#because Im taking an empty suitcase

[softspiderling]

illicit affairs - part twelve | r.c

summary:

“Mom, let me just take care of this, okay?”

Your mother didn’t look entirely convinced, but she nodded anyways, sitting back down as you walked out of the living room, heading straight to the front door. As you stepped out on your porch, craning your head to find the motorcycle, you let out an exasperated sigh, when you recognized the owner.

“Seriously?”

JJ let out a bright grin when he saw you on the porch, driving around in a circle before he came to a stop in front of you.

“Hey princess, I was starting to think you’ve been hiding from me.”

OR; home from your trip, a surprising visitor manages to distract you from your Rafe-shaped problems

pairing: rafe cameron x reader

warnings: mini Topper pov, bad Spanish (from me, let’s just pretend it’s flawless in this chapter for plot reasons) (DeepL im looking at you), translation at the end

word count: 4,1k

author’s note: ooop the cat’s out of the bag! i told you, jj would be back👀 i wonder what he’s up to this time… happy reading, as usual, i look forward to what you’re thinking 🫶🏼

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

pt. twelve: “take the road less traveled by”

“You need help with that?”

“Why are you even asking?” you said, pushing the suitcase towards Rafe, then climbing up the stairs into the jet.

Something was different.

Topper didn’t exactly know what it was, but something changed in the last twelve hours. Rafe didn’t immediately disappear into his bedroom after they had dinner, instead, he stayed out on the patio with Topper, having a drink of Ward’s expensive whiskey he hid under the kitchen island. Topper even laid awake in bed, keeping an ear out for suspicious sounds when everyone had gone to sleep, expecting to hear a door opening and closing, but nothing. When they made their way over to the airfield, Topper expected a silent treatment from you, or maybe Rafe being especially short-tempered, but he was surprised when everything was normal. At least it seemed to be.

When everyone was on board, buckled up in their seats, the pilot started take off procedure, and Topper leaned over to Kelce, hoping the noise of the plane would block what he was gonna say.

“Hey, don’t you think they’re acting weird?” he whispered in Kelce’s ear, and he looked at him confused.

“Who?”

“Rafe and Precious.”

Slowly, Kelce turned his head towards your seat, where you were napping, your head leaned on Rafe’s shoulder while he was scrolling on his phone. Then, he looked at Topper again, giving him a look.

“You’re acting weird,” he pointed out, slipping his AirPods out of the case. “And don’t breathe in my face, it breaks me out.”

With that, Kelce put both of his AirPods in, drowning out Topper, who only settled into his seat with a frown. Something definitely changed.

“Mom? Dad? I’m home.”

Even though the hadn’t seen their cars, you still called out. But the house seemed to be empty. You left your suitcase in the laundry room, before you headed straight to your bedroom, changing your clothes before throwing yourself on your bed with a deep exhale.

When you first packed for Nassau, you couldn’t wait to leave. Now, it felt so good being home again. Funny how things worked out.

For the first time, you were alone since you broke things off with Rafe. It was weird, how almost nothing changed between you, except for the fact that he probably would have spent your last night in Nassau in your bed. But that was just the thing, wasn’t it? You didn’t know any other way of being around him. Honestly, the smartest thing to do was getting some distance, which was partly the reason why you were so glad to be home. Smartest didn’t mean easiest though, because avoiding Rafe meant avoiding Topper and Kelce too, and how were you going to explain that?

Suddenly, you remembered what Topper said to you at the Spring Fling.

“Seriously precious? You know this isn’t gonna end well. And it won’t just affect you and Rafe, it’s gonna affect me als Kelce, too. How the fuck are we supposed to choose sides if you’re our best friends?”

At that point, you thought Topper was being dramatic, but now it seemed like reality. To your horror, you weren’t even sure if either of Topper or Kelce would choose your side, if it ever came to it. Yes, they were all your best friends, but at the end of the day, they were all guys. And guys usually stuck together.

And were you willing to lose your friends just because you couldn’t deal with your feelings? Not the easiest pill to swallow. With a small sigh, you turned over in your bed, feeling like you could use a little nap. Just before you fell asleep, your phone buzzed next to your head and you picked it up, squinting at the screen.

rafe [04/23/24: 2:21 pm]: you get home okay?

precious [04/23/24: 2:22 pm]: yeah

The small read appeared under your messages as soon as you sent it, the ellipsis popping up. They stayed for a good while, making you wonder what the fuck he was writing, until they disappeared. You frowned, then, the ellipsis returned, before your phone buzzed again.

rafe [04/23/24: 2:25 pm]: are we good?

Seemed like you weren’t the only one thinking about this.

precious [04/23/24: 2:26 pm]: yes

You kept it short, because there really wasn’t much more to say, locking your phone and muting it for good measure, before you rolled over, quickly falling asleep.

When you stirred awake agian, you were disoriented at first, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes. The sun was still up, the orange glow in your bedroom telling you it was nearing sunset, so you mustn’t have been asleep for long, but you could tell that someone came home in the meantime, because you could hear the tv.

With a yawn, you padded on downstairs, finding your mother in the living room, snuggled up under a blanket. She lifted her head when you appeared in the doorway, clearly surprised to see you.

“Hi mom.”

“Hi honey. I didn’t know you were home already.”

“Yeah, I got home a couple of hours ago,” you replied, slinking into the arm chair. “No one was home.”

“I was having lunch with Anne at the country club and your father is at work,” your mother explained, taking you in. “How was Nassau?”

You shrugged. “It was nice. Good weather, the usual. How have things been here? Anything new?”

“Not much to tell,” your mother said, “been having some migraines lately, but otherwise things have been the same.”

“Migraines?” you asked, raising a brow at your mother and she nodded.

As if on cue, the sound of a motorcycle revving its engine suddenly filled the neighborhood and your mother groaned in annoyance, rubbing her temples with the tips of her fingers.

“Not again.”

“What is that?” You asked curiously, trying to get a peek out of the window.

“Some kid keeps turning up in our drive way with his bike, revving his engine like a goddamn hooligan,” your mother complained and you turned back to her with a frown.

“Is that why you’ve been having migraines?”

“What do you think?” your mother snapped at you. “I’ve been calling the sheriff’s department about it, but by the time they get here, he’s always gone.”

“You called the sheriff’s department over this?”

Your mother glared at you, your tone suggesting that she overreacted. “What was I supposed to do?”

The motorcycle engine rumbles to life again and your mother winced, reaching for her phone, but you stopped her.

“Mom, let me just take care of this, okay?”

Your mother didn’t look entirely convinced, but she nodded anyways, sitting back down as you walked out of the living room, heading straight to the front door. As you stepped out on your porch, craning your head to find the motorcycle, you let out an exasperated sigh, when you recognized the owner.

“Seriously?”

JJ let out a bright grin when he saw you on the porch, driving around in a circle before he came to a stop in front of you.

“Hey princess, I was starting to think you’ve been hiding from me.”

“That would imply that I waste my time thinking about you.”

JJ clutched his heart, as if you’d just shot him. You rolled your eyes at his theatrics, biting back a laugh.

“You really know how to bruise a guy’s ego.”

“What are you doing here, JJ?” you asked, leaning against one of the porch posts, crossing your arms over your chest.

JJ let out a small laugh, running a hand through his dirty blonde hair.

“Wanted to show you my bike,” he said, as if it wasn’t obvious. To prove his point, he revved the engines loudly, and you could basically see your mother steaming with fury in the living room.

“You’ve been giving my mom headaches with your bike,” you pointed out, the corner of your mouth ticking up.

“Well, tell her my sincerest apologies,” JJ replied, bowing his head with a flourish. “I was trying to see you.”

Your eyebrows shot up.

“Me?”

He shrugged, fixating on the mirror on his left handlebar. “I mean, yeah. I was able to fix it with the money I earned from working at the Country Club. Thanks to you. The least I could do is show you where the hard earned money went.”

Your smile softened a little and you ducked your head.

“I’m glad I could help.”

JJ gave you a grin, giving the bike a gentle clap on the exterior.

“It rides like new,” he said proudly and you snorted a little.

“I’ll take your words for it.”

“Or you could try it out yourself?”

You raised an eyebrow at him and he only met your look with a straight fact, tilting his head towards his bike.

“Come on, just one ride.”

JJ wrapped his hands around the throttle and you quickly held your hands up, stopping him.

“Please don’t do that again. My mom is this close to flipping out,” you told him, but he only grinned at you.

“So princess, what do you say? You down for a day outside of your castle?”

A laugh on your lips, you fixed him with a look before you gave in. Taking a few steps back to the front door, you yelled: “Mom, I’m going out!” before you shut the door behind you, jogging down the steps to the drive way.

JJ pulled a helmet out of nowhere, handing it to you, despite his own lack of one.

“Where’d you get that?” you wanted to know and JJ winked at you.

“Can’t reveal all my secrets now, can I?” He teased. “Now go ahead and put that on. I ain’t got enough money to repay your parents if something happens to you.”

“Yeah yeah, and people say chivalry is dead.”

You shook your hair out, grinning at JJ while you put on the helmet, before swinging your leg over his bike, settling on the seat behind him. As expected, you were sat snug behind JJ, as one did as a passenger on a bike, and you tried not to let it affect you, only doing a half assed job about it.

“Don’t be shy to hold onto me tight if you’re scared,” he said over his shoulder and you only gave him an eyeroll. You wrapped your arms around his waist, just as he revved the engine one last time, driving off your property.

Despite the helmet on your head, your hair fluttered in the wind and you felt an odd sense of freedom. The boys have never taken you on their bikes before, mostly because it was inconvenient when it was the four of you, you just tended to take a car, but they also often argued that it was too dangerous. You called bullshit on that.

Figure Eight blew past you as JJ rode the bike down the street. You weren’t exactly sure where he was taking you, but he wasn’t exactly taking the direct route towards the Cut like you had expected. Instead he drove along the coast, until the road turned into a dirt pathway, leading uphill, the sun rays filtering through the branches of the tree. JJ slowed his pace, when you finally reached a clearing by a cliff, coming to a stop.

JJ leaned the bike to the side, his foot supporting the weight, allowing you to get off. You took your helmet off, shaking your hair out before pushing the helmet in JJ’s hands, before you walked to the cliffside, not waiting for him to join you.

“The infamous JJ make out spot,” you mused when JJ finally sidled up to your side. You didn’t turn to look at him, but you could tell that he was grinning.

“Ah, my reputation precedes me.”

“I aspire to be as delusional as you sometimes,” you snorted with an eyeroll, sitting down on the grass, stretching your arms out behind you. It didn’t take long for JJ to do the same, his legs sprawled out over the ground. A comfortable silence settled over you, while you took in the view. It was pretty nice, you know, considering what this spot was known for. In all fairness, the view probably was the reason for its popularity among your horny peers.

“Thanks for getting me out of the house,” you then said in a somber tone; the look JJ gave you was a surprised one, his brows raised.

“Didn’t you just come back from… Wherever you were?”

“Eh.” You shrugged with your shoulders. “I mean yeah, but I was with the boys, even if we were in Nassau, it didn’t feel like I was doing something new. This is not routine for me.”

JJ looked at you with a glint in his eyes. “Well, then it’s my honor to break you out of your routine, princess.”

He then eyed you up and down carefully, before meeting your eyes again. You raised a brow at him, unimpressed.

“Nassau, huh? I been thinking that you’re glowing more than usual.”

“Oh come off it,” you laughed, throwing your head back. “Seriously, do you just come up with these lines or did someone have to teach you?”

“‘s a quality I was born with, princess,” JJ said with a wink, as if it was something to be smug about. You merely snickered, knowing arguing with him about this was no use so you pushes yourself to stand again.

As you dusted off the dirt off your hands, you glanced down at JJ who was still sprawled on the floor, watching you curiously.

“Come on, let’s go get some tacos,” you suggested. “My treat.”

His nose wrinkled as he hesitated but you only rolled your eyes.

“Or does your fragile masculinity not allow that?”

With a sigh, JJ pulled himself up, regarding you with an impressed look. “You really know how to push my button’s you know that?”

“‘s a quality I was born with princess,” you mocked him and he only barked out a laughter, handing you the helmet, that sat on the saddle of his bike. The drive to taco truck didn’t take long, with you giving JJ the directions over his shoulder, holding onto him a little tighter than necessary. The sun had set while you had sat on the cliff side, the remaining heat of early summer dissipating as the dusk crept onto the island; you felt the wind biting at your bare skin as JJ sped his bike over the island.

You were almost glad when you finally pulled up by the truck, climbing off the bike before JJ settled down. Unconsciously, your eyes flitted over the tables as you took off your helmet, not recognizing any of the faces that were there. At least none that would throw a fuss over you spending time with JJ Maybank willingly. Not that you cared what people were thinking, but you weren’t in the mood for explaining yourself.

As usual, Spanish music floated from the inside the truck as you approached it, and it didn’t take long before Mateo came up to the window.

“Hola hermosa,” he greeted you, leaning on the counter to peer down at you as you smiled up at him. His eyes swept to the back, where JJ was standing behind you with his hands stuffed in his pockets. Mateo looked back at you, his eyes full of questions. “No Rafe today?”

You shook your head, though his question was warranted, had you ever come here without Rafe?

“No, no Rafe today,” you replied with a wry smile. “Can I get some carne asada tacos?”

Mateo gave you a quick nod, turning to prepare your order, his eyes still on JJ who sidled up to you, curiously glancing over the display.

“Aren’t you going to ask what I want to eat?”

“For some reason, I think you’ll be fine with whatever I ordered,” you quipped back and JJ gave you an exasperated look. Mateo’s eyes never left you during this quick exchange, and he cleared his throat, pressing the tacos onto the grill.

“¿Quieres chile en tus tacos?” he asked JJ, who only furrowed his brows, turning to you. You bit back a laugh, shaking your head.

“He’s white, Mateo. No spice for him.”

Mateo let out a small grunt and JJ hummed, crossing his arms as he looked you over.

“I didn’t know you speak Spanish.”

“I get by,” you answered with a shrug, making Mateo snicker. He shook his head as he flipped over the tacos.

“¿Desde cuándo andas con este chico?” He asked you, and it was then that you realized the reason for his sudden switch. “No da más que problemas.”

Your eyes flitted over to JJ, who was none the wiser, muttering under his breath as he read over the menu. “¿Estás haciendo una suposición basada en su apariencia?”

“No hermosa,” Mateo sighed, giving you a look. “Olvidas que Carmen tiene tu edad.”

Ah, Carmen, his niece. She must have been in JJ’s grade in Kildare County High.

“Estoy segura de que Rafe tampoco aprobaría que pasaras tiempo con este chico.”

You tried not to let your anger flare up at his words, your eyes snapping up to Mateo. You weren’t sure if it was because he brought up Rafe, or because he was insinuating that you needed anyone’s permission when it came to the company you were seeking.

“I’ll be fine, Mateo.”

Your tone was cold, and your switch back to English told Mateo everything he needed to know. His warm brown eyes softened when he looked at you.

“Sólo intento cuidar de ti.”

Mateo slid your order over the counter along with two cans of coke. You handed him the money, with plenty of tip, despite your sour mood, grabbing the two cans of coke, leaving the food for JJ to take as he trailed after you to a table on the far corner of the court. Wordlessly, you cracked open a can of coke, taking a sip while JJ sat down with your food. Your sour mood must have been showing on your face, because he only took a quick look at you before biting into his taco, immediately moaning out.

“Holy fuck this is good.”

“Still questioning my taste?” you asked him, bemused as you pushed the other coke can towards him, reaching for you own tacos. JJ shook his head quickly, shoving the rest of his taco into his mouth, already reaching for his next one. He was acting rather clumsy, the sauce running between his fingers as he tried to maneuver the taco as cleanly as he could. It was kinda cute, you weren’t going to lie. You had perfected the art of eating tacos, with just a squeeze of lime, but that was after years of practice.

“First time I’ve seen a Pogue talking smack about me,” JJ said offhandedly, licking the sauce from his fingers. You raised a brow at him, but you weren’t surprised; just because JJ didn’t understand the language, didn’t mean he was slow.

“First time, really?”

JJ gave you a look, swallowing his second in two bites before he answered.

“You know what I mean.”

You shrugged, your palms finding the edge of the bench as you leaned back. “Mateo means well. I just don’t like being told what not do to.”

“Really? I couldn’t tell,” JJ snickered, wiping his hands on the napkins. “Besides, you can’t listen to Mr. Diaz. He’s biased.”

“In what way?”

“Carmen. She’s his niece, right?”

You narrowed your eyes at him. “… Yeah. What have you done to her?”

“Oh ye of little faith,” JJ sighed, balling up his napkin and tossing it on his empty paper plate before responding. “She was pretty into me, approached me during a party down by the boneyard.”

“So you hooked up and then ghosted her.”

JJ fluttered his eyelashes at you, metaphorically zipping up his lips with his fingers. “A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.”

“You’re so annoying,” you said in exasperation. Nevertheless, a laugh escaped you and JJ grinned, like that was his goal all along.

You spent the rest of the evening sat by the food truck, with Mateo occasionally peeking out from the truck to see you still sat with JJ. It was mostly spite, that kept you rooted at the spot, but you genuinely really enjoyed JJ’s company, which you didn’t expect. While his first impression on you did prove to be true, a charming flirt, he also showed surprising depth, especially when he talked about his friends. He was clearly fiercely loyal to them, which did remind you of your own friends, but you tried not to think about it too long.

The neighborhood was quiet when JJ finally dropped you off in front of at home. The house was dark, your parents must have already gone to bed, so you tried to keep your voice down. The last thing you needed right now was your parents throwing a fit when they found out whom you’d been spending time with.

“Thanks for today,” you said softly, his helmet under your arm. “It was… Nice.”

JJ swept his hair off his forehead, grinning at you. “Careful, people might think you actually like me.”

You rolled your eyes at him with a head shake, shifting on your feet, before you offered him his helmet back. JJ glanced down at the helmet, before pushing it back into your hands.

“Keep it. You might need it next time.”

Like you said, charmer.

Ducking, your head, you smiled at the ground before lifting your head again. You didn’t know what you were thinking, or if you were thinking at all before you leaned in to kiss JJ. Even though he wasn’t expecting the kiss, he was quick to kiss you back, his hand on your waist. If it weren’t for the helmet, you were sure he’d have dragged you right back on his bike with him. Before it could get any further, you pulled back as much as you could, JJ’s grip on your waist tight.

“Good night, JJ,” you murmured your mouth curled up in a grin. JJ sighed softly, before he let go of you.

“Night princess.”

You chuckled quietly to yourself as you headed back to the house, the porch light flickering on, but you don’t turn back to him, despite knowing he was still there. Just as you reached your front door, you turned your head.

“Hey JJ.”

He lifted his head, his face illuminated by the porch light, a raised brow. You opened the door, halfway into the house before you answered.

“Next time you want to see me, just text me. I don’t need my mom on my ass because your bike’s exhausting pipe giving her migraines.”

JJ only laughed, his hair falling into his face. “I don’t have your number, Princess.”

“Ask Sarah.”

You shut the door behind him, but you could still hear his laughter over the roaring of his bike as he sped off the drive way. You were still grinning as you placed the helmet on the dresser by the front door. This night had not gone the way you had expected it to go.

Turning the lights on, you walked upstairs to your bedroom quietly, shutting your door behind you, before you laid on your bed.

“Aw, fuck,” you hissed, as something poked into your waist, and as you reached under your blanket, you were surprised to find your phone. You hadn’t even noticed that you’d left it at home. The screen lit up, with numerous notifications, most of them trivial, some of them Rafe.

rafe [04/23/24: 7:26 pm]: you wanna go grab pizza?

rafe [04/23/24: 8:02 pm]: ?

rafe [04/23/24: 9:31 pm]: rude as fuck

It was then that you realized, in all the hours you spent with JJ, you hadn’t once thought about Rafe.

“Huh.”

────────────

translation:

“Do you want chili on your tacos?”

“Since when do you hang around with this boy?” & “He’s nothing but trouble.”

“Are you making an assumption based on his appearance?”

“No, hermosa.” & “You forget that Carmen is your age.”

“I’m sure Rafe wouldn’t approve of you spending time with this boy.”

“I’m only looking out for you.”

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author's note: honestly it's kind of criminal that the longest chapter of this rafe series so far is JJ centric but oh well.... what are we thinking??

[vicsstufff]

UNDER THE WOODS — princess!p. bueckers x cinderella!reader

۶ৎ - summary: the mistreatments are way to normalize in your household. after the dead of your father, your new step-mother and her daughters new mission is to make your life miserable, serving them as a maid, until you met her, in the middle of the forest.

۶ৎ - wc: 3,045

۶ৎ - warnings/content: abusive behavior, submissive reader, mentions of death of both parents, not 100% accurate to the movie.

authors note | ONE SHOT! happy valentine’s day!! 💗 can u consider this as a valentine’s special? any grammatical errors will be edit after!! (im to lazy) this idea came from me literally watching the cinderella movie (the live action version) im in love with the dress. enjoy!

im back! where are my beautiful ladies?” a silent scream, lingered its way through the walls of the extended house until it reach your ears. your head meeting the direction of the voice, a small sound came out your lips before losing the grip that you had on your tea party set up. running down the corridors, finding the main door that lead to the outside.

the sound of the horses coming filled the garden, your dad, step down from the carriage that held him safely during one of his many trips. you really loved your dad, but not his job—a businessman— he rarely was home, but the hole made because of his absence was quickly filled by the warming love your mother brought. a wonderful woman, a very beautiful one too, she will sing to you every night, lullabying the sleep into you, making your eyelids heavy.

“my wonderful daughter..” your father let out in awe, contemplating your small figure. you jumped into his arms, surrounding yours around his neck. “i brought you something special.” he whispered in your ear, lowering you to take a seat on the edge of a fuantain, his hand grabbed a nearby suitcase, clicking a few locks before it jumped open. he pulled from the inside a small box, placing it on the center of your hands, he pushed a button on the side and it open abruptly, letting out a blue butterfly. “oh..it’s beautiful.” you said low, a smile coming up.

“will you like to dance with me ma’dam?” he said softly, lowering himself to your level, offering his hand, “of course, gentleman.” you spoke in a fail attempt to mock a seductive tone. your hand meet his rough hands, tired from all the work he endured. helping you up, instinctively, you lifted your feet, stepping on your fathers, he let out a series of high groans and ‘ouch’s’ but stilled grip gently your small hand and stared spinning, not strong enough to knock you off your feet but it still made the air move your hair gracefully, giggles scaped from the bottom of your heart.

happiness doesn’t last long.

you wished it did.

a few years had passed and your mother fell sick, her once bright eyes filled with joy and love, were now replaced with a dark glance, her skin was dry and in some occasions, the cold sweat will linger in her forehead. her cold touch brought goosebumps in your skin, she didn’t lulled you to sleep anymore.

the day her heavy eyelids came to their final rest, it felt empty like if the spirit of the house, yours and your father, had disappeared, all of the once happy memories died with her too.

she gave you all her old dresses, shoes and books, she insisted that you should be a intelligent woman that doesn’t depend on her future husband, the last part made your heart drop, you weren’t that interested in getting a husband any time soon, but if you don’t marry someone quickly, your father might even a arrange one for you. the thought of spending your days washing clothes, cooking, cleaning, satisfying your husband and having children haunted you at night, when your bed suddenly felt a little bit to cold even when the spring brought joy to the flowers and practically all the nature, even humans, or maybe not.

the second time a part of your soul died, it was when your father confirmed your worst fears.

he was going to marry a new woman.

you couldn’t do anything to really avoid the disaster that was perfectly planned to happen.

the carriage arrive sooner than imagined, from your window you could hear it from the distance, losing your mind observing the deeps of the forest and the nearby town. you lazily grabbed your shoes and placed them annoyingly, passing your hands through the dress in a attempt to soothe it.

your father was already outside the door when you finally made yourself get there, a bright smile smoothed the corners of mis smile line, its been years since you have seen that smile. he looked at you with hoped, with a clear ambition to start a new life, without any other choice, you smile softly at him as well. “couldn’t you make yourself more presentable? use one of the dress i brought you?” he whispered as the gates opened, ready to welcome their new members, you let out a small sigh but the smile on your face didn’t disappear.

when the carriage stopped it’s journey in front of you and your dad, he jogged quickly just enough for the carriage’s door opened abruptly, giggles came out the door and bright dresses ame from the dark, anastasia was the first one to make their presence known. your father extended his hand in order to help anastasia step from the carriage, once she stepped on the ground, she started overworking her fan as if the hot weather was attempting against her life. the second one was drizella, her exaggerated hair almost made contact with the top of the carriage and high heels making her trip, she wiggled her way over to anastasia who analyzed your house. “you should stile your hair” drizella remarked, your hair was styled messily in a bun. “your house is so… vintage.” anastasia added. “how was your trip?” you asked before they could make another smirky comment. “what did she say?” anastasia whispered—not low enough because you could still hear her. “i think she is asking us about our travel.” drizella explained like if you were speaking in a another language. “it was, um, exquisite.” anastasia replied awkwardly.

it seem like everyone stopped their tracks once the faint sound of a dress and heels made their way into the conversation. the last one was lady tremaine, a mysterious and wealthy woman. she meet your father during one of his long trips, promising her hand in marriage once she moved with him.

without giving you a glance, she maid her way through the house doors, and scanned the main entrance. anastasia and drizella were quickly to follow her and whisper things to her, definitely about your house. you entered the house along with your dad, that’s when she finally took check you out. her penetrating eyes noticing every single flaw in you. “how about you give the girls a tour around the house.” your father spoke as anastasia and drizella chuckled in amusement making their way up the stairs.

“your daughter is beautiful.” lady tremaine mumbled as you and your new sisters disappeared into some rooms. “oh, yes. she took it from her—“ your father stopped mid-sentence once he saw lady’s tremaine prolonged eye contact and her teasing smirk.

later that night, a inimaginable party was celebrated in your fathers and lady’s tramaine engagement, the wine and whiskey made you feel intoxicated just from the smell, your lungs burned as the smoke of the cigarettes lingered as if it was pure air. both of your ‘innocent’ sisters doll themselves up, amused man surrounding them while they took their sweet time chatting only with those that have money. your father was also talking to his friends, although you only recognized one, a really old friend of his, edward, he is your father’s assistant during his travels. talking about travels, in a few days he had been assigned one, after that, the wedding will happen.

“bring me a nice, shiny necklace!” “i want a big, outstanding dress!” “oh! and a tight corset!” anastasia and drizella demanded loudly as they—surprisingly took turns to talk about their needs. “what do you want, my love?” your father asked as his head turned towards you, grabbing his suitcases and throwing them into the back of the carriage. “just you coming back safely.” you quietly said while grabbing his hand, not wanting to let go. edward started to move the carriage with the help of the horses but you didn’t take your hand away from his, following desperately as the carriage made its way outside the house property, when you couldn’t catch up anymore, you staid still, observing the carriage that disappeared.

a knock could be heard, you weren’t expecting any visits. as the knocking continued, drizella called your name “get the door!” she yelled. as when you got to the door, edward was standing there, soaking wet because of the latest rains happening, the carriage behind him, as well as your fathers belongings. “edward? where is my father?” you quickly questioned the poor man who gripped his hat tightly, he just shook his head, letting fall some tears that had pilled up, he will break in a million pieces if he spoke a word.

realization hit you like a brick, suddenly the air had aggressively pushed one both doors, your breath sharp and fast and your lip started quivering, your knees weakening making you fall in front of edward who’s tears where know fully released and came out like a endless loop. “that means he didn’t bring me my dress?” anastasia growled as her other sister and mother soaked in the news. “anastasia! shut that mouth of yours!” lady tremaine spoke up, for the first time in weeks finally doing something that wasn’t against you. “can’t you see? we are ruined!” she snapped, lady tramaine turn around and stormed off to her room, shutting the door loudly.

the hard sound of heels crashing with the weak wooden floor woke you up abruptly, your neck jointed with a sharp pain spreading towards your lower back, your view was blurred as you remember last nights activities—you had fallen asleep in front of the chimney seeking for any warm that your room didn’t offer you. the new room was practically the old attic, the last room of the house and scariest, drizella and anastasia took your room because theirs was too small and lady tramaine had the guts to replace the room of your beloved mother.

“where is this girl?” lady tramaine groaned as she took a seek for you while waiting for her daughters to come and eat breakfast. “i thought breakfast was ready.” she sneered as you walked with chalks of wood. “it is ma’am. i’m only mending the fire.” you replied while inspecting the fire as it refuse to corporate.

anastasia and drizella finally took their seat in the dinning room, waiting impatiently for the food, tapping their nails against the table, as if it were a clock, counting second by second. “what’s that on your face?” lady tramaine asked as she observed obviously your face as you walked in with trays filled with food, your puzzled face became clear as you didn’t know what she was talking about, placing the food as you looked at the three ladies sitting in front of you. “it’s ash from the fireplace.” anastasia was quick to clear any questions. “clean yourself up.” lady tramaine said, avoiding any eye contact with you. “you’ll get cinders in our tea!” drizella snorted grabbing a cup of tea and stared deeply into it, you grabbed a nearby piece of destroyed fabric, bringing it and cleaning up aggressively your face with it.

“oh, girls leave your sister alone.” lady tramaine cheered as her wicked smile came back into its place as you keep walking in and out with plates, glasses and even more food. it was difficult to organize everything by yourself because lady tramaine had dismissed the household. her glance dartered around the table until it stopped in your plate. “who’s this plate for?” she inquired as she pointed out the plate placed on the spot giving to you on the dining table.”is there someone we’ve forgotten?” she asked faking innocence, she knew deep down that it was your plate. “it’s my place.” you added with a soft smile. “it seems so much to expect you to prepare breakfast, serve it and still sit with us.” she explained rapidly, taking a small breath before continuing. “wouldn’t like to eat when all the work is done?” she inquired pushing slightly your plate away towards you.

you were left speechless as the three ladies looked at you teasingly, a desire to run away kicked in. your shaking hands grabbed clumsily your cutlery and walked away as the loud, rotten sound of lady’s tramaine laugh tormented you as you stormed off to the kitchen.

the tears blurred your vision as you placed weakly the glass plate on the table, a wrong movement slipped the plate from the table crashing down into the floor, an unpleasant sound coming from the crash, to see the disaster you caused made you cry even more. sobbing, you kneeled into the disaster and started picking it up.

the pot where you prepared the tea reflected your heart breaking image, your face swallowed because of the endless tears, still covered by ash. it seemed like your stepmother and stepsisters had indeed transformed you into a merely a creature of ash and oil, a desperate groan escaped your shaky lip.

the horses speed quicken as the path was clear enough. you had grabbed a horse and stormed off to the forest to ride a bit, to distract yourself from they’re horrid coments.

as you deepen yourself more, a reindeer came out of nowhere, taking you and your horse by surprise. the horse jumped in horror as your grip into it not wanting to fall. “whoa, whoa, whoa!” you gasped, the reindeer only dedicated himself to look at you, the moment was interrupted as distant horns and shouts approached your area. “run!” you mouthed to the reindeer, how crazy you were to think that it will listen to you? “or they’ll catch you!” you uttered in desperation as the voices became more and more clear.

once the reindeer finally took note of your desperate attempts to help him, he stroked off but your horse had another plan, storming off with the reindeer too, as if they were playing a cat and mouse game, the sudden change of speed made a ear—piercing scream come out your sore throat.

paige separated herself from the group of guards fallowing the reindeer, when se heard a desperate voice coming from the deeps of the forest, a beautiful one.

“easy, boy!” you groaned noisily, not knowing how to calm the beast. “come on, slow down!” you desperately cried. paige squinted her yes focusing on the quickened animal. “miss!” she screamed, directing her horse towards the scene.

“i’m alright! thank you!” you screamed back but she matched your rhythm, calming down your horse for you, as the horse slowed down she questioned you. “are you alright?” “i’m alright.” you blurted out. “but you’ve nearly frightened the life out of him.” you protested making your horse jogg in cirlcles, the blonde girl mocking your steps. “who?” she asked. “the reindeer! what’s he ever done to you?” you yell out of air, the girl peeking a smile “i must confess i’ve never met him before.” the blonde girl giggled “he is a friend of yours?” she continued, both of your horses mirroring the actions of one another. “by accident, we met just now.” you stated, visibly relieved and now calmed after the scary incident.

“i looked into his eyes and he looked into mine, and i just felt he had so much to do with his life.” you explained getting closer to the fancy-dressed girl “that’s all.” you finished. “miss, what do they call you?” she questioned as soon as you ended speaking. “don’t bother.” you muttered rapidly. “you shouldn’t be this deep in the forest, alone.” she remarked as her she’s wondered into the distance, endless trees and animals. “i’m not alone. i’m with you…” you chuckle. “now, what do they call you?” it was now your time to question, she giggled at your words. “you don’t know who i am?” she said while raising her eyebrows in surprise. “they call ‘p’, well, my father does when he is in a good mood.” she replied as you both laughed. “and… where do you live, miss p?” you asked. “at the palace.” she quickly said. “my father’s teaching me his tricks.” she added. “you’re an apprentice?” you said amused. “you can say that.” she said nodding. “that good.” you opined. “do they treat you well?” you mentioned as your horses speed started lacking but you didn’t bother to notice. “better then i deserve.” she responded as both of your horses stopped, almost closing the distance between you both. “and you?” she inquired. “they treat as they can.” you blurted out, avoiding making eye contact. “i’m sorry.” she whispered seeing your facial expressions go down as your mood changed. “it’s not your fault.” you clarified quickly. “not yours either.” she answered softly. “it’s not that bad.” you said, a small smile creeping through your lips. “others have it worse. we simply must have courage and be kind.” you seconded. “yeah, you are right.” she replied as a laugh came out following the words her mouth let out, you both chuckle. “that’s exactly how i feel.” she explained.

before you could respond again, a long horn interrupted the conversation, your head turned to the direction of the horn fallowed by shouting. “please don’t let them hurt him.” you pleaded. “but were hunting, you see. it’s what’s done.” she said not caring about your pleas of desperation. “just because it’s what’s done doesn’t mean it’s what should be done!” you contradicted. “right, again.” the girl acknowledged. “that means you will leave him alone?” you questioned. “i will.” she assured. “thank you very much, miss p.” you said.

“ah! there your are your high—“ the captain suddenly appeared and was quickly interrupted. “it’s p! p!” she exclaimed quickly. “i’m on my way!” she said irritated. “well, we better get going” the captain desperately said. “miss p..” he finished teasingly. “i repeat myself… im on my way!” she argued her horse buckled and jogged away taking a few glances towards you, then she stopped. “i hope to see you again, miss.” she hinted, her blue eyes not moving away from yours. “me too.” you said, a comforting smile lightened up her face her horse finally catching up with the rest of the group, jogging away.

[parkerluvsu]

day 18: punishment <3

authors note: this is totally late im so sorry.. also i am skipping day 19, partially because im extremely tired and also because i don't know how to incorporate food into sex <3

art knew what he was doing was wrong, he just didn't care. he was past the point of caring.

you've been away for weeks (2 to be exact) and art hasn't jerked off at all since you've left. sure.. he's brushed up against his pillow while he's going to sleep one too many times, and sure hes "accidentally" stroked himself a little too much in the shower.. but he's been good!! he's been your good boy and followed your orders. until now.

you texted art that your flight was running late, grounded for about 2 hours because of the winter storm currently running its course outside the airport.

"sorry artie, flight is delayed cuz of weather, don't wait up for me baby, might not even be home tonight"

"okay :( i miss you soooo much, text me when u land pls"

"alright angel, will do :) love u <3"

"love u too <3"

art sighs and flops on the unbearably empty bed, flinging his phone a little farther than he meant to and wincing. he looks down at his cock slowly filling out in his jeans and groans. what is he supposed to do without you here? as thoughts of you start to cloud his mind, art can't stop thinking that if he just jerked off really quick and got rid of all the evidence, you wouldn't know it, and you'd come back none the wiser and he wouldn't get punished. great plan right? wrong.

after furiously jerking off until he cums himself silly, art finds himself totally unable to clean up after himself, cum stating to dry on his blanket and stomach, as well as tissues strewn about the bed. art sighs and tries to fight the sleepiness that clouds his mind and makes his eyelids droop more and more. he thinks to himself that he'll clean himself up before you get back, and drifts off to sleep with a smile on his face.

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚　˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚　˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊

you arrive at your apartment door hauling your heavy suitcase and back pack behind you, trying your best not to jingle your keys too much and wake up art. you carefully unlock the door and push your bags inside, slipping off your shoes and walking into the house tiredly, wanting nothing more to sleep for 20 hours. you're stopped however, when you round the corner and see art splayed out on your bed, absolutely naked, cuddling your pillow with a cum stained blanket bedside him. you sigh, leaning down to pick up the scattered tissues and throw them away. when you're done with that, you gently sit next to art, trying to pull away the dirty blanket from him and replace it with a new one.

art senses the movement and awakens, first being elated to see your face, and then shocked at the fact that he was caught red-handed. "h-hi.." art looks away from you and blushes. "hey artie.. you gonna tell me what happened?" you coo at him softly, tricking his brain into thinking he won't get punished. "w-well i jus' missed you so much and then when you said you weren't gonna be home for a while i just couldn't handle it anymore.. b-but i swear i didn't do anything while you were away!! except for that.." art rambles, trying to plead his case in front of you. you smile and nod, reaching out to cup his face. art sighs, he's safe. "... but you remember what the rule was, right?"

arts eyes snap open from their blissful state. "w-what?" art is starting to lose his composure, guilt washing through him. "the rule? remember.. before i left i told you that you weren't allowed to masturbate at all while i was gone. and you broke the rule artie.." you say with a pout on your face. "l-listen 'm sorry, 'm really sorry.. you understand right? i- just couldn't take it anymore.." you shake your head, "you know that i have to punish you right? it's what i told you would happen if you broke the rules.." art nods sadly, trying to charm you with his puppy-dog eyes but you're stronger than that, not falling for his tricks.

art tries his best to hide his obvious arousal from you, but you see how hard he is through the blanket he's covering himself with. you inch closer to him, gently pulling the blanket off of him, watching as his cock slaps against his stomach. art whines and looks away from you, moaning softly when you grip him in your hand. even though he's already practically empty from cumming earlier. you stroke him up and down gently, smiling happily when he bucks his hips up to meet your touch, feeling like he's halfway to heaven after not feeling your touch on him the whole time you've been away.

arts head is in the clouds, watching as you stroke him faster and faster, your hand getting slick from all of the precum drooling out of him. you know he's getting close, his hips move faster, almost fucking your hand, as his moans turn almost girlish. "'m gettin' close.. it feels s' good.. thankyouthankyouthankyou..." art doesn't get a chance to finish his sentence before you rip your hand off of him, leaving art to pathetically hump the air to try to finish himself off, but it's no use, his orgasm is completely ruined. art has tears brimming in his eyes, "w-why did you do that.. i- i was s' close.." his lower lip wobbles. you tilt your head to the side, hand smoothing over his milky thigh. "what do you mean artie? i told you that you'd be punished, did you forget so easy?" art frowns, shaking his head. "i- i didn't forget i just.. it's unfair" he pouts. you smile and bring art closer to you, cuddling him against your sternum.

"i know.. and im sorry.. you know i hate when you're sad, but you have to learn your lesson yeah?" you press a kiss to his forehead. art nods, cuddling up to you. "yeah.. 'm sorry really, it's just cuz i missed you so much" art says quietly, blushing a little bit. "i missed you too artie, don't worry, ill make it up to you soon" <3

[runningincircl3s]

Blood Sport

Noah Sebastian x Reader

Chapter One

chapter warnings: none!

since i posted a chapter of sinematic last night i thought it would only be fair to post this chapter early too!! (also because this one's a little slow, but things really start in the next chapter which will be out on friday AND IM SO EXCITED <3 trust the process!!)

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

It was finally the evening before your flight to LA, the months passed by in the blink of an eye so you were now panicking as you started packing at the last minute.

However, it wasn’t just the packing you were panicking about, or the fact you would inevitably be seeing Noah again. 

It was the notice you received through your door a few days ago. 

An eviction notice. 

At first you thought it was a mistake, you’d never been behind on your rent, never did anything wrong. But as you read it you saw it was because they were going to be doing some serious repairs to the whole apartment building, and they didn’t know how long it would take. 

You had until the end of the month to find somewhere to go, and with no friends who live nearby to stay with, no savings to put a deposit down on a new place, you were sure you’d be homeless by the end of the month. 

The only hope you had was that Bryan would have a solution, yet you hated having to fall back and rely on him when your life turned to shit. He had his own life to live, his own problems to face. You shouldn’t have to depend on him, but you were both always there to help each other out in times like these. That's what best friends were for after all.

By the time you had finally finished packing it was well past midnight, and the weight of exhaustion was beginning to settle in. Still, your mind refused to quiet down. Every time you shut your eyes, thoughts of tomorrow, of seeing them again, of seeing him, crept in like unwelcome guests.

What would he say if he saw you? Would he even say anything? Would he even look at you?

Was he doing okay? Was he coping better than you? What did he look like now? 

Was there still a chance at mending things?

You rolled onto your side, staring at the dim glow of your phone on the nightstand. As you checked it, you were met with an empty notification bar, like usual. For a moment, you wondered what he would do if your name popped up on his phone, would he reply? What would he think? What would he do? Was he waiting for it the way you were waiting for him?

Eventually, exhaustion won. Your eyes finally fell shut, and you drifted into another dreamless sleep. 

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

The sound of your alarm blaring suddenly jolted you awake.

Your heart lurched as you scrambled for your phone, your brain still sluggish from sleep. The screen read 7am, and your flight was only a few hours away

“Shit. Shit, shit, shit-”

You shot out of bed, nearly tripping over your suitcase as you stumbled into the bathroom. There was no time for breakfast, no time for anything except throwing on the first semi-clean outfit you could find and shoving your last-minute essentials into your bag.

By the time you managed to get out the door and into a cab, your hands were still shaking from the sheer panic and rush of the morning.

The ride to the airport was a blur of checking the time every thirty seconds and internally cursing yourself for not waking up earlier. When you finally arrived, you bolted through security, barely making it to your gate before final boarding was called.

You boarded the plane and collapsed into your seat, letting out a breath you didn’t realise you were holding. 

It was only when the plane took off that the realisation truly hit that you were going back to all those familiar faces, back to your old friends. You felt sick with nerves, but there was absolutely no turning back now. 

The flight was long, but you barely noticed. Between the occasional in-flight announcement and the quiet conversations around you, your mind kept looping back to the same thought.

Would he be there?

It was stupid to think so. You knew Matt would be the one picking you up, he had already confirmed it. But a small, foolish part of you still held onto the possibility. That maybe, just maybe, Noah would be there too.

But then again, why would he? What reason did he have, unless it was to force you turn back around and go home.

Did he even know you were coming?

When the plane touched down in LA, nerves settled deep in your stomach. You grabbed your carry-on, your legs feeling slightly unsteady as you stepped off the plane and made your way through the terminal, collecting your suitcase. 

And then, just like before

“Y/n?”

Your head snapped up.

“Matt!” 

There he stood, arms crossed, that familiar grin on his face, and that hat that never seemed to leave his head.

He looked the same. A little more tanned, maybe. A little more relaxed. But he was still the same Matt.

"Great to see you again." He smiled.

"I've missed you!" Relief flooded through you, and before you could think twice, you stepped forward and wrapped your arms around him.

“Missed you too.” Matt chuckled, hugging you back.

You let out a breath, pulling away.

“Come on,” he said, grabbing your suitcase. “I'll show you to the car.”

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

The drive from the airport was spent in a comfortable quiet when the two of you weren’t chatting, it almost felt like no time had passed at all, like nothing had happened. Matt had always been good at that, making things feel normal even when they weren’t.

“Folio’s gonna be stoked to see you,” he said, drumming his fingers against the steering wheel at a red light. “He wouldn’t shut up about it when I told him you were coming.”

That made you smile. You had missed him too.

“He’s going to make me go on that stupid fishing trip isn’t he?” You chuckled. 

“Yep.” Matt grinned, before glancing over at you, his expression softening. “Are you nervous?”

“Well, I’ve never been fishing before so I don’t know what to expect, maybe-”

“Not that…” Matt chuckled, “I meant seeing him.”

You hesitated for a second, staring out the window.

“A little.”

“You’ll be fine,” he assured you. “I mean, it’s not like you murdered his dog or something.”

You snorted. 

“Just his heart.”

Matt winced. 

“Okay, well, when you put it like that…”

The silence that followed was brief but heavy. You knew Matt didn’t like to pick sides, he didn’t want to be caught in the middle of something that wasn’t his business, and as much as he cared about you, Noah was his best friend.

"So, I've heard different stories, but what actually happened that night?"

You took a deep breath, but as soon as you thought back to that night, it was as if you were reliving it all over again.

“I... I can explain…” You stuttered. 

“Oh, you can?” Noah raised his eyebrows, looking down at you with an expression you had never seen on him before, “What the fuck is there to explain?!”

“But…”

“No!” He shouted, and you could see his eyes fill with tears, “I knew it all along. I fucking knew it!" He scoffed, a humourless laugh falling from his lips, "You’ve been lying to me. For three goddamn months?! And this is how I find out?!"

There was nothing you could do, nothing you could say.

"And you had the fucking audacity to tell me you loved me last night? Was that just a lie too? Huh?”

“No!” You sobbed, covering your mouth with your hand, “I was going to tell V-”

“I don’t care. I don't fucking care! I trusted you. Y/n, I trusted you. You know exactly how my last relationship ended, and you still do this to me? If that isn’t the biggest fuck you then I don’t know what is.” 

“Can I please have a chance to explain-”

“No! Nothing you can do or say will fix the fact that you’ve been screwing him the entire time we’ve been together!”

“Hey,” Angela piped up, “The two of you were never actually together.”

“That’s not the point, and stay out of this, this is between us." Noah points at you, "You have told me time and time again that there was nothing going on between you and Vin, you were insisting you were just friends, but you were just lying straight to my face! The both of you! I was stupid enough to believe you because I loved you!” 

“Noah, I was scared!” You cry, “It wasn't meant to happen and then... I couldn't stop and... I was scared I’d lose you if you found out! I didn't want-” 

“So I wasn’t good enough for you?” He scoffed, throwing his head back in anger, running a shaky hand through his hair, “I wasn’t enough?”

“No! Noah, please, can we go somewhere else and talk about this?”

“No. You’ve said enough. You've done enough.” He said, shaking his head. You watch a stray tear roll down his cheek, and you feel your heart break into a million pieces. “We’re done, whatever we are, whatever you thought we were, it’s over. I’ve spent years protecting myself from this, because this isn’t the first time I’ve been lied to like this, and you know it. I can’t believe you.”

And with that, he took his keys and left. You wanted to chase him out, follow him and apologise, but your legs wouldn't take you, leaving you to cry your heart out in Angela’s arms.

Judging by your silence, Matt apologised, assuming it was still a sore topic even months down the line.

“Y’know, Folio’s moved! He's staying with Noah at the moment.”

“He is?” You raised an eyebrow. 

“Yeah, he’s looking to get his own place, so it’s just a temporary fix for now, but they’ve just adopted a cat so I don’t see him moving out anytime soon.” 

“Really,” you chuckled, “I didn’t see Folio as the cat type.”

“I don’t think they were even supposed to get him, but then Noah saw his name was Tommy and he couldn’t resist. They keep talking about getting more, naming them Arthur, Michael and John.”

“They’re naming them after the peaky blinders?” You snorted, “That’s the most Noah thing I think I’ve ever heard.” 

It wasn’t too long before Matt pulled into the driveway of his house. He took your suitcase and led you through his home, giving you a quick tour as he walked you down to the room where you would be staying for the week.

The guest room was tucked away at the end of the hall. It wasn’t big, but it was definitely cozy. There was a small bed, a dresser and a TV on the wall, so what more could you ask for?

“If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask,” Matt said, setting your suitcase down. “Make yourself at home!"

“Thanks, Matt.” You said sincerely.

He gave you a nod. 

“You should get some rest, you look like you haven’t slept in days.”

You didn’t argue, because he was right. 

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

You didn’t know what to expect when Matt said he’d let you stay with him whilst you were in LA, but your day had been quite pleasant. 

You woke up around 8, took a shower and unpacked your suitcase before Alyson came in to tell you they were going to go out for lunch, their last lunch together before the wedding, so you would be left home alone.

You didn’t mind this, but there was one person whose company you craved. So you gave him a call, asking if he wanted to come over.

“Y/n!” Folio beamed, his arms wrapping around you, your feet lifting off the ground as he gave you the most intense hug you’ve had in a while. 

“Nick!” You laughed, “Put me down!” 

He apologised, and you stepped aside to let him come in. 

“How have you been?” He asked as he followed you into the living room. 

“Eh, I’ve been okay,” you say, taking a seat on the sofa, “I’ve missed you, and all the guys.” 

“Noah?” He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips.

You gave him a look and he understood, noting not to talk about him again. 

“Sorry,” he said, “Have you… y’know… gotten back out there? Gone on any dates?”

“Uh… No not really, I haven’t felt like it.” 

“No?... Me either.” He sighed, “It’s hard trying to move on when you’ve still got feelings and you know they haven’t- I’m not speaking for Noah here but, y’know. It’s been over a year since my ex left, and I still don’t feel like trying again.” 

“I know what you mean.” You frowned, “It’s going to be tough seeing him tomorrow. If I don’t turn up you’ll know why.” You chuckled, but Folio knew there was a seriousness to it. 

“It’s going to be okay,” he reassured you, “You don’t even have to talk to him. You’re sitting with me!”

“I am?” You smiled. 

“Yeah!”

“Well that’s a relief,” you smiled, “...So Matt told me you’ve got a cat.” 

“Oh, Tommy!” He reached into his pocket, pulling his phone out to show you a picture of his black and white cat.

“Awh, he’s adorable!” 

“He’s a little bitch,” Folio scoffed, “Don’t let that cute little face deceive you!” 

You laughed, but then something in your chest made you ask the question you were dreading the answer to. 

“So… How’s Noah been?” 

“...Not too good.” Folio confessed, “He’s doing a lot better now, but when we finally got back from the tour last year I don’t think he talked to any of us for a couple months, and then when he did it was because he had a song he needed us for. He was barely eating, barely sleeping, so that’s why I moved in, I couldn’t let him spiral. Not alone!”

“But he’s okay now though, right?”

“Yeah he’s doing great now,” he nodded, “So I’ve been thinking about moving out, but it’s so expensive out here!”

“Hey, why don’t we look together?” You suggested, an idea sparking in your brain, “I got an eviction notice the other day, I need to be out by the end of the month. I have nowhere else to go, I don’t have much money saved…” 

“Yeah!” He grinned, “That’ll be sick! It’ll almost be like the old days when all the guys lived together!” 

“Are you sure?” You smiled, “I don’t want you to think you have to live with me. I just need to get out of my place as soon as possible-” 

“No, I think it’ll be great! It’ll be fun!” 

“But then who’ll custody of Tommy? You or Noah?” You smirked, raising an eyebrow.

“Fuck!” 

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

It was now the evening, Matt and Alyson came back after lunch, but she left again not long after to go to the hotel she was staying at with her bridesmaids to get ready for the wedding.

This left you, Matt, Folio and Bryan (who had come over as soon as he found out you were there) at Matt’s house. 

“Are you nervous?” You ask Matt out of the blue, turning your head away from the show playing on the TV.

“I’m shitting myself.” He laughed, “But I’m excited.” 

“It’s just a wedding!” Bryan said from the other couch, taking a sip of his drink.

“Have you ever got married before, Bry?” Matt raised an eyebrow, “All the months of planning, organising, booking, this day’s been put on some kind of pedestal and now it’s actually here- almost.”

“I’m so excited for you,” you smiled, your hand reaching Matt’s, “I’ve never known two people to be so right for each other.” 

As soon as Folio opened his mouth, you knew you weren't going to like what he was about to say.

“What about you and N-” 

You stopped him mid sentence, giving him a hard stare, and he quickly shut up, his attention turning back to the TV.

That's what I thought.

...

Across town, Noah was sat with Ruffilo, watching an old show in the living room, but Noah wasn’t really paying attention to the TV. His mind kept drifting back to tomorrow. To the wedding.

Nicholas could sense that something was off, and he had a pretty good idea of what- or rather, who- was on Noah’s mind.

"Everything okay?" Ruffilo asked, leaning back on the couch, his eyes glancing at Noah, picking up on the unease.

Noah snapped out of his thoughts and turned to face him.

"Yeah, just thinking."

There was a long pause. Noah wasn’t sure how to phrase the question that had been gnawing at him all night. Finally, he asked, his voice a little quieter than usual, hesitant as if the answer might change everything.

"Is she going to be there tomorrow?"

Ruffilo immediately knew who Noah meant. The question hung heavy in the air, but he wasn’t sure if it would be the right thing to tell Noah. He didn’t want him to back out of the wedding if he knew you were going to be there.

"I’m not sure," Nicholas said, carefully choosing his words. "Matt hasn’t said anything."

Noah nodded slowly, exhaling deeply, and returned his gaze to the TV. His mind was elsewhere, but the question still lingered.

Suddenly, the living room door opened, and their attention was drawn elsewhere.

"Babe, I finally picked up my dress for your friends wedding tomorrow, wanna see?"

Noah sighed, hesitating before nodding his head, getting up from the couch to follow Amy up the stairs.

But even as he watched his girlfriend try on her dress, his mind was still on somebody else.

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

@bloody-spades @death-ofpeace-ofmind @miss570 @dominuslunae @dontwantthemoney @amelia-acero @noahslutbastian @blade-dressed-in-red @super-btstrash-posts @kait16xo @oobleoob @sunshine-lvrr

this is still a new taglist so if i forgot you (IM SORRY) or you want to be added please just let me know!!

[ahhnini]

oh im obsessed w frat rafe tarot reader i need more

omg tysm!! <3 this was sent a while ago, but I appreciate the kind words still!! here’s more about tarot!reader!reader (still don’t know what to call her😔) this was also supposed to be just headcanons but I got carried away. hope you enjoy!! <3

the world - frat!rafe cameron x tarot card!reader! reader

warnings - cw slight verbal harassment from frat boys, suggestive at the end

texts between rafe and reader / the star

ೃ༄ her dorm room is definitely filled with her little trinkets! from crystals, calico critters, to pieces of lace, she’s got it! she’s definitely the type of person to just pull out anything from her bag if anyone needs it.

ೃ༄ don’t forget her collection of her favorite tarot decks on her bookshelf! they’re her favorite because she loves the art, but also because some have been gifted to her from her friends from home! (they miss her dearly)

ೃ༄ adding onto that, she prefers pulling her daily card from one of these decks versus digitally, as it tends to resonate more (she only looks digitally if she doesn’t want to get out of bed)

ೃ༄ her nails are always painted. she figured if she was going to be doing readings for people, she couldn’t let them look at her bare nails. however, no acrylics, she’s tried them before, but unfortunately it became difficult to pull cards out with them :(

ೃ༄ despite what people think, she’s very intelligent! she’s a business major at her school, and she’s (almost) the top of her class.

ೃ༄ her outfits alwaysss give, and she always wears her signature red platform loafers. just one class for her? she’s putting them on. running errands? strutting in them.

ೃ༄ her niche is baking, she hasn’t baked for anyone at school, except rafe! he said to start up a bake sale at their college, but she said that she only bakes for her friends. that made rafe feel fuzzy inside.

ೃ༄ however, during her third year of college, things got rough :( the school had only let freshmen and sophomores live in the dorms, and reader hadn’t been able to make any friends except rafe. rent was dangerously high around town, so she spent most of her nights in her own shop, curled up on one of her beanbags.

ೃ༄ when rafe saw you, sleeping an inch of the floor through one of the windows of the building, he immediately rushed to you, entering the security code for the door and waking you up. it startled you, of course, you had thought someone was breaking in.

ೃ༄ once rafe reassured you, he ran to the cafe across the street for some bagels and coffee, and sat you up on your beanbag. from there forward, you’d told him everything, and he listened. you’d always be there to give him advice, so he felt a little guilty about not knowing your current situation.

ೃ༄ little did you know this conversation would take a turn of events you’d never expect.

ೃ༄ he smiles brightly as you both stand in front of his frat house, a small “ta-da” coming from his mouth. the hand around your suitcase clutched tighter as you try and stop yourself from nervously chuckling. he grabs your free hand, dragging you up the steps of the manor. he knocks on the front door, and you look at the ground, the clacking of your loafers becoming echoed.

ೃ༄ you put up a small smile when the frat president opens the door, he nods and introduces himself as jay before welcoming you and rafe in.

ೃ༄ it had been cleaner than you’d expected, minus some empty water bottles strewn across the floor. you didn’t know why, but from all the rumors you’ve heard, you were expecting something a bit more…grotesque.

ೃ༄ you make your way up the grand stairs, rafe carrying your suitcase, mumbling about how you have more trinkets in there than clothes. he shows you his room, and it was the complete opposite of your previous dorm. it was minimalist, barely any decor, and filled with monochrome black and white. bleh. the only pop of color that he had were the crystals he’d bought from you, which shine on his windowsill. “how do you live like this?” you ask, dropping to your knees and opening up your suitcase. he shrugs, “just like it like this,” you dramatically shiver your shoulders and he scoffs.

ೃ༄ your nerves didn’t calm down at all when rafe showed you around the house, and it had to be the time when most of the boys got back from their classes. although jay stated that rafe’s friend was going to be staying, he failed to mention said friend was a lady. especially the one whos reputation was said to be very antisocial around campus.

ೃ༄ some ogled, it was a given, some already gave you their numbers, adding a note to “call them if you get stuck in the washing machine” (ew) (and you swore you could’ve seen them with their girlfriends around town). nevertheless, rafe shut them all down, wrapping a protective arm around you.

ೃ༄ once dinner came around, you were amazed at the en suite buffet the house offered, sitting across rafe with your hefty plate of food.

ೃ༄ once night rolled around, you quickly realized that you and rafe had to sleep in the same bed, as there were no spares. you’d been fine with it, and rafe said he was fine with it, but you doubted that claim when he kept moving around throughout the night.

ೃ༄ eventually, he’d found a comfortable spot, spooning you, and you tried your best to not be bothered by his hardness pressing up against you as you drifted to sleep.

taglist - @nemesyaaa @julie123456897 @mfdoomdickrider @grxnde-dwt @littlelamy @rafeeekam @xcinnamonmalfoyx

[lavendermunson]

mine - steve harrington

summary you get separated from the love of your life after spending the best night together, would the universe bring you back to him? based on this request, thank you so much!

cw college!steve, college!reader. fluff, angst and more angst then more fluff. modern times!! allusions to sex. reader wears glasses sometimes.

w.c 9.2k

a/n created a playlist for this one (i struggled a little bit and the songs helped) thank you to @stveharringtn and @ihatepeanutss for reading the early chapter and motivating me to continue ily! NO PROOFREAD BECAUSE IM EXCITED

dividers by @saradika

I. Left a small town and never looked back.

Due to your parents' jobs, you had to move frequently, and the longest you stayed in one place was three years. You were so used to this, following the single rule for yourself: never get attached.

One problem, it was impossible not to fall for Steve Harrington. 

You met Steve in Hawkins, and the three years you spent together were magical. Talking late at night, going to the movies, and hanging out by the lake. Holidays were always spent with him, you invited him to your house, and your parents loved him. Even though your little brother was only 8 years old, he knew Steve was important to the family.  

The last year of high school was just around the corner. You’ve talked to Steve about graduating together, going to college, and spending the rest of your lives together. Watching each other through all the ups and downs of adulthood, you knew Steve was going to stay with you no matter what, he would be there for you, and you would be there for him. It was all a perfect dream, you’d have someone to celebrate your victories and cheer you up when the inevitable bad luck followed you around.

That dream was crushed when your parents told you they had to move again. You were heartbroken, and even more so because you were going to be separated from your favorite person. It was the first time you'd broken the rule, you got attached to Steve, and you fell in love with him.

The news broke him. He couldn’t sleep for the rest of the week, he wanted to be with you all the time, like you promised.

———

Before leaving Hawkins, you decided to confess your feelings for him. It felt wrong to pack that secret into your suitcase. Steve felt the same, he liked you too, but he didn’t want to admit he was in love with you yet. He decided to make your last day at Hawkins the best day you’ve ever had.

The first stop was the diner outside of town to eat burgers, fries, and milkshakes like you always do. At your favorite booth, this time it had a vase with flowers in the center of the table and a beanie babie.

“This is the one I saw in the magazine.” You take the white stuffed bear, it has a red ribbon around his neck and an embroidered red heart. 

“In case you need someone to hug,” he says, looking at the laces of his shoes and holding back his tears.

“Smells good! I’m so hungry.” You saw the way his smile faded, changing the subject was better than crying already. You had to enjoy the night.

While sipping from your freshly made milkshakes— stealing the cherry on top of his milkshake as usual—and watching Steve go over the old jukebox to play your favorite songs, the pocket of his jeans ended up empty from using all the coins he had.

“Get up! We have to dance.” Steve stands up, reaching for your hand.

He had to choose wisely for the next song, it was the last coin he had, so of course Be My Baby, by The Ronettes, was playing. He took your hand, squeezing it, and placed his free hand on your back to keep you closer. You rest one of your hands on his chest, feeling his heart beat fast for you.

Everyone in the diner was watching you, but you didn’t care. You were in the arms of your boy, your love, and it was the last night with him before a while. You had to dance like nobody was watching.

Leaving the checkered floor and the red booths, the second stop was the theater, cuddling while watching ‘Before Sunrise’ . It's one of your favorite movies, and it came back to the big screen for its anniversary.

Both of you get the feeling that it is the perfect movie to watch on a day like this. It was perfect because you don’t know what’s going to happen with you two in the future, just like Celine and Jesse. Your love for each other looks like that, it feels like that, and the best part is that it’s real, not something written for a movie. You aren’t acting or performing. You are feeling it.

You feel so lucky you didn’t meet him for just one night, you had spent so much time with Steve. The endless walks around the park and picking flowers in spring while he holds the basket and you place your favorites on it so you can take them home. The fun summers, hanging out by the pool, and eating a lot of ice cream—one of those years you had free ice cream thanks to Steve working at Scoops Ahoy. You spent the entire summer making fun of his tiny sailor suit, not wanting to admit he looked really good in it. 

Fall was always fun, dressing up for Halloween, and joining the kids to trick or treat, so at the end, you can steal some of their best candy bars. The adorable winter, playing in the snow and getting your nose red, drinking hot cocoa and marshmallows while watching Christmas movies.

Everything comes back to your mind like you were watching your movie. Feeling safe and loved with Steve’s arms around you. You never fought before, nothing went bad, but everything was over. For a while.

Steve holds your hand while you walk through the parking lot. The night sky is decorated with stars, so big and bright. He interlocks his fingers with yours, squeezing your hand as you walk to his BMW. 

The last stop is Lover’s Lake. He parks his car in the usual spot—your favorite spot. It’s the best place to feel the magic of the water mixed with the light of the moon. A reminder that you exist on the same planet, even if the miles come between you.

The radio starts to play ‘Don’t you forget about me’. The song was perfect. You take a deep breath. This is a moment you will remember forever.

Both sitting in the hood of his car, he hugs you, shielding you from the cold breeze, and kisses the top of your head while your back rests against his chest. The tears start to spill from your eyes, rolling down your cheeks. You can't hold the sobs, your chest is giving up.

“Hey, hey!” He turns you around, softly cupping your face between his hands and rubbing the tears away with his thumbs.

“Don’t you dare forget about me,” you whisper, as if the trees were going to be disturbed by your sobs.

“I won’t, I’ll call you every day. But I am going to miss you so much,” he whispers back. 

“I’m scared, Stevie,” you sob, tangling your arms around his neck. “What if we can’t make it?”

“We will, we got this. The love I have for you is stronger than anything else, we won’t let the distance break us.”

“Do you promise?”

“I promise”

Pressing his thumbs against your cheeks, he gets close to you. Your lips touch, and it feels like thousands of fireworks light up inside you. You feel one of his hands slide down your arm, and it makes you shiver. His hand rests on your waist and gives it a little squeeze. You jump closer to him than before, and you can feel his lips turn into a grin.

It wasn’t your first kiss with him. You kissed sometimes while playing spin the bottle or when Steve wanted to teach you how to kiss better.

“We will get through this. I'll see you again, and we can live the rest of our lives together.”

He kisses you again, and you open your mouth as he pushes your face to the side with his thumb. He slides his tongue to join yours and get more of the way you taste, honey, strawberries and cherries. Steve is being patient, taking his time brushing his tongue against yours and humming at how good it feels.

This kiss felt more magical, it made your insides bubbly, and your cheeks got warmer. But inside you, the clock was ticking, you had to savor this moment in case the universe turned against you again.

He breaks the kiss, trying to slow his breath. You do the same, opening your eyes slowly.

“I won’t do anything, not tonight." His voice is soft, but the tone is deeper. He feels a knot in his throat. “But next time, I promise I will make you feel so good.”

“I know, next time and the others. There’s only a couple of months left for summer break, and we will see each other again.”

“We will, baby. Now kiss me before I fall to the floor, you look so pretty tonight as you always do.”

“You are beautiful, Stevie.”He kisses you again, not getting enough of you. He kissed you before you went inside the house and he would’ve kissed you a thousand times more if he knew it was going to be the last time.

II. Wondering why we bother with love if it never lasts. 

You were disconnected and heartbroken by the time you spent the first week of your last year of high school at a different school. Steve picked a few shifts a week at the local coffee shop after school, always with Robin by his side.

Hawkins felt so empty without you. Every time he saw a happy couple smiling, kissing, or hugging, he felt nauseous and jealous. His friends knew how he felt, they missed you too, but they never stopped calling you. 

The only thing that kept him going were your calls, you called every single night. Tell him about your day, your new school, and your new friends. He tells you about school, work, Robin, and the kids. It was good, he loved hearing your voice and watching you through his screen.

“I can’t believe it! I told you! Steve Harrington’s first A+ essay, and without my help. I feel a little wounded, you don’t need me at all!”

He felt so proud of himself. You were the last one to know about it but you are the most excited one. Even more excited than him.

“You are a great tutor, all those tips and seeing my practice essays marked with a pink glittery pen helped me a lot”

“I'm so proud of you, you are capable of anything I know!”

“Honey…” Steve’s worried face makes your heart sink.

“Yes?”

“I’m always going to need you. I can’t live without you.”

You press both of your hands against your chest as if that were going to soothe your pain. The damage you caused him is evident, you shouldn’t have broken that stupid rule.

“I miss you, Stevie. I can’t do this without you.”

“I miss you too, honey. And you can, you have me here. Always”

Steve feels his head heavier each minute, the long hours at the coffee shop kill him. 

“We should go to sleep, yeah?” he says, noticing your sleepy face. 

“We should. Good night. Call me tomorrow!”

“Please, I don’t know if I can survive without hearing your voice”

You get closer to your camera, blowing him a kiss.

“I’ll annoy you with my voice every night, honey!”

“I’d love that baby. Good night,” he says, blowing a kiss back.

When you hang up, he tosses his laptop to the floor. It falls on the pile of unwashed clothes he has. 

“Weird,” he says to himself, looking at his laptop resting on the clothes. He takes a look around his room. It’s a mess, he makes a mental note to clean it, and he can’t stress over it right now.

Steve lays with his back against the mattress. He remembers the way you brought your hands up to your chest. He does the same, hoping to understand why you did it.

His warm palms rest against his chest, now he knows. He feels it. Steve applies a bit of pressure to his chest, closing his eyes and trying to fall asleep.

So much for trying, it felt like maybe five minutes had passed, and when he glanced at his clock, it was six a.m. His alarm was about to go off, and he had to go downstairs, make breakfast, and get on his way to pick Robin up to go to school.

That’s when he lets out a sob. Time does pass without you, the world doesn’t stop, and he gets even more scared than before. 

Don’t you forget about me.

He grabbed his phone, clicking on his texts. You’ve already said good morning to him.

‘Good morning baby. I'll miss you forever. Have a nice day! Love you”

That’s when he takes a moment to reply. 

‘Good morning, hope you slept well. I love you too.”

And then he gets out of bed to spend another day without you by his side. Knowing you are slipping through his fingers already.

———

Three weeks later.

The calls stopped being frequent, sometimes you were too tired, or sometimes he was too tired. 

“I have to go, I'm exhausted. Can I call you tomorrow?” you ask him.

Steve had to ignore the arrow that just shot through his heart, he wasn’t ready to say goodbye. The more he talked to you, the more he missed you. When he knew you weren’t going to make it for the summer break he felt his heart break, every time he woke up he was already crying.

This broke your heart too, not being able to see him, or visit your friends. It felt like some strange and strong force was keeping you away and pushing you farther.

“Of course, honey. Sweet dreams”

“Sweet dreams, Stevie.”

He closes his laptop after you hang up, tossing it aside. The pile of clothes seems to be bigger. He swears to do it tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow. Whenever he feels like he is alive.

Four months later.

The rush hour at the coffee shop ends up killing Steve’s back, and his feet are burning. To his surprise, his parents are home.

Can this day get any worse? Yes, you haven’t texted him back since yesterday.

"Steve, are you still wasting your time at that damn coffee shop?” His dad shouts he doesn’t have time for this. “Steve?”

He hears his dad’s heavy steps behind him. He catches Steve at the first step of the stairs.

“Didn’t you hear me? Say something!”

“I’m not wasting my time, I'm saving up for college,” Steve whispers. He can feel his dad’s warm breath against his face, and he can smell the whiskey too. 

“College? You are going to work for me, right?”

“No?”

“Then why go to college in the first place?”

Steve pushes his dad away, and his mother joins them.

“It’s clear, John.” she says.

“Say it, Steve.”

“To get the fuck away from you, that’s why,” Steve spits out. His eyes were burning, and tears were threatening to fall.

He gets away from them, locking himself in his room. He doesn’t mind looking at his phone or picking up his laptop, he just wants to fall asleep and get this over with. It has been such a long day.

Six months later.

It’s been a long time since you’ve talked to each other.

“Are you tired?” You ask, and he has been rubbing his eyes for the third time now. “You don’t have to hang up, carry me to your bed.”

Steve leaned his head to the side, just as a confused puppy does. 

“C’mon, I’ll read you a story so you can fall asleep. Like old times.”

“Are you sleeping late?”

“I have assignments to finish, I need to catch up with a few classes because I fell behind.”

“You’ll do great, honey. You are the smartest person I know!”

“Steve Harrington, you are the smartest person I know. We are a couple of months away from college and i'm really excited”

“Me too honey, it sucks you couldn’t come here for summer break”

You will see each other, you will. 

Steve shakes his head with a smile plastered on his face, holding the laptop in his hands. He lets himself lie under his sheets, fixing his pillow and resting his head on it. 

"Are you ready?” you ask him, sitting on your desk and getting comfortable for a long night.

“Ready, no scary tales, please!"

“I promise! Close your eyes now!”

Steve takes the last glance at you, his fingers reaching to touch his screen as if he were touching your face. But he can’t, you are too far away now and it kills him.

“Goodnight”

The bubbly feeling in your chest goes away when you don’t hear a nickname. No honey, no baby. 

“Goodnight!” You wait until his eyes are closed. “And we begin, once upon a time."

Steve falls asleep before getting to know what the story is about, he was so tired and this is the first time he has slept more than three hours.

You close your laptop after watching him turn to the other side. You are trying to return your attention to your assignments, but the only thing you can feel is your heart breaking again. The hope you once had is now fading away. You are managing to live without him, but you don’t want to. 

Steve regrets it. He regrets falling asleep. This time he didn’t wake up seeing your face, he didn’t get to hear your bedtime story, and he didn’t get to tell you how much he loved you. And he regrets it so much because it was the last time he heard your voice.

III. And every time I look at you it’s like the first time

Two years later.

Steve had a hard time finishing high school, but he did. Later, he had to retake a year, but he saved up some money with Robin to move to college. After jumping up and down and celebrating with their friends their acceptance letters, they got into the college dorms for the first year, but that went very badly because they couldn’t be roommates and all the noise from the dorm building was constantly giving them a headache.

He saw Nancy and Jonathan when they all came back from college over the summer break, hanging up with them was the best. They helped him and Robin choose the best apartment outside of college, it was close to the new coffee shop they were working on and close to their buildings. He never saw you again, you were too busy to travel, and he was too. Mindlessly forgetting about each other and not meeting again hurt less. 

When he had to retake a year, he hesitated to call you. He was ashamed of himself, you were supposed to go to the same college in the same year. 

When he finally got his acceptance letter, he didn’t call you. Steve had a feeling you got into college and that your life was going well. He knew he was right.

But it had a good outcome, Steve retook his senior year and moved in with his best friend to start a new chapter in his life. A life that he wanted to enjoy, free from the pressure of his parents and the small town that made him feel so small.

Their first year wasn’t easy. Steve spent most of his time in his dorm, and Robin did too. They didn’t go to parties and didn’t seem too excited about meeting new people.

He felt like a total stranger like he didn’t belong there. He picked the same coffee shop he was working in to hang out, he picked the public library over the school library because it looked terrifying.

Steve spent most of his weekends and days off studying, he was at the top of his class. Whenever he wrote an essay, it reminded him of you, but not as a sign of hope, just a reminder of his small town years.

Robin spent most of her weekends traveling to Hawkins to meet her girlfriend, Chrissy. Taking Steve’s car and cleaning it for him as a thank you.

Steve didn’t meet anyone else, he didn’t want to get attached. If anyone leaves, what’s the point? He was only close to two of his classmates, that was enough for him.

———

“Do you know who’s moving in?” your roommate asks, Diana was always aware of every gossip around college. It was your second year being her roommate, she slowly became your best friend.

“No, who?” You ask, not really wanting to know but giving her satisfaction again.

“A new couple! I hope they aren’t as loud as the last ones.”

“Please, I need to buy new headphones just in case.”

Diana laughs, walking towards her room to place some of the new boxes she moved in. You asked if she wanted help, but she didn’t because her brand new date was going to join her.

You decided to head up to the public library, knowing you had never been there and wanting to explore a new world. It was a couple of blocks away so you had to take the bus.

———

Steve and Robin were driving around their new neighborhood, looking for their new apartment. They were singing the songs on the radio, even if Robin didn’t know most of them because her music taste was original. But Steve knew every one of the trendy songs.

They stopped at a red light. Robin got distracted by two dogs ‘kissing’ each other. Steve looked away with a face of disgust, and that’s when his eyes fell on you.

He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, were you really there? Was he hallucinating? Maybe the smell of coffee is doing some damage to his brain.

But it was you, wasn’t it? without the signature choker, without the thousands of bracelets, and without the red lipstick always staining his shirts. Then it wasn’t you. You had glasses now, a gold chain around your neck, and your hair was slightly lighter.

The bus blocks his view; he wants to scream at it to move, and when it does, you disappear—or the hallucination he had of you disappeared—the honk of the car behind him makes him jump, the green light is on, and he has to move.

“Steve! Are you okay?” Robin shouts, scanning Steve’s face. He looks pale, confused, and scared.

“I think I just saw a ghost,” he says, looking over Robin and then the road ahead.

“You are only nervous, the apartment will be good, don't worry. If they scam us, we have Chrissy to defend us in court.”

“Yeah, stop it lovebird. We are here.”

The apartment buildings look so tall, almost intimidating. Steve drives around looking for the parking lot, and when he finds it, he and Robin take a moment to process it.

"I'm scared too, but we should go in. The moving truck will be here, and we will have a lot to do,” Robin says, taking Steve’s hands and giving them a light squeeze. “We got this”

“Yeah, we should go in now.”

They go over to their apartment, meet their landlord, and get their keys. The moving truck comes a couple of hours earlier, and they move in their new stuff after cleaning the apartment.

A couple of empty boxes and a lot of wrapping paper later, they are done. They only need the heavy couch.

“Even if I help you, we won’t be able to do it”

“I know! I’m thinking”

Steve and Robin are stressed now. Steve’s hair is disheveled already, and Robin’s mascara is smudged around her eyes. They had a long drive, and now they are so tired of getting the apartment ready.

“We should just knock at our neighbors. Their screams stopped.”

“Yeah, I should buy new headphones for that.”

He points in the hallway. Robins walks out of the apartment and knocks on the door. After a few knocks, the door opens, and Steve joins them.

“Steve? You are Nick’s friend, right? I saw you with him the other day,” a guy asks, introducing himself as Eric.

“Uhh yes, Nick! Nice to meet  you."He shakes his hand. “This is Rob, my friend.”

“Nice to meet you!” Eric says, “This is my..."

“I’m Diana, nice to meet you guys,” she waves at them.

“So, we need help moving on our couch. Could you help us?” Robin asks.

“Please, we are a great team, but that couch is very heavy,” Steve says. “What if you help us, and we invite you to eat some pasta? I saw a new Italian restaurant a few blocks away.

“Sure, we can help!” Diana says.

The four of them carry the couch with ease into Steve and Robin’s apartment, they thank their new neighbors, and they all high five, looking proud of themselves. 

“Thank you again, guys, we should go. I'm starving!” Robin smiles at them, and they all nod but Diana.

“Can I invite my friend? She can meet us there,” Diana asks. They all nod, but Eric.

“No way! She hates me,” he says, shaking his head, taking Diana’s hand, and stopping her from going into their apartment. 

“I told you it would take time. She is protecting me,” she says, dragging Eric with her into her apartment. “We will see you guys in a minute.”

“Sure, take your time,” Steve says. Their neighbors leave and shut the door behind their backs.

When they are gone, he wraps his hands around Robin’s neck. He looks over the apartment and smiles.

“We made it,” he says.

“We made it!” She says back, hugging his waist and rubbing his back.

They break the hug after a few minutes, looking over the almost finished apartment. There’s some stuff left to unpack.

“Wait for Chrissy to see this, she is going to love it.”

“Is she coming? Tomorrow?” Steve asks, looking at his friend and her lovesick smile.

“Yes! I think I'll finally ask her the question"

“Already? Isn't it too soon?”

“Dingus, when you know, you know. Life is short, we can’t lose time stressing over everything,” she says, rubbing his shoulders. “You will find someone, maybe not, you know who, or maybe you will. Let time choose.”

He knew Robin was talking about you. Even if Steve moved on and got his shit together, he was still missing you and the part of him you took with you. No matter how many dates he had, how many times Hopper talked to him. He wanted you, something far from impossible. 

“You should write that on a note and put it in the fridge." They both laugh. "I'm very proud of you.”

“Don’t make fun of me, or you will lose your best man spot. I will give it to Eddie.” Robin gets a napkin out of a box and cleans her mascara.

“Hey! Who used to drive you everywhere and still does?”

“I'm joking!”

“I know,” he says, giving her a pat on the back. “Good luck with your proposal.”

“I still need a ring, not all of us carry our grandmother’s rings everywhere we go.”

“Shut up! I'll help you get a ring.”

“Yes!”

They high five again, and they hear knocks on the door. They see their neighbors again.

“My friend isn’t coming, I think she is with her boyfriend. But we can go now!”

“Yay! Sorry about your friend."Robin gets closer to Diana, leaving Steve behind with Eric.

“Aren’t you together?” he asks.

“No, we are friends. Platonic with a capital P!” Steve replies, walking to the door and joining the girls.

“Cool, maybe you can date Teddy and smooth the anger out of her,” Eric says.

“Teddy?” Steve asks, walking to the parking lot.

“Oh, Di’s best friend,” he says, pointing at Diana. “She has this weird ass white teddy bear, and since then, I call her Teddy.”

“Oh, funny,” Steve says. A weird white teddy bear? No, no, it can’t be. His heart pounds harder against his chest, and he gets back to that night. The diner, the flowers, the beanie baby, and then someone who looked like you at the bus stop.

This can’t be real, he won’t get his hopes high again.

“Are you okay, man? You look scared,” Eric asks Steve, stopping him after he puts the key on his BMW. “Can you drive?”

“Yeah, I can. Don’t worry,” Steve says, his free hand over his chest. “It’s just something that happens.”

“He sees ghosts!” Robin shouts, making everyone laugh.

“We should walk guys, it isn’t that far,” Diana adds.

“Yeah, we could use some fresh air,” Robin says.

They all walk to the restaurant, enjoying a fun night. All of them get the feeling they’ll be close, but tonight they treat each other as strangers. Not sharing all but funny stories and college adventures.

———

When Diana gets home, you are already there, she walks over to the couch to wake you up and help you get to bed.

“Did you talk to Jake?”

“He picked me up from the library, we didn't-"

“Another time will come."

You hum, walking with her to your room. She closes the door, and you walk towards your bed, put your pajamas on, and slip into bed. You try to sleep, trying to keep all the midnight-crushing thoughts away, with the BMW in the parking lot on your mind, it looks very familiar.

———

It’s only 8 a.m, and you sit at home, eating your oatmeal bowl with strawberries, bananas, and a cup of coffee you’ve made yourself. You point to the cup you made for Diana, it has been sitting there for a few minutes. Maybe she wanted a cold brew instead of a nice hot cup. 

“One is Rob, and the other... I don’t remember.”

“Di! You are really bad with names.”

“Are you sure you don’t want ice on your coffee?” you joke.

“No, and yeah, I was a little stoned too, that’s why I don’t remember well.”

“That’s always going to cost you, babe.”

“I know, but I can introduce them later! We are all going to a party, and Rob will pick us up after work because the girl had to see her girlfriend.” She chugs her cup of coffee and puts her jacket on.

“Are you sure his name is Robert?”

“No, it’s Rob!” She still looks unconvinced, but you leave it. “Anyway, is Jake picking you up?”

“I don’t know, we aren’t really on speaking terms.” 

Jake was your boyfriend a couple of weeks before he asked you for a break, and you haven’t “fixed it." He picked you up from the library yesterday, and the whole ride home was quiet and uncomfortable, but something tells you it isn't going to last.

“Call him! He is good for you.”

“I’m not sure about that, but I’ll see you later then.”

“I’ll see you later, babe!”

“Be careful!”

———

You finish washing the dishes and go back to your room to get ready for the party. Minutes later, Diana and Eric show up to drive you to the house. It’s the first party of the semester, and everyone seems pretty excited about it except you. You know if you see Jake again, he will probably break up with you, rip off the band-aid, and go to the girl who has been hanging out with him at the gym.

But you go, not wanting to miss out and excited to see some of your friends who arrived in town. It might not be the best night, but at least you’ll have a cup of cranberry juice with vodka to survive.

You arrive at the party early, not wanting to talk to anyone, yet you get closer to the table in the middle of the dining room and make yourself a cape cod. When it’s done, you get to the living room and sit on the couch, watching as people come over, and some of them wave at you and say hi before going for their drink.

Jake arrives with a girl by his side, He gets closer to her ear to whisper something, and she turns around as he walks to you.

“Can we talk?”

“You are going to break up with me, aren’t you?” You pinch your eyebrows together. 

“Let me explain.”

He sits on the arm of the couch you are sitting on, so close to you. You can already hear his words muffling and how sorry he is about all of it, making up excuses to let you know it’s not your fault he is doing this and the two of you should end your relationship now. Avoid telling the truth and spinning around the subject, reminding you of all the good moments but also all the fights and “breaks” you had.

You look at him through your eyelashes, your tears rolling down your cheeks. Your now ex-boyfriend pinches your chin with his fingers, not letting your gaze fall to your lap or the cup you hold in your hand. He whispers “I’m sorry” thousands of times more, and you refuse to move, feeling the warmth of his fingers against your face for the last time. Then he leaves you alone to find his date, and you wish the earth could swallow you whole.

———

When Steve gets to the party with Robin and Chrissy by his side, he lets the two of them look for a place while he gets their drinks. The house is so tiny that everyone is squeezing each other and bumping into each other on the way to other rooms. Everything smells like alcohol and weed, and even the floor is sticky, but after all, Steve manages to get to the dining room and look for the red solo cups. He takes one and pours tequila into it. He drinks it, feeling the burn down his throat as he keeps his eyes closed. He needs more of these to survive the night.

He looks around, recognizing some people he used to see around in his first year, some of them are customers in the coffee shop he works in. When his head looks over to the living room, he sees the girl from the bus stop, the one who looks like you. 

Steve gets even more confused as you chug your drink, the solo cup covering your face. He turns his head away from the view, even if it’s not you, his mind betrays him.

Where’s the real you? What are you doing right now? Do you have a boyfriend? A girlfriend? A child? A cat? Are you married? 

The question that hurts more is the one he used to think about almost every night. Would he see you again?

He tries to enjoy the party as soon as he sees the girl leave. He misses watching Diana run after you and try to comfort you. 

Your friend takes you home, and Steve stays until the party is over, and he is a bit more sober to take Robin and Chrissy back to their apartment.

———

“Robin? Why did you leave so soon?” Steve asks Robin over the phone, while he tosses empty boxes and bags around.

“We are getting you breakfast! Jesus, what’s your problem?”

“I’m hungover, and I forgot I have to send this email before twelve, but I can’t find my laptop charger, and I can’t find yours either!”

“Shit, I took mine because Chrissy needed my laptop, but I'm sure yours is in your room. We unpacked everything.”

“Fuck! I’ll call you back.”

“Ask Diana for one!”

Stressed out, Steve hangs up the phone before listening to Robin’s last words. Of course, he can ask his neighbor for a favor, and he knows Diana is nice. 

He gets out of his apartment, and a few steps later, he gets in front of the door. He knocks a lot of times to get Diana’s attention, or maybe Eric’s. Steve doesn’t remember if they got back here from the party, but it’s worth trying.

As the door opens, he takes a step forward. “Hey! My laptop charger broke, and I have to send this very important  email-" He takes a deep breath, not believing who is in front of them. “What-”

“It’s you,” he whispers, feeling a knot in his throat and rubbing his clammy hands together.

“It’s me” You rub your eyes one more time, getting rid of the blur on your eyes from being woken up. “Steve?” Your heart starts to beat against your chest so fast that you swear it’s hurting you.

Steve stares at you, it’s like the first time he saw you all those years ago. He didn’t believe in love at first sight until he felt his body giving up and just yearning for you. He feels it all again, you look even more beautiful than before, but with your signature heavy gaze. 

“I'm sorry if I’m interrupting, I can just...“

“No? no. Uh, come in, let me find my charger.”

This is not how you imagined seeing him again. The last time you dreamt about him, you were seeing him for the first time at the Hawkins airport, You ran to him, and he caught you in his arms, kissing every inch of your face. And now, with your heart beating faster than ever and your feet carrying you to your room, you can’t help but feel like you are having a nightmare.

You hurry up, find your charger, and run back to Steve.

“Here, you can keep it. I have two of them,” you say. He still looks at you with his mouth slightly open and his eyes studying every part of your face.

Keep it. He knows you are doing this because you are nice, but a part of you still recognizes all the love you once had for him. Or have, because it never faded away. It’s still your Steve, slightly older and with a confused expression on his face. 

He takes the charger from your hands, your fingers touching him for a couple of seconds. When you finally lock eyes with him, you can see his glassy eyes while yours look the same. He didn’t want to believe it was you, you were so close all this time.

“I thought i’d never see you again,” you whisper, almost inaudible, but he can hear it. As if its ears were trained to hear even the lowest tone of your voice. 

But the air feels tense, awkward. He doesn’t say anything, and you stand in front of him like before, frozen in your place as a wave of anxiety washes you over. You stare at each other, trying to avoid all these feelings rushing through your veins.

“I need to send this email, I’ll be right back.”

He goes back to his apartment, leaving you and your overwhelming feelings alone. You close the door to your apartment and take some time to process everything. Steve is here, your Steve. The boy you once called the love of your life, the only boy you’ve ever loved.

You weren’t sure you were going to see him again. You gave up on it a few months ago, knowing it would take a miracle to see him again. And he was so close to you all this time.

When you hear the knock on the door again, you open it faster this time. Steve stands up in front of you, watching your tears roll down your cheeks. He wraps his arms around your body, hugging you so tightly as if you were going to disappear. Your arms hug his torso, letting your head fall against his chest for a second before your sighs turn into sobs.

“I can’t believe it’s really you,” Steve whispers, convincing himself to not let you go. He fears the alarm will go off and he will have to wake up from his dream. 

“I know, it feels like a dream, please don’t let go,” you say, as if you were reading his mind all this time. 

“I won’t”

Steve rests his chin on your head, letting his own tears fall. You stay in the hug for a long time, feeling his warmth against your body, and his arms push you closer to him. You dig your fingers in his back, wanting to feel him more and wishing for this not to be some sick joke.

He places one of his hands on your head, kissing your forehead, before leaning back and searching for your face.

“Hi,” you say as you look at him, tears on his face just like yours.

“Hi,” he smiles, slightly. You do the same, looking at every inch of his face. Remembering all the moles your mind seemed to forget with the time.

You admire each other, letting your mind take you back to Hawkins and all those years you spent together.

“I missed you so much,” he says, slicing the awkward silence with a knife, now rubbing your back and trying to get you relaxed. As your sobs stop, you let go of him and invite him inside.

“I missed you too.” You smile again. The inches separating you are killing you, but there’s too much to say and feel.

“You stopped calling,” Steve says, with a sour tone in his voice you’ve never heard before.

“The phone works both ways.” You bite back, crossing your arms in front of your chest. Protecting you from what’s coming.

“I-” Steve mutters, avoiding your eyes and looking all over the room.

“You? What? Did you forget about me?” you ask. “We made a promise.”

The mix of feelings that sit right at the top of your chest starts to reveal themselves. It’s all so confusing, and you weren’t prepared for this. You want to blame him for the time lost, but you know it’s also your fault.

“Why are you bringing this up right now? I saw you for the first time at a fucking bus stop and thought I was going crazy. It’s too much!”

Steve feels relieved; his mind wasn’t betraying him, and he wasn’t going crazy. It was really you—the new you. 

“Just say the truth. You didn’t answer my call when I got into college or when I moved in.”

“You called?”

“I called your house since you didn’t reply to my texts or emails. No one answered.”

“I got into a fight with them, and I moved in with Hopper. I was having a hard time, I’m sorry.”

He confesses. You see the way his lips turn into a pout, his tears threatening to fall again.

“What happened?”

“I messed up, had to retake a year.”

"Oh,” it’s the only thing you can think of. Some things made sense, but you still had a lot of questions.

“I didn’t tell you because I was embarrassed and so disappointed in myself. No one heard about you, or your family, so I thought you didn’t want to see me, and I had the feeling you were fine without me.”

“We had to move again, two times. But this is the college of our dreams, I didn’t see you here the first year. I thought you chose a different one.”

“You know me, I don’t break promises.”

He looks back at you again, it takes everything in him not to walk to you and kiss you. It takes everything in you to not do the same.

“Listen, I have an interview today, but can we have dinner? I still have a lot of things to say, a lot of things to ask, and it’s been so long.” you blur out. 

“Sure, I have a shift at the coffee shop, so I’ll see you at seven?”

“Yeah, that’s okay, Where do you work?” you ask, suddenly shivering. It’s really him, this isn’t a dream.

“In a coffee shop that’s on Main,” he replies, “I know you never go there, I would’ve seen you.”

“I’ve been busy.”

Right. Diana mentioned a boyfriend. His heart suddenly stops, fearing that he is seeing you again just to lose you again.

“I know,” he says, resting his hands on his hips, looking around the room to avoid your eyes again. “Good luck on your interview.”

“Thank you, good luck on your shift." You can feel the awkwardness coming back, the uncomfortable silence threatening to come back. “I’ll see you at seven!”

“I’ll pick you up here,” he says, You can only nod before he turns his back on you. 

"Stevie,” you say. He is about to open his front door when he hears your voice again.

“Yes?” he says, turning his head slightly to see you. He missed that nickname, you are the only one who calls him like that. 

You want to keep talking and confessing your true feelings right now, but you have things to do. He is more important than everything else, you got him back, you don’t want to waste time. 

“Say hi to Robin for me.” 

He nods, then walks into his apartment. You close the door of yours once again.

Fear and excitement occupy most of your brain right now. You are praying for him to still want you, to love you back as much as you've loved him this whole time. Being his best friend would be a great start, but being back to be his love sounds even better.

IV. You are the best thing that's ever been mine.

Steve paces around his apartment, Robin and Chrissy are back, and they watch him mumble something under his breath. 

“Everything will be fine, you will talk to her and get back together,” Robin says.

“What if she has a boyfriend? What if she is in love with someone else?” 

“You can always steal her away, Robin did that to me." Chrissy joins the conversation. 

They have been talking about you for hours. Steve decided to exchange his shift and stay home while Robin was taking her day off. He was too distracted to go to work today. 

“Dingus. Stop it! You are making me dizzy." Robin gets up, reaching for Steve’s hands and making him look at her. “You’ll see her when she is back, you are going to take her to that restaurant and talk like the adult you are. Okay?”

"Hot,” Chrissy blurs out.

“Thank you, sweetheart." Robin looks at her and winks. 

“Gross, get a room, you two!”  Steve’s disgusted face makes both girls laugh. 

“You can do it, dingus. You’ll get her back.” 

“I’m not sure if she feels the same or if I feel the same.”

“Didn’t you say she hugged you so tight you almost ran out of breath? That’s a good sign.” Robin’s hands travel to Steve’s shoulders, shaking him up and trying to wake him up from whatever nightmare he is making up in his head. 

“And don’t start. You’ve been rejecting girls, having failed dates, and looking like a lost puppy whenever you see a girl that looks slightly like her. You two are still in love, from what you tell me and from what I feel.”

“You are right, I'm still in love with her. But it’s been a long time. I changed, she changed too.”

“Changes are good, I know it because it was hard for me to accept the real me, but I took that step because I wanted to be free,” Robin confesses, stopping Steve from giving up. “Talk. Try. You met again for a reason, don’t let that go to waste.” 

Steve nods. “What would I do without you?” He hugs Robin for a minute before hearing some voices in the hallway. He hears the front door open and close, which means you and Diana made it home. 

“You’ll be lost without me! Good luck, dingus.”

“Go get your girl, Steve!” 

Steve walks to your door and knocks, to his surprise, Diana opens the door. 

"Hi,” he says nervously. “Is she here?” 

“Yeah, she will be ready in five.”

"Alright,” Steve says, his hands clammy again, and he finds himself shaking. 

“So, you are the guy she has been talking about nonstop.” 

“I guess yes,” he replies, feeling his heart racing again. You’ve talked about him. 

“Good for you,” Diana says, before you step in. 

"Hi,” you say, looking at Steve again. You find this odd, but you are thanking whatever it was that brought him to you again. 

"Hi,” he replies, his gaze heavy on you as he takes everything in. Your soft voice, the sweet smell of your perfume. 

“Home by ten!” Diana jokes, making you laugh and shake off the anxiety that took over your body. 

You walk away from the apartments, with Steve by your side. He glances at him from time to time, and you do the same. 

“How was your shift?” you ask him, trying to get rid of the awkward feeling that washes over you again.

“I didn’t go. Too distracted for it,” he says, looking over at you as you walk to the parking lot. “How was your interview?”

"Good,” you sigh, not wanting to ramble about it at this moment. “I hope I get the job.”

“You will, you can do anything,” he says when you reach his car, noticing it looks the same way as before. 

Nothing has changed, just time. Everything feels the same, like it froze, letting time pass over it without a single consequence. 

Steve looks at you, his brows knit in a frown, and he is almost chewing his lip.

“If you want to ask something, just do it,” you say, making him shiver. “I know you, maybe not so well anymore, but I do.”

“What if your boyfriend sees us?” he asks.

A chuckle falls from your lips, shaking your head and pushing the hair out of your face.

“I don’t have a boyfriend,  he broke up with me yesterday, and I saw it coming. I’m over it.”

“Oh, do you want to talk about it? We can stay at home, i can leave you alone, and we can reschedule our dinner because i don’t want you to feel like you.”

“I’m still in love with you,” you interrupt, confessing. With a soft look in your eyes, Steve gets lost in them. “I’m sorry, I can't waste any more time. I need to get this out of me. I’ve been looking for you in everyone, everywhere. You are here, and you look the same, I know time has passed, but I believe my love for you has kept you exactly as I remember you.”

Steve doesn’t know what to do, the truth is, he has been waiting to hear those words for a long time. He has been waiting to see you, to hug you, and to kiss you.

“I’m still in love with you too,” he says, running his fingers through his hair, pushing his golden locks back. The sun is setting completely, and you can still see how it shines. “I never got over you, I was forced to move on because i felt like I didn’t deserve you. And I never wanted us to fall apart, I needed you all this time.”

He gets closer to you, his chest almost bumping into yours. He hesitates to kiss you in the moment, even to touch your hand. The setting reminds him of the last time he saw you, your last night at Hawkins.

“If you want, we can try to make up for the lost time and give it another try.”

“I’d love that.”

He gets closer now, with your confession turning into an invitation. Steve places both of his hands on your cheeks, rubbing the soft skin with his thumbs. It takes you back to that night, it feels like you are relieving that moment just to make it right this time.

“Baby-” he is so close to your lips, his words tingle your lips, and you never stop looking into his eyes. Those sweet brown eyes you missed so much.

“I’ve missed that, honey." He laughs at the nickname, but it still makes him shiver and smile like a little kid.

“And I’ve missed you, kiss, please?”

Steve nods, pressing his lips against yours. It’s a soft, slow kiss. You can feel the breeze of the cold night on your face as you flush when Steve leans his head to the side to trap your bottom lip between his lips to taste you. You close your eyes, savoring the moment. One thing you forgot and cried for every night was this.

His warm lips against yours, his taste. His hands squeeze your cheeks as you press your body against his.

It’s the first kiss since that night, two years have passed, and this still feels so familiar. So safe. The kiss is even sweeter thinking of all the time you’ve dreamed about this, of all the unspoken feelings you communicate to each other with everything your lips brush.

When air is needed, you lean your head back a bit. You giggle at the same time, and he places a kiss on your forehead. Happiness takes over you, it feels like floating.

“I still have that beanie baby, you know?”

“I do, Teddy.”

“Don’t call me that!” You hit his arm slightly, and he chuckles while rubbing his arm dramatically.

“It’s cute, it suits you,” he says, leaving a peck on your lips, resting his hands on your hips this time.

“It’s ridiculous!” You scrunch up your nose, and he leans in to smooth it off with a kiss. “Let’s go eat, I’m starving.”

“Only if my dessert is going to be this sweet girl, the universe got back to me,” he says, picking you up, his arms hugging your waist. You can feel your feet dangling in the air. You tangle your arms around his neck so you don’t fall when he spins you around.

“Yes, yes, I'll be your dessert!” You giggle as you feel his lips on your cheeks, and when he stops, you peck his soft cheeks back. “In which house?”

“Oh, I don’t know, it depends on how loud you are.”

“Stevie!” Your cheeks glow red, and he laughs at your sudden flushed face.

“I’m joking! we‘ll figure it out later." He doesn't stop hugging you, even when he puts you down, your feet are now touching the concrete of the parking lot.

“Which one?” you ask, teasingly. Trying to hold back the giggle that is about to escape your lips.

“Both!” Steve says.

You get back in his car, and he proposes the idea of repeating everything you did that last night but with a different ending. You find a nice diner, not as nice as the one outside Hawkins,but it does the job. The old jukebox is there to dance after you eat burgers and fries and you end up stealing his cherry again.

When he picks up the sun, you get up from the booth where you are sitting and run up to him. One of your arms rests around his neck, and the other hand is holding your hand. He interlocks his fingers with yours while his free hand sits on your waist. He pushes you to his chest, the closest he can get you to him, and you start to sway around the checkered floor of the diner. Dancing like nobody's watching, again.

“You are the best thing that’s ever been mine, baby." He sings along with the song before kissing you again.

“I’ve always been yours, honey”

This night is even more magical than the last one, and you’ll have tons of them.

tags: all @munsonology @emistrash @livsters @paybacksawitch @ali-r3n @keeksandgigz @babybatlover @fanfictionlover277353 / steve @stveharringtn @double-vision-in-a-rose-blush

please please reblog to support your creators! comments are appreciated !! my ask is always open if you have any feedback. thank you so much for reading ♡

[ghostofbambifanfiction]

Going off the ‘random’ i want to say ebtks or asoufe

but im going to tentatively lock in everything but the kitchen sink???? Maybe?? AH

Correct! Have a snippet!

He sits on the end of his bed as he considers all of this in gloomy contemplation, and is still there when she emerges from his bathroom wearing a pyjama set of white shorts and a matching camisole, both dotted all over with little blue flowers, and the clothes she wore on the train are folded over the arm she's got tucked to her chest. She crosses the room, unzips an empty compartment in her suitcase, shoves her clothes in there, rummages around for a bit, and finally stands up, now holding a yellow wash bag.

She isn't wearing a bra, her nipples are taut beneath thin, clinging cotton, and in that precise moment she looks as if she's been manifested directly from his every wildest fantasy, just to bring him torment.

He couldn't feel more desperate to touch her—to hook his fingers in the waistband of her shorts and pull her close, tease a strap of that flimsy little nothing she calls pyjamas down her shoulder and take one of those pert, exposed, fucking perfect nipples in his mouth—if she had sauntered out of the bathroom naked.

"Jesus," she exhales, looking down at him. "I've never seen someone look so upset to be sharing a room with me and I was regularly forced to bunk with my sister on family holidays."

It is, perhaps, a small mercy that she has mistaken his expression of tortured lust for general dismay. "Your sister doesn't like you?"

"Nope."

"Why not?"

She shrugs and heads for the bathroom again. "Must be because I'm an absolute hellbeast."

[st4rwritez]

Could you pretty pretty pretty please write something about meeting morgan and like how her and reader's relationship blossoms or sum because they hit it off immediately?

I love this idea and the concept of this, i personally love writing timeline stories so i had sm fun making this!! Tysm for the request!! ❤️

Little blurb❤️

18 years younger with you

Morgan cheli x reader

Summary: you and morgan meet in your first weeks of college as roommates and end up becoming best friends and possibly even more as time goes on.

Warnings: none!

౨ৎ ˙⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 ౨ৎ ˙⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 ౨ৎ ˙⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 ౨ৎ ˙⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 ౨ৎ ˙⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 ౨ৎ ˙⋆.˚

It was finally the day you would meet your roommate, due to the fact that you had summer sessions you moved your stuff in earlier than normal and decided to go back home for a week to spend time with family before you were away from them for so long.

When you had first moved in your roommate wasn’t moved in yet, meaning this would be your first time meeting them.

You also knew it was someone on your basketball team knowing who most of the freshman were you had a few guesses yet you never met anyone of them with your late commitment to Uconn.

Hauling your suitcase down the dorm hallways you made your way to the door of your new home for the next few years.

Taking your key out you opened the door walking in to see the other side of your dorm that was once empty fully decorated and adorned with tacky posters and some small post it notes, I’m guessing were for school.

But just at the desk next to her bed sat a girl with dark hair, head phones on and focus on her computer in front of her.

As you stepped in she heard you and turned around confused, removing her headphones.

“Hi! Im Y/N your roommate sorry if i confused you, i just got here.” You said scanning the girls features down to her deep eyes and light perfect smile on her face.

“Oh my gosh hi I’m morgan! I was wondering when you would finally be here. I saw all your stuff unpacked so i assumed it would be soon.” She said a smile on her face.

“Yea, i spent the last week of my break with my family but I’m here now. And to stay!” You said plopping your suitcase on your bed along with your backpack.

You didn’t know why, but you felt like something was starting between you and morgan. With only that short conversation it told you everything you needed to know.

A few weeks later after summer session had started and you and morgan became closer, you both started frequently watching movies on her laptop together, talking about each-others families and really just getting along.

It was like a dream to you, Morgan was so cute and funny and perfect in every way. But the feeling of uncertainty led you away from the thought of ever asking her out.

Around the time summer sessions had ended for the team you had an unforgettable bond with morgan, you guys couldn’t be pulled apart if you tried.

You guys would share clothes, secrets, some of your belongings and even beds when you really couldn’t stand not being by her.

It wasn’t until the night after your guys last summer session practice that you guys were laid in her bed after watching a movie both talking, voices dragging on your words due to the tired state rolling over the two of you.

“Y/N would you ever want to be with me?” She said slightly muffled looking at you.

“Im with you right now morgan what do you mean?” you said confused looking at her locking eyes.

“No like..like” she stopped for a minute “this.” She said before taking your face in her hands and kissing you, it was a soft delicate kiss but it made your life, it made you feel like a little kid.

“Im so sorry i didn’t mean to-“ she said moving back before you cut her off by kissing her this time.

When you both separated she looked at you for a second the same confusion on her face as the day you had first met and said “wait is that a yes?”

“Yes morgan a huge yes” you said nestling into her body.

[yummyyumberries]

Cant turn back now, i’m haunted.

attached!BangChan x angry!Reader

Warnings: Crying, Yelling (Both Chan and y/n), mean bangchan

a/n: it feels weird to be writing again, and my first fix back isn’t even piwon 😰 i’m so sorry i was gone for so freaking long my head was so empty and collage is hard :( i’m happy to be back! this is my first time writing angst and writing for skz so i’m quite nervous haha i hope you enjoy reading this as much i as enjoyed writing it! (this totally isn’t based off haunted by taylor swift btw..)

The front door slammed again.

You and Chan have been stressed out a lot recently. Your Fashion Designing job and His Idol job constantly had you guys moving around, but a few weeks ago you got a job offer that required you to almost permanently live in Europe, only having time to vist Korean once or twice a year.

When you brought it up to Chan he didn’t take it well. You were in the studio together while he was working on a new song for Stray Kids

“Hey Chan?” You said laying your chin on his shoulder. He takes one side of the headphones off his ear. “What’s up?” he says still focusing on his work. “I got another job offer” You replied walking away and going back to your sketchbook“in Europe…” you muttered. You expected him to get excited instead, he just chuckled. “You’re not going.” He scoffed. You looked up from the sketchbook almost amused by his reaction. “Yes i am.” You spat. “No you’re not and that’s final” In his head he was just joking around, in your head he was being unreasonable. “Fuck off i’m not a kid, i’m moving to Europe” You scolded.

That’s what pissed him off. It’s been two week since you told him that you were leaving, and every day from that night all you two have been doing is fighting.

“You’re so fucking annoying.” you say as you and chan walk through the front door. “Okay so IM annoying because i love you and don’t want you to leave?” He says with disbelief in his eyes. “Yeah, you are” you spit back at him walking into the kitchen while he follows behind “You go on tour all the time so how is this any different!” you yell slamming your hands down on the counter. “It’s different because i come back! You’re practically gonna live in Europe for god knows how long!” he screams back at you. You cross your arms, bite your lip and look away from him to stop yourself from crying again. “Are you fucking serious” he laughes “Are you actually being serious right now?” he screams “You shouldn’t be the one crying. You don’t deserve to cry! You’re the one moving away!” He screams as he walks over toward you.

“Chan i’m trying..” your voice barely above a whisper. Tears falling down your cheeks. “What? Am i supposed to care that you’re crying?” he says rolling his eyes. You look up at him and start to cry. Looking into his eyes hurt you. His eyes lost their shine, the news you expected him to be excited about made his eyes go cold.

“You’re the worst. why do you never listen to me!” you move out of his way, grab your keys, put on your shoes and walked out the door, slamming it behind you. You stand at the side of the door waiting and hoping he follows after you with tears streaming down your face.

Click your eyes shoot to the door hoping it’s him, but it isn’t. Hyunjin walks out into the hallway with a worried look on his face. “Hi..” he whispers. You take one look at him and start sobbing. He takes you into his arms to comfort you, not saying anything and just letting you cry. You pull back and fake a soft smile at him “I’m leaving. I’ve decided” you mumble. “You sure? he says looking at you and fixing your hair. You nod, still smiling at him. “okay, i’ll always be a text away okay?” Your smile turned real at that moment. You hug him one last time before going to your car and emailing the company back, accepting the offer.

You stay with your friend who’ve you known since high school. The next morning she comes with you to pack your suitcases and move your things into the truck that’s shipping your things to your new place in France. You take your suitcases and let your friends drive you to the airport.

flight 882 boarding now

you grab your backpack and suitcase and start to board your plane. You quickly find your seat and put your bag and suitcase in the over head cupboard. You sit down and start to play your music. The plane starts to take off and your phone goes off

Channie 🤍: Hyunjin told me everything, don’t leave i still love you y/n.

[star-writes-sometimes]

bullying and cuddles

word count: 2.3k

cw: fem reader, reader implied to have anxiety cause im projecting, swearing, bullying (affectionate), fluff, idiots in love, probably ooc tangerine but whatever

a/n: i needed domestic fluff, is this similar to other stuff ive written? yes but i dont care i love domestic fluff. i geniuenly was debating posting this because i kinda hate it but yknow c'est la vie

---—---

you emerged from the safe house bathroom after brushing your teeth in an old tshirt and pyjama shorts. both of the boys bedroom doors were closed and you could hear the thomas the tank engine theme song coming from lemon’s room. 

the door of your room was open and your suitcase was on the ground, clothes messily thrown all over the place. you had been here for about four days now so you were settled in as much as you could be in a new environment.

you and the twins were staking out a place and it was long and tedious, by this point you were thoroughly bored and ready for this to end so you could go back home. you couldn’t stand another night in the cold unfamiliar bed. 

so, instead you knocked on tangerine’s door.

“come in.”

you opened the door and walked in, quickly shutting it behind you and leaning against it, facing tangerine. he was sat up in his bed reading a book. he was wearing a plain tshirt and pyjama pants. he looked comfy, more relaxed than he usually was. the quilt was folded neatly at the end of his bed and his suitcase on the floor was immaculately organised, a stark contrast to how your room looked.

“hi,” he said smiling at you.

“hi,” you returned the smile.

“cute pyjamas.”

you were wearing a faded marvin the martian tshirt and pyjama shorts covered in little oranges, “they’re oranges.”

“you sure you didn’t wear them just for me, love?” he smiled wider at you, cocking his head to the side slightly, “cause you look adorable.”

“why would i wear them for you, you’re my third favourite person in this house,” you scoffed.

“are you putting yourself above me?”

“i know my worth,” you squinted at the book he had in his hands, “whatcha reading?”

“uhh,” he glanced down at the page he was on, “the hunger games.”

“really?” 

“why are you surprised?”

“i don’t know,” you laughed slightly, “i can only image you reading old or pretentious books.”

“are you calling me pretentious?”

you snapped your fingers in realisation, “tolstoy, you seem like the tolstoy type have you read anna karenina?”

“well, yes i have but i don’t just read old books.”

“so, hunger games.”

“yeah, it’s good criticism on violence in capitalistic societies.”

“i don’t think professional assassins should have a say on violence in capitalistic societies.”

he rolled his eyes, “then i enjoy the commentary on consumerism.”

you glanced at the gold jewellery on the bedside table, “i don’t think you can have a say on that either.”

he followed you eye line, “oh fuck off.”

you laughed, “i’m sorry, i’m sorry.” you shifted around slightly in your spot against the door.

“did you come in here for a reason or just to take the piss out of me?”

you thought back to your lifeless room, “i was bored and i couldn’t annoy lemon.”

“why not, you’d probably enjoy his company more than mine,” his eyes drifted back down to his book.

“he’s watching thomas and there’s only so much of that i can take.”

he nodded, “understandable.”

there was a pause and you fidgeted with your hands nervously. you didn’t notice tangerine staring at you intently, contemplating what he should do.

“come sit with me,” he gestured to the empty spot next to him.

“are you sure?” you hesitated, bringing up your hand to chew on your nails.

“‘course love.”

you slowly moved over and sat on the bed next to him, keeping distance between you both on the queen sized bed.

it was silent again and you pulled your knees up against your chest, resting your chin on your knee.

“what part are you up to?” you asked.

“the interviews with caesar.” he turned his head and focused on you, noting your position and the gap you put between the both of you, “have you read it before?”

“back when i was a teenager but not since then.” you avoided his eyes, feeling anxious about the sharp eye contact, “have you read it before?”

“yeah, i’ve read it a few times.”

you just hummed in response. despite the nervous thoughts running through your head it felt better being in here with tangerine than being alone in your room. it was better having anxiety over being alone with the guy you were crushing on than the emptiness you would have felt by yourself in your room. 

“come here love.” he said softly.

“what?” your eyes snapped up to him.

“sit next to me properly.” 

you moved slightly closer, still leaving space between you both.

tangerine rolled his eyes and put his arm around your waist, pulling you into his side, “i’m not gonna fucking bite ya love, you can sit next to me.”

you scrunched your nose up at him, “i just didn’t want to get cooties.”

“you think i have cooties?”

“yup you have phytophthora gummosis.”

“what the fuck are you talking about?”

you laughed and leant into him more, “it's a disease that affects citrus trees.”

he tried not to smile, “how long have you been waiting to make that joke.”

“a few weeks,” you smiled brightly, “i did research on citrus trees.”

“just so you could take the piss out of me?”

“i had to, you look cute when you’re all annoyed and scrunch your eyebrows up.” you reached up and run over one of his eyebrows with your thumb.

“don’t call me cute.”

“why not? you are.”

“i’m meant to be intimidating.”

“how could anyone be scared of you? you’re reading the hunger games.”

“very funny, i can be scary and enjoy the hunger games.”

“are you team peeta or gale?”

“definitely peeta, he was smart and a romantic,” tangerine said, like he had thought about it a lot before.

“oh so you’re a romantic that adds to your scariness.”

“you’re bullying me, you’re a bully,” he pinched your side, enjoying the way you squirmed into him.

you yawned and put your head on his shoulder. he repositioned his arm that was around your shoulder and started stroking your hair.

“are you tired darling?”

you blinked sluggishly, “yeah… i should probably go-”

you started to get up but was stopped and cut off by tangerine.

“no, stay,” he held onto you, “you just relax.”

you bite your lip anxiously but try to relax into him again. you stared at the book in his hand, studying the mockingjay symbol on the cover. 

“what’s on your mind pet?”

you felt your neck heat up at the unfamiliar nickname, “uh can you maybe read to me?”

“you want me to read to you?”

you nodded.

“you sure you’ll be able to understand with the accent?”

“you’re british not an alien, i can understand you fine.”

“okay.” he pulled you close, you settled with your head on his chest and his arm comfortably around you. he smiled down at you, silently grateful that you couldn’t see the way he was looking at you, “you ready?”

“yeah,” 

“okay darling,” he took his focus off you and onto the book, “i’m still in a daze for the first part of peeta’s interview. he has the audience from the get-go, though; i can hear them laughing, shouting out. he plays up the baker’s son thing, comparing tributes to the bread from their districts.”

“what would your strategy be in the interviews?” you asked.

“i’m not sure.”

“i don’t think you could pull off the charming thing.”

“wow, thanks love your doing wonders for my self esteem,” he replied sarcastically.

you smiled, “no that’s not what i meant, you’re plenty charming, i just think you’d be better as one of those career tributes everyone is scared of.”

“i thought you said i wasn’t scary?”

“shhh that was minutes ago you should’ve forgotten about that by now, just keep reading.”

“right sorry,” he laughed slightly, “then he has a funny anecdote about the perils of the capital showers. ‘tell me, do i still smell like roses?’ he asks caesar, and then there's a whole run where they take turns sniffing each other that brings down the house.”

“maybe you would be charming, you always smell really nice.”

“thank you, darling,” he kissed your forehead and pulled you impossibly closer, “you smell nice too.”

you smiled and adjusted your position so you could hold onto his shirt. 

“i’m coming back into focus when caesar asks him if he has a girlfriend back home.” he continued, “peeta hesitates, then gives him an unconvincing shake of his head. ‘handsome lad like you. there must be some special girl. come on what’s her name?’ says caesar. peeta sighs. ‘well there is this one girl. i’ve had a crush on her ever since i can remember. but i’m pretty sure she didn’t know i was alive before the reaping.’”

tangerine glanced down at you half surprised and half disappointed you didn’t interrupt again. he liked listening to you talk.

your breathing had evened and your eyes had closed. you’d fallen asleep against him. he bookmarked the book and placed it on his side table. he carefully reached down, grabbed the quilt and pulled it over the both of you.

“goodnight, love.” he kissed your cheek gently.

— 

lemon woke up the next morning and stumbled into the kitchen, prepared to see tangerine already up and cooking breakfast for the three of you. he was shocked to find the kitchen empty, no trace of you or tangerine. 

he looked over at both your bedroom doors and saw yours open and empty. weird. you were usually the last awake, having to be woken up by one of the twins.

lemon walked over to tangerine’s door and opened it, “hey bruv have you seen-” he cut himself off looking down at the scene in front of him.

you were asleep in tangerine’s arms and he was holding you close. he was awake and staring down at you, playing with your hair and gently tracing your features as you slept.

lemon snickered, “whats going on here, then?”

“shut the fuck up,” tangerine immediately fired back but lemon knew it was less harsh than it usually was. despite all the teasing tangerine knew he’d get, he was happy.

“this is cute, it really is.” lemon quipped, “but i have no clue how to make breakfast so please get up soon.”

“i’m not interrupting her sleep just cause your fucking incompetent.”

“fine, just don’t blame me if i burn this place down trying to make toast,” lemon started to leave.

“stop, just wait ten minutes then i’ll make you some fucking food.”

“thanks bruv, really appreciate it.”

“whatever.”

lemon left and tangerine was alone with you again. 

tangerine moved your hair away from your face, “sweetheart?” he kissed your forehead, “if you don’t wake up soon the smoke alarm will probably wake you.”

you stretched slightly and snuggled into tangerine more, “this is nicer than the way lemon wakes me up.”

“if we don’t get up soon lemon is gonna try to cook,” he held your face and kissed you cheek gently.

“we can’t have that he’ll probably poison us all,” you sat up and rubbed your eyes, “why is your bed comfier than mine?”

“because i actually make mine?” he got up and stared down at you still wrapped in the blanket.

“ha ha,” you laughed dryly and fell back into the bed.

you closed your eyes again and settled back into the bed, pulling the blanket up to your chin. it really was a comfortable bed. 

your peaceful rest was interrupted by getting lifted into the air.

your eyes flew open as tangerine picked you up, carrying you into the kitchen. you wrapped your arms around his neck and held on tightly.

"what the fuck are you doing, you fucking numpty!?"

"you looked peaceful i didn't want to have to wake you again."

"well it didn't fucking work you twat."

"sorry, love," he set you down on the kitchen bench and kissed you cheek, "but you look cute when your annoyed."

you felt your face heat slightly and turned your face away from him.

"stop flirting and make me breakfast." lemon interrupted.

"you could say please, you wanker," tangerine snapped at him.

"please, make us breakfast, please, mr. fruit?" you said giving your best puppy dog eyes.

"for you, not for him, darling." 

you smiled, "thank you, tan."

“you’re a twat,” lemon added.

tangerine flipped lemon off and started making pancakes. you jumped off the kitchen bench and moved over to the kettle, checking it was full before boiling it.

“lemon, do you want a cuppa?”

“yeah,” lemon mumbled, distracted by his comic.

tangerine whacked lemon up the side of his head.

“yes please, sweetheart," lemon corrected himself.

“thanks lem,” you laughed slightly at the sibling abuse.

the kettle flicked off and you finished making the three cups of tea and handed one to lemon who smiled in thanks. you walked over to tangerine and placed one on the counter in front of him.

tangerine grabbed your waist and pulled you in for a kiss on the cheek, “thank you pet.”

you pulled away from him and started drinking your own cup, watching tangerine as he cooked and plated the golden pancakes.

“so did you two fuck last night?” lemon abruptly asked.

you choked on your tea and tangerines head snapped up to glare at him.

“no we slept together,” tangerine slowly replied.

lemon snorts, “i thought that was the same thing.”

“no you bellend we actually just slept, we were tired,” tangerine snapped.

you gulped down the rest of your tea and quickly placed your mug in the sink, “i’m gonna go shower boys, please save me some pancakes.” you smiled at the both and walked into the bathroom, locking the door behind you.

once you were gone lemon spoke up again, “you gonna tell her you love her yet?"

“shut up,” tangerine hissed, glancing at the shut bathroom door.

“she likes you too you know.”

tangerine didn’t respond for a few seconds, “really?”

“you’re in love with each other you both just fucking stupid.”

and for once tangerine didn’t feel the need to throw an insult back, he just reveled at the thought that you could like him too.

[hr-twink]

real tigerss here i come

edit: consolidated into one review post

{“[Shirley] had a packet of crisps in front of her, opened up like a picnic blanket, except when [Ho]'d reached to take one shed slapped his hand. "Get your own." She was levering about 15 percent of the total quantity into her mouth now, and once she'd done that she chewed briefly and said, "What about?"} page 13

love her

-----

page 27…. fellas…. is it normal to spend your time in the hospital room of your comatose enemy ex friend who ruined your life and tell him about your day and/or sit in silence at his bedside

-----

River said, "It's always possible she has a life you don't know about." "Like you, you mean? How is your old pal Spider?" page 47

river being CLOCKED by lamb

-----

bridge scene stripped of its homoerotic flair. sad 😔

{That done, he put the phone away and said, "So you're River Cartwright. Unusual name." "It means someone who makes carts."} page 53

idiot

----- {The wardrobe was full, resembling a dresser's rack from a Merchant-Ivory production, and there was an empty suitcase in the hall closet.} page 56

catherine vintage girlie

-----

guys,,, the river spider stuff in this book,,, killing me. river keeps thinking about spider. his ruse to get into the park is to talk to Diana about him 🚬😑

{He said, "It's about James. James Webb." "Ah." "I've been ... visiting him."}page 77

you know when you have to go to your boss to talk about taking your ex off life support because he mentioned it when you were both 24 in the Black Mountains

-----

{But Molly Doran was talking. "Jackson Lamb's lived so long under the bridge he's half-troll himself now. But you should have met him a lifetime ago." "Yeah," said River. "I bet he was a heartbreaker." She laughed. "He was never an oil painting, don't worry about that. But he had something. You're too young and pretty to under-stand. But a girl could lose her heart to him. Or other parts of her body."} page 90

love the lamb/molly lore and also river is preettttyyyy

-----

{"Don't push me, Diana. I have hostages, remember?" "They're not your hostages, Jackson. They're your staff."} page 108

page 116 Judds twink staff💀💀

{"That's right. And sent a picture of her, bound and gagged, to your Mr. Cartwright as an incentive." "Unnecessary effort," Lamb said. "Offering him a biscuit would have done the trick.} page 147 {"She look frightened to you?" "That's what I said," Shirley announced. "Yeah, and when you tie a woman up, I'm sure you do it properly!" Lamb threw River’s phone back at him.} page 172 ----

guys,,,, the river spider lore,,, guys. im going to have to post that shit separately because guys,,,

----

{Traynor said, "Thanks. Now go sit with Igor." Douglas said, "Igor?" "I'm not sitting anywhere," River said. "Nobody puts Baby in a corner," Louisa muttered.} page 258

----

finished

@ spider my shaylaaaaa😭😭😭my shayla

ill be posting about the sickening lore in a bit

[geo-winchester]

happy birthday! i hope you have an amazing day 🩵

can i request prompt 15 with Jake Lockley?

THE MAN AT THE BAR

15. Can I go where you go?

A/N: hey lovelies I’m finally back! I’m sorry I been really absent for a few months but this couples of months weren’t the best for me and I’m sorry I haven’t post anything, I know I’m really behind, any way, thank you lovely anon for this request I hope you like it and I promise I’m going to work on the few request I have, lots of love!!

——————

The first time you met Jake you had to admit that you were afraid of him, with those eyes, looking at you like if you were his prey, and you were an easy one, a small talk and a few drinks and something told you that he was something special.

-So tell me something about you, preciosa- he said as he took a zip of his drink, you thought for a second.

-Well I told you, I grew up…

-no, me refiero a eso- (that’s not what I meant) he said -I want to hear something that you won’t tell any other guy here- you chuckle.

-Why don’t you give me an example?- you asked, he looks at his drink before he looks at you.

-I’m a mess, and if you’re really smart you’ll walk away from me- something in his eyes makes you realized that he wasn’t lying.

-So you want me to go?- you asked.

-Ese es el problema (that’s the problem)- he said -I don’t think I want that- you nod slowly as you think about it.

-Then I think I’ll take that risk- he gave you a small smirk.

-I hope you won’t regret it.

And for a time everything was great, casual dinners, casual talks, you start to hang out a lot until the two of you decide to be official, you were happy, he likes to wait for you outside your work and have a little walk to your home. But almost a year later you start to notice some changes in him, the walks together start to become less and less common and the excuses became more frequents. That night asked you for stay in your place, you thought that it would be as the old day, you talk as you get something to eat, maybe you’ll have an intimate moment, but nothing of that happened, you could count all the words you said with your hand, and when you woke up in the middle of the night and his side of the bed was empty, you immediately knew where he was so you got up from the bed and made your way to his apartment. He was a little surprise when he saw you but you’re eyes were on the suitcase beside his door.

-You’re leaving?- he didn’t say anything -did you plan to tell me or at least send a text?- he just look at his feet- ok, I have something to say and if you still want to leave I won’t bother you again, we can forget this thing, ok?- you didn’t wait for his answer this time -I love you, Jake, and I’m whiling to try it, I even whiling to do whatever you want, if you want to keep the Christmas lights until February, I’ll keep them, damn I’ll keep them the whole year if you want to, just let me in…. I want to go where you go and be as close as we can…

-Créeme, you don’t want that- he finally said

-And how do you know? Why do you think that I don’t want to be with you?-you asked him.

-because I’m not alone- he said.

-What do you mean? You have someone else?- you asked, you were about to walk away when he took your arm.

-Not as you think- he said as he look in to your eyes- I’m not alone in here- he finally said as he put a finger in his head, he sighed as he throws his head back and thought for a moment -I share body with two people- you staid quiet for a moment -Have you ever heard of the dissociative identity disorder?

-Like…

-Please don’t say glass- he said a little annoy making you laugh.

-I was going to say billy Milligan or sibyl- he looked at you a little surprise -what I took a few course of psychology on college, I was curious about it- he gave you a soft smile -but now that you mention that movie I can’t stop thinking about James McAvoy- he rolled his eyes, the tow of you giggled, when you stopped, you brushed his cheek -I know this is difficult to talk about, and im not going to lie to you, I’m still processing all this but I’m really glad you told me.

-bueno preciosa… you’re not the only one that is in love- he said.

-Then, why you start to shout me out?- he sighed.

-Because I was afraid, afraid that you didn’t felt the same way, or you got afraid of us and leave, so my only option was to be distant.

-Well I’m kind of difficult to get rid off- he smiled as he got close to your face.

-I’m glad- he said before he finally kissed you.

-You know- you said a little shy -this could end a lot better if you just let me in- he moved so you can get inside the apartment.

-I’ll give you a quick tour.

[jocelynscrazyideas]

Can u write something about Jackson Edwards’s??

He has no insta pics but search him up on TikTok if you don’t already know him!!!🩵🩵

Free | Jackson Edwards x Fem!Reader

Summary: after a night of fun, you wake up completely convinced you did something wrong. It’s NHL draft day, your boyfriend has been drafted, but abandoned you for a night.

Warnings: angst, fluff, SMUT ⚠️ (unprotected pls be careful and use proper protection)

•◌•◌•★•◌•◌•

It’s draft night. Jackson hasn’t called me yet.

In our relationship, we cant see eachother for at least three hours before something very important like games, meetings, school events, or the draft.

It’s been more than three hours. It’s been 13. I came to the draft in Montreal, 2022. Jackson had invited me to come. I’m staying in a room by myself, the family decided to get one, and Jackson was supposed to share with me. For good luck. Last minute he decided to stay with a past teammate.

“Im just saying, he either is sticking to the unspoken rule we have, or I did something really bad when I was drunk.” I’m on call with my bestfriend, Piper.

“No. He’s just probably really busy. And he slept in a room full of guys he’s known since- like what? 16. Don’t sweat it. He’ll come around.” She calms me down.

I’m pacing back and forth in my hotel room. I packed up everything, it’s the last day to stay. We check out today at 6:30 and the draft is at 4:18. I’ll check out early but I would be leaving Jackson alone in Montreal for a night.

~

“With the number 200 pick, the Boston bruins draft… Defenceman Jackson Edwards!”

I scream in excitement, I remember looking at Jack to see what he was going to do. If he either was going to hug his mom, or me. He slides a smirk at me, hugs me and lets go. He pushed his lips onto my cheek, leaving a deep kiss. He warps his body around to flip over to his mom.

“I love you. Thank you for always supporting me.” He whispers to her. I’m forever grateful for this boy being in my life. He’s such a mammas boy.

I watch him walk down the stairs and up to the stage. Montreal, what a special place.

~

I didn’t see Jackson for hours because he was already filming social media content for the bruins, and to mention the endless press always talking to him for q&a’s.

“Hey babe, I’m on my way to the hotel, I was wondering if you wanted to spend the night here. You know instead of going back home.” Jack left me a voicemail.

Honestly, I was too angry at him to even think about him. I love him so much that my head hurts. I could be sent to a ward if I didn’t know I was crazy for our love.

I immediately texted him back,

Uhh, yeah sure. I would be mega jet lagged anyway, I would rather do it with you. Heading over to the room 🩷

Okay see ya soon, door is unlocked 🐱💦

ew. No.

read

~

I make it to the room, the door was held open by someone’s shoe. “Babe?” I crept through the door.

“Wait!” Jackson yells through the room.

he came running to the door, pushing me out of the room. “I have a suprise.” He laughs and backs away. Leaving me alone in the hallway, with a visible open door.

“Hurry! I look stupid! Is anyone else in there?” I groan in annoyance.

“Settle down, it’s just me. Me and you!” Jackson takes my bags and throws them. I hear a thump from my big suitcase, I’m sure I’ll have to buy a new one. “It’s okay. I can buy you a new bag.” It’s like he can read my mind.

“Come!” He runs his hands up my arm. I reach for the door, he jolts to open the door before I can. I walk in to an empty room.

“I have to leave tomorrow around 4, someone booked me a media conference and it’s all happening so fast, so we should talk about what happened.” Jackson quiets down, as if I were a side gig he had to hide out of embarrassment.

I backed up into the room. Deepening the stay. I sit on a bed, Jackson follows behind me. He sits opposite from me on the other bed in the room.

White sheets tucked into the hotel bed finally wrinkle, I can see his eyes. He’s really hurt. He sucks his teeth. Kissing himself.

“I’m not mad. I’m just confused.” He confessed. He brushes his hair back. His eyes, laser like, burn into my eyes. I have no idea what happened when I got drunk but I’m scared. “So.. I’m sorry?” I pushed out.

Impulsively, I hug him. I feel Jackson tighten his arms around me. His hands wander. “It’s fine. Honestly, I’m just confused why you were dancing in other guys.”

“What?” I’m embarrassed. I was probably so drunk that I thought random guys were Jackson.

“It’s okay.” He pulls his shirt off. He twirled me around. We dance. He rips off my clothes. Laundry every where. New kiss marks appear on my abdomen.

“I don’t care. Ttruthfully, it turned me on.” He laughed out. “But… if you were to apologize, you can show me by..” he trails off. Pulling off his pants. I see his already hard dick.

He’s bare, nude, and already laying down- ready for me. I jump ontop of him. Laying a big kiss on his lips. I stick my tounge into his mouth. He moves his tongue into my mouth. We massage eachothers mouths. His hands wander down to my bare ass.

I slide my hand down his abs. Feeling his love trail under his belly button. I reach for his sensitive balls. Playing with them I stick my finger into his mouth. Reaching for his dick I start to suck down.

~

Feelibg my mouth fill with cum. I hit my gagging point. I pull up, he shoves my head down. I feel like I’m going to throw up. I squeeze his balls harder. He jolts up. And I lift up from his shaft.

Tears fall from my eyes. I gag one last time. He feels my hole, I straddle ontop of him. “Already wet? For me?” He moans out. He grabs me closer, kissing me. Tounges feeling up eachother. He lifts me up, I sit down on him, landing on his dick.

His hardened cock sticks inside. I let out a breathe. Letting myself set up for him. I push him down into his back, I stack a movement, my ass hits his legs, skin smacking skin.

I smell our cum mixing together.

~

My favorite thing about Jackson is his love for physical touch. His aftercare feels so special.

“Go pee. Come back and I’ll have stuff out.” I hurry out of bed to go pee. Jackson pulls snacks out of his bag. He turns on a movie for us. He lays out a sleep shirt of his for me.

I walk out of the bathroom. The hotel smells like fresh laundry. I hear Jackson laugh as I look confused. My body, cold, breast hang, ass out, bare body, I come running to the bed. I slide into the white oversized shirt. Jackson kisses me on my forehead, he whispers affectionate affirmations to me.

He cuddles into me, I let him snuggle his head into my breast. I watch the movie and he eats the snacks.

we have a pro player in our lives, and I’m proud to say that I’ve known him since before his days.

[god-has-entered-my-body]

𝙻𝚎𝚗𝚊'𝚜 𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖 𝚕𝚘𝚐: 𝚒 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚔𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝚒 𝚔𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚢𝚎 𝚜𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚗

second instalment (tw: death and violence)

Right so i'm basically just in my house ad i leave for some reason? I walk down this little road and suddenly i see my (extremely religious) next door neighbors on this weird car platform thing but its driving nonetheless.

She litch just starts charging at me screaming about faith and god and how i'm going to hell and she's like two feet behind me when i leg it back into my house and NOW she's got a full gun but my windows are semi-bulletproof so im okay (literally like. okay queen pleek calm DOWN)

I'm like genuinely fearful for my life and this absolute CUNT breaks into my room and just shoots me in the face and like. fully kills me for some reason but thats okay whatever. I'm still watching this unfold from a weird third person perspective and she starts praying over my body and its super like. uhm. okay whatever moving on

Then im just randomly in an airport yay im wearing green and jeans which i vividly remember and also on the phone with my partner? At some point we board but we don't actually we kind of go down this massive ramp onto a field thing that reminds me of Rock am Ring? Whatever so i'm just walking with my (empty) suitcase and around the corner of this weird tent thing that's also a food shop i see a few people just standing around.

This is when said previously mentioned weird tent thing turns into a festival stage and i recognise none other than troye sivan in his slutty little black top he always wears (i don't even listen to troye i just think he's fit).

So i see him and obviously i'm like let me get a picture with this absolute specimen to show to the little people in my phone (you lot) and i go up to him only to be literally thrown back by some security guy who looked a lot like tim healy but we don't talk about that. I make it to troye and he's being a bit of a cunt but i ignore it because he's prob nervous to perform or something.

We take the pictures and the flash is really dizzying for some reason and i turn to hug him goodbye and he's just like "okay now giz a smooch for the camera" and i DO and it felt weird because his hair was in my face and also the camera is STILL going off but im happy nonetheless.

To understand the vividity of this dream i need to mention that when i woke up, first i checked my pulse to see i was alive and second i flicked through my camera roll fully expecting to see me and troye sivan making out.

i need to start doing these more they get weird and i feel like i should MAYBE get this checked out because i'm still semi convinced the first bit was real and i'm just dreaming writing this which is only a bit freakish

[formula-fun]

Hi!!!!!!

So happy that you have found time to write again!

By now I have reread the story too many times so I have been trying to “force” your two amazing stories on my best friend in hopes of finding someone to scream together (I have successfully dragged her across most of the fandoms I have dabbled in) and she was very excited when I explained the plot and showed her my too-long asks on your tumblr to her 🤣

Of course she would love them as much as I do, and she would be running out of excuses for wips (hahahaha) when it looks like the final chapters might be happening!

Very very excited! Thank you so much for taking the time to write! 😘

Hey hey!!!

Aww thanks so much!! I know its not for everyone and wips sometimes arent everyones cup of tea either but i hope she likes it if she gives it a try!! ive had the wildest month in the world so im only now starting to clean them up, but really hoping to have them up soon before school gets crazy again <3

leaving a snippet here for you since i love it so so much but am unfortunately about to cut it!

In Brazil Max doesn’t even bother pretending he wants to use his own hotel room. Charles has only been settled for fifteen minutes when a polite knock rings through the room, and when he opens the door it’s to the sight of Max standing in front of it, tapping away on his phone, his backpack slung precariously over the handle of the suitcase resting beside him.

“Is the WiFi working for you?” he asks in lieu of a greeting, wandering past Charles when Charles steps aside.

“I don’t know,” Charles says, amused. “I just got here.”

“Oh. Same.” He flops backward onto the bed, his knees hanging over the edge, not looking up when his suitcase finally overbalances and falls to the floor with a clatter. He drops his phone somewhere over his head, stretching his arms until they shake. He looks lazy and content, easy with the way he’s made a place for himself in Charles’ space, like he knows he’s always welcome. Charles wants to get on the bed and crawl toward him, one palm on his sternum, and see what his mouth feels like against Charles’ upside down.

He swallows hard.

“Do you want to order room service?” Max asks him.

They have places to be. Charles is pretty sure they do, anyway. They always do. He and Max have been apart for barely ten hours. It’s not long enough to miss someone; not at all.

He lets Max pick up the menu and narrate it aloud to him, halfheartedly debating each item while Charles systematically empties his suitcase across the entirety of the room. Max finally toes his shoes off and slides backward to sit against the headboard, picking up the phone and fiddling with the cord as he orders them a ninety dollar pizza and a seventy dollar fruit tray and a fifteen dollar bottle of sparkling water, and then mumbles something about putting it on his room’s tab instead of Charles’, even though their teams foot the bills anyway. As soon as the phone thunks down into the cradle Charles drops the shirt he was pretending to fold and turns to crawl onto the bed and curl into Max’s side.  

Max’s hand settles on his waist, heavy and warm. “They said fifteen minutes,” Max tells him. His eyes are wide and soft.

Charles shakes his head. “That’s fine,” he answers. His chest feels too big—too full. Max is looking at him with a gentle kind of happiness, and when Charles thinks about him seeking Charles out and living in his space he feels too much. He doesn’t know what to do with it all.

He cups his face and kisses him in greeting, finally—means to keep it short and sweet, but Max pulls him closer immediately. It’s stupid; it shouldn’t feel the way it does, when they’ve barely been apart a day. It doesn’t matter.

He relaxes into Max’s hold a little too much, half-sprawled across his lap and unbalanced because of it. Max just rolls them until they’re laying sideways, their heads at the foot of the bed, kissing lazily all the while. Time turns soft and elastic, everything else drifting away, Charles caught somewhere in all the things they’re pressing against each other’s lips: hello’s and how are you’s and I missed you’s and I love you’s.

When a woman comes with the room service cart Charles has to get up and let her in with wobbly legs, his lips tingling. He winces behind her back when he registers her alpha scent as she passes him, a stark contrast to the happy tangle of Charles and Max’s scents that’s taken all of half an hour to permeate the room. There’s no way she doesn’t notice it, but she doesn’t say a word. Max gives her a bashful red-lipped smile and a tip that’s double the cost of their food, and Charles resists the urge to put his face in his hands.

[headless-horsepossum]

ENORMOUS. ENORMOUS RELIEF. THIS IS MY FAVORITE NECKLACE AND IT HAS BEEN GONE FOR ALMOST A MONTH AND IM SO SO RELIEVED TO FIND HAVE FOUND IT AGAIN

...ykw. relatable Adult With ADHD story under the cut bc it really feels. Emblematic Of The Struggle.

So I was packing for a trip sometimes toward the beginning of July, and I specifically thought to myself, "this is my favorite necklace and it would be difficult if not impossible to replace, therefore I should not take it with me on this trip."

Now. Because I am Sick, in both head and body, my bedroom is a disaster and has been for years. The ONE, literally the ONLY, organizational victory I have had is: when I am getting ready for bed, if I remember to take off my necklace, I hang it from the empty doorframe in the middle of my room. (Old houses are weird.) I have tried over and over again to establish Places For Things, and it was never worked, EXCEPT that the doorframe is where my necklaces live. Other jewelry (or necklaces too short for the doorframe)? Gone, always, I have like three jewelry boxes and it probably isn't in any of them, there are three dozen places it could be. But the doorframe is visible no matter where in my room I am standing, and I like the way my necklaces look hanging from it, so if I 1.) Get undressed in my bedroom and 2.) Remember to take my necklace off before bed, I Usually, More Often Than Not, remember to put it back on the doorframe. And as mentioned this necklace is my Favorite, so I have an even better chance of remembering to put it back on the doorframe when I take it off.

HOWEVER.

Obviously when I got home from my trip it was not hanging from the doorframe.

So, okay, annoying, but in no way unexpected; I Have ADHD. Which means I have a shortlist of other places I Sometimes Put Things when i... wasn't standing directly under the doorframe, I guess, or wasn't looking directly at it, or got undressed in the bathroom instead of the bedroom, or whatever.

But it... isn't in any of those places, either. It's not in the bathroom and it's not on the bookshelf and i moved all the piles on my dresser enough to be pretty sure it's not there either. And here's the absolute worst part is that I REMEMBER having the thought 'I should not put this in my suitcase I don't want to lose it' and then... nothing. This is where the memory ends.

Which means that now I'm standing in my bedroom trying to reverse engineer what I might have done when I had that thought, and it's like...... well OBVIOUSLY. In RETROSPECT. what ANYONE ON EARTH would do. Is put the treasured object back WHERE IT GOES, RIGHT AWAY, because doing ANYTHING ELSE would be STUPID. But okay, I was thinking about not losing it, I have been wanting to start using my jewelry box more, maybe I put it there. (I did not put it there.) Okay, I thought I remembered Thinking This Thought in my bedroom, but maybe I was in the bathroom, I keep a jewelry box in there specifically for that, maybe it's in there. (It is not in there.) O-kay, maybe I took it off downstairs and my father put it away in his Pre-Trip Cleaning Frenzy! I'm... I'm pretty sure this would have happened before he cleaned, so that doesn't really make sense, but maybe it's in one of his many Hiding Places and this isn't really my fault after all! (No it isn't and yes it is.)

And now I'm opening the bathroom drawers and ransacking parts of my room I know I haven't touched in months and checking the kitchen cabinets because surely, surely I put it SOMEWHERE on PURPOSE.

Because if I DIDNT do that. Then I HAD THE THOUGHT. 'I don't want to lose this.' And then immediately Did The Thing. Where I stopped thinking about it while it was still in my hand and put it down I a random place because I wasn't thinking about it. Like a dumb idiot baby.

Because i am TWENTY NINE YEARS OLD. And I KNOW that my actual least favorite feeling is 'this beloved object is lost forever bc of 30 seconds of inattention. I paid attention to it for hours or days or years and I thought about how much I liked it and how I wouldn't want to lose it and I did it all right except for ONE 30 second window where I just Stopped Thinking. It was just ONE slip up, and NOW I remember how much I like that object so if I could do those thirty seconds over again I would do it RIGHT and it wouldn't even be HARD, and I would do ANYTHING to go back in time for JUST those thirty seconds and it doesn't matter how much I want that and how much that object mattered to me because the past is FIXED and I can Never Not Have Messed Up And Forgotten It.' I could instantly without trying come up with three other times I have done that, including one when I was in first grade and one when in 2019. Nothing makes me more crushingly, existentially upset than Losing Things. And the thing about ADHD is that I can know that, know that it's a mistake I often make and that I am Devastated when I make it... and that Does Not Keep Me From Doing It. At All. My parents and teachers and all the Adults around me as a kid, after they were done yelling at me for being irresponsible and not caring enough about my things, would sigh and say that At Least I had Learned my Lesson, and then I DIDNT. Not only was I as lazy and careless and spoiled as they said, I was even dumber and lazier and MORE careless because I DIDNT LEARN ANYTHING!!!! I KEPT DOING IT!!!! I AM ALMOST THIRTY AND I STILL CANT KEEP TRACK OF MY TOYS! WHY CANT I GROW THE FUCK UP????

Anyway. This one wasn't as bad as all that, obviously. For one thing as you can see I did actually find it again, for once, and in fact discovered that, while I had indeed not put it Where It Goes, I had put it in one of the very first places I checked, but by the time I checked there it had already fallen on the floor between my dresser and my bed. (One of the other advantages to the Doorframe Necklace Hanger is that it is Cat Proof, unlike literally any other place in my room.) Also because I knew I hadn't taken it with me I was pretty confident it was in my room somewhere and if I ever scrape together the executive function and Good Pain Days to clean the goddamn place I'd almost certainly find it eventually. So this incident was limited to only muted existential horror and self hatred. But every thing I have ever lost through inattention still deeply haunts me, so there was always going to be some level of deep soul wrenching dread, even if I successfully mitigated some of it this time.

Anyway. This got away from me, obviously, but the point is this: if this pattern is familiar to you, know that I am grasping your hand firmly, nodding in stoic solidarity, and saying gruffly, 'doesn't this shit fucking suck so bad at least we're in this hell together.'

And if you are a friend or a lover or, MOST ESPECIALLY, a PARENT, and your friend/partner/child is constantly losing and/or forgetting stuff. Just. Yk. Be Patient With Us, We're In Hell