#anyway i have to fucking sleep but I HAD to make this

[dannyriccsystem]

ok on the topic of lando and tate songs… 2 hands x lando 🫣 i would totally love to see you write it AAAHHHHH

NEED A LITTLE LESS TALK, AND A LOT MORE TOUCH!

FORMULA ONE DRIVER X READER

SUMMARY: Lando fic inspired by Tate McRae’s 2 Hands!

WARNINGS: Suggestive, touch starved reader, slightly angsty w happy ending, Y/N usage, not proofread

FEATURING: Lando Norris x Ex!Reader

NOTE: I’ve never actually listened to Tate before the other request I got 😭 Her music is actually really good! But anyway this is request #32!

lando

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lando Work lately 🤩

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username1 - LAANNDOO 😍😍

username2 - God he’s so fine and he knows it 😩

username3 - Hello handsome

username4 - On everyone’s soul, Norris is winning the 2025 WDC

username5 - WHEWWWW

mclaren - Sleeping on the job?! Fired!

♥︎ by author

lando - Oh no!!!

username6 - please 😂 get this crybaby off your team

> username7 - Shut the fuck up you miserable idiot

> username8 - clocked

username9 - Out here posting thirst traps while everyone else is working hard 😬

username10 - “thirst traps” and they’re regular pictures 💔 jobs bro, jobs.

> username11 - Afraid to admit Lando is objectively attractive

username12 - Y/N doesn’t know what she’s lost 💔

username13 - She knows babes. She just doesn’t care

You hated parties, which is why you didn’t know exactly why you were here now. The house had been packed with dancing, sweaty bodies that cheered and shouted out lyrics to raunchy songs, and spilt their drinks stored in red solo cups all over the hard wood flooring. The lights were so bright, the voices were so loud, and the music was shaking you.

You could still hear it seeping out as you stood on the back deck, leaning against the railing. Fairy lights twinkled against the black blanket of the night sky, scattered with diamond-like stars, shimmering so softly. Laughter and rap songs echoed within the thin walls of whoever’s house it was— You couldn’t even remember— making it hard to focus.

For a moment, it got louder as you heard the sliding glass door swiftly open, and then a soft suction sound as it was shut once more. You froze up, blinking in surprise. You weren’t expecting company. Not when there was fun to be had elsewhere.

“You still do this,” That voice sent a shiver down your spine. You unconsciously squeezed your drink that had remained untouched throughout the night. The ice had fully melted by now, turning the red liquid into a soft pink color.

Lando settled in beside you, leaving a comfortable distance that you yearned to shut. He looked so good— So comfortable, like he was free from the shackles of your relationship. You looked away, out towards the view of the moon reflected on shifting waters backdropped with rolling hills. “Do what?” You could barely hear yourself.

“You leave parties to sulk outside by yourself, like the world’s too loud for you.” He looked directly at you, paralleling the way you avoided his entrancing eyes. A soft laugh left your lips as you looked down, your lips twitching into a half assed smile.

“Sometimes it is,” You replied, fidgeting with the ring on your right hand. “You’re still paying attention to me,” You pointed out as a rebuttal.

“It’s hard not to.” You didn’t know what to say to that, because his words felt uncomfortably intimate, just like they did when you were dating. It should have been fine, but he could never match such sweet words with his actions.

A silence washed over you two. He stared at you for what felt like hours before eventually looking away, and what used to be comfortable started to feel… Awkward. It was jagged, a silence coated in spikes that grew with every second.

“I didn’t think you’d show up.” He finally filled the quiet air, helping to drown out all the background noise. You were surprised nobody came to look for him yet; Lando was always the life of the party. You were told you usually killed it off.

“I wasn’t planning on it, originally.” You looked over to him, your eyes locked onto his. When he matched your gaze, he seemed to let his eyes wander, giving you a once over that made the hair on the back of your neck stand up. You found yourself swooning internally, and that made you feel ill simultaneously.

“You look nice.” You hummed as a reply. It seemed like silence was on the brink of taking over once more, but Lando was insistent on taking the wheel. “You always show up when I’m just starting to forget about you, and then I have to start over.”

“Well, sorry.” You said rather dramatically. You stood up, pushing yourself off the railing with a sigh. His gaze followed you, his body still hunched over to rest against it. “I should go.”

“Why?” He wasted no time in replying, brows just slightly furrowed. If you looked for too long, you could see his bottom lip jutted out in the softest of pouts— So you looked away.

“Because you’re hard to resist, but I know you can’t give me the love I want.” When you turned around, he grabbed your wrist and pulled you back, his fingers drifting away when your attention was redirected. You turned your head fast, shooting him a glare.

He met you with a determined expression, hands retracting back into his jacket’s pockets. “And what would that be?”

It was frustrating how he suddenly pretended to care, especially now that it didn’t matter. You reeled your hands back away from him, shaking it off as if you were shaking his touch away. You crossed your arms over your chest. “I told you I needed more. I told you I needed to feel wanted-”

“I did want you.” He cut you off with a firm expression, his lips drawn into a tight line. “I do want you.” Fuck, that stung a lot.

“Then why did it feel like I had to earn your touch?” His fists clenched in his pockets. You were so close, about a foot away, but you felt galaxies apart from him. It was like trying to push two positive ends of a magnet together— You kept slowly drifting away from him.

He watched the goosebumps appear along your arms, your hairs standing on end. Without a second thought, he began to shed his jacket. You recognized it, of course. It was the one you always stole. “I’m not wired the same as you, Y/N. I didn’t know that was something you needed.”

Your expression softened as he slowly reached around you, carefully draping his jacket over your shoulders. His hands lingered for a moment, enjoying the warmth of your skin against his. Your eyes drifted down, heart pounding in your chest. You hated this. You hated how bad you loved him.

“I did want to touch you.” He breathed out, his eyes drifting down to take you in like you were the most beautiful piece of art. “I just didn’t know you needed it to believe I loved you.” He appreciated the sight of you in his clothes. It was a familiar feeling.

Your throat burned, and your eyes filled with tears. Your shaky voice replied with a question, “And now?” He looked back up— He really looked at you, his expression matching the look of a man in love.

“I’d touch you every minute of our lives if it meant you’d give me a second chance.” He spoke sincerely, taking a small step forward.

You nearly melted, leaning forward to press your forehead against his. It was a moment of vulnerability, finally letting yourself give in. You should be allowed to be happy, and you should be allowed to have what you want.

You wanted him.

“You’re late,” You whispered as you shut your eyes, enjoying the warmth that radiated from him.

“Yeah,” He murmured. “But I’m here.” Finally, he cupped your face with two hands.

your.username

🎵 Tate McRae • 2 Hands

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your.username Respectfully I have something crazy to say

tagged lando

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username14 - Oh she knew what she was doing

username15 - New LandHand pics unlocked

username16 - Speak your truth Y/N

♥︎ by author

mclaren - let’s not

♥︎ by author

> your.username - What happened to Free Speech

username17 - WOAHHH THE DADDY BRACELET?

username18 - Mmmmmm 🤤

The soft pitter patter of rain against your apartment roof began around halfway through the movie. Lando had insisted the two of you watch it, but you couldn’t tell what was going on. If someone asked you any questions about the plot, you’d have no clue how to respond.

Your head was resting on Lando’s lap, his shorts riding up just slightly to let you press your cheek against his thigh, the skin warm. His fingers were tangled in your hair, gently brushing through the strands in a way that nearly lulled you to sleep.

You rolled onto your back, looking up at him, only to find your boyfriend staring down at you already. That would explain why your skin felt so tingly— Someone had been peeping at you. With a teasing smile, you mused, “You’re not even watching.”

“Neither are you,” He pointed out.

“I’m not the one who was begging to watch this movie.” You closed your eyes, enjoying his fingers massaging your scalp. “Besides, I was trying to watch, but it’s hard with someone playing with my hair. You tryna hypnotize me or something?”

“Maybe I am,” He grinned. “Is it working?”

You opened your eyes, playfully rolling them before giving him a stern look. “Depends. What are you trying to make me do?”

“Stay right where you are,” He murmured, eyes looking down at you as if you hung the stars and the moon. You felt your heart flutter as he leaned down to gently kiss your jawline, leaving a trail of kisses there.

“Hmm,” You hummed, reaching up to cup his cheek with one hand, your thumb brushing over his jawline. “You’re getting better at this.”

He nosed at her hand, nudging her palm with a soft kiss that left her giggling. “I’ve had the best teacher,” He grabbed her palm gently, turning it over to kiss along her knuckles. “Could use some work with not snogging her students, though.”

You scoffed, “You’re lucky you’re cute, Norris.”

He feigned faux offense, pulling back to give you an awed expression. “Cute? Too bad. I was looking for devastatingly handsome. Or devilishly sexy.”

You pulled yourself up, situated in a spot on his lap with your thighs straddling his. It wasn’t inherently sexual, and neither of you made it out to be. “You are handsome, but when you look at me like that…” You brushed a curl away from his face, and his gaze softened so sweetly. “It’s cute.”

He leaned in, eyes slowly drifting shut as your lips met for a kiss. Slow, teasing, and yet so beautiful. You smirked against his lips, sinking against him while his hands found your thighs, his grip digging into you.

“You’re getting good at this,” You murmured between soft kisses. When you pulled away, he chased you for another before his eyes opened, staring at you in a way nobody ever had before.

He suddenly grinned. “I’ve had practice in my own imagination.”

You lightly smacked his chest. “Idiot.”

[strang3lov3]

Dad!Joel snippet

as promised :) sorry for getting too sleepy for dadcest night!! it was the weed.

under the cut - incest, icky, sexual content. all characters are adults and this is fiction.

Joel pulls into his driveway, then shuts off the truck and puts the keys into the pocket of his soft, worn shirt. He’s gentle as he lifts your head from his lap, doing this awkward, careful maneuver as he opens the truck door and slides out. He leans over your body and grabs you in his strong arms, then carries you tightly against his chest. Joel slams the truck door shut by kicking it with his foot, then looks down at you. 

Your sleeping face, knocked the fuck out. Lips plump and pouting, drooling - there’s drool on his jeans, too. Not that he minds any. “Ohh,” he sighs quietly. “What’m I gonna do with ya, kiddo.”

Drives in Dad’s truck always put you to sleep. Joel remembers when you were a baby, and fucking inconsolable. Colicy, you poor girl. All out of sorts. And nothing worked to soothe you - not a bottle, not a story, not being rocked or bounced or anything. Joel didn’t have the heart to let you cry it out, either. You kept Joel awake for days, screaming your little head off. Joel was at his wits end with you and needed a break before he screamed his head off, too. So he buckled you into your little carseat and began driving to Uncle Tommy’s so he could deal with you for a little bit. Tommy owed him one, anyway. 

Joel realized he could hear Nirvana playing on the radio, and not your screams and cries. In five minutes you’d passed out, like a fucking charm.

He grunts when he carries you inside, muscles burning as he brings you up the stairs. “When’d you get so big, huh?” he murmurs, laying you down on your bed. He unties your shoes one at a time and slips them off, quietly placing them on the floor. Wasn’t so long ago that your shoes had velcro straps and lit up when you ran. 

“Dad,” you mumble, voice thick with sleep.

“Shit, sweetheart. M’sorry,” Joel whispers, stroking the side of your head. “Didn’t mean to wake ya. Go back to sleep, darlin’.” 

You shake your head. “Rock me.” 

Oh, Joel knows what that means. And those eyes you give him, fuck. “Rock you, huh?” he asks, feeling his cock twitch in his denim. “Reckon s’a little late for that, kiddo. Got a busy mornin' ahead of us.” 

“Please,” you beg, reaching for your dad’s warm hand and putting it between your thighs, where you're all slick and dripping. “I need you, Daddy.” 

Joel sighs, then bites the corner of his lip. It’s true what they say, about kids making you soft. “Yeah, alright. I’ll rock ya,” he agrees.

more dad!joel

[6fangz]

SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND

⋆ ♰.˚🦇⌗ ˎˊ˗

synopsis: sergeant williams has been on your case since the second you moved to town; the loathing is palpable, and yet something seems to draw you back together

warnings: there is a reference to being sl*pped in this (not ellie, very vague no detail) but pls read at your own risk (!), age gap (reader is 23, ellie is 28) starts kinda angry ig, some fluff, ends w smut, fingering (reader receives), this was my excuse to write southern ellie w a drawl

southern!officer!ellie x rebellious!fem!reader

MDNI 18 +

a/n: alright…hear me out on this one i swear i had a vision. it’s long and i still dk if this came together the way i wanted it to but whatever here it is anyways enjoy and i hope today was #fab ok bye

the sun peeks through your curtains, shining directly in your face as you stir awake. you run a hand over your eyes in annoyance.

the alarm clock on your nightstand lets you know it’s barely nine in the morning, which is still way too early to be conscious in your book. you bury your head back under your pillow.

but then you hear it; a bang on the front door of your beat up single wide. you don’t get up at first, because you don’t know who it could be and therefore you don’t care.

yet whoever it is remains persistent, knocking and knocking until you just can’t take it anymore.

you drag yourself out of your bed begrudgingly and shrug on a sweatshirt, tucking your feet into your beloved dino slippers out of habit.

your shoulders are heavy as you walk down the hall, so you roll them in an attempt to ease the tension. it doesn’t really work, and the pounding is bringing on a headache at this point.

“i’m fucking coming!”

you swing the door open a moment later, finding yourself face to face with none other than sergeant williams herself.

her cowboy hat is tilted low on her head, choppy hair framing her shaded face, but you can still see that she’s angry. the little line between her brows is a dead giveaway.

you smirk instinctively, hand perched on your hip as you squint at her. “ah, sarge. i’d say good morning, but it’s not.”

“nice shoes,” she grumbles in response, eyes sweeping over the rest of your disheveled state, “didn’t realize you’d be sleeping in.”

her comment actually does make you a little self conscious, enough to tug your sorry excuse for shorts down to cover yourself a bit more.

“well i was trying to, but you just woke me up, so how about we get on with whatever this is?”

ellie glares a little harder, thumb hooked in the waistband of her pants. “fine, you happen to slash noah bennett’s tires last night? cuz he’s real certain you did.”

the answer to that question is yes, but she doesn’t have anything on you. if she did, then you’d already be in her handcuffs on the way to the station.

you’re too careful for her regardless, and that makes you smile. “nope, wasn’t me. that’s hysterical, though.”

“i’m sure y’think it’s funny. got an alibi, kid?” she pushes, country drawl on full display.

you don’t shy away. “i was working the closing shift at the bar. ask literally anyone.”

also true; you were bartending last night, just like you normally are, but you had taken an extra long smoke break to visit noah’s most prized possession.

he respects that dumbass truck more than the women in his life, let alone women in general, and he deserved every bit of it after being a dickhead for so long.

you’ve never had a problem personally delivering karma, and nobody gets away with harassing a girl on shift.

at least not while you’re around.

the suspicion is written all over ellie’s face, but she’s grasping at straws and you both know it.

“i already have. but i needed to hear it straight from the accused herself.”

“aw, if you missed me you could’ve just said so.” you tease, placing a hand to your chest like you’re charmed.

she shakes her head in disbelief. “trust me when i say i cherish every moment you’re not makin’ my life more complicated.”

the thing is that you don’t trust her words, especially not when you swear she glances down at your lips as she says them. but it also makes your throat seize in a way you hate.

“great, we’re on the same page. now am i free to go or what?”

ellie has to gnaw on the inside of her cheek to keep herself from saying no. there’s not a logical reason to hold you up any longer, especially without any real evidence.

it was just important to follow up on every lead. right?

“yeah…suppose so. but i have a funny feelin’ i’ll be seeing you again soon.” she straightens and takes a few steps down your front porch.

“can’t wait.” you shoot back, not bothering to stick around for a response before you slam the door shut.

it satisfies you for a moment to let out some of your frustration, but the urge to scream follows you back to bed anyways.

ellie has been on your case since the moment you two met, and never once has she given you a chance.

she made up her mind about you then, that you’re just some burnout loser causing trouble in her jurisdiction. and you can’t say that description is too far off base.

but she doesn’t really know your life, and she never will. you’re not even sure that she experiences enough empathy to try.

so why does her opinion bother you so much?

you squeeze your eyes shut harder, trying to force your brain to be quiet. one of these days she’s going to drive you completely insane.

ellie remembers when you first moved to the area, over five years ago now. you were only eighteen, but already so set in your ways.

she was a few months out of academy, twenty three and very green in terms of her career. in fact, you were the first person she ever pulled over on a solo shift.

it immediately fazed her that she didn’t recognize you, considering everyone had practically known each other since birth. you were so nonchalant, so not threatened, and it made her crazy.

you just snapped your gum as she ran your plates, huffing like a brat when she ended up giving you a speeding ticket.

“seriously? i’m new to town, i didn’t even see the damn signs.”

“all five of ‘em, huh?” she spit back, though she regretted it instantly.

you looked at her with the fire of a thousand suns, and everything changed. the rivalry, the chase, began in that moment.

you slipped your sunglasses back over your face, smiling to yourself like something was funny. “make them a little bigger and maybe i’ll listen.”

ellie had hardly retreated before you sped off, turning the bend and disappearing completely before she had even gotten back to her car.

you’ve always been two steps ahead since. too smart for your own good, in her opinion.

she’d grown in the ranks remarkably fast, becoming the youngest sergeant in town history, and you still don’t take her seriously.

honestly, she doesn’t take herself seriously around you either. not any more at least. you’re a different woman now, somehow even more real and hardened by life.

maybe that’s what truly vexes ellie; she understands you, but you make it so difficult to not retaliate. every second the two of you interact it feels like her whole body is on fire.

she can barely keep herself together and it’s mortifying.

in fact, she’d initially wanted to go home tonight and enjoy a couple glasses of whiskey, forget all about you for a little while.

then she happened to drive by the abandoned strip mall and that plan went to hell.

your car sits alone in the lot, tucked away so it’s barely illuminated in the dying sun. but she’d recognize that model and color combination anywhere, and she can see you walking back to it as she swerves across the street without a second thought.

you’re in the middle of opening your driver's side door when ellie pulls up and flashes her lights briefly.

you roll your eyes on instinct. the last thing you were hoping for tonight was another lecture, but you turn to face her direction anyways.

she steps out of her vehicle and strolls over, readjusting the brim of her worn stetson. you swear she never takes that damn thing off.

“figured it’d be you.” she states plainly.

you tilt your head. “figured what would be me?”

she shoots you a look, genuinely surprised that you’re playing dumb with her about this one.

“the vandalism. noticed it a while back, but i couldn’t be sure i was right until i caught you.”

you cross your arms over your chest defensively. “first of all, it’s not vandalism, it’s art. and second of all, why would you assume it was me? i just went on a walk.”

she huffs out a soft laugh, and to your surprise she reaches her hand toward you.

you manage to stop yourself from flinching as ellie wraps her fingers around your wrist, untangling your arm gently so she can get a better look at the lingering spray paint.

it left a stains despite how hard you had scrubbed at it with wipes when you were done.

“wanna tell me the truth now?” she prompts, and you force yourself to meet her eyes.

her touch is unbelievably tender compared to her harsh exterior and rough hands, and it makes your heart wilt.

but you don’t let yourself think about it for long.

instead, you wrench out of her grasp and get right back to arguing. “fine, maybe it was me. but this building is literally ancient and i’m just making it look nicer, so what’s it to you?”

it kind of wounds her that you pulled away, but she can’t blame you either. she’d probably do the same in your position.

ellie tries not to let her damaged pride show when she finally answers.

“y’know, i actually agree with you for once.”

you don’t think she could’ve stunned you more if she tried. you’re not even sure that she’s ever said anything genuinely nice, at least not to your face.

“very funny.” you snark, because you still can’t believe it.

but she doubles down. “seriously, m’not here to take you in. nobody’s bought the mall in nearly thirty years anyways, and i really do like your paintings.”

her voice is warmer, sincere. she’s telling the truth for once.

you clasp your hands behind your back to keep yourself from fidgeting nervously. it’s unusual for her to catch you so off guard, but she’s enjoying the moment while it lasts.

there’s a flutter in your stomach that’s getting harder to ignore. you’re shoving it away with all of your willpower but it doesn’t help at all.

“oh. i, um…thanks.” you finally stutter it out.

she motions toward the building sheepishly. “show me the latest?”

your eyes widen even further; this interaction is not at all going how you expected it to. it isn’t what ellie had in mind either, but you’re both appreciating it all the same.

she really had been visiting the mall a little too frequently since she discovered your work. you’re the only person nearby with a creative bone in their body, so it was easy to figure you out.

it became a habit to check in and see if you’d added anything. every new piece was so intricate, and she loved each one for different reasons.

she didn’t intend to admit that to your face though, and she’s beginning to regret it until you pivot on your heel, adjusting your tote as you lead the way.

“alright. but this better not be a fucking trap or something.”

ellie is quick to follow suit, matching your pace as you walk. “not a trap, kid, i promise.”

“i have a name, by the way, and i’m sure as hell not a child.” you remind her briskly.

“really? must’ve forgotten.” she deadpans.

you smile slightly despite yourself, turning your head before she can catch a glimpse.

it’s nice interacting with someone equally as sardonic in nature, even if she does piss you off most of the time.

“you definitely didn’t.”

this quiets her immediately. she just shoves her hands in her pockets, twigs snapping under your feet as you trudge through the overgrown grass.

a moment later you round the corner to the back wall and color begins to light up the decaying brick.

you’re running out of room at this point, so the most recent picture is pretty close to the end near you.

a meteor in its blaze of glory, hurtling down to nowhere.

you point it out, though ellie spotted it on her own easily. “this is the one i just finished. tried out some different colors.”

“wow.” she states simply, stopping so close beside you that her shoulder brushes yours.

your brows furrow as you watch her inspect it without further comment.

“wow what?” you pry, trying not to let the edge make its way into your voice.

she pauses briefly before looking over at you. “it’s just impressive. you’ve got an actual vision, i mean you’re…you’re really somethin’.”

its your turn to be silent; you’re trying to read her face, because it suddenly feels like you’re in unfamiliar territory. there’s not a hint of animosity lingering in the air.

instead, ellie is looking at you all starry-eyed, and you feel like you’re being pulled into a current you can’t escape.

“do you mean that?” your voice is faint, almost like you’ve been subdued.

the validation is making you feel fuzzy, especially since it’s coming from the one person you thought would never say it.

she nods, and this time she’s staring at your mouth rather obviously. “meant every word.”

it’s so quiet, only the sound of the birds chirping somewhere above you, and it feels like the oxygen has been sucked out of your lungs.

ellie begins to shift, to inch even closer to you, but then your phone rings and you both jump apart so comically that the trance is broken straight away.

“shit…” you mutter, fishing around in your bag momentarily before yanking it out.

the number makes your stomach bottom out, and every pleasant emotion you just experienced evaporates from your body.

nothing nice can last for long.

ellie clears her throat and you snap to life, muting the ringer because you can’t answer it in front of her.

“sorry, i—um, i have to go.”

you don’t even bother making up an excuse; you just bolt past her, high tailing it back to your car without another word. instinct has taken over, and your body is moving on its own.

she calls after you, but you can barely hear it over the ringing in your ears. only once you’ve successfully made it behind the wheel do you check to see if ellie followed along.

you deflate a little when you realize that she hasn’t, and that she won’t.

it’s been three days. three days and three sleepless nights since ellie saw you last.

she’s been up in her head ever since you ran away, chastising herself for listening to those provocative little voices and wondering what's occupying your own mind.

it’s shameful to admit, but after twenty four hours of silence, she had a compulsion to check in.

a brief stop at the bar let her know that you weren’t working, so she’d cruised through your neighborhood to find out if you were home.

the driveway was empty, and it remained that way when she visited the second time around.

the longer you’re gone, the more uneasy ellie becomes, and you’ve been plaguing her thoughts even more than usual.

had she misread your feelings? taken it too far?

she needs to see you, to talk. and you’re nowhere to be found.

the sound of the resin balls cracking against each other nearby snaps her back into the present. she sniffs, taking a sip of her whiskey.

it’s getting late, nearly midnight now, but ellie can’t bring herself to leave the bar. listening to the chatter of others is comforting.

and though the alcohol isn’t making you reappear, it at least gets her to loosen up a bit.

another swig. this’ll be her third glass of jameson, and that needs to be the limit for now. lord knows how she runs her fucking mouth with a buzz.

she glances around again, and her eyes skip over you thoughtlessly before she does a double take seconds later.

you’re perched in one of the corner seats toward the back of the bar, nursing a beer by yourself. you look exhausted, staring down at the shitty wood below you and picking at your thumbs.

ellie has never seen you here before, since she knows you prefer to get drinks straight from your coworkers.

this is the only other place in town though, usually frequented by the old farmers because they’re allowed to smoke and play pool at the same time.

and through the haze, there you are.

her stomach twists; she’s not sure if she’s angry or hurt, but it’s an awful feeling all the same.

she’s headed your way before she can even take another breath. you’re so out of it that you don’t notice until she’s actually sat down on the stool beside you.

“where the hell have you—” she cuts herself off when you turn to fully look at her, and the air feels like it's been knocked from her lungs.

a bruise paints your right cheek, though it’s clear you attempted to cover it. your eyes are watery and unfocused. she watches the recognition wash over you slowly, and you smile.

“oh, hello there.” you state simply.

her blood is already simmering, and her fingers ache to reach out and brush your face. she barely stops herself, choosing to run them through her hair instead.

“i…you okay, kid?”

her voice is hesitant, because even though she wants to cave someone’s head in, she’s much more worried about approaching you with care.

you laugh a little, a hiccup mixing itself in at the end. “fuckin’ hate when you call me that.”

your hand is unsteady as you take another long sip of beer, and she thanks her lucky stars that you’re almost done with it. that’ll make it easier to get you out of here.

“you’re right, m’sorry. hell, you’re sittin’ at the bar and i’m still using that dumb nickname.” she says, scratching her chin awkwardly.

“whatever. been dubbed worse.” you shrug and let your gaze fall back to your knuckles.

ellie clears her throat, nudging her boot against your foot. “how about i take ya home, huh?”

“i’m not that fucked up, and for all i know you could be just as drunk.” you immediately get smart with her, but even you hear the way your words slur just slightly in the wrong places.

she shakes her head but keeps her tone even. “i know my limit, and i don’t go past it. how did you get here?”

“i rode my bike. i’ll be fine, don’t even worry about me.”

but she is worried, and you can tell by the way she rests her arm on the back of your chair that she’s not leaving your side.

three minutes ago you could’ve sworn that all you wanted was to be alone, but it’s actually reassuring to run into her.

“it’s dark and completely unsafe. you’re comin’ with me in the truck, and that’s that.”

you roll your eyes, but you don’t put up much of a fight. you’re tired enough as it is, and your house is over two miles away.

plus ellie smells so delicious, leathery and woodsy even through the smoke, and suddenly you don’t mind letting her assist.

“fine. but i get to pick the music.” you bargain, taking the final swig of your bottle out of spite before standing up.

she chuckles lowly, stretching out as she waits for you to grab your bag. “radio doesn’t work, but i got some CDs you can choose from.”

“you’re the youngest old person i’ve ever met.”

“i can live with that.”

you follow her out of the bar, focusing on not tripping over your own feet while the breeze rifles through your hair.

ellie approaches the curb where your bike is perched and picks it up easily, carting it over to her old 93’ ford so she can lift it into the back.

you find yourself noticing the way her crewneck rides up to expose her stomach, plaid boxers peeking out from her baggy jeans. they sit low on her waist, low enough that you can see the shadow of her v line.

it makes your mouth dry, and dirty thoughts run through your mind without warning.

she comes around to the passenger side to swing the door open for you. you don’t interject when she goes a step further and helps hoist you up into the seat.

instead, you opt to enjoy her sturdy grip on your elbow.

the worn cloth interior is comforting, and even the car has taken on her scent at this point.

you’re already digging through the glove box by the time she’d made it around the hood and hopped up beside you.

“ellie’s magic mix?” you read off the title of one of the discs, and she can see the humorous glint in your eye.

“hey, be nice. it’s the first one i ever burned.” she explains.

you slide it into the player as she puts the car in reverse, and a few seconds later a brassy voice begins to hum through the speakers.

it’s familiar, which surprises you.

“charley pride?” you ask as ellie peels onto the road, and she looks over at you in wonder.

“and just how’d you know that?”

you shrug, grinning at her all loopy. “i like old records. the happiness of having you is one of my favorites.”

“well color me impressed.” she jokes.

a silence settles as you both listen contently, passing by the rolling hills that are shrouded in darkness. the car rumbles along against the uneven pavement, the only other noise aside from the song.

ellie shamelessly peers over as you stare out your window, chin resting against your arm while you contemplate something she can’t understand.

she doesn’t want to disturb, but she’s been waiting for a decent time to ask. it’ll never feel good, though, so she settles for right now.

“who gave you that shiner?”

you audibly suck in a breath, because you were dreading this inevitable conversation. “is it really important? i’m fine, and it won't happen again.”

“of course it’s important. someone hurt you, and i…i wasn’t there. but i can help, if you let me.” she’s practically begging you to trust her, and it’s obvious in her voice.

but you refuse. you fight against yourself yet again, like you’ve been conditioned into it.

“why would you have been there? i was at home. or my hometown, whatever. either way, it’s not your job to protect me.”

ellie’s eyebrows furrow in exasperation. “why d’you have to be so damn stubborn? can’t you just let someone care?”

“oh, and that someone is you? c’mon, don’t pretend like you suddenly give a fuck about me. you just want the thrill of acting like a savior.” you snap coldly.

the insult pierces through her like a shard of glass. her jaw ticks, fingers tightening against the steering wheel.

she can feel the angry truth welling in her throat. normally she’d choke it all back down, force herself to keep everything routine between the two of you.

but the flood gates are open, and you’ve pushed her beyond her limit this time.

“is that what you think? that i’ve never lost sleep over you, or gotten worked up over you? i was about to put out an APB when i realized you’d skipped town, and you’ve got the nerve to suggest that you don’t matter to me? i mean, fuck, all i can do when you’re not around is wonder where you are.”

this revelation makes you sit upright again, dumbfounded by the things coming out of her mouth.

so much is racing through your head at once, yet you remain eerily quiet. when ellie gains the confidence to glance over, she realizes you’re studying her face like you’re enraptured.

“stop lookin’ at me like and say something.” she grunts and turns her attention back to driving.

but a telling blush creeps up her neck, which you’re rarely lucky enough to see.

she doesn’t usually break a sweat like this, and you feel like you owe her the same candor in return.

even if it’s hard.

“that call that i got when we were together was from the hospital. it was my mom.”

you pause, taking a moment before throwing yourself forward. “so i visited, tried to get her on track again, but she didn’t want my help. she never has. and then things got heated. you can put the rest together.”

ellie can connect the dots, even though she hates what it leads her to.

you’ve always been self sufficient, but you also kept it a mystery as to why you’d moved or why you were all on your own in the first place.

she never pushed, mainly because you wouldn’t let her, but she can appreciate why you have the boundaries that you do.

instead of saying anything, she places a warm hand on your leg. not high enough on your thigh to be suggestive, but not low enough on your knee to be overtly friendly.

it’s not what you expected, but it’s what you were lacking all along; something to ground you, a reminder that she’s still beside you.

“i’m not going back again, y’know? seriously. i’ll be alright.” you reassure her solemnly, like it’s a pact now that you’re voicing it.

ellie nods, thumb brushing against your jeans naturally.

“i know you will. it’s who you are. but i’m sorry that you’ve been goin’ through this alone.”

her subtle movements send tingles of electricity through you, and your body is a little too excited by it.

“it’s mostly my choice anyways. i don’t let people get that far because i want to be alone. or, uh, i used to.” you fumble over it gracelessly.

you’ve never been very good at conveying your feelings when they’re positive, and with ellie it’s even weirder.

it’s easy to read between the lines, but she also wants you to say it. “and now you don’t?”

“no. not anymore.”

her cheeks grow even more red as she turns down your street, rocking slightly as you hit the numerous little potholes.

she slides her palm higher up your leg, whether it’s conscious or not. “interesting.”

your stomach flips in response, and when her eyes run over you again, they’re visibly darker than before.

there is something on your mind plays softly in the background, which is ironic because she’s overwhelming every single one of your senses. it’s been a while since you’ve felt like this, completely engulfed in another person.

maybe you had been mistaking passion for hatred this whole time.

a moment later you come to a screeching halt, and ellie moves her hand to throw the truck into park. it’s quiet; everyone’s lights are off, a sleepy fog crawling through the town.

“well, uh…” she attempts to start a sentence, a goodbye maybe, but there’s nothing coming to mind.

you’re so restless that your body decides to speak for the both of you; you unbuckle your seat belt, inching closer instead of heading for the door.

you grip her right shoulder gently, stabilizing yourself as you throw your leg across her lap to straddle her. a groan slips through her teeth when you readjust yourself on her hips.

you hold her neck, tracing her jawline slowly while she stares up at you.

“you sure you know what you’re doin?” ellie asks, restricting herself to grasping your thighs for now.

you nod, leaning in just enough to leave her aching for more. “i think i can handle it, sarge.”

the sweetness of your shampoo is intoxicating, and all it would take is a tiny move forward for her lips to close in on yours.

maybe it’s the longing on your face, or the way your hair is framing your cheeks, but the boundary of professionalism has completely blurred by now.

how can it be wrong when it feels this right?

so instead of arguing or being sarcastic, she closes the distance and kisses you. it’s soft, almost surprised at first. then she gets a taste of your minty chapstick and it’s hard not to devour you.

you pull her in even closer, tongues and teeth clashing together, and in the heat of the moment she barely notices you biting at her bottom lip.

it only electrifies her more when she does feel it, so much so that goosebumps crawl across her skin.

her palms travel to grope your tits needily and you let out a sigh that gets lost somewhere in the midst of your make out.

ellie had nearly snapped earlier seeing your cleavage on display in the little tank you had on under your jacket. she didn’t think she’d get to do anything about those indecent ideas, though.

“fuck, i’ve been waiting for this.” she breathes against your mouth, effectively working her way to your neck right after.

a moan finally escapes, a sound so goddamn divine she almost forgets how to function.

but she keeps peppering sloppy kisses down past your collarbone, determined to elicit that noise from you again.

“so you’ve always been hot for me, then?” you goad, though it’s hard to banter when you’re being so pleasantly distracted.

“i’d still call it a recent development.” ellie pauses to joke back.

but even after saying that, she’s dying to worship more of you, so she diverts her attention again to slip the straps of your top down.

her knuckles stroke your skin as she goes, and she’s got your bra unhooked in one suave maneuver.

you raise your eyebrows at her as she helps you out of it. “cute trick.”

she just smirks as she tosses the garment to the passenger side. you’re still decently concealed by the worn zip-up resting on your shoulders, but your cami is pulled down to your stomach to reveal your chest.

the sight of you alone makes ellie throb, pupils the size of saucers by now.

“i can do a lot more than that, sweetheart.” she promises, cupping your now exposed breasts so that she can drag the pads of her thumbs across your nipples.

you shiver at the sensation, pushing your torso into her harder without even realizing.

“show me, cowboy.” you whisper, and she can’t help but reclaim your lips before you even finish.

she continues grazing over your sensitive buds, which makes you whimper a little louder into her kiss.

it’s completely illogical to be doing this out in the open, but the homes are spaced out enough and her brain is too immersed in you to care about consequences.

you grind into her a little in an attempt to relieve some of the pressure building in your gut, though that’s not what you really want.

ellie knows it too, so she breaks away enough to speak. “something i can do for you?”

“just wondering what those fingers would feel like inside me.” you hum, and her hands drop to your waist without hesitation.

she wanted you to be in charge of how far this went, but she’d be lying if she said she didn’t want show you real pleasure.

and now she’s got the green light.

“filthy girl…can’t even make it into the house.”

there’s admiration in her tone as she frees the metal button to unzip your jeans, tugging them down your hips just enough to access you easier.

“it’s way more fun to live life on the edge.” you preach sarcastically, which she takes as more of a challenge than she should.

her hand dips into your pants and she skims across your clothed heat, enticingly slow to start.

your breath hitches in your throat and she feels your fist shift to grip her hair.

“then i sure hope you can be quiet for once.” ellie tests you right back, applying a bit more pressure as she traces the soft cotton.

you bite down on the inside of your cheek to try and hide your reaction, though every fiber of your body is ablaze.

it doesn’t help that she shifts down in the seat slightly, bringing herself more even with your breasts. she steadies your waist with her free hand as her mouth trails across the supple flesh, nipping at you every once in a while.

your panties are already damp, which rouses her so much that she decides not to boast. instead she pushes them to the side, letting her fingers run along your slick pussy.

the both of you groan, you into the open and her against your skin. she likes that you’re already clinging to her harder.

it makes her feel like you need her just as much.

ellie keeps the pace even but presses her tongue flat against your nipple, taking her time flicking back and forth. you squirm a bit, overwhelmed by the dual stimulation in the best way.

“a—aah…shit.” you whimper, rubbing yourself against her movements rhythmically.

she grins, lazily trailing her tongue across your skin, silently vowing that she won’t neglect an inch. “y’sound pretty when you’re not being a brat.”

“i’m not a—oh, holy fuck.”

without warning, ellie curls her middle finger and lets it slip inside of you, effectively cutting off your defense.

she slides it in and out a few times, giving you half a second to adjust before she adds another. you let out another lament, stunned even though it’s exactly what you want.

you clench around her and she swears under her breath. “so wet, so warm. you little minx.”

the praises go straight to your head, and you’re thirsting for her at this point.

she’s taking it slow, licking and sucking at your chest and neck while you move with the stroke of her arm. heat is building in your stomach, and you’re aching to spur the fire.

“faster ellie, please.” you beg, too far gone to worry about trivial things like dignity.

hearing you say her name while you plead is exhilarating, and all she wants to do is gratify your desires.

so she does just that, speeding up her fingers but ensuring that she buries them fully each time to hit all the right spots. and boy does she.

you tilt your head back slightly, giving her a better angle as you moan a little louder. it’s a sight to behold; your eyes screwed shut, tits bouncing in her face while she goes to work.

“please? didn’t realize i could’a just fucked some manners into you all this time.” ellie teases against your skin, and you give her a faint tug at her roots.

“shut up, i’m totally polite.” you bite back.

the way you’re sinking your hips down to fill yourself with her says otherwise, but it’s also ridiculously hot, so she doesn’t argue.

instead, she hums in agreement. “mhmm, such a lady, takin’ it so well.”

her compliments are leaving you absolutely spellbound, as much as you hate to admit it.

they’re dirty, and yet they sound so heavenly when she says them regardless.

your muscles are beginning to tighten from the pleasure, and ellie can feel it. but she knows she can get you there faster, make it even more intense.

so she continues pounding into you relentlessly, adding her thumb to the mix so that it brushes your clit.

your thighs twitch around her, and an involuntary cry leaves your throat.

“fuck, jesus christ!”

she smiles, completely ignoring the way her boxers are rumpled and sticky at this point. she’s not worried about herself; all she wants is for you to keep making those sweet little noises.

“feels good, huh, angel?” she asks, curving her fingers perfectly inside your cunt.

you nod, muttering something that’s not even coherent. your whole body is ablaze now; no part of your skin feels untouched by her goddamn magic.

ellie can’t believe she’s got you melting in her arms, exposed for anyone to walk up and see, but she loves it.

“right…there.” you gasp, clutching her hair and shoulder for dear life at this point.

she circles your swollen bundle of nerves harder while continuing to hit that sweet spot, and your legs feel like jelly.

you’re tensing around her hand with every stroke, all while she draws your skin between her teeth to leave hickies across the swell of your breasts.

huffs and groans fill the air, and it’s hard to tell where you begin and she ends. ellie doesn’t think she’s ever been this entranced by anyone, at least not in a very long time.

you’re goddamn beautiful, completely wild in this moment, and she adores it.

“i’m—mmm, gonna cum.” you whine, trying and failing to keep the desperate from your tone.

she doesn’t want it to end, but she hangs on to the hope that this is just the beginning and puts the rest of her energy into your satisfaction.

“give me everythin’, baby. let the whole fuckin town hear how dirty we are.”

she’s adjusts her grip to help rock you into her fingers, somehow filling you even more perfectly in the process.

your toes curl in your shoes right before your high crashes around you, mouth agape as you chant her name. your eyes squeeze shut while you finish, shaking lightly from the sheer force of it.

ellie keeps you steady while she gradually slows her tempo, simultaneously shimmying back up in the seat a bit so that she can watch you ride it out until the end.

the feeling of you cumming around her is something she’s not sure she’ll ever be able to forget, and the expression on your face is a close second.

finally, she stills completely, waiting until you’re able to look at her before she retracts her fingers.

they glisten in the nearby streetlights, slick from your orgasm, and your gaze glitters back as you watch her take them into her mouth.

you can see her tongue working, and she groans when she pulls them out fully clean a beat later, chest still heaving from all the activity.

“god, y’taste like heaven too.”

you cover your face with your hands in embarrassment, peeking through them as you shake your head slightly. “stop saying shit like that.”

ellie chuckles and tucks a stray strand of hair behind your ear for you. “why, cuz it turns you on?”

“no, because you sound like a dork.” you lie, though the mess in your pants says otherwise.

ellie smacks your ass lightly in response. your arms fly down to wrap around her neck again as you let out a squeak of surprise.

“always gotta be a rebel, don’t ya?” she says, smoothing her palm over the place where it had previously landed.

there’s a smile plastered across her face though, probably similar to the fucked out one you’re wearing yourself.

you tangle your fingers in her hair, forcing her attention back to you. “well, someone has to make you do your job.”

“please, i know you’re soft for me under all that armor.”

you narrow your eyes playfully before pressing your forehead against hers. “i’ll deny it in public.”

ellie chuckles, and you feel her breath fan across your face. “we can work on that. how ‘bout we go inside and getcha cleaned up for now?”

“is this an excuse to see me fully naked?” you question as she slips the straps of your tank back over your shoulders gently.

“oh, are we still pretending that you don’t want me just as much?”

you place a chaste kiss to her lips. “yeah, yeah. touché.”

[ordinary-barbie]

your love is tough, your love is tried and true blue

summary: 5 times rafe takes care of reader (+ one time you take care of him)

tags: fem!reader, hurt with lots of comfort, reader is drunk in the beginning, pet names ("baby," "babe," "princess") language, someone sexually harasses reader, reader has anxiety, rafe is possibly depressed, ward is a verbally abusive asshole, fluff fluff fluff, friends to lovers, rafe and reader are around 21 here, both of them drop the l-bomb

word count: 3.2k

note: title from "true blue" by boygenius!

Rafe felt like it was his duty to look out for you.

Nobody had asked him to—in fact, you always teased him about being your "personal guard dog." But Rafe had always felt protective of you for some reason. Maybe it was because you were Sarah's childhood bestie. Perhaps it was because you were too sweet, too friendly, too fucking stubborn ("I'm independent," you'd always argue). As long as he could remember, Rafe felt pulled to you, needing to ensure you were okay. You were different from Sarah's other friends; something about you made him feel things and actually care about you.

When Rafe got the call from Sarah that you were wasted at a frat party, his stomach twisted. You'd begged him to come, but he refused, feeling too wiped out from a long week of classes. Fuck, he should've been there for you. He clenched his jaw as he drove down Fraternity Row, hoping that some asshole frat brother hadn't gotten his hands on you.

The crowds at Kappa Sig parted easily once they saw Rafe Cameron barge into the party, eyes blazing with determination. Rafe scanned the place for you, finding you giggling in Sarah's lap on a couch.

"Rafeyyy!" you squealed, looking at him with a drunken grin that Rafe had to admit was adorable. "You came!"

"Yeah, and now we're leaving," Rafe bluntly replied, leaving no room for argument.

You pouted. "C'mon Rafey, I was having so much fuuun. Stay here and dance with me." You grabbed at the hem of Rafe's polo, leaning into him, and he tried not to get lost in the intoxicating notes of your favorite perfume scent.

Rafe sighed, saying your name sternly. "You're totally wasted. I need to get you back to your dorm."

You looked up at Rafe, pouting, but crawled out of Sarah's lap anyway. Sarah looked up at Rafe gratefully, and he simply nodded, wrapping his arm around you protectively as he led you out of the party.

Once back in the dorm you shared with Sarah, and after making sure you changed into some pajamas and got comfy in bed, Rafe poked his head into your minifridge, pulling out a cold bottle of water. He left it on the bedside table and rummaged around in the bathroom cabinet until he found some aspirin. He took two capsules out, setting them on the table.

'Drink," he commanded, twisting the cap off the water bottle and handing it to you.

You rolled your eyes at Rafe's tone but complied anyway, taking a big gulp of water.

"Thank you," you said shyly, returning the bottle to Rafe. "You always take care of me."

"It's nothing," Rafe muttered, the tips of his ears turning pink.

He climbed into bed with you, rubbing your back and listening to you chatter about anything and everything until you fell asleep. And when Sarah returned from the party, noticing a sleeping Rafe with one arm wrapped around your midsection, she didn't even question it. That's just how Rafe was—always by your side, no matter what.

-

This time, it's Rafe who's at a party when you're in need.

He's just chilling at the Sigma Chi house, laughing with his friends, when Topper pops his bubble of contentment.

"Where's your girl, Cameron?" he teased with a grin.

Rafe raised an eyebrow, confused, before realizing that Top was talking about you. You and Rafe spent so much time together that, of course, people would think you were dating.

"I actually don't know," Rafe admitted, quickly getting his phone out of his pocket. "Invited her yesterday and she said she would be here—I dunno what happened."

Rafe shot off a quick text—hey, where are u? missing all the fun—and his heart leapt when you replied instantly.

you: i'm sick :/ sorry to ditch u. glad you're having fun!

Well, that was that. Rafe put his phone back in his pocket, leaving the couch.

"Hey man, what's up? What'd she say?" Kelce asked.

"She's sick," Rafe explained simply, and Topper and Kelce looked at each other, grinning. "The fuck are y'all smiling about?"

"Nothing, man," Topper casually answered. "Just tell ____ we say hello."

Rafe made a few pit stops before heading to your dorm. He picked up some cold medicine, a bunch of snacks, and even one of those fashion magazines you liked.

"You really didn't have to do all this," you said, smiling at Rafe warmly despite how crappy you were feeling. "Go back to the party and have fun!"

Rafe scoffed. "I don't give a fuck about the party. You're not feeling well. Obviously, I'm gonna take care of you."

You felt your cheeks grow hot. "Rafe..."

"I'm not going anywhere, aight? So just...take the medicine already," Rafe grumbled, the tips of his ears turning pink.

You chuckled, grabbing the bottle out of Rafe's hands and pouring some medicine into the measuring cup that came with it. Then you downed it like a shot, wincing at the unpleasant taste. Rafe looked at you fondly, laughing softly at your reaction.

You scrunched up your nose. God, you were cute. "What's so funny, huh?"

"I can't admire my favorite patient?" Rafe teased.

You shook your head, smiling at Rafe. "You’re ridiculous.”

“And yet, you still like me,” Rafe countered.

Oh, if only Rafe had any idea how much.

Despite what everyone, from Sarah to his fraternity brothers, thought, this was not an actual date.

Rafe simply needed someone to accompany him to Sigma Chi's formal, and you were the only one he was interested in taking. As friends.

You were hanging out in downtown Charleston with Rafe and some of his frat brothers and their dates. You were initially worried about being accepted by the group, especially because the other girls were in sororities and you weren't, but they were actually friendly. And Rafe's brothers were always pretty chill, though they did love to tease you.

You and your group had stuffed your bellies with fried shrimp and were just walking around. Rafe interlaced his fingers with yours, and you leaned into his touch.

"Can y'all just kiss already?" Topper teased. Paige, Topper's date, giggled.

"Shut up, man," Rafe grumbled, his cheeks turning bright red. You chuckled softly, gently squeezing Rafe's hand to calm him down.

Rafe's phone went off, and he let go of your hand to answer. You frowned slightly, already missing his grasp.

"It's Sarah—guess she's just checking in. One sec," he explained, flashing you a grin that warmed your insides.

You looked towards the local sweet shop, suddenly developing a hankering for a post-dinner treat. After talking with the rest of the group, you crossed the sidewalk, looking forward to trying some delicious homemade ice cream.

You were so lost in thought that you weren't exactly looking where you were going, colliding with someone's chest.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry," you instantly apologized, looking up at the guy you bumped into. He was a tall guy—probably a few inches taller than Rafe—with a muscular build. His chestnut brown hair was messily styled, and a lone silver hoop dangled from his left ear.

The guy smiled lazily at you. "Don't apologize, sweetheart. I'm lucky to have a pretty little thing like you bump into me."

Your stomach twisted; you'd suddenly lost your appetite for ice cream. You smiled politely and tried to cross the street and return to your friends, but the guy grabbed your wrist, pulling your back to his chest.

"C'mon babe, why you running away? Don't be shy," he cooed.

"I have a boyfriend," you lied, attempting to wrestle your wrist from the guy's grasp. "Let me go."

The guy smirked. "Don't see him around anywhere. Quit playing so hard to get, sweetheart."

He moved one of his hands to your ass and squeezed, causing you to scream and yank yourself out of his grip. "What the fuck is wrong with you?" you shrieked, your heart pounding in your chest.

The guy opened his mouth to say something, but the sight of a very irate Rafe Cameron stopped him in his tracks, his pupils wide with rage and his jaw clenched tight.

"Hey man! I see you've met my girlfriend," Rafe said, his voice dripping with fake niceness as he wrapped a protective arm around your waist.

"You shouldn't let your girl be roaming around alone, especially looking like that," the guy replied, his eyes scanning your body lecherously.

Before you could even blink, Rafe's hands were on the guy, pinning him against a brick wall. "You don't get to touch her—you don't even get to fucking look at her. Or think about her. I could beat the shit out of you right now, but I don't think she'd appreciate that."

Rafe removed the guy from his grasp, letting him fall to the ground. "Whatever, dude. You're fucking insane. That bitch isn't worth it," he grumbled, skulking off somewhere.

Rafe squeezed your hand comfortingly, leading you across the street and sitting with you on a nearby bench.

You let out a sniffle, feeling shaken from the incident. It was bad enough that that creep had invaded your space and made you feel like a piece of meat, but to grope your ass? It made you feel sick. Fortunately, things didn't get any worse.

Rafe cradled your face in his hands, wiping your tears away. "Fuck, I'm so sorry. I can't believe that shithead put his hands on you. Are you okay?"

You nodded, your heart squeezing from how tenderly Rafe looked at you. "It was just...scary. And I feel stupid. This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't decided to go alone to get ice cream."

"Hey. This is not your fault," Rafe said sternly, rubbing soothing circles on the back of your hand. "He was a fuckin creep. I could just—when I saw him touch you like that, I wanted to break his fuckin fingers." He was shaking with rage, and you rubbed his back, trying to ground him.

Having heard the rest of the commotion, the rest of the group approached you and Rafe on the bench.

"Shit, ____, are you okay?" Kelce asked.

You smiled faintly. "Better now. But honestly, I just want to go back to my room and sleep."

Rafe laced his fingers with yours again. "Let's go then. But first—you're getting that damn ice cream."

Rafe got you two scoops of praline and vanilla for himself, and the two of you ate in a companionable silence on the way back to the hotel. During the walk back, the incident largely faded from your mind, and all you could focus on was Rafe. Reliable, dependable Rafe, who always seemed to be there whenever you needed him. Seeing him defend you like that stirred feelings inside you that you'd been repressing for the sake of your friendship.

Once the two of you were back in your room, Rafe kissed you, soft and slow and deep. He pulled your body close to him as you eagerly kissed him back, not willing to let you go.

-

If you thought Rafe was like a guard dog before, he got even more protective once the two of you started dating. It was finals season now, and he knew how much you ran yourself ragged—fervently studying your notes, pulling all-nighters, and worrying your head off. He hated seeing you stressed like this, especially when you could be in bed with him instead, receiving cuddles and kisses.

"Babe, come on, it's 11 p.m. Come to bed with me," Rafe begged.

You sighed, not looking up from your notes. "Rafey, I'll be done soon, I promise."

Rafe frowned. "You said the same thing 30 minutes ago."

"I just really want to do well on this exam tomorrow," you said, rubbing your temples. "I'm sorry I'm keeping you up—maybe I should just head to the library."

"No fucking way," Rafe said firmly, his jaw ticking. "You've been at this for hours, babe. You need to rest."

"What if you gave me ten more minutes?" you asked, smiling sweetly.

Rafe smirked at you. "What if you came to bed and let me cuddle you instead?" he countered.

You rolled your eyes at him, continuing to pore over your notes. Rafe sighed. You could be so damn stubborn sometimes. He rose from the bed and ambled over to you, wrapping his arms around your waist and carrying you to his bed.

"Rafe Cameron!" you cried out. "I just needed to review a little bit more—"

"Nah, you're done for the night, princess," Rafe said, carefully laying you on the bed. He climbed next to you, angling his body as the big spoon, and kissed your forehead.

You put on a dramatic pout, and Rafe snickered, nuzzling your neck. "You'll thank me tomorrow when you're not going into your exam sleep deprived," he mumbled.

You scoffed, but deep down, you knew he was right. You found yourself relaxing more and more as Rafe cuddled you, eventually falling into a blissful pre-beginning-of-finals-week slumber.

(You ended up acing the exam, of course. Rafe demands that you study for the rest of your finals with him at the frat house, mainly so he can have an excuse to be touchy and clingy. Rafe's brothers tease him for it, of course, but he truly couldn't give less of a fuck.)

-

It felt like the walls were closing in on you.

Usually, you had somewhat of a handle on your anxiety—you'd learned some great coping techniques thanks to therapy. But it felt like nothing was working today. Your chest grew tight, your thoughts raced, and you were in full-on panic mode.

It wasn't even like anything in particular was bothering you; you were just caught in a random wave of anxiety. It got to the point where you couldn't even focus on listening to music or watching a show. You sighed, staring at the ceiling as you sat on one of the Camerons' couches. You were staying at Tannyhill for the weekend, but unfortunately, nobody was around to help calm your nerves. Sarah was at the Chateau with John B, Ward and Rose had flown to Atlanta for a wedding, and Rafe was busy doing some weekend work for Cameron Development.

You enjoyed your quiet time, but in that moment, you felt incredibly lonely.

You unlocked your phone, prepared to aimlessly scroll through Instagram, when you received a call. A familiar name flashed on the screen: Rafey.

"Hey princess," Rafe said, his low, rumbling voice slightly easing your nerves. "Working on Saturday fuckin' blows. But I'm comin' back soon, aight?"

"I'm glad you're coming home soon. Could use some company right now," you said, trying to keep your voice from shaking.

"Shit, what's wrong, baby?" Rafe asked, his voice full of worry.

"Just come home, okay?" you asked, not wanting to get into details. "I don't want to be alone right now."

"I'm on it. And before you get on my ass, I won't speed," Rafe teased, managing to get a laugh out of you. "See you soon, sweet girl."

As soon as Rafe stepped through the door, you jumped off the couch, launching yourself into his arms. He rubbed your back soothingly before setting down his briefcase and locking the door behind him.

He led you upstairs into his bedroom, coaxing you to sit in his lap. You buried your head in the side of Rafe's neck as he showered you with kisses, continuing to rub soothing circles down your spine. Without saying a word, Rafe made your anxieties simply melt away.

"I was having a bad brain day," you admitted, looking deep into his beautiful blue eyes. "Woke up all alone this morning, and my mind just got so anxious."

Rafe caressed your cheek, giving your nose a big peck and smiling when you scrunched it up. "I'm sorry, baby. But I'm here now. And if it makes you feel better, I spent the whole morning wishing I was with you instead."

You grinned. "Wow, it's as if you like me or something."

"Glad to see you're feeling better enough to tease me again," Rafe deadpanned, though his eyes shone with amusement. You snorted, playfully shoving his shoulder.

Rafe spent the rest of the afternoon pampering you. He ordered from your favorite Italian place for lunch, let you watch whatever trash reality shows you wanted on his Netflix account, and made sure to give you plenty of kisses and cuddles.

You were deeply lucky to have someone like Rafe in your life. You and he hadn't exchanged the three little words yet, but you were absolutely sure you loved him with your entire heart.

+1

Rafe wasn't the type to wear his heart on his sleeve. He always encouraged you to open up when something was bothering you, but he preferred to keep his own shit locked down deep. Especially when it had to do with his fuckin' father.

You noticed Rafe was quieter than usual today. The two of you were lying out on the beach, enjoying a nice summer day by the ocean. But Rafe was devoid of his usual wisecracks and playful nature, instead holding you close and silently watching you read, his emotions difficult to decipher.

"Baby, what's wrong? You know you can talk to me about anything," you told him comfortingly, squeezing his hand.

Rafe shook his head. "It's nothing. Go back to your book, princess."

You frowned. "Rafe Cameron. Don't you lie to me. I'm your girlfriend; you can be vulnerable with me." Rafe knew you wouldn't let up until he finally admitted what was on his mind. He sighed, knowing that he should take his own advice and stop burying shit.

"My dad has been on my ass all day," Rafe grumbled. "He basically told me how much of a disappointment I was because I made one little mistake at work. Said that he wasn't sure if I was 'competent' enough to take control of the business someday. And maybe he's right—I'm just a fuck up."

Rafe forced out a laugh, though he looked like tears could fall at any moment. Your heart ached. You weren't Ward's biggest fan and hated the way he treated his son, constantly holding him to certain expectations and belittling him whenever he was less than perfect.

You took Rafe's head in your hand, pressing soft, comforting kisses to his cheeks. "Rafey, you are absolutely not a disappointment. I see how hard you work and how much you care about your job. You made a mistake, but you shouldn't let it define you. Fuck what Ward thinks. I think you're amazing."

Rafe smirked. "We get it, you went to therapy."

You rolled your eyes. "Rafe, I'm being serious here. I care about you so much and I hate seeing you so down because of something your dad said. I know you're trying your best, and I'm proud of you."

Rafe pulled you close to his chest, quietly sobbing into your shoulder. You rubbed his back, cooing words of encouragement into his ear.

"Thanks, baby," Rafe mumbled, kissing the top of your head. "I appreciate you listening to my shit."

"Of course," you replied, looking up at your boyfriend fondly. "I'm here for you. I love you. We're in this together, okay?"

"You love me," Rafe repeated, his grin ear-splitting.

You chuckled, rubbing the back of your neck. "Wasn't planning on confessing this way, but yeah," you bashfully replied.

Rafe felt like his heart could burst out of his chest. "I love you, too, baby. You're my ride or die, no matter what."

[loveinhawkins]

not the loss but the thing misplaced

ao3 Written for @steddie-spooktober Halfway to Halloween prompt, “fog,” 995 words. Rated G, Missing Scene, season 4, the walk through The Upside Down woods, Eddie Munson Backstory

“How pissed d’you think they would be,” Eddie says, trying to sound unbothered, “if I asked them to slow down?”

He watches the glow of Steve’s flashlight scatter across the forest floor. It’s not a pretty sight, creepy vines and other nasty shit all harshly exposed, but it’s better than looking ahead and seeing—

“Nance wouldn’t mind. Robin…” Steve gives a vague hum. “Maybe? She’s got this thing where, like, once she builds up momentum she doesn’t really wanna stop. Going uphill especially, I think she thinks she’s gonna fall if she doesn’t do it all at once. One time we were helping Dustin take apart this… transmitter? Or something, doesn’t matter. Anyway, at Weathertop—”

“Weathertop?” Against his better judgment, Eddie looks up, but at least he’s got a distraction for now.

“Yeah, it’s Dustin’s name for that huge hill, y’know, the highest point in Hawkins.”

It’s a cute thought, but Eddie’s fond reply is stolen from him as he inadvertently glances ahead. He doesn’t say anything, but he feels the weight of Steve’s eyes on him.

“You okay? Did you see something?”

Steve raises the flashlight with renewed purpose. Eddie shakes his head. Tries to think of how to phrase this in the least mortifying way possible.

“Nah, man, it’s… it’s so dumb, never mind.”

Great, his go-to tactic: avoidance.

“Oh, yeah? Try me.”

There’s a pointed silence. And, as if Steve’s put some magic in the air, Eddie feels compelled to break it. Even the claws of his doubt that have sunk the deepest seem to relax slightly, and as he takes a breath, he’s hit with a sudden certainty: Steve won’t laugh.

“It’s just—just a thing from when I was a kid, y’know? I don’t, um, I’m not the biggest fan of, like, fog and shit.” He keeps his voice as light as he can, like maybe that can make the fear smaller. But Steve just looks at him, so earnestly listening, and he ends up tacking on more of the truth than he planned to. “I used to think it’d like. Take, um. Take people away.”

It skirts the edges of the full story—of the long nights he’d be left alone in his old home, waiting for his dad to come back. The place backed onto some woods, and when he was desperate he’d sit outside with his heart in his mouth, just watching the fog roll in.

You’re alone, the creeping mist would whisper. You’re all alone, and they’re never coming back.

He’d broken only once; the unhappiest of years had bled into one, but he couldn’t have been more than ten. He’d called Wayne. And back then, Wayne was only slightly more familiar than a stranger—it’d only be much later that Eddie would figure out the distance was a deliberate choice on his dad’s part—but he stayed on the line, and he must’ve missed his shift but never once mentioned it, just kept talking to Eddie quietly.

Eddie can’t remember how the phone call ended—his next clear memory is of Wayne’s car pulling up early in the morning, the gold of his headlights burning through the fog; he drove all the way from Hawkins, Eddie had thought with a childish wonder, as if Wayne had been on an impossible journey in an adventure book.

His dad must’ve returned at some point because Eddie vaguely recalls eavesdropping outside, dizzy with lack of sleep. It’s one of the only times he’s ever heard Wayne raise his voice: “For fuck’s sake, Al, that’s your kid.”

Steve absentmindedly passes the flashlight from one hand to the other. He looks thoughtful. “No kidding? Me too, kinda.”

You’re sweet, Eddie thinks; he can’t help it.  

He nudges Steve’s side with his elbow, “That’s nice of you and all, but you don’t need to make me feel better.”

“Hey, rude, I was being serious,” Steve says, with a lightheartedness that suggests maybe he’s sidestepping something just as much as Eddie. “I get it.”

It’s between one step and the next that an answer comes to Eddie. His mental map of Hawkins unfurls, and he zeroes in on the Harrington house; of course, Steve’s place backs onto the woods, too. There’s something undeniably comforting about a shared experience, however long ago. But mostly Eddie feels a twinge of sadness. I hope you weren’t as alone as I was.

“But that wasn’t the big fear,” Steve says—louder, more confident, like he’s somehow heard Eddie’s train of thought and is really saying, Come on, man, that’s enough. Have fun with me.

“No? Enlighten me, Harrington.”

“It was,” Steve says, as if he’s a very serious newscaster, “the sound of the toilet flushing.”

Eddie snorts. “It was not.”

“It was so! That thing sounded like a monster, dude, it was, like—” Grinning, Steve makes a juvenile noise in demonstration; it sounds more like static from a radio. It’s exaggerated and ridiculous, and so obviously done to make Eddie laugh. “And I’d run downstairs like this—” He covers an ear with his free hand, briefly stops walking to do a comical jog on the spot, “—so I wouldn’t have to hear it. Now that is embarrassing.”

“Okay, fine, dude,” Eddie says, still chuckling, “you win.”

Thank you.

The laughter helps, but it doesn’t quite stop the flare of anxiety when he catches sight of the girls again, the fog rendering them into nothing but shadows, like they might just vanish any second now.

“Hey, you know what?” Steve says kindly. “I don’t think Robin’ll be pissed at all.”

He whistles, and that brings back warmer memories of Steve in his element on the basketball court, Eddie pretending not to watch.

And as they catch up with Nancy and Robin, Eddie can see now that it’s not so bad really; the flashlight’s beam easily cuts through the fog. Steve smiles encouragingly, and he feels on the verge of some glimmering emotion; feels like he’s been given something that won’t ever slip away.

your fear but a lingering, limbic fear torn from shreds of forgotten years. Only that much is clear. —Alice B. Fogel, Forgiving the Darkness

[theseinfernalangels]

Heyyy I love your fics so much, they're so good!!

Could I request 30 with Garrick please :)

30: Weak, sweaty kisses because it’s unbearably hot.

It was hot — unusually hot, actually, even for a night in July. You had ditched your sheets and comforter and had half the mind to strip — but you weren’t that confident yet.

Garrick, though, has no problem with taking off his clothes in front of you — like now, as he lays shirtless in bed next to you. Thankfully, he doesn’t run hot even though he has so much muscle mass to him. He lies awake, but at least he’s somewhat comfortable. Not you, though. You’re sweating bullets — and you don’t think you’ve ever felt more uncomfortable in your life.

You groan as a hand comes up to lazily grope at your stomach. “Lovely,” Garrick whispers, playing with the hem of your nightshirt. “You’re going to have a heatstroke. You know you can take this off if you’re really uncomfortable.”

You shake your head. “No. I can’t work myself up to doing that yet.” You pout as you realize the distance between the two of you. It wouldn’t be the first time you’d cuddled in the aftermath of heat, but there was no way you’d be comfortable when you were slick with sweat.

Garrick notices right away. “Hey,” he says softly, lightly taking your hand in his. “You okay?”

You brush your bangs away from your dampened forehead. “Eh. I just wish I could be closer without being hotter. I feel fucking gross right now.”

He sits up and scoffs. “Is that really it?” Leaning over above you, he squints. “You realize that I could care less about that, right? We’ve full-on made out after sparring time and time again, and neither of us had any complaints then.”

“Well, yeah.” You shift a little, arching your back to let some air flow under you. “But that’s a heat of the moment thing. I’m too aware to not care about it right now. I don’t want to sweat all over you.”

Garrick makes a small tch noise, and you gasp a little as you feel his hand come up to support your back as he fully hovers above you. 

“As if I’d care about that.” He rolls his eyes, pressing his own sweat-dampened hairline to yours. “I feel lucky when you breathe in my direction.”

You resist the urge to huff at him; now you’re blushing, and that only makes you hotter. His fingers trace up your side reverently, though, which feels so damn good that you momentarily forgive him.

He pressed a chaste kiss to your lips. “This okay?” He asks carefully, his eyes searching yours for any signs that you don’t want him on you. You reach out and card your fingers through his curls, pushing his head back towards yours without saying anything. A little smirk lights up his face, and he wastes no time in peppering your face with little kisses.

“So. Fucking. Cute.” He emphasizes and enunciates every word. “I think this is just how I feel around you on the inside, anyway.” He kisses your bottom lip and nips at it gently. 

You don’t suppress the small sigh that works its way from your mouth. “What, I get you hot under the collar or something?” You tease, raising a brow. 

Garrick grins. “Not what I meant, but yeah — that, too. You can’t blame me, though, when you look like this.”

He scoots down a little and nuzzles into your tummy. “Fucking adorable,” he says into the fabric of your shirt. “I would stay here forever, if you let me.”

You chuckle, rubbing his head with sleep-weakened fingers. “Even though I’m drenched in sweat?”

Garrick nods, grasping your free hand in his. “Even though you’re drenched in sweat,” he agrees. “If you think that makes you less than perfect, then you’re crazy.”

“Me?” You stare at him in disbelief. “No. No way. You’re the crazy one out of the two of us.”

“Only for you, lovely,” he hums, laying his head on your��

[notitlesapply]

Okay I had a lovely and very horny idea late last night, and I figured I would share.

Basic premise is that clones have no sense of body shame (because they grew up where 95% of everyone around them looked the same) and Jedi, for the most part, have no body shame because of the whole "luminous beings we are not this crude matter." I mean sure for both groups there are exceptions, but for the most part Jedi and clones don't care about nudity. They also don't care about being shy about sex. Sex is natural and feels good.

Mandos on the other hand, like to cover up like Victorian maidens and they have matching sensibilities about nekkid time.

(more under the cut for spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️)

Okay, so in this fic, Jango is alive because I wanna scar Jango. I love him so much but I want him to be punished for his crimes 😈

Anyway, basic set up, things are like canon, Jango is the clone template, a bounty hunter, morally dark gray asshole, hater of Jedi yadda yadda, but also at some point he got control of Mandalore again. He's Mand'alor, ruling the sector, and didn't die. Like canon, Mandalore wants nothing to do with the war, but just like in canon keep getting dragged into shit.

BTW Satine is not gone in this AU because I love her. I think she and Jango have a very loveless political marriage for the stability of Mandalore. Satine is head advisor, and in reality she's the one actually getting shit done in Mandalore's government. Do you think Jango gives a shit about infrastructure? About economics, land rights, keeping the peace between clans, or setting and collecting taxes? Does Jango even know how to fund hospitals, schools, and roads? HELL NO! He leaves that to Satine, who's doing the actual work of running the government, but Jango always gets the final say cause he's the absolute ruler and whatnot. Yes Jango and Satine butt heads and sometimes he fucks up her projects, but for the most part, he leaves the bureaucracy to her.

Anyway, back on track. So at some point Mandalore has to make nice with the Republic. They're going to make a treaty. The Republic sends Obi-Wan and the 212th because 1) Obi-Wan is the Negotiator and 2) Obi-Wan can actually speak Mando'a and is familiar with their leaders and culture.

Of course as soon as Jango hears it's Obi-Wan on his way, he cockblocks Satine. He knows they have a history. He's not going to take the chance that Satine will go soft on her old flame. He's going to deal with the Jedi himself.

Meanwhile Satine is laughing at him on the inside because if he thinks he can handle Obi-Wan Kenobi better than her, he's even more of a meathead than she thought.

Anyway, Obi-Wan and the 212th touch down on Mandalore. Jango, being an absolute ass, goes with a power play right off the bat. He issues a single room for Obi-Wan and his soldiers. To be fair, it's a barracks room, so it can fit quite a few of Obi-Wan's entourage, but even though Obi-Wan informs Jango how many people are coming, Jango only provides half the number of beds required. So when Obi-Wan comes down, there's barely enough space for all the men.

Obi-Wan and the men play it cool. They'll just double bunk. No problem. (Cody, of course, volunteers instantly to be Obi-Wan's bed buddy. No one is surprised.)

Jango is a little irritated at how calm they are about the arrangements, so he decides to double down on the assholery. He orders his staff to turn the heat up in the guest barracks.

This was his first mistake.

His second mistake was barging into the room early in the morning with his advisors in an effort to surprise the Republic dogs. The 212th are half asleep. And every. Single. One. Is. NAKED.

The Mandos brains short out. That's a LOT of nekkid men sharing beds or laying on the bare floor. Sure the room is hot, but don't they have the decency to wear light sleep clothes?! (Jokes on them, the Republic doesn't provide pajamas.)

Jango is not about to be beaten though. He's red as a chilli pepper under his helmet, but he's going to power play like a BOSS. He demands to be pointed in the direction of Kenobi. (A sleepy soldier points to the back of the room and promptly passes back out on his brother's sweaty stomach.)

The Mandos march to the back, struggling not to look at all the exposed body parts. (The advisors are horrified to realize they now know what their Mand'alor looks like naked.)

Jango is sure the Jedi at least will be clothed (don't Jedi wear like 10 layers of robes?) but to his horror, Obi-Wan is lounging nude on his bed, working on a data pad. Commander Cody is sprawled out next to him in the bed fast asleep, also nude, and (to Jango horror) sporting morning wood. (The advisors are now crying under their buckets because now they've seen their leader's erect cock, how scandalous!)

"Good morning, Alor, how may I help you?" Obi-Wan asks politely in a quiet voice so as not to disturb Cody's sleep. Jango sputters, his brain rebooting.

"Cover your dicks!" Jango finally growls out. This wakes up Cody, who opens one glaring eye. Cody mutters under his breath before rolling over, pressing his hard on into Obi-Wan's side to cover it, then hitching up a leg to cover Obi-Wan's groin.

"Happy now, Prime?" Cody grumbles. He doesn't wait for an answer before promptly closing his eyes. (The Mandos have blue screened. Mando.exe error)

Obi-Wan looks fondly at Cody before looking back at Jango expectantly. Jango sputters some BS nonsense and keeps staring resolutely at Obi-Wan hair line before making the basic pleasantries to leave. Cody mutters "Finally" before rolling back over, exposing his hard dick again. The head is suspiciously shiny and there's a bit of wetness against Obi-Wan's side. Jango firmly Stops Thinking About It before basically sprinting outta there, his advisors following in his wake. He orders more bedding for the Republic envoy pronto and to lower the AC in the room. Make it chilly.

Now Jango is not one to give up. He's going to one up the Jedi. He does his trick of barging in unannounced, his advisors with him. They're all going to be clothed this time because now it's cold in here.

No such luck.

The 212th have made a giant cuddle pile in the center of the room to keep warm. While yes, a few soldiers are wearing their thermal blacks and wrapping up in blankets, most of them are butt ass naked in a giant pile snuggling for warmth and comfort. And since it's no longer hot, more than a few of them have decided to let off some steam with sexy times. (None of the Mandos wanted to know what Jango's O-face looked like, but apparently they get to know now!)

But to give Jango credit, he's not willing to back down. He asks to be shown to Kenobi. (A clone points him to the far edge of the pile before going back to pound a fellow trooper into the mattress.)

Red faced, Jango and (most) of his advisors march over to the Jedi. (One poor advisor was just like "Nope!" and dipped.) Luckily it looks like Kenobi is one of the ones who kept clothes on. Yes Cody is sprawled on top of him, dozing, but they're both wearing their shirts and a blanket is over them for warmth.

"How may I help you, gentle beings?" Obi-Wan asks politely. He's petting Cody's hair. It's disgustingly domestic and Jango HATES it. (But at least they're not doing anything risque, because Jango thinks he'll die if he ever saw one of his clones fucking a Jedi.)

Jango starts in on his well practiced speech of all the demands Mandalore has for the Republic. He goes on and on, sounding angrier and angrier. He's desperately trying to ignore the wet sloppy sounds behind him and the moans. Another advisor flees. Jango takes note to prepare discriminatory action.

Finally, Cody opens one baleful eye and calmly says, "Shut up."

Cody sits up on Obi-Wan's lap. The blanket falls, revealing that while they had their shirts on, they had kicked off their lowers at some point. Cody apparently was warming Obi-Wan, because the Jedi's prick is firmly wedged in his Commander's ass.

Cody proceeds to rant at Jango about how this is not the time to talk politics and demands. They have a goddamn schedule, remember?! Their meeting is later. The 212th has rest time for at least another 2 hours, this is a private space given to them, and the Mandos being fucking rude for bothering them.

As he continues berating the Mandos, Obi-Wan starts softly moaning underneath him. Cody has decided to lightly bounce on his Jedi's lap because he's a multi-tasker, and he's fucking horny after warming his Jedi for half an hour. Jango and his advisors are staring and dying a little inside. It's like watching a speeder wreck. They can't look away.

Cody wraps up his little rant before turning his attention solely on his panting Jedi.

"You cum when I say you can," Cody orders firmly before riding Obi-Wan in earnest. The Jedi cries out in agreement, his hips bucking. Cody starts groaning out filthy praise, "Oh oh your dick is so perfect! Long and fat and filling me up so good! Good boy..."

Jango books it outta there, his advisors trailing after him.

Later, when they have the official meeting, Jango wants this to be over with pronto. He agrees to everything Obi-Wan says. He just wants the Jedi and the clones gone. He can't look Obi-Wan or Cody in the eyes. Satine is giving Jango the side eye, but also smirking a little. She doesn't know what happened, but whatever Obi-Wan did, it rattled Jango and she's laughing at him for it.

She also offers to let Obi-Wan and the 212th stay longer as her personal guests so Jango can't just throw them out. Jango is horrified to know that these horny degenerates are going to be on his planet longer. Obi-Wan gracefully accepts her offer. Satine suggests that the 212th explore the city. The 212th heads out and more than a few hook up with some locals. Sooooo many Mandos now know what Jango looks like naked. Jango is nicknamed "Mand'alor the Lover" and "Mand'alor the Big Dick". He's dying.

[satorella]

“𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞 (𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆) 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”

You watched as a bead of sweat dripped down the side of 𝐒𝐚𝐞’𝐬 temple. You guys have been at this for what felt like forever.

“You think you’re so fucking cool. Don’t you, Itoshi?” You taunted, with a mischievous grin forming on your face. “Just because I’m a girl, you think you’re better than me? I made it this far in the academy, same as you. Asshole.”

“You gonna keep hogging the ball, L/n? Hurry up and pass it to someone already so we can call it a day.” Sae sighs, his usual bored expression on his face.

His nonchalance spikes your goddamn blood pressure.

You grit your teeth, “Why? So you can just steal it from whichever loser teammate of mine? Fuck you.”

“Ah great, here we go again…” You hear the other players whine in the background.

That was the last time you saw Sae Itoshi, before you got scouted by your dream team overseas.

Madrid was quiet. Too quiet without you. He realized then, that the challenge wasn’t as fun anymore… if it wasn’t with you.

He wondered how you were doing. If you were happy with your new team and friends. If you were content with how your life was going right now.

If you’ve thought about him at all…

Wait. Is that what this feeling is? He misses you? Nah, can’t be him. You guys were rivals. You guys have hated each other since the day he arrived at the academy.

Well… you did, anyway. He never actually hated you. How could he, when you were the only form of entertainment he had there? The only one who could get his heart pumping… in more ways than one.

His thumb hovered over your contact.

Would you even answer?

Fuck it. Only one way to find out. And if you didn’t answer, he’ll just say it was a buttdial. Boom.

He pressed the call button.

After a few rings, you still hadn’t answered. Damnit, he shouldn’t have done this. He was about to cut off the call, when…

“Hello?” You finally answered, groggy from sleep.

He was silent for a second. He didn’t think you’d actually answer. But fuck did he feel a bit relieved.

“It’s me.” Was all he managed to get out. Idiot.

“Um, yeah? I know?” You pulled your phone away from your ear to double check the contact name. “Did I wake you?” He mentally facepalmed himself. He totally forgot about the different timezones.

You rolled onto your back and rubbed your eyes, “Y-Yeah…” He pinched the bridge of his nose, “Sorry. I’ll let you go-”

“Did you need something, Sae?” You cut him off, surprisingly not wanting to end the conversation just yet.

He blinked up at the ceiling. This was the first time he’s ever heard you call him by his first name, or spoken to him in a softer tone in general…

“Sae?” You called out to him again, snapping him out of his thoughts. “How’s your new team?” He clears his throat, his usual stoic tone returning. Though it didn’t annoy you this time.

You sat up in bed, fully awake now. “Good enough for me, as I knew they would be. My dream team after all, heh.” He nodded, even though you couldn’t see it. Good, you were happy.

“What about you? How are things?” You asked, genuinely curious. “Honestly? Boring.” He sighed. “How so?” “No one challenges me anymore. Not like you.” He spoke before thinking his words through. “Oh? Don’t tell me you miss me.” You joked. “I do.” He says bluntly. Your eyes widened, “I-I was kidding!” “I wasn’t.”

“…Did something happen, or?” You could hear your heart thumping in your chest. “No. Just wanted to hear your voice.” “You really don’t hold back, huh?” You chuckled awkwardly.

How were you supposed to respond? The guy hates your guts…

Right?

“Do you miss it?” He asked. “Eh? Miss what?” “Shit talking me every day. Glaring at me every chance you get.” He elaborates. You thought for a moment.

“Well I mean, my blood pressure doesn’t spike as much now that you aren’t around.” You joked again, “But… yeah. I miss beating you at your own game and all.” “Shut up,” He clicks his tongue, “I’m being serious.”

This conversation was making you… feel things. Things you tried to deny and hide away.

“…Yeah. I do kinda sorta… miss you. Just a teeny tiny bit. But don’t let that get to your head. Asshole.” Ah, and there it was. He was starting to think you’d gone soft.

“Come see me.” He blurted. Shit.

“W-What?” You tried not to sound surprised. “It’s off-season. And you’re clearly not going anywhere or visiting your family. So come visit me instead. I’m sure the bartender at that one bar downtown would have a kick at seeing us together… not trying to kill each other for once.” The last part made you giggle.

Sae Itoshi actually managed to make you laugh. Not a menacing or angry laugh, but a cute laugh.

Maybe moving overseas did make you soft…

Or maybe missing you, made HIM soft?

When you didn’t say anything for a while, he spoke up again. “I just emailed you the plane ticket.” You blinked at nothing, “What?!” You quickly rolled out of bed, stumbled over to your desk, opened your laptop, and logged into your email.

Sure enough, there was an email from him. “S-Sae you didn’t have to pay for my- huh? Day after tomorrow?!” “It was the last and soonest flight. Perfect right?” You could tell he probably had a smug expression on his face right now. “I didn’t even say yes!” You scoffed. “True, but I knew you would have. Anyways, I’ll let you go back to bed now. See you on Friday.”

“W-Wait!” You quickly called out before he could hang up on you. “What?” “I, um…” He waited for you to continue, “…I-I hate you.”

He let out a barely there, soft chuckle.

“I hate you too, Y/n.”

© 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝.

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[bradleysass]

gaze - @into-the-jeggyverse - wc: 878

It wasn’t unusual for James to call. It wasn’t unusual for James to call too much. But tonight—tonight was something else.

Regulus stepped out of the shower, toweling his hair dry, and stared at his phone screen. 20 missed calls.

19 from James.

1 from Sirius.

A message from Sirius waiting at the bottom:

"Reggie look at this puppy dog gaze at his phone waiting for you to answer."

Attached: a photo of James, sprawled on Sirius’s couch, cheeks flushed, holding his phone with both hands and staring at the screen like it held the answers to the universe.

Regulus sighed. And pressed play.

Voicemail 1: "Reg? REGULUS. Oh, it’s the beep already. Okay. So. Pick up."

Voicemail 2: "You’re not picking up. Okay. But. I just wanna say… I saw a cat that looked like you? Not, like, in a bad way. It was regal. And pretty. And aloof. Anyway. Call me."

Voicemail 3: "REGULUS. Regulus. Reggie. Black. Mister Black. You remember when you used to make me tea after Quidditch practice? You made it too strong on purpose. I know you did. I forgave you. Call me back."

Voicemail 4: "Okay, but, like. Seriously. Why didn’t we work? I mean, we did work. We worked so well! Like, so well. Everyone said so. Except maybe Sirius. But he doesn’t count. Or he does. I dunno. Call me."

Voicemail 5: "I’m not calling to get back together. Promise. PROMISE. Just… like. I need to hear your voice? Is that bad? That’s bad. I’m sorry. Ignore this. Unless you wanna call me back."

Voicemail 6: "Reggie. Sirius said I’m cut off but I snuck another Firewhisky. Don’t be mad. Are you mad? I miss your mad face. It was cute. Like when your nose does the thing. You know the thing. Ugh. Call me."

Voicemail 7: "You ever think about that holiday? That one in Greece? With the scooter? And you screamed the whole time because I couldn’t drive? I still have the helmet. It smells like your shampoo. I’m not weird, I swear."

Voicemail 8: "Regulus. REGULUS. I had a dream last week. You were in it. But you were a swan. And you bit me. What does that mean? Please respond."

Voicemail 9: "Did you know Lily still asks about you? She’s like, ‘How’s Reggie?’ and I’m like, ‘He’s fine, probably.’ But are you fine? Are you really fine? Because if you’re not I can be there in like, five minutes. Maybe ten. Definitely less than fifteen."

Voicemail 10: "I just wanna say… I’m proud of you. You’re doing so good. Even if you think you’re not. I see it. You’re so strong. And smart. And pretty. Like, stupid pretty. Sorry. Okay. Next voicemail will be more normal."

Voicemail 11: "...okay this one isn’t normal. I lied. BUT. Do you remember when you first let me sleep over at your flat? And you were all nervous but pretended you weren’t? And you gave me that pillow? I still have it. It’s the comfiest pillow. Like. Ever."

Voicemail 12: "I know we said we wouldn’t call each other when we’re drinking. But technically I didn’t promise. So I think it doesn’t count? Right? Right? Anyway. Hi."

Voicemail 13: "If you could be any fruit what would you be? Sirius says you’d be a pomegranate because you’re mysterious and hard to open. I think you’re more like a peach. Soft. Sweet. Little fuzzy. Heh. Okay. Call me back."

Voicemail 14: "Regulus Black. You beautiful, brilliant disaster. I hope you’re happy. You deserve happy. Even if it’s not with me. But also like. Maybe it could still be with me? Someday? Don’t answer that. Actually answer it. Or don’t. Fuck. I dunno."

Voicemail 15: "Sirius is yelling at me to stop calling you. I told him no. He threw a pillow at me. It missed. He’s bad at aiming. Haha. I won. Call me back."

Voicemail 16: "You know what? I’m glad we’re friends. I really am. You’re my best friend. You always will be. I just… sometimes I forget we’re not more. And then it hits me like a bludger to the face. But I’m okay. Just wanted you to know."

Voicemail 17: "Do you remember that song we used to dance to? It came on tonight. I almost called you right then but Sirius stole my phone. Rude. But now I got it back. And I’m calling you. Obviously. Call me back, Reggie."

Voicemail 18: "Reggie I think I’m gonna regret these voicemails tomorrow. But also not. Because they’re honest. And I mean every word. You’re amazing. And I love you. Not like… like. But also like. You know? Yeah. You know."

Voicemail 19: "Last one. I promise. Unless it’s not. But it is. I’m gonna stop now. I’m gonna go to sleep. Sirius says he’ll throw water on me if I don’t. Goodnight, Regulus. Sweet dreams. Love you."

Regulus stared at his phone. He didn’t hit call right away. But he smiled.

Then he opened the message thread, thumb hovering over the keyboard.

"Tell him I’ll call him tomorrow. And that I’m glad he still has the pillow."

And with that, Regulus set the phone down. And for the first time in weeks, slept soundly.

[anyshowwitharainbow]

hii, i saw ur requests are open. may i request agathario x reader where reader had a subdrop? reader feeling overwhelmed and anxious from a long night of activities, always curious how they would help reader 🫣

I hope this is what you were after 🥺 I may make some edits when I wake up and re-read, but here you are!! Enjoy!

Warnings + Tags: 18+ for NSFW themes MDNI, fluff, post-sex, subdrop, mentions of squirting, caring Agatha and Rio, sub reader, mommy!Agatha, daddy!Rio, cg/l themes, no mention of pronouns, pet names Words: ~2.3k

You aren’t sure when the weight sitting in your chest anchored itself to your spine. You could be convinced an alien just drop kicked you back down to Earth. Moments you know are no further from you than a few breaths feel fuzzy and you try desperately to grip them and root them back into reality.

When you reach for them they part like they are made of nothing but fog and dust. Each attempt at clutching them closer smudges their edges and blurs the memory they hold. You feel too scared to keep trying, lest they become damaged beyond repair.

There are glimpses of bliss, you still feel the buzz from a haughty assuredness that has since frozen in your bones. The warmth of a carefully woven safety net fades into a cool, shadowy abyss and you feel foreign in your own body.

Did you do something wrong?

Should you have done something differently?

Do you still have a purpose in the space you suddenly feel intrusive in occupying?

Were you welcome here in the first place?

The thrumming echo of competing thoughts swells against your skull and you’re paralyzed between fight or flight. You’re not sure if you truly have an option. If you sit still enough for long enough you could petrify into something unobtrusive. You might be more useful as decor, anyways.

What would it be like? To forever be a fly on the wall? Aware of who people are when no one is watching- but never aware of yourself?

Your body is rocked by a confident presence flopping down unceremoniously to your left.

“Jesus, I’m fucking thirsty,” Agatha heaves, panting and grimacing when her hands land on her skin.

She is thinly layered in a sheen of sweat and you assume her soft, disgruntled ‘hmm’ is the sound effect from taking a mental note to wash the sheets tomorrow.

The ballooning in your head is harshly popped and awareness hits you like a freight train, horn blaring as it crashes into you.

The sheets are cold beneath you and your own sweat makes you shiver. The movement jostles you and you recoil away from the pool of your wetness you sat in. Hazy memories crystalize in sudden clarity and you blanche- frozen aside from the burning of your cheeks.

You made a mess. In the moment, your body had stolen your autonomy… It felt so good when Rio tickled depths in you that had never been reached… Sure, squirting everywhere was probably hot for the five seconds while it was happening.

Now, its an inconvenience. Agatha and Rio don’t want to sleep in Lake Superior.

You begin to buzz with panic, highly aware that you need to appear casual. Unbothered. If you take up more space, more energy, they may tire of you.

Don’t be fucking stupid.

They won’t just suddenly cast you aside. They’ve had years to get rid of you. If they were going to toss you aside they would’ve done it by now.

It’s the truth. They’ve loved you for so many years. You’ve shared so much time. Enough time for them to grow bored of your insecurities. Who wants to have sex with someone who makes it weird afterwards?

No, that’s dumb. Everything is clearly fine.

You assert this truth over yourself for a moment. It is true…right?

Hesitantly, you let yourself feel proud. It’s not everyday you single-handedly talk yourself off the ledge.

Probably best not to test their patience, though.

You need to do something to make yourself useful. Something is begging to be fixed. You aren’t quite sure what, but you know that the consequence of not doing it is losing Agatha and Rio’s love and affection.

“I’ll wash the sheets!” you declare in an effort to avoid letting yourself wonder if you ever truly had it all.

Hastily, you clamber to rise from the bed. Your limbs are jelly and you aren’t prepared for the lack of help your body offers. Your flailing to gain enough momentum to hoist yourself up is cut short by Agatha pulling you back down.

“Don’t be silly, bunny. It can wait.” Agatha tries to nuzzle into you as she pulls the covers over you both, but you’re fidgeting uncomfortably and she looks at you with concern.

It looks as though she wants to say something more, but she doesn’t. Her eyes are scanning your face and you feel her reading your features, assessing what may be wrong.

After a moment, her eyes flick to Rio’s. You follow her gaze and see that Rio has returned to the room with a bag of wet wipes and a hand towel. Big brown eyes, swimming in concern seem to be in conversation with Agatha’s. When Rio focuses her attention on you, you are entranced by how easily she calls your full focus. She cautiously, but surely approaches.

“Can I help you sit up, bunny?” She casually offers, concern no longer as evident as it was moments ago.

You consider fussing at the ask, but her presence is so unassuming that you feel compelled to allow her request. You nod, happy with your decision when you are given a proud smile.

“Perfect. I wanted to come clean you up and I was hoping I could squeeze in behind you.” She looks towards Agatha, “That is, if Mommy agrees to release you.”

Agatha’s hold on you tightens and she drawls out a long hum of indecision.

“I suppose I can share our little bunny’s snuggles.” Agatha concedes, “On one condition.”

She coyly poses the bargain and your curiosity begins to chip away at your stoicism. You look to Rio and she only raises her brows and shrugs. Turning back to Agatha, your curiosity peaks when she matches Rio’s shrug.

“What?” you prod.

“You have to be good for Daddy while I go get us something to drink.” She presses a kiss to your temple and gives you time to consider her terms.

You don’t want Agatha to go, but you feel like it’d be ridiculous to ask her to stay. She’ll only be gone for a few minutes. And you actually are quite thirsty…

You un-scrunch your face and look to her, nodding your head. Surprise is overshadowed by relief when she doesn’t ask you to use your words. Warm contentedness pulls at the anchor that weighs you down.

“The kitchen is serving water- still or sparkling- and a selection of our finest imported juices- pouched or boxed. What will it be, my loves?”

Before you can begin to ponder your choices, Rio is assessing her own.

“Do we have the green boxes or the yellow ones?”

“We have both, but our head juice expert keeps the yellow boxes chilled at the request of our most esteemed patron.”

You didn’t know there was juice in the fridge…

“Purple?” you ask and they both look to you.

You hear Rio chuckle and you can tell by the twinkle in Agatha’s eye that she is beaming with pride. The remaining weight nestled into your chest begins to levitate away from you.

“Of course, bunny. Mommy knows grape is your favorite.” Her subtle coo turns the last of the weight to dust and blows it away. “One purple coming up. What will Daddy be having this evening?”

Rio purses her lips in indecision, brows furrowed in thought before she groans.

“I can’t decide, bunny. What do you think?”

You can’t help the smile that creeps over your features. You bite your lip and take the task of deciding seriously.

“Purple!” You decide easily.

“Purple it is!” Rio matches your enthusiasm.

“Did you pick purple so you and Daddy could match, baby?”

You give a shy nod, uncertainty threatening to pick at your comfort.

“Can Mommy have a purple so she can match too?” Agatha strokes your cheek and excitement takes the place of the previously looming uncertainty.

You nod again and swallow your whine when Agatha untangles from you and stands up.

“Three purples it is. Be good for Daddy, bun. I’ll be right back.”

Before she leaves, she grabs the hand towel from Rio. Once you are alone, Rio’s attention is firmly locked onto you. She sets the wet wipes next to you and helps pull you up. Settling in behind you, you melt into the warmth of her skin.

Her breasts are soft against your back, nipples playfully poking against you.

“Come here, mi corazoncito,” she whispers, humming in satisfaction when you soften into putty in her hands. “Do you want to talk about where you went? After we finished?”

You swallow hard but don’t have the chance wander from the safety you’re surrounded in as she slowly rubs her hands up and down your arms.

“You don’t have to, but I’m here if you want to. No matter what it is or how mean your thoughts might be Daddy’s always here to listen. You know that, yes?”

Upon your nod of affirmation, you are further unwound by her murmur of approval. She hums in the comfortable silence that’s fallen over you, swaying you gently. She isn’t waiting for you to say something, content to share this moment with you however you’d like to spend it.

“I don’t want you all to get tired of me…” You hesitantly offer.

She gives your statement room to breathe, careful with how her reaction and response will meet you.

“That sounds like a scary thought, bunny. Is there something you think we’d get tired of?”

Her question isn’t accusatory and you feel welcome to ponder it truly. You chew at your lip before you decide you’ve come up with the right words.

“I don’t know… I know I need a lot sexually and emotionally. I made a gigantic mess and I guess I just thought maybe you all wished I was less… I’m not sure. Just ‘less’ in general I guess. Then I think I wanted reassurance but that made me feel like ‘more’ instead of ‘less’. So I figured if I made myself useful it would level things out… It made more sense in my head.”

“Can I give you that reassurance now?” With your permission, she continues. “We need you in all of the same ways, bunny. You and Agatha are everything to me. You are never a burden. Everything I give, or Agatha gives, we give freely. You are endlessly lovable, sexy, and perfect in every way. And you didn’t make a mess. I proudly claim full responsibility for you soaking the sheets. Give credit where its due.”

You snort at her playful cockiness and she joins you in soft laughter.

“We love you so much, bunny.” She soothes lowly, her breath tickling your ear and freckling your skin with goosebumps.

“I know.” Your response is met with a tight squeeze. “I love you too.”

You both settle into the comfortable warmth of each other’s company before she shifts to reach for something.

“Can you be good for Daddy, sweetheart? I need to clean you up now.”

You hear the packet of wet wipes crinkle and shyness creeps over you.

“Shh… It’s okay.” Her left hand gently rubs the center of your chest and she holds the wet wipe held in the other against her own skin. “See?”

She lazily pats at your thighs with the wipe to get you used to the temperature and texture before bringing it to your center and wiping you clean.

“All done.” She whispers before a soft kiss tickles the shell of your ear.

“Can you promise me something?” She continues when you offer a soft ‘mmhmm’. “If your thoughts ever start to get mean or scary you’ll let Daddy or Mommy know, hmm? Even if you don’t have words to describe them or what you need promise me you’ll let us try and help.”

You ponder this. Not because you are uncertain of your answer, but because you want her to know how certainly committed you are to meeting her request.

“I promise.”

She quirks her brow and you understand before she needs to further coax you into what she wants to hear.

“I promise I’ll let you and Mommy know if I ever feel overwhelmed or if my thoughts get scary.”

“So good for Daddy, bunny. Thank you.” Rio squeezes you as tight as she can you you’re certain you could pop when Agatha’s voice loosens her grip.

“Promise Mommy too, bunny.”

You comply, trying your best not to make eye contact with the juice boxes tucked in her arm. She thanks you by inserting the attached straw into a juice box and offering it to you.

“Thank you, Mommy.” You make a show of your manners, hoping for praise.

“So polite, bunny. Mommy is proud of you for being brave and talking to Daddy.”

Her voice soothes an ache deep inside you that you hadn’t realized lingered. You notice the hand towel she left with is now damp and a few shades darker.

“Can you be good one more time and open up?” She taps at your legs and you let them fall open.

Your grumble at the cool air hitting your still-cold center is quickly replaced by an appreciative sigh. The cloth she pets your core with is warm and the noises you make are nothing short of purrs of delight.

You spend the rest of the night a tangle of limbs and laughter. The soft kisses the three of you share taste of grape juice and the promise of a lifetime and any that follow. Though your thoughts will ebb and flow, your best efforts occasionally thwarted by doubts, the truth of your life is nestled deeply within every fiber of your being.

You are safe. You are loved. You will be cherished forevermore.

*---*

Looking for more? -> AO3 | My Fics

[kilojulietsierra]

Two thoughts from your Ellis blurb:

Shen was Jack’s first duckling - met him as a scrawny intern then Sam adopted him and started sending extra food. Jack liked Shen was unflappable, and a little quirky. Kept him on his toes.

Ellis gets invited to girls night, “but don’t tell Jack” - when Jack gets wind of Ellis going to girls night he turns to the three ladies and says “do not corrupt her. She’s mine.”

Shen

- Shen kind of gives me stray cat vibes, like we didn’t pick him but we somehow ended up with him 🤷🏻‍♀️

- Jack picked Ellis and then he picked King, basically outright stole them out from under Robby’s nose. But Shen I feel like Robby pawned him off on Jack a little bit.

- Robby and Jack go out for beers and Robby tells him “Brother, I am going to strangle this kid I swear.” Jack snorts “is this you trying to convince me to take him? Because it’s not working.”

- Shen ended up on night shift anyway

- He’s book smart, like really book smart. Which makes Jack nervous. Nights are for the street-smart kids and Jack is a sink or swim kind of teacher.

- Shen gets on his nerves too and boy does Jack give Robby hell because “fuck you man” but one thing, the only thing at first, that Jack can cling to? This kid does not bat an eye.

- Nothing phases him. Nothing. The kid is rock solid, stone cold, unflappable.

- Shen maybe wasn’t ever a “favorite” but Jack still memorized his ungodly complicated Dunkin order. Still told Sam about him. She starts to throw in a little extra food here and there because Jack’s pretty sure he lives on coffe, vending machine snacks and food service cart sandwiches

- Shen will make a good doctor and Jack is going to help get him there, but he’s going to scowl. A lot.

- Jack hadn’t ever really cared to go the extra mile with any of the residents before Shen. They were there to learn and Jack therefore occasionally had to teach. Thankfully not often because no young doctor wants to start on nights.

- So Shen was kind of the test run because, as much as he may have got on Jacks nerves at first, he liked the kid. He wanted to see him succeed.

- A little tipsy on a night off Jack and Sam are cuddling on the patio, Jack is complaining about something Shen did wrong the night before. “I taught him better than that, he should know by now.” Sam starts to giggle “everyone always says you make all the mistakes with the first kid. We’ll do better with the next one.” Jack sips his bourbon with a smirk and nods, “I’m sure he’ll be fine”

- So maybe Shen never got the full Jack and Sam Abbot adoption package, but he’s definitely the one that started it all

Girls Night Out

- They keep it low key. A rooftop bar with a cool vibe and a bougie drink menu

- Because Jack cornered them before they left the house, mostly Emery and Yolanda “do not, look at me, do not get her in trouble, do not corrupt her, do not try to convince her to switch specialties. She’s mine. Am I clear?”

- Walsh gives him a snarky salute.

- Garcia “ok daaaad, whatever you say”

- Sam puts a hand on his chest “best behavior baby, I promise” Jack looks her up and down and tips her chin up for a kiss “don’t believe that for one second” but he has to bite back a smirk

- Parker feels a little out of place at first, like the little sister just tagging along

- Yolanda takes care of that quick tho because she is the friend that can drag you into anything. Good, bad or otherwise.

- Emery has been at PTMC the longest so she gives Parker all the tea. Who’s sleeping with who, who used to sleep with who, who wants to sleep with who. Who costs the hospital the most in malpractice litigation. Who had to retake their boards and how many times. Why Langdon is so bitchy.

- They have a firm no work talk policy apparently but they make an exception the first night because there’s a lot they need to o catch her up on.

- It’s eye opening

- It’s informative

- It’s like cheat codes to the hospital

- Parker learns that Sam used to work as a PRN nurse at the Pitt (second job before she got promoted to charge nurse at the VA) which explains a lot about her relationship with everyone.

- She doesn’t remember the last time she had this much fun and it makes Parker feel a little warm and fuzzy when Emery adds her to a group chat so they can do it again soon

- They stay out until closing time and at the end of the night when Sam snatched the bill and dropped a card on the tray that very clearly had Jacks name on it she must catch the nervous look on Parker’s face because she laughs “told you you’re his favorite”

~~~~~~~~~~~

A part of the Save Me From Myself universe!

[star-lights-up]

so saw this post and it made me think of a similar (but different) cherik au.

so there's this show called splitting up together. I've never watched it but my mom loves it and it has pam from the office which is cool and anyway i've had it explained to me like. 500 times. so i feel confident in basing an au off this.

Charles and Erik can't stand each other. Charles and Erik are married. Charles and Erik have three kids.

Charles and Erik get a divorce.

Charles and Erik continue living in the same house.

(this is the premise of the show. this is actually all i know about it besides there being a scene where they sing the pina colada song so everything from here on out is pretty much me making shit up).

Basically, one of them has the little in law unit in the backyard and one of them is in the house parenting the kids, switching off weeks. But they're basically in the same house. The in law unit is connected, let's say, and doesn't have a kitchen.

So on their off weeks from parenting they date other people and you know, whatever, it's fine. Erik starts going out with this lady Magda, charles hits on his friend moira to no avail but ends up going on some dates with this dude logan who's one of moira's friends.

ANYHOO neither relationship really goes well.

Logan's like, bub, you're self-sacrificing to the point where it's just exhausting to be around you because you're a fucking pushover. Except for when you're being STUBBORN to the point of idiocy.

And Magda's like, whoa, shit man, you've got some SERIOUS mental health issues dontcha. Erik's like NO I'M FINE THERAPY IS FOR THE WEAK and Magda just looks at him like. bruh. you are not fine. You have anger management issues, probably some form of PTSD, and severe anxiety to the point where you are just tiring.

Meanwhile, parenting wise, things are going pretty shitty too.

Charles can't get the kids to do anything. Wanda's been sneaking out at night to see her boyfriend and he's pretty sure pietro is running with a bad crowd now and his grades are dropping and LORNA. bloody fucking hell, lorna is a NIGHTMARE whose favorite word is NO.

And then Erik's like, giving his kids the ultimate stress. Lorna cries all the time because he yells at her when she's having a tantrum, and Wanda and Pietro are both mad at him for taking away their phones and the fact that he never sleeps so when they try to sneak out, he's sitting there in the kitchen with a glass of water and a book and is like "oh, midnight snack i see?" and they're all pissed. Oh and they ALSO get yelled at.

Anyways.

Erik's constantly feeling like an awful person whose kids hate him and who has no way of ever being loved again. Charles is really, really overwhelmed and feeling inadequate.

However, feelings of failure? while yes, they may lead to a few weeks long period of these sad gay men drowning in alcohol, they also can lead to change!

Charles starts figuring out how to enforce rules without not being his kind self. He goes to the root of the problems, too, realizing that pietro is overwhelmed and being bullied and Wanda is super anxious and feels like her boyfriend is the only person in the world who understands her (as kids often do at that age), and tries to offer them a bit more support. And lorna... well, she's a brat. But she did grow up in a house watching charles and erik yell at each other, instead of watching the relationship gradually sour like her older siblings did, so she's just learned from example that screaming? well it gets attention.

Erik starts realizing that yelling at lorna? not helping. He does some reading on tantrums and stuff and starts teaching her some breathing exercises, leading her though them when she gets overwhelmed. And, surprisingly, they start helping him too. He starts yelling less. His kids talk to him more. And as he listens to them, they, in turn, are more willing to listen to him.

Now, all of this makes charles and erik kinda go 👀 i left him? the guy doing breathing exercises with our six year old? the guy watching old 90's movies with wanda and pietro?

And. Well. One thing leads to another. AKA several long months of flirting, parties thrown by their friends that they both attend and then drunkenly continue the flirting at, more flirting, and the eventual realization that damn, they've missed each other.

Because they fell in love for a reason. It wasn't just charles's smile Erik fell for, it was the way he went out of his way to be kind to everyone, to understand their worldview. It wasn't just Erik's handsome face that Charles fell for, it was his devotion, devotion to his work, to his friends, his family, to Charles.

So eventually, they're getting married again. Everyone in their life is rolling their eyes about how dramatic they are. Their kids can't tell if they're mad or happy.

They start going to couples therapy, too. And individual therapy. It's not an end-all-be-all fix for their problems, but hey. they've learned a lot.

And one of the things they've learned is that they are clearly meant to be.

[eddieeddieeddieeeeee]

This is how I'm coping (lol) while I while I wait for the episode.

Set after the funeral/resurrection, when Bobby had in fact been confirmed to be Alobby. Buck and Eddie go back to the house after a long, confusing and exhausting day. A little drunk, they agree to share the bed, and now they're going to have a slightly tipsy argument:

They lie side-by-side, parallel but not touching in the dark.

Eventually, Eddie's voice breaks the quiet. "Buck, can I ask you something?"

Buck blinks at the ceiling. "Uh… sure"

"Did you sleep with Tommy again?"

Buck looks at him sideways. "Excuse me?"

"Did you?" Eddie's tone is casual in a slightly forced way. "I thought, at the funeral, it seemed like…"

Buck makes a disbelieving noise. "That's what you were thinking about? At the funeral?"

"Well, not at the time, no. But in retrospect."

"In retrospect?"

"Just answer the question."

Buck lets out a slow, frustrated breath. "It's none of your business."

"OK," Eddie says tightly. "Guess that's my answer then."

Buck sighs and scrubs a hand over his face. "Why the fuck do you care, anyway?"

Eddie doesn't hesitate. "Guy's an idiot. He doesn't deserve you."

"It was a mistake, OK," Buck says tightly. I ran into him just after you left. I was drunk. We hooked up and then we had an argument. Stupid, one time thing. You happy?"

"No," Eddie says, vehemently.

They lie seething in silence for a little while.

"Wait a minute. Where did you do it?" Eddie asks suddenly.

Buck rolls his eye pointlessly in the dark. "I brought him back here. You know, to my house, where I live. Is that OK with you?"

"You mean– in this bed? This bed that I'm in right now?" Eddie sounds appalled.

Buck sighs. "Again, Eddie, it's my bed. You're welcome to go and sleep on the couch if you think I'm that disgusting."

Eddie doesn't move. "Sleeping with Tommy is what's disgusting. Don't do it again."

"WHY would that be any of your business?" Buck explodes. "Anyway, this used to be your bedroom. You've had sex in it too."

"Only with women!" Eddie snaps.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I don't give a fuck if you sleep with women, OK? But if you're going to sleep with men, just, please, don't sleep with Tommy. Sleep with better men."

"Better men?"

"Yeah," Eddie says, voice rising a little. "Someone who gives a crap about you. Someone who won't buy you basketball tickets as an anniversary gift and then break your heart."

It's been a very long and very strange day and Buck is a little drunk. That must at least partly explain what possesses him to blurt out, "Like who, Eddie? You?"

"Yeah" Eddie blurts back. "Yes. If you're gonna sleep with men, you should sleep with me."

Buck stares at him. "You're straight."

And Eddie just says "No I'm not."

Buck's eye widen in the dark. "You could have told me that," he says.

"I didn't know," Eddie replies, soft and a little helpless.

[maj0r-pl4y3r]

Hey so quick/LONNGG yapsesh about Eternal Sugar undercut. CW for religious symbolism I guess?? Idk?? Just for people who need it

So, I've been thinking. We don't know what her deal is. She's the most,,, PLESANT looking beast. In terms of intent. The others look apathetic, sadistic, and overall just. Malicious. Directly attacking the cookies in their teaser.

But from her?

She just. The yawner. She sleeper. Attacks from the skies.

So what does this mean. What does this mean. What does thAND DAVE COMES IN WITH THE HOLY STEEL CHAIR

Ladies and gentlemen. The Garden of Eden.

Let me explain look,,, look at this. Look at this.

A garden! Wow! So nice,,, so beautiful! Waoh! This is so nice! This is s–What's that? What- what?? The fuck is that?? Computer– COMPUTERRR?? ENHANCE IMAGE.

Are those god damn mother fucking snakes? Those are GOD DAMN. MOTHER FUCKING. SLITHERING SNAKES.

"Dave, what's your point with this" AH AH AH!! LET ME GET TO THAT DEAREST READER.

The garden of eden had everything Adam and Eve could've asked for. Bliss, Food, Water, Love. Everything. The one rule was to not eat from the Forbidden apple tree. And they would've obeyed! Had it not been for the snake.

The snake had convinced eve to eat the apple and fall from grace. But– it was the TREE that grew the apple. The snake only used it's tools at hand to deceive the human.

The tree did nothing. It just sat there, looked pretty, and allowed the snake to pluck it's fruits.

Eternal sugar is the beast of sloth. She sleeps IN THE TRAILER. SHE HAS ANGEL WINGS, A HALO, YET HIDES NOT HER DEVIL WINGS AND TAIL??

My theory. Is that Eternal Sugar is INTENTIONALLY sitting back and watching all the beasts. Allowing them to do all the heavy work. Shadow Milk being right before Eternal Sugar only FURTHERS MY POINT!!!

SHE KNOWS SHES DANGEROUS. SHES NOT HIDING THAT. BUT SHE OFFERS SANCTUARY, REST. SOMETHING HOLLYBERRY REFUSES TO DO BECAUSE OF HER WILL TO PROTECT HER FRIENDS.

Shes doing nothing, and that is EVERYTHING.

Anyway this was written at like almost 12am none of this makes sense probably but uh credits to :

@mozzarellastyxpizzeria

For helping me out w the theory. Uh it can add onto this if it wants but otherwise have fun with this slop any crk fans ever this is the ONLY time I will talk about the game

[cupcakewebkinz]

Napping in the kitchen~

✿ After Sprout had kidnapped- erm- saved Cosmo, he spent most of the night tending to him. This is the morning after, full of gay shenanigans and fluff, only good vibes :] ✿

✮ Caretaker Shanon au- and now caretaker Sam fr- is mine! ✮

❀ @soupiestzilla look it's more undoomed yaoi, and fruitcake shenanigans (ik you love my Sprout hehe) ❀

❀•°•═════ஓ๑♡๑ஓ═════•°•❀

Cosmo sat up slowly, gently grabbing the soft blanket that now covered him in pure drowsy confusion, blinking a few times as he slowly gathered his bearings and tried to understand everything. He then yawned as he rubbed one of his eyes, then looked over at his side. Sprout was there, barely awake, his eyes mostly closed as he shivered. He had a wet rag in his hand, his long leafy hair in a ponytail, and a sleepy content smile on his face.

"Mornin sugar cookie." He said quietly, making Cosmo blink a few more times. He hasn't heard that nickname in years... He blushed as he smiled.

"Good morning, uh, where are we again? I'm certain the walls of Gardenview weren't... Pastel pink.." Cosmo pointed out quietly, watching as Sprout got up from the floor and stretched.

"Sam's house. Sorry I kidnapped you." Came the casual reply from the berry as he strolled to the closet, acting like this was a normal day. Cosmo couldn't blame him though, it was pretty cozy, everything felt safe for the first time in years, and he couldn't help but soon smile a bit himself.

"It's alright, I love you, Sprout." He called out from the bed as he slowly pulled off the fuzzy light green blanket and started to get out of bed, watching his boyfriend as his overgrown leafy tail started wagging.

"I love you too, my sweetie pie~" Sprout happily replied, sounding a bit more excited as he turned around, looking right back at the now standing swissroll. Cosmo couldn't help but smile wide at that, his own lil tail wagging a little bit as he looked at his sleepily happy partner. He missed this- they missed this- they missed each other so much.

"Wanna go make breakfast with me?" Cosmo asked quietly, getting a laugh and nod from Sprout, who was way too hyper for his own good from just seeing his favorite person back up and acting normal.

"Hell yeah! I'd always want to make breakfast with you!" Sprout cheered, acting uncharacteristically cheerful and full of life. Cosmo couldn't lie, it was fucking precious, even though his tiredness was pretty obvious. He wondered if Sprout got any sleep last night... He was certain he didn't, he looked rough. Though he didn't ask as he walked over, offering his hand to the tired Berry man, and once he took it, the two were off... Until Cosmo realized he had NO idea where he was going and was just standing in the hallway. Sprout just chuckled a little before he took the lead, leading him right to the pretty massive kitchen for the small house they were in.

"Woah... This is such a nice kitchen!" Cosmo complimented, looking over all the modern appliances and lots of cabinets, even running over and looking over the island in the middle of the huge kitchen area. Sprout just watched quietly, giggling at the overly enthusiastic swissroll as he looked over everything.

"Sam's a baker, so they have quite a lot of stuff, I actually help them run their bakery when I'm not with Shells and Vee." Sprout explained as he went over and sat on one of the barstools around the island, putting the rag he was holding the entire time down on it. He then rubbed his eyes a little, but Cosmo didn't notice that one bit as he was on a counter, looking at all of the various mixing bowls Sam had.

"Really?! That's so cool! I'm so happy for you! How are they doing, anyways? I haven't talked to either Vee or Shelly in... I think a year now?" Cosmo asked, getting a snort of surprise from Sprout.

"Cosmo... It's been... Over ten... They're... They're pretty happy though, they call each other wife now and Vee went from being scared of acting outside of the whole annoying "arrogant tv host" act to being herself around everyone though. Dude she really likes dogs... And dinosaurs... Oh and glitter, Vee coats everything in glitter now, except Shelly. Shelly's pretty much the same though, always happy and giving those dinosaur hugs to everyone she sees. It's been pretty nice honestly." Sprout explained, watching Cosmo as he got everything out for pancake making, though he did notice the other was starting to give him an odd look.

"Hey what happened to always scolding me for standing on the counters?" Cosmo teased, making Sprout snort and giggle.

"I've been watching you, dummy. I know you're not being stupid... Keep it that way or I'll ban you from the counters here too." Sprout teased right back, then yawned as he rubbed his eyes again. Cosmo squinted, soon sitting on the counter, mixing bowl plopped on his lap.

"Did you sleep AT ALL last night?" Cosmo asked, getting a defeated sigh in reply.

"I was scared if I fell asleep, it would've been a dream I would've woken up from and you wouldn't be there anymore..." Sprout confessed quietly, getting a worried sigh from Cosmo as he slid off the counter, then put the bowl on there before he went right to Sprout's side. He just gently gave him a hug, letting the exhausted Berry snuggle up against him.

"Sprout... I'm here now, I'm real, I won't leave here without you I promise. None of this is a dream, I swear." Cosmo softly reassured, reaching up and gently flicking one of Sprout's bangs out of his face afterwards. Sprout just chuckled at that, blowing a raspberry at him afterwards.

"I will once we eat breakfast, it's the most important meal of the day. Is that fair?"

"Only if we cuddle." Cosmo demanded, sticking out his own tongue at him afterwards. Sprout just poked it, making Cosmo cringe a bit before he was a giggling disaster.

"Obviously we'll cuddle, what nap is good without cuddles?!" Sprout replied as he patted Cosmo's head, then yawned yet again. Cosmo just nodded, though before he left to actually start making breakfast, he ruffled Sprout's ponytail with a chaotic little giggle. Sprout faked being offended while Cosmo ran off, now laughing.

"Your hair is so fun now!"

"You and Vee both agree on that one... I have been debating keeping it long, it's kinda fun having it up." Sprout said as he fixed his ponytail a bit, then he put his head back in his hands, watching Cosmo as he happily started making the pancake batter he always made in the mornings back in Gardenview- just much less since he's only feeding three people now.

"I think it looks nice no matter what you do with it, though I can't lie, it's really funny seeing you out of all toons with a ponytail. I'm guessing it's keeping it out of your face?" Cosmo asked as he quickly yet quietly started to get the pan ready for the pancakes, just giving Sam a quick wave when they came in.

"Yeah, it goes right in my face if it's not up, I actually woke up thinking I was blind twice because of it. Good morning by the way, Sam." Sprout explained, getting just a simple nod from the two.

"Morning idiots, don't burn my house down please." Sam stated as they just made themselves a cup of iced coffee, getting nods from the two before Sprout yawned and stretched, while Cosmo just started on the first pancake.

"Don't worry, I won't burn a thing!" Cosmo reassured, making Sprout raise an eyebrow.

"Not even your fingers?"

"Nope, I won't burn a thing." Cosmo reassured yet again, getting a sleepy yet amused grin from Sprout as he sat up again.

"You better be telling the truth, I don't want to fight the pancakes for hurting you. I'll even bash it with a chair." Sprout teased, making Cosmo burst out laughing while Sam just held back a laugh and sighed, shaking their head.

"You two are so stupid." Sam simply commented before leaving again, getting a shrug from Sprout. He knew they loved them, though he knew they also never really said that. Cosmo just focused on making breakfast, humming to himself and being in his own little world, and Sprout couldn't help but admire that. Well, he did until he fell asleep, having fallen asleep as he sat at the island. Cosmo had absolutely no idea, just having his fun as he did one of his favorite things to do.

"We should see if the other two want to come over sometime, maybe we all can make cookies together again, wouldn't that be fun?" Cosmo asked, oblivious. Though after getting no reply for a minute, he got concerned and tuned to look at the other, who was very much asleep and using his arms as a pillow, his face buried deep in the fuzzy sleeves of his sweater. Cosmo blinked at the sight, then chuckled and shook his head, going right back to cooking quietly since he knew he would be fine napping there for now. Though once breakfast was made, Cosmo went over and very gently woke him up again.

"Hey, come on, you need to lay down." Cosmo softly ushered, getting just a drowsy little "m'kay" in response, and soon the cakeroll was leading a very sleepy strawberry to the living room. Once Sprout was comfortable on the couch though, he was out yet again, being way too tired to function. Sam just covered him up with a blanket and patted his head, looking at Cosmo afterwards.

"He still worries about everyone way too much, huh? Didn't sleep at all last night because he was worrying about you again?" They asked, and he just nodded.

"He was worried I wasn't real, or something like that. With everything that apparently happened though, I can't blame him, especially if it really has been ten years." Cosmo explained, making Sam nod in understanding as they patted his sweet little cake head.

"Yeah it has been ten years since Gardenview closed, that's true. However, how do we know you're not a fake, huh?" Sam teased, though Cosmo just grinned innocently.

"You said "fuck you you little shit" to the oven after Sprout forgot to turn it off right in front of Delilah and she forever teased you about swearing at work so you never did it again." Cosmo stated, making Sam sigh as they looked away, now blushing from complete embarrassment.

"You win little buddy, you're definitely the real one. Welcome home."

"Thank you... Uh... Could you tell me everything I missed though? It seems like a lot happened..."

"Of course, come over here and sit down with me, it's going to take a while." Sam replied, patting the chair they were on. Soon the two were just catching up on everything, both just quietly chatting away as Sprout finally got some much needed sleep... Just... Without waking up coated in glitter this time.

Fortunately.

[moonwalkingprincess]

Could you make part 3 of mockingbird?

Mockingbird part 3: Disposable

A/N: Sorry for being late but you guys should be expecting me not always being on time, I do have ADHD after all. I get tired over anxiety, over stimulation, college, social conventions and just won't always have the energy to write. Technically i did finish by thuesday, I just didn't translate it to english...

Anyways... Not everything will be on time. It's just as well that you get used to it.... but i can promise you that I will be start to write part 4 by the end of this week.

__

Part 2

The sun had barely risen when Marshall rushed up the stairs and knocked lightly on the children's doors. "get up! Come on, you're gonna be late!" he called, his voice both tired and stressed.

He entered the hallway where Y/N was making eggs and bacon for breakfast. Marshall ran a hand through his hair, mumbling to himself as he started packing their lunches. He had to go back and forth, really pushing them to get up and get dressed. It took time because Alaina wanted to wear a princess dress and Hailee refused to get up.

"If you don't get up, you're not getting candy this weekend."

Hailee made an angry face and threw the blanket off herself, while Marshall helped her get dressed. Y/N had to convince Alaina not to wear the princess dress, convincing her that her other clothes were prettier.

Marshall's phone buzzed again—another text from the studio. "Need to come in NOW."

"Shit," Y/N heard him mutter from the kitchen and walked toward the sound. He glanced at the clock on the wall. "I have to get to the studio. How the hell am I supposed to get the kids to school when I need to be there in thirty minutes?"

Alaina groggily appeared in the doorway, her hair all over the place. "What’s happening?"

"I need to get to the studio, like now," Marshall said quickly. "But... who’s going to drive you? Mrs. Thompson is off today..."

"I can drive them," Y/N said, sticking her head in with a soft smile, holding a cup of coffee.

Marshall’s eyes widened with relief.

"Really? Could you—? You’d save my life," he said with a frustrated sigh.

Y/N laughed. "It’s fine, Marshall. You go ahead. I’ll handle it."

He paused for a moment, looking at her as if he didn’t quite know how to thank her properly.

"You’re a fucking angel, I love you," he muttered, kissing her on the lips before grabbing his car keys from the hallway table. "I’ll call when I know how long I’ll be."

"Good luck," Y/N called after him as he rushed out the door like a whirlwind.

Behind her, the kids groaned about having to get up. Y/N smiled to herself. The chaos in this house was something she was starting to like more than she’d admit.

The rain pattered against the car window as she turned down the heat and glanced in the rearview mirror.

Alaina was curled up in the backseat, she was mad she wasn’t allowed to go as Belle to school, silent with a little furrow between her brows, while Hailee stared sullenly out the window, arms tightly crossed over her chest. To lighten the mood, Y/N fumbled for an old CD and popped it into the stereo. The soft, familiar intro to "Beauty and the Beast" filled the car.

Alaina smiled faintly and sank further into her seat, her eyelids heavy from sleep and the calm of the music. Hailee, on the other hand... just got more annoyed.

"Seriously?" she muttered, shooting an irritated glance at Y/N. "Are we five years old or something?"

Y/N smiled kindly in the rearview mirror. "It’s for Lainey. She likes this one. Plus, a little classic never hurts."

Hailee snorted and lightly kicked the seat in front of her.

It got quiet for a moment, with only the music and the rain’s pattern.

Then it came—the sharp, childish defiance:

"My dad doesn’t actually like you."

The words hit hard, but Y/N managed to keep her gaze steady on the road. She knew Hailee was angry, not mean. She was trying to provoke. Test the boundaries.

"Oh yeah?" Y/N responded calmly, with a small crooked smile. "He said something different this morning."

Hailee wrinkled her nose and leaned back. "He’s lying. He thinks you’re boring and old.”

Y/N suppressed a laugh—mainly because she knew that Hailee didn’t even have a real definition of "old." 

“He’s seeing someone else behind your back.” she said.

Now that really hurts. You had been cheated on before. Your mind went to your past boyfriends. 

“Who?” you let her get to you. 

"Mom." 

Now you got it. She must see you as the homewrecker. The thing that keeps her parents apart. 

"It’s okay," Y/N said softly. "You can be mad at me if you want. But I’m still going to take care of you and your sister until your dad gets home."

For a moment, Hailee almost looked vulnerable.

She looked away again, out the window, and pulled up her sleeve to wipe away a tear that had snuck down her cheek.

Alaina whispered from the backseat: "Hailee... stop."

Y/N let them be. The music from "Tale as Old as Time" filled the car, creating a soft barrier against the silence.

After a few minutes, Y/N heard a quiet mutter from Hailee: "... You make pretty good hot chocolate, at least."

Y/N smiled to herself.

Small steps. Small hearts learning to dare again.

__

You didn’t have much to do today. You released your latest album a year ago, and it was a success… Your fans kept asking for more music, but it had been difficult. You’d been struggling to find inspiration, but your new role as a stepmom had made you rethink things. You started humming a song and came up with some lyrics...

“I never thought that I could…” you hummed, trying to find words. “I never thought that I could have you? Love you? that there be angels? Nah…” you said to yourself, holding your guitar close to you. You wanted to write a song about how you never imagined yourself as a mom, you actually hated the idea of being a mom. You were the person who grew up on the streets, and the only thing you had potential for was your music. You never thought that was a life for a child, but now that you’ve met Marshall and your life has clearly taken turns, it actually seems possible.

After an hour of thinking about a song, you had an interview. You had a radio interview. Of course, they asked a personal question.

“I’m sorry, babe, but we gotta ask you about your boyfriend,” she asked, and her friend gasped in agreement.. "We have to ask. You and Marshall—how did you two meet?" They let out a little laugh and you rolled your eyes.

“It was after the song 'Disposable.' I wasn't happy over that song, it made me upset, and he found out. He apologized, which I was really surprised about. A lot. And after that, we got to know each other, and I found out he’s more down to earth than I thought."

"So it was after his beef with you?" asked the second girl.

"Yeah." 

"How do you get together with a guy that disrespected you like that?"

"People need to understand that his music is nothing more than that. Music. He does it to create reactions and get free commercials."

Flashback 2 year earlier

You sat curled up on the edge of the couch, arms wrapped tightly around your knees. You had been trying to hold it together, but the words of the song echoed relentlessly in your mind “You’re disposable—plastic pride with a name tag. One verse in and I’m draggin' your whole damn hashtag” 

Footsteps approached—heavy, familiar. You didn’t look up.

“Yo,” Marshall’s voice came from the doorway, softer than usual. “You good?”

You didn’t answer. Couldn’t. What was he even doing in this studio? 

He stepped inside.  “Hey... what’s up?”

Still, you said nothing. Your jaw clenched.

Marshall moved closer, crouching in front of you now. “Talk to me, come on. What’s going on?”

“Are you serious right now?” you snapped. 

He stood slowly, wary. “Do I... know you?”

He didn’t even know what you looked like?

“Guess not. But you sure knew enough to write three verses about me.”

Silence. Long. Heavy.

Then his eyes narrowed slightly—recognition flickering. “Wait. You’re—”

You didn’t let him finish. Your fist flew before your brain could even catch up.

Crack.

His head snapped sideways. The room went dead silent.

He stumbled a step back, hand to his jaw. “What the fuck?!”

“You don’t know me,” you seethed. “You don’t even know what I look like. And yet you called me fake, a leech, a ‘disposable name tag with delusions of meaning.’”

His jaw tightened. He looked at the floor. “It’s hip hop,” he muttered. “It’s how it works.”

“No,” you snapped. “It’s cowardice with a beat behind it.”

“Look,” he said, trying to hold onto his edge. “I heard some shit. About you. The way you were using people’s names to climb platforms—”

“So you made a whole track instead of speaking to me like a human being?”

He said nothing.

You swallowed hard. Your voice cracked. “I’m not a rapper. I don’t have a diss track to answer you with. Just this.” You held up your trembling fist. “And the sick feeling in my stomach when I realized someone like you decided I wasn’t even worth a conversation. Just a punchline.”

He blinked slowly, like your words were hitting him a few seconds too late. “...I didn’t mean to actually hurt you,” he said quietly. “I thought I was... defending the culture. Calling shit out.”

You stared at him. “You weren’t defending anything. You were throwing a grenade into someone’s life for sport.”

He opened his mouth to argue—but closed it. Because deep down, he knew you were right.

Then he looked up at you again, softer this time. The edge in his voice was gone.

“I’m sorry,” he said. Then, after a long pause, “I just... didn’t know how cute you were.”

The room went still.

Your lips parted slightly. You blinked, caught off guard. The tears still sat on your lashes, but now your cheeks flushed hot in a completely different way.

You looked away, biting back the smallest, stunned smile.

“Asshole,” you muttered.

But you were blushing. And he saw it.

A/N: Part 4 will be upp when I have the motivation.