#ari levinson x jake jensen x oc

[starksbabie]

Eun! Are you kidding me? This is beautiful! Like truly a work of art 🥹 Ari calling Jake sugar? Are you kidding me? That’s so precious. And the way you described Wren as Jake sees her for the first time?? Are you joking me? It’s incredible. You are so talented my friend!

ever green, evermore | 2. the little garden fairy.

[disclaimer: this blog posts content not suitable for individuals under the age of 18. minors are strictly prohibited from viewing, sharing, or interacting with this blog. for more information on this blog’s commitment to protecting minors, read our full statement here.]

← last chapter | series masterlist | next chapter (coming soon!) →

.・。.・゜ ✫ ・.・✫・゜・。.

summary | loving husbands jake and ari had always believed they were all each other could ever want or need. but one unusual summer, when their world is turned upside-down by an uncanny girl from down the street, they find that having someone to love, nurture, and care for together is the missing piece that finally completes their perfect family and lives.

characters | caretaker!jake jensen, daddy!ari levinson, wrenley beauchamp (original character)

warnings | mentions/depictions of domestic and sexual violence, mental health themes: anxiety/panic disorders, trauma and post-traumatic-stress, eating disorders (restrictive subtype), therapeutic methods and tools: exposure, age regression.

.・。.・゜ ✫ ・.・✫・゜・。.

Keep reading

[po03sficrecs]

Authors I 10/10 recommend

A.N.: This list will be updated from time to time as I discover new writers on this app, also, if there are favourites of yours that aren’t here let me now, I’ll check them out ! Also some of these might be 18+ only so please respect each author’s rules/guidelines.

Chris Evans

@time-for-a-lullaby

@k-evans-reads

@secretswiftymarvelfan

@onsunnyside

@theycallmebecca

@milkathedudz

@andydrysdalerogers

Chris Evans’ Characters

@secretswiftymarvelfan

@imaginedreamwrite

@drabblewithfrannybarnes

@spectre-posts

@onsunnyside

@theycallmebecca

@andydrysdalerogers

[holylulusworld]

The assistant (3) - Cafè

Summary: You are invisible most of the time.

Pairing: Boss!Steve Rogers x Assistant(plussized)!Reader

Possible pairing: Jake Jensen x Reader, Lloyd Hansen x Reader, Curtis Everett x Reader, Ari Levinson x Reader

Characters: Tony Stark, OC Sandy, Pepper Potts

A/N: Okay, I went a little crazy with all the CEvans characters in this one.

Warnings: angst, flirty CEvans characters, language, plussized/chubby reader, fat shaming, angry Tony (he’s a warning, okay), mentions of cheating (Tony/Pepper)...I don’t know. But before anyone complains again. It is there...very implied or not. 🤷‍♂️

The assistant masterlist

<< Part 2

Three weeks ago, Avengers tower

“You wanted to talk to me Mr. Stark,” Sandy puts on her sweetest smile. The one always working with men. She always gets away with anything. Sandy never had to work hard to get what she wants.

“Let me get this straight,” Tony gets up from his swivel chair to slam the door behind Sandy shut. “You talked Captain America into thinking that it’s a good idea to give up his perfect assistant for someone like you?”

“I didn’t do a thing,” she coos. “Captain Rogers wanted me to become his assistant. I guess he got bored of her.” Sandy scrunches up her nose when she talks about you. “Fat is not for everyone.”

Tony smirks darkly. That’s the moment he was waiting for. “Hmm… I see,” he nods thoughtfully. “I hope you know that you just violated my zero-tolerance policy against harassment. You are fired.”

“What? You are firing me—” she gasps. “You can’t do this Sir! I’m Captain America’s assistant.”

“You are mistaken,” Tony points at the door. “Steve doesn’t pay you. I’m the man behind the scenes. I tolerated your behavior for far too long. If not for your uncle, I would’ve kicked you out a month ago. You have half an hour to pack your things.”

“Mr. Stark, you can’t do this,” she sniffles now. Big fat fake tears run down her cheeks as she looks up at Tony. “Please. You’re being irrational and unfair.”

“Well, no shit, Sandy,” he grins. “This won’t work, you know. I’m not some stupid guy thinking with my downstairs brain when it comes to you. Unlike everyone else, I appreciate Y/N, her hard work and won’t let harass her.”

“I-this is unfair,” she cries. “I’m going to sue you. I will tell them you touched me!”

“Sandy, I will tell you this only once,” Tony dips his head to look down at Sandy, “this whole tower is under video surveillance. If you want to sue me, go ahead. I’ll call my lawyer and well will bombard you and your lawyer with the footage of you harassing Y/N. Or how about all the times you made inappropriate comments or stole office supplies.”

“I will tell Captain Rogers about it…” she storms out of the room, slamming it shut behind her.

“One done, two more to go,” Tony sneers. “Friday, locate Pepper Potts for me. I don’t care if she’s busy. I want to talk to her. Like yesterday.”

“Locating Miss Potts now,” Friday replies. “Located, Mr. Stark. She’s at the penthouse.”

“Good, she’s next…”

Now, Jake’s cafè

“Y/N, don’t worry,” Jensen offers comfort to you as Curtis barks orders at someone on the phone. “Curtis can be loud, but he tries to help.”

“I’ll just find another job,” you shrug. “It’s been three weeks and I had time to update my cv. At least I didn’t get fired. I got some spare money and will survive not having a job.”

“You loved your job and office, didn’t you?” Curtis ends the call and immediately turns his attention back toward you and your problem. “I called a…ahem…a friend."

“I told you to not call him,” Lloyd sits next to you. He protectively slings one arm around your shoulders. “You know how he gets.”

“Who do you want me to call, huh?” Curtis grits his teeth. “You want to hit Rogers where it hurts, let’s ruin his reputation. We need a lawyer to tell us how far we can go without ending up in jail.”

“Uh-I don’t want you to end up in jail,” you protest and shake your head. “It’s only a job, Curtis. You don’t even know me and want to risk your freedom and life for me. Let’s just take a deep breath.”

“I can still break his bones,” it’s Lloyd offering to take Steve down for you. “I’m not scared of that pumped-up blonde man baby. He’s a dick only thinking with his dick.”

“Lloyd,” Jakes sighs deeply as you glance at your friend. “Can you just not get the dick jokes out when Y/N is around.”

“But she loves my jokes, right?” Lloyd looks at you. “Tell him you like my jokes, cupcake.”

“Captain Rogers will hurt you, Lloyd. You know that he’s a super-soldier, not a normal guy. If he doesn’t hurt you, he’ll get you arrested.”

“Nah, I don’t think so,” you giggle as Lloyd won’t stop telling you how much he wants to kick Steve’s balls. “Cupcake, I swear he’ll regret hurting you.”

“Anyways,” Curtis tries to bring the conversation back to the man he called. “I called him. What do we do now? He’s on his way.”

“Fuck’s sake,” loudly cursing Lloyd glares at Curtis. “I don’t want him around. We parted ways for a reason. He’s not like us. Goody two shoes Barber will ruin this for us. I can’t have him near my cupcake.”

“Barber is the best lawyer we know,” Jake interjects. “Or do you want me to call our little chaos? You know he’ll mess shit up and won’t be helpful at all.”

“Little chaos? I-how many brothers do you have?” you frown as Lloyd starts cackling. “I mean, is that lawyer your brother too?”

“We are a big happy family,” Curtis grumbles. “It’s Jake, Lloyd, me, and…” He sighs, shaking his head. “You see, we don’t have contact with Barber and our little chaos.”

“Barber, hmm…I think I heard that name on the news some time ago,” you ponder. “I don’t remember what it was about.”

“Barber…Andy tried to live a normal life, far away from his family,” Lloyd grunts. “He married and then, it all went to shit. Still, he refused to return to his family.”

“What about the little chaos?” you press on. You told the men everything about your life and want some answers in return. “Please, tell me something about you. I’m an open book.”

“You’re a sweet cupcake,” Lloyd whispers in your ear, mustache tickling your earlobe. “Jake, fill her in.”

“You sure?” Jake furrows his brows. “I thought you don’t want anyone to know…”

“Fill. Her. In,” you wonder why Lloyd gets so angry. “She’s part of the family now. You brought her in, now she belongs with us.”

“Okay, fine,” clearing his throat Jake looks at Curtis. “What about you?”

“I’m good. Just tell her,” Curtis sits down on the last free chair. He crosses his arms over his chest, biceps bulging. 

“You already know about Andy,” Jake says. “He’s the guy on his way. Our little chaos is our brother Mike. He had a little problem with…”

“Call it by its name, Jake. He’s a drug addict,” you bite your lower lips as Llloyd grumbles under his breath. “He wasted so much money to get high…”

“He was a drug addict, Lloyd,” Curtis corrects. “You know that he’s clean for almost three years. We should let him come home.”

“He still didn’t apologize for totaling my car.”

“Lloyd, it’s just a car,” Jake tries to reason with his brother. “You are the eldest. If you call him, he’ll be happy to come back.”

“I—” Lloyd sighs deeply. “Do you think this is the time to let the lost brothers come home? We want to help Y/N, not drag her into our family drama.”

“Wait this makes—” you close your eyes and count. “Lloyd, Jake, Curtis, Andy, and Mike. OH! Five brothers! That’s awesome.”

“We are actually six brothers,” your eyes round when someone comes out of the kitchen.

A big man, bulgy and tall. His shaggy hair almost reaches his shoulders and his thick beard frames his handsome face. He looks different from the others, but his features and blue eyes give away that he must be related to Jake and the others.

“Ari it is, sweetness,” he smirks as you look at him with wide eyes. “My brothers tried to hide you from me for far too long.” Ari grins wolfishly as he holds out his hand. “I know why now.”

“Uh—now you are six?” you squeak. “I think…this is a bit much.” Overwhelmed by the four men you feel a little lightheaded. “You all look so…”

“I know, cupcake,” Lloyd purrs in your ear. “We are all a catch, but I’m the prettiest.”

“You mean the eldest,” Jake corrects. “Now back to Mike. Can we call him? Lloyd?”

“Fine, give him a call. If we want to kick Captain America’s ass, we will need to stick together. I just hope Andy keeps his shit together. He always was a … sensitive cunt…”

Three weeks ago, Avengers tower, penthouse

“Tony,” Pepper coos as her fiancé steps into the penthouse. “Are you already done for today?”

“I will ask you this only once,” she frowns at his serious expression and his angry tone, “did you conspire with Steve to make sure Sandy works for him? Did you tell him you don’t like the way I look at her?”

“I—you see…I saw the way you looked at her.”

“Angry. Pissed. Mad?” he offers. “Because that’s how I felt close to her. She was the worst assistant ever and so far from the woman, I would fall for.”

“Oh—I thought you are interested in her. She’s pretty, young and you know…”

“Pepper, because of your insecurities and trust issues Y/N quit her job. Do you know what Rogers said to her? He hurt that poor girl deeply. She is a perfect assistant and a kind person. You two made sure that she felt insecure and quit. How dare you say that you want her to work for me because you believed I’ll never fall for someone like her.”

“She’s not your type,” Pepper tries to talk back. “I only wanted to make sure you won’t stray…”

“By sending me the only girl tempting me away…” he shakes his head. “You always told everyone how you support woman rights,” Tony hisses. “But you didn’t fight for Y/N. I’m disappointed, angry, and hurt. Imagine how Y/N feels right now…”

>> Part 4

[writerscafehub]

𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑❜𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐅𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

/) /)

( • ༝•)

c /づ づ 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 all the works made by the very talented members of the writer's café server in the month of MAY. we ask, and highly encourage, that you reblog them in support. ♡

ALL WORKS ARE FOR THOSE 18+ ONLY.

𖥔 indicates smut

✶ indicates dark elements

By ☁︎☽ Cocoa ☁︎☽ @cocoamoonmalfoy @darksideofthecocoamoon

𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐍 𝐀 𝐅𝐀𝐔𝐋𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 | Life’s Perfect Ache!Paul Atreides x Pharao Hekau

I guess there’s nothing more romantic than dying with your friends

𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊-𝐎’-𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 

Writing Challenge

𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | biker!Loki Laufeyson x black!Reader. Single parents AU

the past shows up on your doorstep. So much has changed, but some things are painfully the same…

𝐅𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 | Tsu’tey x black!fem!reader

Established relationship flash fiction

✶ 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄 | soft!dark!Eivor Varinsdóttir x black!reader

Soft!dark cuddling

𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑, 𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃, 𝐎𝐍 𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓  | Vampire!Timothée Chalamet x werewolf!black!reader

How could you let them do this to you? How could you let them turn you into a monster? I guess you never learn 'til you live and you lost it. Live and you lost it

𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐈𝐍 𝐀 𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 | Paul Atriedes x privateer!black!reader

Everything you have earned is a ship. With blue waves crashing into it. But nothing can touch your happy thoughts anymore. With your glass ceiling, walls, and floor

By ★ Jen ★ @jen-with-a-pen

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀

By ❥ Courtney ❥ @chasingmidnights

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐒: 𝐀 𝐁𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 - 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 | Charles Blackwood x female!reader

A brief look at the past. 

By ⚔︎ Suz ⚔︎ @targaryenvampireslayer

𖥔𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 | DILF!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

You think about quitting your part time job as a babysitter for the older and gorgeous Bucky Barnes, but he convinces you to stay.

By ✵ Selene ✵ @fluffyprettykitty

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀

By ☆ Stella ☆ @a-lumos-in-the-nox

𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐈𝐍𝐄’𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Neville Longbottom x black!female OC

its cousin Maddy's wedding day & Neville is a wreck

𝐌𝐘 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄 | Neville Longbottom x black!female OC

Charlotte’s Family Tree

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐋’𝐒 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐒𝐓 | Neville Longbottom x black!female OC

A blurb about the roast at Marcel's wedding, Ruby and Margo dont hold back lol

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Neville Longbottom x black!female OC

Ruby and Neville visit his parents at St. Mungos

By ☄︎ Ellie ☄︎ @mrsmischief209

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒 | Vampire Bucky X Witch fem Reader.

Sequel to When the Leaves Fall

𝐔𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃 | Alpha!Steve Rogers x omega!fem reader

Angst and activism in an Omegaverse/Soulmate AU

By ✯ Vic ✯ @sunflowersteves

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀

By ⎈ Navy ⎈ @navybrat817

𝐉𝐀𝐖𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑 | Bucky Barnes x Female Reader 

Bucky put a mouthy rookie in his place.

✶𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓: 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐎𝐍𝐄 | Club Owner!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Fic Summary: The owner of The 107th wants you to be his girl whether you like it or not.

Chapter Summary: You encounter an unexpected visitor in your home.

By 𐀔 Alex 𐀔 @thecutestlittlebunbunfairy

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀

By ✬ Astro ✬ @eulalielatibule

𝐇𝐎𝐓-𝐓𝐎-𝐆𝐎 | Pairing: Cheerleader!Jake Jensen x Cheerleader!Reader x Quarterback!Ari Levinson

Summary: You and your boyfriend, Jake Jensen, want to hook up with your rival team's Quarterback, Ari Levinson.

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀

By 𖤓Liz𖤓 @avengers-resident-idiot

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀

By ✧Bella✧ @madwomansapologist

𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐀 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 | marcille donato x falin touden

Marcille being hungry for knowledge isn't a novelty. Unless the subject is chickens.

By ⚡︎Viva⚡︎ @xoxovivafics

𖥔𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐒: 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐎𝐍𝐄 | Astarion Ancunin x Loki Odinson

Loki visits a strange new realm and meets an intriguing stranger.

© all works belong to the respective writers of the writers café server.

[sunshinebuckybarnes]

Here we go again bby's 💞 my first fic rec list of 2022! As always please make sure you check the warnings for each individual fic before reading. You are responsible for your own media consumption. This blog along with the majority tagged are 18+ and the majority of these fics contain adult themes. 

Once again the talent of these people is awe inspiring and I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I did! And remember to reblog and give them some love ✨

*indicates a series/multi part fic

Steve Rogers ✨

*After the rain by @sweetlyscared

King!Steve Rogers x Princess!Reader

Rough hands by @cockslut-padalecki

Steve Rogers x F!Avenger!Reader

*His inheritance by @jtargaryen18

Mobster Steve Rogers x Mobster daughter reader

*Where it stays by @tuiccim

Nomad Steve x Enhanced Reader

Eve's apple by @bonky-n-steeb

best friend’s dad! alpha! steve rogers x omega! reader

Bucky Barnes ✨

*Delicate edges by @wkemeup

Bucky x reader

A few too many by @soldatsass

Bucky x reader

Can't have you by @lavendercitizen

Sugar Daddy!Bucky Barnes x fem!reader

Listen to me, not just my words but @bloomingbucky

avenger!bestfriend!bucky x female avenger!reader

*Bride of soldat by @vampy-doll

Bucky Barnes x reader

False reality by @bucky-bucky-bucky-bucky

Bucky Barnes x reader

Dream come true by @bucky-bucky-bucky-bucky

Bucky Barnes x reader

You say it first by @jobean12-blog

Bucky x reader (Beefy!Bucky- enemies to lovers)

Crave by @bonky-n-steeb

dad’s bestfriend! bucky x reader

*Ronly friends by @metalbuckaroo

Roommate!Bucky x Camgirl!Reader

Notam by @gogolucky13

cult leader!Bucky Barnes x f!Reader

Sore loser by @buckyhoney

bucky barnes x reader

Yes ma'am by @sidepartskinnyjeans

Bucky Barnes x Reader/OC unnamed

*Your filthy heart by @sweeterthanthis

Stepdad!Bucky x 18+F!Reader

*Soul tie by @jobean12-blog

Bucky x reader (Beefy!Hairtie!Bucky)

Pretty neighbor by @strwbrrybucky

dilf!neighbor!bucky x reader

Good evening by @sgt-seabass

Soft!Dark!Chubby!Bucky x Reader

*Appointments by @buckycuddlebuddy

tfatws!bucky barnes x reader

Nick Fowler ✨

Lie to me by @navybrat817

softdark!nick Fowler x female reader

Sam Wilson ✨

Surprise by @musingsinmoonlight

Sam Wilson x female reader

Darkside by @musingsinmoonlight

Mob boss!Sam Wilson x Female Reader

Lee Bodecker ✨

Heat of the moment by @gogolucky13

alpha!Lee Bodecker x omega!f!Reader

Bucky Barnes & Steve Rogers & Sam Wilson & Thor ✨

Four men and a wedding by @musingsinmoonlight

Bucky Barnes x Steve Rogers x Sam Wilson x Thor Odinson x female reader

Ransom Drysdale ✨

Holy water cannot save you now by @jamalflanagan

Antichrist!Ransom x black!reader

One more secret by @cockslut-padalecki

Stepdad!Ransom x Stepdaughter!Reader

Late night snack by @wakingbeauty

Ransom Drysdale x Reader

Andy Barber & Ransom Drysdale & Ari Levinson

*Necessary arrangements by @stargazingfangirl18

Andy Barber x Fem!Reader; Ari Levinson x Fem!Reader; Ransom Drysdale x Fem!Reader

Ari Levinson ✨

Keep quiet by @christywantspizza

Neighbor!Ari Levinson x Reader

All I want for Christmas is you by @jamalflanagan

CEO!Ari Levinson x black!reader

Let's be us again by @chrissquares

Ari Levinson x Reader

Andy Barber ✨

On the naughty list by @the-iceni-bitch

neighbor!Andy Barber x fem!Reader

Steve Rogers & Andy Barber ✨

Geminus noctum by @sweetlyscared

Vampire!Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader x Vampire!Andy Barber

Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes ✨

*Under the mistletoe by @the-iceni-bitch

dilf!Steve Rogers x tattoo artist!fem Reader x Bucky Barnes

Mickey Henry ✨

Alive by @navybrat817

Mickey Henry x female reader

Andy Barber & Jake Jensen ✨

*The lesson by @river-soul

Alpha!Andy x Fem Omega!Reader x Beta!Jake

[abbatoirablaze]

Money Shotz AU Master List

This is a porn AU, where all the characters are porn stars. There will not be any warnings in the chapters as this is exclusively for 18+ readers.

Barber’s Candy

Andy Barber X porn star reader

Black Widow (Completed) ✔️

Natasha Romanoff X female reader.

Blackwood's Angel (Completed) ✔️

Charles Blackwood X porn star reader

Can Do This All Day (Completed) ✔️

Steve Rogers X porn star producer

Caught Red Handed (Complete) ✔️

Steve Kemp X Fluffer

Dream Girl (Completed) ✔️

Chris Evans X long-time girlfriend

Gay For Pay  (Completed) ✔️

Loki Luafeyson X Porn Star Reader

Hit Referesh In Fifteen Seconds (Completed) ✔️

Nick Fowler X Cam girl reader

In The Haze (Completed) ✔️

Sharon Carter X Bucky Barnes X Chris Beck with the eventually Bucky X porn star reader

Last Of His Kind (Completed) ✔️

Sebastian Stan 

Love Is In The Air (Completed) ✔️

Ari Levinson X Jefferson.

Money Shotz Inc. (Completed) ✔️

The story that started it all. Healthy mix of characters with the eventual Ransom Drysdale X Reader X Frank Adler.

Out Of The Closet (Completed) ✔️

Thor x Gay OC

Popping Cherry (Completed)✔️

Lee Bodecker X virgin, new porn star reader

Raging Storm (Completed) ✔️

Johnny Storm X ghost of girlfriend. 

Smooth Like Jazz (Completed) ✔️

Curtis Everett X porn star reader

Strip It Down (Completed) ✔️

Jake Jensen X Stripper reader

Zemo's Sweetheart (Completed) ✔️

Company Owner Zemo X porn star reader

[roguerecs]

𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐔𝐌 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄'𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐒.

last updated: august 2022

𝑬𝒙𝒉𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒕: 𝑹𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆'𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒔

- Look at those signs! Let’s go read them!

Welcome to my reading/fic recs archive! This is basically a blog to keep all my readings/fic recs organized instead of having to dig through my main for a fic. Feel free to send any of your own fics/fic recs! 

Everything here will mainly be one-shots, drabbles, and completed series I’ve read. Check my main for writer recs + their masterlists, current series I’m reading, upcoming series I plan to read, and more!

Before interacting with a work, please remember to: Look and respect the author’s rules/guidelines! Carefully read all tagged warnings and author notes before proceeding. You are responsible for your own media consumption.

As majority of fics I recommend are 18+ plus, minors DNI!!! You will be blocked so please leave while you’re ahead! Blank blogs (no posts and default pfp) and blogs with no age indicators will be assumed to be minors and be blocked as well.

Below the cut is links to all the tags I currently have, and this list will be updated as I get more tags! 

𝑻𝒚𝒑𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌:

one-shot. ┊ drabble. ┊ series.

ㅤ

𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆:

angst.┊ fluff. ┊smut. dark. ┊  soft!dark.

ㅤ

𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄 𝑭𝒊𝒄 / 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒂𝒈𝒔:

reader fics. ┊ original character (oc) fics.

! PSA: for specific reader/fic tags, i tag according to what the author tags.  

tba.

ㅤ

to find fics with specific tags and character, use this format:  [NAME] x [SPECIFIC TAG] example: ari levinson x female reader

ㅤ

𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔 𝑬𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒔 & 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 

chris evans. ┊ ari levinson. andy barber. ┊ colin shea. curtis everett. ┊ dennis baker. frank adler. ┊ jake jensen. johnny storm. ┊ lloyd hansen. mr. freezy. ┊ ransom drysdale. steve rogers.

ㅤ

𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒍:

bucky barnes. peter parker (tasm!peter & mcu!peter). natasha romanoff. ┊ sam wilson. stucky. ┊ wanda maximoff. xu shang-chi.

ㅤ

𝑨𝑼𝒔: 

a/b/o. ┊ baker. best friend’s dad. ┊ biker. cam. ┊ ceo. ┊ college. cowboy. ┊ dad’s best friend. dilf/milf. ┊ frat. ┊ hybrid. lumberjack. ┊ mafia. ┊ medieval. mythology. ┊ royal. single parent. ┊ supernatural.

ㅤ

𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔 (𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒊𝒅𝒌?): 

...with benefits. exes to lovers. friends to lovers. friends/lovers to enemies/exes. fake dating. ┊ forced proximity. neighbors. ┊ only one bed. roommates. ┊ sex pollen.

ㅤ

𝑶𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒂𝒈𝒔:

tom holland. crossover. ┊ comfort fics. all time faves.

ㅤ

[intrepidacious]

☆ fic rec library ☆

are you looking for reading recommendations? you've come to the right place 💛

please remember to head the original authors' warnings and age restrictions!! i'm not responsible for your reading consumption.

☆ by category

i'm not separating ongoing chapters in my tags anymore, sorry!

what i've been reading

series (masterlists)

ongoing bookmarks

☆ by character

(also includes my own fics. if a link is empty it's because the fic is still on my tbr pile or queued up)

marvel

x reader augustus pugliese · bucky barnes · druig · joaquín torres · kate bishop · matt murdock · natasha romanoff · peter parker (tasm) · pietro maximoff · sam wilson · xu shang-chi · steve rogers · stucky · wanda maximoff

other bucky barnes (general) · steve rogers (general) · stucky · weird little barnes

mcu adjacent

chris evans characters x reader andy barber · ari levinson · chris evans · colin shea · curtis everett · frank adler · jake jensen · james mace · johnny storm · ransom drysdale

sebastian stan characters x reader carter baizen · chase collins · chris beck · chris (destroyer) · frank (endings, beginnings) · jefferson · lee bodecker · max burnett · mickey henry · nick fowler · sebastian stan

stranger things

x reader eddie munson · robin buckley · steddie · steve harrington

other steddie

misc

x reader

azriel (acotar) · benedict bridgerton (bridgerton) · clark kent (dc universe) · dick grayson (dc universe) · eloise bridgerton (bridgerton) · fred weasley (harry potter) · geralt of rivia (the witcher) · jake "hangman" seresin (top gun: maverick) · james norrington (pirates of the caribbean) · jamie tartt (ted lasso) · jaskier (the witcher) · jason todd (dc universe) · nikolai lantsov (grishaverse) · robert "bob" floyd (top gun: maverick) · roy kent (ted lasso) · sherlock holmes (enola holmes)

other

james norrington x oc

[babyjakes]

〈 disclaimer: this blog posts content not suitable for individuals under the age of 18. minors are strictly prohibited from viewing, sharing, or interacting with this blog. for more information on this blog's commitment to protecting minors, read our full statement here. 〉

nav | masterlist | rules | library

summary | loving husbands jake and ari had always believed they were all each other could ever want or need. but one unusual summer, when their world is turned upside-down by an uncanny girl from down the street, they find that having someone to love, nurture, and care for together is the missing piece that finally completes their perfect family and lives.

characters | caretaker!jake jensen, daddy!ari levinson, wrenley beauchamp (original character)

warnings | mentions/depictions of domestic and sexual violence, mental health themes: anxiety/panic disorders, trauma and post-traumatic-stress, eating disorders (restrictive subtype), therapeutic methods and tools: exposure, age regression. specific warnings included in each chapter

series sections | this series includes two sections. the main series, composed of full-length chapters, will tell the characters’ story of meeting, bonding, facing adversity and challenges, and becoming a family in chronological order, as a traditional chapter book would. egem: little life will be a collection of one shots, blurbs, and headcanons capturing various events and moments throughout the characters’ lives together. please feel free to read these sections in whatever order you’d like; it’s recommended to read at least some of the main series first to grow familiar with the characters, setting, context, etc.

sexual content | egem: little life will include a section of works that explore wren healing her sexual trauma through safe sexual relations with jake and ari. these sexual themes will be limited to safe/consensual sex only (no dark elements, non/dubcon, etc.— though these will appear in the main series as a part of wren’s traumatic experiences, with plenty of trigger warnings included.) works including sexual relations between wren, jake, and ari will be listed in their own section of the masterlist, and all clearly marked as nsfw. please feel free to skip these pieces entirely. they will not impact the overall storyline; therefore, one can read everything else and experience wren’s relationship with jake and ari as completely sfw if they wish.

main series chapters.

1. prologue | 2. the little garden fairy | 3. baby steps | 4. difficult introductions

headcanons.

wren's pink bathroom

[jtargaryen18]

J’s Haunted House 2020

The Premise

A celebrity haunted house for charity will be open one night only, Halloween night. You spent days trying to get a ticket online for the event. Thanks to a bad day on Halloween, you get there only a minute before the line closes. You’re the last person to go in and thinking that’s either really bad (everyone is tired or would be in a hurry to see you out) or really good (maybe you’d get some extra time with the one you came to see).

You are never seen again.

The Collection

The stories with at least one new story posted each day of October. Enjoy!

Warning: The stories in this collection may contain dark themes, violence, non-con, dub-con and more. Please read responsibly. 

Overture (Klaus Mikaelson & Mike Weiss (not a romantic pairing)) by @jtargaryen18​

Haunted House (Adam (OLLA) x Reader) by @just-the-hiddles​

He Who Wields the Machete (Andy Barber x Reader) by @geniedetails​

Scream For Me (Steve Rogers x Reader) by @sweeterthanthis​

Murder, He Wrote | Part 2 (Ransom Drysdale x Reader) by @what-is-your-plan-today​ @southerngracela​

Hell Night | Part 2 | Part 3 (Curtis Everett x Reader) by @caffiend-queen​

Rose Red’s All Hallows Eve | Part 2 | Part 3 (Curtis Everett x Reader) by @sweater-daddiesdumbdork​

Possesionem (Brock Rumlow x Reader) by @nekoannie-chan​

Hunting Grounds (Ari Levinson x Reader) by @geniedetails​

Who Are You, Where Are We, And What the Hell am I Wearing? (Steve Rogers x Reader) by @brooklyn-1918​

The Soldier's Chase (Steve Rogers x Reader) @rosalynshields​

My Sweet Addiction (Carol Danvers x Reader) @imanuglywombat​

The Flip Side (Mr. Freezy x Reader & Mr.Freezy x Reader x Clay Apuzzo) by @mdemontespan1667​

Unhinged (Mr. Freezy x Reader) @chris-evans-indian-fanfic​

October the 31st, the day I disappeared (Curtis Everett x Reader) @holylulusworld​

Collide (Andy Barber x Reader) @avintagekiss24​

82 Alfred Street (Adam (OLLA) x Reader) @nildespirandum​

Slit Reflection (Sam Wilson x Reader) @awesomerextyphoon​

Hiding | Part 2 (somewhere in the night) (Jake Jensen x Reader) @bonkywobble​

Fallen (Clint Barton x Reader) @jeremyrennerfanxxxx123​

Midnight in the Garden of Evil (Charles Blackwood x Reader) @jtargaryen18​

The Treat Is In The Trick (Nick Gant x Reader) @dbnightingale24​

High Castle (Geralt of Rivia x Reader) @searchforanotherway​

Carry and Deliver (August Walker x Reader) @threeminutesoflife​

Rose Red’s All Hallows Eve: Shall We Go Inside? (Charles Blackwood x Reader) @sweater-daddiesdumbdork​

An Irresistible Offer (Loki x OFC) @myoxisbroken​

Stephen Spooky (Stephen Strange x Reader) @sherrybaby14​

The Mad Hatters’ Alice (Jefferson x OC) @rayofdawnworld​

Beyond the End (Thomas Sharpe x Reader) @frostbitten-written​

Run, Little Bunny (Charles Blackwood x Reader) @navybrat817​

Another Earth (Brock Rumlow x Reader) @chuuulip​

Original Sin (Bryce Langley x Reader) @stargazingfangirl18​

The Virgin Mother (Bucky Barnes x Reader) @fadingfics​

[what-is-your-plan-today]

Hi there ! I just finished read "Stark Spangled Man" and "SSBanner", just wanted to say it´s a amazing story ! I LOVE OFCs and Katie is awesome ! I´ve already read "Riding High" and "Rigind On" and I can´t wait for the new chapters !! I don´t know if you have a TAG list for it, if you have, please, add me ! Okay, time to begin "SSForever".

Oh thank you so much!! I'm glad you enjoyed it, I love OCs, they don't get enough recognition IMHO. I do have a tag list, I have one for everything which includes Frank Adler, Steve Rogers, Ari Levinson, Jake Jensen (both co-written with @icanfeelastormbrewing ) and Ransom (which is a dark series co-written with @southerngracela ) im happy to add you to any x

[holylulusworld]

Our family (10) - Epilogue

Summary: Four years later.

Pairing: CEO!Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader

Characters: Ari Levinson, Andy Barber, Mike Weiss, Jake Jensen, OC James Bucky Barnes jr.

Warnings: language, fluff, romance, accidentally boner (or not so accidentally), there is a tiny hint of making out, implied smut, cocky Bucky, also needy Bucky, breeding kink, daddy!Bucky, pregnant reader

A/N: It’s here, the end. 🥺 Maybe we will see at least my favorite team of Chris Evans’s characters again. Who knows? Maybe someone else even joins them too…and, I love to write snippets...

<< Part 9

Monster-in-law masterlist 

Four years later, …

“You bitch! Do you always have to make my life living hell?” you chuckle as Bucky is on the edge of his seat, engrossed in watching another episode of his favorite show. He pumps up the volume, humming as his favorite character gets mad at something his nemesis did. 

“I bet he wants her to jump his bones,” your husband jumps a little. “That’s a classic case of enemies to lovers, and idiots in love, baby.”

“Don’t spoil!” he grumbles. “I didn’t have the chance to watch the latest episode. I hate going on a business trip for so long.” You sit next to your husband to pat his thigh. “At least I got the next two weeks off. Are you ready to dirty things with me, Mrs. Barnes?”

“Mr. Barnes,” you purr, hand already creeping toward his crotch, “your wife has missed you so much.” He smirks when you clumsily straddle his lap to wrap your arms around his neck. “How about you forget about your show and we go to the bedroom to do dirty things, Sir.”

“Sir it is now?” Bucky claims your lips in a soft kiss, moaning as you slide your tongue over his lower lip. “Dirty girl wants me to put another baby in her.”

“Babe, I hate to break it for you, but—” he growls as you start to grind into him, “you can’t get me pregnant while I’m pregnant.”

“No, don’t ruin my fantasy,” his eyes drop to your middle, and he sighs deeply. It’s not enough to Bucky that you are already five months pregnant. No. He imagines having more kids run around the house. “How’s Bucky jr. doing?”

“You mean James Bucky Barnes jr.? Oh,” you lean closer to whisper in his ear. “He was a good boy, baby. Let me call him for you.”

“What! No! Let’s make out first. I want my dirty girl to rock my di—” Bucky bites his tongue as your son runs into the living room, calling for his father.

“Mommy! Daddy is back,” reluctantly leaving Bucky’s lap you smirk as he puts a pillow on his erection. “DADDY! Did mommy tell you that I painted a new picture for you? Do you want to see it? How was your trip? Did you miss me? Did you get me something?”

“Baby boy, slow down. Daddy just came home,” you coo as your son crawls onto the sofa to sit next to his father. He mirrors Bucky’s smirk as he looks at the tv.

“What are we watching daddy? Can we watch Frozen again?” your son grins at his father, already planning to occupy most of his free time. “Mommy, will you make us popcorn? Please.”

“Sure thing, honey,” pecking your son’s temple you smile against him. “We can watch whatever you want and eat popcorn. But remember your bedtime, young man.”

“Daddy, did you miss mommy and me?” 

“I’ll always miss your mommy and you, bud,” Bucky runs his hand over your son’s head. “You are the most important people in my life.”

“What about little bean in mommy’s belly? Did you miss her too? I bet you forgot about my little sister,” pointing at your belly your son furrows his brows. He sniffles, hoping his father did not forget about the baby girl in your tummy.

“I love the little bean too,” your husband chuckles at Bucky jr.’s serious expression. Your son kneels on the couch to look his father straight in the eyes. “But we should stop calling your sister bean. We found a cute name for her.”

“You did?” your son clasps one hand over his mouth, eyes wide and wet. “How’d you name her, daddy? Elsa, Anna, or Woody?”

“We gave her the second-best name,” your son crosses his arms over his chest, pouting as you whisper the name you and Bucky chose in his ear. “Daisy Eliza Barnes, baby boy.”

“That’s a lame name,” he grumbles for a moment. Bucky jr. frowns, hums to himself before he flashes his father a smile. “Can we name the next baby Optimus Prime? You know, like the transformer in my show.” Your son excitedly tugs at his father’s wrist. “Right, you will give mommy another baby and I can name them.”

“NO!” the grin on Bucky’s face tells you he’s up to no good. “We will have this one first, Bucky. There will be no more babies for a long time.”

“Doll,” your husband clears his throat, “your son wants another sibling. We cannot deny him another brother or sister, Y/N. I’ll consider giving you another baby as soon as this one pops out.”

“YAY!” your son starts to jump up and down on the couch, ignoring that you protest loudly. “Mommy will have another baby and I can name them.”

“He looks so peaceful when asleep,” you watch your husband cover your son with a blanket. He kisses his forehead, whispering goodnight as your son slowly drifts into sleep. “He has missed you so much, Bucky.”

“I know,” Bucky sighs deeply. He hates to leave you for longer than a few days. “I talked to Steve and Sam. They will go on the next business trip for me. As long as little Daisy didn’t pop out, I’ll stick around and won’t leave for longer than a day.”

“Baby, are you sure? I don’t want to keep you from doing—” Bucky is by your side before you can end your sentence. He kisses your hard, making sure you know that your little family is all he cares about at this very moment.” “Okay, I won’t let you ever go again, Mr. Barnes.”

“Mrs. Barners,” he moans into your mouth. His hands move to your ass to grope your cheeks, “I’d like to dirty things to you now. Little Bucky has missed you dearly…”

“Fuck, Bucky,” you lie on your back, fighting to catch your breath. “What has gotten into you? I can’t feel my legs.”

He laughs loudly. “I just missed you, doll. What can a man do when he’s away for two weeks. I had to jerk off in the showers, imagining your perfect cunt. I needed this…you…feeling you…”

“Same.”

“I got a call last week…from Andy. My mother tried to contact me again,” slowly rolling to your side you place your hand on his chest. Bucky covers your hand with his hand, squeezing it tightly. “He made sure she’ll never do it again.”

“She still doesn’t get that no one wants to have anything to do with her. Sheesh, I’m glad she’s still in jail,” closing your eyes you try not to think about Winnifred Barnes. 

Over the last years, you tried your hardest to never think about the woman almost ruining your relationship. No one ever mentioned her since that day in the courtroom.

“Andy will keep her in line,” Bucky stares at the ceiling, sighing “Shit, I hate that she still has this power over me. Anytime I think she’s long forgotten, Winnifred Barnes manages to force her way into my life again.”

“She’s out of our life, baby,” you cup his cheek, gently stroking his skin. “Your mother doesn’t influence our life, Bucky. We won’t allow her to ruin our happiness.”

“You’re right,” he sits up to look down at you. Bucky smiles softly as his eyes land on your exposed swollen belly. “I love you, doll. You and our little family.”

“I love you too, and the family you gave me, baby,” he’s on you again, covering your body with his to kiss you softly. “Hello, Mr. Barnes.” You run your fingers through his hair.

“Hi, pretty doll. Can I kiss you again?”

“Always and forever…”

The End…

* Bonus scene 👇

* Bonus Scene, right after Winnifred went to jail, …

“Case closed. We are damn good,” Ari props his feet onto the desk, smirking as Andy makes a face. “What’s next, Mr. Barber? Now that Winnifred Barnes is in jail I’ve got some spare time.”

“Yeah, what’s next?” Mike mimics the private investigator’s deep voice. “Give us a hint. We can barely wait…it’s so exciting…”

“Give us the dirt,” Jensen looks up from his phone, smirking as Andy rolls his eyes. “Don’t leave us hanging for too long.”

“I found another case,” Andy finally speaks up. He points at a manila folder on his desk, looking at Ari. “I promised to help you with your problem, and I will now that Y/N and Bucky are safe. If you want to help that girl, I’m game.”

“Same,” getting up from his chair Mike snatches the manila folder from Andy’s desk. He opens the folder, whistling. “So, this is the girl you are yearning for Levinson? Nice.”

“She’s not some girl,” Ari’s jaw ticks as he glares at Mike. “I told Andy about her problems. She needs…me…I mean us.” Ari stammers. “I was a friend of her brother once upon a time. In another life.”

“Aw, look at him,” Jake snickers as Ari tries to keep his cool. “Ari Levinson is finally in love. And with a troublemaker out of all the girls lusting over him.”

“Just shut it, Jensen. She’s not a troublemaker but in trouble. If you don’t want to help me, it’s fine,” Ari looks at the manila folder in Mike’s hands. “Her father will…”

“We won’t let him,” Andy gets up from his chair, nodding at Ari. “It’s time to call in a few favors…”

Tags in reblog.

[writerscafehub]

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀: 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

@eulalielatibule

From one to five stars, how would you rate your writing? (No downplaying yourself!)

Hmm I'd say I'm like, 2.8? I'm pretty basic and don't do much editing but my stories are good and I'm proud of them!

2. What do you think makes your writing stand out from other works?

I think I excel at fluffy family fics. I just love writing good dads being sweet with their kids, especially daughters. Another thing that makes me stand out is how I write autistic!reader. I haven't seen anyone else write that for the Chris Evans fandom (not including Steve) so I'm proud to be the one to do it.

3. Are there any writers that inspire you?

Everyone in the server is so talented and they all inspire me in different ways. @a-lumos-in-the-nox puts out story after story with her OC and Ron Weasly and I just love that! Especially as someone who wants to start writing more OCs. @flordeamatista’s writing is so poetic and beautiful and I admire it so much

4. What’s the fic you’re most proud of?

I'm pretty proud of my Suburban Dad Sunday verse. It's done so well but it's also just very fun for me to write and it's letting me explore characters that I hadn't written for previously.

5. Which character(s) do you find easiest to write and which do you find most difficult to write?

Jake Jensen is definitely the easiest. Idk he's just so sweet and fun and the vibes are immaculate with him! The most difficult would probably be any dark character

6. Who or what do you find yourself writing about most?

I write a lot about Jake and fluff/hurt and comfort.

7. Tell us about a WIP you’re excited about!

I have a Lloyd Hansen fic with a living music box ballerina. It'll be a giant/tiny fic which I know isn't super popular but I find it so comforting and I'm excited to share it!

8. First fandom you ever wrote for?

I believe it was Phantom of the Opera 🙈😂

9. Any guilty pleasure trope(s)?

I can't think of any tropes, but I do love reading daddy kink fics lmao

10. A trope you’ll never, ever write for.

I mean never say never, but I do not like enemies to lovers. Idk why, I just can't get behind it. I also will likely never write a mob au.

11. Wildest fic you’ve ever written?

Probably my most recent one with Jake Jensen x Reader x Ari Levinson. H-O-T-T-O-G-O was my first time writing a throuple and it was interesting!

12. Favorite pairing to write for? (platonic or romantic!)

I love writing Lloyd Hansen and his Reader for SDS. He's just so funny and petty and it's fun to see his shenanigans!

13. Do you listen to anything while you write?

No, I get too distracted. I need it to be quiet while I write. I do have playlists to help me get into the right headspace or to help with muse.

14. One-shots or multi-chaptered works?

One shots all the way

15. Have you ever daydreamed about side adventures/spin-offs from your fic? Tell us about them!

All the time! Although I feel like most of my fics are little side quests to one big story/universe. I want to do more with The Purrfect Pair- Kitten is so cute and there's lots of potential for mischief with her and Wanda.

16. Is there anything you’ve wanted to write, but you’ve been too scared to try?

Soooo many things. I want to write a smutty series but smut is just so hard for me to write for some reason. I admire those who write it so effortlessly!

17. What’s the nicest comment you’ve ever received?

There are many comments that I hold near and dear to my heart. Recently I got a comment from @thezombieprositute who said my ability to turn simple prompts into heart warming stories was a testament to my skills and it really made my day.

18. Have you ever gone outside of your comfort zone for a fic? How did it turn out?

A long time ago I wrote a Wanda Maximoff x Steve Rogers Halloween fic. It was on my old account so it isn't around anymore, though I might repost it here. It was definitely a challenge as it was more involved and took a lot of world building. It turned out okay, but maybe I'll revisit it and do some editing!

19. Tooth-rotting fluff or merciless angst?

Fluff, all the time.

20. Do you have any OCs? Tell us about them!

Do I?? I have so many. Thank you for the time to infodump about some of my favorites lmao

I have Eloise Montgomery who is a sexretary for Pete Brenner. Her face claim is Sydney Sweeney!

There's also Charles Randolph who is similar to Ransom in that he's a bratty rich boy who I pair with Ari Levinson. His face claim is Logan Lerman.

I have soooo many but they are my favorites!

21. If you could enter the universe of any one of your fics, which would it be and why?

Oh gosh, that's hard. Probably my The Purrfect Pair au. I want to live in a cottage with Wanda Maximoff more than anything!

22. Is there anything you wish your audience knew about your writing or writing process?

I can't think of anything in particular. It just takes me a while to write because of burn out and stuff but I love it and I love sharing it with everyone 🩷

23. Copy and paste an excerpt you’re particularly fond of.

Oof this is hard for some reason but I do like this from Pine-ing For You

One time when you both were drunkenly singing All I Want for Christmas is You, he pulled you over to the plant hanging from the ceiling and kissed you straight on the mouth. It was a chaste, puckered lips type of kiss and yet it still made your heart flutter from excitement. You both carried on as if nothing happened, never brought it up when you were sober. You eventually decided the incident was merely drunken shenanigans and nothing more, although a part of you wanted to feel his plush lips against yours again.

24. Ramble about any fic-related thing you want!

I'm excited for all that I have planned this year and I hope I can venture into some new territory with my fic writing. I appreciate everyone's support, you all mean the world to me! 🙏🏼 

[starksbabie]

Eun 🥹 you know how stoked I am about this story, but honestly egem is a masterpiece. The way you write about Jake needing the stability that Ari provides and Ari gifting him a garden. That’s so sweet and tender. And the tid bit intro into the reason his garden looks so lush even after being away brings tears to my eyes. You are so talented my friend. So so talented and I consider myself lucky to be able to partake in your art.

ever green, evermore | 1. prologue.

[disclaimer: this blog posts content not suitable for individuals under the age of 18. minors are strictly prohibited from viewing, sharing, or interacting with this blog. for more information on this blog's commitment to protecting minors, read our full statement here.]

series masterlist | next chapter (coming soon!) →

.・。.・゜ ✫ ・.・✫・゜・。.

summary | loving husbands jake and ari had always believed they were all each other could ever want or need. but one unusual summer, when their world is turned upside-down by an uncanny girl from down the street, they find that having someone to love, nurture, and care for together is the missing piece that finally completes their perfect family and lives.

characters | caretaker!jake jensen, daddy!ari levinson, wrenley beauchamp (original character)

warnings | mentions/depictions of domestic and sexual violence, mental health themes: anxiety/panic disorders, trauma and post-traumatic-stress, eating disorders (restrictive subtype), therapeutic methods and tools: exposure, age regression.

.・。.・゜ ✫ ・.・✫・゜・。.

If asked the question, he would be lying if he denied it; in his life, Jake Jensen had everything he wanted. There was little more that he could ask for and he knew it, and he was never ungrateful. Things hadn’t always been so easy for him. He consistently felt like an outcast growing up, a loser, but his late twenties and early thirties had thankfully been kinder to him, most importantly gifting him the one thing that held everything in place in his idealistic reality: his adoring husband, Ari. Jake had never met a man so kind, so patient, so upstanding to his core. At first, he was hesitant to love; he had never let anyone see too deeply inside of him out of fear of rejection and abandonment, but the older man made it easy for him. With Ari, Jake knew his heart would always be safe. Ari was the husband of his dreams, always doting on him and caring for him, never letting him want for anything. Everything the man desired became his, and his wishes in life were simple. A stable marriage. A good, rewarding job. A house of his own to make memories in. Neither of the men particularly wanted children, so they settled on a loving housecat, affectionately named Socks after the midnight-black creature’s set of charming white paws. That’s how the couple ended up in their beautiful farmhouse on a quiet gravel road in rural New Hampshire, surrounded by beautiful fields of wildflowers and golden rolling hills. 

And when one winter morning Jake, wide-eyed and sheepish as he ever was, asked Ari for a garden, he was once more left with little time to wait for his dreams to be realized. By the time spring came, the front yard had been tranformed into the most splendid garden imaginable, the effort his husband had put into the project more than Jake could have ever expected or hoped for. Instead of any ordinary patch of dirt, Ari had taken it upon himself to build custom flower boxes by hand that were carefully lined up in rows, providing all the space his husband would need to grow any plant or flower his heart desired. Additionally, the brunette had crafted a custom shelving unit that housed rows of boxes, providing a spot for partial-sun varieties that could find shade during times of the day when their positioning would shield them from the sun. Ari made a gardening table as well, stocking it with all the tools needed to run a fruitful garden. And with the final addition of a few decorative pieces such as a vined bird bath and a lovely cast iron bench with a custom plaque reading “Jakey’s Garden,” the place truly became the younger man’s haven of safety and joy; there was nothing that made him feel more loved than spending time in his favorite place, made just for him by his favorite person. 

His job as a tech specialist assisting covert government forces was mostly remote, allowing him to complete his tasks from the comfort of his shared home office as Ari sat as his own desk just feet away, working tirelessly at his collection of theses. The older man was a renowned doctor who specialized in psychology; after achieving great success running his own practice, he had decided to put a pause on seeing patients when he and Jake moved out to the countryside, wanting to turn his focus more to research and development of the field. Spending most of their time together in their beautiful home, the pair couldn’t think of a better arrangement. Only occasionally would Jake be called away to accompany his team on important missions, a difficult though necessary part of the job that both men understood was for the greater good. During these missions, which usually lasted several weeks to even months, the man had no choice but to abandon his prized project in the front yard, entrusting Ari with following a minimum routine to at least keep the plants living. The doctor did his best to water and tend to it, but there was no denying that the state of the garden deteriorated in its owner's absence. Until one unusual summer, when to his surprise, the agent returned from a month-long assignment in Yemen to find that during his time away, the plants hadn’t seemed to suffer at all. Actually, he thought, it looked as though the garden had been graced by a touch of new life.

.・。.・゜ ✫ ・.・✫・゜・。.'

series masterlist | next chapter (coming soon!) →

.・。.・゜ ✫ ・.・✫・゜・。.

[babyjakes]

ever green, evermore | 4. difficult introductions.

〈 disclaimer: this blog posts content not suitable for individuals under the age of 18. minors are strictly prohibited from viewing, sharing, or interacting with this blog. for more information on this blog's commitment to protecting minors, read our full statement here. 〉

← last chapter | series masterlist | next chapter (coming soon!) →

summary | loving husbands jake and ari had always believed they were all each other could ever want or need. but one unusual summer, when their world is turned upside-down by an uncanny girl from down the street, they find that having someone to love, nurture, and care for together is the missing piece that finally completes their perfect family and lives.

characters | caretaker!jake jensen, daddy!ari levinson, wrenley beauchamp (original character)

warnings | mentions/depictions of domestic and sexual violence, mental health themes: anxiety/panic disorders, trauma and post-traumatic-stress, eating disorders (restrictive subtype), therapeutic methods and tools: exposure, age regression.

After such a difficult afternoon, Jake was a bit worried Wren might be scared away from visiting again. But luckily, their routine resumed uninterrupted; if anything, it almost seemed to the man as if the entire experience had actually brought him closer to the girl than he was before. It made sense, in a way, as she had shown more vulnerability than ever, and he had managed to maintain her trust through it all. He had done what he had hoped to do: gently encourage her to step outside her comfort zone while still respecting her emotional needs. In the days following, once he knew he and Wren were still on good terms, Jake found himself relieved that he had managed to take a few steps forward with his friend without completely pushing her too far.

For a while after that, the hardest part was simply the little one's apologies. They were plentiful and unyielding; it seemed she just couldn't adequately express her guilt and shame no matter how hard she tried. Jake was more than happy to listen to anything that might be on Wren's mind, and when the 'sorry's just seemed to keep coming and coming, he held no frustration or annoyance with her. He knew it was just her mind convincing her she had to make up for what she had "done." But it broke his heart to see her so anguished, especially when she often ended up in tears through her scrambled words. All he could do was accept her apologies and promise that she was forgiven, or even further, that there was nothing to forgive in the first place— of course no one was mad at her. Of course they understood. It just seemed as though it was going to take a good long while to convince Wren of that.

Weeks went by and Jake figured it would be best to just put off any further attempts at the meeting for the time being, even after the final apology had seemingly been given. He and Ari were in agreement that this would most likely be best, considering how upsetting the entire ordeal had been for the poor girl. But then, out of the blue, Wren surprised them both by asking for another go at it, herself.

It was early one morning as she and Jake tended the garden together, the courage to ask the question seeming to come from nowhere as her little voice piped up amidst the balmy heat of the summer air, "J-Jakey?"

Looking up from the blush-colored peonies before him, the man raised a gentle brow at her as he hummed, "Hmm? What's up, darlin'?"

Wren's hands paused over the greenery, her small fingers fiddling with her clump of weeds as she kept her gaze low. Bottom lip puffing out a bit, she couldn’t seem to make it past that point on her own. Sensing her hesitancy, Jake pulled back from his work, wanting to give her his full attention. "What's on your mind, sweet girl?" It was rare for her to ever speak first, even after all the time they'd spent together. She was just a quiet presence; she rarely initiated any conversation of her own.

"Just w-wanted to ask..." she mumbled, her voice barely loud enough for her friend to hear. Leaning in a bit to listen, Jake nodded encouragingly, though he knew it would probably take more coaxing than that to find out whatever was bothering the sheepish girl.

"Go ahead, sweetie. You know you can ask me anything," he murmured gently, giving her a small, sincere smile.

Managing a cautious gaze in his direction, Wren caught it, mustering up more courage through a few deep breaths. "Just wanted... I was wondering... I-I..." Eyes falling again, she finally let out the words that would come as such a pleasant surprise to Jake, "I-I was hoping maybe... maybe I could try again... m-meeting Mr. Ari, I mean."

The man’s eyes widened a bit at her words. Wren seemed a little unsure of how to handle his surprise, so he was fast to snap out of his shock. "Oh honey, I think he'd love if we could try again," he smiled, his excitement audible in his voice. "You really want to? We just haven't wanted to push, y'know... we know it was so difficult last time," he told her sympathetically. Wren nodded, her cheeks darkening a bit at the reminder. "And that's okay, bub-" he added quickly, "-we know this is all so hard; I'm so proud of you, chicky. C'mere," he breathed, abandoning his spot across the flower boxes to collect her into a warm embrace.

"I-I'd like to try again, please," she spoke softly into his shoulder. "I promise I'll do better, I-I... I won't back out this time." Pulling back slightly to look at her, Jake was a bit concerned by the sense of urgency in her voice; it was almost as if she were afraid she might be denied another chance, which certainly would never be the case.

"Hey cutie, hey..." the kind man cooed, brushing her hair back from her face, "of course you can try again, Wren. And even if you do have to stop, that's okay. You can have as much time as you need, as many tries as you need, okay? We're just so proud of you for trying, sweet thing. You're bein' so brave, so, so brave." Tucking her hair behind her ear, he cupped her cheek, gazing at her softly. "So, what were you thinkin'? We can do this all on your timing, at whatever pace feels best."

"Well..." blinking bashfully, Wren admitted, "I-I was thinkin' about how... you told me, Mr. Ari really loves lemon desserts, 'member?"

"That's right, he does," Jake confirmed with a grin. "Good memory, bubba."

Tapping the toes of her shoes together, the girl continued, "Was thinking... maybe I could make somethin' special for him. And then... y'know..."

"Sure," he nodded understandingly, filling in the rest of the timid thing's words. "Bring 'em on over and we can give this all another go? I think that's a wonderful idea, sweetheart. He's gonna be so excited; I can't wait to tell him." Thinking for a moment, he suggested, "Maybe you could bring them sometime later this week? I know he'll be finishing up a thesis today or tomorrow. That should leave him with plenty of free time to snack with us."

Wren nodded, and though her nervousness was plain as day on her delicate face, Jake was encouraged to see a teeny glimmer of hope shining in the sweet girl's eyes as she stood there before him, her little cheek cradled delicately into his tender hand. "I-I'll make something super yummy, I really hope he'll like it."

"I'm sure he will, chicky,” Jake was able to promise her without a doubt in his mind. “Ari's loved everything you've ever brought us."

As he entered back into the house later that morning, he could hardly wait to tell Ari the news. Almost tripping over himself as he kicked off his work boots, he made his way swiftly to the pair of glass doors at the entrance to the couple's shared office, giving a light knock. His husband could be seen in his usual spot, amidst scattered paperwork and his computer which occupied most of his L-shaped desk. Looking up at the sound of a visitor, the older man gave Jake a smile, motioning for him to enter.

"Hey honey, you two all finished for the day?" Ari mused, hitting save on his document as he pushed back a bit in his chair. Jake found his way to his own seat at his smaller workspace, relaxing back into the faux-leather cushion as he nodded. "Hot out there today, huh?" the doctor noted, "I've been feeling the heat of the sun through the windows. Glad you two weren't at it for too long."

"You'll never guess what she said," Jake smiled, his excitement seeping through his attempts to mask it as his husband returned his grin, happy to see his partner so happy. "I was so surprised, Ari; I could've cried."

"What'd she say, babe?" Ari asked, now intrigued. It was normal for the blonde to report back on his time spent with his friend; many times he had the sweetest stories to tell of little moments they'd shared, but this sort of excitement was something new.

"She asked if she could try meeting you again," Jake beamed, "she brought it up, all on her own. I thought for sure after what happened last time, she'd never want to give it another go. But it seems like she does really want to meet you, even though it's so difficult for her," he told him proudly. "She was so sweet when she asked, Ari. I wish you could've seen her."

"Oh my," Ari's voice swelled, "I certainly wasn't expecting that."

"Tell me about it," Jake sighed, shaking his head. "I'm so proud'a her. She's really come so far, even in just the time I've known her. Hopefully we can keep working towards the two of you finally getting to meet, face to face. She's gonna bring some treats later this week, after you're done with your paper. She wants to make them special, just for you."

"What a sweet girl," Ari hummed fondly, the thought of little Wrenley making him something special, despite all of her fear towards him, just melting his heart. "Well, that'll be all the more reason to keep working at it," he chuckled as he motioned to his mountain of papers, "I wish we could have her sooner."

"I was thinkin' we should approach things a little differently this time," Jake mentioned, mindlessly picking at a few specks of dirt on his pants as he spoke, "everything seemed to fall apart when you came out for those few moments. Maybe it would be best to get her inside first, just let her look around and see that it's safe."

"That might help," Ari agreed, thinking for a moment before adding, "I guess since she's never been in the house, she might not know what to expect. You guys can come in at her pace, get your shoes off and get settled, that sort of thing. Good thinking."

"We'll just take it one step at a time," Jake nodded. "I told her it'll be okay if she has to stop again; I don't want her to feel too much pressure. I know she's so embarrassed about how things went last time."

"Poor girl," Ari frowned, hating the thought of her having to feel such a way about something she couldn't even control to begin with. "One step at a time," he repeated Jake's words, "sounds like a plan to me, bub."

A few days later on Thursday afternoon, Jake finally got to send the anticipated text. 'Hey chicky, Ari finished up his thesis this morning. You free tomorrow?' Tagging the end of his text with a yellow heart, he hit send. A few minutes later, it was confirmed; Wren would bake that evening and make her way over in the morning. Ari and Jake were elated, spending most of the rest of the night trying to tidy up the house. While they certainly knew it might be another difficult day ahead, they couldn't wait to hopefully make more progress with the girl.

Around nine the next morning, Wren texted Jake to let him know she was heading over on her bike. He and Ari decided the older man would stay in the office while the pair of friends took their time in entering the home. "Good luck out there," Ari planted a kiss in Jake's hair before heading to the office to wait things out.

"Love you, big guy," Jake called after him as he took to pulling on his boots, standing in the entryway.

"Love you more, handsome!" Ari sang back before closing the office door behind him, leaving Jake alone for a few moments to collect his thoughts. He had a weird feeling about the day ahead, a good one. He tried to hold onto the fact that the whole thing had been the girl's own idea to begin with; that alone gave him hope that she might be able to make some big strides forward.

Taking his time, he headed out through the front door, deciding to leave it open while closing the glass storm door in its place. He thought maybe being able to see into the house would be comforting for Wren; he wanted to do everything he possibly could, down to the tiniest details, to help his friend feel safe. Walking down the gravel path away from the house, he was warmed gently by the morning sun as it stood beneath a thin veil of clouds in the sky. It wasn't too warm of a day, nice enough to open up the windows, the man thought to himself as he found his way to the front of the garden, stopping to wait as he gazed down the long road towards the hill. He could see a small figure traveling his way in the distance; as the minutes passed, it grew larger and larger, turning into a familiar body perched atop an ivory bike.

When Wren saw Jake waiting for her, she rang her bell in greeting like always, earning a smile from the blonde-haired man as he waved at the approaching girl. "Hi sweetheart," he greeted warmly as she made it to the edge of the drive, parking her bike in its place by the mailbox. "Nice out today, isn't it? Guess the sun's finally letting up a bit; this week sure's been brutal."

Gathering her basket, Wren nodded in agreement at Jake's observation as she made her way over to her friend, mumbling a meek hello. Her posture was already stiff; it wasn't hard for him to notice. When he pulled her in for a hug, he could feel her small frame trembling weakly against him. "Hey sweet girl," he softened his voice, holding her in his embrace for a few moments as he rubbed her back gently. "You're okay, there's no rush. I got you," he hummed, relieved to feel her relaxing a bit at his words.

When they pulled away from each other, Jake offered the girl a smile as he looked her over. "I like your dress, cutie. S'it new?" he tried to loosen her up with some small talk.

Looking down at her checkered beige apron gown, which she wore over a plain white shirt, Wren shook her head. "No, b-but I haven't worn it much this summer." Jake nodded, noticing it looked a bit heavier and warmer than most of her usual sundresses.

"Well it sure is adorable," he complimented. It was almost a bit of a routine they had. The man was always so impressed by her clothes; he commented regularly on whatever the girl happened to be wearing that day. Clearly she was quite the seamstress, certainly the most talented Jake had ever seen.

Wren gave a hum of bashful thanks as she crossed a foot nervously behind the other, prompting the boy beside her to take her hand carefully in hopes of comforting her. "How're you feeling, honey?" he asked, his voice low and sensitive as the little one's eyes fell to the gravel beneath her shoes.

Blinking her wide bambi eyes, Wren's voice struggled to come out steadily in her reply. "N-nervous," she admitted, carefully adding, "the cupcakes turned out nicely."

"Cupcakes, huh?" Jake smiled, taking the girl's basket from her to ease her load. He debated pulling her over to the bench, not sure if she wanted some time to get herself ready, or if she needed to just get things over with before her anxiety spiraled out of control.

"Mhm," Wren nodded, "lemon c-cake and... buttercream frosting."

"Those sound delicious, sweetheart," Jake reassured her, giving her hand that he still held a light squeeze. "What do you think, chicky? You ready to head in? Ari's gonna wait for us inside this time," he explained, not wanting anything to come as a surprise. "We can go in just the two of us, get our shoes off, that sort of thing. You can have a look around inside- we tried to tidy the place up as best we could," he chuckled lightly, hoping his carefree demeanor might help ease poor thing's relentless worries.

Wide-eyed gaze traveling up the now familiar path to the house, Wren forced down a swallow, nodding. "S-sure, that's alright," she hummed in feeble agreeance. Trying to take her response as a good sign, Jake smiled hopefully as he began to lead the girl in the right direction.

Their walk across the worn gravel footpath was slow, but at least it was something. Jake could sense the internal battle occurring in his friend's mind as she kept her gaze trapped warily on the front porch as they approached, barely willing to blink as if she expected something might jump out at any moment to ambush her. Holding steadily onto her hand, he murmured all the soft words of encouragement he could think of as they made their way, step by step. "Doin' just fine, honey. There's no rush; take your time..." "You're bein' so brave- I'm so proud of you, cutie..." "Look at that, we're almost to the porch! You're doin' so good, sweet thing. Just a little bit further..."

When the pair finally made it to the door, Jake was surprised a bit when Wrenley paused and looked up at him. Eyes wide with the most darling sense of disbelief, her voice swelled a bit as she cooed, "Look Jakey, m-made it!"

Raising his brow in helpless adoration, the blonde-haired man could feel his heart melting in his chest at the sweet girl's excited words. "That's right sweetie, look at how brave you were," he crooned softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "How're you feelin', buggy? Think you're okay to go inside?"

Appearing to muster up her courage with a deep breath in through her nose, Wren nodded. Raising up ever-so-slightly on the balls of her feet, she peered in through the storm door before her, her expression settling a bit as she took in what she could see of the home's interior. From that point, some of the living room was visible beyond the entryway; it all seemed ordinary-looking enough. "Think I-I can do it," she mumbled softly, her voice small yet laced with a bit of hopefulness.

At that point, it was going better than Jake could have hoped for. Grinning at his friend's response, he nodded, encouraging her, "Go ahead and open up the door then, honey." 

The girl’s hand shook as she raised it to take the door’s handle, twisting as gently as she could to release its latch. Her attentive eyes widened slightly as she breathed in the mild air of the home, seeming to find some small sense of comfort in its scent. Jake simply watched as she gazed forward; after a few moments, he realized she might need a bit more encouragement to keep moving. “C’mon sunshine, watch the step up,” he told her gently as he entered first, still guiding her by the hand. 

Wren seemed to be almost on her tiptoes as she followed her friend in, peering around curiously as he closed the door behind both of them. Jake’s heart broke a little in his chest as he watched her careful movements, recognizing her attempts to make as little noise and fuss as possible. She was the same way in the garden; it was particularly noticeable when the two were first getting to know each other. Over time she was able to loosen up somewhat, but that cautious, tentative nature never seemed to leave her entirely. It seemed like she was worried about taking up too much space, too much time, too much of anything. Seeing this pattern of behavior continue, Jake couldn't help but wonder what or who might have made her feel so guilty for simply existing.

Wren’s eyes scanned the home from left to right as they stood there in the entryway. From the hallway’s entrance, to the living room, over to the kitchen, past the office doors, and finally to Jake, she was able to at least conclude that the stranger she was so nervous to meet was nowhere in sight. Once she had had a chance to survey her surroundings, she seemed to relax ever so slightly. Jake smiled gently at her as her gaze came back over to meet his. “See? You’re safe. Nothing scary,” he hummed.

“Nothing scary,” she repeated. “Y-your house is so pretty, Jakey. So warm- and comfy.”

Jake’s face softened at her words. “Thank you, sweetheart. I’m so glad you think so. Oh- and look who decided to come say hi,” he cooed as a little black figure appeared in the entryway to the hall, letting out a faint meow at the sight of the new guest. 

Wren’s eyes lit up at the sight of the cat, letting out a small gasp as she greeted him politely, “Oh, h-hello Mr. Socks. It’s very nice to meet you.” 

To the pair’s surprise, at the shy girl’s words, the cat came right up to Wren without a second thought. Rubbing his face gently against her legs, he wove himself around her a few times, a warm pur sounding from his chest as he did so. Jake raised his brow at the cat’s unusual behavior. “Oh my, looks like he found his new best friend. He must really like you, honey. He usually won’t go anywhere near strangers.”

Leaning down a bit, Wren offered the creature her hand. He sniffed it for a few moments before giving a signal of approval by pressing his face right up against her fingertips, earning a soft giggle from the girl. As she gave him a few scratches behind his ears, which he leaned into with great pleasure, Jake only grew more amazed at her ability to win the little animal over with such ease. He wasn’t a very social cat, and never before had he been willing to even come close to an unknown visitor. It almost seemed like he felt just as Jake did about Wren; there was something that drew him to her. 

After familiarizing himself with the friendly girl for another few moments, Socks turned and padded off back into the house, disappearing over into the kitchen. Setting down the wicker basket, Jake finally felt safe to let go of Wren's hand, brushing his hair back from his face as he asked, “Well, what d’you say we get our shoes off and head into the kitchen?” Earning a nod to his suggestion, he bent down, taking to unlacing his boots. Wren followed suit, lowering herself to undo the buckles on her Mary Janes. Slipping them off each foot one by one, she carefully set them next to the small bench against the wall before standing back upright. 

In those few moments, a figure had appeared through the glass of one of the study doors. As it opened with a creak, Jake was caught off guard by a frightened yelp coming from his friend as she jumped back in surprise. “Oh, hey-” but his words came too late. As his husband watched from several feet away with a worried look, Wren stood frozen for only a moment before beginning to crumple down into herself, pressed up against the corner between the wall and the bench beside the door. Before either of the men could do anything to stop it, it seemed the situation was dissolving right before their eyes.

“Oh sweetie- okay,” Jake tried, “okay, it’s alright. Here, let’s-” Stepping towards the girl, his heart ached as she ducked behind him, attempting to hide away from the other man who stood over by the office. Wren reached out with shaking hands, which the blonde quickly took into his own. “Hey sweet girl, you’re okay- oh honey,” he frowned as he watched the poor thing collapsing into a state of pure panic. 

“Oh hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean-” Ari attempted to apologize, only causing the little one to flinch back harder at the sound of his voice. Cheeks flooding with tears, Wren seemed entirely too terrified to form words. All she could do was cower behind Jake and cry. 

The two men were struggling to handle the situation; it seemed it was yet another instance of poor timing on Ari’s part. Smoothing his hair back in worry, Jake did his best to hold onto his friend, trying to think of a way to bring her back down to a manageable state. During his pause of thought, it didn’t take long for Wren to begin scrambling to find an exit. Eyes darting towards the door, she lunged before Jake could say anything, but he was able to catch her as he stood between her and the handle. She collapsed pathetically against him, the two of them sinking down to their knees as she sobbed into his white t-shirt.

“Wren, sweetheart- hey,” Jake hummed, bringing a hand up to smooth over her hair as his other arm held her up against him. “You gotta breathe for me, bubba. Just breathe, you’re okay,” he tried to best to convince her. As hard as it was to hold her there as she struggled against his embrace, he knew it wouldn’t help any to let her run. It broke his heart to see her so distraught, but he still hoped somehow that there might be some room for trust to be built amidst the profound fear. 

“P-please,” she sniffled, “please… n-n-no…” It was the weakest Jake had ever heard her, her broken words barely distinguishable through her sobs. Taking a brief look back over at Ari, Jake tried his best to not appear helpless as he held the poor girl upright. Sympathy and understanding shone across the doctor's face as he watched the pair, his eyes connecting with his husband’s as they shared a glance of mutual pity. As slowly as he could, Ari took a few steps towards the two, wanting to give Wren all the time she needed in the safety of her trusted friend’s arms before approaching and invading their space. 

“You’re okay, honey. I’m here, Jakey’s here with you,” the younger man crooned, rubbing tender circles across the girl’s back as she cried. “You’re safe, darlin’. I got you, just try and breathe for me, chicky. Big breaths, you’re alright.”

Inching up just a few more feet, Ari paused as he reached the step up from the sunken living room’s carpeted floor to the hardwood of the entryway. Glancing over with the gentlest of expressions, he lowered himself to the ground as well, hoping it might help him appear less intimidating. When she peeked around Jake’s larger form, Wren’s sobs only worsened at the sight of the older man now closer than he was before. As she met his gaze for the first time, Ari was somewhat startled to see how deep the fear ran through her darkened eyes. She wore a look of distrust he had never seen on anyone before, not even the most severely traumatized patients he had encountered back during his practicing years, and that set off loud alarms as to what kind of situation he and Jake could really have on their hands. Hoping to help his partner start easing the poor thing back down, the brunette began to murmur softly, “Hey, shhhh…” The girl’s head ducked at the sound of his voice, her little face tucking back into her friend’s shirt as he continued to rub her back soothingly.

“Wrenley… c’mon, sweet thing,” Jake tried gently, pulling back just far enough to search for her avoidant gaze.

Unwilling to look him in the eyes, Wren shrunk even further at the shoulders, appearing as though she was doing her best to simply melt into the floor and disappear completely. “P-please Jakey,” was all she could choke out once more. 

“‘Please’ what, honey? How can I help, sweetheart?” Jake crooned in response.

“P-please…” Her voice trailed off as she seemed to be searching for the right words, acceptable ones as she tugged on the blonde’s hands pleadingly. “S-so scary, please Jakey…”

“Why’s it scary, bubba? Can you help me understand?” he murmured as he brought a hand up to brush back the little one's hair from her face, earning a weak whimper and wince as she trembled beneath his touch. “Wanna help you, darlin’. Wanna make it feel not so scary, can you tell me more? Let me help you, sweet girl. Just wanna help."

Bottom lip wobbling as the man did his best to coax more information out of her, Wren snuck another glance over at Ari before finally bringing her teary gaze up to meet the blonde’s. Jake could hardly handle seeing the distress overflowing from the girl’s baby blues; it took everything in him not to wrap her up safe in his arms and give in to her every broken plea. “S-so scary,” she repeated, earning an understanding nod from Jake as he encouraged her with his eyes to say more, “s-scary… gonna… please, he’s… s’gonna hurt so b-bad, Jakey.”

Both of the men's hearts dropped to the pits of their stomachs at the poor thing's admission of her true fears. With the wind nearly knocked out of him, Jake found himself having to fight off his own tears as his friend's words processed in his mind. Furrowing his brow, he smoothed the girl's hair back once more as he dared to stare her straight in the face. His voice came out weakly, "Wrenley, honey..." It was almost unbearable to look at her, those big, scared eyes filled with such a haunting sense of desperation and need. In that moment, Jake could run from it no further; he had no choice but to accept that someone had hurt his sweet little bird enough to make her this way.

From his safe several feet back, Ari was just as devastated at the progression of Wren's episode as his husband. Though of course he had the instinctual urge to give the poor girl all the comfort he could fathom, he knew that he needed to wait and let her seek it from where she was already comfortable. It was more than difficult; he was a softhearted, nurturing man in nature. But he knew his premature intervention would likely only make things worse, and so as much as it pained him, he simply rested his weight back as he knelt there, sharing a sorrowful yet confirming glance with Jake when he looked over.

"Sweet girl..." the younger man cooed, his voice low as he tried to find somewhere to begin his reasoning. "What d'you mean, 'hurt?' No one's gonna hurt you, cutie. You're safe- I promise you're safe here, sweetie."

Eyes falling back to the floor, Wren withered as she searched for words to explain herself, seeming wary of both the men's expressions of shock and alarm. "Just..." Wearing a heartbreaking look of something close to shame, she continued, "b-big. Strong, if he... gonna... j-just..."

Feeling guilty as his friend struggled to communicate her worries, Jake nodded gently. He could somewhat understand what she meant; Ari was, after all, about as close to a real-life giant as a man could get. With whatever sort of fight-or-flight she was being thrown into at the mere presence of an unknown person, the same kind of trauma response she had collapsed into when first meeting Jake, it made sense that the older man was presenting a much greater challenge than he had, himself. "I know, honey. I know it's so hard," the blonde murmured, "but I promise you, Ari would never do anything to hurt you. If he tried, I wouldn't let him- but he just wouldn't, chicky. He really, really wouldn't. No one's gonna hurt you here, Wrenley. In this house, with me and Ari, you're safe. You're always gonna be safe, sweetheart." With one of his hands wrapped around her smaller one, he gently linked their pinkies, giving a light squeeze to seal his promise.

Thinking it might be an okay time to try and start providing some reassuring words of his own, Ari nodded sincerely at his husband's words. "Wrenley? Honey, can you listen to me?" he hummed softly, trying not to deflate as the girl's tears once again worsened at his interruption. She tucked herself away into Jake's arms at the stranger's words, prompting the younger man to begin rubbing her back once more as she shook and wept helplessly. "Jake's right, sweetheart. I'm not gonna hurt you; I would never. You're such a special girl- you're Jake's best friend. Did you know that?"

Remaining hidden in the safety of her friend's arms, Wren managed a sniffle, unable to give a response to the man's attempts. Hoping her maintained state might be a better sign than coming undone any further, Ari decided to continue. "You've been such a big help in the garden, and we're always so delighted by the treats you bring us. You're the best baker I've ever met; I'm sure Jake feels the same way."

"Sure do," the blonde added encouragingly as he rocked the small girl in his arms. "Maybe sometime we can have you over to bake; we've got a big kitchen with plenty of space, and Ari got me some new kitchenware for Christmas. You can show us whatever magic it is that makes your goodies so yummy."

"That would be so fun," Ari nodded in agreement, trying to smile through his sadness in hopes of lifting the poor thing's sunken spirits. "You know all those little cards you made? The ones you put on your baggies with the pretty ribbons- the ones that said 'Mr. Ari?'" That seemed to catch Wren's attention as she lifted her head up just the tiniest bit, though she still stayed wrapped up in the safety of Jake's embrace. It was a small, subtle movement, but it was enough; seeing her respond in even just the slightest way to his efforts filled Ari with hopefulness that he might finally be getting somewhere. "I keep them all in a little stack on my desk," the man revealed gently, adding, "Every time I see them, I think about you and how special you are to Jakey, and to me. I could never hurt you, angel. You're too important to us; we care so much about you."

"So much, buggy. Ari's right; you're our special girl," Jake cooed. Praying he wasn't just imagining it, he could almost feel the little one starting to relax the slightest bit in his arms. He hoped more than anything that their soothing words were getting through to her; both of them did.

Softening his expression as much as he could, Ari was similarly picking up on small signs of progress. With faint optimism present in his voice, he asked, "Sweetheart? Do you think you could try and look at me?" It broke his heart to receive a doubtful whimper from the small girl, though he just hummed mildly, "I know, honey. I know it's hard, but you're bein' so brave- you know that? Jakey and I are so proud of you," he commended. "You made it all the way in; I know that must've been so difficult, and now you're stayin' here with us; you're doin' so well, angel. So, so well."

As the doctor crooned his praises, it was visible to both him and his partner that his efforts were slowly but surely working. Now more than anything, Wren was simply slumped against Jake, no longer trying to run. Bringing his hand up to stroke softly over her light golden hair, Jake continued his rocking motions, the feeling of her small body wrapped in his filling his heart with such a sense of pride and love.

"There you go, sweet girl," Ari murmured, the sight before him now seeming a million times more manageable than it was even just a few minutes ago. "You're okay, Wrenley. You're safe, see?" Softening his voice even further, he dared to ask again, "Do you think you could looking over here, honey? You did it before, remember? Just wanna show you nothing bad will happen, darlin'. Wanna show you it's safe, d'you think we could just give it a try?"

Keeping his movements as subtle as he could, Jake shifted their positioning to make it easier for the girl to look over at the man if she chose. There was a period of silent pause, both of them eagerly holding their breath as they waited to see what the little one might do. And to both of their amazement, after gathering up all the courage she could into her tiny trembling frame, Wrenley finally lifted her head up ever so slightly to gaze bashfully over at Ari through a fresh veil of tears.

As her deep blue eyes met his own, the man thought he had never felt so touched by another human being in his life. It wasn't the kind of affection he had for Jake; it was something completely different and new. It was the way a person might look at a newborn fawn when seeing one for the first time. There was such a profound feeling of tenderness, along with a heaviness to the situation that couldn't be ignored. As he knelt there, face-to-face with the girl at last, there was an unmistakable sense that he was cradling her entire fragile world in his hands. Her vulnerability shone through her eyes; she had let him in the door. There was no turning back. And in that moment, all Ari wanted to do was prove to her that he would do just as Jake had done, that he would protect her heart and treat it with the care it deserved.

Relief and compassion washed over his face as he gave her his softest smile, humming, "Hi there, pretty girl. See? Completely safe." Resting his hands on his knees, his heart all but melted as she gave him the teeniest of nods as Jake rubbed her back again proudly, mumbling sweet words of praise in her ear.

Catching notice of the little yellow head poking out of the girl's dress pocket, Ari's smile widened as he asked, "Is that your ducky, sweetheart? Jakey's told me all about him- I've heard he's quite the little gardener, just like you. Does he help you bake, too?" He didn't mind in the slightest if to any outsider it might seem silly; he was more than happy to treat the stuffed animal like a living being if it might help his new friend feel more at ease.

Surprising the couple once more with her bravery, Wren offered a mild nod. "I didn't know he likes to bake," Jake played along, glancing lovingly down at the little figure. "You'll have to come to our baking day, Ducky! It'll be a party in the kitchen!"

"It's very nice to meet you, Ducky," Ari hummed adoringly, giving plushie a gentle wave. In a moment the men both found all too precious, Wren's little fingers came up to find one of the duck's wings, having him give a wave back to the doctor.

Jake finally felt safe enough to relax in his embrace of the girl, turning to shoot Ari a triumphant smile. The older man smiled back softly; there was an incredible sense of calm that washed over the three friends as they sat there in the entryway of the home, seemingly past the worst of the group effort. Resting the side of her little head against Jake's chest, Wren continued to look over at his husband, the storminess in her eyes receding at last.

"You wanna tell Ari what you brought?" the boy asked his friend gently, earning an intrigued look from the brown-haired man as he nodded encouragingly. "She made 'em special, just for you," the blonde gushed as he motioned towards the basket with his head. "She knows you love lemon."

"I do; that's my favorite," Ari murmured with a smile.

Blinking sheepishly, Wren's voice was as soft as ever as she told him, "M-made cupcakes, sir. Lemon cake a-and... and buttercream frosting; it's my Nana's special recipe." Ari hummed approvingly, finding her mildly old-fashioned manners to be rather endearing; she was just too sweet, exactly as Jake had described her.

"That sounds so special, darlin'. We've got plates and drinks in the kitchen- what d'you say we go give them a try? I can't wait to finally give my compliments directly to the baker." After pausing to look up at Jake, who gave her a reassuring nod, Wren nodded at the suggestion. "Perfect. Here, I'll show you the way."

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[babyjakes]

ever green, evermore | 3. baby steps.

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summary | loving husbands jake and ari had always believed they were all each other could ever want or need. but one unusual summer, when their world is turned upside-down by an uncanny girl from down the street, they find that having someone to love, nurture, and care for together is the missing piece that finally completes their perfect family and lives.

characters | caretaker!jake jensen, daddy!ari levinson, wrenley beauchamp (original character)

warnings | mentions/depictions of domestic and sexual violence, mental health themes: anxiety/panic disorders, trauma and post-traumatic-stress, eating disorders (restrictive subtype), therapeutic methods and tools: exposure, age regression.

Though maybe to outsiders they would seem an odd pair, it didn't take long for Jake and Wren's friendship to grow. It was gradual at first; the girl liked to go for a bike ride most days during the week, and on a few occasions, when the timing was right, she’d catch Jake as he worked away in the garden. He was always happy to see her, enthusiastically inviting her to join him as he tended to the plants. She was so shy at first, meekly offering her help and advice, but as time passed she was able to grow more and more comfortable around the pleasant man. It wasn’t difficult. He was just so friendly, and it helped that she knew he was understanding of her condition. 

At the end of their fifth morning together in the garden, Jake offered to exchange numbers. “This way, I can let you know when I’ll be around- and maybe I’ll reach out if I ever need some help troubleshooting,” he had explained with a slight laugh. He could tell Wren wasn’t used to being asked for her number by the way her eyes went wide with what almost seemed like wonder, and she was quick to agree. “Now I can text you!” she had beamed softly, seeming so elated at the thought. “Yeah, anything you want,” Jake had told her, finding her innocent joy in the idea so precious, “doesn’t even have to be gardening-related. Or you can call, too! It’ll be nice to have a way to reach each other.”

And so it became a sort of routine: a few days a week, Jake would shoot Wren a text in the evening letting her know he planned to garden the next morning. And the following day, she’d show up, bright-eyed and eager to be of whatever assistance she could. Sometimes she brought treats to share in the little basket on the back of her bike, baked goods and freshly-squeezed fruit juices that were perfectly refreshing in the balmy heat of the summer sun. She’d always bring a few extra too, sealed nicely in craft bags tied with frilly ribbons and bows. “For your husband, Mr. Ari.” she’d tell Jake each time. The older man was always delighted to receive the gifts, and wished he could meet the young girl to express his thanks, but he respected Jake’s wishes to let her meet him in her own time when she was ready. Jake had explained early on that she was a little flighty and nervous to meet new people; when he made the comparison to Claire, Ari was quick to understand that it would probably be a while before he got to meet the little garden fairy. And though he longed to, especially given how much his husband seemed to adore her, he was sympathetic to her hesitancy. Every once and a while, Jake would ask his friend if she'd like to come in and have some juice or tea. "Ari can't wait to meet you," he was sure tell her, but Wren was always quick to shrink back at the mention of his husband. Jake did his best to coax her, telling her in all the ways he could think of how nice and gentle Ari was. But deep down, he knew it was probably just something that would take working up to.

At times when he wasn’t too busy with his work, the doctor would sometimes lurk in the kitchen and look out at the two friends from the window, always so mesmerized by the girl he had never met. At first, when Jake had told him that she really was a fairy-like little creature, Ari thought he might be exaggerating. But the second he saw her for himself, he was proven mistaken. She was about as fairytale-esque as she could be, in those innocent summer dresses she so often wore, shimmering hair always done up in intricate twists and braids. “She looks like a princess,” was the first comment he had made to Jake. Without even trying, she had both of the men enthralled; they had never seen anything like her before.

One afternoon as the couple sat in the house’s rear sunroom, enjoying the gentle breeze from the open windows along with each other’s company, Ari couldn’t help but try at a conversation as he sipped from his sweating glass of iced tea. “So, what’s she like?”

Scooting a bit closer to his husband as they shared the beige wicker sofa, Jake’s voice was soft as he replied, “She’s wonderful. You’re really gonna love her.” Ari nodded in response, wrapping his arm back around Jake’s neck to pull him in for a snuggle. Leaning his head on the broad man’s shoulder, the blonde let out a contented sigh. “I wonder where she learned to garden like that. She told me she doesn’t have any space for one at home; maybe it was something she did growing up.”

“She lives over the hill, right?” Ari asked, vaguely remembering some brief details that had been mentioned in earlier conversations.

Nodding, Jake reached for Ari’s free hand as it sat resting on his thigh, intertwining their fingers with a gentle squeeze. “With her boyfriend. She never says much about him- I can’t even remember if she’s dropped a name.”

“He’s working while she does school?” the older man confirmed as he ran his thumb over the back of his partner’s hand, the gesture a mindless habit that Jake was quite used to and appreciative of. 

“Yeah, I think he’s got a job in town.”

“Must pay pretty well, if he’s able to support the both of them. Good on her for getting her degree, d’you know what she’s studying? Oh- what was it…” Ari’s voice trailed off as he combed through his brain, “…some kind of art degree, right?”

“Yep,” Jake confirmed, his eyes drifting to one of the windows where a little brown bird had landed on the birdfeeder hanging off of the roof, “man, I wish I had some sort of artistic tendency. Sounds way more fun than running a government help desk.”

“You know you could leave at any time,” Ari reminded him as his head lowered to plant a gentle kiss against the blonde’s hair. “The second you stop liking what you do, I hope you’ll put in your notice. We’re all set, honey. No need for you to keep at a job that doesn’t interest you.” Nodding silently, Jake knew his husband was telling the truth. Due to how successful the doctor had been in his few practicing years, the couple was more than well off financially; if they wanted to, they could both retire on the spot and live out the rest of their lives comfortably in their home. Ari was always very clear with Jake that he would never go unprovided for, but in the end, something kept the younger man in his position. Though it could be brutal at times, he did ultimately enjoy the work. He enjoyed being in on the cardinal operations, and he liked to believe that the labor he did was somehow making the world a better place, a safer one.

“I know,” Jake hummed softly, turning and lifting his head slightly. “When I stop loving it, I’ll leave. Promise.”

“Good,” Ari breathed through a smile. There was a brief moment of silence, followed by a question that circled the conversation back to the topic of Jake’s new friend. “Has Wren mentioned what she wants to do after school?” 

Jake’s expression tempered at the question. “Told me she wants to be a teacher. Little ones- kindergarten, I think she had said. They’ll just adore her.”

“Well, she’ll certainly look the part,” Ari noted with a chuckle. “Whenever I’m able to catch a glance of you two through the window, I’m always impressed by her wardrobe.” Jake nodded in agreement; it was true that the girl had quite an impressive sense of style. On the days she wasn’t in a dress, she usually wore long skirts that fell to her ankles and delicate lace tops with soft colors and patterns. 

“She makes her own clothes,” Jake commented, earning a raised brow from his partner. “All those dresses- her skirts, I think, too. She’s knitting me a sweater for fall.”

“She’s really something, isn’t she?” Ari sighed. Lifting his head up to kiss the dark-haired man’s cheek, Jake nodded. 

“Really somethin’,” he repeated back. “I wanna ask her soon if she’ll come in and meet you. I know you want to thank her for all the goodies she’s brought.” Lifting his hand from the blonde’s side, Ari brushed Jake’s hair back from his face as he nodded. “I don’t know how it’ll go over. The few times I’ve suggested it, she’s seemed pretty hesitant still.”

“Do you know much about her condition?” Ari softened his voice to ask. “Is she like Claire; did something happen?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t asked,” Jake admitted, earning an understanding nod from his partner. “A lot of what helps Claire has been helpful with her; I do know that much. Patience, reassurance, the grounding exercises-” with a hint of sadness shining in his eyes, he told Ari, “it broke my heart a little, the first time we met. She told me she had never met someone who knew how to help her like that.”

“Poor thing,” Ari shook his head at Jake’s words. “She’s lucky to have a friend like you.”

“I think it helped when I told her about Claire; she seemed comforted by the fact that I understand her difficulty. I was hoping it might help to tell her that you specialize in this sort of thing, but I'm not sure how much it swayed her," Jake frowned. "If anything, it only seemed to make matters worse; I don't think she's very fond of doctors." At the blonde's estimate, Ari offered a compassionate nod.

Before Jake could say more, a faint buzz coming from his pocket caught the pair off guard. Reaching down to grab the device, he chuckled softly as he read the screen. “Speaking of which, that was her just now. She wants to know if she can bring over some muffins- last time I saw her, she was telling me about the new recipe she’s been wanting to try.”

"Today?" Ari asked, sitting up a bit against the worn couch cushions. Jake nodded. "Why don't you invite her in, then?" he proposed. "I could take the rest of the afternoon off."

Quirking his brow as he tapped out a response to the girl, Jake nodded again as he pressed send. "I'll ask when she gets here," he decided. "You need help wrapping up in the meantime?"

Smiling playfully at the blonde, Ari reached up to fuss his sweetheart's hair. "Sure do, mister. I got all those heavy boxes in the study- need a big, strong man to help me pack 'em up in the closet."

"Oh, you poor, helpless thing," Jake rolled his eyes with a grin, swatting at the older man's hand as it came to brush over his bicep (that both of them knew, despite its impressive build, failed to compare to the doctor's god-like physique.) "C'mon, Mr. Muscles," he teased as he dragged Ari up to his feet by his shirt collar. "I'm gonna sit real pretty on those boxes, and you can lift me."

It was only a little while later that Jake found himself standing out in the front yard at the end of the drive, waving at Wren as she approached down the bumpy road on her bicycle. At the sight of her friend, the sweet girl smiled mildly, ringing the soft bell positioned next to her handlebar a few times as a greeting. Slowing down with her brakes as she came to the edge of the driveway, she hopped off the seat with ease. "Jakey," she beamed as she tucked her bike in its usual spot near the mailbox, hitting the kickstand down before running to wrap the man in a loving hug.

"Hey chicky," Jake greeted warmly, rubbing the girl's back a few times as they embraced before pulling back to meet her gaze. "You're lookin' awfully spiffy today- that the new dress you were working on?"

"Yep," Wren offered a shy nod, a hint of a blush beginning to bloom in the corners of her cheeks. "Y-you really like it? I wasn't sure about the fabric," she admitted, glancing down at the rosy corduroy. "It's not really my color..."

"I think it's just stunning, sweetcheeks. That pattern looks so pretty on you." With the kindness of his smile and the shimmering adoration in his eyes, there was no way for the girl to question her friend's sincerity. "Everything you make is gorgeous, honey. You know I think you're just incredible, such a talented girl. And I see you even added a place for Ducky; he looks so happy in his pocket." Jake couldn't help but chuckle softly at the little yellow duck as it sat in the front pouch of the pinafore, its tiny head peeking out adorably. Over his time getting to know Wren, the man had also gotten quite acquainted with the little stuffed animal; there wasn't a time he could remember when the girl had been without it. More than anything, Jake simply found it to be so sweet, just another nod to her endearing innocence.

As her expression swelled with gratitude, Wren pulled the doting boy in for another quick hug. "Thank you, Jakey. You're always so sweet to me," she gushed. It was true, and the further truth was: he simply couldn't help it; there was just something about the strange girl from down the street that turned the man straight to mush.

“I’m excited to try your recipe," Jake smiled at her as she retrieved her wicker basket from the back of her bike. Together, the pair made their way over to the bench they usually shared.

"Oh, they turned out so yummy, Jakey- I-I think you're really gonna love 'em," Wren enthused as she took a seat, placing the basket in her lap. "They're raspberry cream, with just the tiniest drizzle of lemon-... o-oh," she paused as she looked up to see her friend who was sitting beside her on the edge of the bench. Jake's face was now washed over with hesitancy; he wasn't exactly sure how to approach the subject at hand. "J-Jakey?" the girl's voice was now diminished to just a hair above a whisper.

"Hey cutie," the blonde began, trying his best not to drag out his words. "Say... Ari and I were talking earlier, and we were wondering if..." At the older man's name, Wren visibly shrunk back. "Sweetheart, we're wondering if you'd like to come in and say hello. We have fresh lemonade in the fridge, if you're interested. We could all sit and snack together- what do you think, buggy?"

Swallowing down the lump that had formed in her throat, Wren's big eyes peered warily up at Jake. At the sight of her bottom lip beginning to tremble helplessly, he couldn't bear not making an attempt at soothing the poor girl's distress. "Hey," he hummed lowly, his brow raised in sympathy, "remember what I told you, honey? Ari's such a sweet man, there's no need to be scared. And I'll be right there with you, sweetie. 'Member?" At the distrust not yielding in the slightest from her expression, Jake tried to reason, "He knows this is hard, bub; we both do. He's gonna be so patient and kind, I promise you."

Taking in a shaky breath, Wren struggled to find her words. "G-go in and... today? You mean... n-now?"

Offering her a reassuring smile, Jake nodded. "Yeah, as soon as you're ready. He's waiting just inside for us."

Stealing a glance over at the house, the girl gulped once more. She had never been inside before; in fact, she hadn't even seen the front door. Though it was the main entrance to the house, it sat tucked into the building's left side, framed by a nice little porch that she hadn't ever stepped foot on. With her gaze surveying the worn path that lead from the end of the drive and the garden to the front door, Wren's eyes drooped doubtfully.

"Hey sunshine," Jake murmured, gently trying to regain her attention. "What d'you say we just give it a try, hm? Just a try, and if it's too much and we can't do it today, that's okay." Reaching out a careful hand, he found the girl's knee, rubbing in slow, soothing circles. With a faint sniffle, it seemed all Wren could manage was a nod. Mild guilt settled into Jake's stomach as he noticed the thin layer of tears his friend was blinking back. He recognized the look on her face, the subtle shiftiness of her gaze as she looked from him to the house, to her bike, and back to him; she wanted to run. But thankfully, for whatever reason, she didn’t. Warmly, Jake smiled, "You're bein' so brave, honey. C'mon, I'll carry your basket. You wanna hold my hand?"

As the blonde rose to his feet again beside the reluctant girl, he held his hand out to her, his gentle gaze full of concern as she eyed his movements warily. With his other hand, Jake slowly took the basket off of Wren's lap. "C'mon sweetheart, you can meet the cat, too. How's that sound?" The small girl's eyes widened slightly at the offer; she had heard so much about Socks, the little black cat with snowy white paws. "You can give him a treat if you want. That's usually the quickest way to win him over," Jake laughed softly as he tried to lighten the mood.

After another shaky breath, Wren managed to take her friend's hand and join him in standing; she was quick to glue herself to his side. With a proud smile, Jake kept encouraging her, "There you go, bub. You're doin' so good. We can just take it one step at a time; there's no rush."

And just as the man's words had suggested, Wren really did end up taking it step by painful step as the pair struggled ahead, barely seeming to make it more than an inch at a time. Jake didn't mind in the slightest; he saw how hard the poor girl was fighting herself to just keep moving forward. With one little hand locked in tightly with his, she kept the other balled up in a fist over her chest, as if she were already bracing herself for the dangers that could lie ahead. With his brow raised in sympathy, Jake tried to keep his heart from breaking. What's scared her so bad, to make her act like this? What's happened to her? Who did she meet that was so unkind?

He wasn't certain it was someone, but he had his suspicions. There was just something about her condition, the way it presented itself; it felt different from Claire. While his sister tended to grow upset over situations and circumstances, Jake had noticed that more than anything, it was people that really made Wren scared. He hoped that some of the same methods of alleviating the anxiety might help, though. In its own way, this push to meet Ari was a little like the exposure therapy Claire had gone through as a kid. Thinking of it this way, he had no problem staying as calm and patient as he did. In this moment of such intense fear and uncertainty, Jake really did his friend like a small, scared child, in need of comfort and reassurance.

"You're okay, honey. I'm right here, I got you. Doin' so good, 'm so proud of you, chicky," he hummed softly as the two of them finally made it to the top of the drive, where the path up to the porch began. Lifting her head warily, Wren's wide eyes settled on the front door. From where they stood, she could see how the outer storm door sat just the tiniest bit ajar. Silently, she came to a halt. As Jake gazed down at her gently, she swallowed hard. "Oh sweetie," the man cooed sadly as he saw her biting back tears.

Taking a moment to set the basket off to the side, Jake crouched before his friend, the concern on his face growing as she lowered her head and drew back from him. Eyes now glued to the ground, Wren took a shakey breath in preparation to speak. But when she opened her mouth, she couldn't manage to make a sound, her bottom lip wobbling uncontrollably as she began to cry.

“Wren,” Jake crooned. With his free hand, he reached out to push the girl’s hair back from her face, but was quickly stopped by her jerking back at the gesture. Wincing her eyes shut, the poor thing whimpered weakly. “Hey…” Jake’s face contorted further with concern at her reaction. “Bubba, you’re okay. Look at me, honey.”

“Please,” was all she could manage, her voice so small Jake had to lean further in to hear it. “P-please Jakey, can… please...”

“Wren,” he said again, bringing his hand down to hold both of the girl’s in both of his, “what do you need, sweetheart? How can I help?” Sniffling, she wrapped her little fingers around his thumbs, squeezing gently.

“Please, just…” Jake wanted so badly to wipe the sweet girl’s tears away, but knew better than to bring his hands near her face again. The seemingly conditioned response he received at his attempt only grew the worry he was already harboring deep down; he didn’t even want to think about the implications that came along with that kind of reaction. “P-please, maybe can… please wait, please…”

“Okay, sweet thing. We can wait a sec,” the kind man nodded understandingly. With a soothing tone, he continued to murmur, “Just take some breaths with me, cutie. You’re okay, Wren. You’re safe.”

“I… h-he… p-please Jakey,” she hiccuped through her tears, her voice swelling slightly in urgency.

Furrowing his brow further, Jake tried to coax more words out of the small girl. "He what, bubba? Can you tell me what you're scared of, Wren?"

Wide eyes darting back and forth between her friend who sat before her and the front door to the house, Wren hummed a feeble whine as she fought herself to find her voice again. "P-please, too scary," was all she could manage.

Nodding gently, Jake let out a saddened sigh, understanding it might be time to abandon the attempt altogether. But just as he was about to give into Wren's pleas, the sound of the old, worn latch on the front door opening caused the pair both to look back in surprise.

Taking a single step out onto the porch, Ari was heartbroken to see the girl's tear-soaked cheeks. At the sight of the dreaded man, who was clearly much larger and more intimidating than even she was anticipating, Wren visibly cowered down into herself, her reaction causing both men to pause as they looked at each other, wordlessly trying to figure out how to proceed.

Taking a deep, steady breath, Jake turned back to his friend, his head ducking down slightly as he tried to catch her gaze. "Wren? Sweetheart?" Eyes lowered warily, with her entire body tensed as though she couldn't help but brace herself, Wren flinched harshly at the sound of the blonde's voice. "Honey," he crooned, bringing his arms up to wrap around the girl. He couldn't help it, even as it made the poor thing's tears worsen; at the sight of her looking so terrified, so upset, Jake needed to take her into his arms and hold her. "Little chicky," he murmured gently, rubbing her back as she cried into the safety of his shoulder, "you're okay, sweet thing. How about we call it a day, huh? You did so good, Wren. I know you tried so hard."

Hearing his husband's mild words, Ari's expression softened with sadness. Of course he was hoping today would be the day, but it wasn't the end of the world if he had to wait. More than anything, witnessing the struggle of the girl's condition firsthand just convinced him further that he wanted to help her. Without a single word, Ari stepped back into the house and closed the door behind him, wanting to give Wren the sense of safety with just Jake that she so clearly needed.

Hearing the signals of his partner's retreat, the younger man continued to coo softly as he brushed a soothing hand over the shaking girl's golden locks of hair. "Shhh sweetie- he's gone now, Wren. You're safe- s'just you and me now, darlin'. Can you take some deep breaths for me?"

Peering over her friend's shoulder, Wren wouldn't believe his words until she could see for herself; at the sight of the porch having returned to its original, vacant state, she let out a tremored sigh of relief. "D-deep breaths," she recited, finally feeling safe enough to bring her little arms up to wrap around the kind boy's neck.

Smiling earnestly at the small sign of progress, Jake reached out a hand to grab the picnic basket off the grass before lifting the girl up to carry her with ease. Wren's cheeks flushed faintly as she kept herself tucked away warmly into the crook of his neck. "I gotcha, cutie. C'mon, let's go sit on the bench," Jake suggested, keeping a tight hold on his bashful friend as he carried her back to the safety of the garden.

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