#are they going to hate on matt now and say he is dumb and didn’t read the books

[shvroyism]

“the only true loyalty he’s got is to his dragon”

[endless-ineffabilities]

chemical override (8)

Ewan Mitchell x actress!reader

a/n : I had to cut some scenes, explained in the notes below, to be saved for a bonus chap or drabble. Also, I altered the outline, and this story isn't ending with 9 as originally intended. Happy Chem Ov release day! Enjoy 🖤

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The reader is left confused by Ewan's online stunt. If he really is content with keeping things casual, then why is he acting otherwise? Tensions reach their peak and Ewan is forced to face the consequences of the arrangement.

Day or night, Ewan will answer your call. 

Even when you seem overly irate at him, greeting him with, “Ewan, what the fuck was that picture?”

He exhales haughtily, your tone almost bringing him some twisted sense of pleasure. Like a ‘this is what you get’ type of reaction. Was he 7 or 27? He’s been labeled sensitive before, but right now, he can’t muster the energy to care.

“Hello to you too, darling,” he says, smoke billowing out of his lips as he lounges on his apartment balcony in London. He had convinced himself that his worries about you and Matt vanished the moment he reaffirmed you as his to the world. In this day and age, in your profession, that can easily be accomplished by something called a hard launch. The first image he posted was supposed to do just that, but the internet has a fickle memory. 

Several months had passed with nothing concrete circulating about you and Ewan, leading fans to readily accept the possibility that you were now dating Matt, prompted by the recent Deuxmoi feature. Granted, Ewan was spotted sneaking out of your building once, but what does that really prove?

Unfortunately, some others spun the story beyond recognition, protected by the anonymity afforded by their black mirrors. Aided with nothing but conjecture, they took it upon themselves to accuse you of infidelity. 

All in all, it had been an eventful 24 hours. His impulsive act of possessiveness quickly turned into a mutable gossip headline.

“Don’t play dumb with me,” you reply immediately. “Why would you post that? I didn’t even know you took it in the first place.”

“I was doing you a favour. Don’t you see? People are under the impression that we’re still together.”

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

“Darling, you know it matters. It’s not a good look that you were spotted with someone else, you know what people are like,” he said. 

“Oh, thank you so much for saving me from public ridicule, Ewan,” you say, tone dripping with sarcasm. “Since when do you care about what people say? You stay offline for this exact reason.”

“I know some mean things were being said about you.”

“I don’t care about any of that,” you insist, but you no longer sound sure.

“I’m doing you a favour,” he says. “If that picture remains, then it’s basically a ‘fuck you’ to all the people who accuse you cheating on me.”

“How can I cheat on you, Ewan? We’re not together.”

He bristles at that statement, the truth that sits unpleasant in the back of his mind. It hurts that you’re right. “You know what I mean,” he musters. 

He hears nothing for a while, save for some shuffling in the background. Are you screaming your frustrations into your pillow? Is your fist raised at the skies, cursing his name? Tell him you hate him, and he will crumble. The three words will come out of him unrestrained. I love you, followed by, please don’t leave me. 

But they already have spilled out of him, lost among his tearful pleas in the car. That night in September, he crumbled and he lost you anyway. What good would it do now? What difference would it make?

You finally speak, and he hears the frustration in your voice, even as it softens, “You’re so fucking infuriating.”

He can’t help but chuckle, the sound low and easy, “Hey, baby, you’re the one who called me.”

But your next words wipe the smile right off his face. “Ewan… this isn’t going to be the last of it. Sooner or later, we’ll have to make it known that we’re not as in love as everyone thinks.”

He frowns, not accepting that you’re pressing on the topic. “Why?”

“Your memory must be so twisted, Ewan,” you sigh, and he can picture you shaking your head, “Don’t you have that ironclad PR arrangement for your new film?”

His chest tightens. Leave it to you to be the bearer of harsh truths. “That… That might not happen.”

“Might not? Oh, for fuck’s sake, you didn’t quit, did you?”

“No, I didn’t quit,” he answers quickly, trying to keep his voice steady. “But can we not talk about the film? It’s not what matters right now.”

“But it does, Ewan,” you insist, the concern in your voice gnawing at him, “you’ve got this important thing, and I… what if I want out? What if I want something real?”

“Something… real.” It's like a punch to his gut, nightmare fuel, and he scrambles for a response. “Like what?”

“I don’t know… I just – ”

“This isn’t real enough for you?” There is no hiding the vulnerability in his voice now. It wouldn’t even work if he tried. “I… I’m not…”

“Ewan.”

You refuse to answer his question, and he thinks it’s for the best. He responds with his usual, “Darling.”

“What are you going to do about that picture?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it,” he finally decides. 

“What?”

“I’ll get rid of it.”

“Okay. Good.” He can hear the relief in your voice, but he’s not done yet. 

“But you can’t get rid of us,” he says firmly, leaving no room for negotiation. “I won’t let you.”

You groan, “Ewan… ”

His reply is curt, daring you to disagree, “Darling.”

He’s met with a long and uncomfortable silence, the air thick with everything left unsaid. He needs to break it. He needs a diversion. “Are you home?” he asks.

“Why?”

Even over the line, he can feel you pulling away, like your tether to him is loosening. He can’t let that happen again. “Are you still angry with me?”

“Why?”

“Why don’t I come over and we can hash it out?” His voice drops into that rhythm, the one he knows you couldn’t resist. 

“You’re incorrigible.”

“Maybe so,” he admits, a small smile playing on his lips, “but I want you.”

He waits with bated breath, ready to run out the door at your word.

“I can’t believe you, Mitchell,” you sigh, your amusement at him bleeding through. It’s all he needs.

“See you soon, darling.”

All throughout the night, he doesn’t let you go. The moment he steps through your door, the tension from the call dissolves into something more primal, something neither of you can resist. Every touch feels like a desperate attempt to hold onto a love that might slip away, even if just for a moment.

Deep down, he knows, just as you do, that this can’t last. But as the night stretches on and he holds you close, he pushes that thought away, burying it in the recesses of his mind. 

This is enough, even for now. 

And so the song remains the same.

Clad in full costume, you tread the halls of the set, your posture noticeably straighter. Alyna’s attire has a way of transforming you, making each step purposeful, each glance sharp. The familiar weight of the prop weapons at your side makes you feel like a true fighter. 

The Watford studio is buzzing with energy as the Entertainment Weekly photoshoot unfolds, the set alive with activity. It is one of the actual sets used for the show, so you feel right at home - Alyna Rivers in her natural habitat. 

You weave through the crowd, careful to avoid Ewan, whose presence you can never shake off. You’ve never actually been together, in a big group setting such as this, since the beginning of the arrangement. The cast definitely knows something is going on, especially after Ewan’s last daring post on Instagram. Ewan hadn’t deleted the post – he simply deactivated his profile instead. You noticed it the next day when you tried to check, only to find his account gone.

The realisation left you conflicted. On one hand, it meant the picture wasn’t out there anymore. But on the other, it felt like a temporary fix, a way of avoiding the real issue rather than confronting it head-on. It was a pause, not an ending. The post still existed technically, suspended in some middle realm. 

Since the cast is not privy to the sordid details of your arrangement, you think it best to keep interactions with him at a minimum. It had been constantly nagging at you, the thought of being with him but not really. Are you even allowed to hold his hand in front of your friends? Won’t that be crossing the line, breaking the rules that he set when he promised that, you won’t be his and he won’t be yours?

Alyna would never, not in a hundred years, allow herself to be put in this position. Especially not by Aemond Targaryen, of all people.

Just as you start to relax, Matt materialises by your side, a wide grin plastered on his face.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the fiercest bastard in the realm,” Matt says, looking every bit as Daemon with his Targaryen blacks and silver-blonde wig, giving you an exaggerated once-over. “Looking for your next conquest?”

“Careful, Matthew,” you shoot back, smirking. “Alyna’s got a list, and you’re edging pretty close to the top.”

“Good to know I’m on your mind, and as a top priority, nonetheless,” he teases, nudging you playfully. “But let’s be real, you’d miss me too much.”

You laugh, the sound echoing off the stone walls. “Miss your terrible jokes, maybe.”

“You love my humour,” he insists. “I’m just saying, when you get tired of shooting arrows and swinging swords, let me know. I would like to take you out into the real world.”

You raise an eyebrow, cheeks heating up. He caught you off guard, so thank the gods for the sheer boldness that Alyna wears like skin, rubbing off on you as you stand in her shoes. “Is Daemon asking Alyna on a date, Smithy?”

“Depends,” he quips, a sly grin on his face. “Is it working?”

Before you can respond, Tom saunters over, clearly not one to miss out on the fun. “What’s this I hear? Matt finally working up the nerve to ask his on-screen sidekick out? Either I’m going mad or my five espresso shots are working.”

“Watch it, you,” you warn him playfully, unable to suppress a grin. “Alyna’s still got some arrows left. And I’m not his sidekick.”

Tom smirks. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re all talk.”

“Want to test that theory?” you challenge, raising an imaginary bow. Matt lets out a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest as if struck.

“See? Deadly,” Matt says, winking at you. “So, what do you say? Coffee, next week? Somewhere far from dragons and politicking?”

You pretend to consider it, tapping your chin. “You know, that doesn’t sound half bad. As long as you promise not to reenact your last attempt at flirting.”

“Ouch,” Matt laughs, holding up his hands in surrender. “I’ll do my best.”

As the photographer calls for everyone to take their places, you catch a glimpse of Ewan watching from a distance, his jaw clenched. The amusement in Matt’s eyes tells you he’s noticed too.

“You’re playing with fire, you know,” you whisper to Matt as you walk toward the set.

He grins, lowering his voice. “I wasn’t called the Rogue Prince for no reason. Besides, I am the blood of the dragon.”

“Sure you are,” you reply, but you are unable to ignore the thrill of Ewan’s intense focus. 

The set buzzes with activity, cast members instructed to maintain their character’s demeanour for the photographs. The Greens go first, with their designated groupings, with Ewan and Gayle sharing a close-up shot. From where you stand behind the cameras, you can feel Ewan’s gaze locked on you, his presence heavy and distracting. After a while, you feel the need to step away, walking further to the side. 

He remains silent, his focus clearly split between you and Matt, who keeps up a steady stream of clever remarks that make you laugh. Each one seems to darken Ewan’s mood further. The tension becomes so palpable that the director finally calls out, “Ewan, can we get your attention over here, please? You’re off your mark.”

Liv and Phia, still awaiting their cues, scurry over to where you stand. Liv leans in with a knowing smirk on her face, whispering in your ear. “Trouble in paradise?” Of course they’ve noticed Ewan’s odd behaviour. 

“More like purgatory,” Phia quips, scrunching her nose.

“Something like that,” you murmur, eyes flicking over to Ewan, who’s now talking with Gayle and the director, looking over the shots taken, though his attention doesn’t stray far from you.

“Well, if you need an escape route, just say the word,” Liv offers, her voice full of concern.

“Do you want me to stare back at Ewan?” Matt cheekily offers, making you punch him on the shoulder. He only laughs openly, the sound free and uninhibited and just Matt. 

“Thanks, guys,” you say, grateful for their friendship. But you know there’s no easy way out of this tangled mess. Not with the way Ewan is watching you and Matt like he’s one step away from bringing The Battle Above The Gods Eye to fruition.

Not long after, it’s time for the Blacks to step onto the set. As you move into position, you can feel Ewan’s gaze practically searing into your back. You fight the urge to laugh. Or grimace. Or shoot him a questioning look. The idea of Ewan in his full Aemond costume brooding over you is something indeed. The fangirl in you would have been sent reeling, if only he wasn’t so fucking infuriating. 

You spot Liv, Tom, and Phia swooping in like a rescue squad with a mission to derail Ewan’s brooding. Phia, ever the animated theater kid, practically throws herself in front of Ewan, waving her hands like she’s recounting the world’s most thrilling tale.

“Ewan, did you catch that last shot of Helaena? Absolute perfection,” she says, grinning.

Tom saunters up, “Care to explain why you are standing here lurking like some stalker? You’re scaring the crew, mate.”

Phia gently nudges Ewan away from your line of sight. “Come on, Ewan. Let’s go for a smoke, it’s stuffy in here.”

Ewan’s clearly torn, but he’s powerless against his friends’ instigation. You bite back a laugh as you see him getting pulled in every direction. Your makeshift rescue team really needs to get their act together, but you love them anyway. The camera snaps away, and you focus on your poses. Knowing that Phia and the gang are running interference, you’re free to enjoy the moment and be Alyna as the photoshoot demands. You can save the enjoyment from watching him squirm later. 

The photoshoot wraps up in the evening and everyone begins to gather their things, preparing to leave. Cast members chat, stretch, and discuss plans for the week.

“So, coffee next week?” Matt asks again, this time with a bit more seriousness.

“Yeah,” you reply, a small smile tugging at your lips. “I’ll see what I have scheduled then I’ll give you a call.”

“Great. I’ll even let you pick the place. Well, I’ll be off, love, I’m meeting my sister.” he says. Then, as if sensing something, he leans in closer. “But I’d better give you something to remember me by.”

Before you can react, Matt pulls you into a hug, his arms wrapping around you warmly. The embrace lingers just a moment longer than necessary, and as he pulls back, he plants a soft, teasing kiss on your cheek. You catch the mischievous glint in his eyes. What is he up to?

As Matt releases you and heads out of the studio, you spot Ewan coming toward you, his presence all too familiar. He doesn’t say anything at first, and just stands there, his silence more charged than anything he could have spoken. His expression is stoic, but with the way his lips are pursed and his nostrils are flared, you would say that he’s bothered. He’s jealous.

“You seemed to be having fun,” he finally says, his tone casual, though the tension is unmistakable.

“Mmm, maybe I was,” you reply, meeting his gaze head-on. “Is there a problem?”

Ewan’s eyes narrow slightly, but he shakes his head. “Not at all. Just… nevermind. I’m sure you know, we’ve been booked for a magazine feature coming up in a few days.”

You freeze. “Yeah, I heard. What about it?”

“I’m just making sure that you’re okay with it, darling.”

“It’s work, Ewan,” you reply tersely. “We’ll deal with it.”

The tension breaks when Fabien swoops in, his flawless smile in place. “So, you’re stealing Matt away from me now?” he teases, and there’s an edge to his question. He’s still on the fence about you and Ewan, as he feels protective of his friend. But he’s aware that there’s no simple right or wrong here. You both hurt each other; that much is clear. 

“Maybe,” you quip back, shrugging with feigned innocence. “He seems to like my company.”

Fabien laughs, though there’s a hint of something serious beneath it. “I’ll allow it – this time. But don’t forget, I’ve got dibs on him for the next round of drinks.”

As Fabien’s laughter fades, Ewan’s voice cuts through the lightheartedness. “I don’t think she needs your protection, Fabien.”

You can’t help but laugh at that, rolling your eyes. “I don’t need looking after, Ewan.”

“Maybe not,” he concedes, his voice dropping to something darker. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll stop.”

There’s a challenge in his words, one that sends a thrill of anticipation through you, even as you know it’s a dangerous game you’re all playing. The fire between you smoulders, waiting for the next spark to ignite it. Is Matt that spark? No, you realise, both your actions will be enough to bring everything crashing down.

For now, you step away, leaving Ewan to stew in his misguided jealousy. 

“See you around, Fabs,” you wrap your arms around his neck, giving him a hug goodbye. “I’ll see you for our shoot, yeah?” you tell Ewan, making it clear that you’re not up for another dalliance in between. 

He gets the hint, nodding tersely. But he doesn’t just let you go, not without making his mark, the thing he ached so badly to do in front of Matt, but couldn’t. 

He briefly casts a glance around the room to make sure no one else is hovering, then presses a soft against your lips, leaving you no time to protest. 

You’re exhausted. You’re frustrated. You shouldn’t give in to this, but you do. He feels right; he feels like home. 

If home is a Motel 6 along the highway, ready to kick you out at a moment’s notice. Isn’t that just a knife in the gut?

You pull away after a second, and he smiles, his thumb lightly grazing your cheek.

Fabien shakes his head, a feeling of warmth rising within him at the sight of his two friends who clearly belong together. If only they would get their heads out of their asses.

You seem to remember his presence, pushing away from Ewan’s hold.

Fabien can only roll his eyes. 

Only two days later, and you’re back to work once more. The British Vogue photoshoot has its focus on high fashion, set against the backdrop of an American West-inspired ranch. It doesn’t dwell on you and Ewan as celebrity figures, which is why you agreed to the shoot in the first place. 

Walking onto set, you’re struck with awe at the dramatic tableau of worn wooden fences, hay bales, and lasso props. But your amazement reaches its absolute peak when Ewan emerges, in full cowboy attire. 

Fuck. You bite your lip, and you can almost hear your heart pounding. Unbeknownst to you, the crew notices your flustered state, but they think it’s just you admiring your boyfriend as expected. 

He meets your eyes from across the room, then saunters over to you, that characteristic smirk set on his lips. Your breath catches in your throat, when he tips his hat and greets, “Howdy, darling.”

“Why, hello, good sir,” you try to match his tone, giving a playful curtsy. 

“Ready to give them a show?” he asks, and you’re sure if he’s referring to the photoshoot or the possibility that the two of you might have to play at being a couple as these people expect. You opt to believe the former. 

As the shoot progresses, the tension between you and Ewan becomes almost unbearable. You’re clad in an elaborate, haute couture cowgirl outfit. A sculptural corset made of brown leather, with a tailored vest on top. A floor-length skirt with a high slit reaching your upper thigh, dyed to a rich gradient of burnt sienna. Knee-high heeled boots. A leather choker with a central silver pendant rests on your neck, dangling provocatively. 

For the first set of shots, both of you casually lean against the fence. Ewan poses beside you, watching you with an intensity that is both electrifying and maddening. His gaze is hungry, almost predatory, and you almost forget about the elaborate set around you. Thankfully, each blinding flash of the camera pulls you back into the real world. Keeping you from riding a cowboy right down on the hay bales. How does the saying go? Save a horse…

The photographer snaps you out of it, as he shouts a direction for you to pose solo with a lasso draped over your shoulder. Ewan steps out of the frame, leaning against a wooden post, his eyes locked on you as if he’s trying to memorise every detail of this look. 

“Alright, let’s try a more dramatic pose,” the photographer instructs. “Maybe something with a bit more attitude.”

You adjust your stance, twisting slightly to emphasise the curve of your waist. As you do, you momentarily meet Ewan’s gaze. His eyes are dark with something like desire, and his lips are set in a grim line. 

“I can’t even articulate what you’re doing to me, darling,” Ewan murmurs in your ear, when the photographer calls for a 5-minute break. Set assistants run onto the scene, adding and rearranging props for the next round of shots.

You smirk, “Speak for yourself, Mitchell.”

“Mmm,” he hums, satisfied. 

The next shot calls for Ewan to stand behind you, his arms wrapped around your figure, the position as intimate as can be. Each click of the camera seems to heighten the tension.

His breath is warm against your neck, the sheer proximity electrifying, causing your entire body to heat up underneath the layers of leather and cotton. His heartbeat matches yours, quick and erratic. His voice is a mere whisper, barely audible over the camera clicks. “You’re making this incredibly difficult, you know.”

You tilt your head slightly, “Difficult how, exactly?”

“Keeping my hands off you is the hardest part of my day,” he replies, his voice husky with restrained desire. “It’s like you’re daring me to break every rule we’ve set.”

That you’ve set, you want to correct him, but you bite your tongue. A bitter chuckle escapes you, the sound a mix of frustration and amusement. “So what if I am,” you tease, bending back slightly into his embrace, feeling his body heat against yours. He welcomes your closeness, leaning into you. 

For the next few minutes, it’s a game of seduction and denial, every movement aimed at tormenting the other. The crew, blissfully unaware of the full extent of the tension, is generally pleased about the atmosphere of the shoot. In their minds, you and Ewan are simply leaning into your real-life chemistry and romance.

Nothing out of the ordinary. Little do they know.

In the brightly lit break room, the hum of distant chatter from the set fills the silence between you and Ewan. He’s seated across from you, his gaze unyielding as you check your phone.

His voice breaks the quiet, his tone deceptively casual but laced with curiosity. “Doing anything tomorrow?”

You look up, meeting his eyes, before tentatively answering. “Actually, yes.”

His brows lift, his curiosity piqued. “Care to elaborate, darling?”

You shift in your seat, trying to mask the tension in your voice. “I’m supposed to grab coffee with Matt.”

“Matt.” Ewan’s voice is low as he repeats the familiar name. “Just the two of you?”

“Yes.”

There’s a pause, his expression morphing from curiosity to something more intense. “Is it… is it a date?”

“I think that was implied,” you reply, your tone deliberately nonchalant as you try to maintain control of the conversation.

“Really.” His voice tightens, his response loaded with a mix of disbelief and frustration.

You notice the obvious shift in his demeanour, the way his jaw clenches and his eyes darken. “Why the long face?”

Ewan’s hands ball into fists on the table, his composure breaking. “Fuck, I—”

Before he can finish, you cut him off, your own frustration simmering. “Forget it. Don’t answer that.”

“No, just…” His voice falters, his emotions raw. “I don’t want you to go.”

You blink, taken aback by his admission. “Are you being serious right now, Mitchell?”

“Do I look like I’m kidding?” Ewan’s eyes lock onto yours, filled with a mix of hurt and possessiveness. A concoction borne out of circumstances of his own making. Or had it been you, last September? You can no longer keep track of whose fault reigns over everything. The truth of the matter is, you love him. Of course you do.

But nothing feels right anymore. 

“I don’t know,” you retort, your voice rising slightly, “I hope you are. Because you can’t just say that to me.”

“But I am.” His tone is resigned but unwavering. “I don’t want to watch you with someone else.”

The words hit you like a cold splash of water, freezing you in place. “Then I’m ignoring what you just said. This isn’t fair to me.”

His face falls. “You can’t just ignore it. It’s not that simple.”

You stand up abruptly, feeling the weight of his words pressing down on you. “Well, I don’t see how this conversation is going to help anything.”

He stands as well, his expression pained and conflicted. “I just – damn it. Wait a minute, darling – ”

You take a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. “Look, if you’re going to act like this, then maybe we need to rethink – ”

“No,” he interrupts, his voice desperate. “I don’t want to rethink anything. I just… I need you to understand that this isn’t easy for me.”

The room falls silent, both of you breathing heavily. The unresolved problem lingers, the weight of it all hanging heavily between you. 

You take a final look at him, feeling a mixture of anger and longing. “I’m gonna go get some air.”

Without waiting for a response, you turn and walk out of the break room, the doors closing sharply behind you. Ewan is left alone, frustration clear on his face as he stares at the empty space where you once stood.

Ewan is sprawled on his couch, a half-empty bottle of beer resting on the coffee table. The warm light of a lamp casts a muted glow over his apartment, which is littered with the remnants of his evening alone. He has seen the latest headlines about you and Matt, enjoying a date in Hyde Park.

Hyde Park Outing: Is it Love in the Air for these HBO Actors?

He tries to ignore them all, but the nagging bitterness won’t let him be. The images and headlines keep flashing in his mind. Unable to shake the frustration, he sends a quick message to Tom and Phia, inviting them over for a casual distraction.

A short while later, they arrive, carrying a six-pack and a box of takeout. Ewan greets them with a tired smile, which barely masks his despondence.

“Evening,” he says, opening the door wider to let them in. “Glad you could make it.”

Phia gives him a sympathetic look as she steps inside, setting down the food. “We came prepared. Looks like you could use a break.”

Tom follows, his eyes scanning the cluttered room. “And some beers. We figured you might need them.”

Ewan leads them to the living room, where they settle onto the couch. As they crack open the beers and start munching away, the initial wariness fades, replaced by casual conversation. His two guests are careful not to broach the topic of you, but they know it’s inevitable. Soon enough, it will be time to get down to business, which is essentially what they came for. They’re the rescue squad after all. 

“So… we have a feeling we know what’s been eating at you,” Tom says, taking a swig of his beer. “We saw the headlines, mate. Don’t even deny it. It’s gotta be rough.”

Ewan grimaces, his hand gripping the bottle a little tighter. “Yeah, the headlines. they’re , uhhhh … oh, what does it even matter?”

Phia raises an eyebrow, glancing at him. “Come on, kid. It matters. You can talk to us. We weren’t cast as siblings for no reason.”

Ewan lets out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. “We have this thing, this casual thing. But seeing her with someone else... it’s like a punch to the gut.”

Tom nods sympathetically. “I get it. I’m sure it was fun at first, but – ” 

Phia’s concern wins over her, leading her to interject, “Ewan, maybe you need to bloody talk to her. Figure out where you both stand.”

Ewan shakes his head, though his expression softens, and his unmistakable vulnerability shines through. “I don’t know. I’m not sure I want to see where that leads.”

Phia reaches out, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. “Ask her why she ended things last year.”

“I know why – ”

“Just… ask her again? You might find out more than you expect.”

Tom waits a beat before butting in with a light-hearted chuckle, “It’s better than letting it fester. At least you’ll know where you stand. You owe her that much.”

Ewan huffs out a laugh, the bitterness in his voice giving way to reluctant amusement. “Maybe. I just don’t want to make things worse.”

“Mate,” Tom shakes his shoulder, “look at the state of things. How in the bloody hell can you make it even worse? I don’t think it’s possible.”

Phia just smirks at his boldness, but she agrees, nodding to Ewan, “He’s right, you know.”

Tom raises his beer in a mock toast. “To Aemond and Alyna.”

“Oh, you absolute rascal,” Phia laughs in disbelief. 

But they all clink their bottles together, the gesture a small comfort amidst the confusion. The evening winds down after an hour, and after they depart, Ewan’s mind is still consumed with thought.

Day or night, you will answer Ewan’s call.

“Hello?” your voice patches through after a few rings.

“Darling,” he says, “I think we need to talk.”

💌 next chapter

Taglist: @namelesslosers @skymoonandstardust @valyrianflower @luckyfirebasement @omgsuperstarg @elissanatok @callsignwidow @sinistersnakey49 @darkwriteracademia @yyrzmomo @queenofshinigamis @luvaerina @shamelessblazecrown @mirandastuckinthe80s @elleinex0x0 @pierrotlu @aegonswife @strangersunghoon @lunampacheco @writer-ann-artist @gaiaea @of-swords-and-words @ateliefloresdaprimavera @m00n5t0n3 @helaenaluvr @peachysunrize @annie-ruk @luvly-writer @ananas26t @athenafaes @lovelyteenagebeard @mamawiggers1980 @moongirl27 @katherine93 @barnes70stark @justbelljust @cloudroomblog @somestufftoday @esposadomd @girl-in-the-chairs-void @insideyourimagination @vyctorya @wildrangers @onlyrealjoy @hotdismylife @thepurplecrown @just-fics-station @clarkysblog @urmomsgirlfriend1 @misfitbimbosblog (continued in comments ... )

Some notes in the margins...

I did have Matt and the reader's date written out, but I thought it seemed superfluous for this one. Maybe in a bonus chapter?

In the next one: 'THE talk', Ewan dealing with stuff for his film, whippets, interviews, MORE headlines... will they finally resolve everything?

Also, if yous want, I can give a glimpse on what would have happened if Matt got the BV shoot instead :)

The end isn't even within reach. More angst to follow. How can there be more, you ask? Let's hash it out below 😉💙

[hysteria-things]

Can you do headcannons about toxic but gentle on&off!matt? 😁 (its okay if not!!) Also thank you to the anon who put this thought in my head because I am eating it up and cannot stop thinking about it 😜

ON & OFF MATT HEADCANNONS

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: there is a SFW and NSFW section!

SFW!

the two of you were never a healthy relationship. there was always something you guys would be arguing about.

he is the PETTIEST man when you guys break up for the… you lost track.

president of the sassy man apocalypse, and he always says you’re the problem. (it’s 9 times out of 10 his fault)

your friends BEG you not to go back to him, but you give them the ‘he said he was sorry!’

there was this one time where you ended things on a worse note than usual, and it hit matt hard. despite being able to drive he ran to your house in the rain later that night to apologize with tears in his eyes.

sturniolo tok is so used to it that their comments are low-key hilarious and you guys like to read them together.

user: who wants to bet they’ll be broken up by the end of the week?

user: i think they’re just doing it for fun now😒

user: what happened between yesterday and today didn’t y’all hate each other😭

rarely, there are times where you guys fight and make up for once!

NSFW!

MAKE UP SEX >>>

definitely bent you over the counter or his desk a few times amid an argument just to shut you up.

the longest you guys broke up for was two months, this being where it was “officially over.” because of that, you hooked up with another guy since you were a free woman. the same guy purposely went up to matt and bragged about how he was fucking “his girl…” later that night you were getting fucked stupid on matt’s dick while he said the filthiest things to you.

“fucking slut. you like to walk around and let random guys fuck you? huh?”

“whores like you don’t get away with things that easy, sweetheart.”

“look at that, so fucked dumb that all you can do is scream and cum on my cock. how about we show your new friend, yeah?”

even if you’re not in the wrong, he’ll have his hand wrapped around your throat like a necklace while pounding you in missionary until you say you’re sorry.

this man will have you seeing stars with your eyes rolled so far back that they might stay there. break-up sex is no joke.

“i fucking… ha-ate you.”

“do you, now?”

“matt— sh-shit— yes.”

“good.”

don’t get it twisted, he’s heavy on the aftercare. he’s not that much of an asshole.

he’ll get you anything you need, and when you guys are comfy in bed he’ll massage your thighs for hours; whispering sweet nothings to you as if he didn’t just fuck your brains out.

𝐭𝐚𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭!

@bunbunbl0gs @lexisecretaccx @thy-mission @angelic-sturniolos111 @sophssturn @mattsneezing @janiellasblog @blahbel668 @meg-sturniolo @mattslolita @sturnbaby @imwetforyourmom @tillies33ssss @sturnifyed @raysmayhem-72 @ripmattitude @p1xieswrld @alorsxsturn @txssvx @sttzee @multiluvr @delilahprentiss @matthewsspecial @sturnolio-luvs @sturniolho @suga-daddy-69 @tworosesblackthorn @luckistar-posts @gnxosblog @junnniiieee07 @sturnioloslurps @tylerthecreatorsrealwife @flowerxbunnie @imaslut4kehlani @sturniolosandmoree @hertvgirl @whoreforchrissturniolo @hearrtsturns @stars4matt @freshsturns @loverrsposts @sturnlcvr @elliesturniolo1 @tpvmz @user283926392 @lalalands86 @sukiipjs @sturniologirl813 @leahrab @chrissturniolosslut @h3arts4harry @sturnioloblogs @creamoncreamoncream2 @ivyyyyyysposts @mirxcle1 @iluvm4ttsturni0l0 @catalina-island @mbsbaby @mattsdollie @pinkfarts @slut4mattsturn @thesturniolos @vickeyzloserz @nononopenono1 @bitchydragonparadise @gdsvhtwa @hrt-attack @bellasfavbisexual @dwntwn-strnlo @venusbabysblog @meerkatzthings @crazychrisl0v3r @maggieflms @strtuniolo @mutualsafe @riasturns @sturniolowhore @antpile00 @ashley9282828 @stingerayyy2 @sturnsjtop @luverboychris @yapperchris @imaslutforoldermen @madisonlovesyouu @poetatorturadaa @chr1sgirl4life @hiimolivia @jo-777 @sturnskiss @st4rgrlll @mattyblover07 @sm-ec @mattluvsmarni @knowingnothingnoel @mattsgirlfrieeend @skysturniolo

[hearts4chriss]

𝑹𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉!𝑫𝒐𝒎 𝑩𝑭!𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔 + 𝑺𝒖𝒃!𝑷𝒐𝒄 𝑮𝑭

𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡!𝐃𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐅!𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐱 𝐒𝐮𝐛!𝐏𝐨𝐜 𝐆𝐅

There’s no doubt this man is ROUGHHH when having sex.

He’s overprotective of you especially when you guys are out and you’re wearing something short and tight.

he hates when you tease, which normally results in him fucking ur brains out.

His favourite thing to do to you when you’ve either, pissed him off, teased him or didn’t do what he asked is edge you.

He gets off watching you beg to cum as he pounding into you with no mercy.

“N-no Chris! Please l-let me cum!”. You’d cry out, already shaking from the previous times he’s edged you.

“Shouldn’t have been acting like a little slut today and you would’ve cum 4 times already”. He groans deep in ur ear continuing to ruin you.

Definitely fucks you in the bathroom at the party and leaves you with cum dripping down your leg.

Leaves you shaking every time, he won’t stop until he feels you either learned ur lesson or he made you feel good.

Loves the sound ur ass makes when he’s fucking you from behind, he’s always touching it, Grabbing it, slapping it all of the above that man loves your ass

Will leave you marked up in hickeys all over ur thighs, tits, inner thighs, as a reminder of whose girl you are incase you forget.

Definitely chokes you while your in missionary / fucking you from behind.

Pulls ur hair but neverrrr where he hurts you

Made sure to establish a safe word

Degrading is his favourite thing, he loves it.

“Fuck- such a little slut, keep making those noises for me yeah?”.

“God ur pathetic, about to cum already?”.

Don’t even get started on dumification.

“Such a dumb whore, fucked out on my cock”.

“Aww look at you, all fucked out from how good I’m making you feel”.

“Wow, I thought you couldn’t get any louder, god you whore”. He’d say this while also trying not to moan because as much he’d never admit it, he loved how you wrapped around him perfectly.

he’d always be quick to remind you who you belong to Like THATS HIS GIRL ( he’s also hella jealous so he’d take you laughing at one of matts jokes, than he’d walk in and thinks your flirting. )

“Your mine right? Or should I call Matt? Seemed to be all over him”.

“can. He. Fuck. Better. Than. Me?”. He’d say all this while thrusting harder in between each word.

“Yeah keep moaning my name baby, let all the neighbours know whose girl you are”.

BIG BREEDING KINK LOVES CUMMING INSIDE YOU

“fuck ma- gonna stuff you with my cum- you’d like that wouldn’t you?”.

“gonna fill your pretty pussy up- shit-“.

The sight of your juices mixed with his could get him off any day

Has a hidden photo album of pictures of you post sex and videos of you screaming his name. Don’t even get me started on the my eyes only.

Loves cockwarming, typically after aftercare he always wants to be close to you.

Despite how rough he is during sex, that man ALWAYS takes care of you after.

Right after you both finish after hell, how many rounds? He’s quick to check on you and sometimes worried he went too far.

“hey baby, you okay? Was it too much?”.

“shh i got you, gonna take care of you now ok?”.

“You did so good for me pretty girl”.

He immediately run you a warm bath with your favourite bath bombs.

He’d clean you up first because he can wait, he’d rather have you feel better than him.

You’re super sensitive after sex so he always takes his time, staring on ur inner thighs first.

“Let me know when it’s too much ok?”.

Despite you secretly loving the rough sex, and you both established that, he would always reassure you.

“Your so pretty yk that?”. He would whisper while helping you in the bath.

“my girl, how’d i get so lucky”.

“Oh and ur definitely not a whore or s-“.

“Chris, baby, I’m okay don’t worry about it”. You’d giggle tiredly playing with the soap.

“I know but ur covered in hickeys like everywhere”. He’d scratch his head.

“Chris please ur back has seen better days”.

He’d go change the sheets to fresh clean ones fresh in the dryer.

Typically you’d want to sleep after so he played those calm noises you like and a glass of water.

right after you dried off with the help of him as you could still barley process what happened, you’d sleep in a shirt of his and a pair of panties.

You’d fall asleep once immediately in the warmth of his arms.

“There you go, sleep well baby”.

tag list ☆

@mattsleftnipple03 @sturniolopowers s @gdsvhtwa @rac00ns-are-c00l4 @worldlxvlys @chrisslut25 @princessbetsy123-blog @mattslolita @guccifrog @blahbel668 @mattsneezing @trickywritters @hearts4chris-deactivated2024040 @nonamegirlxsturniolo @luvmxtt @theyluv-meee @hoesformatt @luv4kozume @kikisturnioloo @itzdarling @pepsiimaxx @babyddolly @iiheartstef @junnniiieee07 @vicsguitarr @ast3ro1dzz @sturniolowhore @st7rnioioss @emma4eva @braindead4l @ihearttsyouu @kqyslyho3 @imaslut4kehlani @sturnsfav @sunsetsturniolos @sturniololoverr @gamermattsgf @lilyloveschris @dlyansworld @chrisloyalgf @soimightlikeoldmen69 @abbie13sworld @ineedchriscock @sturniol0s @chrissgirlsstuff @luhsexcbihh @nickgetsmewetter @rubyjaneaxx @love4chris

[deadghosy]

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐇! ||𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐎𝐋𝐅!𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎

Synopsis: Mattheo’s teeth are aching for something to bit into, maybe even tear into. And with you doing anything he wishes, he wishes you what’s on his mind. And that wish accidentally broke a secret he held for years.

Warning: not proofread, possessive behavior, biting kink?, clawing a little, suggestive.

MONSTOBER

Biting his nails, he couldn’t stop. He hated it, he hated this agitating feeling in his teeth. It was mostly his canines. After being bit in first year and not telling anyone. Not even his closest friend, you. His canines feel the need to bite into something. But he didn’t know what, he didn’t know who. But whatever it was, he needed to get it over with.

After class was over he moved quickly through the crowd. Every aching second, the aching in his lower canines and his top ones was begging to chomp. All he could think about was biting into some meat. Or anything else. Theodore seemed to spot a speeding riddle who literally ran over a small 3rd year. Theodore looked at you who was too busy on your phone, him noticing, took the phone from you.

“Hey. Your asshole just ran over a 3rd year….and have you noticed he’s been acting weird today?” You raised a brow at the Italian Slytherin . “He’s been acting weird? He was fine with me around..” Theodore rolled his eyes. “Yeah, of course he acts like he’s fine with you. He doesn’t want you to worry about him.” You frowned. Theodore gave you your phone back, but you put it in your book bag. “So…you’re basically trying to say for me to go confront him about his actions?” Theodore immediately facepalmed. “YES!” He yelled, making you scatter from him and run after Mattheo. Sadly though, Mattheo was faster and you lost trace of him. But you knew where he was.

Mattheo quickly entered his dorm, dropping his bag down and walking back and forth. He can’t, he can’t stand it. He feels like he’s going to lose his brain as his teeth ache more and more by the second, by the minute, by the— his thoughts are caught off by a knock. But there’s a certain scent behind the door. Mattheo’s felt his wolf howl and his eyes dilate at your smell. Mattheo starting biting his nails again. He couldn’t help it, maybe if he stayed quiet you would leave him alone. But you didn’t. Each knock didn’t help that he wanted to burst the door down and hug you. Mark you.

“Matty?” You say from behind the door. Mattheo almost immediately ran to the door before you opened it yourself. “Matt, you okay?” “No.” He blurted out quickly. Your brow’s narrowed at the nervous look of his. He looked like he was sweating, he looked like he was guilty of something. “Y/N. You know how you said you’d do anything for me…” you nodded slowly, closing his door as he approached you. You circled around him. Not knowing what the hell was wrong with him. With your back facing the bed and his back facing the door. There was definitely no escape. “I want to bite you..”

The silence in the room was deadly loudly. Your eyes widen as he tried to explain himself. “Listen! I know it sounds weird, but please. I got bit by a werewolf during first year. I was dumb and stupid.” He prowled towards you, making you try to move back before he gripped your shoulders in place. “I need..to bite something. My teeth. My teeth, are killing me. They are—” you sighed taking his hands off you. “I..I don’t know what to say. I mean…it’s unbelievable. But with how you are acting right as of now. I might as well let you.” You said, pulling your shirt down to show your shoulder. Mattheo felt his teeth ache more, he started to slowly graze his fingers on the smooth skin that is your shoulder. “You mean—” “Mattheo. Just do it before I change my mind.” You said firmly. Mattheo nodded. He leaned his face towards your shoulder and lost control.

He started to pathetically claw at your shirt as he bites down on your shoulder. You hiss but held his shoulders. You thought he would bite hard, but really it wasn’t that bad. Mattheo started clench his jaw, now that’s when it started to hurt. Your slight painful groans and hisses didn’t reach his ears as Mattheo kept moving his body forward. He moved forward, making you fall onto the bed with your back pressed against the mattress. Mattheo growled lowly against your skin, pulling one of your legs to his hip. Your hands quickly found way to his biceps.

Mattheo pulled his head back to see your shoulder. Mattheo’s eyes dilated at the sight of your shoulder imprinted with his bite mark. He felt his breath hitch as he now lifted your shirt and started to mark you more. With every aching bite you felt your cheeks heat up. Mattheo felt possessive, he felt like something was screaming to scar every single part of you.

He didn’t know why, but he loved it. And he can smell that you loved it too. As he finally reached to your neck, he paused before slowly biting it. Feeling your pulse in you neck made him slowly control himself and bite you. You gripped his shoulders. You gripped them hard as a slight moan left your lips. Mattheo’s jaw loosened, feeling his teeth stop to ache. He backs off your neck and looks at you. “I…I’m sorry..” mattheo says after taking full control of his senses. Even though Mattheo felt sorry, he didn’t feel fully sorry for what he really did as he found himself oddly happy that you were marked by him.

“It’s okay Matty…” you say with a small smile, you put your palm against the side of his face. Immediately Mattheo leaned into your touch. Closing his eyes and laying his body on you. “I’m sorry…” he says again, looking at the big bite on your shoulder. He reaches his hand over and rubs it. He then stops feeling you flinched which earns him a frown. “I’ll heal Matt.” “I know. But I won’t knowing I hurt you.” You kissed his forehead. He smiled before frowning and you frowned noticing it. You sat up with a hum, he looked up at you with those beautiful dark brown eyes. His eyelashes were memorizing.

“I love you…” you say, mattheo’s eyes dilated again. He rubs his head against your stomach. His wolf was happy to hear those words. Mattheo laid there against you happily with a small smile. “Say it again please…” he says softly. You chuckled starting to comb your fingers through his hair. “I love you….”

[mattitties]

sworn enemy - matt sturniolo

I don’t have many enemies in my life. I try to get along with most people, and even if I don’t like them, I do my best to be friendly no matter what. But there’s one person that I absolutely cannot stand: Matt Sturniolo.

I moved to LA about six months ago, and the triplets were some of the first people I met. I got close with Nick first, then Chris, and I attempted to get close with Matt, but he was so closed off and became outwardly rude to me every interaction we had. I have no idea why he hates me so much, but I will not tolerate him giving me that kind of attitude for no reason when I’ve tried to be his friend.

So I don’t try anymore. I’m over at their house more than I’m at mine, and I’ve gotten to the point of completely ignoring that asshole when he comes into the room. Is it rude to ignore someone in their own home? Sure, but none of this would be happening if he didn’t make it abundantly clear from day one that he has no interest in being my friend.

Nick and Chris invited me over tonight to watch a movie, so of course I accepted. Despite everything with Matt, I absolutely adore Nick and Chris and would never turn down an opportunity to spend time with them.

“Helloooo,” I say when I walk into the living room, where they’re already setting up the movie.

“Hey!” Nick smiles as he gives me a hug. “Movie’s almost ready, you wanna get some snacks?”

I nod and head to the kitchen, saying hello to Chris in the process. I’m so invested in rummaging through their fridge that I don’t even notice Matt walk into the room until he groans.

“Oh joy, look who’s here!” he says as I turn around.

“Don’t worry, I won’t bother you,” I tell him as I grab some drinks. “Just go back to your cave and it’ll be like I’m not even here!”

He rolls his eyes. “I can feel your presence even from there. Seriously, who invited her?”

“We did,” Chris says. “Come on dude, isn’t this getting a little old? It’s time to get over whatever dumb shit you have against her and grow up.”

Matt shakes his head as he takes a box of Goldfish to the couch. “Nah, I’m good. So what are we watching?”

“Oh, so now you wanna watch with us?” I ask. “Two seconds ago you were acting like it was the end of the world that I’m here.”

“Well, this is my house, and I should be able to watch a movie in my house even when little annoying creatures are sitting on my couch,” he smiles sarcastically at me.

I say nothing in response. He’s such a dick. 

“Oh, before I forget, do you want to come to TopGolf tomorrow night with us and our friends?” Chris asks me.

“I wish, but I’m going to a bar tomorrow night with my roommate,” I tell him.

“No worries, we’ll go another time. Matt’s not going either because he’s just too good for all of us, isn’t that right Matt?” Chris teases and pokes Matt’s stomach, earning a punch to his upper arm from Matt.

I roll my eyes at Matt’s clear inability to have any fun and sit back as the movie begins. 

I should not have gone out tonight. I’m having the worst night. I should have gone to TopGolf with Chris and Nick. All my life choices are being regretted. 

My roommate is currently in the bathroom probably sucking some random guy off, and I have somehow gotten in the middle of two drunk guys fighting over god knows what. The place is crowded and I’m being swallowed in a sea of people as I desperately try to get away from the fight before punches start being thrown. 

I’m unsuccessful. 

In the midst of the chaos, one of the guys accidentally nails me right in the eye as he goes to hit the other. He doesn’t even notice and continues going after him, but other people do notice. I really wish they hadn’t. I want nothing more than to just get out of there.

I push my way to the entrance and ignore the small crowd of people following me and asking if I’m okay.

“I’m fine,” I tell them, speeding up and breathing a sigh of relief when I make it outside.

The pain in my eye doesn’t even register until I open my camera and see it: red, bloody, and already starting to swell. I’m tearing up, and I can’t tell if it’s from the pain or from the disaster that is tonight. I need to go home, but there’s no way I’m going back inside to get my roommate, and she definitely won’t see if I text or call her. I could Uber, but I’m terrified of Ubering alone, especially in Los Angeles at 11 PM. I don’t want to bother Nick and Chris while they’re out, even though I know they would drop everything to get me. 

A pit in my stomach rises as I click Matt’s contact name and text him.

are you up? kind of in a situation here and need a ride

Bruh

Call someone else

i wouldn’t ask unless i really needed help

please

I hate how desperate I sound, especially to him, but I’m cold and scared and in pain, so at this point I really don’t care.

Jesus fine where are u

I send him my location and wait. He pulls up ten minutes later, and I do my best to hide my tear stained and bloody face as I get in the car.

“Thank you so much,” I tell him, trying to control my shaky voice. “I’m really sorry, I just–”

“Are you okay?” he asks. I’m barely looking at him, but I can feel him staring at me. 

“Yeah, why?”

He turns my face towards him with his thumb. His eyes widen when he sees my eye, which definitely looks worse than it did 10 minutes ago. “Dude! What the fuck happened???” 

“Nothing, I’m fine,” I tell him, my eyes starting to well up again. 

“You’re not fine. What happened? Who did this to you?”

“Nobody did anything, I swear. Two guys were just fighting and I couldn’t move fast enough and I got hit. It’s my fault, but I’m fine. It doesn’t even hurt,” I explain unconvincingly as I start to cry. 

“If it doesn’t hurt, why are you crying?”

“Because I just wanna go home, Matt! Can you just take me home?” I sob.

“Okay, okay,” he says gently as he switches gears to drive. “Can I take you to my house? We need to clean up that eye.”

I nod and look out the window as he drives us home. He is the absolute last person I want to see in this state. I know he’s going to use this against me in a few days and he’s never going to let me live it down. 

When we get to the triplets’ house, I make a beeline for Matt’s bathroom and look at myself in the mirror. 

“Oh my god,” I mumble. I look awful. My eye is completely swollen and it’s turning purple. I have a gash in my cheek. “Why the fuck did I go out tonight?” I say as Matt walks in behind me. “I have to go to work looking like this! I’m not gonna make any tips! People are gonna throw up looking at me!”

“Okay, calm down,” he tells me. “Sit on the toilet. I’m gonna clean it and get you some ice and then you can just chill here, okay?”

I nod and sit down on the toilet lid as he gets a cotton ball and some hydrogen peroxide. He tilts my chin up to look at him. “Little sting,” he mumbles. I scrunch my face at the feeling of the peroxide on the cut. “I know, I’m sorry, almost done.”

He dabs the cut a few times and throws the cotton ball out. “Come on,” he says, motioning me to get up. “Go lay down and I’ll get ice.”

I silently oblige and lay on his bed, giving him a small smile when he returns with some ice chunks in a ziplock bag covered in a paper towel. 

“It’s the best I could do,” he says when he hands it to me. “We don’t have any actual ice packs.”

“It’s great, thank you.”

He lays down next to me and turns on the TV. I’m not even paying attention. All I can think about is trying not to ask the one thing I desperately want to know. I almost keep myself from saying it, until it just comes out of my mouth like word vomit.

“Why don’t you like me?”

He looks at me, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. “What?”

I immediately regret everything, but I ask again. “Why don’t you like me? I mean, Nick and Chris both like me, so I would assume you would too, but like… did I do something to you?”

He sits up and turns the TV off. “I dropped everything tonight to come save you from a bar. Why don’t you think I like you?”

“You’re just so mean to me. You have been since the day we met. And I don’t understand what I did to deserve that. If you don’t like me, that’s fine, I just want to know why.”

He doesn’t say anything for a moment. “I do like you. I never meant to make it seem like I don’t, I thought we were just playing around. Like friends tease each other, ya know?”

“Well yeah, but… you’ve never done anything to make me think we’re friends, so…”

“I’m sorry,” he says. He opens his mouth like he’s going to say something else, but then closes it.

“What?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “Nothin. Do you want to stay here tonight? I can get you something to change into.”

“Oh,” I reply, completely taken aback by this. “Yeah… yeah, that would be nice. Thank you.”

He offers me a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt which I take into the bathroom and change into, discarding the ice pack in the process. I take another look in the mirror and sigh.

“God, I look fucking disgusting,” I say when I climb back into his bed.

“You look beautiful,” he says so quietly I have to double check if I even heard him correctly.

“Don’t tell me that just because you feel bad for me.”

“I’m not.” He turns on his side to face me. “You are beautiful.”

“Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden?”

His eyes are moving between my eyes and my lips. I’m starting to put the pieces together, and it’s terrifying. 

“Because I’m tired of pushing my feelings down and making it your problem,” he says. I don’t say anything, I just give him time to explain. “I didn’t want to like you because you were Nick and Chris’ friend first, and I didn’t want to ruin anything. I thought being a dick would make my feelings go away. It didn’t.”

“I like you, Matt,” I whisper. “I have since I first met you. It made me so sad to think that you didn’t like me. And I’m sorry I’ve also been mean to you.”

“Don’t be sorry, I deserved it,” he says. “Do you still hurt?”

I shake my head. “Not really.”

“Good,” he says before lightly holding my cheek and pressing a soft kiss to my lips. I freeze for a moment, not fully processing what’s happening, and then I hold his wrist and kiss him back, our lips moving perfectly together.

It’s clear that neither of us have any intention of taking it further tonight. We continue to kiss for just a couple minutes until we separate, doing nothing but staring into each others’ eyes. 

“Goodnight, Matt,” I say.

“Goodnight.”

[strniohoeee]

Should I?

Pairing: Matt Sturniolo X Female, Chubby, WOC Reader

Synopsis: Y/N is scared to get a belly button piercing as she’s a bigger girl. But Matt doesn’t see an issue with it, actually he encourages her to get it. But will her fears stop her???

Warnings⚠️: None really, but there’s like freaky innuendos? Also this is like a blurb tbh😃

Song for imagine: Bound 2- Kanye West

I know you’re tired of loving

Of loving, with nobody to love

Nobody to, nobody

Uh huh honey….

I had always wanted a belly button piercing, but I always felt I was too heavy to get one. I mean I’ve seen many girls that were plus size with belly button piercings and they looked so good, but my dumb brain told me I’d look horrible.

When I was younger I hated my body, oftentimes I never even looked in the mirror. As I got older and put myself out there more that started to go away. And before I knew it I had loved my body. And because I was an influencer I was also able to help other people who looked just like me.

I had met Matt through Nick who swore up and down Matt and I were “destined to be”. I knew Matt was the tiniest triplet, so for a while I put off hanging out with him. Until one day I said fuck it, and here we were 2 years into a relationship.

Not once has he ever made a negative comment about my appearance, if anything he has made me love myself even more, and has even pushed me more out of my comfort zone.

Here and there their “fans” had some unkind words to say, and at times it did make me upset and had me questioning our relationship, but I snapped out of that quickly. Because Matt didn’t love me for my body, but for who I was inside. In his words I am “loving, intelligent, extremely funny, sassy and an amazing soul to be around”

So here I was sitting on my couch missing Matt as him and Chris were in Chicago for Summer Smash. I had spent the last two days with Nick and now I was home waiting three more days for my lover.

And all I kept thinking about was getting my bellybutton pierced. I knew exactly who I wanted to go to and everytime my finger lingered over the phone number I chickened out.

Nick had spent our two days hanging out convincing me I needed to get it done. He was a huge fan of me getting it done, but I was way too scared. Not from the pain, but how I’d look….

Opening the messages app I clicked on Matt’s contact

Matty 🧸

Me

Babeeeeeeeee

Matty🧸

Babeeeeeeee

What’s up??

Me

How’s your day been? I miss you😔

Matty🧸

It’s been good Chris

And I just got back from lunch

How’s your day? I miss you a lot

More👎🏽🫶🏽

Me

It’s good, I’m thinking about doing something, I need your advice. Maybe permission too?🤞🏽

Matty🧸

You never need my permission

to do anything, shoot!

Me

What if I get a belly button piercing today….

Matty🧸

I’d actually beg

On my knees for you

To do it🙏🏽

Me

Mmm maybe I will now😈

Matty🧸

Do send pics baby😫

Chris and I are about to

Head out for summer smash

I love you and I’ll talk to you

Tonight😘😘

Me

Okay my love, have fun and stay safe. Talk to you

Tonight 💕💕

For some reason this made me really want the piercing. Saying fuck it I called the shop and set up my appointment for later on in the day. I booked my appointment for 5pm since I had some errands to run today. Which was perfect because with the time difference it would be around 8-9 pm for Matt….

It was about 7pm when I finally got back to my apartment, so I knew Matt would be in their hotel room.

Standing in front of my body mirror I took a picture and sent it to him

Me

Matty🧸

Oh my fucking God-

My jaw dropped like actually

It looks so good

And you look so fucking beautiful

If Chris wasn’t in this room with me

We’d be having a special call….

I stopped to blush at his words…

Me

You’ll be home soon…and then we can take care of business….🫦🫦

After those messages all I could think about was Matt and how he’d act in person once he saw me. When they got back from Chicago he came over to my apartment.

And let’s just say he took care of business. The whole time he had us in front of the mirror as he sat and caressed my whole body, especially my stomach.

I felt sexy and loved and most importantly I felt beautiful. And he showed me how much he loved and missed me that whole night……

Who would’ve thought a body piercing could cause me to love myself even more…

The End

This was just something small and random I thought about. I lowkey want a belly button piercing as a chubby Latina girl🤌🏽 but we’ll see. Love yall dearly 🥹🖤

-J💅🏽

[codeinesturniolo]

some people are actually so not intelligent because there’s no way that people are actually getting mad about Chris, Matt , and Nick saying the word ”bitch “in their new video like I get it that maybe sometimes it can be excessive but they also say “fuck” and they have been doing this since they started YouTube. It’s just so annoying because never have the triplets ever directly said to a woman “hey bitch” or even called them a “bitch” but they have also use it with men and women and the only time that they have ever implied it with women is saying for example what matt said “i was too busy fucking bitches” which id a saying that uses that word. Just like saying “shut the fuck up “ and just another reason why it’s so crazy because if you didn’t like their videos if you didn’t like what they said if you don’t like what they’re doing right now there is no need for you to make a post about it. No need for you to go on TikTok and make a hate page just stop watching them, but it’s people that are just over obsessed with with the triplets, which is so crazy to me and I am not saying that I know the triplets personally, but from their actions and the things that we have seen from the videos, you can clearly say that they love women Chris says that he loves women nick says that he loves women and even though Matt hasn’t directly said that he loves women he respects them with the way he talks all the stuff that they have said about men they have also said about girls and people just don’t put that together, which is dumb because they also have so many girlfriends even if it’s because Nick is gay and even if that’s the case it doesn’t matter, but I’m pretty sure that if they hated women they wouldn’t have so many friends or have friends that have been girls.

[chukys-mouthguard]

Kinda Tempting

Genre: a big mixed bag of all the things

Word count: 4.4k

Featuring: Mat Barzal x female reader x Matthew Rempe

Warnings: cheating, secret relationship

Summary: you recently left your position as the media manager for the Islanders behind, along with your boyfriend Mat Barzal, for a position with the Rangers. And their new rookie Matthew Rempe causes quite the stir both on the ice and off

Author’s note: I rewrote this like 4 times…hopefully it’s good. This will be a little series, so things should pick up. I feel like establishing background and stuff is always hard. Hopefully you all like this? And I’m sorry I literally picked two guys named Matt, could I have made that any harder on me and you lol

If someone told you that you’d be working in the NHL while also dating one of the hottest stars in the league, both in skill and looks, you would’ve never believed them. But here you were. The head of the media team department for one of the biggest teams in sports, and also the girlfriend of none other than Mat Barzal. 

The two of you met during your first season leading the media department for the New York Islanders, and you made it your mission to get him to not hate doing the stupid challenge videos and dumb quizzes that every team made their players do. And by the end of that season he’d become a pro, eventually fessing up that he only enjoyed seeing you pop up with your iphone because he knew it meant an excuse to see you.

Now it certainly wasn’t a walk in the park getting the stamp of approval from the organization, but Mat reassured you he wouldn’t let you get fired over it. And they eventually came around to the idea, only for you to get a job offer from their rival New York Rangers 2 seasons later. Despite the move from Elmont to NYC only making your distance roughly 2 hours depending on the day, it had proven to be difficult on the two of you. Your schedules never the same, not even enough for phone calls or facetimes. Sometimes going months without seeing one another. 

Thoughts plaguing your mind on whether or not he still loved you, if he’d been seeing other girls behind your back. When you look as good as Mat Barzal it’s hard to imagine him not having tons of girls throwing themselves at him. You didn’t want to think of the worst, but you saw how other guys in the league made things work with their girlfriends, so why couldn’t he do the same with you. 

Luckily today was the stadium series game between the New York Islanders and the Rangers, meaning an opportunity to finally get to see your boyfriend after almost two months. And to say it was a big game was an understatement, you just hoped Mat would actually make time to see you, and reassure you that things were good between the two of you. 

You arrived to MetLife stadium a few hours early, the media grind keeping you on almost the same schedule as the players. Your first assignment of the day was documenting the debut of Rangers rookie Matthew Rempe, though looking at this guy you’d never guess he was a rookie. He’s 6 foot 8, literally towering over every guy on the ice, and probably off of it too. 

After he finished up a few interviews, you saw him making his way past the crowd of reporters, looking a bit lost as he scanned the faces around. You assumed looking for you since he’d be told ahead of time he had media content to film today. 

“You must be Matthew Rempe.” You walked up to greet him and he smiled down at you, “How’d you know?” Eyeing him up and down you rolled your eyes as if he was someone easy to miss or not notice. “Let’s see, all the headlines talking about a 6 foot rookie debuting for the Rangers, I’d say that was the giveaway.” The two of you laughed as you started down the hall, walking towards the Rangers tunnel that led to the ice. “I’m sorry I didn’t even introduce myself, my name is y/n. I’m the media manager for the Rangers, and unfortunately for you, you’re gonna be seeing a lot of me this season.” 

The rookie simply smiling down at you as you two walked together, “something tells me I might be okay with that.” Fighting the blush that threatened to grace your cheeks, you continued on explaining what it is he’d be filming. He listed to you explain things somewhat, but then he sort of zoned out. Paying too much attention to your smile when you laughed, the excitement in your voice when you talked about your job. Not to mention he was taken aback at how beautiful you were. Your hair failing perfectly over your shoulders beneath your Rangers beanie. He was captivated by you, but tried to keep his cool. 

“Okay, so we are gonna do just a little introduction. Whatever you feel like saying, introduce yourself, tell us where we are, all that fun stuff.” Rempe quickly snapping back to reality, stopping at where the tunnel began to open up to reveal the stadium. He simply followed your lead, waiting as you took out your phone and cued him to start whenever he was ready. 

“Hey Rangers fans, it’s Matt Rempe here. Getting ready to make my debut at the Stadium Series here at MetLife. It’s time to bang some bodies and bring home a win!” He pumped his fists as he emphasized his final words for the camera, you signaling that was a great take. Next, moving over to the bench to do a couple sit down questions. 

“Perfect, you are really a natural Matthew. I’m impressed! It took some of the other guys years to get comfortable with doing all the media stuff.” He smiled as he stood up, once again towering over you. “Well you made it really easy, made me feel comfortable and all the nerves went out the window.” 

“Well good! I’m gonna go edit this now and we will probably have it posted within an hour, just in case you wanted to see it.” “Oh perfect,” Matthew began reaching into his pocket before pulling out his phone, “can you text me once it’s up?” You took his phone, not thinking anything of it, you had plenty of his teammates phone numbers. It becoming a thing for guys to want to send embarrassing clips of each other for their group chats. “Sure thing, there you go! Shoot me a text so I have your number and I’ll get you the link as soon as it’s up.” 

You smiled as the two of you headed up the tunnel, some of the islanders players making their way out to see the ice. The second you saw your boyfriend’s face walking toward you, all of your professional game day demeanor went out the window and you took off running.

As you took off up the tunnel, Matthew was a bit confused, not realizing what was going on, he continued walking as his eyes followed you. Soon seeing you jump into the arms of Mat Barzal from the Islanders. His heart sunk a bit, of course she’s not single, he sighed to himself as he pulled out his phone. Trying to not seem so awkward when he walked past the two of you kissing. Flashing a smile when you mentioned that you’d text him after you finished editing the things you two just filmed. 

Why was he so shocked to see a beautiful girl like you dating someone? Maybe it was shocking that you were dating one of the top guys in the league, who also happens to be on one of the Rangers rival teams. He’d felt a bit foolish for thinking that a girl like you would not only be single, but ever give him, a rookie, the time of day like that. Heading into the locker room, he threw on his headphones and started to get zoned in for the game. 

 It had been about a month since you’d seen Mat, and you couldn’t contain your excitement. He smiled at you as he braced for your hug, cutting it short before giving you a quick kiss. “Mat, come on, it’s been almost two months. Aren’t you happy to see me?” He nodded to his teammates to walk without him as he stayed back, “yeah of course I am, but I’m also trying to get focused. I’m sorry I’m not jumping up and down like you.” His laugh caught you off guard, as almost if he was making fun of how excited you were to see him. 

“Sorry for being happy to see my boyfriend. Well go get focused, I don’t wanna be a distraction to you” Dropping his hands you’d pushed past him, doing your best to hide any emotions you had and ignore the feeling of just wanting to cry. 

“Y/n, babe come on don’t be like that!” 

Mat stood in the tunnel yelling after you, but he didn’t bother to chase you. Knowing it wasn’t the time or place, though when was the time and place for you two anymore? 

Finding a warm area tucked away at the stadium, you took out your laptop and started editing, anything you could do to get your mind off of Mat and how annoyed you were. . 

Beginning to edit the footage you took of Matthew, a smile crept across your face. Everything about Rempe was infectious. His thick Canadian accent as he spoke made you laugh. The little phrases and things he’d say when he got excited about the game and this opportunity. Pulling out your phone, you shot him a text, not sure if he’d respond since he was probably getting warmed up. 

“Soooo, when is it considered too early to make Matthew Rempe, let’s bang some bodies merch? Lol” 

Sitting in his stall, Matthew heard a quick ding over his music, slightly cursing at himself for not turning his phone on do not disturb. He had been getting tons of texts from friends and family about his debut, and while he appreciated it, they were distracting for sure. He went to simply swipe the text away, figuring he’d respond later. But he stopped as he saw your name displayed on the screen. 

He chuckled to himself at the text, typing out a quick reply before heading off to stretch with some of the guys. 

“Ehhh, not sure how entirely appropriate the merch would be. People who weren’t in on it may think it’s like a sex joke or something.” 

Finally seeing a reply from Matthew you laughed out loud, quickly typing a reply before you put the finishing touches on your social media post. 

“Oh lord I can see the headline now, Rangers merch sales at an all time high after rookie proudly endorses banging bodies.”

As soon as you got your content edited and posted, you shut your laptop and got everything packed back into your bag. Deciding you were in desperate need of caffeine if you were somehow gonna make it to game time. The Rangers kept a stash of energy drinks in their locker room, half the time you swore just for you because you never saw the guys drink them. 

“Oh no, here she comes! She’s gonna ask us to do a tik tok!” Vinny Trochek calling out to the guys playing soccer and they all pretended to scatter. Being the media girl the loved giving you a hard time, but you knew it came with the territory. “Very funny Vinny, just wait until you see the embarrassing shit I’ve got of you ready to post!” 

Trochek making a face at you as you popped in the locker room to grab your drink. 

buzz buzz 

“You know, if you were sneaking in the locker room to try and catch a glimpse of me shirtless or something, you could’ve just asked ;)” 

Practically choking on your Celsius you wiped your mouth as you stared at the text you receive from Matthew. He truly was something else, his flirting not at all subtle. Though you didn’t mind, he was a ten for sure. Though you knew he probably was a player and had girls drooling over him. 

But after the not so warm greeting from your boyfriend, you welcomed a little flirting. 

Exiting the locker room you locked eyes with Matthew giving you a shit eating grin as you tried to hide the blush on your cheeks. He smiled to himself as he bit his tongue, turning his attention back to the guys as they finished up their game of soccer. 

The final horn sounded, ending one of the most exciting games you’ve seen in awhile. The Rangers somehow pulled out the win, coming back from down 3 goals to take the game in overtime. Rempe got his first fight in his NHL debut, and the media content you got from this game was endless. The thought of all the editing you’d have to do tonight buried in the back of your mind as you focused on trying to find something to eat in the catering area near the locker room. Lucky for you, some of the guys were always kind enough to set food aside for you, knowing you rarely ate when working the games. Not even by choice, but simply because you were responsible for catching anything and everything on camera and posting in real time. 

You munched on some french fries as you scrolled through the comments on your post of Rempe’s debut, laughing at all the girls drooling over him through their screens. Continuing your scroll you hardly noticed the scratched up knuckles reaching in to steal a fry. “Matthew Rempe how dare you!” 

He shot you a cocky grin as he tossed the fry in his mouth, “Sorry, I had to, you were asking for it.” Rolling your eyes you finished off the fries, then reaching for your bag only to be stopped by Matthew. “Here, as an apology for stealing a fry, let me carry this for you. It’s the least I can do.” Smiling softly you obliged, letting him hold the bag as the two of you headed towards the parking garage. 

“Oh, nice fight by the way. Didn’t feel like wasting much time huh?” He smiled proud as he shrugged, “Better to get it over with early, gets the nerves out you know?” 

As you approached your car, he pulled your bag from his shoulder. “Not seeing the boyfriend or anything?” Checking your phone, you’d never heard back from Mat whether or not he’d want to see you tonight. “Probably not, I’ve got a lot of editing to do and…” your voice trailed off as you tried to make up a believable excuse as to why your boyfriend couldn’t see you. To which Matthew saw right through, “I couldn’t help but notice the two of you earlier, trouble in paradise?” 

Letting out a huff you tossed your bag into your passenger seat as you laughed, “how much time you got Rempe?” An apologetic smile crept across his face as he saw you holding in a lot. He wanted to just hug you, let you cry if you needed to. He’d only just met you a few hours ago yet he felt like he was meant to. Like you needed him to come into your life and somehow make it better. “Well, my family is in town and I definitely have to see them. We are grabbing dinner. But, I can certainly make time later tonight?” Nodding your head you walked over to the drivers side of your car, Matthew offering a quick hug to you, sensing you needed it. Which you did, very much so. He closed the car door before leaning down and resting his arms on the frame as you started it up. “I’ll text you when I’m done with my family? Pinky promise.” He held out his pinky which was quadruple the size of yours, making you chuckle as you wrapped yours around it. “Don’t make me sit around my phone waiting for a text you don’t plan on sending Matthew Rempe.” 

He laughed as he walked away from your car, “you kidding? I’ve already got our conversation pinned in my messages!” Shaking your head you rolled up the window, pulling out of the garage and heading out on the traffic filled road for your drive home. 

As much as you loved your job, sitting on your couch and staring at the same repetitive clips of the Rangers for hours while editing really got old fast. Trying to fight your exhaustion you closed your laptop, pulling out your phone to try giving Mat a call. He texted you after the game, a half hearted apology that truly did nothing more than make you roll your eyes. 

Hey it’s Mat, I can’t come to the phone right now, leave me a message.

Typical Mat, phone on do not disturb after a loss, and you probably won’t hear from him until later or even tomorrow if he’s really in a mood. It had unfortunately become the norm, and while you hated it, you couldn’t say much about it. You did sign up for this somewhat when decided to date a NHL player, and one who happens to be one of the top names in the league. He bears a lot of weight on his shoulders from his franchise, and it’s been taking a toll on him for the last year or so. Spilling over to affect your relationship, though he won’t agree. He thinks things are as good as they’ve ever been. Despite the two of you barely speaking, rarely ever seeing one another now, and we won’t even talk about the lack of anything remotely sexual. Not even the occasional nude could get Mat going, so you’d stopped trying to change him. Accepting that maybe this was who he was now, but never building up the courage to just walk away. 

The buzzing of your phone in your lap snapping you from your sad thoughts, as a smile now appeared on your face after seeing Matthew’s name pop up on your screen. “Thank you for calling y/n’s phone, how can I help you?” Matthew chuckled on the other end of the call, “I am really hoping that y/n is available and still wants to talk to me after the long day she had? I might even have dessert that I am sure she’d love right about now.” 

“You want to come over?” Your tone sounding a bit more harsh than you intended, just a bit shocked that he was offering to stop by versus just talk on the phone or text. “Oh, um, I don’t know. You seemed a bit down earlier, and I just felt like you could use some cheering up. Plus you said it yourself, I’m gonna have to get used to spending time with you so might as well get a head start.” 

Before he could finish his sentence you’d texted him your address, telling yourself to say fuck it and have him come over. You refused to sit and sulk over your boyfriend any more than you already had. 

“Sweet, I’m only like 15 minutes away. Me and the cake will be there soon!” You cackled into the phone as Matthew quickly regretted his words, “I meant like the dessert, not my ass or anything. Oh god! Look I’ll be there soon okay?” 

Embarrassed, he hung up while you continued your laughter. Packing up your computer and cleaning up your place a bit, not sure where your sudden nerves were coming from. It’s not like Matthew would be expecting a five star mansion to be hiding within your small NYC apartment. And before you could double check the clothes you’d thrown on the second you got home, a knock came at your door. The last thing you expected when opening it was Matthew to now be in gray sweatpants and a hoodie, his hair still somewhat damp from his postgame shower, looking even better than you’d remembered. To put in plainly, he looked hot. 

“I hope you like vanilla cake with chocolate frosting!” 

He beamed as he carried the cake inside, setting it on your kitchen island then taking in the apartment. Nodding in approval as you went to grab two glasses, offering water which Matthew kindly accepted. 

“So,” he started as he took a seat on your sofa, “cake first or did you want to tell me your life story to get that over with?” Grabbing the box of cake along with two forks, you took a seat next to Matthew before handing him the extra utensil. 

“How about both?”

“Okay so, why don’t you just breakup with him? I mean, I know that’s easier said than done, but you don’t seem very happy.” Playing with the hem of your sweatshirt as you finished telling Matthew the gist of your love story with Mat, and his reactions were all what you’d expected. “I don’t know, I mean, I love him. It’s not easy to break up with someone you love. And I keep telling myself it’ll get better.” 

“When? Once he wins a Stanley Cup and finally eases up a bit from his Mr. Perfect persona and attitude? How long is that gonna take?” 

He had a point, you truly had no clue when Mat would change and start being like himself again. You missed the karaoke nights with him and your friends, movie nights at your place, dinner dates, even just sleeping in the same bed as him. You missed him, but something tells you he didn’t miss you. 

“Look, I’m not trying to be an asshole. Hell, I just met you like 10 hours ago yet somehow I am in your apartment sharing cake and talking to you about your relationship troubles. I don’t know how we ended up here but I’m not mad at it.” A smile crept on your lips for the first time in the past thirty minutes as Matthew rested his hand on your thigh. “All I’m saying is, if you were my girlfriend, I would’ve sprinted down that tunnel today to hug you and kiss you. I would’ve come to see you after the game no matter if my team won the game or lost by twelve goals. You’re beautiful, funny, super fucking talented at your job, and from the few hours I’ve been around you, I can see how amazing you are.”

You hadn’t noticed yourself tearing up until Matthew reached out to wipe your cheek. “I’m not trying to make you cry, now I feel bad. Should I make you laugh?” He pouted his lips at you, doing his best to earn a smile. 

“Like being so for real, if I was your boyfriend and I got to see you today after like a month, we would’ve had to go somewhere private at that stadium cause there’s no way I’m not getting my hands all over you the second I see you.” 

Shaking your head you grabbed the forks and cake box from the table, walking them all to the kitchen as Matthew laughed at his words, though not denying them. “Well, as amazing as that sounds, I couldn’t even tell you the last time Mat did any of that.”

Matthew practically choked on his water as you rinsed off the forks, “what?”, then putting them aside to dry. “Don’t tell me you haven’t even been having sex with him, he’s your boyfriend y/n! Like…is he gay?” 

“Matthew Rempe!” 

“I mean, I don’t know,” he shrugged as he joined you in the kitchen, “I’m trying to wrap my brain around how a guy could be dating a girl like you, and not be even having sex with her. Like I get the not seeing each other as much because of being in two different cities, the limited phone calls and stuff, but going months and months without sex!? I’m not trying to cause a stir in your relationship or come across disrespectful, but I would one hundred percent not be able to go a month without getting my hands on you and- actually, let me stop myself before I say some things I shouldn’t.” 

Your jaw practically on the floor as he retreated, quickly sipping his water so he didn’t have to speak. “No, actually I think you should continue. I’m kinda tempted to hear this.” You leaned back against the counter as you crossed your arms in front of your chest, a smirk on your face as you could sense Matthew’s nervousness with you getting closer to him. He eyes you up and down from behind his glass before that signature cocky grin crept across his face. His hands now on either side of your waist as he looked down at you. 

Everything in you was telling you to stop, to not let your interaction with Mat lead you to do anything you’d regret. But hell you’ve been in this cycle for months. Constantly waiting for the day your boyfriend starts acting like your boyfriend again. And you were also a woman with needs. If a 6 foot hot man in your kitchen wants to gas you up and show you what you’ve been missing, how are you to say no to that?

“Well for starters, I’ve been trying my best to not stare at your ass with these little shorts you’ve got on. Not to mention keeping my hands off your legs, which I can’t believe you were hiding underneath your jeans all day cause wow.” To say you were enjoying his compliments was an understatement. 

“Anything else?” 

His fingers now brushing your hair back from your face as he could see your breath catch in your chest, you were nervous. He could see it on your face, your heart telling you that it wasn’t a good idea. But your body language telling him that you’d been missing this. 

“I didn’t come over to do this, or fuck up your relationship. I promise you that. And if you want me to stop, I’ll respect that.” His hand cupped your cheek as he waited for your sign to stop, but nothing came. 

“I don’t think anything you do right now could fuck up my relationship any more than it already is.” You smirked as his lips finally pressed to yours, the butterflies in your stomach bursting as you brought your hands to his hair, deepening the kiss as he picked you up, your legs naturally wrapping around his waist. 

A laugh escaped your lips as you saw how high you were off the ground in his arms, joking that he could help you be able to clean the top of your fridge from up there. Matthew shaking his head as he brought your lips back to his. Only to be interrupted by your phone buzzing on the counter. 

“Oh shit, boyfriend’s calling.” 

You rolled your eyes as Matthew handed the phone to you, only to silence the call and toss your phone back onto the island. 

“Guess I’m a little busy right now.” 

[sturnswrites]

drenched in us

matt sturniolo x fem!reader

⤳ angst, fluff

⤳ you and matt aren't officially dating but after you see him flirting with another girl at a party, you're forced to question your feelings for each other.

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

The party was everything you hated—loud music, sweaty bodies, and fake smiles plastered on unfamiliar faces. You hadn’t even wanted to come, but Matt had begged you. It’ll be fun, y/n, he’d said, his signature grin making it impossible to say no.

But now, you regretted it.

You leaned against the wall in the corner of the living room, nursing your cup of a barely-touched drink, eyes scanning the crowd. You were trying to find him—not because you needed him, or so you told yourself, but because he’d asked you to be here. You’d shown up for him, not for this mess. The least he could do was not leave you alone to fend off boredom and the occasional sloppy flirtation from random guys.

Then you spotted him.

Matt stood across the room, his face illuminated by the flickering neon lights. His messy brown hair was perfectly tousled, his shoulders loose, and that stupid smirk you couldn’t get out of your head was aimed at her.

You didn’t recognize her but she was gorgeous. Laughing at whatever joke he’d just cracked, she leaned in close, her manicured hand grazing his tattoo covered arm.

You froze as the world seemed to stop. 

Your stomach twisted, tightening with every second he didn’t pull back or look uncomfortable. In fact, he looked like he was enjoying it. That smirk wasn’t one you saw often—it wasn’t the soft, teasing one he gave you when you tried to argue about something dumb, or the one he used to get you to smile when you were in a bad mood. This was different.

And it broke something inside you.

The worst part? You didn’t even have a right to feel this way. Matt wasn’t yours. The two of you weren’t dating, weren’t anything official.

But you couldn’t take it anymore. You slammed your cup down on the nearest surface and pushed through the crowd, weaving past people who were too drunk to notice your stormy expression. You needed to get as far away as you could from the boy before something more unraveled in front of your face. 

By the time you reached the front door, the cool night air combined with the rain that had started to fall hit your face, but it did nothing to cool the fire raging inside you.

“Y/n!”

You knew that voice from anywhere. His voice. Stopping you dead in your tracks. 

You turned, your heart pounding as Matt stepped out onto the porch. His brows were furrowed, his chest rising and falling like he’d run after you. “What’s going on?”

“What’s going on?” you repeated, bitterness dripping from your words. “You tell me, Matt. Because from where I was standing, it looked like you were having the time of your life with her.” 

His confused expression faltered for a moment. “Are you—wait.” He stepped closer, his voice dropping. “Were you…jealous?”

“Yes!” you snapped, your voice breaking, wet streaks streaming down your face, you couldn’t tell what was tears or rain. The word tumbled out before you could stop it, raw and unfiltered. “Of course I was jealous! Do you even get how hard it is for me to see you with someone else? Whatever we have right now is not enough, Matt. I can’t keep doing this—watching you look at someone the way you look at me.”

The words hung in the air between you, heavy and undeniable. Suddenly the roles had reversed and now Matt was the one who was frozen. 

Matt’s face softened, his wide eyes searching yours as the rain dripped from his lashes. “Y/n…”

“No,” you interrupted, your voice trembling. “I mean it, Matt. I need you to make this official. Right now. Because I can’t keep pretending this doesn’t hurt. You can’t keep acting like I don’t feel anything, like you don’t feel anything. You take me to dinner, hold me until I fall asleep every night, hell, I’ve met your parents, but you can’t even make me your girlfriend.” 

The rain fell harder, the sound drowning out the muffled music from the party.

Matt took a step closer, his eyes locked on yours. “I wasn’t flirting with her because I wanted to,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “I was trying to distract myself. Because every time I look at you, I want things I’m scared to mess up.”

His words made your breath hitch, your anger faltering under the weight of his confession.

“But I can’t do this anymore either,” he continued, rain streaming down his face as he ran a hand through his wet hair. “I want you. I’ve always wanted you. I was just too scared to ruin what we have.”

Your lips parted, but no words came out. You didn’t know what to say, how you felt. 

Then, without warning, Matt stepped forward and cupped your face with his hands. His palms were cold from the rain, but his touch was warm, grounding.

“I’m sorry for making you feel like you weren’t enough,” he murmured. His voice cracked, a vulnerability in his tone that you’d never heard before. “You’ve always been more than enough for me.”

Before you could respond, his lips were on yours, crashing into you with all the emotion he’d held back for so long.

The kiss was everything—soft and desperate, warm and urgent despite the cold rain pouring down. It was everything you’d wanted to hold on to forever but never thought you could have.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against yours. His blue eyes searched yours, and for the first time that night, you saw no hesitation, no fear.

“No more distracting myself from how I really feel. Let’s do this,” he whispered, his lips curving into a small smile. “Officially. You and me.”

A watery laugh escaped you as you nodded, tears mixing with the rain on your face. “You and me,” you echoed, the words feeling lighter and truer than anything you’d said in weeks.

And just like that, the storm between you two finally passed.

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

hiii first fan fic bare with me I don’t really know what I’m doing 😀

⭒ margot

[whoisneo404]

Piss off your parents.

Summary: in which your parents think you shouldn’t have a boyfriend or go out on dates because your last partner was a bad person and left you in a bad chapter of your life. You think they shouldn’t control your love life and rant about it with your friend Nick, until he gives you the great idea of dating him.

Warning??: talk about parents being controlling and swearing

‘’I told them that they have no right to tell me who I should and shouldn’t date, like it’s stupid, I’m not and idiot, I know who is a good and a bad guy.’’ I roll my eyes and cross my arms.

‘’Well, you swore with your life that your ex was nice and now we are having this conversation so…’’ Nick raises an eyebrow and I let out a sigh.

‘’I mean, he was manipulative, everyone thought they were a nice person.’’ I try to defend myself.

‘’I never liked them, you know that, I told you.’’ He says in a stern voice, and it’s true, I was to blinded to see that he was always right.

‘’I know, I should have listened to you, they are a prick and I understand my parents’ concerns but I just want to go out on dates and have fun with someone, they shouldn’t be like… I don’t know, like this.’’ Nick takes a sip from his Dr Pepper can and raises his shoulders.

‘’I get it but not completely. You are upset but you know why they say that you shouldn’t date for a while. But what do you want to do about it?’’ I hate that he is so smart and always tries to help me, I’m whinnying over nothing, my parents are right, but I’m too stubborn to admit it.

‘’I want them to leave me alone, to not be involved in my love life, should I rent a boyfriend just to piss them off?’’ I say as a joke, but Nick narrows his eyes and tilts his head.

‘’Are you being serious?’’

‘’No… maybe? I don’t know, I want to piss them off a bit but I won’t rent a boyfriend or something like that, that’s insane.’’ I try to laugh it off.

‘’Then ask me.’’ He looks me dead in the eyes, can of Dr Pepper in one hand, squeezing it a bit.

‘’What?’’

‘’Ask me, you want to piss off your parent? Date someone to scare them?’’ I nod a bit, he leans in, his empty hand making his way to my shoulder. ‘’You don’t have to keep looking, I’m right here. I’m attentive, a good listener, strong, have a great taste in music, I’m funny as fuck, I know you more than you know yourself. Plus, I have every single feature you like, tattoos? I have them, long hair? I have it, tall guys? I am tall.’’ He lets out a sigh, I’m dumbfounded, I don’t know what to say. ‘’And yes, before you ask it, I like you. So, if you want to have fun and go out on dates, if you want to make your parents scared, anything, I’m right in front of you.’’

I swallow, I think my cheeks are red, his gorgeous blue eyes piercing right through me.

‘’I like you, truly. I like you and I thought you didn’t, so I dated the prick of my ex because I thought it will help me get over you. But you hugged me and cleaned my tears every time he disappeared or we fought. I just couldn’t stop liking you, I’m so sorry.’’ I rant, like I always do when I get nervous, he knows it, so he grabs my face with his right hand and kisses me, it lasted like 15 seconds, enough to shut me up, but to little and leaving me wanting more.

‘’y/n, shut the fuck up, please. Don’t apologize.’’ He kisses my forehead, his hand doesn’t leave my face, his thumb stroking my cheek. ‘’You are so dumb for not realizing I’m basically head over heels for you. So, are you gonna ask me out?’’ I nod and grab his other hand.

‘’Will you go out with me?’’ he smiles.

‘’Yes. Of course, I will. You know your parents won’t be mad, they love me.’’

‘’They do, so annoying.’’ I roll my eyes and put my head in the crook of his neck. Nick wraps around his arms around me. A car pulls behind us and honks, Nick looks up and rolls his eyes, I look over my shoulder and Matt is in the car with the window down, Chris drinking a Pepsi in the passenger sit.

‘’Are you dating yet?’’ Chris says leaning in and smiling widely. ‘’Also, hi y/n.’’

I smile and wave my hand at them. ‘’Hi Chris, hi Matt. Kind of, I asked him out, now he has to ask me if he can be my boyfriend, but we are together pretty much.’’

‘’Don’t tell them that, god, they are gonna be so annoying.’’ He rolls his eyes and grabs his backpack. ‘’let’s go.’’ He grabs my hand and helps me stand up; we sit together in the back of the car. I smile while Matt and Chris tease Nick and he rolls his eyes while cursing at them and telling them to shut up.

[ricewater26]

Crave (Matt x Reader)

warnings: reader has an eating disorder.

You and your sisters are family friends and ever since you’ve moved to LA, you’ve all been hanging out almost everyday. Thats why it didn’t go unnoticed that you’ve been upset these past two weeks. Not when everyone could see the dark circles under your eyes, your loss of appetite, and how much you spaced out. Chris and Nick even voiced there concern to your sisters when you left to go to the bathroom .

“I don’t know” Raina sighs. “Sometimes I hear her crying at night too. I tried to comfort her the first time I heard, but she got even more upset and pushed me away. Maybe she just need some space”

“Orrr she just needs to have some fun. BOWLING, WHOSE WITH ME” says Chris grinning from ear to ear. Nick rolls his eyes but laughs a little. “Your dumb as fuck”

Matt watched as everything went down and couldn’t help but worry even more. Out of everyone, Matt was the most bothered by your mental state. He was constantly checking on you even if you pushed him away, making sure you at least have a snack, and coming over to pick you up, even if you wanted to be alone. Chris and Nick made fun of him saying that he had a ‘little crush’

Matt sighs and walks to the bathroom because you’ve been in there for a while. He knocks on the door softly and puts his ear against it. He hears your soft sobs from the other side. “Y/n?” he says in a worried tone loud enough for you too hear on the other side. You cover your mouth to try and muffle your crying, but it does nothing to ease Matt. “Y/n let me in, I hear you crying”

Before you can respond he picks the lock and opens the door to find you sitting on the toilet seat with tears rolling down your face. His face drops and his eyes soften. “Oh sweetheart” he whispers softly as he comes in. He kneels down to your level and pulls you off the seat to him. He positions your head in the crook of his neck and sits all the way on the floor. You sob into his shirt and he whispers sweet nothings in your ear. “Your shaking. Come on talk to me, sweetheart. Whats going on?” You just sob harder at the question. How were you going to tell him that sometimes your mind does this to you. You felt so stupid.

You thought you got rid of your body dysmorphia. All it took was one mean joke from a random girl at work to set you off balance.

“Y/n you cannot post this picture. Your whole stomach is hanging out your shirt. Embarrasing” she practically sings

When you got home from your shift, you went sriaght to your mirror. The more you looked at yourself the more you hated yourself. You poked and proded at your stomach wanting to wish it away. You didn’t sleep or eat that night, or the night after that, or the night after tha-

“Hey, hey, come back to me.” Matt was now cupping your face making you look at him from your position on his lap. “Shh shhh, your okay” he reassures you as you finally look into his eyes. After a few seconds, he breaks the silence. “ I have to ask” he hesitates

“Do you have an eating disorder, Y/n?” he says sounding heartbroken. You immediately start to tear up again which already gave him his answer.

“You think your fat?”. He sounded almost breathless when he said it. Your face immediately heats up in embarrassment and shame at hearing it out loud. You nodd your head anyway, while tearing your eyes away from him. He moves your head signaling that he wants your eyes back on his again.

“Your not. Not even close. You have no idea how beautiful you are. Not just to me, to everyone.” You blush again but out of happiness.

“You think I’m beautiful” a long awaited smile spreads across your face in the first time in weeks. He immediately returns it

“How can I not?”

[snugglebug-92]

The One Where Matt Saves Her

Matt wasn’t normally one for parties but they had just swept a weekend series and Matt got the game winning goal so he decided to tag along. As he walks in he sees his baby sister standing by her douche of a boyfriend. Matt smiles at her as he walks into the kitchen and grabs himself a bottle of water. He knew most of the guys were going to be drinking plus he was fine with being the designated driver. A few girls come and talk to him throughout the night but he doesn’t give them his full attention as he watches the boy interact with his sister.

While he stands there he can’t help but think of the night many months ago the two met and how he wishes he would have done anything to have stopped it. His sister had begged him to let her tag along to a college party just once and he reluctantly said yes. He figured if he was with the girl no guy would be dumb enough to approach her but boy was he wrong. Matt knew Bryan could be trouble from stories but he only had pleasant interactions with the lacrosse player. The two had classes together and he all-in-all seemed decent to Matt which is why he didn’t mind the boy talking to his sister. He saw her smile and laugh and Bryan asked her on a date which she was quick to say yes to. One date turned into two and then three and soon they were happily together. Or so it seemed. Eventually Bryan’s true self started to show through and that’s when the bruises started. At first she said it was her clumsiness but when she went home for Christmas and strictly wore turtlenecks Matt knew it was something much more. 

He didn’t know how to bring it up at first so he didn’t until she called him one night late. Much later than she should have been up begging him to come pick her up. Bryan was going through a fit and was screaming and throwing things. She was scared and didn’t know what to do. When Matt picked her up he almost cried. How could his poor baby sister be in such a mess. They got to his apartment and had a long talk. She told Matt she couldn’t just leave him not while she was her. He would find her and threaten a friend or family and she couldn’t have anyone hurt. It was then the two decided that she would come with him to Minnesota or Iowa or wherever he ended up as soon as the season was over. She fell asleep crying on top of him. Matt started her transfer application to the University of Minnesota the next morning. She could hate him for it but at least that way she could take in-person classes the next fall semester.

As Matt looks at his baby sister still curled up against the asshole he wants to punch him and kick him and even kill him but he knows that won’t do him any good. So he just sits back and watches from afar as women flirt with him and throw themselves at him. Everything will be okay, he tells himself. 

A month goes by and the boys are playing the last hockey game of the season for all they know. If they don’t win now this is it. Matt skates onto the ice and smiles up at her. She waves down at him. Everything is going to be okay and soon she will be done with that jackass Matt tells himself. But the boys lose and when Matt walks out of the locker room she isn’t the like she normally would be. Matt tries not to freak out but then he checks her location and it’s off. That’s when his face pales. He pretends to be calm as he walks to his car but in reality he doesn’t know what to do. He calls his parents and finally tells them what has been happening the past few months. He knows he should have told them sooner but in all honesty he thought things would have ended by now. Bryan has never been with a woman this long. Matt’s parents are thankfully already in the city as well as Michael. The four tried to think of everywhere she could be then went looking for her. Eventually Matt got a call from one of the boys at the lacrosse house. They had just found his sister and 911 was already on the way. Matt swallowed as he heard that. He spead to the house and haphazardly parked before running in the house. The guys told him which room they were in. Matt ran up there and found her bruised, bloody, and nearly beaten to death. As he sat there the ambulance and police arrived and Matt got in before texting everyone to let them know she had been found and was on her way to the hospital. Matt’s heart shattered as he looked at her. He failed his baby sister once and now he was supposed to take her hundreds of miles away. They wheeled her out and brought her into an emergency room just as the rest of the family got there. They all decided one thing. As soon as she was released she was leaving the city. The police questioned Matt and he told them all he knew. They thanked him for his time then left him to do his own thing.

When she was released the first thing she wanted to do was go home and shower. The second was to file a restraining order against Bryan. As soon as she was done with the police her and Matt packed their things and started the trip to Iowa. Matt made a vow to himself that he would never let anything like this happen to her again.

[emsprovisions]

Telling them they deserve better for the GM prompts :D

friends to lovers prompts

Part 2: Gus's Boyfriend (Link to part one)

A few months had passed by now and Gus was still dating that stupid Leviathan guy. Matt tried not to think about it too much, because he stewed every time he did and he didn't want to push Gus away just because he hated his boyfriend.

The issue was that Leviathan was hanging around more and more with their group of friends. He was showing up to move nights, dinner after games, even the library for study groups.

He always asked Matt how he was doing and how his classes were going. He took an interest when he saw the Blademage sticker on the front of Matt's binder. He said it was one of his favorite series growing up. This only made Matt hate him more.

Blademage was his thing. He couldn't stand the thought of Leviathan prattling off to Gus any Blademage lore. Actually, he couldn't stand the thought of this guy prattling anything off to Gus.

Like seriously, the guy was so amicable that it was like impossible to actually know anything about him. What made him tick? What foods did he hate? Has he ever fought with his siblings? Did he even have any siblings??

Matt seriously could not imagine what sort of conversations Gus and Leviathan had together on dates. It just seemed like small talk was inescapable with the guy. Other than a pretty face, what did Gus see in him???

Matt couldn’t hold his tongue anymore. They’d been in the Graveyard all day and Matt had been trying to think over how to say it, if he even should say it. But if he didn’t get it off his chest it was gonna eat him alive.

“So,” he began. “How are things going with Leviathan?”

Gus glanced up from his perch on a rock. He’d been working on homework. He looked a little surprised that Matt had asked.

“Things are good, I guess? Why are you asking?”

“No reason…” Matt looked back down at the ground and the constructions he’d been practicing for his test on Monday.

Gus put down his homework and got up, stretching his legs and moving closer to Matt.

“You don’t like talking about him. Why did you ask?” He raised a suspicious eyebrow to stare Matt down.

Matt met his gaze, those dark, stormy grey eyes that always seemed to pin him where he stood. Gus’s eyes were like looking into a storm. Only, they had a softness to them too. Gus was soft and sweet. He was the perfect guy. He was funny. He was smart. He was everything.

“You deserve better,” he blurted out. Realizing what he said, his eyes widened and he clapped a hand over his mouth.

Gus just stared at him. His eyebrows furrowed inwards.

"What do you mean?"

Matt shook his head, refusing to speak, looking intently down at his feet.

"Matty," Gus breathed, stepping closer. "You can talk to me."

Deft fingers lifted Matt's chin, forcing him to once again meet Gus's stormy gaze. Matt swallowed hard. It all became so clear then. He didn't think Gus should be with Leviathan because he wanted Gus.

He was in love with Augustus Porter.

And it was maddening.

It's not like he really deserved Gus either. In hindsight, Gus probably did deserve someone as nice as Leviathan. But he'd been so jealous–even now jealousy gripped his heart with its awful tentacles–he hadn't realized that's what it was. He just thought he'd had Gus's best interest in heart.

Only now, staring at Gus's lips, he realized he'd only ever had his own interest at heart.

He licked his lips, parting them as if to speak, but no words would come out.

Gus tried again, "Is that why you don't like Leviathan? You think I don't deserve him."

Matt nodded, cautioning a look into his eyes.

"Do you want to know something?" Gus asked.

"What?" Matt croaked.

"I only started going out with Leviathan to try and get over someone else. It's dumb, I know. But this other guy I had a crush on, he's my best friend. And I was too scared to tell him how I felt, because I was scared maybe he didn't feel the same, or maybe it would ruin our friendship if I did."

Matt stared at Gus, now his turn to be confused. "Who–?"

"But what's worse," Gus continued, holding up a hand to cut Matt off. "My feelings for him never went away. In fact, I think they've gotten kinda stronger and it's kinda awful because I just feel like maybe I'm leading Leviathan on, and maybe I should end things and just be honest with how I feel..."

He took a deep breath and met Matt's eyes. "...How I feel about you."

Matt stared dumbly at Gus. He was so close he could feel Gus's breath on his cheek.

"You-you like...me?" Matt choked on the words. What he'd been hearing felt impossible.

Gus nodded and let out a humorless laugh. "Terrible isn't it?"

Matt surged forward in that instant, grabbing Gus's face between his hands to crash his mouth against Gus's. He pulled back just as quickly as he realized he'd just kissed a guy that technically still had a boyfriend.

"Oh, fuck. Gus I'm so sorry–"

Gus grabbed his hands. "I'm gonna go break up with Leviathan right now. Can we meet up tonight?"

Matt nodded. "Y-yeah," he said breathlessly.

He was certain he didn't deserve Augustus Porter either, but by Titan did he want to try. Gus stared at him a little longer, a smile on his face, Matt's hands still cupped in his.

[disco-girl]

28, Gus Porter, from this ficlet prompt list

Thank you and @eclispedbyglory for requesting this one! Bit of context: this is an au of sorts where the boys reconcile shortly after SVSF. The other HAS members quit after finding out about Matt snitching on Luz:

Augustus opened the door to the classroom where the HAS meetings were held. Although it was still the club’s meeting time, the classroom was empty aside from the new president who was slumped on the floor with his head in his hands. Gus spotted his crown nearby on the ground and picked it up, taking a seat next to Mattholomule.

“Eileen told me what happened.”

Matt looked up, glaring at him with red eyes. “Yeah? What’s it to you? If you’re here to take back your dumb presidency, go ahead, I don’t care.”

Gus turned the crown over between his hands. “I didn’t come here for that.”

“What did you come here for then? To make fun of me?” he spat, “To laugh about what a pathetic loser I am because I can’t keep my club members from quitting?”

Gus frowned. “No—I didn’t—“

Matt held his hand up to stop him. “Don’t bother. I get it. I stole your club. If I were you I’d hate me too.”

“I don’t hate you.”

Matt blinked. “What?”

Gus repeated himself: “I don’t hate you.”

Mattholomule looked down at his lap. “Well you should. I was a jerk.”

“True,” Gus said, knocking his shoulder into the other, “but I should’ve been more receptive to what the other members wanted. And I shouldn’t have used Luz for my own selfish reasons.”

Matt raised an eyebrow and cocked his head to the side. “What are you trying to say?”

“Well, I was thinking…maybe we could call a truce. Maybe the HAS could have two presidents.”

Mattholomule’s eyes widened before narrowing. “Is this some kind of trick?”

“Dude, you’re the one who tricked me, remember? Besides, I just saved you from the detention pit, did that mean nothing to you?”

“No, you’re right, sorry I—uh, didn’t have the best experiences with my classmates at Glandus.” Matt rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Oh, so there was some truth to that whole speech you made, huh?” Gus asked with a teasing grin.

Matt rolled his eyes. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. It’s not like we’re friends or something now…are we?”

Augustus stood up and held out a hand to help the constructionist up. “Hmm, I don’t know, that depends.”

“Depends on what?”

“Do you think you could make some more of those human replicas?”

[hiraeth-witch-11]

Bond to Happen Part 4

Part 4: A Girl's Night Out

Warnings: some discussion of violence, very light suggestive material, alcohol

Word Count: 1600ish

(I know it's a bit short, but a certain key character will make their first appearance so hopefully it's worth it)

“Matt pulls dumb shit all the time, but ‘testing’ you to see how far you’d go was not fucking okay,” Karen says angrily.

“It could’ve been worse,” you shrug.

“How could it have been worse, hun?” She shouts incredulously.

“He could’ve lured me into a trap and left me to deal with it myself, he could’ve straight out attacked me, outed me to a bounty hunter, drugged me, let me get shot or stabbed-”

“Jesus, that’s where your mind goes?” She looks shocked and you nod.

“People do terrible things to my kind, I don’t blame him for being curious,” you say honestly. You were surprised it hadn’t happened sooner.

“Matt shouldn’t have done that, babe,” Karen says softly. “You deserve better, you should expect better, especially from your friends.”

You tilt your head at her in thought. You hadn’t expected her to be this upset for you, when you told her. 

Deciding to change the subject, you say, “Well, now that you’re all caught up on the Matt and Frank drama, can we leave?”

“Yeah, as soon as you get ready,” she nods.

“I am ready,” you insist, looking down at your clothes.

“You wear jeans and a t-shirt when you go out?” Karen asks in disbelief. “How do clubs even let you in?”

“I’m almost always wearing the ‘don’t look too close’ spell. They don’t notice what I’m wearing,” you say defensively.

“Sweetie, I love you, but we are dressing up before I take you out,” she insists, turning to her own closet. 

You groan. “You aren’t taking me out, you’re tagging along because of the new Buddy System rule. I don’t need to look good or even be visible, to feed, Kare.”

“But if you look ‘good’ and let people see you and focus on you, won’t that increase your energy intake?”

“Screw you for being so smart, Karebear. Where did you even learn about that?” She was right. If people focused on you, their energy would push towards you and make this shit version of feeding more efficient. You just hated dealing with the attention by yourself, sometimes people didn’t take no for an answer and you’d learned that the hard way.

“I’ve been studying soul and body energy theory,” she shrugs as she continues to dig through her closet.

“Really? Why?” You ask incredulously.

“For you, silly,” she tosses the words over her shoulder.

You swallow a knot of emotion trying to make its way up your throat. Karen had looked into something complex and confusing, put in effort without you asking, and used it to try to help you instead of using it against you.

“Here, this should work. We aren’t exactly the same size, but this is adjustable so it should balance out.” She hands you a red wrap dress. It’s a little bright for your skin tone and conservative for a club with a skirt that almost brushes your knees, a high back, and long sleeves. But that was intentional, you wanted to avoid any accidental skin contact in such a crowded place.

You shuffle to the bathroom to try on the dress. Kare was right, it didn’t fit you the same way it did her, but you were surprised that you actually felt pretty wearing it. As conservative as it was everywhere else, the neckline made up for it, plunging a couple inches below your breasts. You step out of the bathroom to a very excited Karen.

“You look hot, babe! I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen you in a real dress. I’m so proud of you for branching out!” She claps.

“I wear skirts and some dresses,” you grumble, ducking your head to hide your blush.

“Yeah, yeah, but those are your casual comfy clothes. They don’t count. Seriously, where have you been hiding those,” she asks teasingly, glancing at the cleavage fully on display.

You blush fully now. “They’re gonna fall out the second I move, Kare.”

“That’s what double sided tape is for, babes. Trust me, I’ve got experience with this dress.”

You let her apply the tape to the dress and your skin. She’s careful to minimize contact, knowing that you are anxious and sensitive right now.

“It’s a good thing your boots match, we’ll have to go shopping before next time. Our shoe sizes are too different for you to wear my shoes.” She looks a little disappointed at that fact.

“I think your shoes would actually kill me if I wore them,” you laugh, looking at the tall heels lining her closet.

“Hah, you’re tougher than that,” she snorts.

You’re happy with your boots, though. They were black and sturdy, with a small chunky heel and laces you’d woven protective charms into. Over your skin toned tights, they were comfortable. You carefully did a little make up, mostly a dark shade of lipstick and mascara, before tucking yourself into the cab next to Karen. The ride to the club was too short as you grounded yourself for the evening. 

“I’m here, sweetie. If you need anything or you want to go at any point, say the word and we’ll go back to my place and do some self care with wine and those cookies Mrs. Brown brought yesterday,” she says soothingly, reaching slowly and with purpose towards your hand. You nod and she gently squeezes your hand reassuringly.

“I can do this,” you say, just as much to yourself as to Karen. “It’s okay to be seen, I’m safe.” You carefully relax your hold on your magic, letting it spread like mist and settle as it pleases, your walls are down and the energy of others hits you like a wave of dry summer heat. Intense, a little suffocating, but you’ll adjust. Taking one more deep breath, you removed the spell that kept eyes from focusing on you. “Let’s get a drink,” you say clearly.

“I’m proud of you, babe,” she whispers into your ear. You give a little smile and order something sweet and fruity, light on alcohol to keep your mind clear. You already felt invigorated, like a cup of coffee beginning to hit your bloodstream. More awake, more focused.

After a few minutes of chatting over the music and nursing your drinks, you toss your’s back and suggest with a toothy grin,”Let’s go dance.”

******

Across the room, your magic was taking note of something you would not be consciously aware of until several months later.

Billy Russo didn’t frequent these places as often as he used to. They were loud and crowded and although he maintained a youthful appearance, he was getting too old to enjoy this sort of thing as frequently. But tonight, he was glad that he decided to go out. Across the room, at the bar was a woman who’s energy was magnetic with a soft glow to it. 

She wasn’t necessarily his usual type, not that he would restrict himself to just one type of woman, or person in general. Even so, there was something about her. Maybe it was the way she grinned at her friend. Maybe it was the scuffed black boots laced with multicolored beads and charms, out of place among the stilettos and pumps of those around her. Maybe it was the way her eyes flickered blue or her hair that moved as if she had her own personal breeze around her. Maybe it was the way the sea of people dancing parted for her as she dragged her friend into the mix. Maybe it was all of those things and the fact that he could smell her and only her. Lavender. Something earthy, like the beginning of a desert rain storm. And the sweetness of her drink on her breath. All of those things, wrapped in a tight red dress that had now disappeared into the crowd.

Billy didn’t know what the woman was, but she wasn’t human, that was certain. He sipped his drink and closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the energies of the people around him. Billy was surprised to find the gentle fog of blue magic wrapping around him as if it was trying to draw out his own, something he kept under a tight control. The only energy others would see was what he carefully crafted for them. The soft blue energy seemed to be testing the boundaries of his own, brushing up against him in search of the real thing. Choosing to ignore it was the wise decision. Pulling away would only suggest he had something to hide, a fact he’d learned years ago. So he let the curious energy drift around him before it settled comfortably in a loose circle around his spot on the semi-circular booth. 

*******

Unaware of your magic’s bold and autonomous behavior, you dance with Karen. Sometimes goofily, other times practically grinding on each other as you feed off the room. You feel different, safe in a way you didn’t usually when feeding. You attribute it to Karen’s presence and thank her for accompanying you as you collapse on her couch when the night is over.

“I’m glad we did that, I’m exhausted, but it was super fun. It’s been a while since i had a proper girls’ night,” Karen agrees, flopping down next to you as she kicks her heels off. “How do you feel?”

“Better, like I had a cup of coffee and took a nap. I don’t feel as exposed right now.”

She hums in acknowledgement. “Good, we’ll do this again before the end of the month.”

“Sounds good,” you say, not bothering to argue that you usually wait longer in between outings. It was nice to have people who cared about you.

******

Billy Russo had watched as you left the club, making a careful mental note of your appearance, scent, and the feel of your power. Instinct told him that you might be something special. Something he should find and hold onto. Hopefully something he could use to deal with Rawlins.

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