#but like always i distanced myself from that as well

[mrsmangi]

Hibiscus 🌺🌺🌺

late night call - luigi mangione

♡ flower prompt: hibiscus - the realization of a friendship becoming something more - meaning: in victorian times, the gift of a hibiscus bloom meant that the giver was acknowledging the receiver’s delicate beauty. ♡ w.c.: 1k ♡ a/n: hi, love! thank you so much for your request. srry for the delay, i'm a bit backed up with requests. she's a short one, but i hope you enjoy!

♡ send me a flower & i'll write a drabble based off the prompt ! ↪ prompts that have been requested

“Do you ever think people realize just how loud their ceiling fans are?” 

His voice comes through the phone, low and scratchy, like he’s been lying on his back for too long, staring at his own ceiling. You giggle softly, shifting against the pillow propped against your back. Your own fan spins above you, a rhythmic hum filling the space between his words and yours. 

“It’s white noise,” you say, quieter than usual. “After a while, you get used to it and stop hearing it.” 

“Mm, not tonight,” Luigi sighs. “It’s like the fan’s trying to keep me awake for as long as possible.”

You laugh again, a soft, breathy sound that feels just a bit too loud in the stillness of your room. It’s past midnight–long past the time you’d planned to be asleep–but this is how many of your nights with Luigi go. What starts with casual texts morphs into a phone call, then into hours of talking about nonsense; everything and nothing.

“Maybe it’s just your thoughts,” you tease. “What are the voices yelling at you about tonight?” 

He pauses on the other end of the line, just the faint sound of his breathing audible. You know Luigi well enough by now to know he’s not actively ignoring your question; he’s only deciding how much of himself to give away. 

“Life,” he answers lamely, though the vagueness of the reply altogether makes it clear there’s more to it than that. “Do you ever feel like no matter how much you do to succeed, it’s never enough?” 

You roll onto your side, pressing the phone closer to your ear. The dim glow of your bedside lamp casts uneven shadows against the wall. 

“All the time,” you reply honestly. “It gets exhausting, though. I feel like I’m just running a race no one even cares to watch.” 

He exhales, a sound that crackles through the receiver. When he speaks again, his voice carries the kind of understanding that comes from being seen. “Yeah. I get it.” 

The two of you fall into shared silence, the steady hum of your ceiling fan whispering across the line. You let yourself picture him for a moment–probably sprawled out on his bed, one arm thrown over his eyes. His phone would be balanced in his other hand. The image feels familiar, like something you’ve seen a thousand times before, even though you haven’t. 

“Can I ask you something?” His voice breaks the quiet.

“Always.” 

He’s quiet again, but you don’t rush him.

“Do you think…” He pauses again, and you can hear the shift of his breathing. “Do you ever think it’s possible for something to change without either person realizing it? Like, to wake up one day and feel like everything’s changed, even though nothing is actually different?” 

“Maybe,” you say cautiously, voice softer now. “Sometimes things can change so slowly you don’t even notice until it’s already different. Then, you find yourself wondering how long it’s been that way.” 

“Yeah,” he agrees. “That’s exactly what I mean.” 

You stare up at the spinning fan, asking him, “What’s different, Luigi?” 

He doesn’t answer right away. His continuous pauses make you grow somewhat uneasy, stretching a distance between you. “Us,” he says. “I think we’re different.” 

You exhale slowly. “Different how?” 

“I don’t know,” he admits. “But it’s like every time we talk, it feels different. More important, somehow, like there’s something there that wasn’t before.” He stops and you can nearly hear the way he’s turning the words over rin his head. “I used to just…enjoy talking to you, but now, it feels like I catch myself waiting for it. I’m counting down to the next time I’ll hear your voice. And when we’re not talking, I’m thinking about what I want to tell you the next time I see you, or wondering what you’re doing, or–” He breaks out into nervous laughter, cutting himself off. “Um, does any of that make sense or am I just rambling?” 

It makes perfect sense. Too much sense. Your heart picks up speed, the weight of his words pressing against the thoughts you’ve tried to push to the back of your mind. You notice it too. You’ve felt a change in the way you catch yourself thinking about him at odd moments–when a song reminds you of something he’s said, or when you replay the voice messages he sends just to hear his laugh on repeat. Tonight, he speaks heavier, like he’s cracked open a door you have both been staring at for weeks, maybe longer, unsure of who will turn the handle first. 

“It does,” you whisper. 

There’s a small, nearly imperceptible breath on his end, like he’s been holding it and didn’t even realize. “Yeah?” 

“Yeah.” You chew on your bottom lip, letting the word sink in. “I didn’t know if I should say anything. I didn’t want to ruin what we have.” 

“Me neither,” he says, “but I can’t keep pretending I don’t feel it. I do. All the time.” 

You close your eyes, the glow of the lamp behind your lids is a soft orange hue. “So, what now?” 

“I’m not sure,” he says. There’s no pretense, no cleverness to soften the edges of his words. “But maybe we can figure it out. Together.” He says his last word carefully, almost like it’s fragile–like it may break under the weight of its meaning if he doesn’t say it the right way. 

You hear him shift, the faint sound of fabric rustling through the receiver. It’s a small thing, but it makes the moment feel so real, tangible, like he’s not just a voice in the dark. You let his words settle over you. Luigi doesn’t have the answers to all your worries and neither do you. But, it feels comforting somehow–to know that he’s with you in this journey, and you with him. 

“Okay,” you say. A small smile tugs at the corners of your lips. You know he can hear it, even if he can’t see it. Your heart is full of love for this boy as you exhale: “Together.”

[cellythefloshie]

;; Locked In    by cellythefloshie

Summary: When the NHL season is abruptly halted by a global pandemic, and you find yourself sharing your tiny apartment with your brother's rookie teammate, Quinn Hughes. Kinks & TW: Tanev Sister Reader, Forced Proximity, Secret Hook-up/Romance, 2019-2020 Season, Covid-19 Lockdown, Hints of Mild Dominance from Quinn, Mild Alcohol Consumption, Dry Humping, Vaginal Fingering, A Little Angsty (unresolved). Word Count: 4k+ A/N: I hadn't planned to post anything in January. I was just going to post my Best of 2024 and be done until February. BUT then I decided I wanted to challenge myself a little. I wanted to write for a player I thought I would never write for. AND then I was writing for a time I never thought I would write before because, of course, his rookie season had to be during the pandemic. Please be gentle with me. I took a lot of creative liberties here, but I hope you all enjoy.

“Why does he have to stay here?”

The tension in your shoulders grew as you glared up at your brother Chris. If your words hadn’t been clear enough in telling him just how displeased you were with his proposition, your body language would have to help get the point across. 

“It’s just for a few days until they get everything figured out,” Chris replied, brushing off your annoyance with a casual shrug with an ease that left a bad taste in your mouth—and it really shouldn’t have. As your big brother, he had years of practice in the art of convincing you to do things you didn’t want to do. 

Sighing, you passed Chris and at the player your brother was hoping you’d welcome into the small one-bedroom apartment you called home. Quinn Hughes, the team's rookie defenseman. Tall, and handsome, you had done your best to keep your distance from him when you had met once before—knowing yourself too well to trust that you would behave around a guy like him. 

He was shy back then and seemed just as timid as he stood awkwardly in the hallway, pretending not to hear the conversation you were having with Chris. Quinn kept his head down, his warm brown eyes locked on the floor like a sad, pound puppy that nobody wanted, with his hands shoved into the pockets of his team branded hoodie. 

Forcing a smile, your gaze focused back up on your brother, and his toothy grin that was always just enough to convince you. 

“It’s bad enough that there’s some illness going around that’s so serious that they halted the season and the world feels like it’s ending,” you began, “but now you’re locking me in my apartment with the team’s rookie?”

“I can hear you, you know?” Quinn spoke up from the hallways, his gaze raising from the floor for the first time since he had arrived. 

Your heart beat hastened, and it pounded so strongly you could feel it against the delicate flesh of your throat. It raced so quickly; you thought it might burst through your chest as a wave of heated embarrassment washed over you. 

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” you tried to play it cool, but if Quinn had reached out and felt just how sweaty your hands had become, he would know just how much of a facade it was. “Why can’t he stay with you?” You cocked your head as you brought your arms up to cross over your chest, begging him to get to the point he was trying to make. 

“The kids’ daycare is closed. Mom’s flying in before things get worse–but he’s my responsibility since we already got Petey home to Sweden and they don’t want any of the guy alone for-” Chris cut himself off, as if there was more to say but he didn’t want you to hear it. You hung on his words for a moment, ready to question him on it, but you didn’t. You knew better than to question your big brother. 

“Does mom think it’s a good idea to stick me in an apartment with him?” You challenged him in a last ditch effort to try to get out of the familial obligation of helping out your brother when he needed it. 

“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” His smile grew wider as he placed Quinn’s bag down on the floor just inside the door. 

“You know,” you sighed, leaning against your door, giving Quinn just enough room to come inside, “instead of flying mom home, Quinn could have helped with the kids.” It was your final, half-serious attempt to escape the arrangement, but it only made your brother laugh. 

“Thanks, Sis,” he said simply, ignoring your every attempt to say no before he was gone, leaving you and Quinn alone in your apartment. 

You lingered by the door for a moment, your head resting against the surface as you let out a steady breath. Maybe if Chris had given you a heads up, you might have felt differently about the entire situation, but your place was in no condition for a houseguest. Dishes had piled up in the sink, your laundry was half folded on the couch, and you were in the middle of rewatching your favorite television series on Netflix as a way to avoid the hell that was going on in the world. And Quinn, he was just going to have to accept all of it. 

But only for a few days. 

With a sigh, you pushed back from the door and forced a smile. “Sorry about the mess,” you told him as you moved to the couch and gathered armfuls of clothes. “You can set yourself up on the couch. Put on anything you like. I’ll get this all out of the way.”

“Do you need a hand?” Quinn offered, and you almost flinched. You hadn’t expected him to be so nice. 

“No, no, I’m fine,” you assured, carrying the clothes into your bedroom before throwing them onto your bed. You would deal with them later. First, you would have to deal with Quinn. 

Leaving your room, you shut the door firmly behind you. “That’s my room,” you gestured to the closed door, “it’s off limits to you unless stated otherwise. Obviously, you’re in the living room, which also happens to be the kitchen and the dining room. And through there is the bathroom, and if you can manage all of that without getting lost, tomorrow I can show you where the laundry room is down the hall.”

It wasn’t much of a tour, but the apartment was small. Surely if Quinn needed anything, he would figure it out—and you wanted nothing more than to retreat and hide away from the awkward situation your brother had forced you into. Maybe it made you seem harsh—or maybe it didn’t, because Quinn met your words with a soft smile and a quiet thanks before he settled in on the sofa, making himself at home. 

“If you need anything,” you started softly, your words becoming heavy with a sigh, “just knock.”

Slowly, you slipped away into the sanctuary of your bedroom, your lips moving in a whisper of a prayer as you began to put your laundry into its place. “It’s only for a few days…”

Days turned into weeks. And as the world’s condition only seemed to worsen, necessity foiled your determination to keep Quinn at arm’s length. You could only take so much solitude in your room before the silence became unbearable. While you had movies on your laptop and video chats with your friends to keep you entertained, you needed real human contact to keep yourself from insanity. Slowly, you began to share meals together, and small talk that slowly grew beyond hockey and the relationship you had with your brothers Chris and Brandon. And to your surprise, he wasn’t the worst house guest. Quinn was self-sufficient, considerate, and–while you would never admit it to Chris–the only person keeping you from losing your mind. 

“Do you maybe want to watch a movie together, or something?” you asked him one night after dinner, your tone as casual as you could muster. 

Quinn’s attention snapped to you, shifting from his phone that lit up the surprise that overtook his features. “Yeah, sure. I can set it up. Anything you want to watch?”

You shrugged as you tucked the last of the clean dishes away. “Just put on whatever. I’ll pop some popcorn.”

Settling on the couch minutes later, you place the bowl of popcorn in the space between you. As the movie played, the distance between you and Quinn seemed to shrink with each handful. You felt the warmth of his body radiating from him, and the softness of his hands as they collided with yours on the hunt for just another handful of popcorn. It was a subtle, but unignorable touch that made your pulse quicken. 

Biting down on your lower lip, you brought your hands back to rest on your lap, and you glanced at him from the corner of your eyes. Quinn was focused on the movie, his sharp jawline tense as he enjoyed the last handful of popcorn. His eyes didn’t hold the heavy sadness they had when he had arrived at your apartment weeks ago, but seemed to have a hint of a smile in them as he laughed at one of the jokes as it played out on screen. 

You smiled softly to yourself. 

You liked his laugh, and maybe it was just the weeks of isolation consuming you, but… he wasn’t bad company at all. 

“What?” Quinn’s question sent a nervous jolt through you. He had caught you looking. 

“Nothing,” you said quickly, trying to play it cool. 

The couch shifted as Quinn turned his body away from the movie, giving his attention to you as he relaxed back against the arm of the couch. “Tell me.”

For a moment, you thought about ignoring him. That the two of you could ignore what had just happened and just get lost in the movie until the crack in your hardened facade was forgotten. But his stare left you giddy, and there was no hiding the smile that began to blossom over your features. 

“You’re not a bad guy to have around, Hughes,” you finally admitted, “and I’m glad you’re here.”

A smile, genuine smile spread across his face as he reached up to push his thick brunette hair from his eyes, “your brother thought it would be best for you–”

Your brows furrowed, your question leaving your lips in a firm question before he could continue, “I’m sorry, what?” “He didn’t want you to be alone during all of this,” Quinn explained, his voice soft and sheepish, as if he knew he shouldn’t have been telling you anything. 

You leaned back against the opposite arm of the couch, your legs coming up to spread across the cushions and dragging along his leg slowly, accidentally, until you were comfortable there. “That lying bastard,” you laughed in disbelief, “he told me you being here was for your sake!”

Quinn’s laughter joined yours, warm and contagious as it created a symphony with yours. “We’ll have to give him hell for it later… but it hasn’t been all that bad, has it?”

You shook your head slowly, a silent admission that the weeks you had spent together in forced proximity weren’t all that bad. Standing up, you moved to the fridge, finding two tall beer bottles in the back. You carried one in each hand back to the couch, offering one to him as you stood just behind him, your body leaning against the back of the couch. 

“I can think of maybe two people I’d rather be stuck here with,” you joked lightly. 

“Ouch,” Quinn teased as he twisted off the cap and took a long, satisfying sip. 

“Don’t lie,” you told him. “I know you’d rather be at home with your brothers.”

“My brothers aren’t as easy on the eyes as you are,” Quinn said quickly, without hesitation. But then his face flooded with color, and his eyes went wide. Just as quickly as his words had been said, Quinn had realized they had not just been the thoughts reserved for his head. “Let’s pretend I didn’t just say that, okay?”

You raised your brow, challenging him with a smile as you asked, “What would be the fun in that?” 

Quinn’s smile grew. 

Your brother had thrown you both into this situation. You, his sister, cooped up with him, the team’s rookie defenceman, during a global pandemic that left you both isolated and alone. What Chris had expected to happen? You didn’t know. But it was only a matter of time before the lines you had created became blurred. 

After a long, satisfying sip of beer to boost your confidence, you leaned forward and placed it down on the coffee table. Licking your lips slowly, you hesitated, your mind screaming no, but your body telling you yes, as you climbed into Quinn’s lap slowly. You seated yourself there, his lap between your thighs as you straddled him. His eyes shot wide, a quiet cough choking him as he forced back a sip of beer and silently handed the cold bottle to you. 

Leaning back carefully, you place it down next to yours, Quinn’s hands reaching out to grip carefully at your thighs to keep you from falling back. He anchored you there, in his lap, as you settled back into place carefully, your body arching further into his, stealing more and more of his space until you were a breath away from his lips. A small smile blossomed over your lips slowly, your body consumed with the giddiness of what you were about to do. Your brother would kill you for this, or Quinn, but you didn’t care. It made it all the more exciting to lean in and kiss him. 

There was a moment of hesitancy in the careful kiss of Quinn’s lips as they welcomed yours. His kiss was slow, and curious as your eyes fluttered shut and your hands came to rest on his shoulders. Your touch was a feather light fleeting touch that quickly found its way into the thick wisps of his hair as his kiss deepened with desperation. 

He kissed you like you were a glass of water, and he hadn’t had a sip in weeks. His tongue stroked your lips slowly before parting them, and you could taste the beer on his tongue as you welcomed it into your mouth. The sweet contact unleashed a hum that caused through Quinn’s body in a subtle vibration that could feel between your thighs. And suddenly, your entire body was weak, like gelatin, and craving more than just the kiss of his lips. 

“Quinn,” you whined against his lips, your hips moving in slow rotations over his lap, grinding your core against his cock that you hoped to coax into an erection. 

“Fuck,” he groaned, breaking the kiss for the first time as he threw his head back. Quinn’s touch left where he held you firmly at the back of your thighs, dragging upwards until they settled on your hips and encouraged your every movement. 

You watched as his face melted into a soft expression that you couldn’t quite place, his mouth agape and his eyes shut as he focused on the very feeling of you. And between your legs, you could feel the stiffness of his cock, hard and ready. Reaching down, your fingers fumbled to work him free of his pants, but the quick lurch of his one hand captured both of yours in his hold. 

You looked up at him, your eyes wide in shock as he guided your hands to the waistband of your pants carefully. 

“Take those off,” he told you, his words firm and far from a suggestion, “and go to your room.”

Holy fuck. You had never been someone who liked to be told what to do, but in that moment, Quinn could have told you to do anything and you would have done it. 

Standing slowly, you stood between his knees as she remained seated on the couch. Your eyes fixated on his features, worried that if you had let them wander down out of curiosity, you might moan. As you held your breath, your hands pushed down at the waist of your pants, you pushed them down—and your panties went with them. 

They remained in a heap on the floor, your toes tripping over them slightly as you began the agonizing walk to the bedroom. With every stride you could feel your own wetness dripping down the inside of your thighs, your core begging to be filled. And as you got to your bedroom, you froze, your legs pressed firm together as you waited. His footsteps didn’t fill the silence. Quinn wasn’t following you. 

Your heartbeat pounded in your ears, your flesh suddenly red hut and sent a shimmer with a sheen of sweat. Quinn was still in the living room, his thoughts entirely his own as you waited, near panicked, for him to join you. 

Standing with your back to the door, your eyes shut as you took deep breaths in an attempt to remain calm. Maybe you had been too forward. He wasn’t interested—or maybe he wasn’t as reckless as you and wasn’t ready to throw away a good relationship with his teammate by fucking his teammate’s sister. 

“Fuck,” you cursed to yourself, ready to accept the mistake you had just made. 

Reaching for your blanket, you had intended to wrap it around your waist and retreat back into the living room with an apology, but when you turned around, Quinn was standing in your doorway. 

His steps were slow as he entered your bedroom for the first time since he had arrived two weeks prior. Quinn wasted no time getting familiar with his surroundings. He only had eyes for you as he met you where you stood frozen at the foot of your bed. Quinn’s arms wrapped around you in a careful bear-hug, drawing your body flush with his as his lips found yours in a kiss that reassured you that your advances had been welcome. 

You moaned against his lips as he lay you out on your bed with an effortless strength and splayed your legs open wide. Quinn could have settled himself in between them, but instead, he lay down at your side, your one leg propped up against him. He stroked at the delicate flesh of your inner thigh slowly as he kissed you. His touch moved up only an inch at a time, teasing you as he encroached on the apex of your thighs. He left your body shuddering with anticipation, his hand hovering over your eagerness but void of his touch when you knew he was so close to where you wanted him. 

“Please don’t make me beg,” you muttered against his lips. 

It had been weeks since you had anyone touch you, and when he had become your unexpected house guest, he was the last person you thought you would welcome into your bed. But now that you had him there, you wanted all of him, or as much of himself as he was willing to give you. 

First, you felt him smile against your lips, a hum of a laugh coursing through him, and then you felt his fingers on your clit. 

Your teeth grit in a satisfied hiss, your hips raising to meet his touch with an eagerness that was out of your control. Your heels dug down into the bed, your hips rolling into every careful circular stroke he made before his fingers dipped down, feeling the slick of your arousal and plunged into your core. 

“Quinn,” you gasped out, your hips dropping into a downward angle to welcome his fingers into your core. 

His middle and ring finger worked you in quick thrusts that left your mind dizzy and your movements purely instinctive as you anchored yourself to your bed with the grasp of your hand and bucked your hips up into his hand just to feel more of him. Quickly, you were so embarrassingly close to coming, and it left you reeling as you looked up at him with pleading eyes. 

“Are you going to-” you started, your body trying to roll on top of him in a swift movement that was interrupted by the careful push of his free hand against your hip. Quinn pushed you back to laying flat against the bed, one hand still buried in your core while the other held you down at the hips. The angle he worked you into, paired with how his fingers curled at just the right spot as they worked you, sent a fire burning through you. Your arousal coated his fingers, dripping down over his palm and making a mess of the bed as pleasure pulsed through you. It left you moaning, your head thrown back against the mattress as your core clenched around his fingers, wishing that it was his cock. 

As you lay in your bed, panting, you tried to remember the last time you let someone do something as adolescent as getting you off with nothing more than their fingers. But your mind was fogged by the bliss of your climax—but one thought hung low over you, preventing you from enjoying it fully. Quinn hadn’t gotten to enjoy releasing himself. 

Rolling over slowly, you tried to reach out for his waistband again, but he caught your hand. Your gaze met his, his eyes soft, and his smile small as he stroked the back of your hand with his thumb slowly. 

“You didn’t get to-” You started, but he cut you off. 

“I know,” he said, his hand bringing your hand to his lips to place a gentle kiss on your palm—a small attempt at a distraction from how his cock still seemed to throb in the confines of his pants. “But let’s sleep on it, okay? Make sure you don’t regret this in the morning. I mean, your brother is my teammate, after all.”

“Oh,” you sounded softly, trying to hide your disappointment behind understanding, “yeah, okay. But ah- can you stay in here with me tonight?” You requested slowly, “I don’t want to sleep alone anymore-”

Quinn nodded slowly, leaning in to place a kiss on your forehead. “I can do that, anything to get away from sleeping on that damn couch–”

The morning sunlight filtered weakly through the curtains, casting long shadows across the table as you sat across from Quinn. It was the first morning since he had arrived that it felt like you weren’t walking on eggshells. It was a quiet, comfortable affair, yet there was a new tension in the air. One that you couldn’t quite place. Maybe he was regretting what had happened. That thought alone left your stomach in your throat as you poked at your breakfast, trying to find the will to take the first bite. 

Then, breaking the silence, Quinn found the courage to speak. “I’m allowed to fly back to Michigan, to be with my family until the season resumes.”

Your grasp on your fork tightened, his words hitting you like a slap to the face. You could feel your face wanting to fall into a scowl, but you did your best to mask it by taking a long sip of your drink as you sought composure. 

So that was it. After weeks of shared solitaire, an awkward beginning that turned into something that felt natural, he was leaving? Just like that?

“That’s great,” you said, forcing a smile. “When do you leave?”

“Tomorrow morning,” he answered. 

You could feel his gaze on your face, searching for the reaction you refused to give him. Instead, you let your features soften, a practiced smile on your features as you set your fork down on the table with deliberate care. “I won’t keep you then. You’ve got some packing to do. The last thing you need is a distraction.”

Pushing your chair back, you abandoned your place on the table, your breakfast unfinished, and moved towards your bedroom. Your footsteps were quick, your eyes fixated on your bedroom door, and they did not deviate from it. Not even as Quinn’s voice followed you, your name leaving his lips in a gentle plea, “Please wait, can we talk about this?”

His words didn’t stop you. You didn’t turn around; you didn’t look back at him. Instead, your hand just tightened into your fist at your side as you reached the threshold of your doorway. There, you lingered for a moment, your flexed hand reaching up to rest against the door frame. You could feel Quinn’s eyes on your back, and your lips parted as if to say something–a sharp retort, a clever quip, anything to fill the silence–but no words came. 

Only a quivering breath left your lips as you stepped into your room and closed the door firmly behind you. 

The quietness and sudden isolation of your room were suddenly suffocating. Just mere hours ago you had Quinn had woken up there, together, and now he was going to just leave? It felt like some sick and twisted joke that left you trembling as you sank to your knees. You couldn’t help but wonder if he had known before breakfast, and that last night only happened because Quinn knew he was going to leave. The what ifs were all-consuming in your mind, raging louder and louder even if you tried to combat them with: Quinn, isn’t that kind of guy. He’s good—at least that’s what you wanted to believe. But the thought wasn’t enough. Your tears came anyway, hot and unrelenting as you silently sobbed. The hot tears spilled down your cheeks as you pressed your psalm into your face to muffle any sound that threatened to escape your lips. 

Quinn was leaving. After everything. After the awkward days of learning to live together, and the late-night talks, the laughter, and the moments that felt too intimate to be casual. You’d finally allowed yourself to settle into the strange shared existence the two of you had been thrust into. For two weeks, it was just the two of you alone in the little world that was your apartment. When Chris had dropped him off weeks ago, you knew the arrangement was temporary. At one point you had been counting down the hours until he could leave… but now, as you struggled through shallow breaths in search of a glimmer of composure, you had to accept he was leaving you behind, and it felt achingly permanent. 

In just twenty-four hours, Quinn would be gone.

You spent each one of them alone in your room, your mind racing with so many things you wanted to say, but never brought yourself to. As the next time you left your room, the apartment was unbearably quiet, void of Quinn’s presence. And for the first time in weeks, you were truly alone. 

[thomaslittlegirl]

Hi love!

you could write something about Tommy where they are a bit possessive of the reader but a non-toxic sweet possessive type that is all the time saying 'my wife' every time he says her name he makes sure to say that she is his wife🥹 If you could put a little bit of jealousy where maybe someone sees her too much and he makes sure to move his hand down a little further than her back so they know she's definitely his wife🙂‍↕️

And the reader is SO proud to be his wife! She even leaves him a kiss on the tip of his nose and he turns red and tight because well it's Tommy '😤'

Sorry I have cramps these days and I just want something sweet🥺🥺♥️♥️Please take it only if you are comfortable, I send you love!🫂

ps. I love your work, you are amazing at this!🫶🏻

i hope your cramps go away! also hope you like this. sending you love back 🫶🏻🩷

his wife. thomas shelby

warnings; jealous thomas, michael wants u lol

⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡

everyone who knew you, knew that you were thomas's wife, because that's how he introduced you: "y/n, my wife."

on your finger lays a beautiful golden ring, a promise that you would soon become his property forever… it's not like you weren't already; you belong to shelby from the moment he laid his eyes on you and worked hard to conquer you. the ring was simply a promise to make it official.

you two were engaged, but he already presented you to everyone as his beautiful wife.

sometimes you even thought you might forget your own name since everyone called you "shelby's girl."

the gypsy was proud that everyone knew their place well. no man who wanted to keep his eyes spent more than five seconds looking at you, not if they truly valued their lives.

there were many bad men outside, many dangerous people who would not hesitate to hurt you to get to him... that's why he was always watching you, keeping you close where his eyes could see you.

everyone knew their places, except for someone: his damn cousin.

michael was centimeters from your body, making some jokes that he couldn't hear due to the distance in which he was from the two of you, but jokes that made you laugh out loud.

his hand clenched tightly around his glass of whiskey, watching the exchange of laughter between the two of you.

no one at the party had noticed his anger, except arthur. his brother looked at him seriously, giving him a nod, showing him that he also understood what was happening.

he thought it was enough.

thomas slammed the glass hard on the table and seriously addressed you, the music ringing in his ears with annoyance.

as soon as he reached you, his hand went to your hip. "doll." he said, squeezing the skin that your dress hid. "michael." he greeted his cousin too.

"cousin." gray greeted, making a grimace with his mouth that imitated a smile.

"is something wrong, love?" your sweet and naive voice reaches his ears and made his serious gaze finally detach from his relative and address you.

"no. just wanted to be close to my wife." he responded, smiling at you for a second before turning completely serious again and looking back at michael.

the youngest noticed how thomas's hand on your hip went down to your ass and stayed there, holding his palm firmly against you.

"you should go, michael." shelby spoke again. "gina was looking for you." his eyes and hard expression told gray everything he needed to understand, and the boy looked into his eyes for a moment before nodding.

"see you, mrs shelby." he murmured in a tone of voice that you couldn't understand but thomas did. he fucking did understand.

when you were both finally alone, you turned to look at thomas with a smile, totally naive and oblivious to everything that was happening.

his blue eyes looked at you fondly, with desire. you couldn't help but leave a small kiss on his nose, watching him smirk.

"my wife." your fiancé uttered, giving you a squeeze. "i can't wait for everyone to leave so i can have my doll all to myself."

[stormz369]

☕💖 Can I Get Your Number? ☕💖 Jason Todd Week Special! Day 4: Grave + Lifeline

A/N: this unofficial mini-chapter is part of the event being run by @jasontoddweek2025 and can be enjoyed without reading the rest of the story

Jason Todd x (f)Chubby!Reader

written with a female reader in mind, first person pov, no use of Y/N, let me know if I missed anything worth tagging!

warnings/labels: deals with character death, trauma, and healing

wc: 980

CIGYN? Chapter Selection

The rain stung against my cheeks as I trudged down the path. I pulled my cardigan tighter around myself, shivering in the cold. The first rays of morning were just starting to peek over the city in the distance, and a light fog filled the air. I could feel Wayne Manor looming behind me like a disapproving aunt as I slipped through the wrought iron gate of the Wayne family cemetery.

I could almost hear generations of Waynes demanding an explanation for my presence among them. This part of the grounds felt almost sacred, a place for the family, and only the family. And I was an outsider, intruding on their rest. But Jason was out there, alone in the cold and the wet, and something told me he shouldn't be allowed to stew in his thoughts for too long. With a murmured apology to the Wayne ancestors, I slowly made my way down the path toward Jason, who stood over a grave like some kind of gargoyle standing guard.

My feet padded softly in the puddles. I could have easily avoided them, but the sound would make sure Jay knew I was coming, and it was always best not to sneak up on him. I finally stood beside him, frowning softly; his expression was almost blank, a far away sort of look in his eyes. Never a good sign.

“... Jace?” my whispered voice cut through the stillness like a hot knife through butter. 

He blinked a bit, tilting his head toward me. “... Hey, mama.”

I gently rubbed his shoulder; “you're soaked to the bone… how long have you been out here?”

“... A while. … It's … the anniversary.”

I looked down at the grave, blinking repeatedly, as if it might change the words I was reading;

JASON PETER TODD

Sleep undisturbed within the peaceful shrine till angels wake thee with a note like thine.

“... I see ... Well … got to appreciate the irony I guess?”

He chuckled ruefully; “... For a while I suspected Bruce arranged it … he knew Ra's, he knew Talia … it seemed too far-fetched that they'd just … stolen me, without a word. And then I get back, and that's the epitaph they chose?”

I nodded. “But now?”

“It was just the paranoia talking. I know that …” he sighed softly, wrapping an arm around my waist. “Still feels weird sometimes though …”

“That's fair. It'd feel weird to anyone.” I held him closer. “... What did they even bury?”

“Ra’s gave Bruce some kind of … clone mannequin. ... Sometimes I dream that I'm down there … in a box. … I claw my way through the lid, through the dirt … it fills my mouth and I can't breathe … and when I finally get out there's a clone living my life. … It's perfect, and happy, and … everyone's better off with it. … They hate me for digging my way out.”

I cupped his cheek, gently pulling him down to kiss his temple. He stroked my hip, leaning against me more. “... What are you doing out here, baby girl? It's freezing…”

“I could say the same to you.”

He sighed softly; “... I just … sometimes I need to see it. … Reminds me I'm alive. … I'm up here, and that thing's down there. … It's not gonna steal my life from me.”

I nodded slowly, wrapping my arms around him. “I gotcha … it's staying down there, and you're staying up here with me.”

He stared down at the grave, stroking my back gently. Eventually he laughed softly; “... Of all the quotes …”

I chuckled; “well what would you have picked?”

“I dunno … not that. … Next one's gotta be better though. … Promise me?”

I nodded slowly. “Promise. ... ‘Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.’” 

He smiled softly; “... That's nice. Who said that?”

“Emily Dickinson.”

He nodded. “It’s perfect… It's a nice thought … love being a lifeline.”

I ran my fingers through his hair, smiling softly. Jay leaned down and kissed my shoulder. “... Ok, let's get inside, baby girl.”

I nodded, letting him lead the way back toward the house. Just crossing the gate I felt warmer, like the Wayne ancestors were silently ushering us back to the safe embrace of their living descendants. Alfred appeared as we crossed the threshold, a tray of hot chocolates in his hands. As we took a pair of mugs Bruce arrived, wrapping warm towels around our shoulders. Jason shifted, subtly leaning into his father's hands, and Damian took my hand, tugging me along to the family room where Duke was setting out handfuls of blankets. We all got comfortable on the couches, basking in the warm glow of the fireplace.

The rest of the family slowly joined us. Dick hovered over the back of the couch, hugging Jason tight for as long as he’d allow. Tim eventually stumbled through the door with a box of donuts. Cass’s hand ghosted over Jason’s shoulder as she passed him, taking a seat in silence. Steph sat next to me, offering us a small smile. No one spoke much for a long time, the weight of the day sitting heavy on everyone’s hearts. Eventually Babs joined us, rolling over to an open space between Jason and Dick.

Dick smiled softly. “... You know, if we’re going to mark an anniversary, shouldn’t it be a happier one?”

Tim snorted softly; “Ok, you wanna get together on the anniversary of the day he tried to kill me, or the day he killed all those dealers?”

“Or we could just … not?” Jason grimaced.

Bruce smiled gently. “If we’re marking a happy anniversary, it should be the first time he joined us for family dinner, after everything. … That was the day I got my son back.”

Jason blinked repeatedly, head ducking down against my shoulder. “... Whatever you want.”

Divider by: @saradika-graphics

Fanart in the header by: @crowkip

Jason Todd Week Taglist: @cottage-worm

[echoingbirdsofprey]

Back Forty View (On Our Piece Of Ground)

2 - First Sip Of A Cold Beer, When The Workin' Weeks Done

Pairings: Tyler Owens x OFC Georgia Tennley-Owens, Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x OFC Samantha Kazansky

Rating: Explicit (MDNI!)

Warnings: none except Jake and Tyler's foul language hahaha

A/N: Jake and Georgia get to know each other and chat, and Tyler and Sam do the same. Just lots of fluff in this one after I horrified y'all with the last two chapters of the other part of the series! Comments, likes, reblogs are appreciated as always! Love writing for myself and y'all that are following!

Tags: @mrsevans90 @djs8891 @gpsmississippihippie @barnesboo1967 @dizzybee03

“Ahh fuck, T, I cant believe that chick rejected you too.” Jake said as he cracked open a cold beer. Kenny kept a fridge full in the barn and he only allowed the boys to drink at home, if they wanted. He felt like it made them more responsible when out with friends. And he was actually right about that because the boys did only drink at home. 

“I know, I’m the better lookin��� brother, too!” Tyler joked and Jake punched him in the shoulder. They were getting saddled up to go for a trail ride. 

“We’re the fuckin’ same, you asshole!” Jake yelled, as he tackled Tyler into the stall door next to him. The metallic clang of him hitting the door made both horses jump a little. 

“Hey, dipshit, don't spook my horse!” Tyler playfully pushed his brother back away from him and Jake caught himself on the opposite door. 

“Ah, whatever. A girl ain't gonna come between us, right?” Jake said and Tyler nodded. 

“The only girl would be our Ole Dixie girl, huh?!” Tyler exclaimed as the white dog with the speckled brown around her eye came bounding into the barn aisle, baying to announce her arrival. She knew the boys were headed out soon, and she loved running beside the horses on a long trail ride, catching all the scents and sights of wildlife that she could possibly bring home for a snack. Both boys knelt down to rub the dog's long back, then finished tacking their horses up. They put bridles on and then mounted up with their beers in hand. 

Heading out of the barn and out of the driveway, they turned right to go down the quiet country road that nary a car was in sight. Tyler's little chestnut horse strode along confidently, while Jake's painted gelding would startle every once in a while at something silly. Both boys just looped the reins and let the horses walk along, Dixie trotting in between them. The dog would veer off every so often, taken where her nose said to go, and then she’d come bouncing back from the complete opposite of where she left. 

“It's gettin’ chilly now. Best start bringin’ rifles out with us soon.” Tyler said, his head on a swivel constantly, staking out the next best place to put up a tree stand. Jake agreed silently, sipping on his beer and removing his feet from the stirrups, as they headed into the forest. There were very clearly defined trails, cut down by atv and dirt bike riders alike.

“I want duck again for Christmas. Think we can get some good ones?” Jake asked, as his horse stepped into an easy trot to catch up to Tyler's big stepping gelding. 

“Thought there was still duck in the freezer from last season.” Tyler said, leaning back in the saddle and finishing his beer. He crunched the can in his hand and then slid it into his sweatshirt pocket. He heard baying off in the distance and whistled. 

“Think momma used the last of it for that stew last week. I'll check.” Jake said, doing the same with his beer can. “If neither of us have a date to homecomin’, are we just ropin’ that night instead?” 

“Hell yeah. I ain't goin’ to that shit unless there's a lady on my arm. Unless you wanna be my date, Jakey?” Tyler joked and Jake smirked.

“Ah, I'd love to but then people would get jealous. It's already bad enough we win all the sortin’ and ropin’, if we won Homecomin’ King and Queen, well...dog incomin’.” Jake mused, just as Dixie popped out of the underbrush. She ran in between the two horses, neither of which flinched, having become accustomed to the dog's antics. 

“Dog nuke, hahaha!” Tyler yelled and made a ‘boom’ noise, which got Dixie all excited and running ahead of the horses then. 

“Dog nuke only if she kills us, Copper, and Paint. She's more like a fur missile. She don't know where she's headed though, only that she's goin’. Worst heat-seeker you’ve ever seen.” Jake’s laugh bellowed through the trees, his whole body shaking. Tyler could only shake his head as the trail opened up into a field.

“Best put’chur feet back in those stirrups.” Tyler yelled, as his horse picked up a trot. Dixie ran out in front, baying and barking as they picked up speed. Jake shoved his feet back in the stirrups and his horse took off across the field, straight into a gallop ahead of Tyler’s horse. Tyler chuckled and pushed Copper up into a gallop too. “You fuckin cheater!”

“If ya ain’t cheatin’, ya ain’t tryin’! Jake exclaimed, as they headed across the field at breakneck speed.

🌪️ 🛩️🛻⚓

Jake was excited for Christmas. It was the only time of year when everything seemed to stop. The last few years he'd been able to be home in Dardanelle and he'd been thankful for that. Everything at home had seemed empty though, as Kenny and Jeanie got older. They couldn't keep up with the needs of the farm so they has sold off a lot of the back forty. Jake had always figured Tyler might buy the house, but then he didn't. A more central place in tornado alley was better for him anyway. Jake on the other hand, had no intention of buying a house until now, but where he was stationed in Lemoore or Miramar most of the time, it would make more sense for him and Sam to settle out there, unless he requested a station somewhere else. He liked the idea of staying in the cottage for as long as possible, and if that meant taking over Javy's part of the rent, then he would.

Sam's Christmas presents to her mother and her siblings had arrived at home in Miramar, so she sent her mom a text letting her know whose were whose. She'd gotten some gift cards for Marks and Alex to some of their favorite stores, and she got her mother some baking supplies as she'd gotten very into making all sorts of cakes and pies while her father had been sick. 

It was Jake who she had trouble buying something for. He'd said she didn't need to get him anything, that being home and having the puppies was the best present, but Sam still wanted to get him something else. She'd settled on getting him a new pair of cowboy boots as the ones that he always wore were pretty beat to shit. She decided the best course of action was to ask Tyler if he would take her to a boot store, because she didn’t know the area. She thought of asking Georgia first, but then remembered how pregnant she was and figured Tyler wouldn’t let her out of his sight. 

She found him out in the garage, underneath Georgia’s truck. He’d obviously heard her footsteps, because he rolled himself out from under the truck and out popped the red cattle dog with him.

“Oh my god. He climbs under there with you? Is that safe?” Sam asked, and Tyler sat up and rubbed the pup’s head.

“Yeah, he’s fine. He’s extremely smart. The lift was bein’ wonky the other day and he wouldn’t come under with me. I fixed it and then he was all good. Did you uh, need somethin’?” He asked, standing and wiping his hands on a rag that he pulled from the hood of the truck. Sam examined him for a moment, seeing just how much he looked like Jake, but in the same vein, didn’t look like him. Tyler was all rough and tumble. Jake was clean cut. She preferred that, but she could see just how attractive Tyler was, especially to Georgia. They seemed like they were made for each other. 

“Um, yes. Sorry...I was wondering if you could bring me to a boot store? I’d like to get Jake’s Christmas present, and maybe a couple other things. I figured Georgia wasn’t driving much.” Sam asked and Tyler smiled.

“Well, she can drive, but conveniently I need to go pick up her present too and somethin’ for Jake, so I think this is a great idea. Then the two of them can spend some time gettin’ to know each other, and you and I can do the same.” Tyler said and Sam nodded. “Let me just finish up with her truck, it’ll only take a few minutes.

“Yeah, sure. I’ll go tell Jake and Georgia where we’re going.” Sam said as she headed out of the garage. She made her way back to the house, where Georgia had just walked back into the house. She held the door open for Sam. Jake was in the house, typing something on the laptop he’d been given for work. His lips turned up as Sam sat down next to him. 

“Hey, I’m going to go with Tyler to go get your Christmas present.” She said and Jake stopped typing and regarded her warmly with a soft smile.

“Are you now?” He asked, one of his hands reaching for her knee. “Is Georgia going?”

“No, he has to pick up her present, so she’s staying.Maybe the two of you can get to know each other a little better.” Sam pressed a quick kiss to his lips and then stood. She went into the kitchen where Georgia was leaning back against the kitchen counter. The look on her face said everything that Sam needed to know.

“You feeling okay?” She asked and Georgia nodded. 

“Yeah, Jaycen is just kicking an awful lot today. I don’t know whether to try to take the dogs for a walk or to go lay in bed.” She said and Sam stepped closer.

“Would you mind if I...” She began and Georgia smiled. 

“Well, you are goin’ to be his aunt, so, of course.” Georgia glanced down and Sam placed her hand just below Georgia’s belly button. She felt a little bump against her hand and her mouth dropped open in awe.

“Oh! He’s a strong little bugger.” Sam laughed. She let her hand fall away. 

“Yes. And he’s gonna be so spoiled and so loved when he gets here and I think he knows that. I just hope he doesn’t decide he wants to come too early.” Georgia mused and Sam smiled warmly just as footsteps padded into the kitchen.

“He’s got that Owens blood in him. He’s gonna give you a run for your money, I guarantee it. I been given’ my momma a hard time since I came outta her.” Jake said, making both of the ladies laugh. Jake smirked as he glanced at Sam. 

“So, I don’t want you to be offended, but I asked Tyler if he would take me into town to get Jake’s Christmas present. He said he has to pick yours up too. If that’s okay?” Sam said sheepishly. Jake raised a brow at her then, not quite understanding why she was acting the way she was with Georgia. It seemed as though she was not only afraid of offending or upsetting her, but it almost seemed like she was afraid of her. It would be something they would discuss later on. 

“Why would I be offended by that? I have to get Tyler’s present. I was going to have Boone and Kate come get me, but I should probably take Jake, huh?” Georgia asked and Sam smiled and nodded in agreement at that. 

“Well, I already have Sam’s present, but I could pick up a few more things to add to it.” Jake said as his hand met the small of Sam’s back. 

“Perfect. This worked out pretty good then. Maybe, Jake, you can supervise my walk with the dogs. Tyler doesn’t really want me going out alone. I wanted to try to ride Twist...” Georgia’s stream of thoughts were all over the place and she absolutely blamed it on her pregnant brain and body. The screen door creaked then, and there were booted footsteps with a slight limp. 

“Ain’t no way yur ridin’ unless I’m here.” Tyler’s voice boomed his entrance into the kitchen. Georgia smirked wide at him as he made his way over to kiss her. 

“Mmm, oil and diesel, such a wonderful cologne you’ve picked there.” She said as he pulled her close. He glanced down as he felt a strong bump at her stomach.

“Damn! He’s feisty today.” Tyler laughed and Georgia reached up to cup his cheeks.

“He knows who his daddy is.” She said, making Tyler wiggle his eyebrows. He kissed her hungrily again and then he stepped away, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. 

“Jake. I expect you to take very good care of my girl while I’m gone. Protect her like your own, you got that?” Tyler said, taking a long swig of the water. Jake chuckled and folded his arms across his chest, while leaning against the counter opposite of him.

“Same goes for you.” Jake said sternly and Tyler turned, grabbing Jake’s shoulders and shaking him. 

“Oww, you fucker. I might be healed but it still hurts, you cocksucker.” Jake said, grabbing his brother playfully, pulling him off balance. Tyler’s laugh, it was one that Georgia hadn’t heard in a very long time. It was a deep belly laugh that rumbled through him and shook his whole body. It made Georgia tear up a little to see him with his brother. She could see how close they were even though they’d be apart for so long.

“Fuck, I think we’re too old to rough house anymore, especially in front of our ladies.” Tyler said, smacking his brother gently on his upper back. Jake took a hold of one of Tyler’s biceps and squeezed and then patted him in the same spot on his back as he had done to Jake.

“You might be right about that.” Jake said. “Don’t worry, bruh, I’ll keep you lady safe. That’s my nephew in there too.” 

“You are right. We’ll take Grits with us. You know how he is. Sam, did you want to bring one of your dogs?” Tyler asked and Sam nodded.

“I think I should take Muster. She needs to get out and do things with other people. She’s so timid.” Sam explained and Jake shook his head in agreement.

“Yeah, can’t be like that if she’s a protection dog.” Jake said and Sam smiled. Sam called for the puppy, who didn’t look so much like a puppy anymore. She looked more like a mini version of an adult Malinois. She was pretty and dainty, with brilliant amber eyes and a white spot on her chest. She also had a little stripe of white under her jaw that had grown in recently. Rocco came trotting in as well and Sam kneeled down to rub his little head.

“Sorry Roc, you’re all socialized. Besides, I know how much you love spending time with Jake.” Sam said as the little red dog reached up and licked Sam’s chin with a small whine. Jake laughed when she stood, giving her a kiss on her cheek and then her lips.

“Have fun. Can’t wait to see what you’re gettin’ me.” Jake smirked, rubbing his hand across her lower back as she turned to follow Tyler, who was saying goodbye to Georgia in a similar fashion, but he placed his hand on her belly before he stepped away. As they got to the door, Grits was waiting, sitting patiently.

“Silly dog.” Tyler said, bending down to pat the puppy. “C’mon buddy.”

🌪️ 🛩️🛻⚓

“There’s so many to choose from.” Sam said, walking up and down the aisle at Cavender’s, a boot and workwear store in Stillwater. 

“Well, Jake likes Twisted X’s, and Ariat, so maybe that helps?” Tyler suggested, watching Sam as she picked up several pairs of boots and examined them carefully while he held both dog’s leashes. She glanced at him apologetically.

“Sorry. I just want it to be perfect.” She said and Tyler smiled warmly.

“Don’t be sorry. Whatever you get him, he’s gonna love. It’s not even about the thing either, it’s about the fact that he loves you a lot. I can tell.” Tyler said, running a hand over Grits’ back. Sam stopped for a moment, her hands on a pair of boots that were a simple brown color with a square toe, mid calf shaft, and a classic stitched pattern with green piping following the stitches.

“Think he’d like these?” She asked, while not thrilled with how plain they were, she needed to look past that, because they weren’t for her. They were for Jake. She knew that Jake did like simple clothing and casual style, nothing extravagant. He liked things that looked clean and well maintained. The simplicity of the boots made them exactly that.

“I do.” Tyler said. He stood as Sam grabbed the box for the boots and Tyler handed her Muster’s leash. The dog stuck to Sam’s side like glue as they continued through the store to the check out. Tyler hated putting a leash on Grits, knowing that the dog would stay with him just like Muster did with Sam, but he knew he should just in case Grits saw something he wanted to chase.

Sam paid and as they exited, Tyler took out his phone, and gave a quick call to the store where Georgia’s gift was. They hopped in the truck and headed that way.

“So, what did you get for Georgia?” Sam asked, placing Jake’s gift on the floor at her feet. Tyler’s smile widened and he glanced at Sam.

“You’ll see when we get there. You’ll appreciate it too, I think. Gee was sayin’ you had horses?” Tyler asked and Sam nodded.

“Yes, a long time ago. My dad bought me a hunter pony when I was a kid and then I showed in the bigger jumping classes until about half way through high school. We had a really beautiful horse and I miss him. I miss jumping a bit but having the dogs is a nice substitute. I’m really enjoying learning about all the protection sport stuff.” Sam explained and she glanced back at the little black dog who had curled up comfortably next to the red cattle dog. 

“It’s good to have somethin’ you enjoy outside of work and relationships. Y’know, havin’ somethin’ for yourself. Like I love weather...I love Gee, but I sure do love fixin’ a truck. It’s one’a my favorite things to do in the world, besides bein’ with Gee. I’m makin’ up for lost time there...” Tyler said and Sam tilted her head questioningly.

“What do you mean by that?” She asked.

“We’ve got a bit of a rocky past. There’s definitely fault on both of our parts.” Tyler said, his jaw working. Sam decided not to pry. She understood when someone didn’t feel like talking about something in their past, maybe more than anyone else. 

When they arrived at the tack and feed store, Tyler hopped out and before he closed the door he told her to stay. “I’ll only be a few minutes. Just picking up Gee’s present and my grain order so I’ll have to move the truck again anyway. No point in us all gettin’ out and back in.” 

Sam nodded and she decided to check her phone. She had a few texts that she’d left unanswered from the past couple of days. She’d told Nat and Maisy that she was trying to not be on her phone while they were down here and both girls understood that. They were busy with holiday things anyway. She also had a text from Rooster, which caught her off guard slightly.

Nat: hey, just wanted to wish you a merry christmas. Got something for you when you come back. Taking Bob home to meet mom and dad so this should be interesting. Never thought this was gonna go this way but I’m trying out what you said. Winging it a bit.

Maisy: merry christmas from Javy and I! Have fun down there and enjoy your time away. You and Jake need it!

Rooster: hey, just wanted to say merry christmas. Iris was really excited to meet you. I hope it was okay that I brought her along. I get it if you’re mad at me.

Sam sent a ‘merry christmas’ back to the girls and then she responded to Rooster, trying her best to not be harsh. She thought she succeeded.

Sam: Merry Christmas Bradley, hope you get to see Mav too. I think Iris is good for you. Hope you enjoy the holidays with her. I’m really happy for you.

If he could detach a little bit, maybe he could move on. Then Sam could move on. She needed the memory of that night to no longer be seared into her brain. 

Tyler surprised her when he got back in the truck. He placed four halters on the center console, all hand made, hand tooled, with beautifully etched nameplates on each one and a matching lead line. 

“Wow. These are super nice. I see you got one for Rascal too.” Sam said, picking up the halter that was meant for Tulsa. The three for Georgia’s horses were a dark brown leather, with pink leather piping. Rascal’s was brown with green leather piping. 

“Well, had to get my buddy a Christmas present too.” Tyler said with a smile as he pulled the truck to the loading dock. The employee chucked several bags of grain in the back and tapped on the back of the bed once he had finished. Tyler waved to him and drove off. 

🌪️ 🛩️🛻⚓

Georgia pulled on a jacket and Jake followed suit. It wasn’t too cold but with his injury, his bones ached with any type of chill in the air. He kind of hated that. They let the dogs file out of the farmhouse first, and Jake let Georgia go ahead of him. He shoved his hands in his pockets and walked next to her. The dogs bounded out in front, playing and romping as they headed through Twist and Wilene’s field. Tyler had recruited Dustin, Lennon, and Boone to help expand the pastures so that the horses would all have a little more room to roam around. Georgia was thankful for that, loving that Tyler had the animals best interest at heart. 

“Chilly. I’m not used to freezing temps anymore. I used to go home to Dardanelle every winter but that’s not enough to stay used to it.” Jake said, trying to make some sort of small talk. He wanted to talk to her about something else, but he was hoping maybe she’d bring it up.

“I’ve lived in Stillwater my whole life, except when I was rodeoing, but even then I could never get used to any one climate. The rodeos were all over the country.” Georgia said, glancing at Jake. There it was, and he was going to take his chance.

“Yeah...y’know I’m sure you and Tyler have talked about it but...” Jake’s brows furrowed and Georgia knew exactly what he was asking.

“Tyler and I have made our peace with each other...obviously.” She said, motioning to her belly. Jake chuckled and she spoke again. “He’s been wanting me to meet you for a while though.”

“Yeah same. Can I ask why you didn’t come back though? I’m sure you’ve told him but I’d like to hear it for myself. He hasn’t told me anything that you two have talked about yet so...” Jake asked and Georgia nodded.

“I had just lost my father not too long before I met Tyler. We spent six months straight together. We knew each other as much as we could. But I was terrified that after he got injured, knowing him, he’d try to ride again, and that he’d get hurt again and die. I couldn’t lose someone else. My father’s death was...”

“You don’t need to say anymore. I get it.” Jake said, stepping closer to her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I’m just glad you two reconnected. Tyler talked about you then like you were his entire world. Now, jeez, you’re his entire universe. You mean so much to him. That’s kinda how I feel with Sam.”

“You and Sam are a really beautiful couple. I’m excited for the wedding. Tyler and I didn’t really have anything. He said he wants to have a party once Jaycen is born to celebrate him and our marriage. Tyler’s always so brash with his decision making.” Georgia laughed and Jake agreed.

“He’s always been like that. I am to a degree. It’s why I joined the Navy. We also make sure we get what we want. I knew Tyler would get this life that he’s livin’ with you. Wife, kids, house, farm. That was always his plan.”

“What was your plan?” Georgia asked, tripping slightly over a rock that she didn’t see. Jake caught her though, making good on his promise to watch her every move.

“I wanna be an Admiral and be the best pilot in the Navy, but now because of Samantha...I want some other things too. I want kids with her. I never thought I’d want to be responsible for small humans but...I dunno...she’s changed me...in a good way.” Jake explained and Georgia smiled up at him.They stopped, Georgia realizing they’d come to the end of Twist and Wilene’s pasture. They watched the dog’s bound through a patch of freshly fallen snow. Most of it had melted, but where there were dips or divots in the ground there was still some hanging on.

“Jake...Tyler and your momma told me you were one of the only reasons he was able to get through his rehab. I thought maybe you’d have some ill will toward me knowing that’d I’d left him, but you don’t seem to. I’m really glad you made sure he got better.” Georgia said and Jake pulled her in a little tighter.

“I don’t have any ill will toward you because I see how happy you make my brother. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for him. I’ve wished for him to have this life, just like he’s dreamed of it. And you’re back in it, helping to make it come true for him. That’s so much more important than being mad at you for somethin’ you did a long time ago. I know some people who can;t let go of their past and their regrets and their mistakes. I don’t wanna live like that. I don’t need that in my life. I want good shit from here on out. For all of us.” Jake explained and Georgia leaned into him as they turned to walk back toward the house. She was getting tired and Jake could tell by how heavily she was leaning on him. He would get her back home safely and get the fireplace lit so they could all warm up.

[meanslackofart]

if only someone paid much attention to the words i ever spoke, the inner child would have been healed long back

[rainingincale]

.

[datastate]

i keep finding reminders of how i used to act/type a few years ago and i shrivel up. and die.

[satoriberry]

tha terf paradox of promoting acceptance of oneself's biological nature and not changing it for societal ideologies but then turning around and criticizing any person that has a different perception of their biological nature that doesn't immediately enter the "male or female" binary hmmm,,,,

[carlos-tk]

do b*ddies ever get tired of making up shit to be mad about

[voiceshearingyouloud]

Finally properly sobbing after not being able to cry all day is such a great feeling

[jrueships]

www(.)instagram(.)com/reel/C9uxo-Vvn86/?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA%3D%3D He moved on so fast 😔

im trying so hard to harness all the hatred & betrayal in my heart, but all i can think abt is how Beautiful she is .

UGHHHHHHHH. PLS JOSH. PLS JUST HAVE A HAPPY HAHA JUST KIDDING WE'RE BACK TOGETHER BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN SESH WITH DIGGS LIKE. URE SO CUTE. PLS. YOU ARE THE APPLEJACK TO HIS RARITY. IM GOING TO EXPLODE .

the hairy arms... his perfectly trimmed but still rough n fuzzy face... diggs.. how can u run from this.. im gonna be sick .

can u guys like. Idk. Be a funny outlaw duo who takes from the poor and gives to the rich, and u rob a stagecoach with a beautiful maiden stef in it and all get married or smthing and he joins ur Sillay adventures as part of the Posse, rides his prim n pretty showboat perfectly combed stagecoach Arabian horse into the schemes, and kills people cuntily for no reason like. yall. pls. we cab make this work, i swear. please guys please

hes so cute...

[f1owermoon]

today was SO ASS

[sanjarka]

when i was younger this whole ''no romantic or sexual experience" thing made me feel deeply unlovable and it still does but in a different way. now i've somehow convinced myself that i'm not supposed to desire anyone like that. like it's not meant for me. it's me who can't love now. not other people.

[amethystina]

Hellooo, I have a question! it's not related to TDJ, I was just curious if you are from any fandom (a singer/band/group fandom). You don't need to answer if you do not want!

I guess that depends on how you define "being from a fandom"? I'm a fan of a lot of singers/bands/groups, but I don't engage with the fandoms. Well, aside from the occasional reblogs from MVs and such, I guess? Nor do I take part in or consume the usual fandom content. I don't even watch interviews unless I have a really good reason to xD

So, based on that, I don't think I am from any fandoms?

Which I know sounds weird to some, but it's what works best for me. I prefer to just focus on the music itself because I have very little interest in getting to know the performers as people. Which some might argue limits my understanding of the music — since there might be deep, personal reasons for it — but it's just how I feel the most comfortable. I prefer to keep a certain distance between me and singers/idols/actors/authors etc. because I, personally, don't feel a need to know what goes on in the lives of these very real people. I just like the stuff they make :)

The only fandoms I'm in are those related to fictional media like movies, dramas, books etc., because that feels safer for me. I can obsess about a fictional character like it's my job, but I feel no such desire when it comes to real people. That's not to say I think it's wrong or weird for other people to do so — knock yourself out! I hope you have a lovely time! :D It's just not something I enjoy.

(Tbh, I'm often told that I'm the weird one? Like, a lot of people have questioned why I don't like to know more about the talented people whose content I consume because that seems to be the norm. But I guess I'm the exception that proves the rule ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ )

But, as mentioned, I'm a fan of a lot of things! Especially music! I've got a pretty hefty K-pop album collection at this point and have around 30 GB of music on my computer. But, even then, my focus is on the actual media itself and I rarely venture outside of that.

... well, this was a rather disappointing answer, wasn't it? Sorry about that x'D

[lachrymimosaa]

survived visiting my vain/hypercritical almond mom and only want to let myself be consumed by my dormant-but-always-lurking adolescent eating disorder a tiny bit after returning home