#at least we’re only an hour away this time the 3 hour drive back from Atlanta was not fun

[loveofmylouis]

.

[marrycv]

Muse

rockstar!ellie x reader

warnings : SMUT!!, no to consentement (happened with a men ellie saved us), alcohol, ✂️✂️✂️, swearing, age gab? (ellie be like 2-3 years older), thigh riding (r ! receiving), fingering (r ! receiving)

idk if thats all but i worked hard on this one 😜

enjoy!!

—

“Cmonnnnn we’re gonna be late!!”

“not my fault you took 2 hours in the shower?”

you and your bestfriend were getting ready for that little concert that was in your city. it was so rare you had finally something fun to do, and the best part of it, is that your favourite band was gonna be there. you were so excited to go there, but your bestfriend was just making you nervous, in the worst way ever.

you had a denim mini skirt with a lace crop top in black with some leather jacket, classic ‘rockstar girlfriend’ outfit if you’d search it on pinterest. but, it was a rock show anyways, so you were fitting in that vibe.

you had a little smug eyeliner with some star glitter around your eyes. your best friend has some too. exited by the fact that you two were matching like some 13 years old teenagers.

“okay, im ready”

“about time!! now come on, i dont wanna arrive while its crowded, wanna have the best view” she tells you while bringing you outside towards her car

“girl did you know my fav band are gonna be here??”

“ugh omg you said it at least one thousand times…” she sighs

“okay okay, will you be less annoyed when i tell you they look like this :” you said as you showed her the guitarists and the singer. they were 3 and your age. absolutely gorgeous people.

“YOOOOOOOOO!!!” Layla said, looking at the picture of the three bend’s members.

“rightttt?!!!”

“okay but look at the men?”

“his name is Jesse, one of the guitarist. currently dating the other guitarist” you informed her, for only her smile dropping at the deception.

“look, thats the singer” you continue “her name’s Ellie, and shes SO fucking hot, and shes gay”

“lesbian?” she asks you while she starts driving towards the location for tonight.

“yeah, literally everyone who listen to their music is because all the fans envy her. i dont blame them tho”

“what about the other guitarist?” she asks you, now interested in them

“Its Dina, Ellie’s ex”

“WHAAAAAT ??? nowayyyy”

you two laugh at the drama you shared to layla. it was funny gossiping and her finally showing some interest in what you liked.

-

arrived there, it was already crowded. nobody was on stage yet, but it was definitely bigger than you expected.

you friend touched your shoulder, knowing how much noisy places made you so uncomfortable.

“what aboouuuuuut we get VIP tickets for a quieter place mhh?”

“Layla? its too expensive i cant afford that, ill just- support it” you tell her, looking at your phone trying to distract yourself

“too late babe i bought us some” she says, looking at you with the biggest smile. eyes disappearing and teeth showing. She was your sunshine.

“whaaat? you shouldn’t have- im gonna repay you when i can okay?”

“nuh huh, its our night and my gift, okay?”

you nod and smile, worries erased by her gentle smile.

it was true, it was you guy’s night, and no anxiety would take that away.

In the VIP room, there was mostly middled aged men with some really young, but beautiful girls in their company. all already wasted. from here, you could be so close to the stage you thought if the artists would be close enough, you could touch them. you also had access to the backstage, which was an insane opportunity.

some normal people, like your age hanging out with people their age were also in the VIP. it was less awkward with all of those creepy men probably were ‘sugar daddies’

“im gonna grab us a drink ill be back, yeah?” layla whisper-screams in your ears then vanishes to the bar.

you look around you, analyzing the people. then get on your phone, just to seem lees alone.

“Hey you gorgeous lady, would you mind some company?” a raspy voice said

you look towards the voice and see a men, probably 25 years old, but obviously drunk and maybe also high.

“i already have company, but thanks” you said, gently, not wanting anything to happen.

“oh, but i dont see anyone babygirl…” he said as he leaned closer to you while you backed off a little.

his eyes widen, completely surprised by your non interested move.

“im not gonna bite youuu, only if you ask me to” he says and winks at you while touching your arm, going closer and closer to your breast.

“um.. no thanks..” you said, trying to get away, searching around for layla’s figure somewhere around…

“why are you so fucking rude? huh? cant even be happy someone wants to be with you mh? ‘lil slut..” he said as his grip on your arm was tightening, probably gonna leave a mark after.

“please-“ you started but got cut by someone else, behind you two

“she said no man”

the men looks behind him, feeling his grip on your arm going insanely tight. you hiss by the pain.

“she’s with me” he answers to the girl you yet didn’t dare to look at, feeling embarrassed by this whole situation

“are you with this man, miss?” the girl asked you.

her tone completely shifting from raspy, loud and angry to sweet and gentle. making you look up from the ground to see the Ellie Williams defending you. you answer her a small ‘no’. scared if you talked louder the men would take away your arm at this point. or scared you’d cry from anger. the tight feeling you felt in your throat was cutting your voice to get through, if the knot would get destroyed, you’d probably sob right here, but it would only get tighter, feeling like it was taking the oxygen away from your lungs. feeling like it was choking you so it couldn’t pass anymore. would only make your heart beat slower due to the little air you were able to breathe. but you felt like it was beating faster, like you just ran kilometers and stopped suddenly. making your body react in a bad way in the sudden change.

but that was only a feeling.

you just looked, away.

you could hear Ellie yell at the men until his grip on you left to only see his arm swing towards ellie’s face. only that she dodged his punch smoothly. almost satisfying to watch her doing it like she was the finest fighter in the world.

but the slowmo and the muffled voices stopped and when Ellie punched him. Everything was too loud and too clear.

blood getting out of the man’s mouth. attacking Ellie back. everyone screaming and getting away from the fight, creating a non purpose circle.

suddenly it wasn’t a rock show, but a fight show.

Once Ellie completely knocked out the men, him completely passed out on the ground, blood all over his face. she went towards you

“You okay?” she asked, gently as she didnt even just fought with someone like she was gonna kill him.

you simply nodded to her, shocked by this whole situation, never wanting it to end up this way.

“come with me, yeah? ill get you some water and… clean you up” she said looking at your cheek, having some blood on it.

you just followed her into her lodge. it was quiet and cozy.

nobody was in there, but you were kinda nervous about the fact that you were literally with a celebrity.

“sit down” she obeyed.

you sat on the closest chair you saw, following her orders like a dog, still under shock.

ellie took a glass and poured water in it, placed it on the table next to you, then took a small towel and again, put water on it. she came real close to you, her head titled on the side a little bit, her fingers took your chin and made your head move a little bit on the side. she took the towel and took the blood away from your cheek. probably the men’s blood. ellie didn’t have one single scratch. only her knuckles were brushed.

you watched her taking care of you like a little kitten she had found on the road and just, felt bad for it.

her eyes were concentrated on what she was doing, her fingers touching you so gentle, so softly. her bottom lip between her teeth due to the concentration. she might looked so rough earlier, but here? she was the softest person you’ve ever laid eyes on.

“here..” she said as she stopped what she was doing. she sat next to you, with concerned eyes. she suddenly cared so much about you.

“thanks” you whispered, looking down to the glass of water in front of you.

“dont thank me, this guy was an asshole. are you hurt?” she asked looking at your arm, knowing he was holding it.

“if i were you id worry more about your hands” you said looking at them, all bloody and swallowed.

“its okay, dont worry about me…” She said getting up to grab some ice for your arm

“no, take it.” you said, putting it on her fingers trying to ease her pain from defending you.

the room went silent, a comfortable silence. the ones where you didnt rush do say anything or where you werent overthinking to find a subject to talk about.

Ellie on the other hand, was going insane. You were so pretty and you had a pin on your purse about their bands which meant that you were a fan. which meant you knew about her and listened to her music. the silence was driving her insane. she’d just wish she was a normal person who weren’t screaming for her name out there. screaming for her and the fact that they all wanted her. like she was theirs. but she didn’t want that. she wanted to be yours, and it wasn’t gonna be easy. she thought you were scared by her, she thought you saw her completely different now, that you’d stop listening about her being so so toxic with girls with the best beat dina and jesse could ever put to make everyone forget about how of an asshole she was.

about how the girl was hers but she wasnt the theirs. about how she just fucked the girl cause she was bored.

but now, you could saw her as a crazy girl that punches someone almost to death. someone dangerous.

you were just too pretty for this man, for this treatment. she would have done this for anyone, but taking care of them after? nahhh she wouldve just walked away.

“whats your name..?” Ellie asked, looking dead up in your eyes like she wasn’t going crazy on overthinking.

“my name’s ______” you tell her.

“im uh, im Ell-“

“Ellie Williams, yeah i know”

“of course you do..” she sighed at herself.

“fuck- i uh my friend… she’s gonna be dead worried!! fuck fuck” you say, completely on panic mode

“hey, hey, hey, its okay, just send her a message to let her know youre all good, im not letting you out there again, something worse could happen to you.” she says, in a stern tone.

“you worried about me Williams?” you ask her, calmed but surprised by her reaction, slightly titling your head a little bit. the small amount of alcohol in your system making you bolder than you ever could.

“believe it or not sweetheart, i care about my fans”

something in what you said activated Ellie’s dangerous side. she was gonna torture you and never let you go.

“dont you have a show you have to do? for the caring of your fans?”

“i believe they can wait a little bit, dont you think?” she smirked at you.

that goddamn smirk she’d have in those pinterest pictures of her if you searched up her name on the search bar. that smirk when she was on live and someone would tell how much they loved her. or when her fans would ask her to sign on their boobs.

that smirk.

“how disappointed i would be if i was one of those, knowing you were just sitting in here with someone you didnt even knew”

“mhhh i wouldnt care less doll”

you blushed at the nickname, you’d cringe if someone else would’ve called you like that, but the way she said made your panties grow a little wet spot faster than you thought your body could.

you shifted a little bit in your chair, uncomfortable by how sweaty you’ve just became.

“dont you think its hot.. in here?” you said, praying for her to not notice it was because of how much your heart was pumping, making you red everywhere.

“follow me” Ellie said, getting up and walking in another room. you were almost too shaking to even walk but you managed to make your way to ellie. she was in a small bedroom. how could you know lodges had bedrooms? no idea.

“we have those bedrooms if someone from the bend is tired or dont feel good, very useful. i think it was Beyoncé that asked that”

“you know beyoncé???” you asked completely amazed

“uhhh, no. im a small artist, not a pop star” she laughed and made herself comfortable on the bed.

you sat next to her, but shy enough to keep your distance away from her a little.

Ellie just grabbed a guitar that was hanging on the wall and started to play a little melody. her fingers stroking the strings so perfectly, making them some beautiful note and then you recognized the song. she was signing one of hers.

its like you were in a dream, the room was so dark but there was lights everywhere, hanging like a teenage room. making able to see everything with the most perfect lighting, you were able to see the intense shadows from ellie’s perfect muscles. aligned how it was made, like god modelled them himself with his own hands. the way she was just there looking at where her fingers were at to know what note to play next. her foot tapping around with the beat. her hair being lighten by the small yellow lights, making her auburn hair look way more softer than usual.

you couldn’t contain yourself at the sight.

“wanna try?” Ellie asked, handing you the guitar with smile on her lips… her perfect lips- ok stop this madness.

“i- i dont know how to play”

“ill teach you- here, put it on your legs…” she then got closer and took your hands to place them to make a chord. “and here is the chord C major” she smiled at you. “easy right?”

“sure, if i dont count the fact that my fingers are about to explose”

she looked at you and laughed, you did the same. you felt now so comfortable with her.

“alright..” she said,

“get in my lap imma teach you some other stuff.”

“huh?”

“the guitar, you trust me?”

she said, clarifying your dirty mind.

“uh yeah, i do” you said then sat in front of her, between her legs. she wrapped her arms around you and guided your fingers, showing you the chords. one by one.

her fingers felt sooo good on your skin, you were just wondering how good they felt inside of you.

you knew that what you were feeling was wrong, that you two just met but you couldn’t help to press your ass to her crutch. Ellie’s words stuttered, and so did yours. every words were slower and her mouvements were more sensual, if you werent delusional.

the tension just kept growing and only one more move and it could be done for the both of you.

she pressed her head in your shoulder. still teaching you. a hand on yours- guiding you and another on your hip… and she just made you get closer to her, as you could even get closer. you were trying to not moan at this point. what she was doing, ‘teaching’ you guitar and making your heart skip a beat, pretending like nothing else was happening, like it was just all in your imagination. but the feeling was so strong, so strong.

you felt her lips stroking against the skin of your neck while she was whispering you the instructions of the next chords.

crazy how an hour ago you were with your bestfriend, being exited about just seeing ellie live, and here you were, she was literally teaching you how to play guitar with hers. this felt all like it was some kind of prank, too good to be true, but you were just there to enjoy yourself at 100%.

Ellie’s hand on your hip was now playing around on your thigh, she’d tell you how good you were doing. she then moved her hand, painfully slow in your inner thigh. your breathing was speeding up like she was already in you…

she has just touch you so little.

you craved her so much.

you let her get higher, she stoked her fingers on your clothed cunt, could feel the wet spot on your panties that was growing since you got into her lodge.

“is this okay?” she asked you. scared she was taking everything too far, but you just pushed her hand closer to where you needed her the most.

Ellie took the guitar away from the both of you and turned you over so she could see your face.

your legs wrapped around her waist and now both of her hands were on your hips.

the atmosphere completely changed. it was romantic and comfortable 2 seconds ago, and now its so much more intense, the room feels hotter and your nervousness is on the top of your head controlling you to stay still.

“ellie…” you whined.

that made ellie so much more bold. her hands moved up from your hips to your cheeks, not forgetting to touch every part of your skin that was on the way. it wasn’t too slow and either too fast, just enough to realize she was getting closer and closer while her eyes switched on your eyes to your lips. you leaned in, like she was a magnet, pulling you towards her. her lips on yours felt the most right thing you’ve ever felt. they were so soft, so warm, so so tender against your lips. the kiss turned into a make out soon enough like it was a relief from all the tension that had built. her tongue dancing against yours, feeling this feeling of euphoria in your whole body, only catching yourself needed more and more.

unconsciously, your hips were rocking against any pressure you could find. ellie stopped her kisses to only replace them on your neck. you tilt your head to give her more access. you had no idea what you were doing, its like your body went into full control and your mind was just beyond the clouds, seeing the stars when her knee pressed against your clothed cunt. a moan and a a relief sigh escaped your lips.

all was happening so fast and ellie was taking your shirt off, as you were doing the same to her, like in those romantic movies when the two characters find eachothers and they get heated in the moment. like there wasn’t time, like you were late to somewhere.

ellie’s fingers found their way, once again on your clit.

“you mind if i take this off?” she asked, with a smirk, but you could see her cheeks blushing, her breath being fast… her hands shaking.

you nodded, way too speechless of the goddess in front of you

“words, i need words baby”

“take it off” you saw, looking at your legs that were still wrapped around ellie’s waist.

ellie layed you down on the bed, now on top of you, looking at you up and down, analyzing your body. she gently touched the hem of your skirt to take it off. you lifted your hips up to help her. her mouvement were painfully slow, as she was trying to make this sooo memorable.

your panties along with your hips were now on the floor of the room. laying with only your bra left.

ellie’s lips returned to yours, while you could feel her hands getting closer to where you needed her the most.

“ellie..?”

“yes, yes? what’s wrong?” she asked, genuine

“i uh.. can i ride on you?” you asked her, closing your eyes to try and hide yourself from the immense embarrassment you felt, but before you knew it, ellie stood up, you looked at her, clearly confused about what she was doing

to your surprise, she only stripped herself, finding her now completely naked. you could see her abs.. her biceps.. the ‘v’ kind of shape she had on her lower stomach.. her small, yet perfect boobs, only finding your mouth watering at the sight- and not only your mouth but your pussy was drenched too.

“are you gonna stop staring at me?” ellie asked as she climbed on top of you, kissing you- again

maybe she felt magnified to you too? just like you felt so attracted to her

you were winning in anticipation and excitement

naturally, her leg intertwined with one of yours so both of your clits were pressing against eachothers.

feeling her like that against you was heaven. grinding yourself against her was beyond beautiful. the scene was so pornographic that i’d create a new sin in the bible.

“els! im so.. close… fuck!!”

“me too, fuck.. together yeah?”

and just like that she gave a couple more trusts against you and you did the same, as your mouvements were synchronized, as if it was destiny to find her and make love with the love of your life.

you saw and felt fireworks, a big release escaped as you were almost screaming by pleasure. and ellie was just, amazed by your fucked expression she could cum again over and over by just being on top of you, looking at you this beautiful. she couldnt stop.

“els! please!” you said as you felt overstimulated by your previous orgasm.

“please give me another one, please.” ellie was begging at this point. as she needed it more than you, as she felt it in her.

she could go on and on, and you would let her abuse your cunt for the rest of your life if it felt like that.

[melliemell]

Pairing: Sigma x reader

Contents: NSFW, sex pollen, hand-job, blow-job, sigma's exemplary panic-managment (he's trying his best okay, he is), Sigma gets affected by a sex pollen and thinks he's perfectly capable of handling it by not handling it, Approx. 3.4k words

Sweat.

Sigma could feel it dripping down his back, his clothes becoming more and more uncomfortable. He stood stock-still, gaze glued to the file you gave him. He could barely read it, the words blending in with every stubborn blink to finally make sense of it. Some time had passed, but he could still hear you speaking, diligent as ever, as you reported on your most recent task.

Sigma was glad for your focus because he doubted he could keep up this front for long. Not when his recovery time was a mere 7.32 minutes. He timed it. He had to.

And then it would start again. 

It didn’t matter what he thought of or how many times he had to swallow down his own mortification– one hand would cover his mouth, the other working fast at unzipping his trousers before he was thrusting viciously in his palm, breaths ragged as muffled against his hold. He barely had time to think anything through, the need setting in sudden and merciless each time. He’s never had a high sexual drive to begin with, so wrapping his hand around his cock, stroking until he all but blanked out from the sensation– that was beginning to take its toll. The fact that he was still at work, glued to his desk, made it all the worse. And to top it all–

Nothing helped.

Which, well… Well. Sigma should have figured as much.

It’s not like he didn’t know how aphrodisiacs worked. 

He had hoped it was something else at first. He really should have focused on his morning paperwork instead of answering your call for assistance on a… problematic guest gathering. The drunkenness and rowdy screams had caused enough noise complaints to rouse the entire floor of the royal suites’ accommodations. Only, it wasn’t just alcohol.

A substance, dark as ink and staining just as easily– Sigma had made the mistake of inspecting one of the many bottles discarded at the scene, only for it to leave blotches on his fingertips, a headache not an hour later and one of the worst instances of arousal he had ever experienced in his life.

Waiting for your report was the only saving thought he could hold onto. And now to hear it, hear you– Sigma could only blink angrily at the sheets before him, mind blank save for the ticking clock by his desk and the need for you to go away go away go away.

Worst of all– you were with him then. Saw and wrote down everything he drew your attention to. Clenching his hand now would hide the marks there, yes, but it would only serve to quell his shame if just a bit. 

There was no point in it when you knew what was there. Your sympathetic gaze made it worse, even if you tried to maintain professionalism as you discussed the finer details of the substance and how the other guests were fairing after their exposure. 

“So far we’re certain the beverages were brought in from our own supply. Mostly wine, but there were quite a few hard liquors. Still no clarity on how the bottles we found were smuggled in, but the good news is that most of the effects are fading the majority of the guests who used it,” you said matter of fact, eyes reading off the tablet in your hands. 

You seemed calm. At least Sigma knew the situation was being handled by capable hands. 

He took a steady breath, jaw clenching as he forced an even voice. “Speak with Background Security about guest identification first. I’ll grant you access to their files and the Safety Feature protocol.” Identifying who the culprits were would be no issue for the Sky Casino. It was more a matter of time than success.

You nodded, handing forward your tablet for the access signature. “I’ll be done by 3 pm. Our suspects are narrowed down to seven individuals. I’ll pull them–”

“No,” Sigma said. His headache was back, making his hand tremble as he drew his pen over the screen. “Pull all of them through.”

You hesitated. “Sir, there were over 40 people on the list. Not counting the associates.” 

“Yes.”

“This will take a lot of time.”

Sigma looked up at you. “I am aware of that. Do it.”

It was an uncomfortable sight; having a coworker narrow their eyes at him, uncertainty written all over their features. This was proving to be far more troublesome than he liked. The Casino relied on him, he could not let his workers’ trust dwindle like this. 

“Sir,” and there was an edge to your voice. A warning, as you pierced his very being with your prodding observation.

Sigma stood up, leaning against his desk for support, just in case. He forced all the confidence he did not feel to seep into his posture. “It’s alright. I’ll wait for your findings.”

You sighed. “You don’t seem alright.”

“There’s nothing to fret over,” Sigma said, mustering a smile. It felt odd on his face.

Sigma’s worry began to rise again the longer you stood there watching him. 

Lower, the sensation of… something blooming anew was slowly ebbing away at his concentration. The thought of you seeing him like this was simply– mortifying. He could feel his trousers beginning to strain again, his cock filling with blood for god knows which time. He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the effort.

Sigma kept a neutral face, not moving a muscle.

“Frankly, you look like shit, and I worry. You have three more meetings before the evening. You can’t attend in this state,” you said.

Sigma pursed his lips. “I will be available in time.” He didn’t dare think of the alternative.

You blinked, not fazed at all. “I could call for an adult escort to be brought.”

Sigma’s eyes widened. “Absolutely not,” he said, the words coming out rushed and completely unprepared for that proposition.

“We can be discreet about it. Say she’s a regular guest and remove all records afterwards.” You cocked your head, considering. “Oh, I apologize. Or he. Whichever you prefer, of course.”

Sigma sat slowly on his chair, hand grasped firmly over his mouth as he could only look at you, not fully grasping that you out of everyone would suggest– suggest such a–

He took in a steadying breath. “No?”

“The effects of the aphrodisiac reduce after sex. At least according to the guests we interviewed so far. It was a scent thing, so long as someone’s near. It will be quicker this way… and less uncomfortable,” you said, resting your tablet on the desk. Sigma pulled back, feeling his back hit the chair as you leaned closer. “You look as if you’ve not slept in days and you’re constantly sweating. Sir. I– it’s just an idea, but please consider it. I know how much you care for your work and I don’t want you to worry even more. It might help.”

This… this was a complete mess. Sigma’s body sagged, and he dropped his face in his hands as his elbows rested atop the desk. The idea was absurd. He’d never even think of it, let alone agree. His hope stayed with figuring out more about the substance and who brought it. 

Even if he had to wait for your findings. He will manage. 

He will.

And maybe you’d find access to some type of sedative? Anything to counter it. 

But… he didn’t have the time. 

Sigma looked up at you through splayed fingers, dejection in his eyes. 

“Hey there,” you said.

“Hello.” I hate this.

“It will be alright,” you said, gaze knowing. But then you softened, eyes kind as you said,  “I have great respect for you, sir, and whichever decision you make– it will not change that.”

Sigma felt warm, the heat spreading fast. It was the aphrodisiac's work, he was certain of it. But just for a moment, he wanted to pretend… pretend it was your kindness that reached out and cupped his frail heart. Had his breath hitch. Gave him enough strength to keep on. The Casino was all Sigma had, and he wanted to do the best he could for it. For all of you.

“Well,” you said, drumming a finger on the desk’s surface. 

Sigma followed the movement with his eyes, mind going blank. Your hand was slender, fingers long and moving with an air of elegance the longer he looked. He liked them.

You were waiting for an answer. He couldn’t keep you here longer. Sigma closed his eyes, eyelids heavy with the weight of his failures. “Don’t call anyone. Please.” The thought of having a… a stranger touch him like that. Having to be this close and vulnerable–against his will if he’s honest–no. Such acts were reserved for lovers; someone who cared. He couldn’t use somebody like that, only to discard them later like it all meant nothing. It would feel even worse knowing they’d do the same to him. “I don’t want that.” 

“I understand,” you said, bowing in respect. “Although–”

Sigma wanted to shrivel up and die. “What is it?”

“Why not?”

“You’re asking me why I don’t want to bring a prostitute to our establishment?”

“Yes,” you said, calm as ever. It was driving Sigma mad by the second.

“Please go deal with Background Security,” Sigma said flatly.

“Oh, I apologize,” you said. Still hovering.

As much as it pained him to admit it, Sigma really needed you to leave. Now. Right now. The strain on his trousers was nearing painful, and the dampness from his already smeared precum made every move shoot jolts of sensation down his spine. He could feel his cheeks burning. What a sight he was making; all the more reasons to spare further embarrassment. 

For the both of you. 

Something must have slipped because instead of heading for the door, you took a step closer. “Damn it, I feel bad,” you began. “Just– you look really bad. Puffy.”

Sigma pursed his lips. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome? Sorry. I mean– I wanted to ask, although I’m no expert or with much skill, to be frank, I wouldn’t mind helping. You have a meeting in about an hour, you might make it if it works.”

Sigma just stared. 

It’s not that he didn’t hear your words, it’s just that you did not just say that. Not only was this unprofessional, it was downright unacceptable for this to even cross your mind. He would never take advantage of an employee like that left a bitter taste in his mouth. And yet…

And yet.

Sigma remained still, forcing his every muscle to move, to say something. He could only look on at you, dumbfounded. Maybe it was the shock that–

No. No. 

“I can’t possibly do that to you, it is unacceptable.”

“Oh, not sex, don’t worry,” you corrected. “I could use my hands and it would probably work as well. So technically I’ll be “doing’’, not you. I don’t mind. If you’re comfortable with that?”

…Right. 

Sigma buried his head in his hands. 

He didn’t feel comfortable with anything. Let alone that. He knew you were waiting for an answer, standing patiently before him. Probably looking at him even now. God, how pathetic he must look. He has nothing impressive about him; not much to look at, really. Yet he was the man you should look up to as your employer. The one you could rely on in times of crisis. 

Not the other way around. 

Sigma curled up even further in himself. “I’m so sorry.”

A man like him should never have been put in such a high position. He knew sooner or later you’d all realize. He was not cut out for this, any of it.

A caress, gentle yet firm. Sigma froze, feeling your hand rest on his shoulder. Your thumb moved, the gesture almost calming.

“Sigma-san?” Your voice was close. Had you moved? Sigma wasn’t sure. He didn’t dare raise his head.

“Sigma-san.” 

Firmer this time. The hand trailed to his back, and then another joined, the feeling of being engulfed spreading as you all but draped yourself over his back, your embrace pulling him closer to you as you rested a cheek on the top of his head. 

“What are you doing?” Sigma asked, voice trembling. 

“You looked like you needed it,” you said, squeezing him even closer. “I’m sorry too.”

“What for?”

“If I had dealt with those guests alone you would’ve been okay. I’m sorry it happened like that. But to be honest, I was panicking. Your presence helped a lot,” you said.

“Oh,” was all Sigma could say. 

You stayed like that for some time, your breathing the only sound in the wide open space of Sigma’s office. He tried to relax as best as he could, but the conversation you two had, combined with having a full body pressed so close to his now… You felt his shivers begin to appear, a chill running through his entire body as he desperately fought against it. 

Too close. 

You were too close and Sigma could barely keep it straight. Your skin was cold, pleasant against his and all the more tempting. 

He could just bury his face against your neck, try and collect himself. But he was scared that if he moved, your hand would stop caressing his hair, playing absently with his locks as you rested against him. He wasn’t going to survive this, Sigma knew that. He groaned in exasperation.

You hummed atop his head. “Tell me what to do.”

It wasn’t a request, but not an order either. Just words floating between you as he pieced their meaning together. Somehow, it clicked quicker this time. “This is more than enough. You don’t have–”

“Might as well cross the bridge since we’re at it,” you said, pulling away.

Sigma closed his eyes, dragging in a calming breath. The more he thought of where this was going, the more his confidence dwindled. He hated to admit it, but leaving you lead was the only calming grace he could think of. With heavy eyelids Sigma looked up at you as he uncurled from himself as best he could. “Okay,” he said, short and simple. Easy.

If only it felt like that.

The first wave of shock came when you pulled him up, positioning yourself beside him as Sigma leaned on the desk, eyes blinking and cheeks getting redder and redder. Heat pooled beneath his naval as you tugged his trousers down, concentration written all over your features. The moment Sigma’s cock came free, a cold shiver ran up his back. Keeping as quiet as he could, he waited for your hesitant touch. 

Your hands felt cold against him, but any thought of discomfort flew out the window as the first stroke of your long fingers against his shaft had Sigma clinging to his desk for dear life.

Sigma released a shaking breath, his brows furrowed as you moved your hand, drawing forth his pleasure with every stroke. His tip began leaking again, precum trailing down his shaft. Your fingers reached up, spreading it over his tip even more, drawing a low moan from Sigma’s lips in the process. 

“Oh, this is good?” you asked, using his wetness to draw forth more stimulation. 

“Yes,” Sigma panted, his face blazing bright red. Looking at you now would be the end for him.

He’s masturbated before, of course, but nothing born out of desperation quite as this. Your body felt warm against his, anchoring him in case he lost even more of his balance. Sigma rocked his hips, breath ragged, seeking more of your attention. This was humiliating, yet his body acted on its own, melting underneath you. 

Sigma buried his face against your neck, stifling another moan just in time as you sweezed harder. He didn’t know how much experience you had, but you were taking your time with him, observing and testing out with your movements.

Soon Sigma felt like a mess, and he probably looked like one too. You had nudged his legs wider at some point, nestling in between them as you pushed him back on the desk, his bare ass planted atop the files meant for reading.

And not this. 

The world was spinning, his cock harder than he’d ever been and leaking enough to coat your firm grasp in its sheen. The sound of it too, slick and lewd with your strokes made his insides twist, his Addam’s apple bobbing every time he swallowed back a moan.

Sigma’s eyelids felt heavy so he kept his eyes closed. Having you so close to him was beyond him now. He could feel your hand stroking his cheek, pushing strands of hair over his shoulder or playing with his earlobe, tugging gently.

It was overwhelming– all those sensations coming from everywhere and all at once. He wondered if you’d kiss him. You haven’t yet. The longer this stretched the more his mind wandered– to your warm breath against his cheek, lips parting as you explored his tongue with yours. He wanted…

“Hey,” you said, smiling at him.

“Hey,” he could only answer, seeking more of your touch. The muscles in his lower belly quivered, Sigma’s breath hitching as the pressure was building more and more.

“You’re okay, right? It’s good?” you asked–

–and Sigma had to open his eyes then, show you what you’re doing to him when he was certain his words would fail him.

But he wasn’t met with your gaze. No, you were looking down, almost transfixed by the way his skin moved as you dragged it up and down his shaft. You had used some of your saliva earlier to ease the movement, sending Sigma in an even bigger spiral. The sight was engraved in his mind for all eternity.

“That’s a stupid question,” he breathed, swallowing hard.

A thoughtful, “hmm…”  was all you gave him, and you tilted your head, an idea springing to mind.  “Actually–”

Words cut by the sudden shrill of the desk phone ringing, freezing you both in place as the melody engulfed you.

Fuck. “Oh, no.” 

You peeked over Sigma’s shoulder. “Told you there’s no time. Meeting’s manager?”

“Yes,” Sigma said, sight growing foggy again as your thumb moved over his leaking slit, forcing a shiver out of him. “No, wait– I…”

“Don’t send to voicemail, but don’t pick up either. Just– give me a moment.”

This was the second shock Sigma experienced. Barely having time to react, to blink away the confusion of your words before you knelt down, lowering your head and–

A low guttural moan escaped Sigma’s lips, head thrown back as you took his length into your mouth. The phone was still ringing, distant to Sigma’s ears.. The only thing in focus was your tongue licking down the length of his dick before drawing back to swirl around his tip. 

Again and again and again.

You bobbed your head, the movement fast and precise. Sigma’s abdomen began to twitch and he had to grab onto his mouth to stifle the string of moans that threatened to slip any second. He didn’t expect you to do this, you weren’t supposed to– 

Your hand grabbed onto his thigh for support, your nails digging into his flesh. Sigma hissed, feeling his eyes water, and he knew he was near. He could  feel it rising and rising faster than he could articulate. 

“Wa–” 

Not even paying attention to him, you tongued his slit before letting Sigma’s cock bottom out in your throat, your little hums of encouragement pushing, until– 

Sigma tipped over the edge in seconds, barely having time to warn you as his load shot down your throat. He was a mess, trembling all over and he could only look down at you in shock, blinking his long lashes stupidly as you brushed the saliva trailing down your chin. The sight of it still– you between his legs, his cock still in your hand as it slowly became flaccid. Even seeing it, comprehending what happened, was another story in itself.

“Come on,” you said, pulling his underwear up. “Guess we made it in time.”

It took a second before Sigma realized, before he heard the phone still ringing.  

He groaned, running a hand through his face. “That’s why?”

“We still have work to do,” you said, and you slowly stretched up. 

“Yeah.” And a small little tug formed in Sigma’s chest. One that wanted a bit more time. Just…

His hand reached, picking up the phone. “Hello? Yes, I’ll be…”

You looked at him then, shaking your head in amusement. It was a comfort, in a way; knowing you’re still on good terms as you poked him in the cheek before patiently sitting on his chair to wait out his call.

After all, you had quite a bit to discuss after this.

[cuttergauthier]

Summer Time

Rutger Mcgroarty x Female Reader

Warning: against, Toxic ex, Controlling ex, stalker ex, cussing, fluff

word count: 2.4k

This fic is apart of the insta edit The Summer Everything Changed

let me know what you guys think🤍

Molly invited me to spend the summer with her and her family at a lake house that they go to for a few weeks every year, we been best friends since we were kids, her family is like my own so every year they invite me, the only person in her family I don’t get along with is her brother Rutger.

Rutger and I have never been friends, he’s always rude to me when he’s nice to everyone else. Molly warned me that this year Rutger might be even more rude since he’s apparently been in a mood since he broke up with his girlfriend.

I’ve met Sierra before, her and Rutger dated for about 5 years, and just like Rutger she hated me, even when I was always nice to her. 

I hope this year will be different since Molly is bringing her boyfriend again, I was supposed to bring mine again this year but we broke up about a month ago, it didn’t exactly end well so now Rutger and I will be the only single ones, at first I almost told Molly I wasn’t going to go since I don’t want to third wheel her and her boyfriend, or be alone with Rutger but she convinced me to say yes.

The lake house is only an hour away from our hometown so I told Molly that this year I would take my car and drive there, if anything happens i can leave whenever I want.

I put my suitcase in my car, and started the drive there. Molly and her family have been there since yesterday. It’s 2:00 p.m. right now so i should be there by 3:00 p.m.

I parked behind Molly’s car in the driveway, I unbuckled my seatbelt and made my way to the trunk to get my suitcase.

I got my stuff and made my way to the door, and walked in. 

The door leads to the living room where I saw Rutger. He turned to look at me and rolled his eyes. 

“What you can’t knock now?” He asked, annoyed. I rolled my eyes at him.

“When have I ever knocked?” I asked. Her family always told me to make myself at home, and said that I could drop by whenever her mom even gave me a house key at their home because I always came over.

“Well maybe you should start,” he said before getting up and walking away. 

I made my way upstairs to my usual room. I ran into MOM. 

“Hey sweetheart, I'm so happy you’re here” she said, giving me a hug.

“Thanks for inviting me,” I said smiling.

“You’re like a daughter to me, you will always be invited” she said.

We talked for a few more seconds before I went to my room.

I started unpacking when Molly burst through the door and ran to hug me. I started laughing.

“I missed you” she said

“Molly, we saw each other yesterday before you left,” I said chuckling. She pulled away and smiled

“I know, it’s been 1 day too long” she said. 

Molly and I are usually always with each other or at least talk once a day. We both decided to go to University of Michigan, we always stick together.

“I missed you to molly” i said smiling

“Good, now let me help you finish unpacking” 

“Thanks” 

It only took us about 30 minutes to finish unpacking so Molly sat down on my bed and looked at me smirking. Oh no what did she do?

“What’s that look for?” I asked

“Well you see, I'm sorry” she said nervously. 

I looked at her confused.

“Sorry for what? What did you do?” I asked 

“Well you see, you were only supposed to be here tomorrow, so my parents and I kinda planned a double date night… so you’re going to be stuck here with Rutger” she said.

I rubbed my eyebrows and sighed.

“It’s fine Molly, I'll just stay in my room if I have to,” I said, smiling softly. 

This is not how I expected my first night here to go, but I get it so it’s fine.

“Are you sure it’s okay?” 

“Yes, I promise” i said 

“Okay good, I feel bad” she said

“Don’t be, it’s my fault I decided to join a day earlier” 

“We have a few activities for date night so we’ll be back pretty late, we’re leaving in an hour and maybe this will give you and Rutger time to finally get along” she said and I laughed. 

“Molly, Rutger and I have hated each other since we were kids. I don't think a few hours will change that.

“You never know, people change” she said with a wink, what the hell is she planning? I know my best friend, she’s definitely up to something.

She gave me one last hug and we made our way to Molly’s room so I could help her get ready.

“Can you pick out my outfit, please?” She asked while she does her makeup.

I nodded and made my way to her closet.

“What about this?” I asked, showing her a cute white v neck dress with purple flowers. 

“Oh I love that, thank you” she said happily. I chuckled 

“You’re welcome.” 

Once she was done with her hair and makeup she went and got dressed.

When she came out of the bathroom I looked up from my phone and smiled.

“You look beautiful,” I said.

“Thank you, now are you sure you’ll be fine here?” She asked.

“Yes, now it's almost 5:00 p.m.” I said.

We made our way downstairs where Josh, her boyfriend and her parents were waiting. 

“Hey Yn” Josh greeted me smiling.

“Hey Josh, have fun you guys” I said before they all left.

I have no idea where Rutger is, so I made my way to the kitchen to get something to eat.

I went to the fridge and took some grapes and put some in a bowl before making my way to the living room.

I put on Outer Banks on Netflix and sat down on the couch.

About 10 minutes later Rutger came in and sat on the other end of the couch. Neither of us said anything. 

A while later my phone started ringing. Rutger scoffed and looked at me annoyed.

I checked to see who was calling me, only to see that it was my ex boyfriend, I rolled my eyes and silenced the call. I put my phone next to me and continued to watch the show.

A few seconds later my rang again, I silenced it again, then he called again. 

“Oh my god, just answer the damn phone,” Rutger said, annoyed.

“No” I answered and silenced it.

When he called again, it pissed Rutger off, he gave me a look that said you better answer or I’m throwing your phone outside.

I answered and put the phone to my ear.

“What do you want?” I asked, pissed. Why the hell can’t he just leave me alone, I broke up with him a month ago because he was so controlling.

“I’m at the lake house, we have to talk so let me in” he said pissed. My eyes widened. No this can’t be happening, what the hell does he think he’s doing. 

“No chance in hell” I said angrily. Rutger raised his eyebrows at me, as to see what the hell are you talking about.

“You either let me in, or i get in on my own, your choice, I know Molly’s on a double date with her parents right now so I know you’re alone since Rutger would never stay alone with you” 

“What are you, a fucking stalker?” I said worriedly, I’m not alone, Rutger wouldn’t let anything happen to me right? Even if he doesn’t like me? 

I stood up and started walking, pacing back and forth.

“Yn, open the goddamn door,” he said.

My eyes widened and I stood still and looked at Rutger. He could tell something was wrong so he got up and snatched the phone out of my hands.

“What are you doing?” I asked worriedly, I don’t want Rutger to Provoke him and make him worse.

“Shush” he said pointing his finger at me to tell me to shut up. I closed my month and scoffed.

What are you doing Rutger.

“What” he said on the phone before he continued. “No she’s busy right now, and I suggest you don’t call her again and you better fucking leave” he said pissed before he hung up.

“What the hell did he say?” I asked when he gave me my phone.

“Don’t worry about it” he said, making his way to the door and looking outside. I scoffed and locked the front door.

“Is he still out there?” I asked worriedly.

“Yes,” he said before looking at me.

“Go to the kitchen and make sure the patio door is locked.” He told me. I nodded and rushed to the Kitchen.

I looked to see it was already locked. Thank god.

I made my way back to the living room to see Rutger still looking out the window.

“It was already locked,” I told him.

He looked back at me and nodded. I went and sat down on the couch again and paused the show that was still playing on the tv.

Rutger sighed and cane to sit down next to me.

“Was he always like this? Because I don’t remember him being like this last year” Rutger asked me. I shook my head and took a deep breath.

“No, it started a few months before our semester ended. Last month I had enough so I finally broke up with him.” I said looking at him.

I looked at his eyes, you could see sadness and anger in them, is he sad and angry about my ex's acting? or at me for letting this happen?

“I’d tell you to get a restraining order against him, but I don't know how well that will end up if he’s that bad,” rutger said, which made me chuckle.

“Yeah, I don’t know if it’ll work” i replied 

“It would still be better than nothing, especially since he also goes to Michigan” Rutger said, i groaned.

“Fuck, I should have said no boyfriend in college” I said and Rutger laughed.

I looked at him and smiled.

“Thanks by the way, for making him leave, i honestly didn’t think you would” 

Rutgers' eyes widened.

“Why would you think I wouldn’t help?” He asked, confused.

“Maybe because you don’t like me,” I scoffed.

“I never said I didn’t like you, and even if i didn’t it doesn’t mean I won’t help, I could tell you were scared Yn, i wasn’t going to let that go” he said

“First off you’re always rude to me, you’ve never been nice, it’s pretty clear you don’t like me” 

“Well I always liked you and I thought you were pretty even as kids but you’re Molly’s best friend so I thought it would be easier to just be mean” he said, my eyes widened. He liked me?

“What?” I was shocked.

“Why do you think Sierra hated you, it’s because she could tell, I liked you” he said chuckling.

I can’t believe this, first off there’s no way she would have stayed with Rutger for 5 years if she knew he liked me right?

“I’m pretty sure even Molly could tell, I know my parents did, Luca and Adam would tease me about it back at university” He continued.

“Oh my god, was this Molly’s plan all along?” 

“What plan?” He asked, confused.

“Did they already have a date night planned? Because when Molly told me about it and said that I would be alone with you, it was suspicious, I could tell she was hiding something, plus she was smirking and she even winked, she never winks” i said. Rutger laughed

“What’s so funny?” I asked confused 

“Knowing Molly probably, and i honestly don’t know how long this date night with my parents was planned I only found out about it this morning” he said

“I knew she was up to something, I just didn’t think it would be you confessing that you have a crush on me” I said chuckling.

“I think it’s more than a little crush.” He said

I raise my brows.

“Look, I really, really like you, is there any chance we could start over and I could take you out on a date?” He asked with a smile.

“Only if you promise never to be rude to me ever again” I replied smiling.

Rutgers smile grew.

“I promise” 

“Good, then I would love to” I replied

“It’s only 7:15 p.m. right now, any chance I could take you out for ice cream, we could go for a walk on the beach and talk? Could that count as a first date?” He asked and I chuckled.

“I could go for ice cream and for a walk” 

“Perfect, let’s go,” he said, smiling. He grabbed his car keys and we made our way to his car.

Rutger drove to a spot close to the beach where they have an ice cream booth. Rutger ordered for the both of us, once he got mine he gave it to me, making me smile.

“You know my favorite ice cream?” I asked

“See I never hated you” he said, making me giggle.

We walked down to the beach, and walked by the water. 

We talked about our lives, it was actually really nice getting to know the real Rutger and not the rude one. 

I had fun. 

When he pulled in the driveway of the lake house. His parents' car was back, which means Molly will have a lot of questions.

“Any chance we can do this again?” He asked.

“I’d like that,” I said, smiling.

“I can’t wait… can I kiss you?”

“Yes” I replied.

Rutger leaned against the consol put his hand on my cheek before our lips met. Our lips moved in sync, before we pulled away breathing heavily.

“Wow” he said smiling, I started giggling.

“We should probably go inside before Molly comes looking for us” I said.

“Good idea”

When we walked in everyone was in the living room. Molly looked at us and smirked before looking at her dad.

“Dad pay up, I told you he’d finally tell her” she said, making everyone laugh.

This summer is finally off to a good start.

[merlinfromberlin]

trick or treat :3

Treat! You get some Dadchet fluff. <3

This is from a oneshot based on S02E11 Flying Mind and deals with the aftermath of the Autobots being frozen still for hours on end by the Nemesis. Bee especially can't sit still and is driving Ratchet up the walls.

I also hope you don't mind this being longer, I didn't want to splice away the fluffy parts at the end but they made no sense without the first parts. ^^"

During the next decicycle, Ratchet had to remind Bumblebee four more times to sit back down, three times not to touch various medical equipment and five times not to play with either the IV line or the spark monitor next to his berth. On one particularly spark-freezing occasion he even had been forced to confiscate a small knife the scout had un-subspaced in order to fidget with. The medic was certain that the sight of the small yellow bot gesticulating wildly while twirling a small blade way too close to his own faceplates had cost him at least a vorn of his lifetime.

However, even if the medic had turned ever more gruff and grumpy with every additional warning he had directed at the scout, he had done his darn best to remain patient. Restlessness was, as evidenced by his older patients, apparently only natural after an encounter with waking stasis. And Ratchet had some experience dealing with Bumblebee’s particular brand of restlessness. In the end, however, he finally lost his temper when the mech knocked over his spark monitor, shattering its display in the process.

“Bumblebee!” Ratchet sat down the datapad he had been reviewing with a little too much force. As he fixed his most vicious glare on the troublesome scout he stalked over to remove the now useless monitoring line from his chassis. “I needed that! By the pits, you still needed that! For Primus’ sake, you are not only disturbing your own recovery but that of everyone else, too! Now get back to your berth before I magnetise you to it.”

The medic watched as the small bot sat back down, his doorwings drooping heavily in shame while twitching nervously every few nanocycles. He was small enough for his pedes to be dangling in the air as he stared down at the floor in front of him. ::Sorry, Ratchet. Didn’t mean to annoy you…::

For a moment, Ratchet kept staring at the scout. At the way his optics were a bit too dim and cycled sluggishly. At the way his helm kept listing to the side just a tiny bit before snapping back up. At the way his doorwings were hanging low not only in guilt and shame but also sheer, utter exhaustion. With a sigh, his remaining anger dissipated. 

The young bot was not only tired but so fragging exhausted that he would probably miss most of the next Earth day once he finally fell into recharge.

“You know what. Get up,” said Ratchet suddenly, his entire demeanour changing as an idea began to form in his processor. There might be a way to free Bumblebee of his excess energy and get him into recharge without bothering the others too much. “Get up. We’re trying something else.”

While the medic walked out of the medbay in order to fold down into his alt mode, the younger bot froze in place. Optimus shot Ratchet a short, contemplative glance before nodding encouragingly at the yellow scout.

“Come on, Bumblebee,” the medic repeated when he looked back only to find the small mech still perched on his medberth. The ambulance’s passenger door swung open and waved in a silent invitation.

Carefully, Bumblebee got up before nervously following the medic out into the main area of the base. His doorwings were still twitching anxiously. ::I won’t fit inside of you, Ratch…::

At that, Ratchet barked out a single laugh before allowing his door to fall close once again. Definitely exhausted. “Your holoform would,” he replied surprisingly mirthfully.

For a moment, there seemed to be something not unlike panic rushing through Bumblebee’s EM field but it was gone again as fast as it had appeared. Ratchet highlighted the moment in his memory files to review later and added it to his ever-growing list of inconsistencies about their young scout. He would need to work through that again, later. Right now, however, Ratchet had different priorities.

“But no. I’m not driving you around while you are this antsy. We are going for a drive. You need to burn off some energy before you break something we can’t rebuild. Doctor’s order.”

Bumblebee bleeped in surprise, but it took him a moment to fully comprehend the medic’s words. Once he finally did, Ratchet was glad to have readjusted his mirrors onto him. The yellow bot’s doorwings fluttered in excitement and he bounced on his pedes once before letting himself fold down into his alt-mode. ::Thank you, Ratchet!::

Ratchet was also glad that he had already transformed because he suspected that his smile as Bumblebee drove up next to him would have been way too fond. “Don’t thank me yet, young’un. You’re still under medical observation. That means no speeding, no racing and if I even catch you so much as thinking about drifting, you’ll be back in your berth faster than you can comm ‘Iacon 5000’.”

::Yes, of course.” Bumblebee sounded nonetheless chipper for any of the restrictions Ratchet had just put onto him. Instead, he just followed the medic out of the base, his EM field pulsing happily. ::I’ll be a textbook driver!::

“You better be,” answered Ratchet, a certain threat still edged into his words. There was no actual heat behind them, though. Based on the way Bumblebee playfully swerved to overtake him, he, too, knew that. The medic sighed silently.

Then he allowed himself to fall back behind the Urbana, strangely content as he watched his the youngling driving down the dark desert street.

They had not even been out for half an Earth hour when Ratchet had to comm Optimus because Bumblebee had fallen into recharge at the cliffside where they had stopped to watch the stars. The youngling did not even startle when the medic manually triggered his transformation to pick him up  and carry him through the groundbridge. Instead, he just cuddled closer.  

Hope you enjoyed your treat! <3

And sorry it took this long to answer, I was really tired yesterday evening and needed to read through this again because I hadn't touched it in almost two months. ^^"

This was originally supposed to be a scene in Numb Little Bug (Wip that will still take a while to see the light of day) until I realised that they start hunting for the Iacon Artefacts IMMEDIATELY after they get unfrozen, so I removed it from the longer story and now it's a sort of slight AU/companion piece to NLB/insight into Ratchet in NLB.

Which also means that it's edited very little yet. I'll only do that once I get to posting NLB chapter 3. Which will probably take forever. ^^"

[potechiis]

homesick

one of my dearest friends drew this fanart from my fic 'Homesick' for my birthday, and im STILL geeking out over it!!

it was an unexpected collab where they did the lineart and I did the colouring ;w;

LOOK AT HOW CUTE YOUNG RICK LOOKS HERE!! HOLDING HIS BAG OF CHIPS!! Prime was such a tsundere in this fic and THEY TOTALLY GOT THE VIBES!!!! i am still SHRIEKING over this ;w;

As the fic is not currently available on ao3, if you're interested in reading the fic, check below the cut ;w; <3

“Dammit!” Rick exclaimed looking at the empty shelf, devoid of the super spicy chips he’d been craving. 

“What?” Prime trotted over, shaking his wet hands off, carelessly scattering water droplets everywhere as he went. “What’s up?”

“They’re out.” Rick frowned disappointedly, the corners of his lips turning down as his brow furrowed in. 

“Tough luck buddy,” Prime patted his back, not sounding sympathetic in the slightest, “Welp, shall we get back to the ship? We still got a couple more hours to go sooo….” 

Prime started walking toward the exit of the small corner store, vaguely checking out a section with different coloured plumbuses on one of the shelves as he wound his way through the colourful aisles stuffed full with wacky looking products. When he saw that Rick hadn’t followed him, he sighed with exasperation and doubled back with his hands on his hips. He found his twin still staring at the empty shelf longingly. 

“Come on, Rick. Let’s go.” His patience was starting to run thin.

“Man, I really wanted to get these.” Rick said wistfully, ignoring his impatient twin. 

“There’s snacks at home, let’s go.” Prime pulled on his arm but Rick still didn’t budge. “Rick,” he said warningly. 

“Okay, okay , fine,” Rick let himself be pulled away, “can we stop by the next gas station though?”

“No, we can’t.” Prime refused to let go of his twin’s arm until they cleared the threshold. 

“Why not?” Rick protested as they walked toward the ship in the parking lot. 

“There’s no more gas stations around here.” Prime lied as he unlocked and got into the driver’s seat.

“That’s not true— how would you know? You didn’t even check!” Rick argued as he slid into the passenger side. He pulled up the navigator and began typing in a search for the nearest gas station on the way. “Hah! See, here’s one.” He said triumphantly, pointing to a red dot on the screen. 

“It’s probably closed.” Prime started the ignition, ignoring the red blinking dot his twin was pointing to. 

“How can it be closed? It says it’s open 24 hours.” Rick rolled his eyes, “Every time you’ve said somewhere was closed, you’ve almost always been wrong.” 

“It’s my ship, I’m driving ergo, we’re not going.” Prime snapped as the ship rose into space quickly. 

“Come on,” Rick whined, “can’t we at least go check?”

“I don’t get why you’re so obsessed with these fucking chips. They’re not even that good.” Prime scoffed, “out of a million flavours in this universe to fixate on, of course you’d choose the shittiest one.”

Rick flushed, hands kneading together in his lap. It was difficult to say exactly why he’d been craving them as of late. The flavour wasn’t perfect but somehow, the hot smoky spice reminded him of home. His Earthly home, that is. Prime disliked it when he brought up Earth or any lingering ties to their home planet and with things as tense and rocky as they were in the ship at the moment, Rick found himself chewing on his bottom lip, not knowing how to defend his intense craving to his twin. 

“They’re not that bad,” he said lamely before looking out the window glumly. 

Stars and distant galaxies twinkled and winked at him like tiny gems sewed onto inky black fabric. Rick usually found the sight quite comforting and awe inspiring but today, they only seemed to remind him of just how far home was. 

Distantly, he heard Prime flick the radio on, an alien tune crackling through the speakers of the ship. Disappointment settled in his stomach heavily. He’d been really looking forward to munching on those chips on the ride back. 

Other than the radio playing and the drone of the engine shuttling them home, the ship was silent and Rick found himself lost in his thoughts, staring out the window with unseeing eyes. 

“We’re here.” Prime said roughly, jolting him out of his thoughts. 

Rick looked up and then out of the ship. This— this wasn’t their little dwarf planet! His eyes dropped to the navigator between them, the coordinates for the gas station still blinking on the screen as the ship closed distance rapidly. He sat up straighter, completely alert and awake. He could hear Prime snickering at his eagerness— but Rick couldn’t care less. His heart skipped, mouth watering eagerly as he silently urged the ship to go faster. So close! He squeezed his hands together tightly, anticipation welling in his chest. 

The neon sign for a gas station was spotted below and Prime eased the ship toward it. 

As the store came into view, Rick felt his heart plummet and the smile that had crept onto his face dropped. 

The lights were completely off inside. 

“No!” Rick cried out in disbelief, “you’ve got to be kidding me!”

“I told you so,” Prime said smugly as he parked. “Told you it would be closed. Now can we— Hey! Where are you—“

Rick threw the door open and ran toward the storefront. There was a notice tacked to the entrance and Rick squinted at the Galactic Standard written on it, deciphering it in his head quickly. 

CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE   

“Are you serious?!” He groaned, hands and face plastered against the glass as he squinted into the dark store like he might somehow magick a store clerk into appearing if he stared hard enough. 

Prime walked up behind him slowly, lighting up a cigarette as he went. 

Rick turned around at the sound of a lighter clicking and hissing. 

“Prime—“ 

“No! No way!” Prime exclaimed, catching the hopeful look on his twin’s face, “I’m not wasting any more time or gas on this goddamn wild goose chase for shitty chips!” He took a drag on his cigarette and blew the smoke out into Rick’s face. “We checked it out and it’s closed. End of story. We’re going home.” 

“Then—“ Rick looked around furtively, “then we break in! We still got the lock picking kit in the ship right— we’ll be in and out, super fast—“

“No.” Prime rolled his eyes as he inhaled. “I’m not gonna do that.”

“Come on,” Rick wheedled, “why not? We’ve broken into other places for less— how’s this any different?” 

“I’m not playing accomplice to your stupid chip heist.” Another cloud of smoke to the face. 

“Unbelievable! After everything you make me do!” Rick huffed, dispersing the acrid smoke with a wave of his hand. “You’re being so unfair right now!”

“I don’t care,” Prime flicked his half-smoked cigarette onto the ground, crushing it out under his boot with an air of finality. He began walking back toward the ship. “Come home with me or stay here licking glass, I really couldn’t give a shit.”

Rick stared at his twin’s back but Prime never looked back once. Fuck . His hands hardened into fists at his sides. He knew that tone of voice. His twin wasn’t kidding. Prime really would leave him here on this nondescript planet that only functioned as a pit stop for intergalactic travellers if he didn’t move his ass. He’d done it before. Rick spent the better part of a week hitchhiking through the galaxy just to get back to their base. 

“Fucking asshole.” Rick muttered crossly as he followed his twin back to the ship dejectedly, feeling like a leashed dog following its owner. He truly was at Prime’s mercy out here. Sometimes he felt like his twin was a golden ticket that could take him anywhere— but some days, he couldn’t help but feel shackled and bound to his whims. 

Rick yanked the ship door open and slammed it shut extra hard to vent his feelings. 

“Hey!” Prime barked, “Don’t take your shit out on my ship! You break the door, I’ll break your arm.”

“Fuck you, asshole!” Rick snapped, “I hope that shit shatters!” 

“If that shit shatters, we’re both dead in the water and I’m not gonna die because you wanted to get a bag of shitty chips!” Prime punched Rick’s arm hard enough to leave an ache. 

“Ow!” Rick yelped as he twisted around on his seat to face his twin, “what the hell, dude! That fucking hurts!”

“That’s for slamming the door!” Prime growled, “keep it up and the next one will be on the kisser!” 

“I fucking hate it here!” Rick yelled out, face reddening with hot frustration. It wasn’t true. But the bitterness at being foiled over something that should have been a simple pick up, coupled with his twin’s unreasonable attitude had him lashing out angrily. Rick felt like kicking the footwell of the ship but the ache in his arm restrained him. He let out a disgruntled snarl instead, clenching his jaws together. 

“Oh yeah? If you hate it so bad, you can always leave.” Prime said sweetly, but his eyes flashed dangerously. Honeyed poison. He hovered a finger over the glowing red eject button located on the dashboard threateningly. “You wanna leave?”

Stars had surrounded them once more. Leaving was clearly a death wish at this point. 

“No.” Rick said sourly, arms crossed over his chest again. 

“That’s what I thought.” 

Prime didn’t bother turning on the radio to ease the tension. His knee bounced restlessly, knuckles white as they gripped the steering wheel. He piloted the ship hunched over and grouchy, exuding an aura of quiet murderous rage. 

The ship felt uncomfortably cramped— almost claustrophobic with the silent tension crackling between them. A muscle in Rick’s jaw jumped as he turned himself towards his window, physically angling himself away from his twin. He rubbed his arm discreetly, glowering out the window. Fucking hell, Prime could pack a punch. Rick could already tell he was going to find a fist shaped bruise later from the way his skin ached hotly. 

They sat like that for the next couple of hours in stony silence. There were no comments on interesting looking nebulae or space objects. There was not a single joke or word exchanged. The only sound was Prime’s finger tapping out an irritating beat against the handle. Rick would ask him to stop but that would require speaking to his twin and he absolutely refused to do that. 

Both Ricks mirrored an identical expression of sulky anger; brows furrowed deeply, corners of their lips tugging downward as their shoulders tensed into hard lines. 

By the time Prime had landed the ship in the familiar parking lot, Rick’s bottom lip was practically swollen from how much he’d been chewing on it in an effort to hold back his acidic vitriol. He kicked the door open— not even bothering to close it as he stalked towards the building angrily. He could hear Prime yelling something at him but Rick simply flipped him off without looking back. 

Rick jabbed in the 20 digit passcode rapidly, scanned his hand and stormed into the bedroom, locking the door behind him swiftly. Shucking off his labcoat, Rick dropped it on the floor without a second glance, kicking off his shoes as well.

Starlight streamed in through the bedroom window and Rick strode over to it, closing the blinds and plunging the room into semi-darkness to match his mood. He paced around the floor, back and forth as he nibbled on his thumbnail. His chest was hot and tight with pent-up anger. Rage bubbled in him like a bottle of shaken soda; pressure building with no real outlet. The room felt extra small today. Like a jail cell. It may as well have been. Rick was stuck out here, millions of miles away from home, no way to get back. 

He heard Prime enter the apartment— front door slamming shut loudly. Rick’s heart began to thunder in his chest; half expecting his twin to pound the bedroom door down, demanding to be let in. He steeled himself for a blistering confrontation— shaking with equal parts dread and savage anticipation— but no such thing happened. Prime began moving around in one of the rooms noisily, clearly ignoring him. 

They’d woken up in high spirits, laughing about something insignificant and chattering over where they’d go over a bowl of cereal excitedly. What happened? How did their day turn out… like this? All he wanted was a bag of chips! If Prime wanted something he wouldn’t let them rest until it was in his greedy hands. If Prime had no vested interest in it, it wasn’t worth pursuing. Fuck what Rick wanted, right? It wasn’t fair.  

Rick scowled, flinging himself onto their unmade bed face down, yelling wordlessly into his pillow until his throat felt raw.

Soft cotton quickly absorbed the hot pinpricks of wetness that seeped out of his eyes. Rick continued to lie face down until he couldn’t breathe before finally turning over, chest heaving. 

He stared at the ceiling, at the weird stain that sort of looked like a dick. The one they always laughed at while lying in bed together. Rick glared at it like it had caused him personal offence. He wished he could rewind time and forget this afternoon completely. 

Rick got under the covers, cocooning himself as he curled into a tight ball. Safe in the soft darkness, there was no way to tell whether he was in space or on Earth. It didn’t matter anyway. 

The angry knot in his chest gradually loosened and was replaced by bone weary exhaustion instead. 

Rick dreamed of his mama. The old kitchen he grew up in with the sunny terracotta tiles. Warmth. Comfort. Soft arms folding him into her aproned chest, stroking the top of his head softly while she croons to him in their native tongue. Her clever boy. He looks up, the stovetop towering over him as she stirs something rich and fragrant with spices. Bubbling cheerfully. Rick inhales deeply, smiling widely. ¡Mamá! His mama beams down at him. Bright as the afternoon sun spilling across the yellow walls. The wooden spoon that often raps him across the knuckles when he’s being naughty is being held out to him. Today it offers love and nourishment. He opens his mouth eagerly—

Rick woke from deep sleep. For a moment, he was back at home. His childhood home. Any moment now, mamá was going to come in and get him up for dinner. He was still half dreaming, stomach rumbling as the rich aroma from his dream filled his senses. He longed to fall back into the warm embrace of the dream but it was quickly leaving him like cupped water in his palms. Slowly, the room came into focus and he remembered where he was. Millions of miles away from Earth. Middle of bumfuck nowhere. Rick sat up slowly, rumpled and groggy with exhaustion but the knotted tension from early had left him completely. All that remained was a gnawing hunger. 

Swinging his legs out of bed, he sat perched on the edge, not quite ready to leave just yet. The argument from earlier crept back into his mind and Rick chewed his cheek, feeling his arm ache dully from where Prime had punched him earlier. He rubbed at it, scowling a little. He wasn’t ready to face Prime but his stomach was insistent— still worked up from the delicious scent in his dreams that was somehow still lingering. 

Fuck it.

Maybe he could quickly sneak into the kitchen and grab a snack. With any luck, Prime might be passed out high on the sofa, watching TV or something. 

He padded over to the door, unlocking it quietly but as he opened it, Rick found himself stunned, frozen with his nose in the air like a hound catching the scent of a fox. 

That smell. 

Warm. Rich. Aromatic. 

It washed over him fully, making his stomach rumble and his mouth water. It wasn’t his imagination. It was real. But how…?

Rick swallowed. He tracked the homely scent, following it as if in a trance, feeling like he was still dreaming. 

The apartment was unusually dark and there was a warm flickering light at the end of the corridor coming from the kitchen. 

“What the—“

Rick stood rooted by the entrance as he looked over their kitchen that had transformed in the few hours he’d been asleep. The messy kitchen table that was usually laden with half drunk mugs of coffee, stacks of blueprints and various half completed inventions had been cleared. In its place sat two bowls and a few burning candles that cast an orange glow over the kitchen. The sink which was usually overflowing with glassware from the lab was filled with actual dirty dishes and bowls. A pot simmered away on the stove, bubbling lightly on low heat; the source of the delicious aroma that was wafting through the entire apartment alluringly. Rick gawked at all of it, mouth parted slightly. He could count on one hand the amount of times they used the kitchen for its intended purpose. 

A pair of arms circled his waist, lips brushing against the back of his neck causing him to jump out of his train of thought. 

“Are you still mad at me?” 

“Did you…” Rick swallowed hard, “did you do all this?” For me? The last two words were unspoken, but they hung in the air between them all the same. 

Prime made a noncommittal noise, his arms tightening around his twin. 

“Are you hungry?”

Rick nodded slowly, leaning back into his twin’s embrace. A small kiss was pressed into the side of his neck before he was released. 

Prime walked over to the fridge, bottles clinking as he opened it up. Yellow light pooled onto the floor briefly, illuminating his face. He pulled out two glass bottles by their necks, popping the tops off with his teeth before handing one to his twin. He cleared his throat awkwardly.

“Check the uh— check the cabinet over there. Food’s almost ready, by the way.” 

Rick went over to the aforementioned cabinet, setting his beer on the counter before pulling it open. He reached in, bringing one of the plastic bags closer to his face. It was hard to see with just candlelight but it only took a moment to recognise the brand. To his complete and utter astonishment, the shelf was filled with the chips he’d been looking for all afternoon 

“Y-you— when did you—?!” 

“I told you we had snacks at home.” Prime said gruffly, back turned to him as he stirred the pot. He had taken off his usual jacket, wearing his long sleeved brown shirt with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows. 

The bag crinkled loudly as Rick ripped into its contents eagerly, popping one in his mouth. Immediately, addictively hot, smoky spice tingled his tongue and Rick couldn’t resist crunching down a few more. He set the bag down on the table, not wanting to ruin his appetite for what his twin had made for them. Now it was his turn to wrap his arms around his twin’s middle for a quick squeeze before his hands drifted to rest on Prime’s hips lightly. He could feel the flavour heating up his cheeks and neck, the warmth spreading through his body. He pressed in closer, inhaling Prime’s comforting scent and the mouthwatering smell from the soup bubbling  heartily. All the animosity from the day melted away. 

“… Thanks,” Rick mumbled, the gratitude muffled against his twin’s back, barely audible. 

“Mm.” 

Rick peered over Prime’s shoulder to watch him stir the stew, making sure the bottom wasn’t burning. With only candlelight illuminating the kitchen, it was difficult to make out the contents of the pot. It could have been a witch’s cauldron from how dark the contents looked in this lighting. 

“It’s super dark in here,” Rick observed, “how can you see like this?” He reached up to turn on the stove light but Prime caught his hand, turning around.

“Don’t,” he laced their fingers together, “it’s fine.” 

Candlelight flickered in his twin’s eyes; twin flames dancing in an ocean of blue. Tipping Rick’s chin up with a finger, Prime kissed his twin on the lips tasting the cheap flavoured powder from the chips. 

“Yeah, they still taste like shit.” But unlike the chips, his words lacked any real heat. “Taste this, it’s way better than that garbage.” Prime grinned as he picked up the long wooden spoon, blowing on it a little to cool it off before offering it to his twin. 

Rick obediently opened his mouth to accept the spoonful of soup. 

The unmistakable rich, unctuous flavour of menudo spread over his tongue thickly and Rick closed his eyes; instantly transported back to his childhood. It was spicier than a conventional menudo. But it was perfect. Just the way he liked it. Rick swallowed around the lump in his throat. 

“Just like mamá makes, right?” Prime whispered quietly, watching Rick savour his cooking efforts with prideful delight. He leaned in for another kiss, stealing the flavour out of his twin’s mouth until Rick was left breathless. 

“Sit down, I’ll plate up.”

Rick picked up his beer from the counter, sipping as he watched his twin bustle around the kitchen, ladling the dark soup and throwing a couple of finishing garnishes on top of the food. He sat down on his side of the table, lips still buzzing from their spicy kiss, feeling completely bemused. He had no idea Prime was capable of cooking. They usually ordered take out, ransacked the local corner store for high calorie snacks or ate out at fast food chains. He never imagined his twin picking up a knife to cook rather than maim. 

“Eat up,” Prime set down a bowl of menudo down in front of him. Rick inhaled deeply, his stomach growling loudly. He could smell garlic, cilantro and other spices wafting up with the steam. Where did he get these things? He knew Earthly ingredients were notoriously expensive and hard to find, especially out here. Even KOI planets couldn’t quite replicate the taste of Earth’s resources completely. 

Rick picked up his spoon. The flickering candlelight made the dark chunky soup gleam and shine. Menudo never looked great, but it more than made up for its looks in flavour. Ugly delicious. He began to eat, making sure to get a good ratio of chopped onions and other fixings on his spoon. 

Instantly, the flavour of garlic, aromatic spices and tangy citrus hit his tongue and started warming his body from the inside out. Hunger seemed to increase twofold and Rick was ravenous. The crispy fresh ingredients contrasted delightfully with the soft, braised meat— tender from having been cooked for hours. It was hearty and healing. It was everything Rick never knew he needed. His cheeks pinkened slightly— from the heat of the chilis and… his twin’s unexpected thoughtfulness. Had he known? That Rick had been feeling homesick? Or had this all been one gigantic coincidence? Rick mulled on it as he ate, savouring the flavours of home. 

The table was quiet apart from the sound of chewing and spoons scraping against bowls, but it was an amicable, comfortable silence. 

When Rick had gotten halfway through his bowl, he stopped to take a break with a sip of cold beer. The intense spiciness had begun to creep up on him and his neck and ears felt warm— tongue tingling with heat. But Rick wouldn’t have it any other way. He sat back, regarding his twin with a content expression on his face. 

“Okay,” he said, “I have to ask. Where’d you get these ingredients? It can’t have been easy sourcing cilantro and cumin and all the other stuff.”

“Oh well, you know,” Prime shrugged, busy looking at his bowl, “just here and there. I got a— ah— uh— a pretty sweet deal on some meat. Picked up some stuff last time we stopped by Earth. No big deal.”

Prime spooned some more menudo into his mouth before he looked up, almost shyly like he was nervous about Rick’s reaction.  

“D’you—“ he cleared his throat, “do you…uh, like it?”

“It’s good,” Rick nodded, “really good. I—“ he hesitated, “you should— uh, you should make it more often. If you can. Of course.” 

“I mean,” Prime swallowed his mouthful, washing it down with a glug of beer, “it’s extremely time consuming to make. Not to mention getting all the right stuff takes a lot of effort and then there’s planning—“

“Yeah,” Rick said quickly, looking back down at his half eaten bowl, “I get it. It’s a lot—“

“—But if you want it, just tell me. I can make it happen.” Prime shrugged, leaning back in his chair as he ruffled the back of his head with one hand. 

“Really?” Rick looked up.

“Yeah,” Prime spoke to the bottom of Rick’s beer bottle on the table, “‘cause, you know,” he paused, rubbing his neck sheepishly, “… I miss mama’s cooking too, sometimes.”

There was a beat of silence after this admission and the pair chuckled together. Something in Rick’s heart eased and then swelled. 

“I didn’t even know you knew how to cook.” Rick said teasingly before spooning a large mouthful of stew into his mouth, biting into a chilli by accident. Instantly, his eyes watered, cheeks peppery hot as he swallowed the spicy mouthful. He quickly took another sip of his beer as a chaser, blinking back tears. 

“Hey! There’s a lot you don’t know about me. Anyway, I am the smartest man in the universe, after all. Name something I can’t do.” Prime grinned cockily before balling up his napkin and throwing it at his twin lightly. “You missed a spot, by the way.”

“What— where? Did I get it?” Rick licked around his burning mouth before attempting to wipe off whatever it was with the back of his hand only to feel his twin catch his wrist, pulling it away. 

“Here.” Prime caught the dribble with his thumb, slowly pushing it back and over the curve of Rick’s lip and into the soft heat of his mouth. 

Rick’s mouth tingled as his twin pressed his thumb into his tongue gently causing saliva to well up around the intrusion. He swallowed, inadvertently sucking the tip of Prime’s finger, feeling it drag over his teeth as it left him too soon. Heat flooded him as he dazedly watched his twin suck his thumb clean of himself. He wasn’t sure if it was the chillis or something else that was making him pant lightly. 

“Eat your food,” Prime smirked, catching the flushed look on his twin’s face. 

Rick blushed, bending his head to quickly shovel the remains of his dinner into his mouth. 

The candlelight was dwindling, struggling to stay alive in the melting wax as the candles reached their stumpy limits. 

Still, the kitchen never felt warmer or brighter. The pair found themselves leaning in closer over the cramped table— two stars orbiting one another, powerless to their combined gravitational pull. 

Even after they’d finished and pushed their bowls to the side, they still lingered at the table— sipping out of mostly empty bottles of beer, talking about nothing and everything in between. Neither of them wanted to burst the fragile bubble of serenity this meal had brought them. 

But finally, when the last candle fizzled out, Rick sat back and stretched, sated and relaxed. 

“I’ll wash up.” 

“Oh— uh,” Prime sat up hastily, “that’s okay. I’ll do it. There’s a lot of stuff to wash and I wouldn’t wanna—“

“Why? You cooked so, it’s only fair, right? I don’t mind.” Rick stood up and carefully began clearing the table, squinting as he stacked their empty bowls. “God, it’s really dark in here, huh.” 

He walked over to the light switch in the corner. 

“Wait—!” Prime nearly tripped out of his chair, bumping the table loudly as he lunged for his twin. “Don’t—“

“What?” Rick turned around as the kitchen lights flooded the area starkly. “What the—“ 

Rick’s eyes widened as he stared down at the empty bowls of menudo in his hand, streaked with blue. In fact, he could see a bunch of the dishes in the sink were also covered in an unfortunately familiar shade of blue. 

“Dude,” he started, “tell me that’s not the—“

“God,” Prime rolled his eyes, huffing out a breath of air with his hands on his hips, “I told you not to turn the lights on! I knew you’d be such a baby about it.” 

“When you said you had a sweet deal on meat, you meant—“ Rick paled as nausea twisted his stomach. 

“I mean,” Prime flung his hands into the air, “what was I supposed to do? Leave the bodies to rot in the lab forever? What a waste. At least this way we can get rid of the bodies and save space and get free protein. This is a three birds one stone sitch! You have to appreciate that! It’s an extremely economical solution to a—”

“Have you learned nothing from putting alien things in our bodies?” Rick demanded, one hand on his hip.

“Relax, it’s totally fine,” Prime shushed him, “everyone knows heat kills germs and this stuff’s been boiling for hours!”

“…” Rick stared at his twin incredulously, not knowing what to say. “I’m going back to bed,” he said finally, feeling a bit ill as he set the bowls on the counter. He turned to walk out the kitchen. 

“Sure you don’t want seconds?” Prime called out to him, “You looked like you were really enjoying it!”

“No!”

“Okay, we can have it for breakfast tomorrow, then!” 

[sleepy-wyvern]

Billy Hargrove x Female!Reader (SMUT CHAPTER 2)

Chapter: 2/4 (smut in next chapter) Part 1 here, Part 3 here, AO3 version

Summary: Billy pursues an uninterested reader trying to gain her adoration. When reader finds her crush kissing someone else that's when she realizes her feelings are towards the wrong guy.

TW/CW: persistent flirting, cigarettes, marijuana, violent threat (not towards reader)

This fic only contains characters that are 18+ and will contain smut, as such 18+ readers only, minors absolutely DNI

For the lovely @strangelysupernatural !

You shifted your weight from one leg to the next, mind buzzing with thoughts “I need to think, Billy.”

You turn, hesitating before you leave. Him acting like this was the very last thing you expected. Perhaps he really wasn’t how he had seemed at first glance.

“I’ll… see you around. Then we’ll talk.” Perhaps your words would’ve sounded fake to let him down easy but when you looked into his eyes he knew that wasn’t the case. 

The boy you were crushing on all week suddenly dropped that bomb shell on you of being back with his ex but you had to find out the worst way possible. On top of that, you had kissed Billy fucking Hargrove, the guy that had been chasing you since you moved here. You needed time to think and then you could talk to him with a clear head… clearer, at least.

He nodded, understanding “take all the time you need.”

You nodded back before turning, walking away. You expected to feel his eyes follow you but they didn’t.

The only thing you could think to do when you got home was to call Bunny. You hadn’t even taken off your shoes as you raced to the phone on the kitchen wall. 

“Bunny,” you gasped, holding the old plastic white phone to your ear “I kissed Billy.”

“I’m sorry- you WHAT?!” Her voice yelled at you and you winced, “what about Steve I thought you were hitting it off?”

You could hear Eddie in the background saying something but you weren’t sure what, as Bunny hushed him. 

“Yeah, well, he was kissing Nancy fucking Wheeler in the hallway.” Your anger had mostly dissipated into confusion since the encounter. 

There was more shuffling on the other side of the phone before she answered “we’re coming to get you. Let’s talk in person.”

“Okay, I’ll see you soon.” You reply and put the old phone back on the receiver. 

It took all of your willpower to not bite your nails as you waited on the cement steps outside your house. After what felt like an hour but was surely just minutes, a van pulled up with a driver who had shaggy brown hair that could only be Eddie Munson. 

Bunny wove to you from the passenger side and you hopped into the back seat. 

“Jesus fuck,” you whispered. 

You only knew Bunny for what, 2-3 weeks? But you were oh so thankful for her support. Her caring nature made tears well in your eyes but you had other things to work through right now. 

“Thanks, Bunny. You too, Eddie.” You click your seat belt in. 

You weren’t sure where you were headed but you were grateful to be away from your house. 

“I just do whatever the missus tells me to,” Eddie admits and Bunny gently smacks his arm. 

You watch your street roll away as Eddie drives onward. 

“Where are we going?” You asked. 

“Just the diner.” Bunny answered looking back at you sweetly “when shit like this happens I think you deserve a milkshake.”

You smile sympathetically, genuinely glad to have your new friends. 

“Told you Steve Harrington was no good.” Eddie said and Bunny glared at him. 

“Not helping!” She whispered. 

Eddie tapped the steering wheel to the heavy metal song as he thought for a moment “open the lunch box. That’ll help.”

Bunny did as he suggested and took out a white rolled joint. You hadn’t dabbled in marijuana in a long time but figured it was a good excuse to. 

As Eddie pulled into the diner parking lot Bunny lit the joint with her lighter, taking a long puff before handing it back to you. As you take a drag your body starts to relax more, processing everything that happened. 

Eddie left the van on while you smoked together so you could drown your thoughts in the music until you were ready.

“Alright, let’s get that milkshake,” Bunny looked back at you with a smile before opening the van door. 

The diner was quaint and looked like any other. Still it was cozy enough. There was black and white chequered tile with bright red booths. The walls were lined with framed pictures of celebrities that likely never set foot near this town.

You sat down as the waitress took your order. You ordered your favourite flavour of milkshake and a basket of fries. Eddie and Bunny sat next to each other, while Eddie ordered a coke and a basket of fries Bunny got a vanilla milkshake with you. 

“So,” Bunny spoke up after the waitress was out of earshot “what happened?”

“Well, maybe I misunderstood things,” you look down at your hands nervously “but I thought Steve liked me, you know? We’d call until late at night, he always spent time around my locker.”

“He made it seem that way,” Bunny reassured “you’re not in the wrong for thinking that.”

Her words did help you as you continued the story. “I saw him against the locker making out with Nancy as I was leaving class.”

Eddie rolled his eyes genuinely annoyed, “I told you I knew he was good for nothing.”

“-and then Billy saw the whole thing. I was starting to cry so he chased after me.” You hesitated before continuing, remembering how you melted into his kiss. 

“He told me that what Steve did was wrong and he apologized for chasing me around and flirting with me.” You spoke and Eddie raised his eyebrows. 

“Wow,” he shook his head. “I did not expect that from him.”

“We shouldn’t judge a book by its cover,” Bunny insisted. 

“Right, but the first chapter ain’t looking so hot.” He replied “until now that is.”

“What happened next?” Bunny asked eagerly. 

“Well,” you hesitated, looking out the window “we kissed- I kissed him.”

You expected Eddie and Bunny to wince, scold you or even laugh but they didn’t. Instead they listened intently to what you had to say, eyes soft with understanding. 

“The plot thickens,” Eddie comments.

“Well, is he a good kisser?” You expected the question to come from Bunny but she was laughing while it was Eddie that asked. 

You think back to his peach lips and then you nod reluctantly “well, uh, yeah.”

“Did he get to second base?” Bunny asked and Eddie sighed. 

“Buns, you can’t ask the girl that!” He rolled his eyes but Bunny paid no mind.

“No- Ms. O’Donnell uh,” you blushed “caught us and told us to stop kissing in the hall. Not that it would’ve gotten that far-“

Eddie’s eyes widened “see Bunny! I told you she’s evil!”

“Your F in her class has nothing to do with this,” Bunny glared at him. “Besides, we have bigger problems here.”

“-and he told me he liked me.” Eddie looked from Bunny to you shocked as if watching a reality tv show unfold in front of his eyes. “Well, he told me he couldn’t stop thinking about me since he met me. He was serious about dating me.”

They both looked at you expectantly and you felt helpless suddenly.

“I just, I don’t know what to do.” You tapped your fingers against the dining table nervously. 

“Well, do you love him?” He asked. 

Before you could answer the waitress came back, placing down all of your drinks along with your basket of fries and Eddie’s burger. He immediately went to grab it, taking a large bite of it. You could tell he was still intrigued with the conversation though. 

“I think it’s too soon to tell,” you admitted, “but of course I like him. Especially after today.”

“Did you kiss him just to get back at Steve?” Bunny asked, somehow she knew the right questions. 

You thought for a moment before shaking your head, taking a deep sip of the sugary cold drink “No. Nobody was there to see. Except, uh, Ms. O’Donnell.” You scratch your head embarrassed. “I did it to see if there was anything between us.”

“Do you think he’s changed?” Eddie asked in between bites. 

You shake your head dipping a fry into the shake “I don’t think he needed to, necessarily. Just be smacked on the head to get reminded and realise how he’s acting. I told him to stop bothering me a few days ago and he listened, until he saw me crying. After the kiss…” You trailed off looking down at your milkshake. “He really wants to talk to me about everything.”

Bunny looked to Eddie who shrugged before chugging some soda. 

“If you like him, it wouldn’t hurt. If he treats you wrong, promise you’ll high tail it out of there?” She asked you intently. 

You smile “I’ll be as quick as a Bunny.”

“Well, maybe not, I don’t run that fast.” Your laugh joined hers as it felt like a weight had been lifted off your shoulders.

You now knew what you had to do; confess your feelings for Billy Hargrove. 

You thanked your friends for their lovely company and insight. You went home feeling more confident now but wishing you had Billy's number to call. Instead you had to wait until school tomorrow to see him, which maybe was for the better so you could sleep on it. 

You couldn’t sit still or sleep still so you headed to class earlier than normal. Even so, he was there waiting, leaning against the cool brick wall with a cigarette between his lips. 

Despite your brain asking what the hell am I doing? Your heart convinced you it was the right choice as you approached.

“Y/n,” his voice was low as he held his free hand in his jean pocket “how are you feeling?”

You shrugged adjusting the strap of your backpack as you did “better, thanks."

His eyes met yours and it was then you noticed in the morning rays that his eyes were blue. How had you not realized that before? Normally they just seemed dark or clouded but now they were blue as the sky above your head. 

“Listen, Billy... I’m not promising you anything,” you glared cautiously and he raised a brow, “but I’ll take you up on that date if you’re still offering.”

His white teeth glimmered as he smirked down at you “you won’t regret it.”

“I’d better not,” you folded your arms. “I’ll let you choose the place. Pick me up tonight at 6pm, my house.”

You told him your address and that was that. Still despite your threatening glare he seemed giddy like a child trying to hold down their excitement on Christmas Eve.

“You better put that thing out if you plan on kissing me again,” you smiled as you walked past him, almost immediately hearing the stomping of his foot putting the butt out.

Part 3 here

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tag list: @alienthings my lovely loons 💙 thanks so much for all of your support!

Thanks so much everyone for reading, chapter 3 with smut will be released very soon!

-Wyv

💙💙💙💙

[metamorphesque]

Now the story of the trip and then you can go ahead and say you’re not an angel: I knew for ages that my Austrian visa had actually (and figuratively) run out two months back, but in Meran I was told it wasn’t required for transit and indeed I had no troubles when I crossed the Austrian border. Because of that I completely forgot about this omission while I was in Vienna. In Gmünd, however, the official at the passport control—a young man, hard—discovered it immediately. The passport was set aside, everyone else allowed to pass through to customs control, everyone except me. That was bad enough (I am constantly being interrupted, after all it’s my first day back, I don’t have to listen to the office gossip, not yet anyway, and people are coming in all the time and wanting to drive me away from you, that is, you away from me, but they won’t succeed, will they, Milena? Nobody will, ever.) So that’s the way it was, but then you started working. A border guard comes—friendly, open, Austrian, interested, cordial—and leads me through stairs and corridors to the headquarters of the chief inspector. A Rumanian-Jewish woman was standing there with a similarly defective passport, strangely enough also one of your friendly emissaries, you angel of Jews. But the opposing forces are still much stronger. The large inspector and his small adjudant (both yellow, emaciated, sullen, at least for the moment) take possession of the passport. The inspector is finished in no time: “Return to Vienna and obtain the visa at police headquarters!” I can do nothing but repeat several times: “That is terrible for me.” The inspector also repeats his answer several times, ironically and angrily: “You only think it is.” “Can’t the visa be obtained by wire?” “No.” “Even if I pay all costs?” “No.” “Isn’t there a higher authority here?” “No.” The woman, seeing my distress, remains magnificently calm and asks the inspector to let at least me pass. Your means are too weak, Milena. You won’t get me through that way. I have to walk all the way back to passport control and fetch my luggage, there’s no question of my leaving today. And now we’re setting together in the chief inspector’s headquarters, the guard has little consolation to offer except that the train tickets may be extended etc., the inspector has said his last word and retreated into his private office, only the small adjutant is still there. I calculate: the next train to Vienna departs at 10 P.M., arrives in Vienna at 2:30 A.M. I’m still covered with bites from the Riva-vermin, what will my room at the Franz Josefs Bahnhof look like? But since I don’t get a room, I go to the Lerchenfelder Strasse (that’s right, at 2:30 A.M.) and ask for a room (that’s right, at 3 A.M.). Anyway, whatever happens, I must obtain the visa Monday morning (will I get it right away or will I have to wait until Tuesday?), then go to your house and surprise you at the door, which you open. Good heavens. Here my thinking takes a break, but then continues: But what shape will I be in after such a night and the journey, and in the evening I’ll still have to leave on the train that takes 16 hours, what will I look like when I arrive in Prague and what will the director say, whom I’ll have to ask for sick leave once again? Certainly you don’t want all that, but what do you really want? There’s no way out. It occurs to me the only slight relief would be to spend the night in Gmünd and wait until morning before traveling to Vienna and so, already exhausted, I ask the quiet adjutant about a morning train bound for Vienna. There’s one at 5:30 which arrives at 11 A.M. Good, I’ll take that train and so will the Rumanian woman. But suddenly the conversation takes a turn, I don’t know how, at any rate in a flash it’s clear that the little adjutant wants to help us. If we spend the night in Gmünd then the next morning, when he’s alone in the office, he’ll secretly let us through onto the local train to Prague, where we would arrive at 4:00 P.M. But we’re supposed to tell the inspector that we’re taking the morning train to Vienna. Wonderful! Although just relatively wonderful, since I’ll still have to wire Prague. But even so. The inspector arrives, we act out a small comedy about the morning train to Vienna, the adjutant then sends us off, we’re supposed to pay him a secret visit later in the evening to discuss the remaining details. In my blindness I think that all this is your doing, whereas in reality it’s merely the last attack of the opposing forces. So now we slowly leave the station, the woman and myself (the express train which was supposed to have taken us on is still standing there, customs control is taking a long time). How far is it into town? An hour. That too. But it turns out there are 2 hotels at the station, we’ll go to one of them. There’s a track running right next to the hotel, we still have to cross it, a freight train is coming. I want to hurry across the tracks, but the woman holds me back and we have to wait. A minor contribution to our misfortune, we think. But precisely this moment of waiting, without which I would not have made it to Prague on Sunday, is the turning point. It’s as if you had run up and down knocking on all the gates of heaven to plead for me, just as you ran up and down knocking at all the hotels of the Westbahnhof, for now your guard comes running after us down the long path from the station, out of breath, shouting: “Hurry up, come back, the inspector is letting you through!” Is it possible? Moments like that make one choke with emotion. We have to beg the guard ten times before he’ll take any money. But now we have to run back, fetch our luggage from the inspector’s headquarters, run with it to the passport control, and on to customs. But now you’ve already set everything aright; I cannot carry my luggage any further—by chance there’s a porter next to me; at passport control I run into a crowd—the guard clears the way for me; at customs without realizing it I lose the little case with the gold cufflinks—an official finds it and hands it to me. We’re aboard the train and leave at once, at last I’m able to wipe the perspiration off my face and chest. Stay with me always!

a fragment from Kafka’s letter to Milena (Letters to Milena, Franz Kafka) 

[1-800-local-slut]

With a Heavy Heart- Chapter 3

𝒲𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃ℊ𝓈： 𝓈𝓉ℯ𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓃ℊ， 𝓋𝒾ℴ𝓁ℯ𝓃𝒸ℯ 𝒯𝒲： 𝒥*𝒽𝓃 𝒲𝒾𝓃𝒸****ℯ𝓇， 𝒸𝒽𝒾𝓁𝒹 𝒶𝒷𝓊𝓈ℯ （𝒸𝒽𝒾𝓁𝒹 𝓃ℯℊ𝓁ℯ𝒸𝓉， 𝒸𝒽𝒾𝓁𝒹 𝒶𝒷𝒶𝓃𝒹ℴ𝓃𝓂ℯ𝓃𝓉）, 𝒶𝓃ℊ𝓈𝓉，𝓈𝓂ℴ𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔，𝓂ℴ𝓃𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓇𝓈，𝓁𝒾𝓉ℯ𝓇𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓃𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝓊𝓇𝒹ℯ𝓇 𝓁ℴ𝓁， 𝒥ℴ𝒽𝓃’𝓈 𝒶 𝒷𝒶𝒹 𝓅𝒶𝓇ℯ𝓃𝓉 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓌ℯ 𝒶𝓁𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹𝓎 𝓀𝓃ℯ𝓌 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉，𝓂ℴ𝓂𝓂𝓎 𝒾𝓈𝓈𝓊ℯ𝓈

༻༺༻༺༻༺༻༺༻༺༻༺༻༺༻༺༻༺༻༺༻༺༻

August 16th, 1997

Dear diary- It’s been awhile, I know. But I have a lot to tell you, and I hope you're ready to hear about it. So to start off, mom’s been letting me take solos. I only take small , simple ones close to hers. I can’t hunt with her, she’s either always rushing or always in my way. The older I get it, the more it seems like my mom and I should just go our separate ways. This new system has been helping, she just gives me a few hundred dollars, a bus ticket, and sends me on my way if we’re out of state on spring break or something. Then she’ll call me when it's time for us to leave and meet me at whatever shitty diner she picks. I think when I get my own car though, (i’ve been saving up), I probably won’t see her anymore. Or at least not as often.

There won’t be much keeping me attached to her other than her being my mom. That’s starting to lose meaning in itself. Maybe I should wait until I’m 18. I’m going into my senior year, and I’ll take some time off to sort myself out. I don’t want to enter university to early. Two years off won’t really do anything, and once I turn 17 I’ll start applying to colleges. Or I’ll do online. I saw it on the news a few years ago, 1989, University of Phoenix started an online university. I have the proper grades and credentials to get into a good school and thanks to my stubbornness, I was able to stay in Maryland for school all four years. She also leaves me home alone most times. Said she couldn’t stay tied down in one state for too long. That’s her business though. I think she’s been gone for three weeks, right now she’s hunting a wraith in Wyoming. Then afterwards, she has a banshee in Florida. She won’t be back for a while.

She said her only rules are not to let anyone in at night, and keep an eye on any guest I have during the day. We’ve been staying at my Aunt Lacy’s house, she gave it to my mom when my mom told her we were moving here for school. Aunt Lacy left her car here too, but I don’t drive it often. I don’t have my license and I really do have to stay out of trouble here so I usually walk or catch a bus anywhere I need to go.

I like the house. It’s big, we have tons of space, I get my own room and my own room to do research for my cases. There are two guest rooms as well, I’ve been storing stuff in them though. My mom has never been big on research but she’ll do it if she has too or if she’s in the mood. I like research. It’s easy, and makes sense. I have broken her rules though.

Whenever Dean’s in Maryland or passing through, I let him stay here. He comes to visit me whenever he has the chance. Every time he leaves, it's like one of those movies where the woman sends her lover off to war. I don’t feel bad about breaking my moms rules. I personally feel like it’s not her business what I do. She literally chooses not to be here, it’s not like she’ll know. That’s the next thing I have to tell you! Dean’s bus gets here in a few hours, 7:30 in the morning. I’m excited. When Dean comes, it’s like my own little slice of peace in the world. He’s so sweet with me. He takes away the loneliness for just a few days.

Something else that helps with the loneliness is that mom let me get a cat. He was a stray kitten we found in Tallahassee on our move up here. We fought and I ran away over him, because I couldn’t take being alone anymore. She found me and let me keep him. His name is Salem. Salem Grim. I named him after the cat from Sabrina but I feel like the name fits.

He likes to come with me on my nightwalks and when I visit the cemetery. I’ve been going to visit grandpa every now and again. One issue with Salem is that he keeps trying to eat my cigarettes if he gets into my purse. He hasn’t succeeded in the three times I caught him trying.

 Speaking of those, I lost my cigarettes on the bus ride back from my last hunt. I noticed after dinner. I think they fell out of my purse when the driver swerved like a fucking crazy person and I smacked my head on the window. On the bright side, Dean can get them for me when he’s here and I won’t have to steal them from the convenience store. He's finally old enough to look 21 for his fake ID, John won't even bother him about drinking too much anymore either.

And let’s talk about Dean. He gets more and more handsome everytime I see him. I think I have a crush on him, but honestly? I don’t feel like dealing with that. I don’t think I’m ready. I have enough issues of my own to work through, and Dean’s too emotionally constipated to work through his own issues. He has a new girlfriend in every state. I have my own steady trail of broken hearts (plus if I flirt with Maya's older brother enough he'll get me all the cigarettes and hard liquor I want). Plus I don't want to confess then end up looking fucking stupid!

Would he even be loyal if he knew how I felt about him? He cheated on his last girlfriend (who cursed him out when she caught him and honestly she was right but I won’t tell him that) and even though sometimes it feels like he looks at me like I’m the only girl in the world that might not mean anything to him.

I’ll have to hit the grocery store when Dean comes by, he’ll drive in Lacy’s car for me  (I love when Dean drives me around, and does all the heavy lifting. It’s hot) and we’ll go together. I love that part of his visits when he gets to stay here for a while. I’m gonna head to sleep, I have to get him from the bus stop early in the morning. I’ll write more tomorrow.

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Dean stepped off the bus, the warm air touching his skin and he clutched his backpack. He squinted through the sunlight, and glanced around looking for his friend. Friend seemed like a bit of an insult these days considering his feelings, but he shook those thoughts from his head. All Dean was really worried about was getting into her nice, air conditioned house and away from the heat of the Sun.

He walked onto the sidewalk, and noticed a cherry red car across the street with the lovely lady he’s spent so much of his time with but not enough in his opinion. She was leaning against her aunt's cherry red 1969 Mustang convertible. God, she looked better every time he saw her. She had on a pair of cheetah print sunglasses and was chewing on a piece of gum.

He smiled at her, and jogged across the street to meet up with her. 

“Hey sweetheart.” With a coy smile matching his own, she pushed off the car and pulled him into a hug. He felt a pair of soft lips touch his neck right on his pulse. Good God. Part of him hoped she left a stain. He suppressed a pleased hum. Dean took a small chance and slid his hands down her waist. After a few seconds the two pulled apart. 

“How was your bus ride?” She asked him, walking around to the other side of the car and hopping over the door into the passenger's seat. Dean giggled, knowing she’d always let him drive. He liked it that way, it made him feel like he was her man. Even though he was 99.99% sure it was just because he had an actual license, he'd let himself be delusional. He liked his little rendezvous to Maryland. While he didn’t personally like the state, he liked who was in it.

“It was alright. I’m coming in from Maine so it was a bitch and a half getting here. Dad and Sammy are gonna head to Illinois but dad sent me to handle what’s been terrorizing y’all here in the Old Line state.” Dean responded, throwing his bags into the back seat. Right now he was just on a regular ghost hunt, a salt and burn. It’d take him a few days to deal with, but he was gonna stay for about a week. Even if he had to lie to his dad, which he was definitely about to do.

He liked having a place to return too with food in it that wasn’t a shitty motel. He liked having someone walking around in his t-shirts and flannel shirts, cooking breakfast and doing laundry. You know, instead of the three times it sometimes takes him and Sam to do their laundry correctly.

All he had to do was take out the trash at night, wash up the dishes, maybe cut the grass, and do manual labor. He literally does way harder work than that everyday. In return, he got to cuddle up next too the girl of his dreams every night. No other girl in any other state could compare to her. Sure there were a lot, but in each of them he looked for her. In each of them, he’d look for her strong personality, her unbreakable will and some level of the comfort, trust and safety he had with her. And sure he found girls with those traits, but still none of them were her. None of them could ever be her.

“Good. I just got back from a case in Pennsylvania a few days ago. I got jumped by skinwalkers.” She lifted her hair off her shoulder while she slipped her seatbelt on. Dean chuckled, knowing about her hatred of skinwalkers. She said something about them just made her angry, maybe it was the deceit. His eyes stuck to the way her hair framed her beautiful face despite the white bandana she had tied the front of her hair back to keep it from her eyes.

Ever since she stopped wearing her hair in braids all the time, Dean was enamored by her afro. He loved hearing her talk about it too. Learning about the different hair types during a trip to the hair store was strangely the highlight of his week last time he was here. It was big, and as much as she complained about it she also talked about how much she adored her own hair. Dean loved watching her pick her hair out, and comb her hair into braids before sleeping, and put her myriad of products that were in bottles like potions in her hair. He loved the silk texture of her hair ties and bonnets too.

“Is that your way of telling me you’re not riding with me for this one?” She glared at him playfully and then broke out into a smile but the question was a heavy one. Dean knew she hated leaving for hunts in general but, leaving for days plus encountering her least favorite monster? There’s no way she’d want to go find a ghost. He frowned a bit, knowing he’d be alone on the road for at least two days when she was just a few hours away from him. And no one can start a fire faster than her, which was a plus when one needed to light shit on fire.

“It’s my way of saying I will stay in the car and give moral support.” With a large, dramatic grin, Dean playfully rolled his eyes at her smile. Her hair glittered in the sunlight and it matched her beautiful smile. Starting the car, he grabbed the stick shift and reversed the car. 

They cruised down the street making leisure conversation until eventually they pulled up to the gorgeous home. The Sun shone on her skin, painting her a gorgeous sun kissed color. Her lips had gloss on them that Dean just wanted to kiss off. Pulling into the driveway and parking. Dean stepped out first, before he ran around the front of the car.

He popped open the car door for her and she stepped out, uttering a soft ‘thank you’. Handing him his bag, they began to walk up the porch, leaving the car on the street. It would be a few minutes of them in the house before they went to the grocery store, no point reopening the garage. Behind her Dean stopped staring at her from behind for a few minutes, and looked around. The neighborhood was beautiful, one with kids playing up and down the street, some adults rode past on their bikes calling out good mornings. In front of him, the younger huntress called back a good morning to a man on a bike who called out to her.

People knew her here. She had been here long enough for her neighbors to recognize her and wave hello when she got home. Long enough for her neighbors to raise an eyebrow upon seeing Dean go inside with her, clearly knowing it was just her and her mom. Dean felt a pang of jealousy, and another weight settled over him. She had normalcy. Consistency. Neighbors who worried about a strange young man entering her home, who knew that it was just her living in that big house. Who looked out for intruders, out of kindness for their teenage neighbor whose mom was always away working some job that prevented her from being fully present.

The front door unlocked and she pushed it open for Dean. He stepped inside, putting his bag down next to the door. The house was still beautiful, with its usual cozy air. The living room he stood in now was just as welcoming as it was last time he was here.

It was his 18th birthday, with her mom here with his dad and Sammy. They needed help researching a case. That same night Dean snuck out of the guest room and into her room where she left the door unlocked for him. The 16 year old laid on his chest while they watched TV, something simple. He still remembered the comfort her soft pajamas and many sheets gave to his tense muscles. She had asked him, ‘are you scared to turn 18’ and he replied ‘what do I have to be scared of’ and she didn’t answer. Then two hours later, 17 turned to 18 as the clock struck midnight. With a soft kiss to his clothed chest, she wished him a happy birthday.

 January 24th 1997, he laid in the room with her while she snuggled into him. He understood then what he had to be afraid of. Rain poured outside the window, the soft pattering of the rain matched his quickening heartbeat.  He was technically an adult now. He didn’t graduate high school, he didn’t have any other plans with his life that didn’t involve hunting (he honestly gave up quitting long ago but the idea still danced in his brain at times), he didn’t even have a job that gave him money.

What if some day he was given the chance to get out? What would he have then? He wouldn't be able to do anything, as far as the government is aware he just fell off the Earth with his dad and brother after a freak accident that killed his mom. How do you go back into the regular world? Waves of anxiety began to wash over him in just a few seconds and then they were washed away. He felt toned arms squishing him. 

“Happy Birthday, Dean.” She whispered softly. Right. He wasn’t alone. He relaxed his arms and relaxed his tightened grip on her that he didn’t even realize he had. 

“It’ll be okay. You’ll be okay, it’ll work out.” And Dean remembered those words fondly. He remembered how she smiled at him and ran her nails through his hair. That was when. That was the moment when Dean felt his heart swell with comfort and love. She held him through the short waves of panic, and from then Dean knew he wanted no one else in this world. Eventually they drifted off into a calm sleep, and Dean didn’t even wake up to sneak back into his room with his dad and Sammy. For once he let himself sleep in and nothing woke him while he was in her arms. Not Sammy, not his dad, nothing.

Now, Dean was sitting on a soft red porch swing, holding a glass of lemonade.

“Thanks sweetheart. So what’s the agenda for today?” He asked while taking a sip and holding his arm out for her to sit down next to him. She complied, and snuggled into his muscular frame. Dean loved holding her, she always felt like a pillow and smelt like lavender, vanilla and cocoa butter. A muscular arm wrapped around her and she brought her knees up for her chest and pressed her back into his side.

A book was placed down, with a steaming cup of tea on the small table right next to her and her purse right next to it. Wrapping her own arms around her knees Dean admired her face while she thought. Salem jumped up in front of the two and attempted to crawl onto his owner's lap and received head scratches. Dean reached around and gave the loveable cat some affection as well. 

“I was thinking we could hit the grocery store in about an hour, then the deli and the fruit market. I haven’t gone since I came back. Then we can do some research for your case, have dinner and get you set to head out tomorrow.” Of course she thought it all out. One of the many things he loved about her. He nodded and pulled her closer to him while she ran her hands over the fur of Salem.

“Can we get pie?” 

“I already put it on the list. Can you buy me cigarettes?” He hid a smile at hearing she already put his food on the list. It made his heart flutter and he hoped she couldn’t feel it. She frowned and muttered something about sooner rather than later.

“Only if you let me have beers too.” Upon hearing his request she snapped up and turned, slapping him on his chest. 

“Absolutely not! Last time you never finished them. I had to drink four on my own before my mom found them.” Dean laughed at the wagging finger in front of his face. In his defense, last time he had to leave early. John called him, saying Sam came down with a fever and he needed Dean back to help as soon as possible. So he woke her up three days before he planned to leave, told her the news and left to catch a bus to New York.

"Why didn't you just throw them away or give them to one of your friends?" Dean asked through breathless chuckles.

"I panicked and drank them all but then I was drunk and had to just toss the bottles out the window so they'd land in a bush." She laughed, hiding her face in her hands and Dean took special notice to how the Sun caught in her brown eyes. She way her shoulders shook lightly with each inhale.

“You can’t get ‘em without me sweetheart.” With a huff, she then playfully rolled her eyes and went back to leaning against him. Dean was just happy that she relished being around him in any capacity.

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It was dark now. The Sun fully set ten minutes ago, as Dean drove the car filled with groceries down the street. They’d been out all day, getting groceries, trying new food, and when she discovered that Dean only had three pairs of underwear, they went straight to the store to get him some new clothing. Now all they needed to do was pick up dinner, some beers and they’d have themselves a set night. A random song played through the radio. Her eyes were shut in peace while the wind blew across her face. Even at night, the moonlight illuminated her warm skin and kissed her cheeks. 

Returning his focus to the road, Dean continued to drive until he pulled up to a 7-Eleven across the street from a restaurant she told him had some really good Chinese food. Dean didn’t care though, as long as he got food in his body. 

“Get up.” He whispered as he nudged the still girl. He took the chance to stare at her. Her lashes fluttered against her skin and her two toned lips were plump and full. Dean admired her until her eyes quickly shot open. Creepy as shit but he’d let it go.

“Oh are we here?” She asked as she looked at Dean who averted her gaze. 

“We are. Let’s hurry up before the groceries go bad.” Dean repeated his usual habit of opening the door for her and she stepped out. As she laid her head on his shoulder covered in his dads leather jacket, she shook sleep out of her body. Standing still, Dean glanced up at the stars that twinkled through the sky. 

“I’m gonna go order the food. I want Marlboro blacks and nothing else.” With a stretch Dean stuck up a thumb and winked at her. 

“Oooo charming.” She remarked with a teasing smirk while the two separated from the parking lot. Dean entered the 7-Eleven, wandering to the back. He fucked around for five minutes, looking through magazines and CD’s. Then he spent another five debating which slushie he should get and if he even wanted one. He decided against it in the end. He grabbed two six packs of beers, then went up to the cash register. The cashier stared at him with a blank stare that sent a chill through Dean’s spine and activated some bloodlust in him that he only ever got while hunting. Still, it could’ve just been an actual chill. Maybe he was just cold.

“Marlboro blacks.” Dean kept his eyes glued on the woman who blinked up at him for two minutes. Then she broke out into a wild, large smile that allowed Dean to see all of her teeth and gums. He shuddered, as she swung her body around instead of simply turning her neck. Her arms seemed incredibly long, too long and thick for her small body. Like they were trying to change into something else. That certainly wasn’t normal. He licked his lips as his eyes narrowed as he contemplated his choices.

Did he kill it? Interrogate it? As Dean thought, he let his eyes travel to the glass the cigarettes were behind. He was met with purely white eyes in the reflection staring right back at him as a car drove past and the light shone in. Dean’s blood went cold. The woman was no longer smiling, a straight face with deep frown lines, while her long arms opened the display then threw the pack onto the counter behind her.

For a moment Dean was frozen. Completely frozen, which is the number one thing you should never do in an encounter like this. But he had no idea what this was. Did he leave it alone? Did he just run away? Did he say something to it? A few more seconds passed. Suddenly the door opened and in walked his huntress.

“What the fuck is taking you so long?” For some reason she didn’t come inside, but stuck the top part of her body inside.

“Nothing, I was just-” He started as the woman resumed moving around again, and she turned back to face Dean. Her eyes were completely normal and she blinked with a warm smile. 

“I got the food, let’s go.” She was rushing to leave, her mouth set in a deep frown. Dean nodded at her, left 20 dollars on the counter and grabbed a lighter on his way out.

“Thank you! Come again soon!” The ‘woman’ called while the two hunters fled. They made their way back to the car, and Dean didn’t even make sure the door was properly closed before he peeled off into the night, speeding down the empty streets. Glancing back in the rearview mirror, Dean saw two sets of white eyes standing in the street far behind.

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“That bitch was really creepy.” Dean said as he used his chopsticks to eat a piece of chicken.

“The dude I got was weird too. Ain’t nothing normal around here I guess.” She grumbled as she ashed her cigarette and Dean took a sip of his beer.

The two had gotten home, and pulled the car into the garage and unloaded the groceries in silence.  The two took a much needed shower, and Dean saw her putting her hair into four large braids before slipping on a silk bonnet.

Then, after doing the usual nightly routine of locking all the doors and windows, the two were sat in the living room eating dinner while the TV played the weather in the back. A silver hatchet sat next to Dean as he flipped through a book in front of him that was on the coffee table. Next to the huntress's food, was a gun loaded with silver bullets. The two had been reading through the lore now, and realized they had encountered two shape shifters with terrible social skills.

“God, you want one normal night and here come the bums to ruin everything.” She scoffed, taking a drag of her cigarette and blowing out the smoke. She finished eating and opened up her spring rolls, taking a bite out of one before she lifted the book off the table. Folding her legs over the arms of her recliner, she pulled the book into her lap and sighed. Salem once again jumped onto her lap, she pressed a kiss to his forehead and the cat purred, nuzzling his head into his owner. 

“Well, we take care of those two, and you can have all the normal nights you want until the next bottom feeders roll in.” Dean’s green eyes scanned over the page. His brain was unable to focus, feeling fried from all the reading.

“Says here they tend to live in packs.” Read off the young woman but she frowned. Now she had to hunt a pack. Fun. Dean had his own thing, he wouldn’t have time to help her hunt a whole pack. First skinwalkers, and now their freaky ass cousins. With an aggressive sigh, she slammed the book shut and threw it on the floor. It landed with a thud on the rug and she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Aw, don’t pout.” Mocking laughter added to her annoyance. Dean watched her flick her crumbs off her fingers at him. He took his final sip of beer and finished off his first one of the night. He let out a belch with his eyes flickering to her plump lips drinking from the bottle. He shoved a piece of chicken into his mouth and he grinned at her. 

“Let’s look into your ghost guy now.” Dean groaned remembering his own hunt. Son of a bitch, he forgot all about that.

“Ghost AND shape shifters? You should consider moving.” Folding his hands he leaned back against the couch.

“Haha. Come on, I’ll go on my hunt tomorrow, you’ll go on yours and we’ll see each other soon enough.” Dean wasn’t sure when she got up and retrieved her book. But there she was standing over his sitting form with Salem in her hand like he was a baby. Pushing the book into his chest with her free hand, Dean let out a groan of exasperation. 

“Read the book!” She scolded as he began to playfully fight her on the couch. Salem jumped free and Dean took the chance to grab her arms and swing her into his lap.

“No! Read it to me, like a bedtime story.” He pulled her body into his with brute strength and she squealed. 

“Dean no, I have to do my own research!” She was laughing but Dean knew she was right. He rested his chin in the crook of her neck and let out a low grunt. The silk of her bonnet tickling his forehead.

Suddenly the world and his heart beat slowed, and time stopped as they made eye contact. His skin felt warm from the weight of her sitting on him he could notice every little thing. Her breath seemed to hitch, and her eyelashes fluttered.

Dean wanted to slowly, ever so slowly, bring her closer and plant a tender kiss on her lips. It was like this force existed between them, pulling them closer and closer together with each passing second. A The pull felt like it came right from his chest and his eyes wanted to flutter shut on their own for a deep kiss.

Would she hold his face in her hands while he held her hips? Would she turn her body to face his, and place her legs on the side of his? How would she kiss him, slowly? Then, she'd push up against him, and they'd refuse to part for air until totally necessary. His hands would find her thighs and squeeze the soft, doughy flesh and maybe she'd let out a small whimper while he pressed kisses down her neck. Down the front, deeply inhaling her scent and feeling her shudder lightly.

How did they go from playing to suddenly being sucked into their own little world? And how could Dean ever be expected to leave?

She tore her eyes away first and brought her attention back to the book. Right, the book. And the rest of the world. Blinking, Dean was able to clear his mind even if just for two seconds.

Someone had to take care of the two shapeshifters they had encountered tonight as well as the ghost. As much as Dean wanted to kill them himself or even wished he took the chance to fight while he was still in the store, he didn’t. Now he’d probably return to an empty home while she cleared out the shapeshifters.

“Ooorrrr we can go back to the store tonight, kill the shapeshifters, and then tomorrow you can give me that moral support from the car!” He suggested, burying his face in her neck. She rolled her eyes playfully. He should’ve known she wasn’t going to head back out. The  minute they came in she ushered him into the shower, complaining that he smelt like outside and 7-Eleven. She was comfortable in her pajamas and slippers.

“Or, since you’ll miss me so much we can clear out the shifters tomorrow, and then we go do the ghost thing.” Dean’s eyes lit up like it was Christmas. Of course! It was genius! Start up here, catch the two and find their pack if  they were with a pack. In that case, Dean would have to stay and handle them and he’d get to stay with her. If not they’d drive down to Baltimore and get the ghost! Either way they stayed together, it was perfect.

“Of course I’ll help you out sweet heart.” She scoffed and placed her cigarette in his mouth. Taking a drag he exhaled and gave her a toothy grin.

“Okay, let’s head to bed. I leave early for my hunts.” Dean protested as she shut off the TV. When she said early, she without a doubt always meant early. He knows because he remembers the last time everyone was together, and she woke up at 4:30 with her mom for their own hunt and the two were back in time for lunch.

And she stayed true to her word. It was 4:30 when Dean woke up to her rising out the bed, wiggling out of his tight grasp. The two hunters were now in the car, loaded with everything needed to kill a ghost, a shifter, some tupperware containers with lunch (some curry chicken and white rice and he felt honored knowing she remembered his favorite dish of hers) and 4 beers in a cooler. Dean drove silently, the Sun rising as they made their way back to the 7-eleven. At least Dean knew it would be quick. She never had time to converse on her hunts, always preferring to just aim, kill and go back home. Dean could do the interrogating of the other shapeshifter at the food shop. 

“If they aren’t here, I’m gonna give up.” Whispered the girl. Even though it was still incredibly early in the morning, she still looked perfect. Her brown eyes had slight bags under them and she was fidgeting with the ends of the two large braids she neatly plaited her hair into. Her cargo pants slightly twisted around her body and she quickly adjusted them. Pulling up to their location, Dean watched as she pulled out her gun and handed Dean his hatchet.

“You think you’ll need backup?”

“No, a silver bullet and he won’t put up a fight.” Dean found it sexy when she talked like that, all determined and smart. He watched her with a crooked smile and he wet his lips with his tongue. Green eyes scanned her curved figure like they were the last thing they’d ever see. Dean would be very pleased if she was the last thing he ever saw.

“In and out.” He nodded back, feeling the fire pump through his blood that he always got before a hunt. That thrill would never leave Dean, as sick as it was. He was about to do some good, save some lives, and take a few in the process. He watched her cock her gun, as she walked towards the Chinese restaurant and he adjusted his grip on the hatchet, entering the convenience store. Maybe he’d get a slushy on his way out.

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Notes:

And that's part two, I hope you're all enjoying this story so far! Also, weird fact, the title of this was originally 'Apple Pie and Cigarettes' but I kept thinking of Apple Jack from MLP for some reason? It was so weird, cuz I watched that show like 1000s years ago when I was little and I hardly watched it but thats a tiny part of why I changed the title. But part of me really wants to change it back, I liked that title.

Its a way for me to show that Dean and the reader aren't burdened by the weight of the world together, they don't have any expectations together. They can just enjoy themselves with the simple things. They aren't these big serious hunters when their together, their just a normal couple enjoy their vices at the end of the day. Anyways, I'm still considering it <3

Also please let me know if you want to be added to my Dean Winchester taglist or this series taglist in the notes <3

Dean Winchester Taglist:

@roseblue373

@titty-teetee

[inthehytes]

14 is perfect for the season now that it's so dark out, even though you'd have to leave the city to be able to see them

Hi bestie! Thank you for sending this in! This is the first thing I’ve written in months so be kind ya girl is fragile <3

14. kissing under the stars

Anetra’s halfway through her soft pretzel, ripping off small chunks to feed to Sasha while she drives when the rented van starts to sputter and shake. There’s a chorus of protests as she steers them off the deserted desert road and onto the sandy shoulder. They were three hours out of Vegas on a roadtrip to California and according to the map in her lap, twenty miles away from the nearest town or service station.

Aura’s busy shushing everyone when Anetra slips out of the front, motioning for Sasha to pop the hood. A cursory glance over the inner workings of the car reveals nothing out of sorts, the company they used to rent the van having clearly taken very good care of their cars. She’s almost stumped until she climbs back in her spot and leans across the console to take a peek at the dash.

“Is it bad? We’re only an hour or so away from the stop for the night, maybe we can help you fix it enough to get us there?” Anetra can tell Sasha’s worried that it's something she’s done and tries her best to smile reassuringly at her.

“There’s nothing broken per se, we’re just out of gas.” She nods to where a bright light is blinking low fuel next to the gauge that sits below empty.

“Out of gas- we just filled up half an hour ago! How can we be out of gas?” Aura is practically in the front seat with them to get a look at the light herself before turning on the twins that are for once sitting far too quietly. “Spice, Sugar, who pumped the gas?”

“Sugar did!” Spice’s answer is almost immediate.

“No sweetie, I told you to because I had to go to the bathroom. You even asked which one to pick.” Sugar’s rolling her eyes at her sister, already turning back to the others despite the deep breath Spice takes to no doubt argue.

“Well either way we don’t have any gas and unless one of y’all are willing to walk all the way to the next town and back we aren’t getting any tonight.” Anetra cuts in before the youngest two girls can start to argue.

“Why can’t we just call a tow truck or get the others to bring us some?” Spice is practically balking at the notion of spending the night in the cramped van on the side of the road.

“Check your phone, we lost service an hour ago while you both were napping.” Aura rolls her eyes, unbuckling her seatbelt and climbing over Spice’s lap to get out of the van.

“Well where are you going?” Sugar calls after her, twisting around in the seat to watch Aura round the back of their van. She sorts through their bags quickly and comes up with a large black duffel bag.

“I’ve got a tent! We can’t all sleep in the van.” She shrugs like everyone isn’t looking at her like she’s got three heads. “I was a cub scout as a kid. Always gotta be prepared.”

Anetra and Sasha somehow miraculously end up getting the van to themselves, and despite the cramped space Anetra couldn’t complain. She’s got Sasha curled into her side, their heads resting on a few hoodies fashioned into a makeshift pillow.

“What a way to start the summer.” She can just make out Sasha’s grin in the growing darkness of the van.

“Definitely not the way I thought it would start. Remind me next time to get in the car with Loosey and Luxx.” Anetra jokes, tangling their fingers together where they lay on her stomach. “Though it is a little romantic if you think about it.”

“How is getting stranded in the desert with our idiot friends romantic?” Anetra doesn’t even need any light to know Sasha’s rolling her eyes even through the fondness leaking into her voice.

“Because at least for now it's you and I, together, alone. Nothing but the stars above us. Think about it, when was the last time we were somewhere that we could see the stars.”

“You’re an idiot.” Sasha grips Anetra’s hoodie, tugging her close enough to steal a kiss from her.

“You love me.” Anetra teases when they part though she chases Sasha’s lips even as she says it.

“I’d love you a lot more if you’d let me be the little spoon tonight.”

“When aren’t you?”

[enid-rhees]

— i found you ; elisia brown x fem!reader

— summary ; the monkeyman situation tore you guys apart, but brought you and Elisia closer.

you were tired. but it was over.

that’s what you tried to tell yourself, at least. you couldn’t bring yourself to look at your phone. that fear has paralyzed you. every time it rang, or a message came through, you felt paralyzed by fear.

you couldn’t close your eyes. if you did, everything replayed in your head. the screams, gunshots, crying. everything. you didn’t want to live like this anymore.

after tossing and turning for hours, you’ve had no luck getting to sleep. you wondered if this is how your life would be for the rest of time.

your phone buzzed. it lit up, illuminating part of your room, but you couldn’t turn your head to face it. your heart started to beat impossibly fast. this has to be over, you told yourself. then it buzzed again. and again.

the seconds it took for your hand to reach for your phone were heart-stopping. your finger clicked the on button, showcasing 3 messages.

Elisia 🖤: are u awake?

Elisia 🖤: Jake isn’t home. i don’t wanna be alone

Elisia 🖤: i can’t sleep . i still feel everything

you stared at the messages. your heart was still racing, but not because of your fear, but because Elisia texted you. you couldn’t deny that you fell for her in the midst of everything. your fingers worked quickly to unlock your phone and open her messages.

you: im awake, cant sleep either

you: i’m on my way, i’ll be there soon. 🖤

it didn’t take long for Elisia to respond.

Elisia 🖤: 🖤

you got out of bed and slipped on a pair of jeans before grabbing your keys from your bedside table and crawling through your window. you carefully made your way down the side of your house and ran to your car.

the drive to Elisia’s place wasn’t far from yours, which became a convenience for both of you while you tried to figure out who Monkeyman was, or like tonight, when you or Elisia didn’t want to be alone.

you pulled into the lot of Elisia’s trailer house. her cousin owned it, but he was always out doing something. the door opened when you got out of your car, and Elisia ran down the steps and engulfed you in a hug.

stumbling back against your car, you wrapped your arms around Elisia. you breathed in her scent, immediately feeling safe in her arms. “you’re okay, Els. i’m here.” you whispered. “let’s get inside.”

Elisia took you inside and led you to her room. you’ve been here more than anyone else. you sat on her bed, and she followed. “i don’t really have anything for us to do, i just… i couldn’t be alone. i’m so scared.” Elisia whispered, her voice cracking, and you could feel your heart breaking piece by piece.

“it’s okay. i’m more than happy to stay with you, Els. you know that. i’ll stay here forever if you wanted me to.” Elisia let out a small laugh at that, “only if you could.” she said quietly, barely inaudible. “we’re safe when we’re together. no one can hurt us.” you told her.

she looked up into your eyes. you felt weak just by her gaze. the effect she had on you was insane. “i don’t think i can ever… be away from you any longer.” she suddenly said to you. “everything that happened… we stayed together during everything. and i never want to be separated from you. ever again.”

you took her face in your hands, your thumbs caressing her pink-tinted cheeks. “i’m so glad i found you. maybe not under the best circumstances, but i found you, Elisia. and i don’t think i can be away from you either. ever.”

a few moments of silence went by, and then Elisia slowly leaned forward, and her lips were on yours. you kissed back with force, moving your hands down to her waist, and you pulled her on your lap. the kiss went on for another minute, and then you both pulled away and Elisia rested her forehead on yours as she started to catch her breath. “i love you.” she whispered breathlessly.

you kissed her head, her cheeks, her nose, her neck, her wrists, and her lips again. “i love you too. i’ve never been more sure of something before. i’m in love with you, Els.”

she wrapped her finger around yours. “whatever happens next, if something ever does happen, we will get through it. together.” she vowed.

you nodded, “together.”

[my-head-is-an-animal]

Home Calling

Talos x Original Female Character/Keller x Original Female Character

Chapter 3

Fury would never understand it, he would never really understand why I never wanted to see Keller again. There was a memory I’d buried deep inside me, one even I would have a hard time finding. Something happened that I’d decided was best left alone, forgotten. And I trusted that instinct more than anything.

    Talos was interesting, he was warm and kind. He seemed to be someone who had a lot of things to deal with on the inside. I wondered a lot about him, where he came from and what he was doing here on Earth, but I suspected I would eventually find out.

    That was the problem with this so called gift, at some point, whether intentional or not, I touch everyone. Of course, the only exception as far as I was aware was Keller. I never dared go near him, not for any reason. Fury and Hill had been an accident once, but I buried those memories and refused to access them again, I wasn’t sure if they believed me or not.

    ‘Maybe it’s best you stay here then.’ Talos suggested. ‘If we’re expecting company we don’t want our best player put out of action. We can bring the suspect to a safe location and, as long as you’re okay with it, you can do your thing and find out what we need to know.’

    You hated the shudder that travelled down your spine, something about him asking permission to use you, had you thinking on Keller, but your reaction seemed somewhat out of place.

    ‘We might not have time.’ Fury argued, leaning forward on his knees. ‘The attack will happen in a few hours and we still don’t know where exactly. We can’t waste time transporting terrorists.’

    There was an awkward silence in the room, before Talos turned to me with a sympathetic look.

    ‘What’s the worst thing that will happen if you come into contact with someone before we capture this guy?’ He asked with a genuine curiosity.

    ‘Erm…’ I couldn’t help but hold his bright blue gaze. ‘It depends, if it’s someone older than fifty, it can be quite disorientating, draining. Older than eighty and I could pass out before I can be of use.’

    Talos turned away, disappointed. ‘Fifty?’ He confirmed and I nodded, confused. ‘So, you mean to tell me that if you come into contact with someone who is say, one hundred and thirty-six in human years-‘

    ‘Best case scenario, I could slip into a coma.’ I confirmed. ‘I take it that’s how old you are?’

    ‘Yeah.’ Talos breathed, sitting back to think. ‘The Skrull we’re looking at is around one hundred and ten years old, relatively young still by our standards, but I’m not confident that you’ll still be standing by the time we’re done.’

    The room took a collective breath, when suddenly I remembered something.

    ‘I still have a syringe.’ I turned to Talos, who frowned. ‘One of Keller’s. It could help to limit the effects?’

    ‘What syringe?’ Hill asked, also leaning forward curiously.

    ‘Keller tried to dull my abilities,’ I explained. ‘He came up with a few different variations on the drug to try and stop me absorbing memories altogether, but he was only able to dull it for a short while. It might work long enough to get what you need, at least limit the damage it’ll do.’

    ‘It could just delay it though.’ Talos shook his head. ‘It’s too risky.’

    ‘What do you think the chances are?’ Fury asked, ignoring Talos’s concerns.

    ‘Fifty-fifty.’ I shrugged.

    ‘I think it’s worth it.’ Hill made her vote clear, and we all turned to Talos.

    ‘I think this is a very bad idea.’ He shook his head.

    It was somewhat settled, Talos would escort me back to my flat to get the last syringe while Fury and Hill tracked down the Skrull they were looking for, by the time we were done, we’d be able to capture him and interrogate him.

    ‘Why are you so against this?’ I asked, watching Talos drive strangely well for someone who wasn’t from around here.

    He gave me an odd look as if it were obvious, one I recognised all too well. ‘Because it could kill you.’ He exclaimed.

    I half laughed. ‘Would that be such a bad thing?’ I asked. ‘I’d finally find a bit of peace in my pathetic life and no one would be bothered by me. I wouldn’t get in anyone’s way or-‘

    ‘Keller would miss you.’ Talos interrupted me, shaking his head. How could he say that? ‘Look, I don’t know why you ran away, but it’s pretty clear to me that you both care for each other, otherwise he wouldn’t be sending you drugs to help you and you certainly wouldn’t look at me the way you do.’

   ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

    ‘It means… my wife used to look at me the same way.’ Suddenly his whole demeanour changed. He was in pain and it was fresh by the looks of things. Talos looked like a man who had lost far too much in such a short amount of time, there was nothing I could do about it.

    ‘I’m sorry.’ I mumbled.

    ‘For what?’ He asked, still annoyed. ‘For my wife? For Keller? Or for wanting to throw your life away so carelessly?’

    I didn’t have an answer.

    ‘I’m sorry as well.’ He sighed. ‘I didn’t mean to get angry or upset you. I don’t know you and I don’t know what happened between you and Keller. But it is obvious, no matter how far down you’ve buried that memory, that something did happen, and I have never seen anything good come from burying that kind of emotion.’

    We sat in silence the rest of the way. Talos led the way up to my flat and deemed it safe enough for me to go in and find the last syringe. He suggested packing a bag as well, I wouldn’t be coming back for a while. For whatever reason, I shoved two bottles of whiskey into the rucksack as well as clothes. I didn’t have much use for anything else.

  If you liked this, please consider supporting me ☕ thanks for reading!

[numinousmysteries]

Vanquish by Wisdom Hellish Wiles (5/9)

Started this 6 years ago after first seeing the trailer for season 11. Takes place immediately after MSII and ignores all of S11. On AO3 Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

@today-in-fic

East. William had to head east. He didn’t know exactly where, but he felt the direction tugging at him like the needle on a compass. After examining the bus schedule at the small station in town and counting up the cash and change in his wallet, he decided to take a local bus to Casper and then transfer to the Greyhound headed to St. Louis. He technically only had enough money for a ticket to Omaha, but that still left him with nearly 10 hours of time to think.

The local bus to Casper was nearly empty. William didn’t make eye contact with the driver, but the older man didn’t seem to care or even notice that a teenager was boarding alone in the middle of a school day. The driver pulled the door close and started driving away from the station before William even had a chance to sit down. 

He chose a seat toward the back and leaned his head against the cool glass of the window. Think . He commanded his brain to summon up something, anything, that could give him a clue how to find his parents but he didn’t see anything. Thoughts were racing through his mind so quickly that it almost seemed like he wasn’t thinking at all. He struggled to picture the red-haired woman he knew to be his mother, or the man on the beach, but their faces were blurred and distorted in his mind’s eye. 

As the bus pulled up to the next stop he considered getting off and turning around. Maybe this was a mistake and he should have gone with Monica. At least she had a plan and he could learn more before deciding if he wanted to be a part of it. But then he remembered looking into the eyes of the man on the beach, the man he knows is his father, and he felt more determined than ever that he had to find his parents.

Oddly, two men in suits and sunglasses board the bus at the next stop. William looks up nervously from his seat in the back and see them approach the driver. He looks down at his lap to try to seem inconspicuous.

“We have to hold you here for a moment. We’re doing a sweep for illegal border crossers,” said one of the suited men.

Border crossers? In Wyoming? William frowned to himself. That didn't make any sense. 

“Do what you gotta do,” said the driver, clearly apathetic to whatever was going on. 

The men started making their way down the aisle giving cursory glances to the handful of other passengers. William kept staring at his hands on his lap hoping to avoid their attention.

“Son,” the first man said as he approached William. He has a square jaw, buzzed short hair and was still wearing his sunglasses with mirrored lenses. “Do you have any identification?”

“Um, I have my learner’s permit?” William said hesitantly but made no move to retrieve it from his backpack. 

“William, you’re going to have to come with us,” said the second man, impatiently. 

“How do you know my name?” William felt his heart racing and he clutched his backpack closer to his chest as if it had any power to protect him.

“We don’t have time for this, William.” It was the second man again. He was taller than his companion and with slightly longer hair but the same suit and sunglasses. “It’s in your best interest to come with us.” 

William didn’t budge. He froze in place staring straight ahead at the seat in front of him when he felt hands on his arms pulling him up out of the seat. The first man lifted him up by the sleeves of his sweatshirts and dragged him up the aisle.

“Help!” William cried out, but the handful of other passengers avoided his eyes and the bus driver only gave him a shrug before the men pushed him down the stairs.

The driver closed the bus door behind him and started driving away. 

“What’s going on?” William felt his heart racing. The plan to work with Monica and his grandfather had all seemed manageable when he was sitting in her office discussing it, but this reality felt new and scary. 

"Your grandfather was very upset you didn’t show up to meet him today,” said the shorter man. “He sent us to come get you.”

“But how did you find me?”

The two men grinned at each other and William’s eyes flitted between them.

“You think a powerful man like your grandfather doesn’t have eyes everywhere?” said the taller man. “Now come on, they’re expecting you.” 

The two men grabbed William from either side and shoved him toward a black sedan waiting in the bust stop parking lot. He looked around to see if there was anyone he could cry out to for help, but the rest of the lot was abandoned. He ducked his head as the shorter man pushed him into the backseat while the taller man got into the driver’s seat. As the driver sat down his jacket opened up and William could see a holstered gun in his belt. 

He swallowed hard. This was really happening. Two armed men had kidnapped him and were taking him to meet his supposed grandfather so he could help him survive an alien invasion. If he weren’t so terrified in the moment he would have laughed because it all sounded so insane. Instead, he stared out the window as the car pulled out of the parking lot and onto the highway. 

They drove in silence for more than an hour, headed east on Route 26 with nothing to see but empty fields and blue skies. 

“No gas stations in this state?” The driver said as he turned to the shorter man in the passenger seat. 

Not much of anything here , William wanted to respond but was still too paralyzed by terror to speak. 

“Might have to turn off the highway,” said the shorter man.

“No!” William called out from the backseat. “There’s a big service station in a few miles. I’ve been down this way with my parents before. I think so, anyway.”

“Want to be more specific?” asked the driver.

“Um, I don’t remember. But it’s coming up. Don’t get off the highway,” William said. He was only vaguely confident in this. He knew that he’d driven on this road with his parents before and there were gas stations sparsely spread out. He also knew he’d have a better chance of finding someone who could help him at a busy highway rest stop rather than a single-pump gas station in a rural Wyoming town.

“He doesn’t remember,” said the shorter man with a chuckle. “Kid’s supposed to be the savior of all mankind and he can’t give us solid directions.” 

“Well, we’ll take your word for it, kid,” said the driver. “Not like we have any better ideas.” 

William held his breath as the miles ticked by until finally he saw a large service station with a rest stop on the horizon.

“There you go,” said the driver who spotted it nearly at the same time. “Maybe he’s psychic after all.” 

They pulled up to a pump at the gas station and the driver got out to fill up the car. 

“Can I, um, go to the bathroom?”William asked. 

The shorter man in the passenger seat sighed and then said, “Fine, but I’m coming with you. And don’t try anything stupid.”

The rest stop wasn’t extensive, just a small coffee shop and a single-person bathroom. The shorter man peeked into the bathroom first and then, after finding no windows or other means of escape, pushed William inside.

“Be quick,” he said. “I’ll be right outside.” 

William walked in, locked the door behind him, and tried to come up with a plan. 

Growing up, his ability to see what others were thinking or subtly move objects with his mind would come and go. His “therapy” with Monica was all about learning to focus his power by tuning out all external stimuli. She also helped him unlock a new skill—how to subtly shift other people’s perception and create a new reality. He could use it to make himself appear to be someone else or even make himself, in the eyes of others at least, invisible.

He still hadn’t quite mastered this newest ability, but If there were a time he needed to do it, it was now.  Like water , he reminded himself, flow like water . Monica had a hippy-dippy way of speaking that could make him laugh but some of her sayings stuck with him. He took a deep inhale and closed his eyes, imagining the atoms of his physical body shifting into a fluid state. 

Then he opened the bathroom door. He stared straight at the shorter man sent to guard him but there was no look of recognition. Instead, the man looked puzzled. He swiveled his head from side to side, searching. 

It worked, William thought to himself. He wasn’t sure how long he could make this last so he took advantage of the moment and sprinted through the rest stop and back out into the parking lot. The driver was still filling up the car and didn’t even look up when the door to the service station swung open. 

He reached into his pocket for his phone but then realized contacting his family or anyone else could potentially put them in danger. There was also the chance he was being tracked by his phone. With that thought, he took the phone out of his pocket and tossed it across the lot. The sound of it hitting the pavement caught the attention of the driver at the car and he looked up but didn’t register William.

The lot was sparsely populated and William evaluated his options. Two semi trucks were parked around the other side of the building. He ducked in between them and concentrated on reorienting himself to sensory details, the feeling of the wind on his skin, the smell of gasoline from the pumps, just like Monica had taught him, to bring himself back into his own body.

“You lost?” he heard a voice and nearly jumped in shock. William spun around and saw a truck driver peering at him from the window in the cab. 

“I- I was on a field trip….with my school and I think the bus left without me,” he said.  

“Anyone you can call?” asked the driver.

“I don’t have my phone.” 

“Well, do you know where they were headed?”

“Um, South Carolina?” William heard the words as if someone else was speaking them. Where did that come from? he wondered.  

“Damn.” The driver whistled. “That’s a long drive. Well, I can take you as far as Chicago if that helps.” 

“That’d be a huge help, thanks, sir,” he said.

“No problem. Hop in.”

William climbed up to the passenger side of the cab.

“I’m Jake by the way,” said the driver.

“William,” he said. 

Jake started up the engine and turned the truck toward the highway. William glanced back at the parking lot and saw the two men who’d taken him from the bus standing in front of their car arguing. Neither paid any attention to the semi-truck driving away.

William tried focusing on the images in his mind of his birth mother. He didn’t know why, but he felt confident that he had to find her—and his biological father—to learn the truth.

[fan-a-saurus-rex]

Hands to Myself | Part 3

Plot: A few months have passed and none of your friends have suspected a thing about you and Harrison. Out of the blue he surprises you with a trip to the Greek island of Skopelos, the same island where the movie Mamma Mia was filmed. Alone time on an island far away from home will only fuel the fire of your relationship.

Pairing: Harrison Osterfield x Reader

Warnings: swearing, smut

Masterlist

* * * * *

“Seriously?!” I asked excitedly

“Yes babe, seriously, we’re going to Greece” he said smiling at me.

“When?” I asked

“We leave in 12 hours” he said chuckling at my excitement.

I smiled wide and jumped into his arms to hug him. He hugged me back “just the two of us, on an island far away from home, for two weeks”

I kissed his cheek “we should get packed” I said

He nodded “we should get some sleep too, we have an early flight”

“You gonna be able to keep your hands off me tonight?” I asked giggling

“I’ll try to behave” he said smirking.

We went into the bedroom and started to get some things around. In the past month, I had secretly moved into Harrison’s flat. I already spent so much time here anyway that moving in just made sense.

As we packed, I could feel that all too familiar urge pulling me towards Harrison. I wanted so badly to kiss him right now, but we needed to pack and at least attempt to get some sleep. I shook off the feelings and continued with my bags, reminding myself that I had two carefree weeks with him on a warm Mediterranean island.

After packing we had a quick dinner and promptly went to bed. As usual I kissed him goodnight, but had a hard time pulling myself away from his lips.

“Babe we need to sleep” he said chuckling against my lips.

“Just a few more minutes” I said giggling

“Fine” he said smirking against my lips, before kissing me back.

I smirked and kissed him deeply, climbing on top of him so I was straddling his torso. I could tell he was getting a bit turned on because he practically melted underneath me, cupping my face in his hands as he kissed me passionately. I was a bit turned on as well, but I knew we had to get some sleep.

I pulled away after a few more minutes and laid back down beside him. He pulled me closer to him, the two of us drifting off to sleep.

• • • • •

The next morning the alarm went off at 5:30am. We got dressed and loaded our bags into the car. We drive to the airport and went through the tedious process of checking our bags in and going through security. Eventually our 6:30am flight was ready to board. We had a 4 hour flight and a 45 minute ferry ride ahead of us before finally arriving in paradise for two weeks.

Once the flight had taken off I cuddled into Harrison’s side as we watched a movie on my phone. Even though I’d slept all night I was still pretty tired and ended up falling asleep. I woke up a few hours later to realize we’d be landing soon. I smiled excitedly looking out the window as we landed.

After getting off the plane and getting our bags we caught a cab to the nearest port and got on a ferry to take us to the island. I held onto Harrison’s hand as the ocean air blew around us on the boat ride. I could see the island in the distance and started to get even more excited.

Once we arrived on the island we grabbed our bags and boarded a Jeep, the driver taking us to the bungalow that Harrison has booked for us to stay in. It was amazing! It had a balcony that overlooked the ocean, a large king sized bed, and was in close proximity to the beach and other fun places to explore.

“Oh my god I can’t believe we’re staying here for 2 weeks!” I said excitedly as I looked out over the ocean.

“You like it?” I heard Harrison ask, smiling as he walked outside to see me

“I love it” I said wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him softly.

He kissed back for a few minutes before pulling away. “Would you like to get some lunch and head down to the beach?” He asked.

“Yes!” I said smiling.

“I figured you’d want food before doing anything” he said chuckling and taking my hand. We went down into the town and chose a small cafe near our bungalow.

We ordered some gyros and iced tea, eating outside on the patio to take in the sites. The town was small and cute, but with lots to do. The streets were bustling with people going to the shops and site-seeing.

After we finished eating we left a nice tip for our waitress then walked back to the bungalow to get ready to go to the beach.

I put on one of my new bikinis then went back to the bedroom to look for my sandals. Harrison walked into the room as I was I sliding my flip flops on and wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Baby?”

“Yeah?” I asked, looking up at him.

He smirked at me “you look really hot in that bikini”

I smiled “thank you”

“You ready to go for a swim?” He asked kissing my cheek.

I nodded and grabbed his hand. The beach wasn’t very busy, but we were on a resort, so this plot of beach wasn’t open to the public, just the people staying at the local bungalows.

The water was super clear and blue and just the right temperature. I waded out into the shallow water, up to my hips and looked out at the sailboats in the distance.

I looked over at Harrison who seemed to be more interested in looking at me than the boats.

“Enjoying the view?” I asked teasingly.

“Definitely” he said chuckling, walking closer to me.

I splashed him playfully when he got close enough to me.

“Oh I see how it’s gonna be” he said laughing and splashing me back.

I squealed and we continued to splash each other until I realized he had gotten close enough for me to feel the heat from his skin. I looked up at him and he leaned down to kiss me.

I kissed back, knowing all too well that he was just doing this as a distraction. Soon enough, almost as soon as I predicted it, he picked me up and dragged me out into deeper water.

I couldn’t help but giggle a bit. He was significantly taller than me so even though the water was up to his shoulders, I wouldn’t be able to stand with my head above water. I wrapped my legs around his waist and pressed my forehead to his.

“You’re all mine for 2 weeks” he whispered

“I’m always yours” I said giggling

“True, but here we don’t have yo worry about getting caught, nobody knows us here”

I smiled “that is true”

“Which mean we can do this whenever we want…” he whispered before kissing me softly.

I smiled and kissed him back tangling my fingers in his wet hair. The kids got deeper and the all too familiar feeling of butterflies in my stomach hit me like a truck. I moaned softly, but loud enough for him to hear.

“Let’s go back to the room…” he whispered against my lips.

I bit my lip “I want you so bad”

With that he carried me into to shallower water and put me back down. He put his arm around me leading me back towards to the bungalow.

As soon as we ascended the stairs and got inside his lips were back on mine, his hands grabbing onto whatever they could get ahold of.

I pulled off his swim trunks as he untied my bikini top and the sides of my bikini bottoms. I wrapped my arms around his waist and he pinned me to the wall, kissing my neck.

I moaned softly, slowly reaching down and taking his semi-hard member in my hand, rubbing it slowly.

“Fuck babe” he groaned as he kissed down to my breasts, taking one in his mouth. I rubbed him harder and he groaned against my chest. I continued rubbing him faster, feeling him getting harder in my hand.

After a few minutes he picked me up and pinned me to the bed. I watched as he lined himself up to my center and slid in. We both moaned at the sudden contact with each other.

He started thrusting slowly at first but my small moans drove him crazy. He started going faster and deeper, which drove both of us insane.

“Fuck, Harrison! It feels so good!” I moaned

“Mm, you’re so tight!”

I moaned loudly, wanting more. More of his hands, more of his moans, more of his dirty words.

“Tell me about your fantasies” I breathed out “tell me about all the things you’ve ever wanted to do with me but never have”

He groaned, most likely thinking about it. “I’ve always wanted to fuck you in a public place” he groaned, thrusting deep. “The fear of getting caught is hot”

I moaned, thinking about it “we should do that while we’re here, sneak off into a quite alley”

“Ugh, babe, don’t tease me with that thought”

“I’m not teasing, I want to do it” I whispered in his ear.

“Fuck” he groaned.

I could tell it pushing him over the edge. His thrusts got deeper and harder, causing me to moans loudly. I was seeing stars.

“Babe, don’t stop” I said almost to my breaking point.

He continued going and I could tell he was close. We were both covered in sweat, panting and moaning each other’s names, so loudly the people in the nearby bungalows could probably hear. I figured they’d better get used to it, we were here for two weeks and couldn’t keep our hands off each other. In fact, I could tell that this wouldn’t be the only time we’d end up having sex today.

“Baby! I’m there!” He groaned, seconds before I felt his hot load dumping inside me.

“Harrison!” I moaned loudly, hitting my climax seconds later.

We both laid there panting, trying to catch our breath. I looked up at him and he smiled, kissing me softly. I kissed back, running my hands through his still damp hair.

“Shit, I love you” he said softly.

I smiled “I love you too”

It wasn’t the first time we had told each other that. We said it quite often actually, but whether or not those words held any truth was still a mystery to both of us. We did love each other, but in what way we were still unsure, but I had a fairly good idea of how I was feeling.

He played with my hair, running his fingers through it. “I’m glad I met you. You make me happier than anyone ever has”

I blushed “before I met you, I was lonely, pretending to be content with my life”

“Me too. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me”

I bit my lip “do you really love me?” I asked

“Of course I do”

“For real?” I asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Do you love me, or are you in love with me?”

“At this point, I’m pretty sure I’m falling in love with you” He said, rubbing my cheek with his thumb.

I blushed and smiled “really?”

“Do you love me?” He asked

“Yes, and I’m falling deeper everyday” I said cupping his cheeks in my hands.

He smiled wide and kissed me passionately. We didn’t need to speak anymore words at this point. We both knew where this was headed and there was no turning back now.

* * * * *

To be continued…

[courtneygacha]

Swapped pt.4

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 5

“This would be so much easier if you just tell us where you live!” Friend groaned in the driver’s seat.

“I can’t tell you that! For my safety and my teams!” Smallest Teammate said defiantly from the backseat.

“We’ve been driving in circles for 45 minutes! And you’re forgetting we’re ALSO MISSING SOMEONE!” Friend yelled back.

“I don’t want to get kidnapped again! You guys could give away my address and make my team relocate again!”

“Technically, we already have kidnapped you. It’s just probably not your… usual.” Other Friend said.

“And besides, if we wanted to kidnap you, we would’ve been INTERROGATING YOU BY NOW!” Friend yelled.

“You ARE interrogating me! This is a kidnapping!” Smallest Teammate gasped.

“If you’re so scared, why don’t you CALL YOUR TEAM AND WE CAN GET THIS OVER WITH?!”

“I don’t have a phone and neither does my team!!”

“That’s exactly why stuff like this keeps happening to you!!!”

“Both of you stop it!” Other Friend said. “This is the loudest this car’s ever been, and with a stranger in it too!”

Other Friend pointed their finger at Friend. “You’re at a 10, you need to bring it to a 5… maybe a 3 because it’s you.”

They then turned around and directed their words to Smallest Teammate. “Listen, we’re not trying to kidnap you, we’re trying to get you to safety. However, we’re also missing someone and we need the chance to look for them. Can you please tell us at least the neighborhood you live in so we could maybe drop you off at the front?”

Smallest Teammate shook their head. “I don’t wanna get kidnapped again. And I don’t live in a neighborhood, I live on a street.”

“Ugggh!” Friend groaned.

“Well… it’s a start.” Other Friend sighed, with a little bit of optimism “Friend, drive around some streets and we’ll see if any of them belong to Smallest Teammate.”

“We’re probably gonna end up driving past the one they live in several times because they won’t TELL US ANYTHING!”

“Again with the yelling! Stop it!” Other Friend ordered. Friend let out an angry sigh and focused back on the road. The car was in silence for some time before Other Friend’s phone began to buzz in their pocket. Upon checking it, it revealed Civilian’s name flashing on the screen.

“Oh my god! They answered finally!” Other Friend said as they pressed the green answer button.

Civilian’s voice came through almost immediately. They sounded panicked. “Hello???”

“Civilian! Where are you? Where were you? Where did you go? Me and Friend were looking everywhere for you!”

“I’m being interrogated please help-!” They said.

Other Friend blinked, trying to process. Friend, who was listening, loudly exclaimed, “I’m sorry, WHAT?”

“Yeah uh… I zoned out, like you guys told me not to, and ended up getting into a stranger’s car and I thought I was with you guys but I realized too late that I wasn’t and they also realized I wasn’t their… god, what did they keep calling me?” Civilian explained.

The wheels in Other Friend’s mind were starting to turn.

Oh boy…

“Civilian, did they perhaps keep calling you uh…” They looked to the backseat, “Smallest Teammate?”

“Yes! That was it! They thought I was that and I thought they were you guys. Then when they realized I wasn’t… whoever, one of them tased me and-“

Friend gasped and yelled over the phone “You got tased?!?”

Smallest Teammate, now just realizing what was happening, started cackling. “Oh god this is the funniest kidnapping I’ve had!”

Civilian’s voice was heard again. “Who was that?”

Other Friend sighed, “We might’ve accidentally swapped you with that… Smallest Teammate person…”

The phone went silent, which the three could only assume was Civilian putting the pieces together. Finally, they said “Screw you guys, damnit!”

Friend and Smallest Teammate both burst out laughing. “This is not funny! I’ve been interrogated for that past half hour about this ‘Whumper’ guy that I literally have never heard of!” Civilian argued.

Other Friend chuckled; this was kind of funny. “Okay well, Smallest Teammate is being particularly stubborn and not giving us the place we can drop them off at. Do you know where you are?”

Civilian tried to answer, but started panicking. “Oh god, they’re coming back!”

“Wait, who’s coming back?”

The sound of someone potentially kicking down a door was faintly heard through the phone. Civilian whimpered and hung up.

Friend and Other Friend call their name but once the call ended without an answer, they both groaned loudly.

Smallest Teammate was trying to stifle their giggles in the backseat. Eventually, they spoke. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you my address now.”

Friend nearly slammed on the breaks. “Wait, really?”

“Yeah, from what I’ve heard, it is not fun to be interrogated by my Team Leader.” Smallest Teammate said.

Taglist: @whumpy-whump-fanfics @bookbutterfly9 @whatwhumpcomments @whumpdreamz @diamond-flavored-whump @zoethehead @annoyinghairdoranchhumanoid-blog @astr0-mj

[hankwritten]

A Tavern Named Keep [3/6]

Demoman-centric Modern AU

[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

In a small uni-town in New Mexico, DeGroot Keep serves liquor and succor to an eclectic yet loyal group of patrons, and has for many years. The Keep owes its success to its equally colorful owner, who always seems to know what you need—whether that be a stiff beer or a word of advice. But, between setting up his patrons or sifting through his friends’ problems, will Tavish remember to take care of himself?

Above the façade front door of DeGroot Keep is an unreachable third floor, its purpose assumed by those who walk the streets below to be some sort of attic or perhaps storage space, if they wonder about it at all. What Tavish conceals above the stairs in the back of the kitchen is actually, in fact, his apartment, boasting one room and a claustrophobic little bathroom added sometime during the 20th century. It’s space enough for him: there’s a desk computer, a bed, a half-sized bookshelf crammed with fantasy paperbacks, and a tinkering table whose purposes are better left undisclosed. (Privacy is not the only reason the kitchen stairs are hidden. Such is the lot of men with less than legal hobbies.)

If you were to ask if he wants for anything, he might complain that he isn’t able to move the coffee maker upstairs, but requests for further elaboration would be met with a dispassionate shrug. The kitchen isn’t so far, and what he lacks in elbow room he makes up for in convenience; everything he needs in the morning is only an arm’s length away. The way Tavish usually starts his day is by getting his shower in, shaving, and dressing all within the span of a half-hour, barely moving outside a few cubic meters.

The way Tavish does not usually start his day is with the unhallowed ringing of the landline he uses to make international calls to his mother every Saturday. The digital clock reads 6:46 in the watery light from the circular attic window, but it could be the witching hour for all Tavish wants to get out of bed. But out of bed is the only place he can silence the infernal thing, so up he gets.

“Hello,” he grumbles his barely contained contempt into the receiver, rubbing rheum from his eye.

On the other side, there is heavy breathing.

A sterner man would have assumed he was being punked. A less stern man would have gone and grabbed the rosary from his dresser drawer and warned that he feared no evil spirits and he was well trained in the art of dispelling the profane. However, Tavish merely lapses, standing there in the middle of the room wearing nothing but his boxers, listening as the heavy breathing is intercut by the occasional apologetic mumble and several egregiously incomprehensible attempts at explanation.

The cold floor is biting him through his socks. He sighs, and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Just tell me the station number, I’ll be there in a few.”

There is a grateful keening noise, and the morning is sacrificed to a long and troubled drive that does not help the barkeep’s ever-present hangover. He’s been told once or twice that a businessman shouldn’t sample his own wares, but in all fairness he’s been an alcoholic a lot longer than he’s been a bar owner. On the ride back to the Keep, he hushes Pyro several times, assuring them he’s not mad and can we just save the explanations for when we’re back home, aye?

However, as soon as they reach the tavern Pyro chooses that moment to clam up entirely.

“Oh come on now duck,” Tavish tries to coax. “We’re already bleeding Mayor Piggycorn dry here, the least you can do is tell me what went wrong.”

Mayor Piggycorn—originally named for the construction paper horn taped to his head, and then renamed by the sticky note saying ‘Pyro Bail Fund’—still has a few quarters jingling around in his belly, but only just. Tavish slips the bank back onto the shelf.

“I’ll tell you what went wrong!” Jane, present when they’d arrived despite the fact that both people with the authority to open the bar had been gone all morning, says as Pyro futzes with their hands. “Your cook lights things on fire when they’re in a bad mood, and they also light things on fire when they're in a very good mood.”

Accuracy notwithstanding, this is clearly not the time, and Tavish shoots Jane a withering glare. To Pyro he asks, “can you at least tell me what sort of property you damaged?”

They mumble something. It sounds like ‘dumpster’.

“Ah well that’s not so bad.”

Silence hangs for a few seconds. Jane is right though, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out this isn’t a good mood sort of burning.

“Pyro,” he says firmly. “What’s eating you.”

As though the words can’t contain themselves anymore, it all bubbles out, hand waving and muffled cursing like this morning’s phone conversation. They quickly grow frustrated with the inadequacy of this mode of communication, and switch to sign language.

“<It’s Scout! He’s been avoiding me and I don’t know what I did wrong!>”

Tavish sighs. It’s a sighing sort of day apparently. He should have known Jeremy would be the source of more Pyro troubles.

“<He’s just stopped…hanging out with me. Whenever I go home and he’s there he pretends he doesn’t see me unless I say hi first. And then he’ll say hi but he’ll just go back to playing whatever and he never invites me to join anymore and I feel really awkward asking for a ride so I’ve just been walking everywhere.>”

They take a moment, shoving their hands in their armpits as they try to calm down. Tavish walks over to put an arm around their shoulders, glaring at Jane until he looks properly abashed.

When they’re breathing steadier they try again. “<Last night I asked him if he was mad at me. If I had said something to make him angry, and he got really defensive and said nothing’s wrong. When I said all that stuff I just said to you, he did get mad, and said that he needed to…Think about things? And then! He just left! He went out and didn’t come back to the apartment last night and I was pissed at him for lying to me but also scared that he’d never come home and so I went to the Lecture Valley Dolphin Shack and set their dumpster on fire.>”

Tavish shares a look with the outside of Jane’s hat. “Ach, well…it wasn’t right of him to lie, but sometimes we tell our loved ones nothing’s wrong when we don’t want them to worry.”

“<That’s stupid.>”

“Aye, but Scout’s a stupid kid.”

Pyro looks at the ground. “<He’s my stupid kid. I just want things to be normal between us and not weird and awkward.>”

That phrasing clicks something into place in Tavish’s mind.

“<I don’t want to go to class today,>” Pyro admits after a while.

“That’s fair. Why don’t you go sleep it off in the back room, alright? I’ll bring you something in a bit.”

Pyro collides with his stomach, wrapping him in one of their famous hugs with a muffled thanks Tavish to his chest.

“Ah, no need for that. Off you go.”

Pyro does, and Tavish sets about making the forcibly delayed breakfast, though now for three. He may not have his chef’s talent, but there are plenty of things a bachelor can make that can’t be screwed up too badly.

“…You come away from that thinking the same thing I did?” he asks, cracking six eggs into a well-oiled pan.

“Unless it is a composition of the national anthem as sung by the Western Meadowlark, I find that unlikely.”

Jane, who’s followed him into the kitchen, leans against the countertop. The place is neater than Tavish left it last night, the man to blame playing with the raccoon-shaped salt & pepper shakers as he waits for the eggs to cook. Every once in a while he breaks into the Keep—the untidiness of Tavish’s ‘fortifications’ apparently driving him crazy—and attacks the place in a frenzy until it can pass muster. It was disconcerting at first, but after a few times of finding the back of the bar perforcedly reorganized, Tavish figured that it was worth the small security flaw. Plus, Jane always hangs around after. Tavish pities any real burglar that tries to storm the place.

“I mean Scout and Pyro,” Tavish says, pushing down the toaster. “You remember how Scout went with them to that club the other week?”

“My memory is that of a hippopotamus, but I do not see the relevance.”

“Just thinking.” Tavish idly chews the inside of his cheek, a habit his dentist has railed against on more than one occasion. Tavish’s reply is always that moriscatio buccarum is probably on the kinder end of things he does to his body. “Scout went on a lark it seems. I can’t imagine what would drive a wedge between the two of them, you know how they’re like together.”

“Hooligans, bordering on hippie-dom.”

“I mean they’re affectionate,” Tavish says. “Do you ever get the feeling…maybe there’s something more there?”

Jane shrugs. “Possible, I guess.”

“And he said he needed to go think about something,” Tavish muses. Now that he’s on this train of thought it’s hard to stop. “Ah, poor kid. Must be rough thinking you’re straight this long and then suddenly discovering you’re in love with your best friend.”

Soldier grumbles something that Tavish misses. Before he can ask him to repeat it, the toaster pops, and Tavish runs over to arrange the finishing touches. When he slides the platter in front of Jane, the ranger immediately attacks it with the salt.

“What?” Tavish balks, the highest offense in his pitch. “You’re nae even going to try it first?”

The accusation is met only with a grin. Jane lifts the peppershaker (a black raccoon with white stripes, to differentiate it from the saltshaker’s white raccoon with black stripes) and proceeds to upend it over the eggs as well.

Tavish huffs, then turns to where he knows he’ll have at least one connoisseur with taste.

“Feeling better, duck?” he asks, sliding a plate and a glass of orange juice on the back room’s lone folding table.

They mumble something through blankets and gasmask. Nothing will get better with Jeremy gone, it seems.

“Don’t worry mate. I know just what’s got to be done.” With that, he leaves so that Pyro can eat in privacy.

Jane narrows his eyes as soon as steps foot in the kitchen. “What’s got to be done? You better not be up to what I think you’re up to! That crap with Mikhail and Ludwig was supposed to be a one time thing.”

“Ah…overheard that did you.” Tavish resists the urge to rub the back of his neck: he’s got nothing to be ashamed about, this is a good idea. “Well it makes sense, doesn’t it? They love each other to bits, maybe they just need a nudge in the right direction.”

Jane still looks unconvinced.

“At the very least you got to admit this time is important!” Tavish says in exasperation. “Pyro’s heartbroken, Scout’s gone rogue, and I’m not resting until I get them to make up.”

“…”

“Nothing you say can convince me otherwise!”

Soldier dips his toast in yolk.

Tavish makes a noise of disgust, and leaves to get his tavern ready for another night of romance.

The first, and most important, preparation is to get Jeremy to show up. He shoots the boy a text, aiming for the weakness that he knows all college students in general—but athletes in particular—share: the promise of free food. There is technically an event happening at DeGroot Keep tonight, and Jeremy can have the leftovers if he comes. None of it a lie, per say, but Tavish fails to mention that the event in question is a date between him and his roommate.

“This looks familiar,” Dr. Ludwig says as he sits at the bar and marvels at the candles. “You’re not setting up another pair of your patrons, are you?”

His chuckle dies on his lips as Tavish quickly passes him his beer and says nothing.

“You are? Mein Gott. You never let up, do you DeGroot?”

“Oi, it worked out for you, didn’t it?” Tavish says. In a careful change of the subject before Ludwig can ask which patrons, he adds, “where is Mikhail, anyway? You two are going somewhere tonight, right?”

“Indeed we are.” Ludwig puffs up. “We’re heading to see the opera in Las Vegas.”

“…Las Vegas?” Tavish raises an eyebrow.

“Fine, you caught me. Las Vegas, New Mexico.”

“I take it the opera was Mikhail’s idea?”

The offense on Ludwig’s face is clear. “I happen to quite enjoy opera music. We planned this together.”

“Didn’t mean anything by it, Doc.” Tavish holds up his hands. “It just seems like neither of you would have the, er, temperament for it.”

“Then perhaps you know less about us than you think.” Outside, a pair of headlights flash. “Ah, that’s him. Auf Wiedersehen DeGroot, good luck with… whatever the hell this is.”

Shaking his head, Tavish is just about to scoop up the doctor’s empty beer when Pyro tugs on his shirtsleeve.

They look despondent, their mask-lenses are one step away from drooping like a cartoon character. A finger points at the kitchen, then at the side door, the universal expression of, “I’m heading out now.”

Tavish glances at the (limited edition, Birds of the Southern United States) clock and sees that it really is getting late. But Jeremy still hasn’t shown, and Tavish rushes to stall.

“…Actually, I was hoping you could run the lower bar for a bit? Just to take some of the pressure.”

Somehow, Pyro’s shoulder’s drop further, and Tavish fends off a wave of guilt. But, loyal soul that they are, they plod down to the street-level.

Only needed on truly busy nights, the inventory of the lower bar is locked up tight since it can’t be watched from all angles. Usually Broderick, (Tavish’s authentic DeGroot heirloom suit of armor) mans the area, which means Pyro has to shove him aside in order to unlock the liquor cabinets. They do all this with the grace of the mortally condemned.

This isn’t going well. Tavish checks his phone to see that Jeremy never even responded, not even one of his indecipherable emojis. Before long he’s become glued to his screen, checking it every thirty seconds as the hour hand slowly moves towards the Belted Kingfisher, and one by one the late stayers trickle out. Tavish has never had a problem with barflies, (it’s not the most lively part of town), but for once he very much wishes he’d have some sorry slob that he can’t unstick from the bar with a spatula, if only for the excuse.

But enough time ticks by that Pyro approaches him again, and the bar’s now empty enough that he can’t deny them their request. They slink out the door, and a blue pick-up truck rolls to collect them.

There has to be some way to fix this. After closing the tavern he retreats to his quarters, desktop illuminating his face as he fails to turn on any other light in his bedroom. He hunts for Jeremy’s Facebook, though right away he can tell it won’t bring him any luck. The last post was months ago, a captionless picture of he and Pyro with their arms slung around each other’s shoulders. They look happy.

He sends a you alright lad? text. Though, when he sees the timestamp reading 3:01 AM, he realizes that’s an auspicious statement. He lies in his bed and fails to go to sleep.

Whatever time the knocking starts is far too early. Having only gotten a total seven hours of sleep the past two days, he’d been planning to open the Keep late to recuperate, but another repetitive auditory signifier of modern home living has thrown that out the window. Speaking of windows. Tavish’s mood is not improved when he looks out the porthole and sees that the knocking is coming from a lone police officer at his stoop.

“Christ, what did they do now,” he murmurs.

Hair of the dog, he reminds himself. Hair of the dog. He pulls out a spare scrumpy bottle from underneath the bed.

“Not even at the right door, there’s a bloody sign- canae help you, officer?” Tavish yells out the true entrance. He’s still in his raccoon slippers (he’s known Jane for many Smismasses now), and he has no interest in going outside. If the idjit wants to ignore perfectly readable advisories, that’s his business.

The officer sticks his head around from the front. “Excuse me. Are you the owner here?”

Owner? Probably wouldn’t be asking if Pyro had gotten themself in trouble again. Keeping his general distaste for coppers out of his voice is easiest done with one word answers, so he says, “aye.”

“We’ve received complaints about an improperly parked vehicle on your premises. It appears someone is illegally habitating within it.”

Tavish feels habitating probably isn’t a word, but he’s already getting worked up. “Complaints? Is it that Classic Rock ‘n Roll bar down the street? Bloody goat-humpers. Those Classics have always had it out for me and my lads.”

Whether it’s the fact that Tavish burps halfway through his tirade or the volume of the denouncement, the officer looks quite pained. “We’ve had complaints from a variety of sources, sir.”

Tavish grumbles something about pain trains in station town, before the cop’s opening line finally catches up with him. “Someone’s living in a car in my parking lot?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“What in blazes-”

Slippers or no, Tavish charges into his rarely used back lot, usually traversed only by delivery trucks and the odd trash collector.

In it, is a camper van.

“Oi, open up!” He slams on the camper’s door. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are but if you’re going to squat at my house-” With the creaking of someone swaying the suspension with each footstep, the door opens. “-Then you- Mick?”

Mick Mundy does an adequate impression of Tavish a few minutes ago, and blinks groggily. “Yeah?”

“What are you doing in that thing?”

Mick looks behind him briefly. “Livin’ in it.”

“In my yard?”

The cop cuts in, “Sir you can’t take up residency, regardless of the nature of the vehicle, on businesses lining Main Street or Teufort’s six main thoroughfares."

“Really?” Mick asks. Tavish facepalms.

“ ‘Fraid so,” he continues, surprisingly straight-faced. “With the exclusion of national and state parks, parking an RV for more than 48 hours is similarly not allowed.”

“Hm,” Mick nods. “Guess I’ll go to one of those then. Is a camper van after all.”

Tavish facepalms with the other hand.

He can’t even bring himself to chew Mick out before he packs up his van and leaves. The incident with the traffic cop was hardly a good start to his morning, and it doesn’t improve with the opening of the Keep’s doors. He goes for the harder, close-to-paint-thinner stuff he keeps in the custodial closet just to stave off the mounting stress of dealing with law enforcement. Jeremy has texted him at some point in the night, a noncommittal assurance he’s fine. Tavish again asks if he wants to swing by the Keep tonight, to which he gets a yeah sure, whatever.

There’s little time to plan. Tavish has to make sure things go right this time, has to make sure Pyro stays long enough, has to get Jeremy to stay long enough, has to also find a way to get Jeremy to admit his feelings. Which, easier said than done. It depends entirely on whether he’s come to terms with things or not, and if he’s just shutting down and shutting everyone out it might not even be possible.

Too many variables. All these unknowns are killing him.

Jeremy didn’t say when he’d swing by and Tavish has finished off his good stuff. The candles are back, and Pyro’s mopily tending the kitchen, but-

Fuck. Someone’s vomited on the bathroom floor. He doesn’t have the heart to ask Pyro to do it, even with the wonderfully convenient rubber suit, not when he made them stay late yesterday for basically no reason. So instead he has Pyro take his place at the main bar and goes to face the music.

It smells awful. The bathroom’s décor is one of his prouder works; it’s all vintage advertisements, wallpapering not only the walls but the low, sloping ceiling as well. Normally it’s a pleasant little place to have a pit stop, but right now it’s just-

Eugh. Words don’t do it justice. It’s-

Guh-

Very difficult to breathe in. His head is starting to feel light and the mop keeps slipping out of his hands as the booze rises to his cheeks-

Tavish wakes up.

He is in his bed and the blinds are drawn and it seems like it could be anywhere in that ephemeral hour between the end of sunset and the beginning of sunrise. He can, after all, see and he can most certainly feel, and what he feels is pain.

“Ach, me head…”

The voice that says these words is coming from his head, the central locus for all his pain. It was a mistake to say them, for any reaffirmation of the self is overshadowed by the revelation that his throat is also worthy of commentary.

“Here.”

Jane is handing him a glass of water. The time to question is not now, because Tavish has never seen anything more beautiful than the glass he flimsily takes out of Jane’s hand. The cool rush of water does a little to ease the pain. His mind can wander now, to realize that he’s wearing the same pair of pants but a different shirt, and the only reason he can assume is that he threw up on himself. That or he landed in the other drunkard’s sick. He doesn’t want to think about the latter.

“I’m guessing that was a real bender I had just now?” he dares to ask once the water is gone.

“If by ‘just now’ you mean ‘last night’.” Jane’s mouth is a thin line, and Tavish groans. In an attempt to reassure, Jane adds, “we cleaned and closed the tavern up. You don’t need to worry about anything.”

Nothing but the loss of income from a night’s work, but even Tavish knows that’s too bitter to fling at the man who helped his sorry arse through a binge, especially when any outgoes are his own damn fault.

Memory does come crashing back to him though. “Damn it, urch, did- did Scout come in last night?”

“For a little.” Jane’s frown only deepens with this line of questioning. “He left with all the hubbub going on.”

“Damn it all,” Tavish groans. “I’m still trying to fix things with him and Pyro. If I can just get them in a room together-”

The feeble attempt to sit up is cut short, Jane moving the short distance to the bed and pushing until he falls back down. The firmness in his voice is unmistakable when he says, “this is not a nudge.”

“I…” But that’s all Tavsih can muster. He averts his gaze guiltily.

They’re still like that for a moment, frozen in the orange-tinted light that now more obviously asserts itself as dawn, Jane with one knee on the bed and Tavish knowing that he’s right.

“I just want everyone to be okay,” he admits finally. “That’s not so wrong, is it?”

Jane retracts his hand, but now won’t look at Tavish either. “I know you do. Dammit, it’s impossible not to know that you want to make everyone around you happy, with your smiles and your jokes and doing everything in your fucking power to light up the whole damn world. I know you want to solve all their fucking problems. But you need to remember to take care of yourself too.”

Tavish hesitates. He takes care of himself plenty, doesn’t he? At least as well as he always has; it’s not like this particular scenario of drinking himself to unconsciousness while on duty is all that unusual.

He doesn’t want to entertain that that’s exactly what Jane means.

“I will,” he says because it’s the path of least resistance. “But you can’t tell me this whole situation isn’t an issue.”

Jane growls, but acquiesces, “…I don’t like seeing Campfire all put out. It’s a bad look on them.”

“So I need to find out what’s up with Scout. If only to get my cook back from blues town,” Tavish reasons.

“Then why don’t you just talk to him,” Jane says, throwing up his hand. “Don’t bring Pyro into it at all! Damn it Tav you’re good at talking to people, it’s what you do all damn day. Just ask him what’s wrong.”

Again, Tavish hesitates. “Do you really think it’s that simple?”

Jane shrugs. “Could be. If anyone can make it simple it’s you. Not as evidenced by your actions today, private.”

Oh hell, now out come the privates. That’s Jane’s equivalent of a mum using your middle name when you’ve gone and done something dumb.

“Alright, I’ll try it.” He tries to sit, and is pushed back again.

“Not now,” Jane tells him. “Now you are going to catch up on sleep, and open the bar late. Am I understood?”

Tavish grumbles, but there’s no arguing with him. “Understood.”

He does feel monumentally better the next time he wakes up, though it’s nearing noon by the bedside clock. Jane’s gone, but he has several messages from Pyro asking if he’s alright, one from Dell who probably who heard from Pyro, and one from Pauling saying she’ll be dropping his cook off at six. Tavish rubs the bridge of his nose. As though he needed the extra guilt, somehow Pauling’s been roped into this as well. Poor lass has enough on her plate.

However, there’s one person Tavish needs to check in with more than anything.

Jeremy’s hoodie is uncharacteristically disheveled as he comes peering in through the front door, not the least because it’s still far too warm to be wearing such outerwear. He checks around each individual corner, making sure they’re as alone as it appears they are. Maybe he really is avoiding Pyro.

“Ey there lad, you’re looking glum,” Tavish greets when Jeremy finally slinks up to the bar.

“Mmm. Yeah.” He folds his arms and rests his chin on them.

Well, it’s better than yelling nothing’s wrong and running off into the night. Tavish slides a drink toward him. “Something new I’ve been working on. Tell me how you like it. Oh, I almost forgot.”

Next to the club soda he keeps several cans of room temperature Bonk!, which he saves when he knows Jeremy needs a pick-me-up. After pouring a toxic layer on the top of the drink, Tavish adds a crazy straw (the straws are technically Pyro’s, but Tavish knows which of the two of them enjoys them more.) Blithely, Jeremy eyes the concoction before him. Then he slides his whole body to meet the crazy straw and slurps.

“Hey, pretty good man,” he finally concludes, and to Tavish’s relief there’s a bit of warmth back in his voice.

“Glad to hear it.”

“Yeah it’s like…spicy. But not like hot spicy, more like uh…”

“It’s probably the ginger beer.”

“Oh yeah, yeah that’s it. The ginger.” With the termination of this statement, his thoughts catch up with again, and the contemplative half-smile is chased from his face. Instead, he lowers his gaze to the mahogany wood beneath his palms, and begins to trace patterns in the condensation rings.

“…Okay lad, you got tae tell me. What’s eating you?”

Jeremy flinches. “Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

“Nothing’s wrong. Nothing that…nothing that I want you to know about anyway.”

Tavish dries a glass. The squeaking of water on wood continues. He tries, “c’mon lad-”

“Stop,” Jeremy hisses. “Just stop with the lad crap. It’s. Freaking hell it’s too much to talk about all at once. And I can’t even think when you keep…”

“Just start at the beginning.”

“Okay, fine. You know what? Fine. So Pyro’s gay president or whatever and they finally get me to come to their stupid school club and…I meet people there. Lots of people, and it was kinda weird at first but then it got easier and this one girl started talking to me and it turned out she was really cool.”

“And you, what? Have a thing for her?”

In the fastest turnaround, Jeremy’s eyes narrow, staring daggers into the barkeep. “What the fuck man? Just because I make jokes sometimes doesn’t mean I’d actually ever step out. Jesus. I ain’t that kinda-” He makes a frustrated growl. “Anyway, don’t be an asshole, alright?”

“…I have to admit, you’ve lost me.”

“How could I have lost you? I started from the beginning like you said!”

“For one thing I thought this story was going to end with you realizing you have feelings for Pyro.”

To describe it as ‘incredulity’ would not be doing it justice. It was more like Jeremy had just walked into his home only to find that every single piece of furniture had been nailed to the ceiling and a group of cats were asking him what he was doing in their house.

With the cautiousness of a person who senses they’re being tricked, Jeremy says, “Pyro and I have been dating for six months.”

“I…what?”

“How did you not freaking know that?” Jeremy sounds as flabbergasted as Tavish feels. “You helped us move in together for crying out loud.”

“Move in to be roommates, I didn’t know it was a…” Tavish makes a vague gesture.

“We do all the couples shit, though. We’re always hanging out, and going to movies together, and I drive them to work, an’-” Ticking them off on his fingers, Jeremy stops abruptly, guilt wrinkling his features. He shoves his arms back against the bar and buries his face in them. “An’ I run out on them. And I’m an ass who yells at ‘em when they’re just trying to help.”

As delicately as he can, Tavish says, “I’m sorry lad. I guess I er…didn’t understand the situation as well as I thought. But hiding from me isn’t going to help either.”

“Psh. Ain’t you just proved you don’t know anything?”

There’s some mild indignation at that. “Well when Pyro takes you to meet their gay friends and you come back with an identity crisis, what am I supposed to think?”

Jeremy grits his teeth. “It’s not a sexuality thing.”

“Then what the bloody hell else could it…”

When Jeremy looks up, there is jaggedness, laced by the angry tears that are pricking at the corner of his eyes, and once again Tavish realizes what colossal idiot he’s being.

“Oh,” he says. “Oh.”

“Yeah, oh.”

There are many sounds Tavish has grown used to when tending the Keep all alone: the tick of the clock, the water heater jumping to life every now and again, the various strung-up seashells that rattle sometimes even though there’s no draft. Now, midday light filtering through the frosted windows, he hears a drip where the kitchen tap hasn’t been turned all the way, and the scrunch of Jeremy running his hands fruitlessly through his hair.

Tavish throws aside the rag he was using to clean, and makes the long walk around to the other side of the bar. He slides a stool closer, wraps an arm around Jeremy’s shoulders, and squeezes them together.

They don’t shake. Or if they do, it’s with frustration.

“Freaking…” Jeremy croaks eventually. “Freaking unbelievable. Like I can’t be, for fuck’s sake. You’ve met me. I can’t be, you know. That.”

Tavish does not want to upset this, not when the walls are just starting to come down. Gently, he asks, “and why can’t you be?”

“Because everyone would freak!” Jeremy lurches to a sitting position. “Everyone I know, all my classmates, my family, the guys on the team…oh fuck.” He groans and rubs his face. “I didn’t even think about that. I…I can’t get kicked off the team. I’d lose my scholarship, and my grades are slipping and Ma already threatened to sick my dad on me if they didn’t pick back up and-”

“Hey, hey calm down…mate,” Tavish is quickly realizing dropping haphazard lads into this conversation hasn’t been helping. He squeezes a little tighter. “That’s all a bunch o’ maybes right now. Don’t think that far ahead. Just breathe.”

Jeremy does, out slower but shaky. “I can’t. I can’t not think about it. The more I think and the less I’m sure and…would they even let me play on the girls�� team? Ah Christ.”

His hood has come down at some point in the panic. And his face may never have gotten to the point of true tears, but his eyes are still red. Still furious.

Tavish squeezes him tighter, and to his surprise, Jeremy hugs him back, snapping on like a barnacle. “I’m usually better at not thinking about whatever I don’t want to think about. Shit, what’s wrong with me?”

“Nothing’s wrong with you mate. You can work through this. You got lots of people who want to help.”

Jeremy draws in a breath. “…Yeah.”

“Why are you avoiding Pyro?” Tavish asks. “I don’t mean to be cold, but all things considered they’d have much more insight into a gender crisis than I would.”

“That’s…that’s the problem. Shit.” Jeremy draws back, retreating again to guilt and a focus on the tavern floor. “This…this is going to make me sound like a huge asshole okay but, when they first came out to me I wasn’t…I’ve been a real shithead at some points in my life, you know? Not always this cool and awesome ally and stuff. When that was first going on I said something like ‘haha me too’ and then like…fuck I don’t know. Made an attack helicopter joke or whatever.”

“Attack…helicopter?”

“Never mind,” Jeremy waves him off. “Anyway when all this started I didn’t want them to think I was…making fun of them again. Somehow. Or just playing around.”

There’s a beat. When it’s clear that he isn’t going to continue, Tavish says, “no offense mate, but that’s total malarkey.”

Jeremy grimaces.

“You’ve been friends for how long? And you’ve changed a lot in that time, they know you’re not that person anymore. If you talk to them, really talk to them instead of pushing them out, they’re not going to abandon you during something this serious.”

“I know, you’re right, I know.” Rubbing his face, Jeremy finally straightens his shoulders. “I was just scared. Not that I’m scared now or nothin’!”

At the return of the more familiar bravado, Tavish chuckles. “O’ course. The Scout I know isn’t afraid o’ anything. If I were from where you’re from I’d be dead, ‘n all that rot.”

“That’s right.” A bit of a smile passes across Jeremy’s face. Then it twitches, spinning more contemplative. “And…as long as we’re saying things about being Scout…uh. Just um. Just don’t call me Jeremy right now. I’m still like figuring things out, but since you guys always call me Scout anyways…”

“Can do. Anything else I should keep in mind?”

“I…no. Not yet. If that changes I’ll let you know. But you can spread that first thing around, tell the other guys and stuff. I’m sure they’ll…”

Tavish claps a hand to his shoulder. “I’m sure they’ll understand,” he finishes the thought.

Scout smiles, and Tavish makes him promise to go talk to his partner before they start moving on to burning whole restaurants.