, his touch sending a cool tingle down my spine. He let his hands squeeze my breasts slightly harder, then pulled away and crept back around in front of me.

He stood facing me, his eyes locked on mine. They seemed to burn holes right into my flesh, creating a sense of fear in me. I was scared of Jerome Valeska, I truly was. But everything he was doing to me right now... The way he touched me, kissed me. I wondered how he managed it. How he was able to both terrify and arouse me in equal amounts.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t register his hand rising until it was firmly wrapped around my throat. He leaned down to kiss me, dominating my mouth with his tongue, making me taste myself. Once again, I felt the familiar warmth build in my core as I sensed we were not quite done here. He finished the kiss with a little nip to my bottom lip.

“Are you scared of me, doll?” He purred.

I swallowed hard, unsure if truth was wise here. Then I felt him increase the pressure around my throat, not wanting to wait for an answer.

“Yes.” I breathed.

“Good.” He said through an evil smirk.

He crashed his lips to mine once again, his free hand picking up my thigh to wrap around him. I locked both my legs around his waist, wanting to feel him close against me. I felt his erection hard, under his clothes, grinding into me and I wanted it. Badly. He pulled away from the kiss, leaving his taste on my tongue and raised his hand from my throat to grab hold of my face. He took his other hand away from my thigh and pulled at his tie. I didn’t drop my legs this time, instead I gripped tighter as he slid his tie from around his neck and scrunched it in his fist.

“Open your mouth.” He ordered.

I did as he said and he smiled, before spitting into my open lips and gagging me with his tie. I’d never had anyone do that before and it shocked me a little, but then again, I’d never had anyone like Jerome Valeska before.

He backed up slightly, just enough for him to reach down and unzip his trousers and pull down his underwear, freeing his erection. I couldn’t help but look down at it. It was bigger than any I’d taken before and I wasn’t sure how prepared I was. He started to slowly stroke himself, lifting up my chin to look at me.

He gently stroked a single finger across my jaw and then, suddenly, landed a harsh slap across my cheek. I yelped at the slap, causing a dangerous smile to form on Jeromes mouth. I should’ve been repulsed by him. He killed people and was aroused by my pain and fear, so why was I so attracted to him?

He angled himself underneath me so he was lined up and ready. He wrapped his hand back around my throat and then pushed forwards into me, causing us both to let out deep moans.

“You like that?”

I nodded and whimpered through the material of the tie. Jerome giggled darkly and with his free hand, gripped onto my waist.

“Brace yourself, princess.” He warned, through a poisonous smile.

He pulled back slowly, until he was almost completely out of me and then, like a bullet, ploughed himself right back in, jolting me backwards with force. He continued his thrusting rough and fast, making me whimper and bite down hard on the tie. I closed my legs tightly around him, pulling him closer and forcing him in deeper.

He let out a low, guttural groan and moved his hand upwards from my waist to slap me again, spitting at my face as he did so. I closed my eyes to endure the onslaught of him pounding inside me like a raging animal. I felt like a toy, dangling there for him to use as he liked, but still the searing pleasure of it all made me moan lustfully.

“Open those peepers, princess.” He commanded. “I want you to see exactly who’s in charge here.”

I opened my eyes and saw him grinning at me like a man possessed.

“You like this? You like me fucking you?” He growled, gripping my throat tighter.

All I could do was whimper and moan in response.

“I cuffed you and hung you up, hurt you, spat on you... even made you cry! And you still let me fuck you?” He laughed through shallow breaths. “You’re pathetic, you know that? A pathetic little whore.”

Jerome threw another slap at me and I felt myself tighten around his considerable length, taking him all deep inside me. He drove up into me like he was trying to break me open with his girth and I welcomed every inch of it.

“You’re so fucking tight.” He moaned.

I clenched my walls around him, the feeling of being filled by him sending flutters through me as he pushed in deeper and laughed.

“I don’t think your pussy ever wants to let me go, doll!” He grinned. “But I already know you like taking my cock like this, cause you’re such a good girl for me... I like that.”

I flushed at his words. I didn’t know why, but it made me feel good to please him and, in that moment, I would have done anything for him. I could feel my ecstasy creeping up on me, like magma rising inside a volcano. I cried out wantonly, the heat rising as he worked me, exploring every detail of my canal with his thick shaft.

He let go of my throat and moved both his hands to grab onto my ass and squeezed, steadying me so he could pound me harder and climb to release. His thrusts became erratic and sloppy and I could tell he was just as close as I was. I moaned loudly as he rammed into me harder and faster, burying himself deeper and making my arousal burn.

I could feel it coming, so close. I was about to boil over and all I needed was him. Just him. He continued thrusting like a raging animal, digging his nails into my flesh and scraping them along my ass, stinging sweetly. I whimpered at the sensation and tightened my legs.

“Cum for me, doll.” He panted. “I wanna feel you cum on my cock.”

He plunged into me, pushing the magma higher and just so close to bursting. It was coming. I could feel it.

He pounded again. So close. Again and again, so hard inside me. Just a little more...

I screamed out, closing my eyes and letting everything go. The feeling of my orgasm washed over me like a tidal wave of pure elation. My whole body shook from the force of it and I trembled like a leaf. Jerome continued to thrust into me until he too reached his climax. He growled like a beast and I felt him throb, releasing his hot load of sticky lust deep inside me.

We both relaxed, catching our breath and he stared down into my eyes. He unlatched his hands from the flesh of my ass and brought one round to gently stroke my cheek with his fingertips. It was quiet, but only for a minute.

He threw his head back and laughed like the madman he was, before pulling out of me and stepping back. My legs dropped to the floor and he began to put himself away and zip his trousers back up.

“Well, that was fantastic, dollface. Thanks for playing nice with me.” He said, throwing me a wink.

There was a loud metallic knock at the truck doors and I guessed whoever it was, was trying to get Jeromes attention.

“It’s been fun princess, really. But time waits for no man and I’ve got a party to attend” He said, smiling at me. “Well, more like crash.”

When he turned to leave, I tried to speak, but all that came out was intelligible muttering. He wasn’t going to leave me here, dangling, half naked and gagged like this? Was he? He began walking to the truck doors and I tried to call out.

“Oh! Wait, almost forgot.”

I felt a flood of relief when he began walking back to me.

“I’m gonna need this back.” He said and pulled the tie out of my mouth.

I was glad to finally be rid of it, but my joy was short lived, because he was starting to leave again.

“Hey...” I croaked; my mouth dry.

“Yeah, I’ll have someone come get you later.” He said, too nonchalantly for my liking. “For now, you can just... well, why don’t you just hang out?”

He laughed at his joke and opened the doors.

“Hey! You can’t leave me here!” I tried to shout, but my throat was too dry.

And then... he was gone. He really did just leave me alone, half naked in the back of a truck. How long would it be before someone found me? An hour? Two? The rest of the day?

All alone with my thoughts now, I decided the only thing to do now was wait. Wait and try and go over what the hell just happened between me and Jerome Valeska.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Looking for a Place to Happen

Warnings: non-consent sex and rape (series), age gap, general stupidity.

This is dark!biker!Sam Wilson x reader and explicit. 18+ only.  Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Series Synopsis: There’s lots happening in Birch and you find it all too amusing.

Sister series to Smalltown Bringdown, When the Weight Comes Down, Little Bones, and Fully Completely

Note: We’re starting Sam’s installment but this weekend I’ll probably only be catching up on my headcanons and drabbles because I’ve been a lazy bitch and I’m sorry to those who have been waiting.

Thanks to everyone for their patience and feedback. :)

I really hope you enjoy. 💋

<3 Let me know what you think with a like or reblog or reply or an ask! Love ya!

Chapter 1: I've got a job, I explore

💀💀💀

The sleepy town of Birch was awake. 

In those last weeks, the arrival of outsiders had roused the attention of many once passive residents of the timeless territory. Those brick buildings unchanged by the tick of the clock inlaid into the old tower above the library that chimed every hour on the hour. They still stood with only chips in the mortar but the air tasted different. The frost was more bitter and the sky more grim. An omen of something no one could predict.

It was the perfect setting for a screenplay. The isolated town with its unsavoury secrets and the visitors who threatened to bring them to the surface. It was inspiring to you, to imagine what was hidden behind the stern wrinkled faces of the town elders and under the jackets of those men who wore the cut of the local club. The bikers ruled the town covertly but everyone knew that Bucky Barnes’ palm was lined with the map of Birch.

As a bystander, an unnoticed observer, just another ant in the hill, you watched from the side and amused yourself with the drama of others. It was like a soap opera or another HBO hype machine. Those things you aspired to when you could be free of this ho-hum town.

The snows added to the natural gloom of the place. The deep heaps smothered the noise and harkened back to those days of colonial settlement. Forgotten, desolate, fearful. 

You ventured down in your heavy boots that stretched to your knees and pushed your chin down into your scarf. As a child, you ran and jumped in those piles, now you were out of breath just trying to walk past them.

You stopped in the bakery that doubled as the only café, a place where the owner, Babs, tried to to intimidate the last caffeinated trends. She was always a few seasons behind but you didn’t mind so much. 

You ordered the salted caramel mocha and waited patiently as the quiet woman fought with the steaming machines. She was older than you but you’d work with her for one summer during high school, only five years ago. She had the eyes of a child still, but there was something worn in her. As if she’d been exposed to far too much in her three or so decades in that place. She was a harbinger of what you didn’t want to become.

You thanked her for your drink and set out once more into the billowing winds. Birch winters were never kind but this one was crueler than most. Your teeth chattered as you blew the steam away from the lid and hugged it with your mittened hands.

You stopped short as you heard the familiar ding of the diner door across the street. You recognised the mechanic who kept to herself and once growled at you in the grocery store. She stormed across the street, followed closely and quickly by a black-haired man you’d only seen once before. He was one of those outsiders who came to deal with the club men.

You sped up as you sensed chaos brewing and pulled out your phone as you balanced your paper cup in your other hand. You flicked your camera on just as you got to the front of the shop and the man grabbed the mechanic. You let out an ‘oop’ as she turned on him and you aimed the lens at the couple as they fell into the snow, the man’s shoes giving little traction to his steps. 

You moved closer, stunned by the scene, and kept your cell phone rolling as you found a better angle around the snowy walks. As she choked him on the ground he elbowed her and she coughed as she rolled away. She snarled as he clamoured to his feet, slipping and sliding as he marched away.

You killed the recording and watched the man cross the street again, nearly wiping out as he did and when you looked back to the mechanic, she was gone behind the clattering door. You chuckled to yourself and tucked away your cell. It was prime footage for TikTok; with a bit of editing, it would be comedy gold.

💀

You stomped up the steps of your grandmother’s house, this time through the front door as you heard her chair rocking in the front room. You usually took the stairs in the back as you paid her to live on the upper floor of the duplex. You checked in with her daily, she didn’t get out much more than the occasional trip to the grocery store when you couldn’t or you dragged her out to join you for a tea at Babs’.

“You’re late,” she grumbled as you set your cup down and unzipped your coat.

“For what?” you scoffed.

“It’s after noon and you don’t even come down to say hello? A ‘good morning, nan’,” she harrumphed.

You chuckled and hung your coat before shoving your boots over on the mat. You grabbed your mocha and leaned on the doorway as you watched her crocheting in her chair, reruns of some court show playing from the boxy television.

“I was working,” you said, “sent in some stuff for review. Hopefully not much work to be done.”

“I don’t know how you make money on that interweb,” she bemoaned, “I don’t trust it.”

“Maybe you’d trust it more if you used the Netflix subscription I got you,” you crossed your arms, “then you wouldn’t have to watch trash daytime TV.”

She shrugged and muttered under her breath. She could be crotchety but you liked her sense of humour. Your aunts and uncles never came around because they just took it as spite. You were the only one who knew how to handle the jaded old lady.

“Maybe you coulda looked out the window,” you snickered, “quite a show going on in town.”

“Hmm, what’s that?” she stilled her needles and reached for her tea stained cup.

“Just a fight. You wouldn’t believe it, that lady mechanic beat the shit--”

“Language,” she huffed.

“Anyway, she had this guy in a chokehold. It was awesome.”

“What guy?” she squinted at you over her glasses.

“I dunno. Some out of towner. Remember I told you about that burly dude hanging around the library?”

“There’s more?” she sucked on her teeth, “those bikers have never been good news and now they’re bringing in more.”

“Yeah, well, what’re you gonna do?” you sniffed as you took out your phone and rewatched the scuffle with the volume down. You shook your head and opened up your TikTok. 

“I don’t understand why you’re always on your dang phone,” your grandmother pestered.

“I’m not always on my phone,” you smiled at her smugly, “there are those time when I’m listening to you prattle on or you know, making you tea, oh, and cooking you dinner. What was it I did last week? Oh that’s right, I got Pippin out of the crawlspace.”

“I’m too old to be chasin’ that cat all around,” she huffed, “where is he anyway?”

“He’s your cat, I don’t know? Last time I saw him, I sent him back out the window for shredding my charger.”

“He knows you need to give it a rest,” she laughed to herself, “got your nose to that screen too much.”

“And what do you do, old lady? Crocheting doilies to put where exactly?”

She gave you that dry smile, the one that said watch it but carried a hint of humour still. You hit post and put your phone away as you waved off her irritation.

“Well, you know what, I sit all day at my computer, doing who knows what and you know what it got me?” you taunted, “a large mocha!” you sipped as you sat on the sofa and grabbed the remote, “and it’s paying my rent and putting bullet points on my resume.”

“Mhmm,” she scowled, “just remember, real life ain’t online. Those videos you’re always laughing at like hyena, that’s not reality. You forget it and it’ll come back and bit you. ‘Specially with those bikers.”

“Oh, nan, you know too well, don’t you? Didn’t you have a fling with one back in your hippie phase?”

“Two, actually,” she raised her brows, “I was young and stupid. Not like you, but still.”

“I love you too,” you chirped and sipped from your cup, flicking the station to Jerry Springer, “that’s more like it.”

💀

Your usual TikToks were sarcastic and dull complaints about your small town life. The response was less than pleasing but it gave you an outlet to vent. You liked to goof around and document the very specific type of weirdos that resided in Birch. But the video of the fight in the snow blew up your phone and made it difficult to ignore the buzzing as you went back up to your room to eke out the last of your captions for the ad agency.

When at last you could call your day hard-earned, you logged off and sent in your hours to the agency. Social media promotion was easy enough but the working gigs for a thousand different companies was tedious. You hoped you could build your portfolio enough to manage a single corporate page as you continued to chip away at your creative outlets.

You picked up your phone as you waited for Netflix to load on your tiny smart tv and flopped onto your bed, not two feet from your desk. You hit the icon in the upper panel of your phone and scrolled through the notifications, pausing to turn on another episode of the cable sitcom from ten years before. You snorted as you read each comment but the number under the video made your eyes round. The thing was bound to go viral.

As usual, you went down to help with supper. Pippin, the orange tabby, returned to cry at his dish and you fed him too. Your nan peered through her glasses at a crossword as she tasted the tangy pasta sauce. 

“More basil,” she snipped.

“Well, I asked if you wanted to help,” you muttered, “I think it’s good.”

“Hmmp, I need milk,” she jutted her chin out, “for my after-dinner tea.”

“You couldn’t say something like three hours ago?” you blinked.

“I could have but I didn’t,” she snickered. You rolled your eyes and she took another forkful of penne and filled in another line on her puzzle, “ah, no hurry, girlie, you know I’m patient.”

“Patient? You?” you chuckled as you took your plate and shoved it in the microwave to keep it warm. The ancient thing had a dial and the door stuck, “I’ll just go get it over with.”

“Don’t forget your mitts,” she called after you as you tramped into the front room, “it’s cold.”

You pulled on your knitted cap and matching mitts. You zipped up your parka and shoved your feet into the deep boots. You grabbed your wallet and buried it in the spacious pocket. You bounced out the front door and down the steps as the sky sent down another coat of powder for the night.

You went up White Forge Street and through the short path behind the diner that led to the main road. You glanced over at The Asp, the beacon of the dull town, and turned towards the grocer. Like anywhere in Birch, the store was outdated and stuffy. It felt like stepping into another time with the paper bags and chunky tills.

You went down the center aisle and stopped at the fridge to search through the frosted glass. Your nan only drank whole milk and the last time you carelessly grabbed skim, she whined that even Pippin wouldn’t drink it. She was particular but that was just her nature. You couldn’t say you were any less fussy in some instances.

You grabbed a jug and the door slapped closed against the worn rubber seal. You headed up the candy aisle and brushed your woolly thumb over your chin as you considered gummy bears or Reeses’ Pieces.

“Hard choice?” The deep voice jolted you.

You snatched the box of chocolate and looked over at the man in leather, his chin tucked down behind the collar as snow dusted his shoulders.

“Sure,” you said as you brushed past him.

The cut of the leather told you he was better not entertained. While you thought the men amusing, you weren’t stupid enough to engage with them. You rarely listened to your grandmother but she was wise in her own way. 

You knew a girl in highschool, she was fucking around with one of the club men in her junior year, she ended up with a baby and no support. You didn’t think he was into you that way but he could hardly have innocent intentions.

“How’s the old lady?” Clayton asked as he rung in your order at the end of the belt, you moved along with the groceries and pulled out your wallet.

“The usual, you know? She’s tryna quit again. Don’t know how long it’ll last.”

“Oh yeah? I’ll keep a carton aside for her,” he kidded as you felt your phone vibing in your back pocket.

“Don’t encourage her,” you swiped your card and punched in your pin, “although I don’t know what’s worse; the smoke or her sucking on those mints all the time.”

“Oh, it’s not the bitchin’?” he laughed.

“That, too,” you scooped up the paper bag and put your wallet away, “have a good one.”

As you came to the end of the first counter, you were nearly cut off by the club member as he swept around from till two. His own purchase of a car magazine and jerky was tucked under his arm.

“Ah, sorry,” he smiled, a sparkling smile, almost charming.

“No worries,” you continued on and he followed close behind.

“Those mitts look real warm. ‘Specially in this weather,” he said as you pushed open the door.

“Uh huh,” you kept on as your boots crunched out into the snow.

“You know where I can get a pair. Leather isn’t exactly thermal, you know?”

“These? My nan made ‘em. I’m sure Clayton got some hung up back there,” you looked across the street as you stepped up onto the ledge of snow between the sidewalk and the road.

“Am I bothering you?” he asked.

You looked at him dumbly and almost laughed in his face. You glanced back across the street then down towards The Asp.

“Sorta,” you answered.

“Make you a deal. Leave ya alone for your name.”

You eyed him. He was older than you like many of the Commandos. At least a decade, likely more than that. You chewed on your hesitation and cradled the bag more firmly against your side. His eyes strayed as he tried to see through the thick layer of your coat.

“Nah, I’m not s’posed to talk to strangers,” you said and hopped off onto the road.

You heard him behind you as he struggled to follow and as you came up to the other side, he came parallel with you and kept stride with you easily.

“I know you’re young but you’re not a kid,” he intoned, “what’s the harm in a name?”

“It’s a small town,” you stopped short of the end of White Forge, “I think I know enough about you to avoid you.”

“Oh ho, is that it? Well, I’m Sam, I’m not a stranger now, am I?”

“Not interested, Sam. Sure there’s women your own age over at the bar,” you nodded behind him.

“You wanna come see? Maybe have a drink?” he gave a crooked grin.

“You don’t give up, do you?” you shook your head, put off by his forwardness.

“Well?”

“Not tonight, Sam,” you turned around and headed down White Forge.

“Then what night?” he asked but you didn’t answer and he didn’t follow.

You turned down onto your street and refused to look back in case. It would be best not to mention the run-in to your nan, she was paranoid enough as it was. Besides, you’d forget about it by the end of next week.

[tommyparkerr]

Loose Thread Pt. 2 of 2 | TASM Peter Parker x Reader

Thanks for all the support on Part 1 y’all! It seriously means the world to me. I get so excited when someone drops a like or a reblog or a comment:D Hopefully you all enjoy Part 2 as well!

Read Part 1 here!

Words: 4.0k

Warnings: Same as Part 1 + Peter panicking (as per usual)

-Masterlist-

L O O S E  T H R E A D  ( II ) :

Peter didn’t bother knocking before walking into your apartment. He wasn’t in his suit, as he’d briefly gone home to change before making his way here, so he didn’t have to worry about stealth as much as if you’d even be home or not. 

His question was answered by the sound of a pausing TV when he walked in, followed by your voice. 

“Oh, hey!” you greeted as he went to remove his coat. “I didn’t know you were coming over.”

Peter glanced up to lay eyes upon you for the first time that day, a soft smile on his face at the sight of you wrapped up in a blanket to counter the harsh cold outside. “I wanted to see you, so I-“ He stopped mid-sentence, blinking and raising a finger to point at the blanket you definitely had not had before. “What is that?”

It took you a moment to understand what he was pointing at, then your face lit up in excitement. “Oh, yeah! I saw this at the store today, can you believe it? I couldn’t not get it.”

Peter studied the red and blue pattern of the blanket from across the room, just able to make out the faint outline of Spider-Man on it. “Really? At the store?”

“Yeah! I can show you, but I figured the blanket would be proof enough since we both know I’m incapable of making anything this intricate.” You didn’t seem as shocked as Peter at a Spider-Man blanket being for sale in a public store, proven by your changing of the subject. “Anyways, how was your day?”

Peter shook his head to try and get his thoughts back on track to answer your question, but it was more difficult than he thought it would be. “It was…I’m sorry, what store was that in?”

“Just the one down the block?” you said with a confused little smile. “If you would’ve told me you were coming I could have made dinner.”

“And you bought it?” Peter asked, still entirely caught up on the fact that people liked Spider-Man enough to make money off of merchandise dedicated to him.

You blinked a few times, giving him a funny look. “Yeah? We’ve already been over this. I had to.”

Peter still wasn’t quite understanding. “Why did you have to?”

“Um, maybe because as much as I worry about my boyfriend’s superhero alias I’m also proud of him and want to support him?” 

Peter’s heart swelled instantly at your response and watched you as you stood from your place on the couch and carefully folded your newest possession. 

“Hey, you weren’t contacted about this, were you?” you wondered aloud. “Because they’re kind of profiting off your gig. You could easily sell this stuff on your own and make some money. At the very least, they should’ve given you some sort of royalty.”

A giddy feeling filled Peter, his shock and disbelief having moved onto excitement and enthusiasm. “No-yeah-I mean, no, they didn’t contact me, but this is crazy!”

You giggled a little bit at his reaction and began clearing empty water bottles and random trash from where you’d been sitting. “It was really only a matter of time, Pete. The city thinks you’re a hero and so do I.”

Something about how easily the words fell from your mouth, how you didn’t even feel the need to look at him while saying it to make him believe you, as if it was just a well-known fact taught in textbooks and classrooms—it made his heart skip a beat. It felt as if time had slowed while he watched you move, his chest and face getting warmer and warmer the longer he looked at you. He loved you—he always had, and he knew he did—but something about now, about the way you effortlessly loved him too made a thought pop into his head that he hadn't been expecting. 

I want to spend the rest of my life with her. 

The thought instantly took him aback, not because it wasn’t anything he hadn’t contemplated before, but because he’d never felt so sure about it until now. 

He could faintly hear you talking still in the background, and he tried to focus back in on the present so he could respond appropriately when the time came.

“…and this way, when you’re gone I can cuddle up with this Spider-Man to keep me warm. He’s not as amazing as you, but he’s an alright temporary replacement I guess.”

It was as if you just now realized Peter had been quiet for a while, so you stopped your cleaning for a moment to look up at him. Your head tilted at the funny look on his face Peter was sure was there. “Hey, you okay? You never really answered how your day was, did something happen?”

Peter finally snapped out of it enough to process your words. Concern was written into the lines on your face, and he didn’t want you worrying about him anymore than you already did. “No-no nothing happened—I mean, lots of things happened but nothing bad. Well, okay, bad things sort of did happen since it’s kind of what I work off of but that’s not what I-” Peter cut himself off, letting out a sharp exhale to try and reset. “Sorry. My day was fine.”

You still weren’t convinced. Your frown deepened as you asked, “Then why are you looking at me like that?”

Peter couldn’t help but stare at you, captivated by you in a way he had never been before his realization. He blinked and swore he could see you in white for just a moment before you were back in your apartment in your PJs and slippers.

“Peter?”

“I just realized something, that’s all,” he blurted out, not really thinking about it. 

Your frown turned into skepticism as you furrowed your brows. “Okay?” you said, dragging the last syllable out. “Is it something you have to do? Don’t tell me you forgot anything important, Pete-“

“No, no, it’s not anything I forgot, it’s just…” He trailed off, searching for the right words. “…something I wanna do.”

You studied him for a long minute, probably trying to detect any lies, but eventually you shrugged and your face relaxed again. “Well,” you replied, “it’s only six o’clock. You have time if you want to go do it and come back.”

Peter shook his head, moving out of your way as you went to deposit your armful of bottles and wrappers into your trash can. “No, it’s, uh, sort of something you’d have to be there for too? But it’s not anything I need to do right away, so-“

“Need to do?” You cut him off, resting your hip on the counter as you looked at him from over the top of it. “I thought it was just something you wanted to do.”

Peter started to panic, not knowing what he could say to get out of the situation at hand. Luckily, your brain went a different direction and gave him a little more time to think of a response. 

“Oh!” you exclaimed, your voice dropping down to a whisper as you pointed to your couch. “Is it something with…?”

“It’s not anything to do with Spidey,” he promised. “It’s…well, I need to do it but I also want to.”

“When do you need to do it by?” you further questioned, not necessarily meaning to interrogate him but just simply satisfying your curiosity. He couldn’t blame you—he would be awfully curious too if he was in your shoes. 

“It’s more of a thing that can be done at any time,” Peter said, rubbing the back of his neck as he hoped that was enough to get you to stop asking about it. You nodded, and he breathed a subtle sigh of relief. His relief didn’t last long, though.

“Okay,” you said, going to the door, picking up his shoes, and pushing them into his hands. “I’m free right now. Let’s go do it.”

“Wait—what?”

“Well, you said it can be done at any time and I have to be there, plus it has nothing to do with Spidey so it can’t be too dangerous, and I’m not doing anything for the rest of the night, and now you’ve sparked my curiosity. There’s no time like the present.”

“Uh,” was all Peter could get out as he watched you determinedly swap your slippers for proper shoes and your cardigan for a coat. “Uh, I don’t- this isn’t-“

“Come on, Parker!” you exclaimed, seeming excited for whatever unknown adventure you were about to go on. Peter almost snorted. Unknown was definitely a word for it. “Let’s go!”

He barely had time to put his shoes back on and grab his coat off the back of your chair before you took his hand and practically dragged him out the door. 

“We can get dinner along the way,” you suggested as you walked down the stairs. “By the way, where is along the way? Where are we going?”

“I-I don’t know,” Peter admitted, his heart starting to pick up its pace now that he was truly digesting what he’d gotten himself into. “I haven't thought about it at all.”

You gave him an amused smile and shook your head. “Wow, you really did just realize it, huh?”

“Yeah, I just realized it,” Peter said, emphasizing the ‘just’ just as you had. “What did you think I meant when I said I ‘just' realized it the first time around?”

“I thought you meant you remembered something you had to do, not that you thought of something entirely brand new!”

“Well, I-” Peter started, trying to defend himself, but he stopped in fear he would end up telling the whole truth to you at that very moment. 

You didn’t seem bothered by his sudden halt. “Okay, well, where do we need to go to do this thing, whatever it is?”

Peter fumbled with his words not for the first time that night. “I-I think it’s also an anywhere kind of thing along with an anytime thing, so…wherever, I guess?”

“Well, where do you want to go?”

It was as if all logical thought and knowledge of New York had exited Peter’s brain. Where did he want to go? He obviously couldn’t propose right now, could he? So did it even matter where they went? 

But you were so excited for something new to discover together and the more Peter thought about what he could possibly pass his ‘realization’ off as, the less excuses he could come up with. What else could be done at anytime, anywhere, and was both something he needed and wanted to do? He didn’t want to let you down, so he had to propose now, didn’t he?

He didn’t even have a ring. 

What am I doing?

“Um, how about- how about you choose? Where do you wanna go?”

Peter was quite proud of himself for putting together just those few words in the midst of such an internalized panic. 

You thought for a second, temporary relief running through Peter’s veins when he saw your face light up. “I know!”

Your fingers laced through his as you led the way. It was something you’d done a thousand times before, but now it made Peter nervous as if it was the first time all over again. The feel of your hand in his was something he’d never get old of, that he was sure. And, as he had more recently discovered, he wouldn’t ever get old of you being by his side either. 

A gust of wind made you bump into him as you tried to cuddle up closer to his body heat. Despite his sudden nerves, he softly laughed at your red nose and cheeks and detached his hand from yours to throw it over your shoulders instead. He tucked you into his side, relishing the way that you, too, wrapped an arm around him to pull yourself even closer. 

It wasn’t long before it was obvious where you were taking him, the little park just visible from around the corner. He nearly stopped in his tracks at the sight and had to wonder for a moment if you could somehow read his mind, because you’d just led him to the most perfect spot possible. One look at your face told him you had no idea what exactly you were doing in that very moment, but it didn’t slow his heart down in the slightest. It beat hard against his chest, the sound of rushing blood in his ears. He swallowed hard as you both got closer, memories flashing through his mind.

He remembered your fingers touching his skin for the first time as you rolled his mask up just enough to kiss him, your breath against his face as you whispered, ‘I’m willing to find out if you are.’ How your lips felt against his—the first pair since Gwen’s. He remembered how the thought of her didn’t make him fall to his knees or disappear behind his guarded heart but rather strengthened him—emboldened him, even. 

His hands twitched as he recalled the way you melted in his grasp, how you leaned toward him even after he had forced himself to step away, knowing how much danger he would be putting you in if someone were to walk around the corner and see you so close. He only knew your name, but the thought of you getting hurt because of him—hurt like Gwen had, because he couldn’t save her—made him queasy. He’d wanted to hold onto that feeling to convince himself he shouldn’t go see you again, but just the five minute swing home was enough for him to know it wouldn’t be successful. Just the thought of your eyes or your smile or the way your hands lingered even after his lips left yours was enough to erase the queasiness completely.

‘I met a girl.’ 

“Do you remember this place?” you asked from beside him once you were in the park, your voice soft. 

Peter shook himself out of his reverie, a soft chuckle escaping him. “How could I forget? I quite literally fell for you right here.”

You bumped him with your shoulder as a snort escaped you. “More like you swung for me. That hurt, you know.”

All Peter could manage was a small quirk of his lips due to his pounding heart where he would usually laugh at your teasing. That was one thing that never changed; whether he was Spider-Man or Peter Parker, you were always just a quip away from making him blush. 

You noticed his lack of reaction and seemed to understand. “Obviously this thing is something you have to get off your chest, so let’s do it.”

It was as if seeing you for the first time—Peter’s mouth went dry, his heart stuttered, and his palms started to sweat. He couldn’t come up with a response, only stared at you wide-eyed, unsure of what to do. 

“Okay,” you said hesitantly, unwrapping your arm from his waist. “I’m gonna go sit on that bench over there until you figure out how to do what you need to do, so…come get me when you’re ready.”

True to your word, you left his side and made your way to a little bench probably thirty feet away from where he was standing. 

He almost wished you hadn’t left. With you gone, even though you were still within eyesight, he started to freak out even more than before. Once again, the thought of, ‘What am I doing?' crossed his mind. He didn’t have a ring, he didn’t have a speech, he didn’t have a time or a place, he didn’t even have the blessings from his aunt or your family. Of course, he didn’t have to worry about May not approving since she loved you, but he had never planned on asking anyone to marry him without first getting the blessing from their family. But now he was going to ask you to marry him without anything a traditional proposal entailed, and what did I do?

In his defense, he only just realized he wanted to marry you tonight. And then the thought occurred to him: did you even want to marry him? You hadn’t talked about it much other than a comment here or a conversation there that implied forever, but you’d never actually had an in-depth discussion about your future together. What if he asked and you said no? What did he do then?

In his crisis, Peter’s fingers had been playing with a loose thread inside his coat pocket, twirling it tightly around his finger before unwinding it and restarting the process. He was only pulled out of his endless thoughts when the thread snapped, detaching itself completely from the coat. He pulled it out to drop it onto the frost-covered ground but changed his mind last minute. An idea popped into his head—admittedly, a pretty stupid idea—and he carefully tied the loose thread into an open knot. 

He let it sit in the palm of his hand for a moment, just staring at it, and he was about ready to toss it to the ground again when he heard your faint humming. His head shot up to look at you, your back facing him as you waited patiently for him underneath the pale moonlight. The image was enough to make his feet start moving.

He was nowhere near prepared for this, but he also knew he never would be. As unconventional as it might have been, he felt it in his heart and in his gut that this was right—right timing, right location, right person. 

You saw him before he could even get all the way there, hopping up from your seat eagerly. “You said you needed me here with you to do whatever it is you wanna do, so what do I need to do?”

Peter was silent, the lovely glow of your eyes enough to freeze him in place. It was when you started to show concern for him and slowly said his name that the words came. 

“Marry me.”

Your jaw dropped, your eyes blew up wide, and you couldn’t have looked more shocked if you tried. It’s moments later that Peter realized he was still standing, and he practically collapsed onto one knee in front of you. His throat closed slightly at the action, and as much as he didn’t plan on crying, he couldn’t help the tears that stung his eyes. 

“Marry me, Y/N. I mean it,” Peter said, holding the string ring between his fingers that he doubted you even noticed. “I know we we haven’t talked too much about it, but seeing how excited you were to tell me about the Spider-Man blanket you found and casually talking about how proud you were of me and telling me how you missed me when I was gone, it made me realize that I wanted that forever—that I wanted you forever.” He laughed a little, shaking his head. “I don’t really know what I’m doing because you pulled me outside to do this before I could even think about it, but… I do know that I love you, and I do know that I want to spend the rest of my life coming home to you, and I do know that I want to be your husband, and I know—without a doubt—that I want you to be my wife. So, please…please marry me?”

You didn’t respond, the only thing that had changed since he first got down on one knee the hands covering your mouth and the tears in your eyes. It was hard for him to read your expression when half of your face was covered and your tears could mean anything, good or bad. He never dealt with silence well, so he went on to fill it until you said something—anything.

“I-I don’t really have a ring,” he said, pulling your attention toward the faux ring he was holding. “But I promise I’ll get you a proper one if you say yes. And even if you don’t-“

“Yes.”

Peter froze, afraid he only imagined the spoken word. “…Yes?”

You laughed through your tears and nodded frantically. “Yes. Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you, Peter! I just-I didn’t think you were proposing tonight, what the hell?”

Peter couldn’t help but laugh, partially in relief but also because of your confusion. “To be fair,” he admitted, “I didn’t either.”

“Get up right now,” you demanded. 

A slow blink. “Why?”

“So I can kiss you, you idiot!”

As if you’d just pulled the strings to his puppet, Peter shot up immediately. You grabbed his jacket collar and pulled him into you before he could say or do anything more. All he could do now was wrap his arms around you and kiss you back with all the love and passion in the world. He broke it off after only a few short moments, pulling you into his chest instead. He bent to kiss your forehead, tears falling down his cheeks. 

It wasn’t that long ago he thought he’d never move on, that he’d never love again or even dare to let someone get too close. But here he stood now—with his fiancée—and he couldn’t be more in love with the girl in his arms. He hoped Gwen was watching from somewhere out there, cheering him on. He hoped she was proud of him. 

“You okay?” you murmured from your place within his grasp. 

“Yeah,” Peter whispered with a soft smile. “Yeah, I’m okay. I’m better than okay.”

You leaned back just enough to see his face. You frowned a little at the tears on his cheeks and brushed them away with the pads of your thumbs. “What’s on your mind?”

Not seeing any reason to lie, Peter gently spoke the truth. “Gwen. How…how she’d want me to be happy.”

“And are you?” you asked, as if you were afraid to hear the answer. “Happy?”

Peter couldn’t help but bring his lips to yours again, kissing away any and all of your worries. “I couldn’t be happier,” he assured you. 

He felt you smile against his lips, and he was just going in to kiss you again when you suddenly pulled away from him. 

“Wait—where’s my ring?”

Peter’s heart dropped along with his face. “I’m-I’m so sorry, Y/N. I don’t have a ring right now but I’m going to go get you one right away, I promise-”

“No, Peter,” you interrupted with a small laugh, “not that kind of ring. I couldn’t care less about a diamond. I want the ring you made me.”

A confused frown took over Peter’s face as he dug the loop of thread back out of his pocket. “This?”

Your face lit up at the sight of it. “Yes, that!”

Peter thought he couldn’t possibly love you anymore than he did, but when you stuck out your hand for him to slip the loose thread onto with nothing but a genuine and eager smile on your face, he swore he fell even deeper. 

“I love you so much,” Peter said once your very temporary ring was on your finger, making you soften under his gaze. 

“I love you, too, Pete,” you whispered. “So, so much.”

This time when Peter leaned in to kiss you, you let him. And even when Peter did come home with a proper ring but a few days later, you still kept the string ring right below it, the loose thread from Peter’s jacket more precious to you than any jewel. 

Permanent Tag List: @starsholland​ @spideygirl2003 @dahliaspidey​

Peter Parker: @captainstartights @quaksonhehe​ @lovelyxtom

Loose Thread: @rintsuru @dailyreverie

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[harryskalechips]

one and done

A/N Hi everyone! I’m back with a one shot :) I know I don’t write as often anymore but since I’m self quarantining and I’m just about finish with high school, I thought I should try and give it another go? I’m also re starting up my jewellery business so ahhh many goals in mind but no motivation ??? Okay, I hope you guys enjoy this one!!! It is definitely a slow burn with smut but part 2? I dunno!!

Y/N and her brother’s best friend Harry, has had some pent up sexual frustration for a while. Wouldn’t it be best if they just had a one and done? you know to get it out of their system ;) 

*smut includes spanking, choking, male and female receives oral, harry dom but Y/N rides, magic face cream treatment for anti wrinkling results? Yes, and what else? sub space, hair pulling, gosh I forgot please read it 😁

Word Count: 6.1k // Masterlist // one and done PLAYLIST

“Don’t you think it's a bit of a cliché to be crushing on your brother’s best friend?” Ness teases Y/N as they walk out of her house. They were just on the steps about to go on a walk around the block. It was definitely one of their favourite things to do as the sun was just about to set.

Y/N had her butt sat on the spruced wooden steps as she ignored her best friend’s comment. First off, she knew it was a cliché. Secondly, her last encounter with him just seconds ago was already making her plan her own execution.

In her head, it was simply her just jumping out of her window multiple times until she lost consciousness. Ness on the other hand was standing up, watching the poor girl tie her laces. “Okay, I was just teasing. We can change the topic.” She lends her hand out for Y/N to take.

“It’s not just that Ness.” She gladly accepts the gesture and stands up. She wipes off her butt and glances back at the door. “I’ve never had a thing for him! Ryan and Harry have been best mates since what? 8th grade and for some reason ever since the cruise from last summer, I can’t stop thinking about him.”

“It’s because he was shirtless half of the time.” Ness laughs as she hands Y/N’s water bottle to her. “Okay, we can admit it though. As a senior he is 10 times more attractive than he ever was. He looks like a frat boy that could jump my bones.”  Y/N stops walking and just stares at Ness while the girl continues to walk. She grabs her hand and pulls her forward. “Okay, I’m sorry for the bad comment.”

“He is hot though. Really hot.” Y/N smiles.

“See, that’s why you should sleep with him.”

“What are you crazy? Ness, Ryan would kill me or him -maybe the both of us!” 

“It’s pent up sexual frustration. Harry legit watched us walk out your door while eating a banana and you still managed to trip on your shoes.” She laughs.

“He was making eye contact with me!”

“All I’m saying is that he throws parties at his house and always invites us despite y’know us being juniors. Just offer, do it, slip out, and never say anything about it ever again.” Ness elbows Y/N as she crosses her arms. 

“Maybe I will.” She laughs pretending to actually sound confident in the idea.

“Good, there’s a party this Friday anyway.” Ness shrugs her shoulders. “It’s the best remedy sis.”

~

“Harry, can we talk?” Y/N follows him into the kitchen while everyone else is God knows where around the house. 

“Ryan is in the backyard, trying to get Cassidy back.” He barely glances at her as he pours himself a drink. He notices an empty one in her hand so he decides to pour coke in hers. 

“I um wasn’t really drinking coke.” She states confusedly as she watches the bubbles in her cup dissolve.

“You think I’m trying to get you drunk at this party. One alcoholic beverage is good enough for yeh.” He smiles at her as he screws the cap shut and taps the top of her head. He was treating her as if she was a child, which definitely pissed her off since she was going to ask him a really fucked up favour in the matter of 60 seconds.

“I can handle myself, you know.” 

“Yup.” He rests his back against the counter and bites the rim of the plastic cup as he looks at her. “What do you need though?” He genuinely asks her. Although they weren’t that close, Harry knew her long enough to know she wouldn’t start random a conversation with him. It was more like a hi and bye situation. Not her trying to actually talk to him. 

“I have a favour and you can’t tell Ryan.” Y/N lets out a big breath as she watches his reaction change into a confused one. 

“Look Y/N, if you want to try and smoke a blunt, I think it’s best you find yourself a dealer that doesn’t know your brother.”

“No, not that.” She whispers as she moves in closer. There were more people entering the kitchen and this was about to get really fucking awkward. 

“What?” He looks at her and notices her body shifting closer to him. Her chest was touching the side of his arm, making his eyes look towards the cabinets instead.

“I-”

“Yes?”

“Do you wanna fu-?” His eyes widen as he downs the rest of his drink in one go. Harry doesn’t even let her continue as he steps away from Ryan’s little sister. 

“I’m sorry do I already know the rest of that question?” He tries not to obviously choke on the liquid in his mouth.

“Well, I don’t know you didn’t really let me finish.”  Her sassy tone comes out. Her cheeks were really red and although Y/N came to the party with Ness feeling really confident in the dress she picked. She just wanted to go home and not show her face to him ever again. This was the stupidest idea! Why on earth did she think Harry would want to sleep with her when there are so many girls that try to get his attention. 

“I’m sorry Y/N.” He bites the inside of his cheek and watches some familiar people leave the room. Once it’s clear again, he speaks up. “Like are you serious?” He could feel his throat becoming more stuffy. “You and me?” She nods. “Really?” She nods again. “That’s crossing the line and Ryan is pretty overprotective. I can’t do that to him.”

“Cool.” Y/N stands perfectly still as she tries her best to maintain eye contact with him. She takes a sip of the coke but later, grabs the bottle of alcohol and pours it into her cup regardless of him watching her. “Well, don’t let Ryan know.” She shrugs her shoulders and laughs. “Thanks for answering my survey!” She gives him an awkward smile then walks out of the room. How can a guy pass up on her??? First rejection has gotta sting. 

This wasn’t some weird guy she was asking though. This was Harry, Ryan’s best friend. If Ness was put in his position, she wouldn’t want her to say yes either. God, she was also going to kill her best friend for putting the most ridiculous game plan in her head.

And although the party continued on, Ness and Y/N didn’t let the earlier events bother them. The two spent hours just fucking around until they found a comfy spot in the living room.

“Y/N, don’t look.” Ness sits beside her on Harry’s couch watching a few strangers play an unfamiliar game on the floor. 

“What?” she quickly looks up to see what Ness is talking about. It wasn’t a surprise to see Harry holding Carla Laws’s hand as they walked up the stairs. They looked pretty excited for a room tour too.

Oh hell no, everyone knows a girl doesn’t go to Harry Styles’ room to just hold hands and a cute sentimental room tour!

“Are you sure he didn’t want to with you?”

“Yes Nessa.” She rolls her eyes and drinks her third cup. “Whatever, if anything at least I don’t feel attracted to him anymore. I found a new ick. He doesn’t even find me attractive.”

“Good. Rejection may hurt but it makes you wake up and face reality.” 

~

Okay if there was one thing Y/N could say now, it was that she is finally over Harry. Overall, he was nothing but a phase. Yes, she was crushing on him for the first semester of the year but after that weird conversation they had, it made sense why they couldn’t work out anyway. He’s a stuck up douche - a typical senior, all while she was a junior who was either too infatuated with him or too horny. Maybe both?

It’s been about two weeks and although Ness made sure to keep trash talking the guy, Y/N knew there was more to him than what her best friend thought. She knew him for years! Maybe the fact he was athletic, charismatic and just kind that made her realize what a perfect guy he was. She knew he was a bit more complex than what other people thought of him and it wasn’t bad at all. 

What she never thought was how awkward it was going to be the next time she saw him. “Hey, Haz.” Ryan opens the door for his buddy as Y/N covers herself with the blanket more all while pretending to watch TV.

For the past couple of days, Ryan was going over to his house and maybe Harry asked him too to come over, but what she didn’t expect was to see him again so soon. 

“Hey Ryan.” Harry takes his jacket and boots off as it just begun to snow outside. “Hey Y/N.” She quickly glances at him and waves. 

“Let’s go to the kitchen first, I wanna get snacks.” Ryan suggests as he walks away, assuming Harry would follow him like usual. 

After thirty minutes, Y/N thought the boys would be upstairs but as she entered the kitchen wearing nothing but her shorts and her brother’s old t-shirt, she was surprised to see Harry and Ryan eating sandwiches at the breakfast bar, looking pretty serious. Did Harry tell him? 

As she walked closer, she noticed both boys were just on their phones, scrolling through different social media platforms. She quickly brushes past them to put her dish in the sink. Ryan seemed unbothered but she could definitely feel Harry’s eyes on her. Once she makes eye contact with him, he quickly takes a sip of his juice and looks at his phone once more. “Y/N can you grab the chips in the cabinet please?” Ryan looks up at his phone and notices his sister was standing right in front of the cupboard. 

“Yeah, no problem.” She turns her back on them and opens the cabinet. She goes on her tiptoes reaching for the only bag of chips. Once she grabs them, she puts them on the counter and walks out of the room, only hearing her brother murmur a thank you. 

It was about 6:30 PM and the parents weren’t home yet. Ryan and Harry decided to chill in the living room when the doorbell rang. Pausing the game, Ryan opened the door to see Tom standing in front of him. “Y/N it’s for you!” He calls out for his sister since he knew Tom was her friend.

“Who’s that?” Harry mouthed.

“Her boyfriend.” Ryan shrugs as he unpauses the game. 

“Tom? What are you doing here?” Y/N walks down the stairs, pulling her shirt down. 

“Vanessa told me to come by. Apparently you need help with the calculus homework? I’m free tonight anyway.” He smiles and gives her a hug. Tom was a really good friend of Ness and Y/N. He was a smart boy that was really kind and obviously had a big crush on Nessa. There was anything he could do for her. 

Y/N instantly bit her cheek and laughed as she remembered Ness’ text message a couple of hours ago when she told her Harry came by. This was definitely one of Ness’ master plans. “You’re so sweet.” She pulls away and laughs. “We can go upstairs, I have a few questions to ask.” She quickly glances at her brother who doesn’t care all while Harry tried his best to maintain his eyes on the screen. 

“Y/N, Put some shorts on!”  Ryan finally yells out as the two went up the stairs. 

~ 

“I don’t get why he throws parties every weekend.” Ness takes a sip of her drink as they sit inside Harry's dining room. They probably weren’t going to stay too long. Everyone was inside due to the cold weather with the occasional smokers outside. Being the only few juniors, there wasn’t much the girls could do other than loiter around, drink a few cups and play the games they knew so well. Y/N wasn’t the type to have random hook ups but you know her exception with Harry. 

“Gemma has gone off for college and Anne is always working really late shifts at the hospital. He’s pretty much anywhere and everywhere besides his house unless it’s a party.”

“True.” 

“I’m going to say bye to my brother then we can head back to mine if you want?” Y/N offers as Nessa nods and downs her drink. 

“I’m going to drink a cup of water. Meet you at the front?”

“Mhm.” They both stand up and leave the room. Nessa was heading straight to the kitchen while Y/N began to wander around the house. 

“Y/N.” Harry calls out her name over the music. He was wearing a while long sleeved shirt that was unbuttoned. It made him look really attractive which almost made Y/N lose her breath. 

“Hey Harry, You know where Ryan is?” The only typical thing she would ever ask him before that one time. (Pretending as if she didn’t sexually harass him last time.) 

“He’s downstairs with the rest of the boys.” He glances around at everyone and looks at her once more. “I’m sorry, are you um- leaving?”

“Yeah me and Nessa are going to call it a night.” She wraps her hoodie around her figure and tries to make her way to the stairs. 

“Want me to give you girls a ride?”

“No no, it’s okay!” She smiles and waves her hand at him. “Nessa drove. You also have a party to h-”

“It’s kind of late maybe she should head home and we can-” And that’s when it hit her. Was Harry Styles trying to isolate her? 

“Oh.” She widens her eyes and slowly nods. “Okay. I’ll let my brother and Ness know. Should I meet you in your car outside?”

“Yeah.” He runs his hand through his hair and quickly leaves her side. After bidding her farewell to Ryan and explaining her interpretation of Harry to Ness, she was  quietly leaving the house as she watched Nessa walk by herself to the car down the street. What surprised Y/N more was to see him in his brown jacket standing by the passenger door. 

“Did you tell Ryan I was dropping you off?” He  nervously smiles as he opens the door for her. He makes sure no one is watching them leave together as he feels the butterflies forming in his stomach. 

“No.” She puts her hood on and sits in his car. She was picking on her stockings trying to avoid the awkward tension between them. Once Harry sat inside and they both put their seatbelts on, they were on their way to her house. It was weird knowing she was actually leaving a party with her brother’s best friend so she could suck his- 

 “What happens if they notice you’re gone?”

“Um, I’m sure they’ll think i'm elsewhere doing stuff.” She knew what he was thinking about and that made her a bit uncomfortable but it didn’t change the fact it was true.

“Are you still down to y’know?” Harry honestly never thought he would be this nervous talking to Ryan’s little sister. 

“Yeah.” She bites her lip as they glance at each other. 

“Cool. Are you like a virgin or something. I mean is there anything that I should know about?”

“No.” She shakes her head and low-key observes how he drives. 

This was going to be one hell of a night. 

Harry has seen Y/N’s room a countless number of times but to actually be with her by themselves in Ryan’s house made him feel really guilty. That guilt however, was shoved in the back of his throat. The girl in the room with his was obviously the best distraction. “I like your room.” he smirks at her as he looks at her soccer trophy collection from grade school. 

“Thanks.” She laughs lightly as she takes off her jacket. She quickly texts an update to Ness before putting the phone on do not disturb. 

“So before we start, what made you ask the offer?” He takes his jacket off and throws it on her chair. He sits on her bed and glances at the time. It was still early, so people probably weren’t going to be looking for him. 

“This is going to sound really dumb but I’ve had this crush on you since the cruise last summer. Well, you know Nessa... she had this thought and she thinks it is just pent up sexual frustration?” She shakes her head of saying the whole idea out loud. “So I thought maybe I should just get it out of my system.” Harry laughs as he takes in of what she just said. it made her smile as well.

“You were checking me out all summer?” He asks her in disbelief. “Little Y/N wanted to jump my bones?” He started to smirk at her. Although they didn’t know each other too well, the awkward tension was gone with just one simple laugh of his. 

“Stop laughing.” She throws a pillow at him. “I didn’t think you would say no.”

“I didn’t want to say no Y/N are you crazy? I’m laughing because I kept checking you out in those tiny bikinis you used to wear.” He throws the pillow to the side and shakes his head. “I don’t want to cross Ryan like that but I think i need to get you out of my system too.”

“Mhm and why’s that?” She locks her door and sits on the bed with him. “Because Carla couldn’t distract me from seeing you in my sheets.” He leans in and kisses her. “Tom coming by a few days ago with you wearing nothing but those little shorts was already making me lose my mind.” He whispers and kisses her again. 

Y/N immediately sits on his lap while trying her best to keep his mouth on her’s. Everything about this was so hot. She was about to just rip his clothes off. 

“One and done yeah?” Y/N rubs herself on him as her fingers tangle themselves in his hair. He kisses down her neck while grabbing her ass. 

“One and done. Just to get you out of my system.” He confirms with her as he gently throws her on the bed. He’s pulling his long sleeve off and taking his shirt off but once he begins unbuckling his jeans, he couldn’t help but notice Y/N trying to take her shirt off as well. “Fuck.” He murmurs as he gently unbuttons her long sleeve to help her take it off. In a flash, he’s on his knees unzipping her skirt and taking her stockings off as well. “You looked really pretty tonight by the way.” His cheeks flush as he throws her bottoms behind his back. Y/N laughs quietly and she sits up and brings his face closer to hers. 

“I actually would like to say the same exact thing.” He leans in to kiss her once more. Her lips were extremely soft and forbidden and it was making him slowly lose his mind all over again. Y/N thought Harry was just a phase but that seemed impossible as she was already dreading the fact this was a one and done situation. 

“You’re just so fucking soft and alluring.” He whispers in her ear as he unclasped her bra. “I already know I need to fuck you hard.” Y/N eyes’ roll back as she feels his wet mouth on her nipple as the other one massaged the other. Her hands were trying really hard to focus on the task at hand which was to undo his pants but it was definitely not working with the way he was distracting her. Not a single thought could process in her mind.

“I think since this is a one and done situation, you better make this memorable.” She whispers and bites her lip as she tries to hold back a moan. His fingers were teasing her covered entrance but Harry could feel her drenched spot already clenching at his presence. 

“Memorable? I’ll definitely leave my mark on you.” He sucks on her mouth more roughly than usual as he rubs his fingers on her centre. “You wanted me so bad baby? You just had to beg me huh?” He gestures his hips more forward to help her with his pants. 

“I’m kind of new to this. Be a bit patient.” Y/N laughs as she gently unzips his pants after numerous attempts.  

“You just ruined the moment.” He laughs with her as he kisses her forehead and takes his pants off as well. “Just kidding, this is probably the most fun I had.” He hovers over her again and teases her entrance. 

“What do you mean?” She lays on her back and roams her hands all over his chest. 

“Never got the chance to tease the fuck out of a pretty girl then fuck her hard.” He slaps her clit and bites down on her lip. She suddenly lets out a moan that makes her eyes flutter and her chest rise closer up to his face. 

He brings two of his fingers to her mouth and slowly lets her lick on it before rimming her entrance and shoving it in without any warning. His thumb slowly rubs her swollen numb as he can’t help but rub himself on her sheets as well. “You mind if I get a little bit of a taste? I’ve been dying to know. I saw you earlier at the party and I had to jerk myself off seeing you in those little stockings of yours.” 

“You. You jerked yourself off thinking about me, baby?” She looks down at him and smiles softly. He gives her a little smirk before pulling his hand away and heading his head down a bit south. His tongue dips slowly on the left side of her leg as his hands grip her thighs tightly, sure of the bruises to form soon.

“You’re like a fucking wet dream. How can I say no to you?” He urgently swipes his whole tongue on her centre. “I saw you earlier and had to go to my room.” He takes another lick. “Fuck baby, the best i’ve fucking tasted. Fuck oh fuck.” He precisely observes the way your whole swallows his fingers in and clench so tightly around him. His tongue dipping and switching with his fingers because he honestly can’t decide which is best. 

“Harry, fuck me please baby.” Y/N moans loudly as she harshly grabs on her boobs. She’s never been fucked this good. It was honestly feeling like a dream. With that being said, she’s only had sex a handful of times but Harry seemed like such an expert in the field. “Oh God.” She tries to pull away. She wasn’t sure if she could continue on with Harry obsessively licking and sucking on her wet centre. 

He looks up and watches her eyes roll back as her fingers begin to pull on his head aggressively. His only reflex is to spread her legs wider. After her first orgasm, Y/N lays on her back staring at her ceiling trying to catch her breath. 

“Fuck me.”

“We aren’t done yet, love.” He laughs at her cuteness. He can’t remember the last time where he wasn’t rushing to finish himself off. He was taking his time with Y/N since it’s what she deserves. He lays down beside her and kisses down her chest. “Tell me when you’re ready to go, yeah?” He dips his tongue on her shoulder until it reaches the huge hickey he left on her collarbone. He gently licks around it and sucks on it again. 

He was a bit surprised to see Y/N sit up and grab a condom from her drawer. “Thank you for fucking the shit out of me, I’ll gladly return the favour.” She smiles and tucks her hair behind her ear as she focuses on putting the contraceptive on him. Just touching it was already forming butterflies in her stomach. 

“I could’ve been fucking you on that cruise.” he mischievously smiles at her as he watches the way her pretty tits move. 

“You were sharing a room with my brother.” She hisses as she holds onto his shaft trying to gently ease the pain as she fully sits on him. 

“But you were alone.” He grabs onto her waist and helps her. “You’re so beautiful fuck.” He sits up on her headboard as her palms rest on his chest. Both of their eyes couldn’t help but watch the way he was easily penetrating her. 

“Was touching myself because of you.” She mumbles out as her speed begins to increase.

“What did you say baby?” He almost chokes on his breath as he can feel her fully taking him in. 

“Couldn’t stop thinking of you on that cruise. I needed you to rail the fuck out of me.” She moans louder as she starts to feel his hips meet her. 

“Fuck me. So perfect, Shit.” He quickly turns them around and shoves himself back into her. His hand immediately tightens around her neck and once he is about to pull it away, she keeps his hand on her. 

“Fuck me harder.” She cries out as his arm begins to push her legs up. He spits in between their centres before thrusting as hard as he can. All you could hear was her headboard banging against the wall as his hand continuously choked the fuck out of her. 

“I bet you like getting spanked too huh?” He bites his lip and semi turns her body before slapping her ass. 

“Harry fuck.”

“Come on, baby. Be a good girl and come around my cock.”

“Fuck fuck fuck.” Y/N cries out as her fingernails scratch his back. “Come in my mouth. I want to taste you so bad please.” tears begin to form in her eyes as she continues to clench around his dick. Harry immediately pulls off the condom and helps her sit up on her knees. She absolutely could not feel a thing below her stomach but with Harry’s hard cock in her mouth, she was already closing her eyes and trusting him with everything she was. She’s never been this fucking vulnerable, she was literally about to pass the fuck out. 

She was softly holding onto his thighs but her hands found comfort on his waist as he began to fuck her mouth harder. Harry on the other hand, kept his eyes on how her mouth was taking him in. He watched the way his fingers wrap around her hair tightly as he brought his hips closer and closer until he could feel her gagging on his dick. Without a warning, he immediately pulls out and spills all over her face.

“Why’d you do that?” She opens her eyes and pouts. She was pretty upset how she couldn’t taste him spill into her mouth. So her finger immediately takes a swipe of his spill and puts it in her mouth. Without hesitation, she’s taking his forming soft dick in her hands before softly licking it clean and softly sucking on his balls. She takes his shaft and swipes her cheek once more before licking the rest of his spill from his shaft. 

“You’re going to make me hard again if you keep doing that baby. Might not be as nice as I was this time.” 

“Maybe I want another round?” She gestures him to lie down as she continues to kiss and suck on his cock. 

“Thought it was a one and done.” He softly smiles as he removes some of the hair from her face.

“How about a one and done night?”

“Deal.”

And although they thought this was crossing a line, they already knew the moment their lips touched, they wouldn’t be able to stop.

~

“Wait so he changed his mind!” Nessa laughs as they drive back home. “Bitch how are you at school today? I literally saw you limping at lunch.”

“Shut up.” Y/N mouth widens as she rubs her face. “I don’t know what happened okay? We said one and done but we honestly went a couple of rounds before I had to wake him up so he could drive back home.”

“But is he out of your system? Don’t get me wrong Harry’s a fine guy but like dating wise? He’s been with other girls but somehow always goes back to Carla. They’ve been like that before you and Ryan moved here.” 

“Yeah, he’s out of my system.” Y/N laughs but truth be told, some nights when she can’t sleep, she’ll find herself staring at the ceiling. 

“Why are you guys home so early?” Nessa asks once they step inside the house. There was a good comparison between Nessa and Ryan with Y/N and Harry. First off, Nessa literally saw Ryan as her older brother which meant they were pretty vocal towards each other. Secondly, Nessa was very comfortable at Y/N’s house almost as if this was her second home. 

“Carla and Cassidy are coming over.” Ryan smirks as Harry cleans the living room behind him. “During the party last night, I may have asked if they wanted to come over for a double date game night thing. Mom and Dad are cool with it since it's a Monday which is their date night too.

“Oh have fun.” Y/N buds in and laughs. “Make sure to actually vacuum please. You don’t want the girls finding your crumbs on the carpet.” She takes her jacket off as Nessa follows behind her up the stairs. Harry obviously tried to ignore the fact, she bluntly ignored him. 

“Double date? Damn, you guys really did just fuck and brushed it under the carpet.”

“It meant nothing right. So?” Y/N tries to brush off the topic as she sets her backpack down. “Why won’t you sit down?” “On that bed?” Nessa smiles awkwardly as she glances at the double bed near the wall. 

“I changed the sheets.” Y/N takes her shirt off and replaces it with another loose top. She unzips her pants and wears her black tights instead.

“So should we invite ourselves to their double date?” Nessa raises her eyebrows as she lays down on the bed. 

“No because it’s weird and I don’t want Harry to think I’m jealous.”

“I think you are.”

“Nope, I told you I don’t like him like that anymore and he’s out of my system.” She tries to ignore the fact, how she swallowed him without hesitation.

“Okay but wouldn’t it be better to prove to yourself you are just by being around him.” And although Y/N wanted to protest that, the two best friends ended up being invited by Ryan to play downstairs anyway. 

“You girls want a refill?” Ryan sits up from the coffee table as he cleans up the empty red cups. Ness, Carla, and Cassidy wanted a new one which made Y/N go help her brother out in the kitchen. 

“Are you having fun?” Ryan asks as he throws the cups in the recycling. Y/N pours the preferred drinks in the new cups as she looks up at her brother. 

“Yeah, I was wondering why you invited Ness and I. Don’t you think we’re cock-blocking?”

“Harry suggested you guys hang out with us while we played games. More competition is fun y’know. Plus you and Nessa can leave whenever.”

“Oh cool. Thanks, I guess?” 

“Yup.” He grabs two cups as she does. She couldn’t help but notice how Ryan suddenly started cheering. “Yeah, Styles get it! Woooo!” Y/N turns her eyes to notice Harry and Carla making out on the floor by the coffee table. 

“Are you guys dating again?” Cassidy laughs as she tries not to watch them make out.

“Sure.” Carla pulls away and pecks his cheek. Nerissa was just watching Y/N’s reaction and she knew it was a bad one. 

“Y/N could you walk me to the car? Appa just texted me and he’s wondering where I am. I forgot it was his birthday.” Nessa speaks up.

“Oh shit.” Y/N was clueless of her excuse. Which thankfully made her seem more genuinely in a rush to get out of the room. She sets the drinks on the table before going upstairs with Ness.

“How did you forget it was Appa’s birthday, Ness?” 

“I don’t know.” She packs her things up. “Why don’t you come with me? He’s gonna blow his cake soon.”

“Oh, I don’t want-”

“Come.” And if there was one thing Y/N knew well about Nessa, it was that she wouldn’t ever forget it was Appa’s birthday, especially if she just celebrated it a couple of months ago. Without a fight to say no, Y/N immediately grabs a hoodie as they walk down the stairs. 

“Ryan, I’m going to Ness’ to celebrate Appa’s birthday. I’ll be home soon before Mom and Dad comes home.”

“Oh okay.” Ryan waves at his sister as his arms rests on Cassidy’s shoulder. 

“Bye guys!” Ness and Y/N wave as they both exit the house immediately. Harry stays unbothered as he takes another sip of his beer. 

“Thank you for getting me the fuck out of there.” 

“It’s okay. We don’t actually have to leave you know. It’s 6 PM, I can drive the car to a different neighbourhood and you can cry all about him there.”

“I love you.” Y/N begins to tear up. 

“I love you too.”

~

“What’s Tom doing here?” Ryan’s eyes are in shock as he watches his sister hold hands with the familiar boy. What’s confusing is that Y/N went to Ness’ for a birthday. 

“He just wanted to come over.” She smiles innocently as she waves hi to the same party. It was just about 7 PM and the double date duo was watching an unfamiliar movie on TV. Nessa called Tom and Y/N had to explain their situation. Although he didn’t really want to do it. He knew Y/N wanted to prove something to the Harry guy. So as long as they didn’t do anything romantic or weird that would cross his boundaries, Tom was okay with it. 

“Aw, I didn’t know you were dating Thomas?” Cassidy smiles as she walks in with a bowl of popcorn. She hands it to Carla who is cuddling up against Harry on one of the sofas.

“We aren’t dating.” They both look at each other and laugh. Tom shakes his head and pulls Y/N up the stairs instead. 

Once the pair is gone, the dates begin to watch their movie again. “Ryan, you really don’t care if your sister is by herself with that boy?” Carla laughs as she feeds herself and Harry popcorn.

“I’m definitely not going to interfere with that, they’re probably doing the nasty already.” His eyes widen as he stuffs more popcorn down his mouth and although, Harry was keeping his eyes on the screen, there wasn’t anything sitting well with him knowing the girl he was with on the weekend was already in somebody else’s arms. 

The goal was to get each other out of their systems, why the fuck are they so jealous then?

great plan Vanessa. 

Part deux ici