#blue jeans holds a special place in my heart

[tightjeansjavi]

I have work tomorrow (unfortunately) but I wanted to talk about blue jeans for a hot second and especially Joel because god, I just love this man so much.

This cute little story brings me so much happiness. I love writing this version of Joel. The devoted dad, albeit a little goofy and shy at times. He is so sweet. He is so thoughtful, caring, and I just know this man pays attention to all the little details. He’s a little rough around the edges, much like his post outbreak self but for different reasons. We don’t know much about Joel’s early life or Sarah’s mom, and him having Sarah at a young age and how that affected him.

Joel has his moments of vulnerability that I think are SO important to highlight because I often feel like in todays society, men are still frowned upon for having feelings. For expressing emotion, and letting their vulnerabilities show. Joel has a safe space to express his feelings and I just love seeing him become more and more open with the reader.

I also love being able to incorporate Tommy into this story more because what we see of the two Miller brothers before the outbreak is just a glimpse into their relationship. I imagine these two have gotten into heeps of trouble together. Tommy is certainly a massive flirt, and far more of an extrovert than Joel is, but there’s so much love between them. Tommy loves Joel so much and just wants to see him happy. I still think back to their conversation in chapter 8 and it was one of my favorite parts just to write their dynamic together.

Joel is starting to get more and more comfortable with showing affection. Chapter 9 is a super big turning point for him because he lets his guard down more. Despite the fact that he’s feeling bashful over Tommy and Sarah teasing him over the reader spending the night, he’s feeling so happy inside and he’s not afraid to show it.

I just love the fact that both pre! Outbreak Joel and post! Outbreak Joel have so much love to give. They each do it in their own way. One thing is for certain, they care so deeply for the ones that are closest to them. ♡

[yovrnewromantic]

WORTH IT

ex!husband eddie munson x reader

based on the hc! by me that eddie kidnaps your kids, charging kisses for ransom wc: 1.2K

“You know you can’t keep doing this.”

Eddie can hardly hold back a pout. He knows you’ll criticize him if he lets it slip, reminding him that ‘he’s a grown man for goodness’ sake’ even though his puppy eyes never fail to succeed against you. Except once. Only once, when you filed for divorce circa 12 years ago.

Filed into the back of the van, your children are pressing their faces up against the glass windows. Their eyes are wide, noses are upturned, fogging up the glass with each breath— looking like the myth of pig-men came to life and are giddy to draw smiley faces and ‘hi mom’s into the steamed up glass. Unlike you, they enjoy when their dad kidnaps them, waving their teachers off with forged letters so they can hobble into his car and fiddle with the stereo as he stops at the florist, and biting their lips to stop their excitement when they see your old camaro pull up.

Forget-Me-Nots lay half-forgotten at Eddie’s side as he ruffles his already messy curls, mesmerized as you step out the car, mom jeans and rock shirt hanging loose. You look as beautiful as the day he met you. Some days, he feels like it is the first time he met you, his heart paralyzed by a certain type of warmth at the sight of your face. It’s like everything around you disappears and he recognizes his purpose. You. You make him feel like a teenager in love.

“Eventually I’m just gonna call the cops on your ass.”

Angry is not how you would describe yourself in the moment. The first time it happened, hell, you were pissed. Smoke practically blew out your ears when he first called, interrupting himself with giggles while he announced “The prince and princess of, phh, Munsonville have been exiled along with the King. Haha, oh um— If you wish to see them ever again, you must pay the price!” After the second, third, fourth, and tenth time, it’s only become a nuance.

“Hi, Mom!” your daughter calls out, voice muffled. Her hands are sprawled against the window, the hair that was once well-kept into two braids is now fuzzy and tangled. Her brown doe eyes peering at you, standing on her tippy toes to see. Looking like the splitting image of her father. Behind her, your son is playing with Eddie’s electric-blue guitar, strumming the string so harshly that you cringe, but Eddie doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, he’s still staring at you.

Dumbly, Eddie just sticks the bouquet in your face, his fist inches from your face. “M’lady.” Through the thin stems of your favorite flower, you can see his lopsided smile.

Rather delicately, you take the flowers from his grasp, looking at them for a second too long to keep up your uneffected act. These must’ve been on sale, you assure yourself. He doesn’t remember the flowers you walked up the isle with, he couldn’t have. When you can finally drag your eyes away, your brows are furrowed. Something fluttering in your stomach as Eddie tilts his head, usual shit-eating grin strangely sweet. Small indigo petals flutter to the ground as they’re knocked off their branches from impact of hitting Eddie square in chest.

“Ow!” He lifts his arms up in defense. The purple-blue veins that flex on his bicep matching the shade of the dwindling flowers. “Y/N!”

Finally, easing your attack, your chest rises and falls as you point a finger at his chest. “Give my kids, Munson!”

“Mrs. Munson!” Again, you raise the flowers to wack him over the head, but Eddie’s hand grips your wrist, holding it in place and smiling innocently at you. “You know the drill by now.”

Groaning, you hide your face in what’s left of your flowers, a red hue rising on your cheeks. It’s embarrassing— giving in this easy to your ex husband’s demands, but there’s a special spot in your heart for Eddie that just. won’t. go. away. No matter how many dates you went on, no one could replace him.

Eddie’s hands are gentle as they pry your hands, and flowers, away from your face. He’s close enough that you can feel the heat of his breath. Harshly sighing through your nose, and trying to convincingly eye roll, you choke out, “What do I owe this time?”

“Well, seeing as it took you ten extra minutes to get here from the estimated time…”

You shake your head. “I was busy explaining why the teachers didn’t need to issue an amber alert, dipshi—.”

“Ten kisses.” He’s too happy with himself, rocking back and forth on his heels as he watched the disbelief transform your pretty face.

“Ten?”

He raises his brows, playfully puckering. “Lay ‘em on me, honey.”

It’s never not awkward, begrudgingly (not really) approaching your ex husband with slow, torturous movements. Fingers finding his tattooed skin— which you used to color before you became adults and life went to shit, tracing up the expense of his arms until your hands connect around the back of his neck. He’s nibbling his lip as you inch forward, impatient. When your lips are close enough to touch, your breaths sync and your eyes meet. Heart racing, your eyes flutter shut. Lightly, the plush of your lips meet his— always surprising— soft lips. One.

Again. Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

Eight.

Eddie can’t help himself. His hands fly to your waist, squeezing the flesh he can reach and pulling your closer, shoving his tongue in your mouth when your hands tug on his hair. He tastes just as you remember, like tobacco and cheerios. As his tongue explores your mouth, you moan into his. Betrayed by your own body, dammit. His lips twitch against yours. When his teeth start to clash against yours, that’s when you pull away, a thick string of saliva connecting you. Nine.

Your eyes are hazy, a dumbstruck, lightheaded feeling coming over your body as you lean forward again. Foreheads connecting. Your noses nudging. Panting into each other’s mouth. Far too sensual for a divorced couple. Eddie finishes the last kiss for you, pecking your lips. Your breath hitches when he drags his teeth against the bottom. Ten.

“Pleasure doing business with you,” he chuckles, panting. His large palm finds the bottom of your ass.

“Go to hell,” you whisper against his lips. “Kids!”

“Already in the car, Mom!” Tucked in the back of the car, seat belts buckled, your children look unimpressed. Your cheeks go bright red as you adjust yourself, trying hard not to stomp to the car as you avoid contact with Eddie, who walks slowly, cockily, behind you.

“I’ll call you later, sweetheart!”

You shove your hand out your unrolled window, middle finger up. Eddie’s laugh makes your chest tighten, but you won’t let it show, flipping on your sunglasses and pulling the fuck away from him. Eddie smiles as his kids wave through the window, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans with a knowing look on his face.

He’ll win you back eventually.

—

p.s. 💋

“Mommy, are you and daddy getting back together?”

With your grip tightening on the steering wheel, knuckles turning your white, you meet your five year old son’s clueless eyes in the review mirror— the product of the last time you got back together with his father. “Not a chance.”

not edited or read over 😔

[whocaresstillthelouvre]

Dispose Of Me

Pairing: Javier Peña x Female Reader Rating: Explicit. 18+ (Minors DNI) Summary: Javier Peña needs you... and you're moving away in two weeks. Warnings: Smut, unprotected p in v sex (be safe IRL), oral (f receiving), reader is picked up, Javi can't stop smoking, post S3 Laredo Peña, feelings. Words: 1,800

A/N: @ohheypedrito asked me to write Javier and this is what I came up with. This is my first time writing Javi, so I hope I did him justice. @undercoverpena posted this mood board a couple of weeks ago that matched the exact vibes of this piece, I even went in and added the last line because of it. Thank you to @pascalispretty for beta'ing.

Masterlist

___

His new life haunts him. 

Fix a fence, wire the new security light, drive to town to pick up more feed, crack a well deserved beer open at dinner, fall asleep in the bed that’s too small. 

Wake up and repeat. 

Funny how the simple life feels like it’s killing him. 

He lights a cigarette, the nicotine drowning his inner turmoil; a billow of smoke suspires out of his lungs, floating away into the night sky. He wishes he could follow it far away. 

He needs you. 

___

Three quick raps against the door shocks you out of your mindless channel surfing. Javi. You fight a smile before checking yourself in the mirror, lying to yourself that you didn’t buy all the new silky lingerie for him. 

You lie to yourself a lot. You haven’t fallen for him, you don’t think about him all the time, other men have made you feel this special, you’re not going to miss him once you leave.

A quick shake of your head and a wiggle of your shoulders helps steel yourself before opening the door. Your breath hitches at the beauty… Javier Peña, the handsomest man with the biggest brown eyes and tightest Wrangler jeans you’ve ever seen lunges at you and wraps his arms around your barely covered figure. 

“Usually you call, wha–” a searing kiss interrupts you, his plush mouth sets a hungry fire inside you. 

Your body leaves the ground as Javi lifts you up into his hold, your legs instinctively enveloping his hips, hands taking hold around his thick neck as he walks to your bedroom. His lips don’t leave yours as he effortlessly navigates around your moving boxes. 

“Need you baby,” he pants against your neck. “Need you so much.” 

You’re thrown on the bed, mouth agape, lungs panting for air still recovering from his kiss. Javi swiftly undresses, his orange shirt and blue jeans fly across the room and land on your reading chair.

He flicks the light on, flooding the room with sweet tangerine hues. He stands at the foot of your bed, broad body looming, pouty lips parted underneath his downturned mustache. He’s the picture perfect example of a man in charge, standing immobile with his hands on his hips; the only movement is his wide brown eyes roaming your body. He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobs in his toned neck. The tension radiating off of his body reaches out and grabs your heart, making it pitter patter even harder against your chest. 

“I need you,” he whispers, his frame casting a shadow over your quivering body as he slowly climbs on the bed.

A kiss is placed against your temple; he inhales the citrus scent of your conditioner and sighs. His mouth moves down your face before parting your lips with his, his sharp nose pressing into your cheek when he deepens the kiss. He tastes of coffee and cigarettes. You melt into the bed under his weight, his tongue swirling around your mouth drinking down your gasps and mews. A soft groan rumbles out of his throat when you suck his tongue into your mouth. 

He’s different tonight. His kisses feel more desperate, the weight of him presses harder, his eyes stare harder, his voice sounds gruffer. 

He bunches the pink silk of your tank top up before covering your breast with his large hand, kneading it in his hold. 

“Javi,” you moan, feeling his hardening cock press against your panties. 

“Do you just sit around your apartment dressed like this every night baby?”

He licks his way down your neck, sucking and nuzzling his mouth against the curve of your collar bone. 

“Most– ahh– nights,” you whimper. “Usually wear it in case you call or knock on my door.”

“Fuck,” he growls. His cock grows more rigid, pressing harder against your now aching core dripping wet and waiting for him. 

His lips perch against the skin stretched across your chest, leaving a gentle kiss right where your heart beats.

“I can feel your heartbeat against my lips, hermosa.”

He cups your breasts between his hands, encompassing his head in between your flesh, his inhalation of your scent sends goosebumps through your skin… as if he’s trying to memorize every part of you before time runs out. He pulls back, tongue peeking out to wet his lips, dark eyes under pleading eyebrows staring into everything you have- body, mind, heart and soul. 

”I need you,” he rasps.

You pet his hair, running your fingers through the soft waves. 

“I know,” you whisper from your heart.

Javi. 

He turns his head, laying a wet kiss against your nipple before sucking it into his mouth. A breath of a bite hits against your sensitive skin, your fingers tug at his hair. A throaty groan encourages you to pull harder. 

He licks a stripe across taking your other nipple in his mouth– another bite, another hair tug, another throaty groan. 

He rubs his hard cock against your core, his precum soaks against your drenched panties. 

“You’re already so wet for me, aren’t you baby?”

An ache rolls through your entire body.  

“Yes Javi.”

“Yes you are, baby. Want to taste you first.” 

He settles between your thighs, jet black hair shining against your skin. 

His tongue dips in your folds, swimming through the lush wetness you’ve spilled for him. 

A lap up, a lap down, his tongue striding all along your sensitive skin. 

You sink in the abyss of his touch.

“Mm close Javi,” you sob. 

He moans a reassuring sound. His head undulating a reassuring nod taps his nose against your clit. Your hands claim his hair, pulling him even closer into you, your hips grinding against his face riding the wave of pleasure. 

You fall off the horizon, diving into the depth of your orgasm. Javier Peña is not only a giver, but also a taker, taking everything your pussy will give him. You swell underneath him, your hands pulling his soft hair, your voice screaming his name. He drinks you down like he’s a shipwrecked man.

You float atop your coral sheets, Javi’s soft kisses to your thigh anchoring you from drifting farther. 

___

“I-I need you Javi,” you muster.

His head pops up from between your legs, beautiful mouth shining with your sweetness. He licks his lips savoring the heady taste of you before he covers your body with his, crushing you, firm muscles pressing into your skin. 

“You need me?” His cock ghosts against your entrance that’s begging for something to clench around.

”Yes Javi.”

”Okay hermosa, okay.”

All at once you’re filled with Javier Peña. His hips meet yours when he plunges himself fully into your heat.

Your lungs squeal as you wrap your legs around his lower back, giving him more access to all of you. He’s deliberate in his pace, slow thrusts adoring you with each push and pull. His lips take purchase of your mouth.  

You immerse one another in the sway of each other’s bodies. 

“Two weeks,” he grunts against your lips. “I don’t think I can live without your pussy, baby.”

Your fingers clutch his taut shoulders; you don’t know if he meant to let that information out.

“I’ll miss you so much,” you confess, getting lost in his divulgence.

“Shhh, don’t talk like that,” his lips mold the words on your skin. His thumb finds your clit and rubs a slow circle around it instantly replacing your sadness with a jolt of pleasure. 

You gasp at the sensation.

“Need to make you feel good,” Javi pulls away, he stares into your eyes, “in your body and heart baby.” 

“Jaaaaaviiii,” your exhale is replaced by his name. 

He drives harder into you, your legs tighten around him, your hands grip his skin harder. 

Your bed rattles against the wall, the metal headboard clangs against the plaster. 

THUMP

“I”

THUMP

“need”

THUMP

“you.”

Your knuckles turn white against his skin as he pounds into your pussy. His eyes don’t leave yours, you’re drowning in the pools of his dark brown eyes as you orgasm, squeezing his cock and pulling him down with you, flooding him with your release.

He bites your name as he pulls out, your legs thudding against the bed as he draws his orgasm out. His focus doesn’t leave your face as thick white ropes fall on your stomach. 

Your body rocks against the soft waves of the bed, lulled to a higher place of being from Javi’s care.

He flops down next to you panting for air with his forearm resting over his forehead. 

You turn and cuddle into his side, resting your head on his broad chest.

“I need you,” Javi whispers so low you swear he’s only saying it to himself. 

Your world shifts, he tells you everything in those three words he keeps repeating. Time is frozen as you both stay silent.

___

You reach for Javi in the darkness and find your bed empty. A deep timbred sigh behind you catches your attention. You roll over blinking your bleary eyes open, gulping at the sight ahead of you. 

He stands naked by the window, a puff of smoke dissipating in the warm summer air breezing in from the open window. The sunrise paints his body in glowing umber. 

“You know I don’t like it when you smoke in here Javi.” He stamps the cigarette out and walks over to the bed. His body gleams from the yellow street light buzzing outside your window. He sits on the edge of your bed and lifts your legs into his lap. 

“You know I don’t like it when you move a thousand miles away and don’t ask me to follow you.”

“I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking me to do anything if I want to do it.”

“But, your dad?”

“He tells me I can leave at any time,” his hand strokes your leg, “I just haven’t had a reason to… until you.”

“Javi, don’t be ridiculous. You can’t just pick up and move away. What are you going to do there?”

“I already called the office, there’s a job waiting for me there. I just have to tell them I want it. Baby, I need you.”

___

“Good morning, I’m Javier Peña, the new head agent here. Shall we get started?”

Javi sticks his hand in his suit jacket pocket, discovering a piece of paper.

He smiles when he sees your note: Good luck on your first day! See you at home. Xxx

He reminds himself to buy you a bouquet of flowers before heading home. 

[sports-on-sundays]

I’m sorry Ik request are closed but o really need a part 2 of Lando and Oscar

one for two / LN4 & OP81 / Part 2

Summary: Lando x female!Australian!McLaren marketing unit worker!reader x childhood best friend!Oscar - The drama ensues. Two Formula 1 drivers who just so happen to race for McLaren also just so happen to have fallen for you. Picks up straight after where part 1 left off. Takes place from Monaco GP 2024 to Spanish GP 2024. Short time frame, but a lot happens.

Warnings: mention of vomiting, crying, "I'll kill you" joke, swearing, very slight innuendo, if I missed anything let me know

Requested?: Yes, by this anon, everyone who answered in the poll in a way, and by @gracielukey

Author's Note: Fret not, I will be writing a part 3!

“Wait, Y/n, one second-” you hear behind you as a hand wraps itself around your arm. You look back to see Oscar Piastri beaming at you with a smile worth a ton of gold on his face. He’s out of his race suit and now back in regular street clothes: a black t-shirt, blue jeans, and an expensive black watch on his wrist. “I still haven’t given you your birthday gift yet.”

Oh, yeah, that’s right.

Earlier, when both McLaren boys had snatched each of your hands, pulling you in separate directions, both thoroughly excited to show you whatever gift they’ve gotten for you for your birthday, which just so happens to be today, the Monaco Grand Prix, you had shook them both off and waved them on to go do their PR duties.

For once in your life, as someone who is in marketing in McLaren, you got to do a fraction of your actual job concerning the two drivers, and not play the part of both their dramatic love interest.

Yet here you are again, looking back at a handsome Australian boy with earnest brown eyes, waiting for you to come with him so you can see your present.

You sigh, smiling. “Alright, Oscar. Show me this present of mine.”

He leads you to his driver’s room, where he holds the door for you to follow him in, and gently shuts it.

You have a jolting memory of the last time you were led into a driver’s room and the door was shut behind you, and the driver was saying he had something for you. It had been Lando’s driver’s room in Miami, after he won the race, and, well, you’ll never forget what the gift he had for you had been.

Lando’s kiss.

Though it didn’t really change anything at all, it seemed to change absolutely everything.

And now, just standing here, watching Oscar rummage around in his piles and bags of contained mess, you can’t help yourself from blushing as the memory floods back to you.

Oscar snaps you out of your dreams, though, when he straightens, holding up a small box that fits in his palm and a white envelope, and says, “Here… Don’t know if it’s your type of thing, but…”

“Jewelry?” you raise your eyebrows, eyeing the box.

He nods. “I don’t see you wearing jewelry a whole ton, but I thought you might really like this, regardless.”

You smile. “Usually I save it for special occasions, but I like wearing jewelry. Now, let’s see this card here…” He hands it to you, and you open it up. Oscar watches you intently as you begin reading his not-too-messy, not-too-neat handwriting.

Dear Y/n,

I just want to take this opportunity to say how much I appreciate you. You, as a person. Everything about you, I love. Your teasing, your jokes, your playfulness. Your hard work and dedication. You’re so understanding and kind. I love how gentle you are, yet also tough. You’re the perfect balance, for me and for anyone. You have the softest, most beautiful, caring heart, but a tough skin, too, and you can hold your own. You’re so strong and capable, too. I admire you in so many ways.

I love being with you. Time spent with you is my favorite time. Whether we’re just laying or sitting somewhere together, basking in each other’s silence and simply company, or going out somewhere, exploring someplace, and experiencing something together. I love it. I adore it. I love being with you.

Sometimes, I think about when we were little kids. I think about how we’d sit together and whine about how hard it is to be an older sibling, or how this or that rule by our parents was stupid. I remember playing with you, exploring. Even then, Y/n, we were forming a bond, and I think it’s beautiful. I hope we stay like this forever. Together.

I just want to be with you.

I remember as I got older and I moved, I missed you so much. So, so much. We stayed in touch, but you don’t know how much was missing without you always by my side. It’s like in a way you complete me.

I’m so glad that fate and time and whatever else all worked together that today, right now, you can be with me, on your twenty-third birthday. Twenty-three years, Y/n, I’ve known you. You’ve been my best friend. Somehow, we always keep running into each other. Like as if time and space and the universe knows we’re meant to be with each other, for each other, and it won’t let us be separated for too long. Like me and you have a magnet.

I love it, Y/n, and I hope you do, too.

I also love how beautiful you are. Your stunning eyes when they look straight into mine. The way you look over your shoulder and wink teasingly. The way your eyebrows scrunch together when you’re working hard or trying to figure something out. The way you flip your hair, the way you walk, the way you talk, the way you laugh, and the way your touch feels; I love every single little ‘way’ about you. You are it, everything I want. I don’t know what you feel, but I know that for years, I knew it.

I knew I’m supposed to be with you.

If you don’t think so, that’s okay. But just know what I know. Because for years I was terrified to say it, but now, I know.

I know this, Y/n:

I love you. I always have, and I always will.

Yours truly, Oscar Jack Piastri 5/26/24

As you read the last words, you feel a lump forming in your throat as you softly gasp, “Oscar…”

“I’m sorry if it’s a bit over the top,” he says right away with a slightly nervous chuckle. “I don’t mean to seem sappy. I should have just left it at ‘happy birthday’...”

“No, no-”

“I just had a lot to say, I guess,” Oscar mutters, glancing down. “A lot to say, to make up for the years of staying silent.”

“Oh, Oscar, stop!” you laugh, your voice cracking as you suddenly throw your arms around him in a tight embrace. You feel your eyes begin to water as you squeeze them shut tightly and bury your head in his shoulder, murmuring, “This is the sweetest thing I’ve ever read, Osc… You’re going to make me cry…”

As you hug him, it’s like a weight is lifted off his shoulders. He wraps his arms around you back, his hand slowly, absently beginning to rub your back.

You sniff a bit, whispering close to his ear, “That’s just about the most beautiful thing I’ve read… Oscar, I- I, um… I-” love you, too, your brain screams, begging your lips to form the words. You love him, Y/n. You know you do. Just say the words. Just say them.

But you finish with, “I- Thank you so much, Oscar. Thank you.”

He nods, resting his cheek on your head for a few seconds, before murmuring, “Why don’t you open the gift now?”

You nod, slowly leaning away. You mop up your eyes with your hands before taking the box. You slowly open it and gasp when you see a sparkling green gemstone inside, attached to a golden chain. “Oscar…” you breathe. “It’s beautiful…” You slowly begin taking it out of the box.

“Emerald, for May, on a gold necklace chain.”

You stop taking it out of the box to freeze and look up in surprise, eyes wide. “Real emerald? Real gold?!”

“Yes,” Oscar chuckles. “Yes, Y/n. It’s a real emerald on a real gold chain.”

Your jaw drops as you blubber, “Oscar… Oh my God, Oscar… you didn’t have to…”

“I think you’ve forgotten I can afford it. And I would spend any amount of money, if it was for you. But do you like it?”

“What do you mean?!” you exclaim. “What sort of question is that? Of course I like it! I love it!”

At that, the young McLaren driver immediately beams. “Here- want me to put it on you?” You nod vigorously, so Oscar takes the necklace gently from your hands and reaches around your neck to clasp it on you. You feel his soft hands briefly brush the skin of your neck, sending a shiver down your spine, before he takes them away and leans back to view you. “It looks lovely on you. Compliments your features.”

“You really think so?”

He grins with a soft chuckle. “Y/n, I know so.”

Once you’re done sitting with Oscar for a bit after that, just being with him, you exit his driver’s room into the hallway with a tired but contented sigh. You tuck Oscar’s note and the box the necklace came in into your pants pocket, about to get going and continue on with your life, when, once again, you’re interrupted.

You suddenly feel two strong arms wrapping around you from behind as the scent of Lando’s cologne fills your nostrils. He leans close to your ear, rocking you a bit, before murmuring in a gentle, concerned voice, “Hey, Y/n… How are you?”

You smile softly, feeling his warmth against your back. “I’m alright,” you sigh, your head still slightly in the clouds about Oscar’s note and gift.

Lando unwraps his arms from around you and gently guides you by your shoulders to turn around and face him. “What were you doing, hm?” he suddenly asks softly.

“What do you mean?” you ask, eyebrows furrowing.

“In Oscar’s driver’s room. I saw you leave.” His tone is in no way accusatory. Just genuinely concerned.

“Nothing,” you frown, licking your lips. “Why do you care?”

He crosses his arms, the concern mostly falling off his face now as he says simply, reaching up to drag his thumb under your eye, “Because of this.” He holds up his thumb to show the chalky smeared mascara on it. “And because of the redness around your eyes. Are you okay?” The concern comes flooding back as he lifts his other hand to gently touch your cheek. “Did something happen? Did Oscar do something? Y/n, you know you can tell me. You know you can trust me.”

But you can’t help yourself but chuckle. In a way, it’s sweet how caring and worried Lando is acting, looking out for you like that. But also kind of funny that Lando thinks Oscar Piastri even has the capacity to do you any harm, at least not on purpose. So you say, “No, no, Lando! Don’t worry! I’m not upset! Those were happy tears!”

Lando doesn’t look much less concerned, though. “What made you so happy?” he asks carefully.

You sigh, figuring there’s no reason to not tell Lando, at least partially the truth. “Oscar just gave me a super sweet birthday gift is all.”

“Oh,” Lando nods slowly. “What was it?”

You smile and point at the necklace hanging around your neck, resting perfectly in the middle of your chest. “This…”

“Oh,” Lando says again, this time more impressed, looking down at it. “That… It looks beautiful on you.”

You smile wider. “Thanks.”

But then the British man swallows. “I know you’re probably tired and wanting to get back to your hotel room, but I have a gift for you, too.”

“Just make sure it’s not a kiss this time,” you softly tease. “I don’t think my heart can take it right now.”

“No, no, of course not. I actually bought you something for your birthday!” the Brit chuckles, his hand naturally falling to the small of your back as he leads you to his driver’s room. He keeps the door hanging open, though, and you’re sure that’s intentional, to give you more of a sense of reassurance. You appreciate it. “Alright!” he says, clapping his hands together. “Close your eyes and hold out your hands.” You shrug and obey, doing so. You feel him place some light, small item in your hand, before he says, “Alright! Open!”

You chuckle as you open your eyes, teasing, “What was the point of having me close my eyes?”

“So it was a surprise! Now look at what I got you, for God’s sake, Y/n!” he rolls his eyes jokingly.

You look down at the little card in your hand, shaped like a credit card. You bring it to your face and study it, until your eyes widen when you recognize what it is. “Lando, is this…?”

He grins broader as he sees the sparkle in your eyes. “Yeah, yeah. It is.”

“You didn’t have to!” you laugh. A gift card for a free weekend to a luxury spa. You’ve often told Lando how nice it’d be to have a spa day, just relaxing and letting the weight off your shoulders.

But you weren’t expecting it as a birthday gift! And you definitely weren't expecting some expensive luxurious place, and for a whole weekend!

“And,” he smiles, reaching in his pocket to pull out a second, identical card which he places in your hand, too, “A second one, because I figured it’d be no fun alone, so you could bring one of your girl friends or something.”

You throw your arms around Lando and peck his cheek, which is a lot more of an easy thing to do with Lando than it is with Oscar. Oscar, you’re more emotionally connected with. But physically and romantically, you’re a lot more connected to Lando. Lando giggles as you exclaim, “How’d you even think to do this?”

He shrugs. “You talk about it. And you work constantly, so damn hard, you deserve a break. You don’t get enough credit for all you do. Take a weekend to just relax and enjoy, hm?”

You smile and shut your eyes, nuzzling your face into his neck, loving the sentiment, loving the gift, and loving Lando’s attitude in recognizing how hard you do work.

It feels so good to simply be appreciated.

The day after the Monaco Grand Prix, that Monday, Oscar texts you, asking you if you'd like the meet up before you have to go back to the U.K.

You're leaving tomorrow, so it had to be a yes.

Now you sit next to Oscar in his car, in the parking lot, as you buckle your seat belt and Oscar absently drums his fingers on the steering wheel.

Finally you break the silence with, "So, what's the plan, Stan?"

"Um..." Oscar begins, and just by one quick glance, you can see the deep thought written across his face as he looks forward out the windshield.

And you're right. The Aussie's thoughts are raging, about only one thing. And that thing, of course, being you.

He bites his lip, feeling a pang of slight desperation, but mostly just indescision.

He thought the nice note he wrote you for your birthday would've... given more of a reaction. Or maybe the necklace would've pulled at your heartstrings a little more. Just... Just a hug felt wrong to Oscar.

Why doesn't she love me back?

I whisper of a thought in his mind responds, Maybe it's got to do with Lando. Maybe she just simply doesn't love you because she loves Lando more.

He swallows a lump in his throat, pushing that thought out of his mind with, No, Oscar. She said she's got nothing more with Lando than she's got with you. You need to trust her. You know you love her. Therefore, trust her.

Of course, naturally, Oscar has no idea that he really shouldn't trust you.

Prompted by his thoughts, Oscar suddenly asks you, ignoring your own question, "Did Lando get you anything for your birthday? Just asking, because, you know, he had said he had something...?"

"Oh, yeah!" you exclaim. Oscar can't help but recognize the way your face lights up at the mention of merely Lando's name. You continue, "He got me a free weekend to a spa for two people!"

"Oh. You're going to a spa with him?" Oscar says slightly absently.

You laugh. "No, he suggested probably one of my friends. Lando would've told me if he wanted to go."

"Ah, right. Of course."

"Oscar?" you suddenly say, concerned, leaning closer. You place your hand on top of Oscar's drumming fingers on the wheel, forcing the nervous movement to stop. "Is something wrong?"

"Hmmm..." he sighs. Oscar, you've just got to make a move. A real move. Lando is loud, impulsive, fun. He wouldn't second guess.

Maybe you should take a hint from Lando.

Maybe she just needs to see, feel, experience me.

That doesn't sound right.

That doesn't sound like me.

Oscar closes his eyes, leaning back, entwining his fingers around your hand.

I'm not Lando Norris. So is that it?

That's it. I'm just not Lando Norris.

But despite the proclamation in his head, he snaps himself out of it. "Just... thinking back on the race. Sorry."

"Are you sure you're okay, Osc?" you lean in, more concerned.

It's like Oscar can feel his heart being squeezed, warmed. And another, louder, sudden thought enters his mind:

You won't let her go, Oscar, and you know that. You'll fight for her. You'll change for her.

You'll never be Lando Norris, but maybe you've just got to quit overthinking and start acting.

"Alright!" he says, a quite sudden smile appearing on his face as he squeezes your hand. "Yeah, I'm sure." He smiles, bringing your hand to his mouth to gently kiss the back of it.

He doesn't really see the blush on your cheeks when he does that.

He lets go of your hand and says, "Alrighty, let's go. I've got somewhere to bring you."

When you get to the destination, you laugh. "Oscar, it's just a park! You made it seem like you had this big thing planned."

"Oh," he smiles a bit. "Well, sorry. Do you have something against parks?"

"No- I'm just saying-"

"Yes, sure, whatever." He suddenly snatches your hand as he says, "Let's just go for a nice walk."

It's not common for Oscar to just take your hand like that, so confidently. Lando? Sure, all the time. But not really Oscar...

But you kind of like it.

As you walk, you just chat, until you're sure you've walked the entirety of Monaco before Oscar finally gestures to a lone bench in a solitary area, and you sit down together, hands still latched.

But you let go of his, saying with a chuckle, "I just... You know, my hands are sweaty."

"Oh, sure, of course. Mine probably are, too," he responds, running a hand through his hair.

You watch him intently as he does this, and reply a few seconds too late, "Oh, no, no, they're not! I like your hands."

And you immediately blush at the fact you actually just told Oscar Piastri that.

But he looks over with that little crooked teasing smile of his and says, "Do you?"

You grin back and shrug. "Hell yeah."

"Hm. I'll keep that in mind, then."

That makes your mind immediately wander to what he could mean, and you feel bad for what you immediately think of.

Regardless, your face flushes.

And then Oscar makes the decision that he's wanted to make for months, and probably years. His twinkling eye meets yours as he says, "You like my hands? Well I like your lips."

Your breath catches and butterflies well up in your stomach as Oscar leans in closer. His hand gently cups your chin as he looks you straight in your eyes, his softening by the second.

In the exact moment that he should just lean in and kiss you, he hesitates and asks, "Is it okay if I-"

"Oscar! Yes!" you say without thinking.

Yeah, yeah. There you go again. Not thinking again, in the exact moments that you should think about it the most.

Oscar leans in, his head tilting to the side slightly as his soft lips meet yours. Your head spins as he strokes your cheek.

It's not too long and not too short. He pulls away, gazing warmly into your eyes.

There was something different about Oscar's kiss. Lando kissed you and kept kissing you, as if he couldn't get enough. Oscar stopped as soon as he knew it was the perfect time for both of you to pull away. Lando's kiss was hungry, Oscar's wasn't really. He enjoyed it, but...

You don't know.

Oscar's more romantic.

You feel simply by the way he looks at you...

You feel like a jewel. You feel beautiful.

Physically, Lando's kiss was probably better. But emotionally, Oscar's...?

You never knew Oscar could be this romantic. But, to be honest with yourself, Lando's kiss was hotter. Sexier.

God, you loved both.

You groan, falling into Oscar, throwing your arms around him.

Y/n! Y/n! You're comparing the kissing styles of the two guys you kissed without the other knowing!

They both think you're theirs!

"Are you okay?" Oscar immediately asks. "Listen, I'm sorry- Oh, God, listen-"

"No! Oscar, thank you..." you blurt shakily, leaning back to look at him.

"Uh... you're welcome..." He falters, before saying, "So... does this mean you want to be my girlfriend?"

Oh, God.

"Oh, uh, I don't think I'm ready for that- uh-" you begin nervously.

"Right," comes the brown eyed boy's curt response.

Oscar Piastri's vague clean scent fills your nostrils. Or perhaps it's the clean hotel sheets you lay in next to him. His soft touch massages your hand as you hum a song.

You know all the words, but you forgot the tune.

In another reality, he would kiss you and hold you and call you his. You would say without a fragment of a doubt that you are his girlfriend.

Like an arrow to your heart, his voice asks you once more: "Does this mean you want to be my girlfriend?"

You're leaning against his bare chest, listening to his heartbeat, British voice speaking but saying nothing, and you begin, "Oh, uh, I-"

You wake up with a start, gasping. The last thing you remember of your dream was laying with Lando, about to tell him you love him.

What the hell, Y/n?

“What’s up?” you ask as you answer your vibrating cellphone.

Lando Norris on the other end responds, “Nothing much. What’s up with you.”

“Dunno. Just packing up to get ready to be leaving Monaco. But why’d you call?”

“Hey, whoa, whoa,” Lando suddenly says. “Why’re you leaving Monaco so early? Come on, now!”

You sigh with a little smile, rolling your eyes as you throw another shirt in your suitcase. “Lando, this country is uber expensive. There’s no way I’m staying here any longer than I have to. The hotel price is ridiculous, and the rest of the team is leaving, anyway.”

Lando tsks before saying, “Come on, now. You won’t have to pay for a hotel room for extra days, you know. You can stay at my place, duh.”

Your eyebrows shoot up. “Oh, Lando. You really want me to stay in Monaco.”

“Of course I do. But you know I’d let you stay at my place anytime.”

“Mmmhm. I know…”

“So? What do you say?” Lando asks.

You hesitate, before saying, "Lan, I already told the team I'd be leaving on the plane with them..."

“For God’s sake, Y/n, then tell them you’re not, check out of that damn hotel room, and c’mere!”

“Come where?!” you ask in slight exasperation.

“Where do you think? My flat!”

“Alright, alright, I’ll do that, jeez. Text me your address. But God, why are you getting so worked up about this?”

There’s more silence before the Monaco resident says softer, “I just really want to see you, is all.”

You raise your eyebrows and say softer as you zip up your suitcase. “That’s it?”

“Yeah,” he snorts. “Not good enough for you, princess?” he teases.

“No,” you breathe, a slight smile forming on your face as warmth spreads across it. “No, that’s perfectly, one hundred percent, all the way, good enough for me.”

“Good.” You can hear the grin in Lando’s voice. “Then I’ll see you in a bit, you beauty.”

When you arrive at his flat and he opens the door, Lando wraps his arms around you, patting your back, before letting you go. “Hey, wanna come to the living room?”

“Sure,” you nod, taking in the rooms you go through as he leads you to the living space. You’ve never been in Lando’s flat before, but you have to say, it is thoroughly impressive. Soon, you’re in the living room, and the two of you plop down on the couch together. You sink into it and lean back, saying, “This is comfy.”

Lando just takes your hand and says, “Thanks.”

But you look up at him with a soft teasing smile. “So, are you going to tell me why on earth you suddenly got so clingy? You’re acting like we haven’t seen each other in three years! Just as a reminder, it was just two days ago.”

But Lando smirks, shrugging, and says teasingly, “Maybe I’m just a little obsessed…?”

“Obsessed?” you smile wider, leaning your head onto his shoulder. “Oh, don’t flatter me.”

“Aw, why not? You’re cute when you’re blushing…”

“Lando, stop,” you snort, then add, “We’re supposed to be friends. I don’t think friends say this kind of shit to each other.”

“I like the way you say, ‘we’re supposed to be,’” the race car driver begins.

“Lando! We are friends, and that’s all we’ll ever be!” you respond firmer, but deep down, you have your doubts. Your extreme doubts. Because being with Lando, it never feels like a friendship anymore, and you both know everyday you get closer and closer to finally just admitting you’re dating.

And the only reason why you haven’t yet is because of the certain someone in the way. Oscar Piastri, the sweet Australian boy from your childhood and teenage dreams.

Who kissed you like he meant it yesterday at around this time.

You feel your stomach lurch at the thought.

How can I so shamelessly act like this with Lando, when I know twenty-four hours ago I kissed Oscar back?

You jump when Lando says, almost as if he could hear your thoughts, “Is something wrong?"

You look up in slight surprise, eyes wide. “Uh- of course not. Why do you ask?"

But Lando's frown deepens. "Y/n, stop that. You know I know you're lying. I can see it on your face when something is bothering you."

You bite your lip. "Nothing is."

Lando heaves a big sigh before suddenly pulling you into his lap.

You flinch and lean away in extreme embarrassment, "Lando, what-"

"Just let me hug you, hm? You always say you're fine when you're not and I just want to help you. Let me at least hug you."

You sigh deeply and slowly let yourself lean into him. He strokes your hairline gently, and begins rambling. Lando Rambling, but in a gentle whisper.

You swallow back the huge lump in your throat, and despite your squeezed shut eyes and your raging mind, it's nice.

Until Lando is gently shaking you, and your eyes flutter open as you realize you had fallen into a calm, dreamless sleep against him. You feel his soft, nearly heavenly chuckle vibrating in your ear before you lean your head off his chest slowly. "Rise and shine, princess. You went right to sleep."

You yawn. "Shit, sorry about that..."

But Lando beams. "It's okay. It was cute. And do you feel a bit better now?"

You sigh and nod. "Yeah. I do, actually."

"Good," he grins, eyes twinkling, and leans in to give you a kiss on your cheek. "You probably just needed a nice big long nap."

You sigh.

If only it was as simple as that, Lando.

When I'm with Oscar, he seems like the obvious choice. But then I'm with Lando and he's so sweet and caring and loving and understanding and lighthearted and fun and handsome and perfect and-

And then he seems like the obvious choice.

Oh, Oscar. I couldn't stand to break your heart of gold, though.

And suddenly you freeze as Lando seems to read your mind for a second time, his voice saying softly near your ear, "Is it okay if I call Oscar?"

You snap your head back to meet Lando's eyes. "What reason have you got to call Oscar...?"

“So he can come over.”

You stare at him like he’s the craziest man alive. “Come again?”

“So he can come over and join us, Y/n. But you heard me the first time.”

“What’s your problem?” you asked quite bluntly.

“What’s yours?”

You stare at Lando, completely at a loss for words. Feeling slightly called out, to be honest. You breath deeply, before, with much effort, finally forming the sentence under Lando’s expectant gaze, “Lando, you know that Oscar thinks we’re dating. Even though we’re obviously not. If Oscar shows up… Lando, there’s too much drama you don’t know about. That wouldn’t-”

Lando raises his eyebrows, unimpressed, and says, “I know more than you think I do.”

You swallow, anxiously licking your lips. “Why do you want Osc over?”

“I’ve got some things to talk about with you. And him. With the two of you.”

Your face scrunches up as you ask hopefully, “About work?”

“Nope,” Lando says sternly as he opens his phone, scrolling his contacts, looking for Oscar’s.

You’re starting to get nervous. Real nervous. “Lando, please,” you begin, your voice laced with a certain amount of fear as you take the man’s hand. “Lando, what are you trying to do? Why? Lando, I… I’m not ready… Can you talk to me first?”

Lando looks up at you. “You clearly know what I’m doing, then, otherwise you wouldn’t be so panicked.”

“Of course I do…” you breathe. How the hell did it come to this?

Why did I think Lando was stupider than this? To not see the writing on the wall? To not see what’s clear as day?

Lando leans in closer, wrapping both his hands around yours. He stares you straight in your eyes. Everything about his actions is gentle, but his voice is painfully stern as he begins nearly whispering, “Y/n. I’m sick of this, and Oscar is, too. And you’ve had enough of this, too, whether you think you have or you haven't. I understand to a certain degree what’s been going on, but I don’t think Oscar has allowed himself to. We need to, the three of us, talk this over and figure this out. Pretending isn’t going to do you any good any longer, Y/n. And I think me and Oscar can both agree on the fact that we just want the best for you, yeah? So I know this is hard, but if you wait any longer, the situation will just get worse and worse. And now I’ve figured you out, so let’s just deal with this together, the three of us, and be honest. Okay?”

You hesitate as your eyes start to water.

You feel like you want to throw up.

I never wanted this to happen. I never wanted it to come to this. I just wanted it to work itself out on it’s own. I didn’t want Lando or Oscar to know. I wanted to figure it out alone.

“Lando,” you sniff, your voice cracking. Lando leans over to one of the end tables to grab a tissue, which he uses to wipe a tear rolling down your cheek. As you continue to cry, he hands the tissue to you and begins holding your hand as you use the other to rest your heavy head against it.

You sit there together for a while as you just cry, working through the emotions of the last months. Once you’re finally done, Lando says gently, “It might not get any easier, but please, Y/n. If you’re honest with me and Oscar, I hope you know that we’ll always be ready to help you and be there for you.”

“I know that…” you sniff. “It’s just… I don’t want to lose either of you, Lando. I can’t stand to imagine losing either of you.”

Lando nods slowly, and murmurs, “I can’t speak for Oscar, but just so you know, whatever happens, no matter what, you’ll always be my friend. And I’ll always be there for you. M’kay?”

You nod slowly, wiping your eyes one last time, those words providing just enough comfort for the time being.

“Alright,” Lando says, gently patting your hand. “Can I call Oscar? I’m sure I’ll be able to convince him to come over.”

“Yeah,” you smile weakly. “Unless he’s still sleeping.”

Lando nods and grins as he picks up his phone again to call Oscar Piastri.

When Lando goes to open the door, you follow close behind him, fiddling with your fingers anxiously. When he does open it, a surprised Oscar immediately sees you behind him and exclaims your name in shock. "Why are you here?"

"I invited her, too," Lando replies confidently, as if this is all completely normal, looking Oscar straight in his sweet brown eyes.

"Ah," Oscar nods slowly. "I can see that." He smiles awkwardly at you as Lando brings him in. He mostly just looks thoroughly confused, but doesn't take his eyes off you for a second.

Soon, you're all seated around Lando's dining room table, you and Oscar on one side, facing a lone Lando on the other side, feeling like you're about to be interrogated.

While Lando doesn't ask, 'Where were you at the time of the murder?' he does say, "I think we've all got some thing to be honest about. Oscar, I mentioned it on the phone to you, but I think all three of us have got some... stuff to discuss."

Neither you or Oscar say anything. You're too nervous to speak, and Oscar's too confused.

Lando sighs, seeing neither you or Oscar have nothing much to say, and says, "Alright, then." He slaps his palms down on the table. "Oscar, you and Y/n... You'd like to date her, yeah?"

Immediately Oscar's eyes widen, and his hand tightens around his cellphone in his hand as his pale cheeks redden. "I- What sort of-"

"Do you?"

"Yeah," Oscar admits carefully, but sort of bluntly.

"I'd like to date Y/n, too."

Oscar stares at Lando. His grip on his phone tightens slightly, but that's the only sign of a reaction his body shows as he says softer, "Well, of course."

Lando's gaze averts to you.

You sigh. The awkwardness in the air is making it stuffy and hard to breathe. The tension in the room is thick enough to cut.

"Y/n?" Lando prompts.

Your words get caught in your throat, and instead comes out a weak cough.

Apparently Oscar takes it as a sob, because immediately his hand is on your back, and he's leaning close, saying softly, "Y/n. Are you okay?"

As you bury your face in your hands and nod, you don't catch the dirty look Oscar throws Lando, and Lando's effort to ignore it. Once you've caught your breath, you barely get out, "I love you both."

Oscar's hand slips off your back as Lando reaches across the table to take your hand in his.

"I- you-" Oscar begins, before his eyes turn on Lando. "You knew about this, Lando? You knew?" You can feel the stress and, frankly, anger, radiating off of him as Oscar says, turning to you, "Y/n, I told you if you loved Lando, you could let me go. I would've taken it..." He runs a hand through his hair. "I would've. Y/n, I swear I would've. Why'd you have to play with my heartstrings? Why'd you do that, Y/n? Why'd you do that to m-"

"Oscar, stop!" Lando suddenly snaps, standing up. "Don't you see the state she's in? This is harder for her than it is for you!"

"Just stop fighting," you barely whisper.

Neither men hear you as Lando grabs Oscar's wrist and tells you sternly, "Y/n, you just stay here. I'm gonna go talk with Oscar alone, if that's fine."

But Lando doesn't wait for your input before he tugs Oscar out of the room and slams the door behind him. You suppose it wouldn't matter much anyway. It's not like you would have any idea what to say, anyway, if you'd have been given the chance.

You stare ahead in a strange mixture of regret and dread. Fear of past decisions and fear of future decisions, too.

After the door slams, unbeknownst to you, Lando immediately shoves Oscar against the wall and snaps, "What the hell, man?"

A long breath exits Oscar's lungs as he stares back into Lando's hazel eyes. "What?" he sighs.

"Don't you see she's in distress? Give the girl a break-"

"I need to give her a break? Lando, I kissed her. Do you think I would've fucking done that if I knew she was seeing you? We can both say it was all friendships all along, but we also both know this's bullshit." Oscar gulps before muttering, "She's a fucking cheater."

"No, she's not!" Lando suddenly defends. "You just don't understand."

"Yeah! Clearly I don't," Oscar says gruffly.

"So are you going to let me explain what I think went on?"

"Why don't we hear it straight from her? You could very well be biased."

"Do you think she wants to say it? Oscar," Lando sighs. "Won't you just listen to me?"

Lando watches as the Australian bites his lip, before saying, "Have you kissed?"

"Once."

"Same..." Oscar hesitates once more before asking, "So it's just the 'friend' thing? She's in love with both of us so she's been convincing herself she can stay both our friends forever."

"Well... right. And neither of us knew that was going on, and... Yeah, you know."

"How'd you find out?"

"It became too obvious. But Oscar, you've had your suspicions before the beginning."

Oscar sighs, staring down. "Right. So. She denied it because she loved us both."

"That's what I'm reckoning."

"What did she think she'd accomplish? Why did she think letting that happen would do any good? We both thought she was single. And technically, she was, but not really, because, we- you- I- you- you know..." Oscar trails off before dragging his hand across his face and leaving it over his eyes. "Oh, God."

"It's complicated," Lando nearly whispers.

"You... You can say that again..." Oscar breathes, his voice cracking as his other hand goes to his face, his pointer and middle finger pressing hard into his temple.

"Oscar?" Lando suddenly asks, his hand resting on the younger man's shoulder. "Are you okay?"

"Shit... I don't know..."

"Oscar, are you-"

"No- I mean, I am, but-"

Oscar is interrupted by Lando's arms suddenly wrapping around him in a hug and Lando murmuring, "Now both of you are crying?"

Oscar, despite himself, finds his face falling into Lando's shoulder as he begins, his voice just slightly hoarse, "I'm not crying, by the way. It's just... Lando, I've been in love with her for years; I swear, probably a decade by now. And I've known her literally my whole life. A part of me just always expected she'd always be there and I'd always just... that I'd always have enough time to wake up one morning and ask her out. I should have done it quite literally years ago. But I didn't and that's why we're here now, me feeling as if I have more of a right to her love, though really, I'm not worthy of her at all." Oscar lets out a shakily breath before adding, "I regret it so, so much, Lando."

Lando's arms around him tighten. "I'm so sorry."

"You don't have anything to apologize for."

"Osc, I just want her to be happy. But I know her dating me isn't the solution. Because she'd be devastated to date me but not you, and vise versa. She's head over heels for us both."

Oscar gulps. "Well, then what the hell do you suggest?" He leans away from Lando, wiping at his eyes with his thumb.

"Oh, Oscar," Lando sighs deeply. "I don't fucking know."

After that, the two stand in silent contemplation, worrying, pondering. Feeling. Emotion. Passion. Pain.

Before Lando finally says carefully, as if walking on eggshells, "...What if we both dated her...? Just kept doing what we've been doing, but the other one knows about it, so she doesn't have to feel guilty about it, but we both still... you know, get to date her?"

Oscar bites his lip. "Couldn't that get complicated?"

"Of course it could..." Lando trails off, before picking up more positively, "But sometimes the easier way isn't the right way, Oscar. We both know it'd make her happier to date us both. And we both know we'd both be happier if we could date her, yeah?"

Oscar's silent, considering, his eyes slightly glazed over, despite the battle that's going on inside his mind.

"Osc...? Osc, please, mate. I think it's the best shot we've got. It'd mean the world to me-"

"Yeah," Oscar suddenly interrupts with a nod, leaning off the hallway's wall. "Yeah, I get what you're saying. We can try that Lando," he says curtly, almost hollowly as he suddenly reaches for the door handle back to the dining room where you sit.

But right before his hand meets the knob, Lando snatches it away in his own, pulling Oscar to face him again.

Oscar can't help but feel awkward at how close his face is to the other Formula 1 driver's, and averts his eyes to the floor because of this.

But Lando responds simply, "Oscar, look at me. In my eyes."

Oscar sighs and looks up, meeting the strong eyes of Lando Norris. "What?" he barely whispers.

"Thank you so much, okay?" Lando murmurs, squeezing Oscar's hand.

To Oscar, everything seems wrong. Why is he standing with his teammate, his rival, this close, holding hands, with such intense eye contact? This should be just him and you. Lando shouldn't be a part of this.

How was he so stupid to let Lando ruin it all?

Oscar, just try to trust Lando? Maybe he's right? You can conform for now, but don't conform with malice. Only allow yourself to feel anger towards Lando after it all falls apart because of him.

"'Kay," Oscar mutters back.

"And, listen, Oscar. I hope you know you can trust me. I care about you, too. So much. I like you so much. So, please. Just be real with me. M'kay?"

"Of course... Can we go back and see Y/n now?" Oscar mumbles, feeling slightly uncomfortable at Lando's extreme sincerity.

Alright, maybe more than just slightly uncomfortable.

"Sure," Lando nods, and the two men come walking back in.

They sit down, and once they've finished explaining to you their idea, you ask, "So, you're saying we all date? The three of us, together?"

"Yeah," Lando responds with a smile at the same time as Oscar responding, "Well, sort of-"

Both your pairs of eyes turn to Oscar. He swallows and adds, "I mean, yeah. Of course. Just sounds weird to me, for three people to be dating, but it's just because I'm not used to it, you know? It's good. It's fine."

"Oscar, are you sure you're okay with that idea?" you venture.

But there's no way Oscar's going to say anything but a convincing, "Of course!" after the way he saw your eyes immediately light up in hope when Lando explained his idea of the three of you dating.

So you nod, taking that answer, but just ask one more tentative question, "So, you two... you're okay with... you.. you know..."

Before Oscar's brain can even completely comprehend what you're asking, Lando throws his arm around Oscar's shoulders and exclaims, "Of course, Y/n! Me and Osc get on great! Plus, he's not so bad himself-"

And in that moment, you witness Lando lean into kiss Oscar's cheek just as Oscar turns to look at Lando to speak and-

Lando ends up pecking Oscar on his lips.

Oscar's eyes practically pop out of his head, and Lando, to be honest, looks somewhat surprised himself. But you're sure Oscar's brains are about to begin running out his bright red ears as his whole face goes fire hydrant red. "Oh..." he just manages, his hand dragging over his lip.

Lando laughs slightly awkwardly, deciding to pretend he meant to do that. He gives the other driver a pat on his shoulder before saying, "You know, Y/n, you know how flustered Oscar can get with you? Imagine how bad it could be with me. You know, me being so hot and sexy and-"

You giggle nervously and interrupt, "Yeah, yeah, Lando. I get what you're saying."

As the visit at Lando's flat goes on that day, you and Lando loosen up a fair amount at the whole prospect of the three of you dating, but Oscar doesn't seem to budge. Oscar ends up leaving early, so before you go to bed that night, you stop to bring up your nervous concern to Lando: "Lando, I just don't know if Oscar wants to do this... I mean, he doesn't seem comfortable... I just... I think he really doesn't like the idea of dating another guy... I mean, maybe he's- you know, he's not- He doesn't have those feelings for men-"

"Oh, gosh, Y/n, don't worry about that," Lando reassures you and himself, quite honestly. "He'll come around. Oscar just needs time." He adds with a tease, "I mean, who can resist me?"

"You're suggesting you're so hot you can turn straight men gay?" you ask, completely unimpressed, crossing your arms.

"No, no! Trust me, Y/n, Oscar Piastri is not a straight man to even begin with."

"But-"

"Shh. You're probably just tired. Go on, you're eyes are shutting on themselves. Just lean on me."

"But Lando-"

He pecks your lips and murmurs close to your ear, "I've got you here, Y/n. Leave all your worries for tomorrow morning, and until then, I'll deal with the rest."

"Are you sure?"

"Never been more sure," Lando comments, yawning himself as you sigh, resigned, and snuggle into his chest.

You're practically out cold within minutes, which leaves Lando time to sit alone with his thoughts, stroking your hair, worrying and thinking.

What if she's right? What if this just isn't going to work with Oscar?

I thought maybe he'd be more open.

Oh, God. I don't want to hurt either of them, one bit. I love Y/n. I know I do, and I have for so long now.

And Oscar? I'm so fond of him.

Ah, here I go again. Fuck me and my distracted, wandering, boyish heart.

Just like with Carlos. Just like with Daniel.

I don't know I feel it until in one moment, one instance, they smile in a certain way or say a certain joke or do a certain thing in a certain way and-

And suddenly I'm mad in love with yet another person.

Oh, Lando Norris. If only you could date everyone in the world you ever loved.

Then I'd be dating a lot more than just two people. And on the first day of dating two people, it's already a mess.

And it's all my fault.

I guess I'll just have to be the one who fixes it all, then, too.

"Oh, uh, good morning!" you chuckle as you see both Lando's and Oscar's heads turn almost in unison when you enter the room in McLaren HQ. "When did you two arrive in the U.K.?"

"Yesterd-"

"This morning!" Lando beams, throwing his arms around you.

"Oh, alright," you chuckle again. "It's so nice to see both of you..." You smile awkwardly as Lando pulls away and Oscar pats your shoulder when a sudden thought comes into your head.

Is this something the three of us should keep a secret?

Strangely (and stupidly) enough, you forgot to discuss that.

"Hey, uh, it's great you're both here right now. I've got to talk to you about, uhm- some of the media plans we have for you regarding Canada... Let's talk in the hall; don't want to disturb people working in here."

Lando raises his eyebrows as Oscar takes on a perplexed look. Once you're out in the hall together, you lean close and are about to speak when Lando interrupts with a smirk, "So, anyway. What about those... 'media plans' 'regarding Canada'...?"

"Oh, shut it, you!" you grin, realizing how much in just a little over a week away you missed Lando.

Oscar suddenly gently takes your hand by your side and says, "Oh, come on, Lando. Y/n, what did you want to say to us."

And you suddenly realized how much you missed Oscar, too, in only a little over a week.

"Well," you start, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "About this... relationship... Should we... you know, keep it a secret?"

"I... think so," Oscar says carefully, squeezing your hand. "Imagine the media's response. And the fans: the fans would be unbearable."

Lando crosses his arms and whines, "So you're saying I can't even show my affection for you two? Oscar, we're always on camera."

Did Lando just say you two? you can't help but suddenly wonder.

"Maybe you are, but there's ways of avoiding it," Oscar comments, not seeming to hear.

Hm. Maybe I heard wrong.

Because deep down inside, despite your secret desires, you know that Lando and Oscar just agreed to this for you, and have no specific liking for each other.

And that's the thing that's making you nervous that this whole thing has no chance of working out.

"Boys. I agree with Oscar," you sigh. "Lando, I work in marketing and public image type stuff. If anyone knows about this, it's me. And I agree with Osc. It'll do us no good to make this public. Let's just keep it on the down-low."

"Can we at least make a compromise?" Lando ventures.

"Go on," you sigh.

"We can at least still keep acting like we're mad in love with you," Lando laughs. "Because we've been doing that this whole time. Just no one has to know about the dating. I mean, it'll seem off if that suddenly stops."

You bite your lip but murmur, "Fair enough."

Lando grins and comments, "I gotta meeting now. See you two later," giving each your shoulders a pat.

Once Lando is gone, you turn to Oscar and murmur, letting go of his hand to touch his arm gently "Hey, Oscar. Are you alright?"

Your childhood best friend looks to you, a smile immediately forming on his face. But his eyes remain a bit hollow, a bit sad. "Of course I'm alright. Why do you ask?"

"I don't know... You haven't seemed yourself today, I guess is all."

Of course she says that, Oscar thinks. She's the one that knows me best, anyway.

"I don't? Well, I'm fine... I'm sorry if I don't seem it," Oscar responds, attempting to brighten his smile. "Anyways, I've got to be off, too, actually," he says, checking his expensive watch. He leans in to peck your lips as his hand brushes your waist, before waving and offering, "Catch you later, lovely!"

The combination of his affectionate gestures and him calling you 'lovely' kind of makes your head spin.

You lay next to Lando, absently stroking his cheek and chin, feeling his facial hair, as he holds you close, tracing sweet words with his gentle fingers into your back.

You sigh, completely contented in the practically perfect moment. You're in Spain, and it's Saturday night- the Spanish Grand Prix is tomorrow. You ended up taking the last Grand Prix weekend in Canada off, for your spa weekend. Either way, before the race tomorrow, Lando invited you for some snuggles in his hotel room, and there's no way you could say no to that.

So here you are.

But suddenly Lando whispers, "Do you think I should invite Oscar?"

Your heavy eyes seem to immediately open and sharpen at this suggestion. You take a moment to ponder his question, before asking one of your own instead of answering his: "Lando, do you like Oscar?"

"Y/n, of course I like Osc-"

"No, no, Lando. I mean... you know..." you begin carefully, "Do you like Oscar the way you like me?"

There's silence in the room as the air conditioner becomes deafeningly loud suddenly. You can hear a long, slow sigh escape from Lando's lips, into the air, before he slowly says, "Oh, Y/n. I've liked lots of people the way I've liked you in the past."

You smile a little. "I know. You're Lando Norris, for God's sake. Of course you have. But today, right now, in this moment, do you like Oscar the same way you like me?"

Lando presses his forehead into your shoulder before uttering quieter, "If I did, it wouldn't matter."

"Why not?" you prod.

"Because, Y/n, there's no way he likes me in the same way he likes you."

You sigh slowly, feeling a slight pang at hearing those words. You wrap your arms around Lando and pull him closer to you. "What do you like about Oscar...?" you whisper.

"Oh, fuck me, Y/n. Everything. His stupid sense of humour, the way he laughs at all my jokes, the way he looks at me with those brown eyes, the little birth marks all over him, how polite and calm and cool-headed and cooperative and agreeable and smart and sensible and friendly and genuinely good he is. His voice, too! His mentality. Don't fucking tell anyone this, or I will kill you, but I even like the way he's a little bit taller than me. I love his stupid hair and his big smile. His hands... I love them. I love everything about him. I love him, and it's like it all just hit me. I don't know, Y/n. I just don't know."

You lean in and peck his lips before whispering, "Oh, Lando Norris. I love him, too, for all the same reasons. And I love you, too."

"The thing is, Y/n," he barely whispers, "that he'll never, ever love me back."

That feels like a stab to your heart.

You can't imagine how it feels to Lando.

You cuddle him so close, and you hold each other so close, that you can feel his heart pounding in his chest. "Lando," you whisper. "I wish it could all just work out."

"Me, too, Y/n.

"Me too."

"Heyyy, Osc!" you grin, knocking on his open driver's room door. "You feeling good for the race?"

He smiles to see you in the door. "Yeah, I am. Come on in. Thanks for coming to see me, Y/n."

"Of course. It's a treat to see your handsome face."

He beams wider but rolls his eyes, "Oh, yeah?"

"Of course!" you giggle a bit.

"Well, do I get my pre-race hug, then?"

You grin and throw your arms around him, giving him a big kiss on his cheek, "You'll also be getting a post-race hug, too, when you win it!"

"Well, I guess that's always the goal, but we'll see about that." He leans back to look at you, gazing so warmly, so intensely for just a second, into your eyes, before looking away. He opens his mouth to say something, but then quickly closes it.

"What is it, Oscar?" you prod.

"I just wanted to say I love you."

You grin. "Don't ever hesitate to say that again. You don't need to, because I love you, too. And you and Lando better stay safe out there on the track today for me, okay?"

"Oh, alright, and the rest of the grid can all die; they don't matter," he teases.

"Oh, shut it, you!" you laugh, exiting his driver's room with a wave, "Go on and get ready for your race now!"

"Bye!" he laughs.

"Bye, bye, Osc!"

You lay on the bed in Lando's hotel room where you laid just last night, but this time, there's two people laying with you rather than just one.

Oscar is fast asleep on your right side, his right arm draped over your body and his head resting against your shoulder. Lando is on your left, still awake, gently rubbing your left hand absently as he runs his hand through his messy curls.

"Do you think Osc-"

"Ah-" Lando exclaims softly with a little flinch. "I thought you were sleeping already!" he laughs a bit.

You nod, waiting a few seconds before reasking your question, "Do you think Oscar is feeling better about the whole thing?"

"Oh, God, Y/n, I don't know. I think he's just kind of rolling with the punches," Lando sighs deeply. "He just wants you. He'll do anything to have you. Even sleep in the same bed as me."

"Oh... right..." you sigh, wrapping your arm around the sleeping Oscar, pulling him closer to you as you rest your head in the little nook between Lando's cheek and shoulder.

You shut your eyes, trying to force yourself to sleep, but your thoughts are raging, just like Lando's.

Why can't it all just be right? Why does it have to be so difficult? Is this the right thing? Should we give up on it?

Why can't the three of us just be right for each other?

This whole mess is all your fault, Y/n.

Your uncertain heart pounds in your ears, faster and faster, making you nearly go insane.

[dre6ming]

how would austin propose to reader?

Be mine forever?

He’s been dreaming of this moment for so long and every time he saw himself doing something so over the top and special for Y/n, but then he’d take a step back and remember who he was actually dating

Austin’s had the ring for a while now and he carries it with him, just in case one moment feels just perfect

He tries not to think too hard about the time he almost lost the ring, when he forgot his jacket at a restaurant, right after he really felt like that was it, but then the food came and you started to gossip and talk and he forgot

Secretly you’ve known about the ring for just as long as he’s had it, you found it doing laundry, he had forgotten it in he pocket of his jeans and you felt the box right before you threw them in the wash.

At one point you get impatient, Austin gets impatient, his family (who gave him his moms ring) gets impatient, but he just can’t make up his mind

Until…..

One day you step into the apartment, expecting to see Austin greet you excitedly, but instead being met with silence.

Walking further you see a trail of petals leading from the main entrance to your bedroom and your heart rate picks up as you follow it.

The door is slightly cracked and you push it further, revealing the room to you.

The smell is what hits you first, fresh flowers, so many fresh flowers, flowers of all colors, pink, red, white, you name it.

You look around and you see pictures of you and Austin hanging from the ceiling, tears start to gather in your eyes as you remember all the beautiful moments

You hear footsteps and then turn around to see Austin, dressed in white and blue striped pajamas pants, chest naked and hair disheveled, he looks Devine

“Nine hundred ninety nine flowers, nine hundred ninety nine pictures, I thought we could make it a thousand?” He says giving you a pink peony to hold.

The ring is tied around it with pink ribbon and your hands shake.

“Be my wife, be my forever? I’ve been thinking of the best way to ask, but I should have just done the thing I knew you’d love the most, just us two, you and me.” His voice sounds like hot honey and you almost melt to the ground

“Yes!” You say breathless and he hugs you, lifting you off the ground and spinning you around. Placing both your feet back on the ground Austin’s shaky hands take the ring off of the flower and his delicate fingers hold your left hand up, sliding the ring on.

“A perfect fit!” You whisper absently and he chuckles. “I put it on your finger once when you were sleeping, got it resized after” you laugh at his efforts and thank whatever higher force brought such a man in your life. “I love you!” You say, kissing his nose while he’s preoccupied to look at the ring on your hand, still not believing he actually did it, he finally asked you.

“Now for the one thousand picture.” Austin says, shaking his head like waking up from a dream. You furrow your brows confused as he drags you over to the bed, telling you to sit on it. “I got the camera set up, filmed everything too!” He admits, showing you the small remote used to operate the device.

He sits on the bed with you and smiles, then he hits the button on the remote and you hear the timer of the camera going. Austin takes your left hand in both of his hands and he places a kiss on you knuckles. “ I love you forever!”

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[spidermans-l-o-v-e-r]

Bud Light

Pairing: dbf!Joel Miller x Reader

Word count: 1.2k

Notes: First of all bestie I GOTCHU second of all yall be nice dis is my first Joel okay

You’re not really sure how you got stuck taking care of these two drunk bastards but here you were, dragging your dad and his best friend into the house after Roxy called you to come pick them up from the bar. Getting them into the car was easy with her help, getting them out of the car was an entirely different story. 

You’re glad this wasn’t too much of a regular occurrence, they rarely went on benders like this especially considering they were too damn old for it, but tonight was apparently a special occasion. You walk your father up the stairs first, he’s nearly sobbing, praising you for everything you’ve accomplished and how proud he is of you and how cool? You are and that he thinks those blue jeans you bought really do look nice on you and he’s sorry for making you feel like they didn’t and that he should be a better father to you.

He also apologizes for not taking you to the zoo and promises he’ll take you first thing tomorrow morning. He forces you to help him buy tickets to skip the line and makes sure you get one for Joel too. 

You finally get him to pass out after promising he’s the best dad in the entire world and he more than made up for your mother running out on you two when you were 12. 

You come back downstairs and sigh, your hands on your hips. Joel is where you left him…sorta. He’s on the floor now, he must’ve rolled off the couch, you walk over to him and get on your knees, shaking his shoulder. 

“Joel? Joel C’mon you gotta get in bed” He rolls over again, a sleepy look on his face. He seems so peaceful right now, it’s so different from the hard stare permanently etched onto his face. He’s… handsome like this, not that he usually isn’t. He sits up slowly and you smile. 

“There we go… alright gorgeous let’s get you into bed”

“Gorgeous huh?” He smirks a little and your cheeks flush. It would practically be a crime to say you didn’t feel anything for the older man, and you weren’t really sure what it was that you felt… but the lingering glances you’d share, the way he’d purposely brush past you in the kitchen, his hands on your hips as he called you “Darlin’” may have been a little hint. He’d been so cool and stoic to everyone, all around relaxed, it made the times he was gentler with you stand out so much more. 

You could think of all the moments he got your heart fluttering, and how right it felt when he did. You’d constantly thought about the day you first thought he was into you. He’d come over to watch some game with your dad and go swimming after, you were just walking out to go tan by the pool when suddenly you got tackled into the water. You were brought back up screaming and spluttering as both men howled with laughter, Joel held you tightly as he walked you back over to the shallow area, and your dad ran back inside to avoid your wild kicking and splashing. 

“You jerk! I’m gonna kick your ass so hard! Better yet I’m gonna drown your-“ You freeze in place as you realize he’s staring at you, he wets his lips and smirks before leaning back in the water. 

“That’s a whole lotta bitchin’ from a girl with no top on” 

You look down and squeal loudly before covering your chest and plunging back into the water.

“Joel!” You shriek and he snickers again before swimming off to where he’d tackled you in. You hold your arms over your chest tightly as you watch his lean form swim all the way back to you, you bite your lip as his swim trunks drag low on his hips with each powerful stroke of his arms… speaking of… 

He finally comes up out of the water right in front of you, he towers over you as your top hangs from the tip of his finger, the water cascading down his body. You gulp and reach for it gingerly.

“T-thank you” 

“Anytime sugar” 

And you had the audacity to wonder how you really felt about him. 

“Don’t be gettin’ all shy on me now sunshine” Joel looks up at you from his spot on the floor, his eyes hazy but focused on you, you can practically feel the hunger oozing from his gaze. 

You get up from the floor and stand up, holding your hands out to him.

“Ha ha so funny. Come on… it’s time for bed.” 

“You sure you won’t have one last drink with me?” He grabs your hands and yanks you down onto his lap, you yelp as you crash down against him and smack into his chest

“J-Joel- come on this isn’t funny” He doesn’t let you pull away as he grips your hips. You gasp as your hips grind involuntarily into his and he grins wickedly. 

“I’m not laughin’ Sugar” He mumbles as his hands come up to cup your face, he stares deeply into your eyes and you know he can feel your cheeks burning in his palms.

“You’re drunk,” You tell him and he scoffs 

"I’m not drunk. Can a drunk person do this?" 

You look around for a second, your eyes narrowing quizzically as he stares overly intensely at you.

"You’re not doing anything." 

He looks so genuinely offended as he lets go of your face, you coo over the grown man practically pouting, and it sends your heart fluttering. How could this man of all men be so absolutely adorable?? 

"But… I sent you my love. Did you… did you not get it?" 

His head falls back against the couch and he sighs loudly, like a dog who has a hard day of not paying the bills and you stare at him like he’s got three heads.

“Maybe we should-“ 

“It was stupid… to think you’d be into an old guy like me” He chuckles quietly to himself before rubbing his hands tiredly over his face.

“Especially your old man’s friend. You’re right- you- fuck you’re right- I’ve drank way too-“ 

He’s cut off by your lips on his neck, kissing the stubble-coated column of his throat, you like the way he feels against your lips as you kiss up his jaw. He slowly tilts his head back to look up at you and you look at him with rapt attention. 

“You think you can keep a secret?” You ask quietly and he nods slowly, like he’s hanging from your every word. 

“I got it” 

He laughs a little before leaning in to capture your lips in a slow, tender kiss. He pours all his hidden love and adoration into it, his lips moving against yours hungrily but easily. 

One hand cups your cheek, thumb stroking along your jawline as the other wraps around your waist, holding you close. Joel deepens the kiss, his tongue sliding along the seam of your lips, seeking entrance. You eagerly let him in and he explores your mouth with a low groan, relishing the sweet taste of you.

You pull away panting softly and he gets up from the floor, picking you up and nuzzling his nose against your neck when you wrap your legs around his waist.

“You think you can keep quiet Sugar?” He walks toward the stairs and you nod, dipping back in to kiss him. 

“That’s my good girl” 

[wannabeschyulersister]

hold my hand

The Hard Deck was closed that evening on account of it being Penny and Maverick’s one year anniversary. Penny hardly ever closed the bar unless it was a special occasion.

Jake decided to take it upon himself to find a place for the group to hang out that Saturday night. Of course, being the Southern boy that he was, he chose a little dive bar that was having a Country Night. There was line dancing, a mechanical bull and all the beer you could drink.

You arrived at the bar with Natasha. She had convinced you to go get some cowboy boots to wear for that evening. You knew your feet would be hurting so bad because there was no time to break the shoes in.

However, you wanted to commit to the outfit and you did often hear that beauty is pain.

“There are a lot of beautiful people in here.” Natasha said as you both entered the bar and scoped out the scene a little.

“Do you see anyone from the group?” You looked around to see if you recognized anyone.

“We both know who you are actually looking for,” Natasha teased.

You rolled your eyes, “I am not looking for-“

She pointed to someone at the far end of the room, “There he is.”

You followed her gaze and saw him. Rooster. He was wearing a tight white shirt with faded blue jeans and brown boots. Adorned on the top of his head was a cowboy hat.

“Damn.” You mumbled under your breath. He looked good. Very good.

“You better go and get your Rooster. Looks like there are some chicks checking him out.” Natasha pointed to some girls that were at a table close by. They all seemed to be eyeing him.

You quickly made your way to the group. Bradley spotted you and instantly started smiling, “There she is!”

You couldn’t help but smile too.

Bradley pulled you into his arms and hugged you with every fiber in his being. “I was wondering when you’d get here.”

You leaned back and looked at him, “You were waiting for me?”

“Hell yeah, I was.” He winked.

That wink sent butterflies through your whole body. Bradley just had this way of making you feel seen. Every time you were with him, you felt safe.

“Can you come with me to the bar?” You asked him after you said hello to the rest of your friends.

He nodded and led you to the other side of the room. The crowd was thickening. You managed to find a spot for the two of you at the bar. Bradley waved the bartender down and ordered two beers. One for you and one for him.

He turned to you as you waited, “What took you and Phoenix so long to get here?”

“I had a hard time trying to decide what to wear.”

Bradley looked at you. His gaze roaming from your boots all the way back to your eyes. “You look…..incredible.”

You shyly looked away, “You’re just saying that.”

“I’m telling the truth, babe.” Normally, you’d recognize the gleam in Bradley’s eyes as adoration. That night, you sensed something else.

Bradley had a way of making your heart go bananas in your chest. It probably wasn’t healthy in the slightest.

Once the bartender returned with your beers, Bradley paid him and then led you back to the others. You felt his hand reach back to grab yours. It was the first time that Bradley ever held your hand. You thought you felt safe before but damn, just the comfort of his hand in yours made you feel complete.

When you two made it back to the group, you reluctantly let go of Bradley’s hand and went to stand by Natasha.

She had a smirk on her face.

“What?” You questioned.

“Don’t think I didn’t see the two of you holding hands.”

“We weren’t holding hands. He just….didn’t want to lose me in the crowd.”

Natasha rolled her eyes, “You both are so damn oblivious that it physically hurts my soul.”

You glanced over at Bradley and caught him already staring at you. He winked and it caused your heart to race away in your chest.

Two taps on the overhead speaker snapped you out of your inappropriate thoughts about Bradley.

“Okay folks! Let’s get started with the contest! The first contestant to ride the mechanical bull is…..Storm!”

That was your call sign.

“Uh, what?” You were totally confused. You didn’t sign up for the contest.

Jake and Mickey started laughing beside you.

“You two?!”

“Get up there, Storm!” Mickey gestured towards the area where the bull was.

Jake grabbed your arm and brought you to the front, “Here’s Storm.” There was an inflatable circular area with the mechanical bull smack dap in the middle of it.

You were quickly told the rules by the announcer before you were lead to the bull. He held out his hand for you to take for help up but it wasn’t your first time on a mechanical bull. You got on it with ease earning some whistles from the crowd.

Bradley was standing front and center. He looked at you with absolute awe.

You held one hand up in the air and the other was holding on to the small handle in front of you. You gave the nod and the bull slowly started moving.

Rocking your hips forward, you concentrated on staying on when the movements picked up. You squeezed your thighs against the fake bull. The longer you stayed on the louder the crowd got. It surprised you that you weren’t absolutely dizzy at that point.

It started to get a little tough when it hit the 15 second mark. The movements were quicker and sharper. Your thighs ached a little from being tense.

All it took was one sharp swing and you were out. Your body landed on the plastic air pad and you immediately started laughing.

“The time to beat is 32 seconds!” You overheard the announcer say before calling up the next contestant.

The air pad shifted beneath you as someone stepped closer. Bradley stood over you, holding his hand out yet again. “You alright there, Darlin’?”

You grabbed his hand and he lifted you up. Your body was flushed against his. He looked down at your lips blatantly. Not even hiding that he wanted you.

“I’m better now.” You confessed.

“That was…..incredibly sexy.”

“Really?”

He nodded, eyes dipping low to your lips again, “Yes, so sexy that I want to take you out of here and do extremely dirty things to you in my Bronco.”

This was the moment you’d had been waiting for. The moment where your friendship with Bradley would completely change. There was no going back now.

You reached up and grabbed the cowboy hat off of his head and placed it on top of yours, “Then what the hell are we still doing here?”

Bradley smirked, “I know you can ride a mechanical bull, but let’s go see if you can ride a pilot.”

[demensrage]

"i didn't believe in love at first sight until i saw you" ⚊ kaeya x fem!reader

summary: serving mondstadt had always been one of his priorities, love was never one of them. watching hopeless romantics talk about their other halves seemed absurd to him, that is, until he met you.

note: english is not my first lenguage, sorry for the grammatical mistakes ꩜.ᐟ

word count: 2k. Enjoy it!

First meeting, both connected by duty.

The day could not have been worse. for him, it is important to take care of Mondstandt, but sometimes he just wants to rest. He doesn’t remember the last time he was able to sleep without someone interrupting his dreams.

He was walking slowly, while his mind was in a place far from the earth, until he felt several objects collide against him, bringing his thoughts back to solid ground.

He quickly turned his eyes to the floor, where he saw a girl desperately picking up books. That was when he first believed in love at first sight. While helping you gather the books, and as you mumbled words he couldn’t understand, his heart threatened to leap out of his chest. He had never felt so nervous around anyone before; you were clearly the exception.

"I’m so sorry, it wasn’t my intention to bump into you. lately, I’ve been very distracted by all the accumulated work," you said. at that moment, your gaze met his—those beautiful blue eyes with a special glow that you couldn't quite decipher.

You were a foreigner, a scholar from Sumeru. you had recently arrived in mondstandt to study the dried leaves of ley lines. You needed to determine if there was any difference between those from your land and those from other territories. Your future graduation depended on it.

He took a quick look at you, a few inches shorter than him, caramel skin and pretty curls as black as the night itself that fell over your shoulders, as well as beautiful brown eyes. He wanted to run his fingers through your locks, maybe play with them a little, follow the shape of each strand of hair just for his own satisfaction.

“No problem, after all, accidents happen. Do you need help with that?” he said, with all the self-control his mind could muster just to be by your side.

Everyone notices it, except you.

Things escalated quickly between the two of you. It was easy for him to be by your side and work to earn your trust. He just had to be himself, protect you, and help you with your thesis.

He spent long nights helping you, even though he wasn’t a specialist in biology. Still, he made attempts to assist with the writing, and though it may not seem like it, he had a skillful writing style—perhaps from helping Jean too. but that was enough to make you happy.

But he no longer asked to be by your side just with the excuse of helping you—not at all. It became a basic need to want to be around you. Physical contact became natural between the two of you, and it was common for him to escalate from walking together to holding your hand.

“We should visit that little restaurant they opened the other week,” he proposed, his fingers intertwined with yours, his thumb making small caresses on your hand. “Sure, if you’re available tonight.”

The indiscreet glances of the people around you confirmed what you preferred to deny, but everyone saw two lovers instead of two friends.

"I was just thinking of inviting you to dinner tonight!" you exclaimed excitedly. and that was fine, for you it was.

It wouldn’t be the first time you’d gone out together, much less to dinner. Although you’ve both been lucky enough to try each other’s cooking, your jobs don’t allow you to spend much time in the kitchen.

For Kaeya, spending time together was enough to brighten his heart. Every morning, he looked forward to seeing you again, and if he had a little free time, he’d make his way to the place he knew he’d always find you, the library.

That night wouldn’t be any different from the others, he thought. But after five long months, something was about to change. When he picked you up, it was hard for him to hide the red that filled his cheeks. He was enchanted by the sight of you; you were beautiful in his eyes, and that was all that mattered.

His eyes sparkled again in the same way they did when you first met. and you smiled at him with love, because that night, while you were getting ready, you felt nervous—wanting to look good for the man who had started to make your heart beat strongly, for the same man with whom you had the pleasure of resting in his arms on stormy nights, or simply because you wanted to be there, held by him.

The first kiss was the most beautiful thing.

It was a rainy day; however, you two had a good time at home. your stomach hurt from laughing so much at kaeya’s jokes, while you tried to finish arranging the living room so you both could enjoy watching something while he prepared the popcorn.

But the rain had other plans for you. in the dark, with only the light of the lightning illuminating the room, you looked outside while eating the snack for the little marathon you had planned at home.

He was curled up against you, both of you sheltered by the soft blanket. His warm body gave you a sense of peace and security, and his hands slowly ran through your hair as you turned your face to look at him.

Your eyes met, and time seemed to stop in that instant. It was just the two of you, and no one else. as always, he gave you those sweet smiles he reserved exclusively for you. One of his free hands moved to your cheek, caressing it with his thumb. It was inevitable not to take his hand and kiss the inside of it.

You smiled at him with the same love he had shown you. The fruits of quality time, support, and growing closeness were enough to unite you both. And as he looked into your eyes, his gaze couldn’t help but linger on your lips.

He wondered if they felt as soft as they looked, if he should kiss you, and express his love in a much more intimate way.

His heart raced as he gently cupped your face with both hands, his thumbs tracing small circles on your cheeks. The closeness of your bodies, the warmth of his touch, and the gentle rhythm of your breaths created a cocoon of intimacy around you both.

With a tender smile, he leaned in slowly, his eyes never leaving yours. You could feel the gentle pressure of his lips against yours before they met in a sweet, lingering kiss. It was a kiss filled with love and tenderness, a soft caress that spoke volumes more than words ever could.

The world outside seemed to vanish as you lost yourselves in the kiss, your hearts beating in unison. It was a kiss that left you both breathless, a beautiful moment of connection that felt both exhilarating and comforting. as you pulled away, his eyes held yours with a promise of more moments like this, a silent vow of deepening affection.

He fell first and harder.

Things started to be different between the two of you after that night. Without words, you both knew something had changed, even if neither of you wanted to put a label on it. The relationship became more intimate, closer, as if the days between the two of you now revolved around a connection you couldn't ignore.

He had fallen first, and he had fallen hard. Slowly, your things began to appear in his house. A piece of clothing of yours on his chair, your books on his table, and before you knew it, spending time with him had become the most natural thing in the world. More than just an occasional visit, it was like you were weaving your life into his.

Mornings began with the aroma of the coffee he made, while you settled into his arms, enjoying the warmth of his body. Everything seemed simple, fluid, as if it had always been meant to be that way.

Sometimes you caught him looking at you, with that charming half smile you knew so well. But now his eyes said something else, something you had never seen in them before: a deep affection, a love that didn't need words to be understood.

Even though you never spoke openly about what you shared, you both knew it wasn't just a friendship anymore. What he felt for you went beyond that, and he showed it in every gesture, in every look, in every time his fingers absentmindedly played with a lock of your hair. He had fallen for you, faster and harder than he probably had planned. And even though he didn't say it out loud, he made it evident every day.

As time went by, it became more apparent that he had fallen first, and that in his case, there was no turning back. Every time he looked at you, his gaze was not only filled with affection, but with a deep need to be by your side. The small moments—a brush of hands, a shared laugh, a midnight conversation—were more than that to him; they were confirmation that what he felt was not fleeting.

But what disconcerted him most was how easily you had become his world. Without realizing it, his life revolved around you. It was no longer just about helping with your work or enjoying your company, but about needing you, longing for the days they spent together, and feeling an emptiness when you weren't around. When he slept, he would wake up looking for you by his side, and when you were far away, his mind would be filled with you.

However, he never puts pressure on you. He knew that not everyone falls at the same time or in the same way. You wanted him too, he felt that every time your fingers intertwined with his, or when you sought his embrace after a long day. But while he had completely surrendered to what he felt, he knew that maybe you still needed to take that last step. And he was willing to wait.

You tell him I love you for the first time.

That morning, as you both lay wrapped in each other's arms, the soft breeze slipped through the white curtains and the dawn illuminated the room with a gentle warmth. The world outside seemed to be on pause, as if it were just the two of you, breathing in sync, sharing a comfortable silence filled with meaning. The first rays of sunlight drew golden lines across Kaeya's skin, who rested peacefully beside you, a barely noticeable smile on his lips, as if he were thinking of you even in his dreams.

You, however, could no longer sleep. Your heart was beating faster than usual, and it wasn’t just because of his physical closeness. Something inside you had changed, something you'd felt for a long time but hadn’t found the courage to express until that moment. You watched him as he slept, his lashes lightly brushing his cheekbones, his breathing calm and deep, and you couldn’t help but feel a whirlwind of emotions filling your chest. The certainty of what you felt became so strong that you could no longer keep it inside.

Sliding your fingers gently along his arm, you felt Kaeya stir a little, still with his eyes closed but more aware of your touch. The moment seemed perfect, and even though your throat was dry and your thoughts raced in every direction, you knew there was no turning back. You loved him. You had loved him all along, and he deserved to know. He deserved to hear the words that had been trapped inside you, waiting to come to light.

"Kaeya..." you whispered, your voice barely a murmur, unsure if he was awake. Slowly, his blue eyes opened and looked at you, drowsy yet curious, noticing something different in your expression. "Is everything alright?" he asked in that soft tone, with that tenderness he only showed to you. The brightness in his eyes gave you all the courage you needed.

Taking a deep breath, you felt the warmth in your chest. "I love you," you finally said, the words spilling out with an honesty that made you feel lighter, freed. You realized that no matter how he reacted, you needed to say it, you needed him to know. "I love you, Kaeya. I have for a long time... and I just couldn’t keep it to myself anymore."

For a moment, everything seemed to freeze. Kaeya looked at you, surprised, but with a softness you hadn't seen before in his eyes. His usual smile faded, giving way to something deeper, more genuine. Then, without breaking eye contact, he raised a hand to caress your cheek, his thumb tracing a warm line across your skin.

"I know," he replied softly, as if he too had been waiting for this moment. "I knew before you did." He smiled, resting his forehead against yours. "And I love you too... so much that sometimes I can’t even imagine what my life would be without you."

Silence settled between you again, but this time it wasn’t the previous silence of uncertainty—it was one filled with unspoken promises, with shared feelings that no longer needed words. You moved closer to him, your lips brushing his in a slow kiss, full of affection and mutual love. There, in that room bathed in the light of dawn, the two of you found the peace that only true love could bring.

And as you stayed curled up in his arms, feeling his heartbeat in time with yours, you knew for certain that this wasn’t just a fleeting dream. It was real, it was yours, and there were no more doubts or fears to stop you from moving forward with him.

© 2024 demensrage. do not plagiarize, copy, repost, feed to ai, or translate my works to any other platforms.

[freesia-writes]

Ch 41: Cooking

Master List ~~ Previous Chapter ~~ WC: 2.6k

ONLY FOUR MORE CHAPTERS, MY FRIENDS! 😭

Song: “Hazy” by Rosi Golan ft. William Fitzsimmons

A number of weeks passed, full of regular work at the butcher shop, family dinners that Lyra and Breslin sometimes joined, visits to Omega at her jobs, and a variety of dates with Lyra. It was an odd period of time for Hunter – he felt as though everything were new, happening for the first time, complete with blushing flirtation, lingering hugs, and as many affectionate little touches as they could manage. It was like building a new layer on an established foundation with a renewed sense of confidence and hope. At times, there was a downright giddiness that he almost didn’t know what to do with. There were still flavors of that same old doubt too, that he was living a lie and somehow it would all collapse soon, and yet they were quickly and frequently assuaged by both optimism and eagerness.

Hunter found himself pacing nervously between the stove, where a sauce had been simmering for a while now, and the shelf in the hall, where a small, old music player was filling the room with peaceful instrumentals. A fire crackled happily in the hearth, warming his cabin and making it a cozy respite from the chilly months that had replaced the balmy summer, and he heard Omega and Breslin laughing in the clearing outside. His heart leapt in his chest and he brushed off his apron, then re-rolled his sleeves to make them look a little neater. 

When the girls burst through the front door, he realized that he’d never actually had company at their house. He had always just defaulted to others’ homes or any of the beautiful places around the island, so there was something special about being able to host some of the people he’d come to care about most. They emerged into the main room, chatting happily, followed closely by a much quieter Lyra. Her hair was styled a bit more than usual, the top half in a loose braid with some wispy long bangs framing her face. She was bundled up in one of her large, thick coats and held a small package in her hands. 

Breslin and Omega ditched their jackets in the entryway and continued in, sending casual greetings Hunter’s way before continuing to Omega’s room, lost in conversation. There was a bit of an age gap between the two of them, but they each had their share of adventurous stories and a general zest for life that created a natural delight with one another. Hunter met Lyra in the entryway as she was unbuttoning her coat, and he courteously helped her pull it from her arms before hanging it up and watching her set her package down on the shelf. She glanced down at her dress, nervously tugging it into place, then looked up at him timidly. 

“It’s a little different than usual, but Breslin insisted,” she admitted, wrinkling her nose for a second. She was wearing a faded blue dress with a dainty floral pattern and pearlescent buttons up the middle. It was rather fitted around her waist – a contrast to her usual loose, flowy style – and had a thin lace trim along the neckline and sleeves. It was fancy and nostalgic at the same, and Hunter flushed with affection as he placed a tentative hand lightly on her waist, leaning in to brush his lips against her cheek. 

“It’s beautiful,” he whispered, voice slightly weak.

He himself had opted for jeans, a cream-colored henley, a denim button-up, and a textured cardigan that was a pale green-gray, but he wasn’t sure if he wanted to confess that Omega had told him to wear it as well, exhorting that “it brought out his eyes”. But as Lyra took an extra moment to hold his gaze, a  feather-light hand brushing some tousled waves of brown hair away from his face, he got the sense that she noticed, and it was disproportionately satisfying. 

“You’re so handsome,” she said quietly. He muttered some generic deflection, rubbing the back of his neck, then gestured for her to follow him into the main room, which mirrored the one in her house in the sense that it consisted of a kitchen, dining table, and living room all in one comfortable space. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly to soak in the delicious smells of wood fire, sauce, and the unique scent of him and his home. “Need help with anything?” she offered as she stood beside him at the stove. 

“If you don’t mind giving this a stir, I’ll finish chopping the vegetables for the salad,” he said, passing the wooden spoon into her hand. She nodded and began, leaning over to sniff the pot and letting out a little sigh of contentment. “You’re quite the cook yourself.”

“If you like steak,” he chuckled. 

“I do,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows at him in such an uncharacteristic display that he chortled.

“Well good.”

He took up his position at the cutting board beside her, smoothly slicing through an enticing variety of local produce as their conversation wove effortlessly through topics both meaningful and mundane. The sound of laughter floated down the hallway from Omega’s room, bringing a private smile to each of their faces. Lyra dipped the spoon into the sauce and brought it to her mouth, holding a hand beneath it to prevent spilling any, and tasted a bit from the end. 

“Whew,” she marveled, offering it to him. “You’re gonna have to share this recipe.” His eyes flickered from the spoon to hers as he bent to take a taste, enjoying the subtle intimacy of the act.

“I’m afraid that’s classified,” he grinned. “Only place to enjoy it is here. Can’t get it anywhere else…”

“Ohh,” she said as the realization dawned. “What a terrible conundrum.” A smile. A nudge of the elbow. They worked in silence for a few more minutes until the girls emerged from the hallway, drawn out by the delectable scents wafting through their door. 

“Smells like it’s about ready?” Omega guessed, more wishful thinking than any actual olfactory expertise. 

“Just about,” Hunter nodded, slipping out the back door to the porch, where some plump steaks sizzled happily as he opened the cover, prodding at them with some tongs. Lyra followed, emerging from the house with inquisitive steps.

“Now that is sexy,” she snickered, and Hunter snapped the tongs a few times before giving the steaks one final turn. He felt her arms snake around his waist from behind, and she leaned against him, peeking over his shoulder. “The steaks are nice too,” she whispered in his ear, and he couldn’t help a snort at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. 

“Ohhhh, look at you two,” came Breslin’s taunting voice from the doorway, and they turned to see both girls leaning against the wooden frame on either side, grinning at the two of them with infuriatingly knowing looks. 

“Can we at least get some dinner, and then you two can get a room?” Omega jabbed. 

“Actually, give us time to hit the road,” Breslin added. “I don’t want to be hearing stuff…”

“Okay, nothing to hear…” Hunter interrupted, indignant at his own unconcealable embarrassment. “Keep talking and I’ll throw you out right now.” He grinned, brandishing the tongs at each of them in turn. “You’ll have to go begging at Tech’s.”

“Orrrr just go buy dinner in town because we’re adults with jobs,” Omega teased. “We could even bring you guys a dessert. Although it seems like you already have plans for that.” They both giggled.

“I’m being bullied by two young girls,” Hunter muttered to Lyra, who guffawed so loudly that it startled all four of them and she clapped a hand to her mouth. 

“I think you’ll need to get used to it,” she offered unhelpfully. “Occupational hazard.” A playful shrug. He gazed at her fondly before feigning a hard look at the girls.

“Go set the table, will you?”

“Don’t burn the steaks,” Omega threw over her shoulder as they retreated to the kitchen.

“Is this real life?” Lyra asked, shaking her head in joyful disbelief. “This feels like a dream sometimes.”

Hunter smiled, piling the steaks onto the plate in his hand. It did feel that way.

* * * 

Dinner was leisurely and indulgent, with multiple courses that left them all absolutely stuffed. Hours had passed in authentic conversation, wit and humor, and memories and adventures. The fire was burning low, darkness having settled heavily over the island outside, and the dim light was threatening to put everyone to sleep in the complete and total satisfaction of a night well spent. Breslin was the first to drag herself to her feet, glancing down at Hunter and Lyra, who were reclining on the couch. 

The typically stoic clone was in a surprisingly vulnerable position, laying across it sideways with his feet dangling over the armrest and his head in Lyra’s lap. She had it cradled in her hands, her hair falling over one shoulder as she gazed down at him with unmeasurable affection, slowly caressing his forehead and cheek. Breslin smiled at the softness on Lyra’s face when she finally looked up.

“I’ll never make it to work tomorrow if I don’t get to bed,” she said regretfully, patting her mom’s shoulder as she walked around behind them. 

“Need company getting home?” Omega offered. “I figure you’ve been here long enough to know your way around, but it’s dark.” 

“I appreciate it,” the older girl smiled. “But mom showed me her nifty little fathier trick, and I really like getting to ride them around. And their night vision is way better than mine. Plus, then you’d have to walk yourself home alone!”

“Fair enough,” Omega laughed. “Well thanks for coming.”

“Thank you for having me! Hunter…” she began, an affectionate solemnity painting her features now. You’re a great guy. Your family is awesome. And I love that we’ve had the chance to get to know you. Thanks for everything.”

He nodded and smiled broadly, warmed by her sincerity as he pulled himself up into his usual seated position. “Right back atcha, kid.”

“See you tomorrow, sweetie,” Lyra murmured, basking in the glow of the fire and the joy of the moment. 

“Love ya, mom.”

Breslin disappeared out the door, her whistle for the animals reaching their ears soon after. Hunter watched her small beam of light dancing into the distance as the sound of hooves faded into silence. Omega stood slowly and stretched. 

“Same for me,” she announced, offering a bleary wave as she ambled off to her room. 

“Bed sounds heavenly,” Lyra agreed, turning slightly to nestle into Hunter’s side. “You always make me want to quit my job and just eat and sleep all day.”

“Don’t put that on me,” he smiled, resting his cheek on her hair. “You’d want that anyway.” 

“You’re right!” she laughed. “Oh! I almost forgot… I brought you a little somethin.” She tore herself away from the unparalleled comfort of the sofa and fetched her package from the entryway. Hunter sat himself up a bit more, setting it on his knees after she handed it to him sheepishly. As he began to unwrap it, she started to fidget. “Okay… So I know this is something that a kid would make… but stuff like this makes me happy when I see it hanging on the wall… Like, it’s a fun little reminder… of good times…”

Finally free of the paper, Hunter lifted out a gently curving piece of driftwood with a handful of strings dangling from it, each one boasting a motley array of shells, sea glass, and other bits of beach. He recognized a few of them from their walks, having poked fun at her scavenging more than once, and a rush of memories accompanied each one. Tranquility and delight, curiosity and wonder… The simple collection evoked all kinds of warmth and nostalgia as he studied it in the firelight. 

“I know it’s silly…” Lyra began, but he set it down on his knees and fixed her with a look that stopped her mid-sentence. 

“Now listen,” he said, eyes playful beneath hawkish brows. “None of that. It’s amazing and it makes me happy.” She smiled, bashful and relieved all at once. “Actually…” he continued, thoughtful all of a sudden. “I’ve got something for you too.” Now it was he who tediously extracted himself from the plush cushions and carefully set her beach creation onto a side table, then disappeared to his room for a minute before returning with a closed hand. He sat beside her, on the edge of the couch this time, holding his loosely-clenched fist between the two of them, and she mirrored his position. 

“Please don’t throw a handful of sand in my face or anything like that,” she chuckled nervously, and the unexpectedly preposterous idea made him laugh. 

“That’s probably more Crosshair’s style,” he grinned. “Or used to be… But no, I’m just… I don’t know how to introduce it.”

“Does it have a name?” Lyra whispered, met with a snort from him. 

“I’ll leave that up to you…” He hesitated, then took a deep breath and lifted his eyes from his hand to her face. “I’ve had this for a while… Well, pieces of it. And I never really knew what to do with it… It just kinda took shape….” His face softened, eyes dropping again as his fist slowly opened, revealing an intricately-woven silver chain that led to a smooth, round piece of sea glass. He held it up to the light, where its frosted lavender hue was barely discernible in the glow from the hearth, but it was visible enough to evoke a gasp of awe from Lyra. 

“Wow,” she breathed, touching it with a single admiring finger. “That’s stunning.”

“I was waiting for a special occasion to give it to you,” he continued haltingly, second-guessing every word but gaining momentum as the sentiment fully took shape. “But… I realized… It’s this stuff that I love most. The food, the walks, the simple enjoyment of home and nature and all of it.”

His fingers found the clasp, and with tentative hands he placed it around her neck, fastening it beneath her hair and laying the sea glass gently just below her collarbone where it nestled gracefully on its chain. A smile ghosted his lips as he traced one side of it before pulling back to admire it. 

“I wasn’t created to enjoy life,” he said quietly, looking at his now-empty hands as he held them palms-up in his lap. “Didn’t think I could, really… We’d always get glimpses of it here and there… But it just wasn’t for us…” Her soft hands, with some bony knuckles and well-worn paths of veins across the back, slipped into his. “Anyway…” he sniffed, “Enjoying the ‘little things’ with you has been…” He drifted off, unable to think of the best word that most encompassed the depth of his sentiment.

“I’ve loved it,” she whispered, leaning against him to rest her head on his shoulder, with him in spirit where words failed. 

“Me too,” he smiled. 

.

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[beansprean]

Art for the Exchangeapalooza gift I got from dear @yougoadedme!!! Ranch N' Rider Weekly: Special Edition - please go read it it's so good

(ID in alt and under cut)

ID: 1. Full body of Marwa dressed in cowboy boots, jeans, and a pink flannel shirt rolled up to the elbows. She has one boot up on the bottom slat of a wooden fence and one hand braced on the top slat, the other in her hip as she grins into the distance. The background behind her is a rolling green field and rows of pine trees in watercolor. She is wearing a gold wedding band and diamond engagement ring.

2. Waist up of the Djinn, human, on a vague purple background, dressed in a flannel version of his salmon shirt tucked into his usual brown trousers. He is smiling indulgently, looking up over his glasses and holding up a bottle of margarita mix in one hand and tequila in the other. The margarita mix reads "EZ Margs - Delicious Margaritas at the snap of your fingers." The Djinn says, "I live to serve...liquor." He is also wearing a gold wedding band.

3. Guillermo sitting at a coffee table on a vague real background. There are a few black playing cards with white writing sitting on the table and Guillermo is on the side closest to the viewer, topless, and turned around to face the viewer with a sour expression. His face is flushed red and sweating, eyes darting away from the image before him. The image before him is this: human Nandor, having leaped fully onto the table in a crouched position in nothing but a white jock strap with pink hearts, flexing both of his arms with a triumphant grin and crowing, "I win!!"

4. Close up of human Colin Robinson, aged about 7 or 8, wearing a green flannel open over a red tee shirt. He is grinning excitedly, eyes shining, as he places a cowboy hat with a beaded turquoise band over his head. No less than five speech bubbles full of unintelligible babbling surround him.

5a. Nandor and Guillermo stand in a paddock, the former wearing a red flannel with the sleeves rolled up tucked into jeans with a silver horse belt buckle and the latter wearing a blue embroidered western shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a light brown cowboy hat. Nandor has his back to Guillermo's front and a leather bridle looped around his neck and shoulders. He holds the bit in his hands, but the ear strap is pressing directly into his throat. Behind him, Guillermo is holding the reins in both fists and is pulling them taut so Nandor is forced to lean back into him. Nandor's face is flushed, expression dazed and struggling to be stern but clearly not altogether displeased with the situation. He mumbles, "Guillermo, what...are you doing?" Guillermo's eyes are wide and wild, as if he isn't fully in control of his actions, face red and sweating profusely. 5b. Behind them, Colin, wearing a red cowboy hat with a strap and a long sleeved yellow shirt under an orange tee shirt that says 'Lego my Eggo' with a picture of a Lego waffle, stares at his uncles from atop a horse. The horse, Glitterfoot, is gray with a lighter mane and darker nose and ears, a white blaze down his face. He is properly tacked up western style, the reins in Colin's loose hands. Glitterfoot is also staring at the other two men, tongue sticking out the side of his mouth as he and Colin await instructions.

6. Guillermo and Derek sit across from each other at a table in a bar. A neon sign on the wall says "Sassy Cat Bar & Grill & Tack & Feed & Haberdashery. Mon-Sat 9am-12pm 2pm-2am" Guillermo, wearing an untucked red-violet flannel and jeans, is sitting with his back to the viewer. The back of his wooden chair has a burnt-on design of a rearing horse with a cat on its back, wearing spurred boots and waving a cowboy hat in the air. The Guide, human, leans one hip on their table and stares at Guillermo with a flirtatious grin, pen and notepad poised and awaiting their order. She is wearing a sparkly black beret, hoop earrings, a black and purple flannel shirt mostly unbuttoned tucked into a high waisted jean skirt, a gold horse belt buckle, and sparkly black thigh high cowboy boots. Her hair is curled and teased out big and poofy. Human Derek, sitting across from Guillermo in a brick red Henley and jeans, leans his crossed arms on the table and grins expectantly at Guillermo, waiting for him to react. Guillermo's shoulders are hunched up defensively and he has his face half turned away from the Guide toward the viewer, flushed and sweating nervously. /End ID

[hearts4golbach]

The Night Shift.

Johnnie Guilbert x Fem!Reader.

part 17.

i groaned as I woke up, sprawled out in Johnnie's bed for the 4th day in a row. I rubbed the sleepiness out of my eyes and looked over. johnnie wasn't there. I mean, obviously, he wasn't. I checked the time, it was 7:30 on the dot.

I picked up my uniform off the floor next to the bed; where johnnie had tossed my clothes last night while looking for something. I giggled audibly at the memory.

I quickly slipped on the black t-shirt and black jeans, which were a nice contrast against my pink polka-dot apron. 'fuck, my apron' I thought back to my apartment where it was sitting, folded on my bed. what a great start to my night. I settled on using one of the spares in the back, even though they were boring compared to mine which was covered in pins and other miscellaneous things I could put on there.

I heard a soft knock on the door, "you up?" Johnnie's muffled voice called.

"yeah," I sighed.

johnnie walked into the room holding a mug. "you okay?"

"yeah, just forgot my apron." I stand up completely to meet johnnie.

"oh, sorry. I made this for you." he passed me the mug which was filled with coffee and creamer. "it may be ass, me and Jake don't make coffee that much."

"I don't really think it's possible to make coffee that tastes like shit. it's kinda hard to fuck it up." I rambled before taking a sip. it was surprisingly good, although it did taste microwaved. who was i to complain? i hummed, "this is great, thank you."

johnnie smiled in response, his bright blue eyes squinting slightly. i couldn't help but smile back. johnnie sat on the bed next to me while i was doing my light makeup, leaning back and sitting on his phone. i enjoyed the company, even if we weren't talking. i fought the urge to tell him that.

"anything special planned tonight?" he asked, breaking the comfortable silence that had tainted the room.

i hummed, "i think i'm just going to decorate for valentines. my parents are coming to town soon, they'll kill me if i don't use the decorations they send every year." i blurted.

johnnie paused, looking over his phone at me. i turned around and made eye contact with him. "your parents are coming to town?"

"uh, yeah," i hesitated, "why?"

"you don't talk about them much." he shrugged, switching his gaze back to his phone.

"i mean, what is there to say?" i mumble as i fill in my waterline. "they kept me in a box my whole childhood, they're really not my favorite people."

"i'm sorry, y/n." he shuts off his phone and places it on the bed next to him.

"no worries." i shrug it off.

"can i come help you decorate later?" he smiled.

i rolled my eyes, "johnnie, you really need to fix your sleep schedule." i scolded.

"that's hard to do and i wanna help." he whined.

"if you absolutely have to come help then i guess you can." i stood up after tying my shoes.

"i'll be there, just text me when you're about to start." he grinned.

"i will." i responded before starting to do my hair in the mirror. i tossed it into a half up half down type of style since it was easy and still hid my stitched relatively well. i turn to johnnie, "how bad do my stitches look?"

i watched as he stood up in front of me, looking down at my hairline. he gently adjusted a section of my hair before stepping back and smiling. "it's covered now."

my face felt hot from the interaction. i turned away quickly and grabbed my keys and jacket. "i have to go. i'll see you in a bit." i waved bye to him.

he nodded and waved back, giving me a soft smile before i closed the door.

i texted johnnie, iforming him i was about to start decorating. since it was the slowest time of the night, i figured i might as well get it over with.

johnnie: on my way :))

my heart skipped at the notification. i smiled, giddily waiting for his arrival. i twiddled my fingers, fidgeting with the decorations to pass the time. i looked at the laid out abundance of pink, red, and white decorations in front of me. eventually, johnnie walked through the front door. he smiled when he saw me, gently pulling me in for a gentle embrace. he smelled very faintly of cologne. i sighed, savoring the hug before pulling away.

"busy night?" he asked, following me towards the counter. he picked at his already chipped black nail polish.

"not really, that's why i was relieved to see you." i hand him a roll of double sided tape. "wanna help me start on the windows?"

he nodded, following my lead as i picked up sparkly, white tinsel. his bright blue eyes surveyed all of the options before settling on light pink, small heart cut outs. a comfortable silence had fallen between us as we worked. i began to line the first window with the tinsel as he miscellaneously stuck hearts. the soft jazz playing in the background was the only noise, not even cars were passing by at this time.

johnnie clicked his tongue as we admired our work done on both windows. "i have an idea, what if we put those big red hearts as an outline like, on the roof?"

i looked around, imagining his vision. "i mean, it's a good idea, but how are we even supposed to reach up there? i don't have a ladder or anything." i set the left over tinsel on the counter.

"you could climb up on my shoulders." he offered nonchalantly. i paused in my tracks, hesitating. "come on, it'll be quick and easy. if you're not comfortable with it, that's fine." he added quickly.

i pushed hair out of my face. "okay, sure. are you sure you can hold me up for so long?"

he waved his hand, "wow, i'm much stronger than i seem, thank you."

i roll my eyes, my gaze meeting his as i leaned on the counter. "i'm sure you are, that's my bad."

"well, let's get to work. come the fuck on slow poke." he kneeled down, helping me climb up on his shoulders.

"wait, this would be such a cute photo." i joke, taking out my phone and taking a picture of us.

"oh lord," he sighs, "get ready for the rumors."

"oh, no one is going to think anything of this." i shrugged his warning off. "i'll post it later."

"alright." he shrugged.

johnnie stood fully, making sure i was balanced on his shoulders. his veiny hands gripped my upper thighs tightly as i prepared tape for the first heart. "this is actually easier than i thought." i spoke aloud before sticking it onto the wall.

he scooted over, stumbling over his footing. my hands flew to his head, gripping his hair in attempt to keep some kind of balance. he laughed, his shoulders moving me slightly as he apologized.

"thanks for proving me wrong." i said, patting his hair down before preparing the next heart. "i didn't mean to mess up your hair, pretty princess." i teased, placing the next heart.

"it's already messy, there's not much you can do." he giggled, flipping his hair sassily.

we inched our way along the first wall. he almost dropped me a couple times, causing me to wrap my arms around him tight. i continuously scolded him, telling him to be more careful unless he wanted me to break something. he laughed it off, shaking his head.

as we made our way to the next wall, i began to feel light headed. "uh, johnnie-"

"what's up?"

"i feel really dizzy." i muttered, pressing my hand into my forehead.

i felt him tense up. "we can take a break. is it because of when you hit your head?"

"i mean- probably." he helped me down off of his shoulders, his hands never leaving me until i was safe in a seat.

"do you need anything?" concern tainted his voice.

i shook my head. "i'll be okay, i just need a second." i closed my eyes. i felt his hand lay on top of mine, his thumb rubbing my hand gently. butterflies erupted in my stomach. i kept my eyes closed, too nervous to look at him.

by the end of my shift, we had fully decorated the cafe, and it looked amazing.

[diiwata]

the tbosas tributes as x-men/mutants

my x-men brainrot makes me wanna merge my two fixations. very little people will get this, but i still put my heart and soul into this post, and i do not care TM.

do not take the x-men's actual relationships into account! just because two x-men are dating or siblings, doesn't mean that's what i interpret for the tbosas characters unless it's explicitly stated in the description!

context: the x-men are a superhero group formed by marvel, comprised of a special group of humans known as mutants. they have the x-gene, which grants them powers either at birth or during a stressful situation as the individual experiences puberty. they are a marginalized group (other superheroes don't undergo the regulations and criticism that they do) and began as a metaphor for discrimination in the 60s!

lucy gray as jean gray (power: telepathy and telekinesis)

i know it seems like i chose them because of their similar names, but hear me out! lucy gray has such a strong and almost telepathic hold on both panem and coriolanus snow, but they're also soft and loyal to the people they love. the last scene in dark phoenix (2019), where a "comet" flew over the sky and was implied to be jean, reminded me of lucy gray's mysterious ending.

marcus as magneto (power: magnetism manipulation)

the comparison that started it all. partners on the opposite sides of the war. (sejanus moving to the capitol / charles wanting to coexist with humans) is seen as a huge betrayal to (mutantkind / district kind) according to (magneto / marcus). magneto uses the helmet to block out charles' telepathy and undying love. marcus actively avoids talking to sejanus.

jessup as colossus (power: organic steel form)

both are large powerhouses that seem like physical threats at first glance (colossus is literally made up of steel), but actually have heart of gold. jessup has such big brother vibes and never brought harm to anyone with the only exception being lucy gray because of his rabies. he'd use his powers for good, and like colossus in deadpool, would have a no-kill policy <3

reaper as wolverine (power: retractable metal claws and regenerative healing)

two menacing characters with hardened exteriors and a "trust no-one" attitude. they also, apparently, are both istp. their softer side is reserved for the people they are loyal to. they're passionate about their fight and aren't afraid to die for their causes. i also don't want reaper to die TM so he gets regenerative healing to heal from the snakes/poisoned water. amen.

dill as shadowcat (power: intangibility)

book!dill seems to have the same teenage girlism that kitty pryde always radiates in the animated shows, especially in x-men: evolution. they're both sassy in a fun way, always ready to snap back at someone who isn't acting right... ahem, ahem... coriolanus snow. even while sick, she puts people in place. ill dill forever.

coral as mystique (power: shapeshifting)

both these characters are associated with the color blue, have red hair, like girls (mags as destiny? lol), and take initiative. coral rounded up a pack and went to town in the arena! mystique always stood on business no matter who she's up against. they both have this fierceness to them, have solid strategies, and know how to be a leader in their own way.

mizzen as mirage (creating illusions of opponent's fears)

the "m" in mizzen and mirage stands for "menace". in the "new mutants" and tbosas movie, both characters were unassuming and not seen as too much of a threat. people are quickly proven wrong. mirage proved herself to be an extremely powerful mutant in the facility while mizzen stood on business. they didn't play.

lamina as rogue (power: memory and power absorption through touch)

rogue is a gentle soul who laments about not being able to have physical contact with people. lamina... well, she was known for crying a lot. both are unassuming, yet resilient and fierce. lamina's natural empathy would also work really well with the power to absorb memories and skill sets. she'd use this power responsibly.

treech as nightcrawler (power: teleportation)

this power would've been so useful while he was running around the arena and stealing from others. people in the fandom mark him as some kind of performer thanks to his juggling, which is exactly what kurt was in the circus. I don't believe they're similar in terms of personality unless you look towards the x-men movie version of kurt, I just think they're swell.

brandy as magik (power: time travel via teleportation and sorcery)

based mostly on the "new mutants" movie, both characters are aggressive and aren't afraid to cause a little trouble with an authoritative figure. brandy with her mentor and the peacekeepers. illyana with dr. reyes... but she also beefed with the other mutants in the facility. lmao, she was always mad.

tanner as gambit (power: kinetic energy charging)

both are from the south with a bit of a menacing streak, and tanner deserved a gambit-adjacent southern accent. he seems like a guy that would love to deal cards that exploded upon contact with their opps. gambit also seems like to dance over the body of an opp (still love you, tan the man).

wovey as blink (power: portal creation)

based on our interpretations of blink in "the gifted", i can see her being similar to wovey. blink had been using her powers to hide and steal to survive, whereas wovey had always used the hiding technique in both the book and the movie. they're both softies inside and out! wovey with pretty pink portals agenda 2k24.

bobbin as havok (power: cosmic energy absorption and redirection/blasts)

in the xcu and tbosas, both characters are baa: blonde and angry. bobbin could've channeled his pent up anger into a bunch of energy blasts emitting from his chest. these characters like to cause trouble, but are so protective of their loved ones. also... imagine the chase scene in the arena, except bobbin had powers. it's entertaining, no?

character assignment speed-run! (since we don't get much of their personality in either the book or the movie, so now it's based on my vibes)

teslee as psylocke (power: telepathy and telekinetic constructs)

the ability to construct weapons out of nothing but pure, telepathic power? get my menacing nerd on the field! she would've loved being able to have weapons at her disposal, with the snap of a finger or a flick of a wrist.

circ as forge (power: intuitive intellect/limited technopathy)

our other techno-genius! forge has the ability to create anything intuitively by listening to the mechanical energy of the parts he puts together, which I think would've fired circ up and only increase his passion for technology by a tenfold!

velvereen as husk (power: transitional omni-morph)

husk has the power to shed her skin and form a new layer made out of any solid material. it made me think of velvet cloth, which made me think of velvereen... to me, she's stubborn and persistent like elizabeth!

facet as emma frost (power: telepathy and organic diamond form)

a boy named after the sides of a gem being assigned the mutant that turns her skin into an indestructible gem. poetic. not much to say about personality, but i like the idea of powerful!facet.

sol as sunspot (power: solar radiation absorption)

her movie version seemed determined and headstrong as she and hy pursued lucy gray and jessup, which matches sunspot's big personality and confidence. also... sol. sun. i'll see myself out.

hy as cannonball (power: thermo-chemical field propulsion)

I've always thought of his character as someone like sam in "the new mutants": reserved, nervous, and loyal. i also like the idea of hy being able to propel himself like a human cannonball... <3

ginnee as jubilee (power: "firework" energy blasts)

get it? because she got blasted in the arena... anyway, i imagine her to be similar in personality to jubilee. rambunctious, spunky, fun, a teensy bit stubborn, and always willing to prove herself by going on missions.

otto as cyclops (power: optic/eye blasts)

i imagine him to be a bit more reserved, assertive, and protective. he also got blasted... i feel terrible for assigning blast powers to the d6 homies, but I feel like they deserve this. good karma, if you will. if they get blasted, they deserve to have a... blast, too...

sabyn as quicksilver (power: super speed)

i genuinely do not give a flying fart if he was retconned as not a mutant, sabyn is him. she was so close to running away from the peacekeepers had it not been for that river TM... rip sabyn, you would've loved track and field.

sheaf as domino (power: probability manipulation/heightened luck)

luck is exactly what sheaf needed to survive those injuries sustained from the bombing. to me, she exudes this coolness, certainty just like domino in the deadpool 2 movie, with a dash of independence.

panlo as deadpool (power: regenerative healing and 4th wall interaction)

this power would've been the redemption arc panlo deserved after sustaining those injuries. he also looks like the perfect 4th wall breaker. just look at him. while not much of a jokester like deadpool, I can definitely tell he's a softie at heart like him!

might make this into a fic... 🤺

[countrymusiclover]

13 - Greatest Date Ever

Part 14

Dr. Redheaded Neighbor

Tag list - send an ask to be added @annieradcliff @watermeezer @zaidatorcuatomorgado @kmc1989 @tallrock35 @melvia-ito

Slipping on a light red dress that fell down to my ankles Will and I had called into work for the evening so that we could have the whole time to ourselves. Maxon was being watched at the Firehouse by Brett so we had no real worries. Hearing a knock on my door I pulled it open shaking my head at him. “You know you wouldn’t have to knock if we were living together.”

“I know but I like the idea of coming over and not knowing what you’re gonna wear on date night.” He chuckled standing in the doorway. “You look beautiful by the way.”

“You look nice too.” I eyed him and down dressed in some dark blue jeans and a black dress shirt. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a full on suit but I bet that is a sight to see for sure.

Will held out his hand for me to take. “So shall we head out for dinner?”

“We shall, Dr. Halstead.” Placing my hand in his he rolled his eyes.

“I’m not at work, Mal. Just call me Will.”

Clicking my tongue I closed my door and locked it behind us before we headed down to the lobby area of our apartment building. “Uh Will we might have a slight problem.”

“Shit!” He cursed under his breath running a hand through his hair. “This is not what I had planned for tonight at all.”

Raising a brow at the auburn haired man beside me. “What’s so special about tonight?”

“I wanted to take you out to dinner. I wanted to buy you your favorite dessert before we went to the fairs wheel that you’d told me you’d never been on. And then I’d - it’s not gonna be here. Come on.”

I giggled when he grabbed my hand dragging me back to the elevator and we headed right outside our apartment doors. “Will! What are we doing - what are you - oh my god.”

“Mallory, I know you haven’t been in my life since we were kids. But it feels like I’ve known you my whole life. You know me better than I’ll probably ever know myself. You are beautiful, smart and funny. And I’ll never get tired of your sarcastic remarks. But all in all, it’s your kind heart and love for helping people that drew me towards you and Maxon. So will you please marry me because I love you so much.” He had himself down on one knee with a tiny black box opened in his hands

Covering my mouth with my hand I laughed through happy tears I couldn’t truly believe this was happening right now. “Yes. Yes, Will.” He slides the ring on my left hand that he was holding onto.

Will rose up from the carpet floor kissing me deeply. “You’re not thinking we’re going too fast I’m guessing.”

“Not at all. Now kiss me, Halstead.” Looking up into his eyes I wrapped my arms around his neck bringing him in for another kiss. He wrapped his arms around my waist where we just held onto the other, deeply kissing and pulling at the clothing of the other until we broke the heated kisses for air.

Will held my face in his hands seeing a weak smile cross my face. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Will , I’m there’s something I need to tell you before we do anything further.” He nodded opening the door to his apartment where we stood near his bedroom after removing our coats and boots at the door.

“What do you need to me, Mallory?”

Closing my eyes I paused for a moment worried that he would laugh at me or worse. Regardless of him being my best friend I knew that he had slept with other girls. I mean he’s attractive and an ED doc at Med, what girl wouldn’t want to be sleep with him. “Will, I’ve never slept with anyone before. So, before we went any further as an engaged couple, I thought you should know that I’m a virgin.”

“Mallory don’t think for a minute that it’s a bad thing. You’ve been waiting for the right person.”

Draping my arms over his shoulders I sent him a genuine smile. “And now I have. It’s you, William Halstead.”

“You’re my person too, Mallory Easton.” He leans down cupping my face in his hands and I deepened the kiss threading one of my hands into his ginger hair.

I broke the heavy kiss nuzzling my nose with his whispering up to him. “Will, I – I want you to take my virginity tonight.”

“I’d say we should wait until the wedding night, Mal-“

Cutting him off I passionately kissed him, gripping the fabric of his dress shirt in between my fingers until I broke the kiss declaring to him. “I love you, Will. I don’t want to wait till the wedding night. I’m not worried we’re going too fast, we’ve spent a long time to get to this moment. So I wanna sleep with you tonight.”

He kissed me back passionately and he gently dropped me down to the bed. My back hit the soft silk sheets before I rose up from the bed staring at him softly and brought a hand to his cheek stroking it softly. He leaned into my touch, and he lifted his shirt over his head and threw it to the ground.

"I'll go slow with you." He reassured me, grabbing my hand with his. "We can stop anytime if you want. I don’t want to make you do anything you’re not comfortable with."

"I want to do this." I said, wishing my heart would stop beating so rapidly like I was scared.

My best friend still silently looked at me, slowly kicking his shoes off. "You're sure you wanna do this?”

"Yes. I want you to be my first." My hands started to trace his form, I began to run his fingers up and down his chest softly while I began to feel his hand start to crawl underneath my shirt. He lifted my shirt off my head, throwing it to the ground only once breaking the kiss

He hovered over me and brought his lips down upon mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck and embraced more into the kiss. I felt a hard rock positioned at my lower religion, he placed his member at my center and looked up at me. "Babe, this will hurt a little. Just tap my shoulder twice if you want to stop."

He nodded and aligned himself against me before thrusting into me softly , I hissed out in pain as I felt him breaking through my wall, tears began to well in my eyes. "I’m sorry, Mal. I promise once the pains gone you’ll enjoy it." He moved slowly against her, I bit down on my lip hard trying to bear through the pain.

Within moments I felt the pain suddenly vanish and began to feel pleasure. I began to move against him and leaned up pressing my lips down upon his. I came moaning out loudly as I felt a wave of pleasure come over me. He came seconds later as I felt him emptying inside of med, both moaning and groaning until we fell back onto the mattress together.

"Will, can I ask something of you now that I’m your fiancé?” I whispered cuddling up into his chest giving us time to catch our breath.

Will stopped moving his fingers through my tousled hair. “Anything.”

“I don’t want to wait for the off chance that I may or may not come back from serving for our country again. I want to marry you before I am deployed. I want to become your wife when I have to leave with Maxon. Can you do that for me?”

Will’s soft gaze scanned over my face before he touched the side of my face bringing my lips up upon his gently. “I’d want nothing more than to call you Mrs. Halstead as soon as possible.”

“There is one more thing that we need to take care of. I’m finally gonna have to meet your brother Jay.” We kissed for a few minutes until a thought came to my mind where I broke the kiss running my hands up his bare chest.

Will tilted his head suggesting a place to start. “How about we have him meet us at Molly’s?”

“That sounds like a great idea.” I grinned up at him before he placed his hands on my hips, rolling himself onto his back so I was on top. Connecting my lips with his again we got lost in one another for the rest of the evening.

[partiallyderived]

-ˋˏ pens, pop, and potential love interests ˎˊ (kjh)

Summary: You lend the cute guy in class a pen.

Pairing: Kum Junhyeon x GN!Reader

Word Count: 683 words

Warning(s): None.

A/N: My dudes, this is crack. I haven't published anything since 2021 and my writing skills need honing, but enjoy. Also, like many college students, I am sleep deprived. The Pop in the title refers to soda. I'm going to edit this when I'm less sleep deprived. There will be an extended cut.

It begins with Pepsi.

Or, rather, it begins with a pen — a good, well-used Maxwriter in blue, which everyone knows is the best type of pen for taking notes; cheap but not cheap.

When you first meet him, his hair is dyed brown. In the light, it doesn’t look like coffee or strong tea or oak or chestnut; it looks like the toffees of your childhood, the ones your grandparents pressed into your hands with each visit.

His name is Kum Junhyeon — nineteen years old, three months older than you and leagues apart in confidence and popularity; the apple of the seniors’ eyes — and he sits behind you in your nine a.m. Biomolecules lecture. He laughs like a thundercloud and makes jokes that make even the strictest of professors smile, and maybe, just maybe, you are a little infatuated with him.

Because it can’t be anything else when he taps you on the shoulder and you freeze.

Caught like a deer in headlights when all the poor boy wants is a pen because his ran out of ink.

What you remember of the exchange is that you thrust your pencil pouch at him — all six pens, four pencils and two highlighters worth of it. You fumble a little in the middle — the angle is awkward, and the next table is placed just a bit higher than the one in front of it — and he has to grab onto the pouch so it doesn’t spill onto the floor, which means he has to grab onto your hands, which means your hands jolt like a kick-started engine, which means —

“Oh my god I like him?!”

Esha from Psychology, first year like yourself, has no sympathy. She’s taken to your life as if it were a drama made specially for her, and even now, she lounges on her bed like a queen, popping jelly beans into her mouth while you have a fun little breakdown on your side of the room.

“But like,” she says once the jelly beans have run out, “he’s cute, right?”

“The cutest. I hate it. My heart goes all wonky when I’m around him, and he didn’t even give me my pen back.”

//

He’s there early in your next class, dressed in a hoodie and jeans pulled so low that you have to tell yourself to avert your eyes. He looks sheepish.

You slide into the seat beside him instead of the one in front of him. A test of courage, but also because you want your pen back.

He does not have the pen. He lost the pen. He is not sheepish because of the pants; he’s sheepish because he has to tell you he lost your pen.

But Junhyeon is quick to clarify, “But it’s not that I lost it, (Name). More like, I don’t know, someone stole it from me. I swear!”

The story goes that he went to submit his work to the teacher and left the pen in the Biochemistry lab. When he came back five minutes later, the pen was gone.

“It was a good pen! The best pen! I’ve never held a better pen in my life!” Junhyeon tells you, and you believe him, because Maxwriters are good pens. And it’s fine! You can always buy another one, but you really liked that pen.

Rest in Peace, Maxwriter. Sacrificed for some guy. You were a real one.

///

Honestly, you think it’s a forgotten thing. The Professor came in before you could respond, but you had flashed him a thumbs up and gone about your business, and he hadn’t really said anything else during class, so that was that.

And then, in the canteen, when you and Esha have finally managed to get a simultaneous free period, one of the guys from Physics sets a bottle of Pepsi in front of you. Taped to the condensation, barely holding on for dear life like your sanity, is a sticky note that says I’m sorry for losing your pen. :( We should totally go out to buy another pack together - Junhyeon.

Boys are so stupid. He didn’t even write his number down.

Taglist: @daintydongyoung @zerobaseonefics @urielphix @incorrectzbone @i520u

[keekee-23]

Friends to Lovers

A Y/N x Damian Priest Fluff Fanfiction

The sun was setting as Damian Priest pulled up to Y/N’s house. He had agreed to look after her pet bearded dragon, Iggy, while she went out on a date. He had known Y/N for a couple of years now, ever since she had been introduced to him by a mutual friend. Over that time, he had grown to be close friends with Y/N, but he had a secret that he had never revealed to her: He had a crush on her.

He gathered his courage and got out of the car, walking up the path to the door. He knocked and was quickly greeted by Y/N. She was dressed in a beautiful blue dress with a silver necklace, and Damian couldn’t help but admire her beauty.

She thanked him for coming over to babysit Iggy, and he smiled.

“No problem, it’s my pleasure,” he said, nervously.

Damian was tall and handsome, wearing a crisp white shirt and jeans. His eyes caught the light of the setting sun and sparkled as he smiled at Y/N, causing her to blush.

Y/N smiled back and invited him inside. She showed him around the house, and Damian took in all the details of the cozy home. Iggy the bearded dragon was perched on the couch, lazily basking in the sunlight. Damian greeted the small creature warmly, stroking its scaly back.

“So, how are you feeling about your date tonight?” Damian asked, trying to make conversation.

Y/N smiled. “I’m feeling pretty excited,” she said. “It’s been a while since I’ve gone out on a date.”

“I’m sure you’ll have a great time,” Damian said, and he meant it.

Y/N thanked him, and then she got an idea.

“Do you want to see my outfit?” she asked. “I’d love to get your opinion.”

Damian felt his heart racing. “Sure,” he said, his voice cracking.

As Y/N headed upstairs to change, Damian stayed in the living room playing Spot It with Iggy. But the second she walked through the door he stopped what he was doing and instead stared in shock. She was wearing a dark green dress that fit her frame perfectly, sending Damian into total awe of her beauty. He wanted to tell her how gorgeous she looked but was too nervous to get the words out correctly.

“It’s… it’s really nice,” he finally managed to stammer out.

Y/N blushed and smiled. “Thanks! I’m glad you like it.”

“Well, I better get going,” Y/N said, breaking the silence. “Thanks again for doing this. I really appreciate it.”

“No problem,” Damian said. “Have a good time.”

Y/N smiled and left, leaving Damian alone with Iggy in his hands.

Damian watched her go, feeling a sense of longing as she disappeared into the night. He let out a deep sigh and turned back to Iggy who blinked up at him, its little tongue flicking out to taste the air.

Damian smiled, “You’re such a cutie, aren’t you?” while stroking its head gently. He loved Iggy almost as much as Y/N did, and he felt a small rush of pride at the thought of being trusted to look after it.

He placed the dragon on the armchair and stepped back, his eyes lingering on its scaly form for a moment before he finally turned away. With a heavy sigh, he walked across the room and paused in front of the window, gazing out at the street below.

There was a stillness in the air, a quiet that seemed to magnify the unease in his heart. He gazed out at the empty street, his mind filled with thoughts of Y/N and the man she was going to meet. He wondered who he was, what he looked like, and if he was the right one for her.

Damian bit his lip, feeling a surge of jealousy at the thought. He wanted to be the one she was going out with, he realized with a sudden clarity. He wanted to be the one who made her laugh and made her feel special. He wanted to be the one to show her the world, and to hold her close when things got tough.

He wanted to tell her how he felt, but he was afraid. Afraid of rejection, of making things awkward between them, of ruining the best friendship he’d ever had. So, he kept his feelings to himself, his heart aching every time she talked about someone else.

He sighed, turning away from the window and back to Iggy. The dragon seemed to sense his distress, and it climbed onto his shoulder, nuzzling up against his neck comfortingly. Damian smiled, running his fingers through its soft scales.

“It’s going to be okay, little guy,” he whispered, hoping desperately that he was right.

Hours later ---

Y/N pulled up to her front drive with a sigh of relief. She was grateful to be home after the most unsuccessful date she'd ever been on.

Damian stood in the doorway, a glass of sweet tea in one hand and a pet bearded dragon perched on the other. He wore a half-smile as he greeted Y/N. "Hey there, Iggy's been missing you," he said.

Y/N smiled brightly, her exhaustion melting away in an instant. She leaned forward and planted a quick kiss on Damian's cheek. "And I've been missing you too," she said, gesturing to the dragon on his arm. "Thanks for babysitting Iggy while I was out."

Damian nodded, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. "It was no problem. I'm glad you had a good time…even if it was just dinner."

Y/N laughed and let out a deep sigh. "That date was horrible," she said, dropping onto the couch. "He talked about himself the entire time! Like he was trying to impress me or something."

An expression of worry crossed Damian's face as he carefully placed Iggy inside the terrarium. “That suck," he said. "I'm sorry."

Y/N shrugged. "It's okay. I just don't know if I'll ever find the right guy."

Damian felt his heart thumping in his chest. It was now or never: he had to tell her how he felt. He stole a quick glance at Y/N, trying to find the courage to speak up. After taking a deep breath, Damian made his confession. "Actually, there is somebody… who might be the right guy for you," he said quietly. He reached out and placed his hand on Y/N's arm, his voice gaining strength as he spoke. "And that person is me."

Y/N was so shocked that she couldn't find the words to respond. After a few moments of silence, she finally managed to say, "Damian…I…I had no idea you felt that way."

Damian nodded. "I've wanted to tell you this for a long time. I...I...I really like you. I think you're amazing and I would do anything to be with you. I know I'm not the perfect guy, but I thought maybe if you gave me a chance, I could prove that I am."

Y/N was shocked. She had secretly harbored feelings for Damian for just as long, but she thought he only saw her as a friend. She stared into his eyes, not believing what she was hearing.

"Damian," she said, her voice barely audible, "I feel the same way."

"You do?" He questioned in disbelief.

"Yes," Y/N confirmed.

Damian was shocked and explained how scared he had been about ruining their friendship if he told her. Y/N brought her hand to his cheek and smiled warmly. "You won't ruin it," she reassured him. "I'm glad you finally told me."

Damian felt his heart swell and without thinking, he leaned in and kissed Y/N. She hesitated for a moment, but then kissed him back, and the kiss seemed to last a lifetime.

When they finally broke apart, Y/N smiled shyly at Damian.

"I think I'm ready to take this chance on love with you," she said.

Damian smiled back, his eyes twinkling in the moonlight.

"Me too," he said.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Y/N sighed contentedly, knowing this was the right guy for her. Even Iggy the dragon watching through the terrarium approved with a satisfied smile.

[annas-hair-donut]

Here's a little snippet from my upcoming Kristanna Valentine's Day fic!

She Holds a Candle (T)

Kristoff twists his hands on the steering wheel as he glares at the hearts and cupids sprinkled across the brightly colored Oaken’s Bath & Sauna Works signs. He might have said they were cute if they weren’t specifically designed to take advantage of people who don’t know any better.

Kristoff knows better, though, and he knows that as soon as he walks in the door, at least one beautiful salesperson will descend upon him and try to convince him he should go home with more than he came in for. Maybe they even believe the lie that buying more saves money.

He rolls his eyes as he steps out of the truck. Unfortunately, he’d been there before, and since he got divorced a few years ago, he never had any intention of going back.

But Valentine’s Day is a few days away and his daughter Stephanie’s giant heart is broken. Apparently, the boy she liked didn't feel like it was enough just to turn her down; he had to tell everyone at school that her voice slipped into falsetto when she asked him to the dance.

Kristoff wants to clobber that asshole for making her feel ashamed of being who she is. Not to mention Kristoff had spent about $350 on new clothes for Christmas that she now won’t wear.

She came out as trans right around the time Kristoff's ex-wife left, but she’d only just started dressing like a girl the past couple of months. And now she’s back to wearing jeans and baggy t-shirts; no more flower hair clips and heart earrings. And she's barely spoken in days.

It’s not like Kristoff knows anything about raising a girl; it would have been nice if his ex-wife had stuck around to help Stephanie with those kinds of things. She should have been teaching her how to style her hair and paint her toenails. But Lisa's timing was the worst, and even though Stephanie never mentions it, he knows she misses having a mom.

One thing Kristoff did learn from Lisa was that Oaken’s Bath & Sauna Works is the best place to get girly things that are more symbolic than useful. And that’s what Kristoff needs: a token to show Stephanie that she’ll always be his little girl.

And if it means wading through the sea of Oaken's sirens wearing green aprons, he’ll do it.

💕💕💕

A nauseating mix of scents assaults Kristoff’s nose as soon as he walks in, and a cheerful woman shouts, “Welcome in!”

Kristoff searches for the disembodied voice just so he can avoid it.

“We’re having a Valentine’s Day sale today! Buy three full-size body care items, get three free!”

Kristoff stares at her pink freckled face, with ginger hair tied into braids hanging loosely in front of her shoulders. Her blue-green eyes set his stomach in knots, which only tighten when she blinks.

It's worse when he looks down. Her apron is tied just in the right place to emphasize her figure, but it's the tiny sparkly rainbow that catches his attention.

Kristoff lifts his eyes quickly and she smiles sweetly. “Can I help you find something special today?”

How many people have gone home with bags of wasted products because she smiled at them like that?

“I’m good.”

"Well, I'm Anna! Let me know if you have any questions."

He thumbs his nose as he walks around her, not even bothering with the basket she offers him.

💕💕💕

Special thank you to @livseses for their help with this! 💕