#but like yes what if!!! he was there to remodel! like on the weekends and stuff!

[whenthegoldrays]

Wait. But what if Henry is majoring in architecture.

[avianyuh]

Boring | Min Yoongi

{Chapter One} {Chapter Two} {Chapter Three} {Chapter Four} {Chapter Five} Chapter Six

Summary: You decide it's time for your friends to officially sit down and meet Yoongi out of the office. However, things don't go as planned and it's not for the reasons you'd normally suspect.

After that lunch with your friends two months ago, things had remained the same at work. You hadn’t moved in with Yoongi yet, so Mondays through Thursdays, you slept at your own apartment. Fridays and weekends you spent with Yoongi at his place since you didn’t have to come up with some elaborate plan to sneak into work together without making people at the office suspicious. You hadn’t worked on any other projects with Yoongi for the fear of your relationship being outed and your work being diminished as a ‘task’ the boss had given to his girlfriend.

But unlike work, your actual relationship has done nothing but change over the last five months of your relationship. You weren’t living together, but the suggestion of it was brought up to you at least once a week. Out at dinner? “You know Y/N, if we loved together this could be our designated takeout place…” Watching a movie? “What if we repainted the bedroom to be that shade of green like they have in the movie? Moving in would be a great excuse to remodel…” And of course, trying to leave Yoongi’s apartment on Sunday night. “I can’t stand not seeing you here for four days. I hate this.” He’d whine, holding you close as your bodies stood in the entryway to his apartment. Yoongi had gradually gone from a closed off, quiet man into an energetic, passionate and honest partner. He was everything you needed in your life. He said the right things, he made you feel special. He was starting to really convince you that maybe moving in would be a good idea. After all, having to split your clothes into two dresses was starting to take its tole on you. The other night, the temperature plummeted outside and you were freezing. So, you started rummaging through dresser drawers, looking for your favorite hoodie. After ten minutes of tearing your room apart, you realized that your warm, cozy hoodie was in fact, folded neatly in your boyfriends dresser fifteen minutes away. And it was only a Tuesday, so you, your hoodie and your boyfriend had two more days to go before you could all be properly reunited.

You had also finally gotten around to getting Yoongi, Gina and Hana in the same room outside of work. You had pleaded with Yoongi for over a week. “But I can tell they don’t like me, baby it’s a waste of time.” Yoongi groaned as he watched you from the couch search through the cabinets in the kitchen. You sighed as you darted your eyes around the inner workings of the cabinet, looking for something to snack on since your dinner reservation wasn’t for another few hours.

“Yoongi come on, they don’t hate you at all. You’re still hung up on that one time Gina got mad at you because she thought you were overworking me. Which, as we all know, was not the case and she gets that now. They’re always asking about you and when exactly I can get everyone informally introduced. Please, please, please say yes!” You begged as you snatched some crackers off a shelf and headed back towards Yoongi on the couch. He silently stared at you, shaking his head in disapproval. Then he let out a deep, dramatic sigh. Your lips curled into a smile, already knowing his response. Over the course of your relationship, you’ve learned a lot of about your boyfriend. What you’ve really enjoyed learning about are those little habits about him that no one else would really pick up on but you. This particular habit was your favorite. When you were winning your case against Yoongi, when he was about to admit defat and cave to your demands, he always let out a really long, dramatic sigh before finally agreeing. And just as you suspected, you had again just won your case.

“Fine, call them and set something up whenever they’re free. We can go out or we can host them here or at your place if you want.” Yoongi murmured as he flipped through the channels on TV. You clapped your hands excitedly as you climbed on top of him, decorating his face with kisses. You could see out of the corner of your eye that he was trying to conceal his smile.

So that next weekend, you decided to host your friends over to your apartment. You thought that it would be best to have them over to your apartment, since it’s well, not a rich CEO’s residence, which would have completely shocked them. Your apartment was pretty small, only had one bathroom that had almost no room to move around in, the kitchen had no storage, no counter space, and your bedroom had no windows. Overall, your apartment was the furthest thing from flashy and since you really wanted everyone to solely focus on getting to know each other, you thought you had picked the best location for that to happen since they wouldn’t be able to get sidetracked by Yoongi’s huge apartment.

Yoongi was tucked away in the kitchen, chopping something for a dish you were making as you walked towards the door after hearing the buzzer go off. It’s Gina, called the intercom. “Okay, remember Yoongi, Gina is really sarcastic, so remember to not take anything too literally or personally. She likes to get under people's skin.” You explained to him, praying in your head that everything goes well. Yoongi massaged his temples in frustration. He had been tense since the minute you woke up and you found it heartwarming that he was so nervous to meet your friends. But to be completely honest, you were also nervous deep down. Not so much with your friend Hana, but with Gina. Though you had told your friends two months ago about your relationship and they had seemed supportive, you had left out a tiny detail. After a night in with Gina at her apartment, and after knocking back quite a few drinks as you watched reruns of some show from twenty years ago, Gina had a drunk words, sober thoughts moment.

“Y/N, I really hope you realize how much of a douche your boyfriend is. I just saw him yelling at Mark from accounting the other day in the middle of the hallway. Like, he was really mad. People were looking and everything. I just don’t think someone that can get so aggressive is the right guy for you…Plus, Yoongi and his secretary are way too friendly. everything he says, she's always giggling like an idiot. ” Though you yourself could fall into the category of drunk, you were sober enough to remember what she said, especially the part about the secretary. To be clear, you always knew Yoongi’s secretary didn’t like you. And you were also aware of the fact that there was a good chance the secretary knew that Yoongi and you were dating, mainly because Yoongi was constantly ‘calling you in’ to his office, yet you never worked on anything with him. And you were always conveniently 'summoned' right before lunch started. Every time you’d walk past her desk to get to Yoongi’s office, you could almost feel her eyes burning into the back of your head. But at the end of the day, Yoongi was your boyfriend and not hers and you were secretly happy knowing someone knew of your relationship because deep down, all you wanted to do was be able to interact with Yoongi publicly without the paranoia that came along with seeing him at work.

You were taken out of your thoughts when you a knock at the door. You ran to swing it open and there stood your best friend. You both yelled excitedly as you hugged Gina tightly. You tried to navigate your way around the box of cookies in her hands that she had brought as a gift. “Come in!” You exclaimed as you pulled her inside. “Where’s Hana?” you asked as you took her box of cookies and her coat from her.

“Oh, you didn’t see the messages in the group chat? She’s stuck in traffic. You know…I told her she should’ve moved to the city when she had the chance. Now she’s so far away from everything and it takes forever to get here.” Gina explained as she closed the door and took off her shoes.

“Ugh, well I’ll try to not eat too much until she gets here, I don’t want her to feel left out.” You said as you walked towards the kitchen, Gina following close behind.

“Hi Gina.” Yoongi greeted her awkwardly as he motioned his head back down, going back to chopping vegetables.

“Hey Yoongi, thanks for making time for something like this.” Gina complimented him. “I know you’re busy…” You nudged Gina with your elbow, giving her a look that screamed behave yourself, as you started to set up the table before Hana arrived.

“Yoongi actually canceled something to do this.” You nonchalantly lied as you spread out the cookies Gina brought on a plate. You could see from the corner of your eye that Yoongi was giving you a confused look, which you couldn’t blame him for. You weren’t sure why Gina was so seemingly against your relationship. You knew she was coming from a good place, but you were really happy with Yoongi and you wanted her to see that he was just as serious about you as you were for him.

“Aw, that’s sweet.” Gina teased as she cracked a smile. Perfect, you thought to yourself. By the time Hana got to your apartment, the food was ready and everyone was sitting at the table. Yoongi went around refilling everyone's wine glasses, and Hana gave you a subtle look of approval upon him filling up her glass. It was going really well. He was asking them questions, getting to know them and even making them laugh. “Wait a minute…Yoongi, you paint!” Hana exclaimed as Yoongi shyly nodded.

“Oh you should see some of his paintings, I thought he bought them from a gallery, they look really professional.” You said, squeezing Yoongi’s shoulder. “I actually have one here.” You stood up from your seat, running to hallway to get the painting.

“When’d you get into painting?” Gina asked curiously, taking a sip of her wine. Yoongi relaxed in his seat, squinting his eyes, seemingly thinking back to something.

“I think High School…I took a few art classes and really enjoyed them. I would’ve studied art in college but my parents would’ve been angry.” Both of your friends nodded understandingly as you reentered the room.

“Here it is!” You held up the dark colored canvas. It was a painting of a night sky, one Yoongi had painted while staying over at your apartment. He sat in front of the window for hours. He had been jumpy all day because he had a meeting the next morning, so he decided to paint to take his mind off of his schedule. That was when you learned that he had a creative side to himself. Your friends stood up, getting a closer look at the painting. You could hear a lot of wows and ooo’s as you peered past them, back at your boyfriend. You gave him a wink and he smiled at you.

When your friends settled back down, you could tell that the atmosphere had changed. From earlier in the day where things were quite tense with Gina, to the tipsy laughter of the midafternoon, to now, where it seemed like everyone was truly comfortable. “Okay Yoongi I just have to say, I apologize for doubting you.” Gina blurted out. You looked over at her, confused by the sudden outburst. “I’ve seen how happy you’ve made Y/N over the past few months, but I thought it seemed too good to be true. Plus, she kept the fact that she was seeing you from us for three months and I thought that was a bad sign…But, now I get it. It is a tricky situation considering where we all work.” Hana took a sip of her wine, humming in agreement with Gina.

“I just have to ask though, what really would happen if anyone found out? I mean, you are the CEO, you can’t get fired right?”Hana spoke up, a concerned look on her face.

“No. That wouldn't happen. I’m actually in the middle of negotiating a deal, one where I would be promoted. I’d be overseeing multiple offices if we buy out these other companies. I wouldn’t be at the regular office as much, so I’m thinking our relationship wouldn’t be of much concern since I wouldn’t be at the office as much.” Yoongi explained. You listened closely, because this was all new information to you. However, you stayed silent, not wanting your friends to find out that you had no idea about any of this. “We’re keeping it really quiet right now, no one really knows.”

“Well, that’s great! I hope it all works out.” Gina cheered as she raised her glass to make a toast, she gave you warm smile, before noticing the hesitation behind your expression to return it. You ignored the confusing look from Gina and followed suit, clinking your glass with everyone else’s, but deep down, you were a bit angry with your boyfriend. How could he keep you in the dark on something as big as this.

After a few more hours, you said your goodbyes to your friends and closed the door. You turned around to find Yoongi standing behind you. “It went great right? I think I impressed them.” Yoongi said proudly as he tried to pull you into his embrace.

“Yep, great.” You responded sarcastically as you pushed past him, starting the process of cleaning up the mess from dinner. Yoongi followed behind you, asking what was wrong.

“What happened? Everything went really well…unless I missed something?” He questioned. You let out a frustrated sigh as you placed the dishes in the sink.

“What happened? I’ll tell you what happened. You’re working on buying out other companies, something that could potentially take you to other cities and you just neglected to tell me. And you’ve been working on this for a while? This wasn’t even something that just happened. My friends found out before I did. Do you know how embarrassing it was to have to sit there and pray that you didn’t blurt out that I had no idea about this?” You yelled as you watched him pinch the bridge of his nose, formulating his response.

“I thought it would have been a nice surprise.” Yoongi murmured as he looked at you.

“Well it wasn’t. It makes me think that you have no trust in me. LIke you couldn’t trust me with important information.” You explained to him as you turned on the faucet, starting to scrub the plates.

“So what now? Are you mad at me? Y/N I’m sorry, it’s just been hectic with all the talks of these mergers, I really didn’t think it through.” To that, you didn’t even respond. You weren’t sure why this got you so mad. After all, other than that slip up, the day went well and technically the ultimate goal was to get your friends to bond with your boyfriend. “I don’t care if you stay or leave, I’m just angry that you didn’t at least give me a heads up.” Is all you said as he leaned against the counter.

He did end up staying over that night and by the next morning, you decided to just not bring it up again, but you couldn’t help the doubts that started to reappear in the back of your mind. You wondered if his secretary knew about the mergers. You thought about whether he'd need to move for work. If he would start to travel even more often than he already did. But most importantly you wondered if your relationship was as secure as you had previously thought it was. Does he not trust me?

[nolita-fairytale]

make my heart surrender | carmy berzatto x fem!reader | chapter four: friday

pairing: carmen berzatto x fem!reader

warnings: lots of swearing, angst, use of she/her pronouns, friends to lovers, smutty smut-smut, this is an 18+ chapter so minors dni, no use of y/n, second person pov

word count: 6.7k

summary: buckle up people, because this is a long one! tonight is the night: the night you and marcus' dessert menu goes live, the night you meet natalie berzatto, and the night that truths are revealed.

a/n: is it hot in here or is it just me? who's ready for some smut? this will be the last chapter i post till sunday/monday, so we can all sit with this. hear me out: it's not that i think carmy is really good at sex. but there's so much tension between these two, i think reader is good at sex, and there's something to be said for being so turned on by the other person that it just hits different.

and here is that song -- the jazz standard turned acoustic cover.

read: part three | masterlist

Friday

“Just remember that we don’t have to reinvent the wheel here. You just have to deliver a really damn good dessert time after time,” you instruct, setting Marcus up, pre-dinner shift. 

“I think we should focus on the burnt basque cheesecake in lieu of the classic. You already have a heavier lift on the bake for the chocolate cake. That way, whatever happens with the mixer, or the ovens… this version of cheesecake is pretty forgiving. And you don’t have to fuck around with a water bath just yet.”

“The tiramisu is perfect because it’s a no-bake option, and you can mix it up with different kinds of flavors – call it a special.” 

“Like what we’re doing Sunday?” Marcus suggests, in reference to the strawberry, lemon, and mascarpone version you be doing at the end of the week.

“Exactly,” you reply.

“Hell yeah.”

“It all fits into the menu so nicely too: elevated classics.”

“A play on tradition.”

“Exactly."

“Ah, I see you, chef,” Marcus nods along, excited about tonight’s R&D night. 

The game plan is to serve smaller portions of each dessert for the price of one, then get feedback by the end of the weekend. 

“Hey, family’s up in a minute. You guys ready to roll tonight?” Carmy asks, stopping by you and Marcus’ little pastry corner. 

“Yes, chef,” you both answer, in staggered timing. 

“She got me workin’ on a strawberry compote. Here, try it, chef,” Marcus encourages, grabbing a clean spoon and scooping out a spoonful from the deli container it’s been stored in. Carmy takes it, putting the spoon in his mouth and he tries the compote. 

“That’s gonna be really good with the tang and slightly bitter outside of the burnt cheesecake. Good work, chef,” he congratulates, inspiring a grin across Marcus face. 

“I’m learning so much from you. Seriously. Thank you, chef,” he says, turning to you. 

“Hey, you’re the one that made the compote,” you reply, redirecting the praise back to him. “Just sayin’.”

“Family’s up!” Sydney calls out to the whole kitchen. 

You lock eyes with Carmy, and he nods towards the front of house as if to say, ‘follow me.’ You and Marcus file in through the limited space that leads from the kitchen to the front counter, then finally, into the dining area of the restaurant. Carmy had told you all about the hellish remodel of this place – that the two tops, booths, and bar remodel had taken for-fuckin-ever. That it looked like nothing more than a diner with a few arcade games before the reopen. 

“Hey, thanks for jumping in so that Angel could cover me the other night,” Ebrahim says to you, as you find a seat next to Carmy, and across from Marcus. 

“Oh, it’s no problem. You feelin’ better?” you ask back. 

“Very much so. A little rest and a little maraq digaag and I’m good as new,” he answers. 

“What’s good, Jeff? Surprised you’ve stuck around this long. Glad we haven’t scared you away yet,” Tina greets. 

Carmy’s shocked, considering Tina rarely warms up to anyone. 

You chuckle in response. 

“It takes a lot more to scare me away, chef,” you reply, confident that you can keep up with everyone’s witty banter. Even though you’ve been welcomed in over the last few days, you know that they were a family before you came. 

And will still be one after you. 

Right. Because this is temporary. You’re only here for a week, you remind yourself. 

“Yeah, thought she’d be long gone after workin’ the line the other night,” Richie chimes in. “Especially considering she’s way out of your league, cousin.” 

“Yeah, yeah, fuck you,” Carmy shoots back, almost instantly. 

“I’m just glad you’re here now. Man, it’s been three days and you’ve leveled my shit up already,” Marcus compliments. 

“Besides, it’s nice to have some solidarity amongst the little boys club we work in every damn day,” Sydney points out, eliciting a scoff from Richie.

The two of you share a look, like a psychic high five or some shit. It begins to dawn on you that you could get used to this: this kitchen, these people….

“What? You got something against women supporting women, Richie?”

“Oh, so what? You’re the voice of feminism now, Syd?” Richie spits back. “Holy shit! Did you guys know that we were here in the presence of the new voice of-.”

You watch as Tina and Gary slump in their chairs, as if to say, ‘here they go again.’

“Don’t be such a prick, Richie. Oh wait.” Sydney challenges. 

“You know what-?” Richie starts up, before being swiftly interrupted.

“Damn, Syd. This is fantastic,” you interject, your voice louder than normal, in reference to her family meal. “These tostadas are fuckin’ perfect and I’m gonna need the recipe.”

Richie continues to go on about god knows what, distracting himself, as Sydney mouths a, ‘thank you’ across the table towards you. You nod towards her as if to say, 

I got you.

*

“Hey, I’m a little behind on plating. Sorry, chef,” Marcus apologizes, and you can tell he’s stressed. He gestures towards the plates that are ready to go out to the bar. 

He hesitates before asking, “Oh and uh… these ones are ready to go out. Can you-?”

“‘Course, chef,” you answer, a mini-pep talk coming his way. “But uh… before you keep going, Marcus, take a breath. I know you struggle a little with pacing – you want everything to perfect – but, it’s gonna come with practice and repetition.”

You can see that he’s flustered – a little frustrated even. 

“Expediting during dinner is a whole other animal, and it’s just night one. You got this,” you reassure. 

You and Carmy had such different leadership styles. While you both had come up in the same kind of kitchens, you didn’t like to yell unless you had to. You were here to teach, and you can’t remember the last time someone screaming at you had ever helped you learn something. 

You’re more than happy to support him by taking these plates out. You spent the first half of dinner service plating so that he could get some face time with customers – since you’d be asking for feedback. Then you’d switch halfway through service.  You also thought it might be good practice for him to lead, considering they’d need to hire more help with the new menus. 

You take a look at the ticket, one dessert tasting - two people - bar top, before taking the dessert plates out to the designated seats at the bar. There’s a gorgeous blonde woman sitting next to a guy in a sweater vest, as you make to approach the bar top. 

“Hi, you guys,” you greet, a cheerful smile on your face. “Sorry to keep you waiting. We’re testing out a few new desserts for our dinner menu, so I’d love to hear what you think.”

“Oh this looks great,” the woman says, looking at both perfectly plated desserts. 

“Here we have a burnt basque cheesecake with a strawberry compote, The Bear’s signature chocolate layer cake, and then a classic Italian tiramisu,” you explain, walking through each piece. 

“Wow,” the man marvels, almost as if he’s surprised. 

You share your name with them, and let them know that, if they have any feedback, that they can ask for you. As you turn to go, the woman calls after you, stopping you. 

“Wait,” she says, her eyes lighting up. “You’re Carmy’s friend.”

“Yes.”

“Pete, it’s Carmy’s friend!” she exclaims, nudging the man next to her with her elbow to try to jog his memory. “You know! The one that’s staying in our airbnb.”

“Oh!” he says, as the light bulb goes on in his brain. “Yeah, we’ve heard all about you.”

“I’m sorry,” the woman apologizes. “I’m Natalie, his sister, but you can call me Sugar. This is my husband, Pete.”

“Oh my god! Natalie! Yes, I’ve heard so much about you too,” you reply, finally registering that this was the same woman in family photos that Carmy had shown you years ago. “It’s so nice to put a face to the name. And great to meet you too, Pete. Seriously, thanks for letting me stay at the place. I mean, you really didn’t have to.”

“Likewise,” she says back. She scoffs before rolling her eyes and continuing. “Leave it to Carmy to ask us for a favor and not even introduce you to us, that soft shitty bitch!”

“Babe,” Pete starts. “Maybe we shouldn’t be so hard on Carmy, you know, in front of his-.” He gestures towards you and you’re not sure what he thinks you are to Carmy. 

Sugar brushes him off with a, ‘whatever,’ before you notice that they’re both in need of clean forks. 

“You guys need clean forks. I’m gonna-,” you start. 

“Oh no! I uh-, let me get it,” Pete interrupts, practically jumping out of his seat. 

“You sure?”

“Yeah,” he agrees, leaving the two of you alone. 

You lean against the bar top towards Sugar. 

“Well, he couldn’t get out of here fast enough,” you say with a laugh, stating the obvious. She laughs with a nod towards her husband. 

“Yeah he’s… special,” she replies. “I think he uh, I think he just wanted to give us some time to talk.” 

You’re not sure what to say next, because you’re not sure what you and Carmy’s sister, one you’ve never met before, would have to talk about. 

“So how’s the place? Do you have everything you need or-?” Sugar begins, in reference to the airbnb. 

“Oh! Yeah, no it’s great. I’ve got everything I need. Again, thank you. You really didn’t have to do that.”

“No, we wanted to!”

“Thanks…” you trail off, suddenly feeling a little uncomfortable – nervous, maybe? Yep, definitely nervous, you realize, as you begin to ramble. “It’s a really great apartment. Beautifully styled.”

What the fuck are you even talking about, you think to yourself.

“Oh, I did that! Styled it, I mean,” Sugar’s quick to respond.

“Oh, wow!” you say. Were all the Berzattos creative? “Yeah, I just-, I really appreciate it. Made getting out here a little easier.”

“No, yeah, it’s-, it’s no problem,” Sugar continues. “Really… anything for a friend of Carmy’s.” 

You’re not sure why it’s so awkward, and it feels like you’re somehow both dancing around something you’re not even sure you should be dancing around. 

“I hope you don’t think I’m a total bitch for saying this but,” Sugar starts, cautiously. While she doesn’t want to make her brother look like a total loser in front of you, she’s also unsure of how else to say what she says next. 

“Bear's never really had any friends… not a lot of them, at least. So I-. Thank you. I mean. For being his friend, I guess… is what I’m trying to say.” 

Bear.

You figure it's a family nickname. You wonder why you’ve never heard it before, and yet, it’s no surprise that he kept it from you. He’d been so evasive about his family when you’d first met. For a bit, it just felt like a topic that was off limits.

You take a beat, processing what she’s just said. In some ways, you always knew that Carmy was a bit of a loner, but you could feel the weight of what she’s saying – how much it meant to her. 

“I know he’s not always easy to love but. I don’t know. He acts like he doesn’t need people, and I know he does. I mean, people outside of this fucked up shit hole anyways,” she continues, gesturing to her surroundings. 

You agree with a small laugh, “Yeah, he can be a real dick sometimes. That’s for sure.” 

“Seriously. Thank you,” she says, genuinely. 

“Of course,” you reply, making sure she knows that her words mean a lot to you. You take a more playful tone as you continue. “To be fair, we did meet in another fucked up spot. Not so much a shit hole though.”

“Yeah, and there’s that,” she sighs, lightheartedly. 

“I’m just glad he has someone. He needs someone. Even when he doesn’t want to.”

The rest of dinner service is a blur, as your mind continues to incubate on what Sugar had said to you. You let your interaction with her sit there, but try your best to focus on supporting the rest of service. 

You all work together to wrap up the evening – a chaotic dinner service with a lot of lessons learned. You and Carmy are the last to leave as you notice he’s wrapping up a few things in his office. With your jacket on, backpack slung over one shoulder, you stop by to say goodnight before heading out. 

He’s sitting in the chair, furiously scribbling a few notes down on a few pages of graphing paper. Your eyes flicker over all of the silly doodles on the whiteboard behind him. 

“Hey,” you say, causing him to look up from his notebook. 

“Good service tonight,” he says back. 

“Yeah,” you nod in agreement. “Desserts were a hit.”

“I heard,” he replies. 

You wait for him to say more, only he doesn’t. 

“So, I’m gonna get out of here. Marcus is gonna fly solo tomorrow morning, so I won’t be in till the dinner shift,” you start, shooting him a polite smile. 

You take a few steps away from the office before he calls out to you. 

“Hey!” 

You stop, taking a few steps backwards so that you’re standing in the office doorway once again. 

“You hungry?” he asks, tentatively. 

There’s a look in his eyes that you can’t quite identify: a little nervousness, and something else you haven’t had a chance to name yet. It’s like he’s not ready to part ways with you yet. You smile back at him, hoping to quell whatever nerves he has about the question he just asked you. 

“Always, Carm.”  

You’re tired and your feet ache from a particularly busy service, but you’re not ready to part ways with him either.

“Watcha thinkin?” you ask curiously, sliding your other arm through the loose strap of your backpack. 

“Can I cook you something?” he proposes, hopefully.

You laugh. 

“Is that even a real question?” 

You wait for him as he wraps up his notes and gather his things. Carmy slips on his jacket and ballcap, ready to head home with you. On the way, he lights up a cigarette, offering one to you, but you tell him that you’re trying to quit – or at least trying to cut back. It’s not a long walk back to his place, and you anticipate it being something along the same lines as what he had in New York: facebook marketplace couch, minimal food in the fridge, a TV and a bed. 

Nothing else – just a place to sleep, before he spends most of his day at the restaurant. 

When you arrive, you’re not surprised to see that your assumptions were correct. Carmy flips on a few lights as you follow behind him. You drop your book bag onto his couch, slipping your shoes off and removing your jacket, as Carmy bee lines for the kitchen. You hear the faucet turn on as you tentatively explore his small apartment, before meeting him in the small kitchen area.

He takes his time, washing his hands, before drying them on a dish towel and throwing it over his shoulder. 

“So what are we makin’, chef?” you inquire.

“We aren’t making anything. You’re gonna sit right over here,” he begins, gesturing towards the area across from his gas stovetop. “Oh shit. Hold on. Let me grab you a-.”

“I’m good here, chef,” you interrupt, making a sound as you hop onto the kitchen counter. You immediately reach for the bag of chips he’s thrown onto it. It’s not even closed properly with a clip or anything so expect them to be stale as you pop one of the chips into your mouth.

“Sour cream and onion? Change up from your regular doritos, huh?”

A small smile spreads across his face as he moves around his kitchen, locating a quarter sheet pan. He opens his practically desolate fridge, pulling out a fresh brick of pecorino romano, guanciale, and a few eggs he throws right into the pint-sized deli container that lays on the sheet pan. The rest follow: an unopened pound of dried spaghetti and black pepper, before he gently places the sheet pan on the counter, beginning to preheat two pans on the stovetop. 

“Are you-?”

“Uh huh.”

You smile to yourself. He’s making one of your favorites: carbonara. 

The first time he’d made it for you, you had just started spending some of your days off together – had just agreed to be a part of each others' quarantine pods. You knew he had Italian-American heritage but it was blatantly obvious when you took your first bite.

“Holy fuck,” you had practically moaned at your first bite. “This-, please don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m pretty sure your talents are being wasted on fine dining, my friend. This is… this is fucking unreal, dude.”

You had tried to convince him that this is the food you both should be cooking, but he vehemently denied the idea, insisting the fine dining was the highest on the food chain and the only way he could make a name for himself. 

He’d been drinking the kool-aid. You both had. 

You sit quietly, as Carmy works. You watch as he cuts perfect lardons, then renders the fat from the cured pork bits. The smell of the guanciale begins to fill the apartment, and Carmy opens a window, just to let the smoke dissipate. 

“You can uh, put some music on if you want,” Carmy says, motioning towards the small bluetooth speaker he has on the coffee table. You agree to, hopping off of the kitchen counter and making your way towards his living area to set up the speaker.

You flip through your phone, looking for a good playlist to put on, settling on one of your dinner party playlists. The speaker booms with the sounds of an old jazz standard, redone as an acoustic cover, and you turn the volume up a little as the water for the spaghetti comes to a boil. 

You spend time looking through Carmy’s bookshelf. It’s filled with thick-spined cookbooks from James Beard winning best restaurants and chefs. You drag your fingertips over the spine of a few classics, but settle on a fairly new book, written by someone at the New York Times. 

“Do you have any other books besides cookbooks?” you call out to him. 

He lets out a dry laugh and you take it as a no. 

You make your way back to your spot on the counter, sliding the open chip bag over, before hopping back up to your seat. You flip through the cookbook as Carmy stays busy with the pasta. 

It’s quiet moments like these that you’ve missed so much. Some days the two of you could talk for hours about sous vide vs reverse searing, and the right way to make a fucking bearnaisse sauce. Other days, Carmy wasn’t much for conversation, and you loved those ones equally. Sometimes, you just wanted company, so he’d come over and work on a recipe and you’d read while he worked in your kitchen.

You could just be together, and it was nice to feel that again. 

No awkward tension of things left unsaid. 

But there was a different kind of tension that seemed to linger between the two of you and you wondered if it had always been there. Had you just never noticed? Between the little comments from Richie about being out of his league, and Pete’s open-ended ‘not in front of his’ you wondered if everyone knew something you didn’t. 

“Which one’d you go with?” he asks, continuing his graceful dance around the kitchen. 

“Korean American. Eric Kim. I hadn’t had a chance to pick up a copy for myself yet, actually,” you answer, flipping through the first few pages.

Your met with quiet as you continue your story.

“You know we’re kind of friends. We went out for drinks a few times. Before I quit my job. Went dancing in the east village and stayed out till two in the morning bar hopping and gossiping about our mutual celebrity crush, Timothee Chalamet,” you add, your attention still fixed on the vibrant, colorful food photographs. 

“Timothee Chalamet, huh?” Carmy asks, amused.

Your attention isn’t on Carmy, or what he’s doing, save for the sounds of him moving around the kitchen. That is, until you look up to find him unceremoniously close to you, peering over onto the page you seem so fascinated with.

“Jesus Christ, Car!” you gasp, surprised by his close proximity. Your heart was beating faster as he took a step back.  “You scared the shit out of me!”

“Sorry,” he mumbles, his head hanging as he takes a few steps back. “Didn’t mean to.”

“No, it’s okay!” you assure. But it’s too late, so you change the subject, deciding to finish your story. “Anyways uh… I had to hang out with someone after you left New York. Make some new friends.”

“We both know you’ve never struggled with that,” Carmy points out, eliciting a playful eye roll from you. 

He returns with the most aesthetically pleasing twirl of spaghetti carbonara. It’s so perfect you almost can’t fathom eating it. He hands it to you, then returns to his kitchen counter, plating a second bowl for himself.

After finishing the second twirl, he carelessly tosses his carving fork into the sink, opening another drawer to grab two forks for eating.

“Come on. You don’t want it to get cold,” he encourages, handing you one of the forks. 

He waits patiently for you to try it first, so you dig your fork in, creating a spaghetti twirl that hugs the fork, before raising it up to your lips. You open your mouth, taking a bite, before closing your eyes in absolute bliss.

“I can’t fucking stand you.”

He smiles, and it’s the biggest smile you’ve seen on his face this whole week. 

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I mean. Fuck you. Like… absolutely fuck you.”

He laughs, finally picking up his own fork and digging into the second bowl he’s plate for himself. 

Holy fuck, is it out of this world.

“Like, do you think they’re such a thing as a talent aggression? Like a cute aggression, only I want to squeeze your head off because you’re so damn talented-kind of aggression?” you pitch your idea to him, playfully. 

He laughs, a blush spreading across his cheeks, “Uh… no. I don’t think so.” 

Carmy rests his back against the counter, as you eat together, side by side. You eat quietly, exchange looks and quiet giggles as the two of you finish your pasta, slurping up the cheesy, egg-yolk coated noodles. When you finish your bowl, you put it down on the counter next to you, throwing your head back with a sigh. 

“Thank you,” you say, fully satisfied as you feel the dopamine rush of eating carbs. 

“That good, huh?” he asks, a cocky smirk on his face. 

“So good,” you exhale happily, as you rest your head on his shoulder. “And you know it, you asshole.” 

He chuckles, turning his head towards you just as you lift your head off of his shoulder, your faces mere inches away from each other. You watch as his face turns a few shades darker, the blush across his cheeks running through his whole face. 

Are you two fucking idiots to pretend that you were just friends?

Yeah. Yes, you are.

“Sorry, I’m, I didn’t mean to um,” he stutters, beginning to pull away from you.

“Wait,” you call out, reaching out to stop him. You grab his arm. 

And there it is again… the tension. That thing that, even when you had talked it out, has remained between you two. He stops moving, his eyes fixated on your hand – the one that’s reached for him. The one that feels hot against his skin. 

“Carm, I-. Um, I’ve really missed…” you stammer through, trying not to sound as breathless as you feel. 

I’ve really missed you.

“... your carbonara.” He looks up at you with those beautifully sad, cerulean blue eyes, and if you weren’t breathless before, you certainly are now. 

“You should make this more often,” is all you manage to get out, and you know you sound helpless. 

He doesn’t know what to say back. That he can hear the ache in your voice – a yearning for him that he never imagined anyone could ever have for him. That it’d be world war three, trying to get a carbonara on the dinner menu. That screaming would ensue over a goddamn emulsion. That there’d be no way to pull this off authentically, and that he’d have to use heavy cream, and no fucking way would he compromise on that. 

On your favorite fucking dish. 

That he only has these ingredients on hand because he went out and bought them in preparation for your visit. 

That he only got them for you. 

Because he maybe only wants to make carbonara for you, and only you, for forever and ever. 

That he’s missed you too, and that wanting you is one of the scariest things he’s ever felt. 

His eyes flicker from your hand, the one still holding onto him, and then back to your face. He’s not sure what possesses him to do it, but he can hear his brother’s voice in his head, let it rip, pushing him to lean in – even closer towards you. You wrap your fingers around his arm, encouraging him closer to you – if it’s even possible. Your foreheads meet and it’s as if all the oxygen has been sucked out of the room. It’s like your vision narrows and the dimly lit apartment has faded away behind you. 

It’s just you and him. 

You feel dizzy – in the most delicious way possible.

You’re not sure who moves in first, but the tip of his nose is ever so gently bumping against yours. You brush the side of your nose against his, neither of you daring to take a breath. 

“Carm?”

He doesn’t answer, so you gently begin to leave a kiss against the corner of his mouth. 

“This okay?”

Then the side of his top lip. 

“Mhm,” he nods, eager to continue where this is going. 

Then you pull back, pulling him towards you so that, as you remain perched on top of his kitchen countertop, he fits perfectly between your knees. You lean in to kiss him, and this time, it’s not as hesitant… not as cautious as you’ve both been. 

No, these kisses are different, each one opening up the door to more and more – more want, more need, more lust – and as it blooms, as it blossoms, you feel Carmy’s hand move gingerly to cradle your face as you fall down the rabbit hole. Your fingers tangle into his blonde curls allowing your sheer want for him to consume you. It’s lips, and tangled tongues, and tentative, soft moans as you continue to pull each other closer and closer.

And you slowly begin to understand: the lingering tension, the avoidance of labeling you from his brother-in-law, why he’s been terrified to say a damn thing to you this entire week.

As much as you tried, and as much as he’s tried, neither of you had put that night behind you. 

Sure, it was shitty timing, and sure he wasn’t in the right headspace then. But now? 

Now, could be different, if you’d let it. 

Carmy pulls away from you, reluctantly, his face hot before asking, “You uh, you wanna take this somewhere else?”

His tone is hopeful, as if he’s the teenage dirtbag asking the prom queen out – like if you heard him, and you laughed in his face, he simply wouldn’t survive it. 

But your response is quite the opposite, and he feels silly for worrying, as you manage a breathy ‘yes’ going back in for one more kiss. He gives you some space to hop off the counter and you grab his hand, leading him towards his bedroom. It’s not a huge place, so you put two and two together about where that is. Carmy leaves the lights off in his bedroom, the only glimmer of light either of you can see comes from the living room lamps, and the kitchen overhead. 

With his hand in yours, you pull him towards you again, and he’s more than happy to let you lead. You begin to kiss him, taking note of how perfectly his top lip feels nestled in between yours. He follows you down to his bed, hesitant to put his full body weight on top of you. You giggle into the kiss, pulling him down to you. 

“I’m not a porcelain doll, Carm,” you tease, gently. 

You feel his lips twist into a smile against yours, as he begins to leave sloppier, wetter kisses down your neck. You allow him to explore as his hesitation lessens, his hands beginning to bunch up the hemline of your shirt. Higher and higher. And before you know it, you’re taking it off, impatiently throwing it somewhere you’ll barely remember in the light of day. You pull Carmy back down for another kiss, this time with a little more intensity, as he covers his body with yours, his hands and mouth exploring every inch of newly revealed skin that he possibly can. 

You’re not sure when his shirt joined yours on the floor but before it registers, you’re running your fingers across the muscles of his back, exploring each peak and valley. You hiss in pure pleasure as he pulls down one of the cups of your bra, his tongue running across one of your nipples. You can feel him smile against your skin, a well-won reaction from the pleasure he’s giving you. His other hand reaches up to give equal attention to your other breast, and moments later, you’re both impatiently pulling your bra off. 

“Wanna try something,” Carmy murmurs, his eyes meeting yours. 

You can feel the wet heat pooling between your legs as you breathe out, “Okay.”

The anticipation is building in your body and you feel like your head might explode. Carmy busies his mouth once again, leaving kisses down your torso as his hands begin to fiddle with the button on your jeans. You giggle, more than willing to help him out as he gets them undone, lifting your hips so that he can slide them off. 

He’s hesitant, and you’re trying your damnedest to be patient as he takes his sweet time to marvel at your almost-naked body. 

“So fucking perfect,” Carmy whispers, in between leaving wet, open mouthed kisses across your hip bones. You can hardly breathe, panting out loud as he continues his exploration. You make space for him between your legs as he slips his hands into your panties, dragging a finger up and down your dripping sex.

He checks in with you, gauging your reaction, and you nod as he continues what he’s doing. 

“This all for me?” he asks. He means for it to sound confident, but as the words leave him, he sounds more surprised than anything.

Before you can answer, he’s pushing your legs wider, his tongue gently running across your clit, causing you to cry out to the gods. He’s tentative at first, but it doesn’t take long for him to gather up the confidence to keep going, with the noises you’re making. At first it’s all tongue, licking, circling and flattening up against you, but you’re losing your mind as he adds his fingers back into the mix. His fingers are buried deep inside of you while his lips and tongue are bringing you far past your edge.

It’s as if the only words you can remember are his name, and ‘fuck.’ 

You feel his lips curl into a smile against you as he murmurs, “Just wanna make you feel good.”

You can feel it – your climax – building up, and Carmy groans, rutting his hips into the bed as he can no longer ignore how hard he is. 

“Carmy, yes. Don’t stop, please. I’m-,” you beg, your voice shaking.

And he has no intention of stopping till he gets what he wants – till he makes you cum. He works you through your orgasm, groaning against you as you cum on his tongue and around his fingers. You swear for a moment that you can’t hear a single thing as stars fill your vision. As you come to, it starts with only the sounds of the heavy pants that escape your mouth. Carmy sits up, wiping his mouth on the back of his hand. 

“Holy fuck,” you say, breathless. 

Carmy lays over you once again, kissing you, and you can taste yourself on his lips. 

Your hands fumble with the button on his jeans and you order, no patience left in a single cell of your body, “Off. These need to come off.”

He chuckles, hurrying through the removal of his jeans. You’re so eager to feel the weight of his body on top of yours again that you pull him back down to you before he’s even able to properly take them off. 

He’s kissing you again as you reach down, grabbing his hard length through his underwear. He’s thicker than you remember. You slip your hand into the waistband of his briefs, causing him to grunt. He hisses your name as you wrap your soft hand around his dick, bucking his hips into your hand. 

“Do you have a condom?” you ask, desperately. “I wanna feel you, Carm.”

“Mhm.”

He doesn’t keep condoms around. It’s not like this happens very often for him. But Richie had thrown a pack of condoms at his head the minute he found out that the friend that was coming to visit was a girl. Richie had teased him with some stupid quip like ‘don’t forget to wrap it up, cousin. No one wants a mini-eleven madison park dickhead running around here.’

He hadn’t expected this to happen. But it’s not like he’d thrown the condoms away either – tucking them into the single drawer of his nightstand. 

You wait as he reaches over and pulls out a condom from his nightstand. You want to ask him about why he has them, but as long as you get to feel him, you’re not sure you care. 

You’ve been here before with him, but this is different. He sits up on his knees and you follow him, pulling his briefs down properly and giving him time to roll on the condom. He follows you back down onto the bed as you wrap a leg around his waist so that he can fit perfectly between yours. 

He waits a beat, and then you feel his thick tip pushing against you, causing your breath to catch in your throat. He rubs the head up and down your slick core, before slowly beginning to push into you. 

You both gasp at the feel of each other. 

“Fuck. You’re so fuckin’ tight,” he moans, dropping his head into the crevice of your neck. He hopes you can’t tell how utterly helpless he feels.

You hiss at the way he’s stretching you open, the pads of your fingertips digging into his arms. You’re holding onto his arms for dear life as he fills you all the way to the hilt. You let out another moan as you as he stays there for a moment. 

“This okay?” 

You nod, pulling him down to kiss you again. You start moving your hips against his as Carmy gives you shallow thrusts. 

“Hold on,” he breathes out, holding your hips down for a moment. “Just-, just give me a second.” 

And you do, allowing him to collect himself, before he’s giving you shallow, gentle thrusts. 

But you’re in desperate need for more. 

“Carmy?”

“Yeah?”

“Fucking move.” 

Finally, finally, he pulls almost all the way out, before driving himself back into you, earning a cry from you as the pleasure is just too much. 

“Oh fuck!”

You want more. You want everything and all of him and so much more. And he gives it to you, continuing to check in that what he’s doing is okay. Before you know it, you’re begging him to go faster, harder, convincing him that you’re not fucking breakable and that you want more, grasping at the sheets and his biceps, and his curls –  anything you can hang on to as he’s bringing you over your edge again for the second time tonight. 

You’re crying out his name as you cum, and Carmy thinks it may be the sweetest, best thing he’s ever heard in his life. He fucks you through your climax, beginning to slow down the pace of this thrusts. He pauses, kisses you long and hard, passionately pausing just to be in this moment with you. 

“Carm?” you manage to get out. You wonder if he can hear how much you want him just by the sound of your voice. 

“Hm?”

“I wanna ride you,” you say, and you can feel that your words have gone straight to his dick as he twitches inside of you.

“Yeah?” 

“Yeah.” 

The two of you clumsily change positions – him on his back staring up at you in awe, like how the hell does that perfect, beautiful, creature want to be here with me now? You reach down, guiding him back inside of you and you’re both gasping at the contact. You begin grinding your hips against him, watching his eyes roll back as you make your movement a little bigger. 

“Jesus Christ,” he sighs out, the pleasure of it all taking over his brain. 

You know he won’t last much longer as you begin to ride him, rocking your hips back and forth. Carmy hands are on your hips, then running up and down your torso, grabbing your tits, and then they’re pulling you down to him for another passionate makeout as you continue your movements. You can feel his thrusts becoming more erratic as he starts thrusting up into you. You keep riding him, reaching for his hands and placing them along your hips. 

“Show me how you want it,” you whisper in between kisses. 

“I think this is nice,” he manages to say. 

“Show me how you want it, Carmen,” you demand, emphasizing your need for him with use of his full name. “Let me make you cum.” 

You squeeze his hands against your ass, egging him on, and he’s not sure what he’s done to deserve this. He holds onto your hips, before thrusting up into you, setting a bruising pace as your moans become louder and louder. You scream out his name, as he brings you closer and closer to your high, chasing his with him. 

He grunts, his thrusts becoming sloppier, messier, more desperate and you let him use your body in the most delicious ways. 

“Are you gonna cum?”

Instead of answering, he’s driving into you like a fucking mad man, and you’re riding him through his high till you both collapse. 

Carmy lets out a strangled moan as he cums, so you begin to slow your movements. You’re breathless, hunched over him, your foreheads touching as you exchange a laugh.

It's a kind of 'I can't believe we just did that' kind of laugh.

“Holy shit,” he says, shaking his head. 

“Yeah,” you agree, a stupid, blissed out smile on both of your faces.

“That was-.”

“Yeah.”

You get off of him, allowing him to get up and dispose of the condom. He’s not gone long before he returns to you, wrapping the both of you up in his sheets and into his arms. It feels unlike anything you’ve ever had. 

It feels… magnificent. 

“Stay with me tonight?” he asks, leaving a few soft kisses along your shoulder. 

“After that?” you giggle, as his lips against your neck begin to tickle. “You’re not getting rid of me, Berzatto. Not a fucking chance.”

read: part five

taglist: @lazypeachsoul @bookwormvoyageuse @allthefandomstogether @gaysludge @sobshoney

[scorchieart]

Hello Scorchie! May i request headcanons for Rio and Silvio about what their ideal solo vacation would be? I know requests are up to 3 princes so you can pick a third! Or just the two would be good. Thank you!

Silvio, Rio, & Keith's Solo Vacations

It's been over a year, but this was the perfect weekend for me to finally tackle this one. I chose Keith for the third since I'm rereading his route atm. Hope you enjoy!

Silvio Ricci

Where does the man who travels the world for work go on vacation?

As if Silvio would know. He throws a dart at whatever map Carlo is studying at the time. Anything will work as long as it’s away from the palace. Far far away.

“It’s got a hole, genius.” Silvio flicks a gold coin into the scholar’s dumbfounded face and swipes the map. A remote island off the coast of Tanzanite? That’ll do nicely. 

Packs extremely light. “If I need it, I’ll buy it there” outlook.

Doesn’t bother to tell anyone where he’s going. If it’s that important, they would have told him before he left, right? Of course, he didn’t bother to tell anyone he was leaving in the first place…

Weather so fair and route so straightforward Silvio could navigate with his eyes closed. Hm? Yes, of course he’d be captaining his own ship. This is his vacation, after all.

Familiar scents of coin and opportunity waft into his face as soon as he touches shore. He wipes his nose on his sleeve and steers away from the marketplace, heading straight for the bungalow he purchased on his last visit here. He is on vacation, after all.

He left the crew with orders to do as they pleased during their stay, so Silvio spent the first five days alone hiking, fishing, swimming, rafting, rope weaving, sandcastle building, sandcastle destroying, bonfire starting, out-of-control-bonfire extinguishing, spontaneous karaoking…

He isn’t lonely!

… Just bored.

Maybe a trip to town wouldn’t be too bad. It was time to restock some home essentials. To fully enjoy the vacation, of course. 

Is exceedingly aware of tourist traps but doesn’t use that as an excuse to avoid the locals. When he finally psyches himself up, Silvio peruses the stalls and bazaars of the area, pockets a-jangle in all their musical monetary glory.

It just so happens he didn’t pack a toothbrush, and the repeated fish dinners stung his nostrils with each breath he took. Not his fault the miswak salesman was more than happy to offload his entire month’s stock to Silvio’s hygienic cause.

And Silvio only packed two outfits for the trip; one to wear while the other washed. It would be a shame not to indulge in the rich styles of the locals, all the dozens of combinations of colors and fabrics and textures. Oh, and can’t forget the accessories either.

But before he could try even a single piece on, how could Silvio be expected to properly experience his vacation to the fullest when the bathhouse could use an extra steam room? Or two? Plus retiling. And since they were entertaining a foreign prince, why not go for the full remodel? It would only be rude for Silvio not to invest in such an essential aspect of their culture during his stay.

By the time Silvio leaves, the island’s commerce, businesses, and quality of life are thriving. Neighboring lands scramble to enlist their best cartographers to balloon maps of their territories to ludicrous proportions and send them as gifts of goodwill to the brilliant scholar of Benitoite Palace.

Rio Ortiz

Weeks of pleading, several doctor’s visits, and a few near-collapse scares. But the final nail in the coffin is the imperial order issued by all eight princes to take some time off away from the palace. An overworked body and mind are ill-suited to properly serving a mistress, after all.

Several more days of convincing are needed before Rio agrees to go on this vacation alone. “Focus on yourself and do the things you like,” you tell him.

But what he likes are all the things you like. Wouldn’t thinking about you the entire trip be counterproductive then? Maybe he should just take a staycation…

Rio wakes the next morning in a carriage bound for Rhodolite’s southern region. In his coat pocket he finds a small coin purse and a note: “Until the season ends. And not a day sooner.” It is signed by Sariel Noir, Mr. Akatsuki, and you.

(Aww, he got your autograph. First souvenir.)

At last the carriage stops in a small village near the Jadean border. What it lacks in size it makes up for in charm: the homes cluster around an inviting inn like the rings of a conch shell, a café abuts a humble bookshop near the town hall, and children freely splash in a shallow pond just beyond the last row of houses.

After checking into the inn and depositing the bags he certainly didn’t pack, Rio spends the day exploring the town that would be his home for the next three weeks. 

He orders a black tea at the café and, after a brief chat, teaches the owner how to best brew your favorite warm beverages. The owner thanks him, waves the tea fee, and gifts a sachet of Jadean herbs that, when steeped in hot water, can cure a man’s drowsiness instantly. (Second souvenir.)

Next is the bookshop, and Rio spends the rest of the afternoon helping the seller rearrange her shelves by language of origin and genre, as Mr. Akatsuki recommended was best for stores catering to cross-kingdom travelers. The seller thanks him, lets him sit on the store’s comfiest couch, and gifts a collection of unpublished short stories and folk tales from across the south of Rhodolite. (Third souvenir.)

Upon returning to the inn that night, he is greeted by the staff scrambling up and down the building attempting to stave off a rat infestation. Rio quickly drops his gifts off in his room (hidden in the pockets of those bags he certainly didn’t pack), runs back to the lobby, and pulls up his sleeves. In under an hour, the entire pack of rodents is safely captured in a cage and released into the field just beyond the pond. Rio always disliked “exterminating” rodents in view of Sariel. The inn staff is so grateful they tell him he is welcome to stay his entire trip free of charge.

When the three weeks are up and the carriage returns to collect him, the driver gawks at the bursting bags Rio certainly overpacked.  “Just how much money did those princes give you?” the driver asks. 

Rio pulls the coin purse out of his pocket for the second time on the trip and gives it a jingly shake. “I dunno. Never opened it.”

Keith Howell

Solo vacations are practically nonexistent in Keith’s life. There is always another presence tagging along, hovering at arm’s length like a kindred soul, no matter the time or place or how hard he tries to slip away.

That’s right — Dill is always up for an adventurous getaway!

Easy for a bird to say (chirp), but a prince cannot simply spread his wings and take flight whenever the urge strikes. What would his family, his kingdom, other kingdoms say if they learned Keith Howell played skippy? 

No, that wouldn’t do. He sits at his desk and prepares dozens of personalized letters, each individual one copied twice in case the originals get lost in transit. In them, he details his intentions to take one month of next year’s summer away from the palace for the express purpose of individual scientific study, promises his prompt return before the annual goodwill summit’s opening ceremonies, and apologizes for any inconveniences the trip will cause.

Dill angrily pecks Keith’s hand whenever he slips up and starts writing the location they will be heading to. It can’t be a proper vacation unless they are totally off the grid.

Eleven months and excessive worst-case scenario planning later, Keith and Dill set out on their trip. Their destination: an uninhabited province in the valley region near Obsidian.

They pack enough food to feed five men and five birds for five weeks. Similar precautions are taken for shelter, clothing, first aid, and other travel essentials. The list is checked and rechecked each time they stop to build camp.  

Keith only considers turning back twice.

The journey would normally take less than a week, but the pair plotted their course to pass through several special botanical landmarks to check in on the exotic collections there, extending the voyage to take up nearly half their one-month timeline. Dill allows these extended detours since the satisfaction on Keith’s face whenever he sees a tree or bush or fungus thriving is a form of self-care in itself.

Their final destination sits in a crater at the cusp of the valley. Centuries ago, a meteor crashed into the mountainside, carving out a chunk from the earth at such an unnatural angle that it perpetually disrupted the biosphere of the resulting crater from its surrounding region. Keith once read about the region and how its unique evolution rendered it ill-suited for animal life and knew instantly he wanted to study it in person one day.

And that day finally arrived. With his feathered friend on one shoulder and a bag full of fresh field journals and researching tools on the other, Keith marches into the no-man’s land with a beaming expression Dill would describe as more remarkable than any of the organisms they encountered on the trip.

One week after the pair’s promised return date, and not a soul complains when Keith interrupts the goodwill summit with his late arrival, politely requests all inquiries wait another week for him to respond to, and promptly heads straight to his room for the longest, most blissful sleep of his life, all the while hugging his filled journals to his chest and tracking mud and Dill along behind him.

Silvio takes a vacation from his vacation. The village takes a vacation during Rio's vacation. Keith takes a staycation after his vacation.

[blackberrysummerblog]

I’ve been busy this weekend! Yesterday I started reclaiming my writing space in the kitchen—it’s still a disaster with the remodeling (I don’t know why it’s taking so long to finish this tiny space—actually I do: we live in the middle of nowhere & contractors are stretched thin), but now it’s clean enough that I can work without getting mad about it.

Thanks for tagging me @hushed-chorus, @confused-bi-queer, @artsyunderstudy and @aroace-genderfluid-sheep! You’re all doing amazing writing!

I wasn’t sure if I’d share this scene from Baz’s POV or the Mage’s, since I wrote both. I have a growing fear that I’m going to be roasted when I post the full story because I mostly share cute bits and there’s a darker vein running through. It’s largely cute though, I swear! Anyway, I’m chickening out and just sharing the Baz POV today, only because I don’t really like my Mage’s voice right now. He needs some work :P

When Simon emerges from the Tower, he’s grinning from ear to ear like my worst nightmare come to life. He runs across the road toward me but just when I think he’s about to throw his arms around my neck, he halts and shoves his hands into his back pockets. “So,” he says, pushing at my foot with the toe of his shoe. “Snow-Pitch.”

I try unsuccessfully to hide a smile. “Snow-Pitch,” I greet him in return, brushing a lock of golden hair from his forehead.

“Are we going home? Where’s your dad gone to?”

“To kick rocks.” Simon laughs but then glances around nervously. “Don’t worry, he’ll find his own way home. I thought I might buy you lunch.”

Snow perks up. “Lunch?” he repeats hopefully.

“Yes, you bottomless pit. One of what most people consider to be a three-meal-a-day regimen. For you I imagine it merely follows second breakfast and elevenses. And precedes afternoon tea, dinner, and supper.”

“You don’t have to be mean.” He’s smiling, though.

“I’m not being mean, I’m trying to feed you. Now, what do you want?”

Simon’s smile grows wider. It’s all I can do not to attack. Hassling his curls with one hand, he takes mine in the other, squeezes it, and looks me in the eye. “Everything,” he says.

Tagging @cutestkilla @larkral @facewithoutheart @ileadacharmedlife @bazzybelle @whogaveyoupermission @fatalfangirl @stitchyqueer @c0nsumemy5oul @thewholelemon @asocialpessimist @supercutedinosaurs @palimpsessed @nausikaaa @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @rimeswithpurple @j-nipper-95 @cows4247 @sillyunicorn @stardustasincocaine @orange-peony @imagineacoolerusername @jasonfunderberthefrogexists @martsonmars @basiltonbutliketheherb @valeffelees @aristocratic-otter @thehoneyedhufflepuff @erzbethluna @nightimedreamersworld @letraspal @carryonsimoncarryonbaz @raenestee @captain-aralias @shrekgogurt @onepintobean@ebbpettier @orange-peony @theearlgreymage @prettygoododds @forabeatofadrum @ivelovedhimthroughworse @stillmadaboutpetra @mostlymaudlin @whatevertheweather @bookish-bogwitch @fucking-gay-frogs @shutup-andletme-go @yellob @hertragedyconnoisseur @sailorblossoms @aceumbrellaheroes @ninemagicks @anikamercat @brilla-brilla-estrellita @chen-chen-chen-again-chen @ionlydrinkhotwater @captain-emrys @tender-ministrations

[faegoddessog]

 Seventy Two Hours of Bliss Ch. 40/41

Chapter 40: Mangoes and English Oak

Chapter Warnings: Explicitly mature content, 18+ only, cunnilingus, fingering, sexual mangoes reference, Sex while eating, Unprotected PiV (play safe ya'll) female dominated PiV, Pinky and the Brain reference (lol)

Series Masterlist 

Series Summary:

You are neighbors with Austin Butler on the Gold Coast of Australia just prior to shooting Elvis. You become just friends because he is taken. However, after he is single again, you both find out just how attracted you are to one another and things get unrelentingly hot.

SERIES WARNING: Explicitly mature content, 18+ only,  here there be lemons.

Authors Notes: I started writing this while remodeling my kitchen, so that informed the slightly quirky narrative. It starts slow, but once it heats up, it is on fire. I have tried to pull facts from RL as much as I could, but obviously there are some assumptions and flat out dreamy wishes  involved here. 

Chapter 40: Mangoes and English Oak

Whatever it was that had been built between you seemed to evaporate with the mad fucking, the crying, the confessions and promises. Suddenly it’s like no time passed at all.

You two rummage in the kitchen, half clothed,  pulling out what few things were there, clearly you need to hit the market.  You nibble on toast with jam and tea with canned pears while leaning on the counter. 

You talk about your travels here and how nervous you were feeling to see him again. He talks about how he was anxious to see you too. You both smile at how you felt the same way. It feels comfortable again, finally.

You hop up to sit on the counter kicking your shoes off, closer to his height now.  You tell him you have 8-10 weeks, before going to begin the project for Tom and Rita. 

“When you go, maybe we can visit on weekends?” he suggests. 

“Oooo I like that, or meet in the middle, I do want to spend some time in France and Italy while I’m here,” you say. 

“Oh I would love that! We could fuel the French rumors more!” he laughs.

“Oh my god,” you laugh. “We could really keep them guessing!  Do we need to address that whole situation soon?"

He shrugs, "It's not really anyone else's business. Let them figure it out for themselves, it'll keep them busy."

You nod. 

"Oh! By the way, Marissa called me last week. She wanted me to thank you for setting her up with Kate. She says it’s been a dream come true.  I think she may actually be really good at it,” you smile at him. 

He moves his body between your legs, sliding his hands to your waist. Your breath catches just a bit. 

“It was my pleasure," he says, then hears what he said and who he said it to. He cracks a smile.

You can’t help but crack up, forehead to his chest, suddenly reminded of your inside joke about Chick-fil-A. He laughs too, putting his hand on the back of your head. "Do you suddenly feel like a sexy shower?" 

"Pavlov says yes... but the shower here looks tiny," you retort looking up from his chest. 

"We could always wait for a rain storm, I've always wanted to fuck in the rain..." he looks outside.

"Mmm, yes please, let's mastermind that" you say, rubbing up his chest to his neck and pulling him down for a slow kiss. 

After a long minute. He breaks the kiss, rubbing your thighs. 

“Do you know what your schedule will be like?” you ask, trying to handle the mundane in amongst the magical.  

“We just finished our mini boot camp yesterday, so we have a couple days off. I am told we should be working only during the week, so weekends should be ours. We’ll see how true that’ll be.” 

“It is ok if I stay here, right?” you realize that you hadn’t asked him at all, you just assumed. 

“Oh my god Kitten, yes please. I don’t think I could stand it if you didn’t. I need you all to myself for a while,” he wraps his arms around you rocking slightly side to side.

It’s amazing to be in his arms again, almost surreal. 

“I’m all yours sweetheart, morning, noon and night,” you look up at him.

He smiles down at you. A wave of awe strikes you. This amazing man loves you. Your mind is pulled to the little black box. You dutifully shove it away, ‘everything in perfect timing’, you tell yourself. 

“How long do you think Tom and Rita’s will take?” he asks, thinking about more time apart. 

“Oh, geeze,” you reply, thoughts pulled back to the now, “I can't even guess until I see it. Honestly it will depend on how fast materials get there and since it’s on an island, that will be an interesting twist!” 

“Then you’ll be done, huh, with your 7 continents,” Austin remarks, “then what?” 

“I don’t know,” you shrug, ”I suppose we will see what life lays at our feet.” 

“Our feet?” he says with a smile, “I like the sound of that.” 

“Of course baby,” you say snuggling up to him, “this, this right here is my dream now.” 

“Oh Kitten,” he lets out a huge breath, his arms tightening around you.

He leans forward to kiss your sweet mouth. The light kiss expands into parted lips, while tips of tongues solicit for entrance. Every other thought melts away as his kiss deepens. 

Kissing him feels like the oxygen you can’t live without. It’s like you’d been slowly suffocating for months without realizing it and now you can finally breathe deep.

He pulls back from you, looking into your eyes. 

“Is it alright if I take you to the bedroom?” he asks in a slightly cautious, but sultry voice, “I think I’m ready to take my time sweetheart.”

You bite your lip and nod. A smile spreads across his lips, like he was worried you’d say no. Silly boy, like you could say 'no' to him. 

He leans down and kisses your mouth. His hands glide down your back, snapping open the clasp on your red bra, almost as an afterthought.  He pushes his hands between your ass and the cold tiles of the counter. He bends his knees and your legs wrap around his waist, your skirt bunched up around your hips. He pulls you onto him. Your arms wrap around his neck and shoulders, helping to hold yourself on his lean body.  He has gotten stronger, you have too. 

He carries you, kissing you gently, to the bedroom. 

He lays you down on the side of the bed, your bra sliding off. His still undone jeans, underwear and shoes come off and he stands naked in front of you. 

It feels like the beginning again, even though he fucked you silly an hour ago. That was different, full needy desperation and all the difficult emotions that had built up between you. But this:  this is tender wanting, laced with love and all the feels. 

Your knees fall slightly together as you bite your lip. Your eyes are slowly taking in his Adonis-like form from head to toe and back again. Just the sight of him standing above you makes a little moan escape from your lips. Fuck he is magnificent.

He leans down to the bed, one finger tracing up your leg, the hem of your skirt still up near your hips. Its drape drags lightly along your bare and sensitive pussy lips as he slowly pulls the fabric across and out of the way. The barest of shudders slides down your spine. 

Then his knees are on the floor and his fingers are barely stroking your lips. He gently pulls your labia apart, stretching the skin around your clit just enough to make your inner lips contract.  You inhale an audible gasp. Pushing them back together, his fingers squeeze gently on the outside, near the root of your clit, massaging back and forth. Wetness seeps from between your lips. 

You blow out a little moan, fuck he remembers.  He pulls you apart again, blowing on your clit. The cold air makes you whimper. 

The tip of his tongue runs up and down the smoothness of your labia, teasing at what is to come. 

He is definitely taking his time, lips nibbling and tongue licking slowly, but not touching your clit. Not yet. 

Your breath quickens.

“Lord, I missed this,” he says, almost as a prayer. 

Then his fingers pull you wider, open and exposed. The tip of his tongue touches your clit. You gasp as a zing jolts you. He blows on it, then touches it again. Pause. And again.  

He is watching your reaction. His blue eyes peering over your mons with his tongue out long. Fuck, he is gorgeous. 

This please. Yes, this please, forever. 

Gradually his touches become tip-of-the-tongue undulations up and over your nub. Deeper, rolling his tongue farther down, down, down and into your entrance. 

Your breath is shallow and fast, little moans escaping with each new sensation. Then his tongue ripples up against your inner lips. His mouth closes around your clit with pulsing suction. 

“Oh my fucking god,” falls from your lips as you curl towards him, hands in his blonde hair, “did you get better at this?” 

His eyes open to yours and you feel the vibrations of chuckle against your labia. 

“Mangoes,” is all he says with a cock of his eyebrow and a lick of his lip. Then he dives back to the veneration of your cunt. 

Thank fuckin’ mangoes! Is there a god of mangoes? Because you need to deliver upon them all your offerings and praise! All hail mangoes, and Austin's tongue!

He pulls your clit into his mouth, tongue lightly flicking back and forth, then suction again. His fingers slide so slowly inside you. He is moaning into your pussy.  Your body is curled tight, flexing against his face. Then his fingers curl against your front wall and like a spring you uncoil, deep moans rumbling from your chest. The back of your hands beating the mattress. 

Beautiful, sweet release.  

He laps at your slit, drinking in all the juices that leak out as you shake on the bed.  Then his comforting weight is on your heaving chest. You stare almost dumbfounded into his eyes. He pets your hair, moving it out of your face. 

“Ready for more, my pet?” he asks. 

You can only nod still panting from your orgasm.

His lip curls up in a tiny smile, his little dimple appearing over the left corner. His hips rock, his cock rooting gently around your snatch, begging to be let in.  You lift ever so slightly, giving him room. Then he is barely in you, just an inch or so.

He freezes. Your hips strain up to his, getting him in you a scant inch further. He lifts back, teasing you. Your hips roll and you wrap your arms around him in an attempt to pull him to you. He refuses to let you.

“Oh my,” his voice deep and penetrating, “what a needy girl you are.” 

“Uh huh” you nod. 

“Do you need me in you?” he says, “is that what you want?.” 

"Want, need,” you moan, “please, please yes.” 

Slowly, he pushes himself into you. Every inch in and every inch out has your eyes fluttering and your body shaking. Then he stops, holding  himself up on his elbows and toes, letting you rut up to him.  Writhing against him, your body begs for more. You do your best to fuck yourself on his cock, but it’s not hitting right. 

“Let me…,” you say, pushing him off and rolling him over. You stand between his legs which are bent off the bed, feet on the floor. You plant your right foot on the bed next to his hip, your knee bent almost to your shoulder.

Rising up on the toes of your left foot, you grab the base of his cock and sink down onto him with a groan.  He can’t really thrust here more than flex his glutes. He smiles as you take charge. 

You place your hands on his hip bones, hunching over him like a big cat getting ready to pounce.  Your hips start rolling forward, tilting along his length, then pushing down and back in a slow steady rhythm. Each stroke rubs him along your g-spot. 

Oh my god it feels so good to ride him like this, to work yourself back and forth on him, angling right where you want him to hit. 

His thumb slides to your clit, giving you something more to rub against, something more to moan about.  Your hips move a little faster, your orgasm building deep inside  He is watching you grind yourself on his cock and hand. 

“Fuck yeah, that’s it,” he spurs you on, "god you are so hot.” 

His other hand rises to rub his fingers across your nipples. 

“Ohmigod, yes, play with them,” you start to flood his dick as the sensations from your nipple shoot right to your pussy.  You are so close to unraveling on him. 

“Oh lord, you are so wet, you are dripping down my balls,” he moans.

He pinches your nipple and for a split second it’s too hard.

“Not too…”  you begin saying, then it unexpectedly pushes you that last tiny bit, “haaaaaa yes, fuck yes, fuck yes.” 

You are exploding onto him, the contractions of your core riding him hard. You curl up over him, shaking with how good he is in you, riding the wave of your orgasm. You shake down to a stop, catching your breath. 

“Oh gods, Kitten! Don’t stop, please don’t stop,” he begs. His fingers dig into your hips now, intent on pushing you back and forth on his cock. Fuck. You can’t leave him hanging.

“You like this,” you breath out, moving on him, “me mounting you this way, riding you? Yeah?” 

“Yes, I do,” he moans, eyes closed, head tilted back. You had forgotten how sexy his neck was.  You realize how dominating this position feels for you, you are in control, you have the power. 

“You like it when I claim you?” your words coming out of their own accord in lieu of the moans of pleasure you feel bubbling up. 

His head raises, lust shrouded eyes meeting yours. He nods, biting his lip. Fuck, if that’s what he wants… a slow smile sneaks across your face. You grind down on him.  Shit it’s good, almost too good.

His eyes flutter closed.

“No, no, look at me Austin,” you tell him, pulling his chin. His eyes open, lost in sensation.

“You are mine. Your mouth is mine, your fingers are mine, your cock is mine, your cum is mine. I want all of you.” You put your hands on his chest, pushing him down, nails heedlessly digging into his skin, snapping your hips back and forth over him, overstimulating yourself in the best way. 

“Oh fuck!” his pupils are blown, his heart is racing in his chest, he is close to spilling into you, “I’m yours baby, yours! All fucking youuuuur,” he groans out as his eyes roll back in his head. He is so hot when he cums, it sets you off again. 

“Oh god Austin, yes, yes YES! ” your clit grinding on to the tight muscles of his lower abdomen as your internal muscles clamp down onto him. He groans, pleasure surging through you and through him.  Your bodies are buzzing, vibrating together in shared bliss. 

After you catch your breath, you climb off him and sit, leaning against the headboard. You spy the picture of you in your black dress in a frame on the bedside table. It makes your heart melt. 

Austin curls up, head in your lap and his arms around your waist. You watch him breath for several minutes, his eyes closed and a relaxed smile touching his lips. He could be sleeping. Your fingers lightly connect  the freckles on his left cheek in a curve then down his neck and arm. 

“God I love you, Austin,” you whisper. 

His smile broadens, not asleep. He turns his head to look up at you, his baby blues shining.

“I have never loved anyone like I love you, Kitten,” he says softly, finger tracing your jawline. 

You stare at one another, lost in the quiet of the moment, lost in each other.  You slide down next to him after several heartbeats,  wanting to feel all of your body on all of his. 

“This feels so good, so right,” you remark, snuggling close against him. 

“Oh Kitten,” his palm is tapping his chest, “I didn't realize how much missing you weighed on me, how much it hurt.  I’ve been living like that so long, the weight of it became normal.” 

You nod, totally understanding what he means. 

“I haven’t felt this good in months,” he says, ”and it just dawned on me that I don't hurt anymore.” 

“Oh my love…” you move his hand and plant kisses on his heart, “never again.” 

You spend the next several hours in the ebb and flow of one anothers embrace. You doze, you talk, you kiss, you slowly make love, you shower, you eat naked in the kitchen, you talk, your passion flares in a fiery kiss, you fuck hard, you eat again. In the wee hours of the night, you are both finally spent and curled up together. Just before you fall asleep, you press his hand between your thighs, cupping your mons. His fingertips lightly press against your labia. It’s oddly comforting. You smile and drift into a deep relaxed sleep. 

………

You wake up the next day before he does. You sneak out and go buy groceries at the Sainsbury’s down the street.  When you come back in, the house is still silent. You peek in and he is still dead asleep. Apparently, waking up early in distress was an Elvis shoot thing. 

You had decided to make french toast when you were at the store. You even bought cream to whip, which you end up doing by hand because there was no mixer. 

“Awoken by the whisk, I guess it’s better than the whip,” his deep voice resonates from behind you. 

“Hey! Good Morning,” you turn around, whisk and bowl in hand. He is leaning against the door with only pajama bottoms on. He looks divine. 

“Hungry?” you ask, rising on your tiptoes to kiss him. 

“For you? Always.” his hands come to your waist and pulls you into a passionate good morning kiss. 

“I’m sorry if I woke you up,” you say when your lips part. 

“No, it was good,”  his hands remain around your waist as you turn back to the counter to set down the bowl. “I was waking up already. When I realized you weren’t in bed, I almost had a panic attack thinking it was all a dream. Then I heard your racket in here.” 

“My racket is almost done and is going to be delicious,” you smile, dipping your finger in the white creamy fluff and  offering it to him over your shoulder, he slowly licks it off your finger.  A little involuntary moan whispers from your lips.

“Mmm, that is good Kitten,” he says. 

“Is it?” you dip your finger in again. Turning around, you  wipe it on his chest, just over his nipple. 

You lean forward, tongue out, flicking his nipple lightly as you lick up the slowly dripping vanilla flavored sweet cream. Then you cover his nipple with your mouth, gently sucking and biting. 

When you pull away, he is watching you from lowered lashes. 

“Mmm, is that how it is this morning?” he asks. 

“With you? Always,” you nod, looking up at him, “take your pants off and go sit,” you nod your head towards the table. 

A look of bewilderment flashes on his face, then he nods, untying the drawstring. Pulling his pants off right there, you see he is half hard. 

“Go, I’ll be there in a minute,” you turn your back to him, un-doing the top several buttons on your blouse and kicking off your shoes.

“Yes ma’am,” he does as he is told, watching you. 

You cut up some french toast into bite sized pieces, syrup, butter and whipped cream on them. You grate a little nutmeg and cinnamon on top. You grab one fork and bring a generous cup of tea. You walk over and set them on the table.

“Thank you,” says Austin, reaching for the fork. 

You bat his hand away. “No, wait,” holding up a finger. 

His look of confusion is priceless.  

You pull his chair perpendicular to the table, so he is facing sideways.  Stepping back, you slowly unbutton your jeans and make a show of taking them  and your underwear off. You slide your hands into your blouse removing your bra in the mysterious way all women know and all men wonder about. You lean over him, giving him a generous view of your dangling breasts.  You see he has gotten harder with your little strip tease.

Perfect.

His hands go instinctively to your hips as you lean further to kiss him deeply, passionately. Your hands slide around his neck and your legs open to straddle his lap, trapping his now hard cock against his belly.   You pull away from his lips, kissing along his jawline and down his neck. His hand slides into your hair to the back of your head, pressing you to continue. His other is wrapped around the curve of your ass, pulling you closer to him. 

“Are you hungry Austin?”  you ask quietly, deviously. Your fingers slip the last button of your blouse  out of its hole, exposing your front to him.

“Um… yes,”  almost more question than statement. He is totally unsure of what is happening here, “but…and.. ” 

His words hang in the air as you grab the cup of tea and pass it to your non-dominant hand. You pick up the fork, stabbing a piece of french toast. You offer it to him, letting him take the bite off the fork as you sip the tea.  As he is chewing you rise up and sink your pussy over his cock. His eyes close for a second as he stops chewing to inhale through his nose. 

You nonchalantly take another sip. 

He swallows with a shaky breath.

You slide up and down slowly continuing to offer bites to him. His breath comes little moans as he keeps taking food off the fork.  

You put the tea down. 

Neither of you say anything, eating and fucking is all your brains can process at the moment. 

Words would ruin it. 

It’s unexpectedly erotic.  

Thinking would break the spell.  

He takes the fork from you, turning the tables. He offers, you chew.  He flexes and pushes into you. Your eyes go wide, then your tongue rolls the flavors in your mouth, then you swallow as he pulls back. 

Your breath comes out wobbly before he offers you a second bite. Again and again this slow fucking and feeding continues. 

By the time the plate is empty, syrup, butter and whipped cream has dripped unheeded onto your tits due to his having to use his non-dominant hand.   One drop is trailing dangerously close to your vulva.  Remembering that you don’t like sugar there, Austin places the mostly empty plate on the chair next to him as you finish off the tea. As one motion he grips your ass, fixing you to him, and stands up, laying you back on the table, stopping the runaway drips of liquid sugar in their tracks.  His cock pulls back as he slowly lowers his face to your vulva. He catches the drop and backtracks its pathway with a lapping tongue. 

The empty tea cup slips from your fingers unnoticed.  

He finds each drop of syrup, each plop of whipped cream and luxuriates in slowly licking each, nibbling his own path between each one. By the time he is done, your heaving chest tells him you want more. 

He pulls back, double checking his work. He looks curiously at your breasts, realizing that they had been unsullied by thick, sweet fluid. Then he swirls  his finger in the plate of cream and syrup, bringing up a creamy mix reminiscent of sweet cum.  The idea of it being cum makes you want to tip the whole plate onto your chest. 

You watch as he lets it drop onto a nipple, then offers it to your mouth. Greedily you suck on his finger, eyes closed. The taste makes you want to break your rules and coat yourself in it. When you open your eyes, he is watching you suck his finger, lips slightly pursed and blowing out a breath. You are guessing he’d like it all over his cock too.

He pulls his finger out and wraps his talented tongue around your nipple, holding your breast in his hand. He sucks it into his mouth, brushing the nipple with his tongue, holding it in a gentle bite with his teeth.  

You moan, your clit throbbing all of a sudden. He pops it out of his mouth and works his way to your neck. With hands kneading and rubbing your breasts, he sinks his teeth into the meat of your neck.  Goosebumps spring up along your arm and down your side. He pulls back, running a finger along the tiny pebbles, evidence of your arousal.

Then he is staring at your eyes, soft and full of desire at the same time.  He leans down slowly and gently rubs his lips to yours, side to side. Not hesitant, but sultry.  You coax him closer with your tongue darting out to touch his soft, full bottom lip. He slowly  gives in to your lingual seduction, diving to deepen the kiss. Lips open, mouths press,  tongues explore. 

It’s hard to tell who is tempting who. 

Before you know it, one hand is gripping the table edge next to your head, the other having trailed down your side, over your hip and under your ass. He lifts you just slightly, enough to give himself a straight route to your core. His mouth never leaves yours as he slowly presses into you.  

A long whining moan resonates in your sinuses as he buries himself deep in your wet and wanting pussy. He takes his time to pull out, focusing more on devouring your mouth with his. 

Then he thrusts in hard, using the table as leverage. 

You gasp through your nose, vocal cords vibrating on the exhale, whimpering against his tongue. 

Pulling out, his hand adjusts on your ass,  almost massaging the flesh of your glutes. Then another hard thrust and his fingertips dig in. 

God it feels so good, he is hitting you in all the right places inside.  

He continues his pattern of kissing you while pulling out, and digging in his fingers while thrusting hard.  

In this moment, he is beautifully masterful in his authority, his immense self control. His energy is all male, but not noxiously so. By taking his time, going slow,  every thrust is slowly luring you, pushing you, enticing you to orgasm.  Soon your hips are tilting up to meet his thrusts. His mouth leaves yours as he starts to moan in his own pleasure. He seems almost lost in place and time

He has you balancing on the head of a pin, for long minutes as he builds slowly.

Your breath is panting, despite the slow pace. Your hips are vibrating against him, wanting more, needing more. Just a little and you will fall apart. 

He leans back, his other hand sliding under your ass. He stops for a moment, watching you squirm under him, a little decadent smile on his face. Your eyes are begging him, your hands are opening and closing, shaking, fingertips rooting at your teeth,  not sure what to do with themselves. 

With both hands digging into the muscles of your butt, he unleashes on you. Giving you everything you wanted and more.  

Your hands fly to the edge of the table, holding on for dear life. The way his hands are digging, massaging  into your ass feels exquisite, adding that much more to your orgasm. His cock is giving no quarter as it pummels into you. 

The imagined weight of your eyes rolling back tilts your chin up, your throat vibrating with deep guttural groans. Sharp undulating waves roll up your spine, arching your back further and further up with each pass. Your whole body shakes with force of his hips. You ride the high as he rides you, deep and fast. 

His scream comes from his gut; loud, resonant, primal. His hands squeeze deeper, pulling you onto him as he thrusts become hard and jerky, eyes closed and teeth bared.  His breath holds as pushes deep with little thrusts, giving all of himself to you.  

“Oh gaw,” bursts from him as the vacuum is released from his lungs. He stumbles a little against the table, lightheaded.  

You pull him down to you, his torso laying on yours, his hands  still trapped under your ass. Your chests heaving together, heavy breaths blow across your breasts.  

Eventually he pulls his hands out from under you, standing upright. He helps you off the table, now messy with more than just syrup.  

“Wow, sturdy table” he says, pulling you into his arms. 

“Probably English Oak” you say without missing a beat.

You both giggle,  still euphoric. 

“Well, that’s one way to have breakfast,”  he says.

“Right! It was freakin’ sexy though, more so than I thought it would be,” you admit.

“Yeah, I would’ve never thought to do that… but it worked. I don’t think anyone but you could pull that off though, further evidence that you are a sex magician, wait no, Enchantress”  He smiles, remembering that night on the top floor of the Emporium.

“Fuck yeah!” you respond with a giggle, leaning in to gather a kiss from him. 

“I’m actually still hungry,” you say, “shall we clean up the table and just like… eat?” 

“Yes please! Can I have my own fork this time?” he asks with sly smile. 

......

After second breakfast, Austin cleans the kitchen up while you go and actually unpack your bags.   You are humming happily to yourself, hanging things up in the wardrobe, tucking things away. There is an antique vanity on the wall opposite the bed complete with a trifold mirror. 

You figure you might as well use it for what it’s for and put your hair brush, makeup and brushes there along with what was left of the little bottle of essential oil Austin sent you. You also decide to be cheeky and artfully arrange  your collections of vibrators and butt plugs there too, giving the blue sapphire one center stage. The whole thing makes you giggle out loud. 

“What’s so funny,” Austin comes in, drying his hands on a kitchen towel he has slung over his shoulder. He’s, again only in his pajama bottoms. 

“Tah Dah!” you say arms stretched out to your sex toy display.  

“Oh geeze Kitten,” he chuckles blushing a little, “what if someone comes over?” 

“Well, if they are invited to the bedroom, then they should know what they’ve agreed to,” you give him a sly smile.

He nods, deciding not to argue with your logic. “Well, in that case,” he walks over to a drawer in the dresser and pulls out his two hanks of black rope, the lube and his own set of butt plugs you bought for him.  He hangs the rope from the corner of the mirror and puts the lube and plugs in amongst the arrangement. “There, no holds barred now!” 

He grabs you in a huge hug, kissing your forehead. 

“What are we going to do today Brain” you say in your best Pinky voice. 

“The same thing we do every day Pinky,” he answers as Brain, without missing a beat, “try to take over the world!” He dramatically clenches his fist. 

You both giggle, sharing the weird childhood memory.  

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” you say, sexily, leaning up to press your lips to his. 

“I think so” his voice husky, his lips rubbing against yours, “but burlap chafes me so.”

You completely lose it, like in the absurd way that makes other people look at you like a loon. You are laughing so hard tears run down your face, you can’t breathe and you fall onto the bed. 

Your ridiculous laughter makes him laugh too. Soon your bellies are sore and you are in a heap together on the bed, catching your breath. 

His arms surround you. It’s the most comfortable you’ve felt in months. 

“I do want to play with you later today, if that’s ok,” he asks. 

“Yes please, anytime is a good time for playtime. What do you have in mind?” you ask, cuddling up to him. 

“I have some ideas taking shape, but I think you’ll have to just wait and see,” he says… kissing your nose. 

“Oooo, antici……” you leave the word hanging.

[theobsessiveloser18]

Happy Derry Headcanons

*Upon returning to Avonlea (for vacation in Queens) Diana apologized to Jerry

*they were both very happy to see each other, but jerry was a little shy at first

*they stayed on good terms, became friends

*but 2 years later, when Diana turned 18, they were dating again

*This time it was not a secret, everyone found out, Diana's parents had not changed in terms of social class, they were furious, they yelled, they punished, they threatened, but Diana remained firm in her decision

"Now I decide the course of my life, I broke up with Jerry once, I won't twice, I love him whether he likes it or not."

*Aunt Jo was very supportive of Diana, now she practically lives with her and school, she bought a house in Avonlea to stay there for a few days, visit Minnie May, friends and other Avonlea visitors when they are on weekends or vacations

*Diana became a recognized pianist, and a governess to pay for her recitals, Jerry is still a farmer, thanks to his work he was able to buy a house for himself and Diana.

*Diana and Jerry get married at 22

*They go to live in Charlottetown, in a middle-class area, buy a rather dilapidated house, but they manage to remodel it and transform it into a comfortable place.

*Shortly after, Minnie May goes to live with them.

"You know, I'm glad to finally be free of mom and dad, they were driving me crazy." "We will still see them on weekends" "It doesn't matter, I'll miss Avonlea, but I'm glad to live with my older sister again" the girls hug each other "I hope you like that I'm here too" "Remember who spoke to you Jeremias" "Minnie May," Diana scolded. "You will never stop scolding me right" "Of course not, that's why I'm your big sister, and now I guess I'll be some kind of mother figure." "Well, I hope you do a good job, I don't mind your presence French boy, as long as I don't have to see anything inappropriate" "Of course, this is a decent home," Diana assured.

It was difficult for Diana to keep her word

"Not now Jerry, Minnie May is home." "she is sleeping" "you never know with her" "s'il te plait ma chérie nous ferons attention"(Please darling we will be careful)" "Je ne traumatiserai pas ma petite soeur" (I'm not going to traumatize my little sister) Diana shouted and Jerry gave in, but she hasn't given up, sometimes he manages to convince her, but only when Minnie May isn't home

*Ruby is Diana's neighbor, Jane lives a few blocks away and they have constant "women's meetings" at the 2 o'clock house but more than anything at Mrs. Baynard's, when Anne, Tillie and Josie and some ex-queens classmates go to visit there is no human power that removes women from that house

"I also want to be part of the talk" Minnie May commented when she came home from school and found them together "Well, why not?" said Anne. "oh really?" "Of course, you're not a little girl anymore, you're a lady" answered Anne "it's so lovely to be 15" they all laughed

"You know" said Minnie May after a while "I think I'm not going to get married" "What!!" some girls from Queens exclaimed, shocked, before the hard gaze of the Avonlea women, they hid a little "if marriage is a bit complex, mom and dad made me hate love, even now" "Marriage is not always pleasant dear, it has its good and bad moments, but it is charming" commented a friend of the girls "Anyway, if you decide not to get married in the future it will be fine Minnie May, you are a strong spirit, you would do well in the world, just don't let society tell you what to do" Jane said, the girl nodded gratefully

"Yes, it would also be of great help for my future, I could give a recital in any city without consulting the opinion of "my husband", just my violin and me… oh and Diana I want her with me, well if I take her I suppose that Jerry would have to come with us too, right?"

"That is right sweety" "It's okay, I can handle it just because of my success, a man who carries the suitcases doesn't hurt" "I don't think people would get excited to see a spinster playing an instrument, upper class people would consider it a scandal" Josie opined, over the years, she had become a better person, but no one could take away her "education" as a child rich "Better for me, I don't need the hypocritical rich to enjoy my talent, the poor people will be going, I'll get cheap, what they can afford and leave them enough money to eat, so people will flock to see me, who says that the poor They don't have the right to have fun." "I love hearing that, Minnie May, I'm so delighted that you and Jane have been so positively influenced by my coming into your lives." "Don't let the cigarette smoke go up to your head, Anne, what I told Minnie is from my situation, you can't say anything about being single, you're married to Gilbert" "Oh yes, that's my precious friend, oh Gilbert, my beloved and charming, handsome and noble Gilbert, he is the best husband in the world."

"No, that's not true, Moody is all that and more, there is no one who compares to him, so chivalrous, brave, and smart" "It's good that you stop there, I can believe the useless qualities that you mentioned something, but let me tell you something with all the love that I have for you dear, he is anything but intelligent" Everyone except Ruby who was furious laughed "Moody is much more intelligent than any of her husbands and even than you" before the incessant laughter she begged desperately as if she were still 16 years old "Come on Diana tell them"

"Okay, ladies, I'm not going to bring my husband into the discussion of the 'best husband' because all of our husbands, thank heavens, are excellent, and that's why we consider them the best to the point of entering into a ridiculous competition over who is the most handsome, talented and intelligent, but we don't need this, because each one of them is perfect for us and that's what's enough" said the black-haired woman in a conciliatory tone and she managed to finish the conversation there "However, let me tell you what I love Jerry so much and how happy I am to have chosen him, I love the fact that even our parents realize that we are and will be happier than they have been, the other day I was visiting them, and my mother as always He looked as if he were the most unpleasant thing in this world and I, with my natural elegance, asked her if she was not happy because he fulfilled what he always wanted" before the confused looks of his childhood friends and explaining to the women of Queens he continued "You see, my mother always wanted me to marry a Frenchman, and I did so, only with someone without wealth, a man of society, and I married a young man from humble origins, but in my defense she did not specify the kind of status I should have, he always said French, you can't blame me for omitting that little detail" At the woman's explanation they all started laughing like there was no tomorrow until Jane ended up with her cheeks as red as Anne's hair "Diana, you crossed the limits, poor woman, I'm sure she almost had a heart attack from so much impudence" "Almost smacked her," Minnie May commented with a smile.

"You must have seen her, it was so glorious, I wish Cole would have been there to make a portrait as detailed and beautiful as he does of her face, her expressions, I would hang that portrait on the living room wall, right in front of where we are sitting, and would tell visitors the fascinating history of the painting." "Diana, darling, a society woman shouldn't be so defiant or wild" commented one of the amused neighbors "You are absolutely right, my dear friend, a classy woman should not act like that, but I am Diana Baynard, the free and fun woman who will continue to do that kind of thing" The room was flooded with laughter again

Diana got pregnant, everyone (except the Baynards, what a surprise) were very happy) at that time, despite the tranquility that a pregnancy should have had, Diana lived through the busiest months of the last few years, traveled constantly to Avonlea, had some recitals in several cities, and received and visited her neighbors constantly, in addition to her work as a housewife.

She was constantly visited, Anne, Gilbert, Josie, Tillie, neighbors and even old friends of the queens and acquaintances appeared at her house, Marilla and the Baynard family advised her and helped with the pregnancy, Auntie Jo and Cole settled in the Baynard house and They stayed several months after Diana gave birth, she was especially grateful for so many wonderful people in her life.

Nobody called her the most "belle du monde" (beautiful in the world) pregnant woman as much as her husband.

Jerry is extremely accommodating to Diana, as if he no longer allows her to do any effort at home, she cooks, irons, washes, and keeps the house clean, Diana misses the routine a bit, but she loves her rest

"I was too lucky that you still liked me, after how bad I behaved with you"

"I had all the luck in the world to marry my first and only love, Diana, the most perfect girl in the universe, she is perfect for me"

One night Diana and Jerry were in her room, she was reading and he was writing a letter in French.

"You know dear she was thinking of something" "Tell me love" "it would be perfect if we had a small farm, like in green abbles" "You're serious Diana" Jerry asked very surprised, Diana thought that maybe it wasn't a good idea, they didn't have much money "Yes, I thought it would be nice, you know that children are created with animals, plus I know how much you miss working for the Cuthberts and the animals in your house" she commented with some shyness, but Jerry hugged her euphorically, and his doubts were dispelled. "That's the best idea in the world Diana, I love you so much amour" and she gave him one of those passionate kisses that Anne delighted to find described in books. "Tu fais de moi l'homme le plus heureux du monde d'une manière si simple que tu ne peux pas imaginer" (you make me the happiest man in the world in such simple ways that you cannot imagine) and the very serene and controller of such that even if Anne had seen she would not have believed

*Diana's pregnancy gave Minnie May the opportunity to bring out her curious

"Diana, Jerry I need to talk to you" "We hear you daughter" Jerry said jokingly. "At school the boys talk explicitly about how babies are formed" Diana was stunned and Jerry grabbed the newspaper so hard that he tore it, he drank coffee to calm down "I've stayed away from those conversations because I consider them indecent, And a woman should not make men boast of their stupid knowledge" "Your behavior seems very good to me Minnie May, however the word 'stupid' is not appropriate" "Anyway, the point is that although it may be considered inappropriate at my age, I would like someone to explain to me how a woman gets pregnant" Jerry spit out the coffee through his nose, Diana and Minnie May looked at him confused, the older one pondered words his sister for a few seconds "Alright" "really?" they asked confused "Yes, this is a modern home, not my parents' house, I prefer that Minnie May find out from us and not from what the new vulgar people of this world tell her" "However, I will write to Anne for her advice on how to tell her." "Yes, better write to him, I don't know how to explain the subject" "We know Jerry, you are not the most educated person in this house" "Minnie May!" "What? Was I rude?" I ask with sincere interest, the adults looked at each other confused

Anne sent a 13-page letter describing with the most graceful words in the world "said process" Diana was very grateful for the letter, kept it in a box along with others that her best friend had sent her, and decided that she was going to explain to him to Minnie may the process as she considered more appropriate. The talk went wonderfully, both were satisfied

"You did well to explain me in your own way, I'm sure that Anne's passionate explanation would have traumatized me" "Definitely, it was the weirdest thing I've ever read, and I already knew the process"

*Diana gave birth to triplets, Albert Fred Baynard, Anne Cordelia Baynard, and Charlotte Liria Baynard, they were beautiful brown and black-haired babies with bright brown and green eyes (from the Baynard family, the name of the last girl is a tribute to Jerry's mother)

*A short time later, Jerry buys a piece of land and turns it into an extension of the house, and it is the new farm.

"Society women should not be working on a farm" "We are no longer women of society my beloved sister, we are free damsels, owners of their own lives, who no longer care if their dresses get dirty, after all there is soap" "Spending time with Anne affected you" "No, I'm free, what's wrong with you? I thought you would have liked to grow up with animals" "Yes, but not to work on a farm, let Jerry do it, he has experience, or let's get employees like the Cuthberts" "The Cuthberts will get Jerry, because idols couldn't take care of the farm anymore and we'll do the same when the time comes." "being poor is so hard"

"It is, but for me it's worth it"

*Diana loves when the baynards, the cuthberts, miss stacy, bash, cole, tia jo and all her friends are gathered in her house, she loves her life like no one else.

[creations-by-chaosfay]

I had intended to toss the entire tax return onto the current goal, but split it with the other one. I couldn't toss the entire rest of it onto the current one, just most of it, because we need to get our backdoor completely replaced.

The ice storm from last month resulted in a tree using the roof as a resting place when it's limbs broke off. Their weight caused the walls to shift just enough that the poorly fitted door no longer closed right. We though we had repaired it, but a week later, the door is no longer closing. Thankfully, this roof isn't directly part of the house. That section was a cement patio space that had walls and a flat roof erected over it behind what was the garage. It's not a fully enclosed patio/deck. It has two very small windows, a few outlets, and a storage room attached to it.

The previous homeowner was a landlord who did things poorly and illegally. No permits, no licenses, no professional help. The backdoor frame isn't a real door frame. It's some wood boards with guessing and lots of cutting. There's evidence of the door being raised and lowered repeatedly...and cut to fit the "door frame." We have professional help, and he's checking out Habitat For Humanity's supply yard for doors and door frames, as well as a place called Bring where I found those antique sewing machines. Bring is where people bring items leftover from construction and remodeling, like windows, doors, appliances, tools, parts, tubs, sinks, jars, and random furniture. Both these places have massive discounted prices because everything is secondhand. Bring's philosophy is Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink, and it shows. That's why we go there before we go any other hardware stores.

Yes, I'm frustrated, and have a special depth of loathing for landlords, especially the sort who do this weekend warrior nonsense. It's why we need to get the plumbing replaced; they connected the house illegally to the city sewage line. There had been a septic tank in use, but they decided rather than hiring a professional to connect the house to the city, they would do it themselves or pay someone who doesn't know what they're doing. We were quoted $12k USD last year because the current plumbing needs to be dug up (it's buried about six to eight inches deep and needs to be four FEET deep), proper plumbing installed, a proper connection to the bathroom, and then it needs to be properly buried. We don't have $12k, and if we were to do monthly payments, they require 50% upfront first.

All the more reason we're paying off our debts now. We'll then be able to save money for this very necessary work. Once the current goals are reached, $1283 for the water heater, just under $5k for the debt transfer, we'll be able to save nearly $300/month, plus whatever I make from my quilts. Our savings were blown last year due to my husband's medical emergency and corresponding bills. With your help, and some good luck, we'll have these two goals met and be better able to save money for a very necessary plumbing job.

If you wish to help and make a massive difference in our life, and lower my stress by leagues (stress and anxiety lower my already low seizure threshold, resulting in more seizures), consider either purchasing my listed work or hiring me for a quilt commission. I have flat prices on my commission page, and lower than what the more accurate shop listing price would be. Rag quilts are now an option, and they're less expensive than their counterpart of equal size. A rag quilt baby size is $450 whereas the traditionally pieced quilt of that same size is $650. A queen size rag quilt is $1450 whereas a traditionally pieced queen size quilt is $3800.

I'm having giveaways for every goal too, as a way to celebrate reaching it by a certain date. If we reach that goal before the deadline I set, I giveaway a quilt of some kind. The first one was a baby size rag quilt for the funds to cover our insurance deductible, the second a table runner and four placemats for Jasper's (RIP) final vet bill and it's collecting interest, the next is a miniquilt for the water heater, and the last will be something big because the goal is nearly $5k, so perhaps a twin size rag quilt ($1100 value). I will absolutely have a giveaway for the new plumbing, and it's gonna be a doozy. I'm thinking a prize of a traditionally pieced queen size quilt (starting price of $3800) for the winner. If I get the Cutie Breeze quilting frame (second item on my Throne list), I'll be able to make more quilts faster, and list them in my shop for significantly lower prices because they'll be machine quilted by me. At least, after I get a lot of practice with free motion quilting using a standard sewing machine like a longarm machine.

This has turned into a bit of a ramble, but I wanted to make each of you aware of what's going on regarding all this. Right now, the priority is home repairs and meeting goals. My husband's income is covering monthly bills, home repairs, food, and fuel. All the money I earn from shop sales, commissions, and receive from donations are going towards paying off debts, and later it'll be applied to new plumbing with a $10k goal. Once we meet that goal, I'll call around to other plumbing companies, and get quotes/bids from them. Whatever has the highest ratings and better price will be who we hire.

Now, I'm gonna see about breakfast.

[alba8688]

Love hurts

Chapter 31

Word count:6116

Warnings:18 plus ,unprotected sex,fighting fluff I think that’s about it .

February 18

Dani’s pov

Today was the annual hellfire party that was held in Gareth's house .Well in his garage and here I was now deciding what to wear .I didn't know what to wear for a Dungeons and Dragons party club .

Was I supposed to dress up as a character or like normal attire?

Honestly I don't know ..

I was pretty bummed because Nate really wanted to go today to the party but on the weekends Liam had him and he wasn't able to go ,but I promised him that there would be more Hellfire parties that he was going to be able to attend .

So now I'm here standing in front my closet looking through my clothes.Well half of my clothes and the rest of my clothes and shoes are in a storage unit because I had too many and didn't fit in my old closet .

Sometimes I had to go to the stupid storage unit to grab a pair of shoes.I hated that I wished the house would get done earlier but I know I was asking for too much because the ones remodeling the house were Wayne and Eddie and a couple of Wayne's friends from work .

And they weren't able to do anything in the house only when they had days off .

That's why it was taking awhile for it to be finished but as soon as my last day of work hits I was gonna try to invest all my time in helping in whatever I could for the house to get to finish faster.

or probably hire someone to help Wayne and his friends to get a head start ,I didn't want them doing all the hard job .

Now back to searching for what I'm gonna wear to the party.

The guys told me it was just The hellfire club and  Steve and Robin.

But what do I wear to a high school party that I was invited by my boyfriend ,but his friends don't know I was invited by him because they don't know I'm his girlfriend.

They thought I was going because I was invited by Dustin .

Jesus Christ that's so confusing even for me.

I decided to wear Eddie's guns and  roses tee with my faux leather shorts and a black cardigan .I put my hair in a half ponytail and did my makeup .

For my shoes I wore my black doc martens.

I called Eddie to see if he was already on his way to Gareth's House. I Didn't want to arrive there i felt awkward being that I was their teacher .

I don't even know why I was going to this party ,who would have thought that I'll be hanging out with a bunch of high school students .

Jesus Christ I have become Steve !!

The phone didn't even ring two times before Eddie was  answering .

"Hello,Edward Munson Hotline  ." He answer

"Excuse me Hotline? ."

"Hey sweetheart ,yes! Hotline but only for you ."he said in a flirty voice .

"Ok  ." I giggle ."At what time are you headed to Gareth's ?" I ask him

"Well,about that ,my van is not starting up and I don't know how I'm gonna get there  ." He tells me

"I-I can go pick you up ." I say softly

"A-are you sure ?" He ask

"Baby I'll be there in 10 ok ."

"You're the best Dani!!"

"Ok,bye love you see you in a bit ."

"Bye I love you more ." And before I could argue with him He hung up on me.

That was always our biggest argument,who loved who the most .

"Dustin you better be ready , we have to go to pick up Eddie !!!" I shouted from my room

"What ?" He opened the door from my room.

"We are picking up Eddie cause his van won't turn on ."I tell him, grabbing my keys from the bedside table .

"Ok then I'm ready ." He says putting his thinking cap on .

*****************

The drive to Eddie's trailer was quiet ,Just Dustin kept glancing at me and he would smile .

"What ?!" I ask annoyedly, keeping my eyes on the road, "You have a big smile ." He teases messing with the radio screen changing the brightness and the background .

"So ,what if I'm smiling ?" I ask ,I look in the rear view mirror at myself but I look ok I guess .

Yes ,I was smiling but that was because I was happy ,I mean I was allowed to smile .

Jesus Christ this kid love to mess with me .

"Are you happy that Eddie is coming with us ?" I turned to look at my brother who was now saving his favorite radio stations in order leaving mine to the end .

"Are you really pushing my favorite radio stations all the way to the back ?" I asked him "yup ." He said popping the p

"Jesus Christ Dustin!!"

I mean yes I was happy Eddie was riding with us tonight to the party,but I mean it's normal to feel happy right ?

As I got closer to the trailer park i saw the sign of Forest Hill Trailer Park my heart started beating faster .I actually think it was gonna burst out my chest like that movie Alien ,Once I arrived at Eddie's trailer I park not turning my car off ,i stay in my seat taking of my seatbelt with both of my hands on the wheel .

Tapping the steering wheel to the beat of whatever song Dustin was listening to .I just don't understand why I was so nervous .

My heart started beating like 100 bph ,ok now it was definitely gonna burst out my chest and splatter all over the windshield .

That's how nervous I was .

Maybe I'm just being a little dramatic..

I started getting more nervous. I have no idea Why ,but I was nervous as if it was my first time seeing Eddie .

I started bouncing my leg up and down like crazy and Dustin noticed .

"Jesus Christ Dani calm down ." He puts his hand on my leg to stop it from moving. "Are you gonna get down or honk to let him know we are here ?" He asks ,changing the radio station once again for the 100th time in the whole drive .

I don't even know what the hell he was listening to the whole way over here because my head was somewhere else the whole ride .

I shake my head trying to shake the nervousness away "umm yeah I'll honk ."I honk  twice and I see someone peek through the  blinds from the living room then close them.The front door opens suddenly and Eddie walks out wearing blue jeans, his hellfire shirt, his usual leather jacket And jean vest .

I was actually surprised to see him wear blue jeans. He always wore black ripped jeans from the knees.

"Dustin, go to the back ."

"Really you're kicking your little brother from the front seat for a guy ." He says shocked

"Yes !!it  Isn't  just any guy, Dusty you know that ." I whisper not wanting Eddie to hear ,well he couldn't hear because he was on his front porch locking his front door .

But somehow I thought he could hear ,it is not like he had super hearing .

Or did he ?

Dustin just shakes his head and opens the door walking out ,seating in the back seat leaving the front door open for Eddie .

I start getting more nervous when I see Eddie walking towards my car smiling when he sees me .

"Hey there sexy ." He says in a flirty voice and I giggle like a stupid dumb ass .

"Get in dingus ." I Tell him trying to hide the stupid giggle .

"In the front seat? I feel honored ." He says closing the door and putting his seatbelt on .

He turns to look at me and smirks "what ?" I ask

Him: "The last time I was in your car was that night at the Halloween party, remember." He says in a low voice wiggling his eyebrows at me .

Yeah I remember that night clearly .

"Jesus Christ Eddie im on the back !!" Eddie turns around to see Dustin who had a disgusted face .

"Sorry little Henderson ." He chuckles ,then his attention went to my radio "so what are listening too?"he starts messing with the radio changing the station like Dustin was the whole ride over here  "it's so cool right ,Dani has a lot of radio stations to choose from ." Dustin tells Eddie excitedly .

"Wow, is that an ozzy station!!" He says excitedly looking at me "yup ,that's one of my fave stations I tell him "that's so fucking awesome ." He was like a little kid with a brand new toy .

"Yeah ,you're gonna be my ride for now on Baby ." He gives me that big goofy smile

"You know I don't mind Ed's ." I turn to look at him then back to the road .

The whole ride consisted of Dustin and Eddie messing with my radio changing stations ,Eddie  would put  a comedy station then Dustin would change it to a different station.

"Dustin put your seatbelt on!'I shouted looking through the rear view mirror at Dustin .

"Fine." He says sitting back putting his seatbelt on "and you ,stop changing the stations." I look at Eddie who gave me puppy eyes .

"No,no don't give me those eyes Edward ." I turn back to look at the road .

I changed the station to one of my favorite stations and left it there .

I turned up the volume when I heard a song I like that kind of reminded me of Eddie and I ,our relationship .

It was in Spanish and English .

Play telepatía "Kali uchis."⬆️⬆️song is up

I started singing to the song and Eddie turned to look at me .

I just laugh and continue singing to him .

"Baby ,you have a beautiful voice but I have no idea what you're saying ." He chuckles but I still

Continue singing to him.

"I really need to learn some Spanish." Eddie mumbles "What if your telling me shit and I don't even know it and I'm over here thinking "Oh wow my girlfriend is singing to me ."but in reality your telling me to go fuck myself ."

I just chuckled and continue singing my song .i actually  heard this song from a friend back in college the one that taught me how to learn Spanish ,Well help me to improve it more because I already had taken 4yrs of Spanish in high school and also in college I was really invested in learning a second language in case any of my students didn't know English I wanted to be able to help them as well .

I didn't want them to feel left out or anything like that .

The drive to Gareth's house wasn't that long. He actually lives close by my house, well my mothers house .So it wasn't that far away from Eddie's house .

I park in the driveway next to Jeff's car ,turning the car off .

They had the garage open. Dustin got out as soon as I parked, running to be with the rest of the guys. He was pretty excited being that it was his first high school party but what he didn't know Is that I wasn't letting him Drink no alcohol.

I was about to get out when Eddie grabbed my arm and stopped me .

"So I searched for the song you were singing a while ago and I translated the lyrics ." He wiggles his eyebrows and winks at me

"Ok."

"So what I understood from

The not so good translation ,is that you want to  mind fuck me ." He winks at me "Eddie!!" I squeal "don't say that !!" I giggle "well that's what the song says that you make love to me through telepathy,now I see why I touch myself when I'm not with you at nights because you're making love to me from your bed ."

"Ok ,stop please Eddie it sounds so cringy I just can't ." I belly laugh by the stupid things he was saying ,why does he have to ruin a pretty good song .

"Come on, let's go inside ." He tells me opening the door to his side and getting out,then runs to open my door for me .

"Thank you." I tell Him and starting right now Eddie is just my student and nothing else how I hated to pretend that I wasn't in love with him .

We walk together side by side, our arms brushing while we walk .

"You look beautiful." He whispers

"Thank you ,you don't look too bad yourself." I nudge him with my elbow

"Oh really ." He tilts his head and smiles "yes blue Jeans ." I fan myself with my hand and he laughs .

"Oh ,shut up, I haven't done laundry ." He tells me walking backwards with his hands on his front pockets .

"Why ?"

"Because my washer is not working and I hate going to the laundromat."he tells me

"Well ,you can always bring me your clothes and I can wash it at my moms house or we can go tomorrow to get my washer and dryer from the storage and you and uncle Wayne can use it ." I whispered because we were getting close to the open garage .

He stops in front of me and I bump into him.""Whoa Miss.Henderson your already falling for me ?" He smiles "You wish ." I chuckled and walked past him to say hello to the rest of the boys .

After an hour or so Robin and Steve arrive .Steve brought a bottle of tequila and some cokes for the  boys as well as some snacks .

My duty was making the food which I had done since early ,Gareth had gone to pick it up earlier to have it here when everybody arrived .

They wanted lasagna so I made it for them .

Whatever the boys want, the boys get.

"H-hi Miss.Henderson ." Robin stutters hiding a six pack of beers on her back

"Robin is ok, you don't have to hide them for me ." I show her that I have a mixed drink on my hand .

Ok fun fact I don't like beer Eddie doesn't know that yet I'm more of a mix drinks girl I mean he should know when he first met me all I order was martinis 🍸.

"Oh ." She laughs awkwardly, "I'm here with my brother and his friends ." I point to Dustin and the rest of the gang "oh yeah obviously ,I mean that would explain everything is not like your here for Eddie  ."she whispers making me choke on my drink "No,no Robin I'm not here because of Eddie ." I whisper back

"Yeah ofcourse im sorry Miss.Henderson ." She gives me a weak smile "You can call me Dani ." I smiled at her "Dani ,that's a really pretty name. I mean look at you, you're so beautiful ." She gasps, covering her mouth, "Thank You Robin ." I smile

"Sorry about her, she doesn't know when to shut up." Steve comes from behind her putting his arm around her shoulder "I don't mind Steve ."

"Where's Eddie ?" He asked me, "Umm, I think he went inside the house to grab a drink ."

"Oh ok."

"Oh there he is ." I point ,Eddie was coming out of Gareth's house with a drink in his hand and a girl I did not know ,who was really close to him for my liking .

Who the fuck was she and why was she laughing like that with my boyfriend .My boyfriend couldn’t be that funny? What was so funny ? I wanted to laugh too.

"Dani, are you ok?" Steve asked me "who's that ?" I ask him  softly "I think that's Gareth's cousin ." Steve tells me .Gareth cousin that I don’t know about .pfft she is not even that pretty .

Jesus Christ who am I kidding ,she’s beautiful .

"Oh ok ." I say and walk away from them, my legs taking me to Eddie without thinking .

"Hi Ed's ." I smiled at him, "Dani ." He smiles back

Gareth's cousin looks me up and down and smiles at me .

"Hi, I'm Jessica ." She extends her hand to me ,I just look at her and smile and just nod ."Jess umm this Is Danielle Henderson ,Dustin's sister ." Eddie introduces us "how Do you guys know each other?" She asks in a flirty way to Eddie playing with the hem of his shirt.

My eyes are glued to her fingers in my boyfriend's shirt,I think my eye was twitching .

Danielle keep your cool,you are not about o make a scene in a high school party .You are a mature adult .I tell myself .

"School umm she is umm my teacher ." Eddie says the last part softly

"You're a teacher ??"She looks me up and down again in a judgy way. "Well you don't look like a teacher ." She says coldly

"Hmm." I scrunch my nose and took a sip of my drink. This bitch .

I stayed standing there having a conversation with Eddie and Jessicaaa ,everything was going well. I was starting to like this girl but then Eddie sat down in a chair and Jessica  had the audacity to sit on Eddie's lap !!!

Eddie looked at me with wide eyes raising his hands up in defense .

I could see how uncomfortable he was. He kept moving to see if she would stand up but she wouldn't ,it was like she was glued to his lap.

I think my eye was twitching even more right now ,I was thinking of the many ways I could move her from His lap .Or maybe I just tell her to move away from my boyfriend .

But I couldn't do that ,at least not yet .Something inside of me was about to explode.Maybe if I pull her by her fucking hair she would fucking love from. Y boyfriend’s lap .

Jessica kept talking to me but it was like I wasn't listening to anything she was saying I was blind by anger ,but then she wrapped her arms around Eddie's neck getting close to his ear whispering something .

Yea that was it for me ,I was going to jail tonight .

Yeah I'm about to commit murder.

Eddie pushes her away gently trying not to be rough with her.

But I was getting to the point of exploding and beating her ass down for being a stupid bitch .

Whoa Dani calm down .

I drank the last of my drink and crumbled the red solo cup in my hand.I was about to launch and beat the shit out of Jessica when I felt arms around my waist picking me up and spinning me to face them .

Then I felt lips on my  lips catching me  off guard .

"Gareth?!?" I pull away from him "sorry i didn't want you doing something you regret "he tells me .

"Man what the fuck !!!!"I hear Eddie say

"Hey !!" Jessica winced in pain. I turn around to see her on the floor. Eddie must have pushed her off of him when he saw Gareth Kissing me.

Is not fun is it ? I thought to myself

Eddie launch to Gareth grabbing him by  the hem

Of his shirt pushing him Against the wall .

"Eddie, I'm sorry man ." Gareth said kind of scare

"Hey what's going on ?" I heard Steve  shout

Now everyone was trying to pull Eddie from Gareth.

"Eddie let him go ." Jessica places her hand on Eddie's shoulder trying to calm him down .But Eddie didn't listen to her or neither reacted to her touch .

"Yeah Eddie, listen to your girlfriend." I tell him

Walking away from them to my car .

I had enough of watching a girl being all over my boyfriend .while he didn’t do shit .

"Dustin!! We are living !!" I raised my voice

Dustin got his stuff  saying his goodbyes to everyone and ran to follow me to the car sitting in the back seat .

"Dani!!" I heard Eddie's voice from

The distance but I ignore him.

The door to the passenger side opens and Eddie gets in closing the door behind him.

I didn't tell Him anything. I just drove off a little too fast, pressing the gas when I was on the street making the tires squeal .

"Jesus H .Christ!!" Eddie turned to look at me, putting his seatbelt on and turned to look at Dustin.

"I told you never to make her mad." Dustin tells Eddie while scrolling through his phone .

"Holy shit Dani !!and I thought I drove like a maniac." He grab himself from

The handle above the door .

I turned to look at him and just rolled my eyes .

I arrived at home dropping Dustin off ,and I made sure he went inside the house before I  drove off to Eddie's to drop him off .

Keeping my speed at a decent speed limit,well at least that's what I thought but apparently to Eddie I was driving like a crazy person .

When I got to Eddie's I park in the front ,Wayne's truck wasn't here he must have left to work already.

We stayed in the car silent not talking to each other but I could feel Eddie burning holes in my head .

"What??" I spat

"Baby ." Eddie said sweetly

"Baby." I mimic Eddie

Wow that was a childish move of me I told myself .

"Dani come inside ." He says softly

I didn't say anything, just got down, closing the door behind me and walked to Eddie's porch waiting for him to open the door .

I stood facing the front door not daring to look back at Eddie because I know if I did I would fall for those stupid chocolate eyes .

I hear the door closing to my car and footsteps approaching.

Eddie was now opening the door to his trailer and moving to the side to let me in .

I walked in and just stood in the entrance with my arms crossed over my chest .

"Baby." Eddie cooe hugging me but i didn't hug him back kept my arms in the same position.

He tried to kiss me but I moved. He did it one more time but I moved my face .

He started chuckling evilly and suddenly he picked me up from my waist throwing me over his shoulder.

"Edward Munson let me down this instant or I swear to God!!"I kicked and hit him with my hands but he didn't bring me down.

He opened the door to his room and tossed  me  to the bed, making me bounce a few times .

I sat up with my back against the headboard crossing my arms over my chest .

Eddie looks at me with a raised brow and a serious face ,he then goes to lock the door to his room and climbs in the bed crawling up to me .

"Kiss me !!" He demanded

"No!" I spat

"Danielle Henderson kiss me " he said sternly

"Edward Munson, I said no !!!"

Suddenly he grabs me from the back of the neck pulling me closer to him crashing his lips on mine .

I try to fight him away but instead I bit his bottom lip thinking he would pull Away but he didn't ,he moan ,this fucker like it .

"I SAID FUCKING KISS ME !" He looked right into my soul, his eyes darken ,the usual chocolate eyes weren't there any more .

I don't know if it was because he was mad or because he was turned on .

"And I said no Edward ,why don't you ask Jessica for a kiss  ."I said angrily

He starts chuckling then crashes his lips against mine again not giving me time to fight him off .

My mouth was wide open giving him the advantage to let his tongue into my mouth exploring every part of it making me weak to my core .

And like the good girl iam i kiss him

Back falling for his stupid lips .

"Good girl ."he cooe

"Shut up and kiss me ." I said against his lips

In a blink of an eye we were both getting undressed tossing every piece of clothing to the floor leaving us completely naked .

Eddie explored every inch of my body ,kissing  my stomach down to my belly button and all the way down to where I needed him The most .

But he stopped right in my thigh .

He was fucking teasing me ..

But I wasn't about to beg .

I was too angry to let him know what I needed and I needed him badly.

He got closer to my core making me arch my back.He kissed my clit softly .

I let out a small moan making him

Chuckled feeling the vibrations all over my core making me whimper.

I wanted to tell him to stay there but I wasn't just about to beg him after that stupid little show he did back at Gareth's .

Shit!!" I moan, feeling his fingers sliding through my folds .Making small circles around my clit with his thumb.

"Does that feel good?"he mumbled, his lips kissing the side of thigh.

"Mmmhmm."I murmured ,rolling my hips  as I felt his fingers slide into me .

He continued his pace in a slow motion keeping his thumb on my clit,driving me out of my mind .

"Jesus Christ ." I groaned feeling the pressure building in my stomach ."Holy shit ....oh fuck ... don't stop ." I arch my back gripping the blanket in my hands .

"Fuck baby your so fucking wet ."i  Felt his warm breath on my core making me whimper .

He curl his fingers inside of me while rubbing my clit driving me out of my mind how the fuck was he so fucking good with his fingers .

"Eddie!!" I cried while I felt my orgasm reach me .

I arch my back up ,feeling my eyes roll back to the back of my head and I felt so weak in his touch .

I kept my eyes closed trying to regain my breath but Eddie had other plans .

He crawled on top of me pushing himself all the way inside of  me making me scream in pleasure calling his name over and over again.

His hand went up my throat squeezing it slightly in a way that turn me on more than I

Already was .

I squeeze my walls against his dick, making him squirm .

"Holy shit !" He moaned loudly ,I'm glad Wayne wasn't here or he would have to listen to all the noise going on right now in Eddie's room.

I opened my eyes to look up at Eddie, his eyes were on me ,dark as they could get ,his curls falling on his sides like curtains.

I smile seeing how I made him feel

His cheeks were red, his mouth wide open .

He was putty by my touch .

He wasted no time in crashing our lips sliding his tongue in my mouth without no difficulty.

Our tongues fighting a battle that know-one can win. We were both very competitive and both mad at the moment .

Eddie kept moving faster, making me moan like crazy .

"Shit baby you feel

So good ." He groaned

Eddie was a moaning mess he couldn't even contain himself and I was glad I made him

Feel this way .

"Fuck baby I love you so much ." He cup my face giving me open mouth kisses

"I love you too Eddie ." My voice sounded muffled by my lips on his .

I squeezed my walls one more time against his dick .

"Oh shit Baby ." He moaned, releasing all his warm seed inside of me feeling me up ,he continued thrusting helping me ride my orgasm.

We both stayed in the same position trying to regain our breath this time I was for sure regaining my breath because Eddie was out of it .

"Baby ." I whisper "hmm." He

Hum "I need to clean myself ." I said softly

He leaned down to peck my lips, getting up slowly pulling out making me feel empty without him inside of me .

He walked out the room completely naked and walked back with a towel and cleaned me then tossed the towel to the hamper laying down next to me.

He pulled me close to him, my back against his naked body, feeling the heat of his body on mine was my safe place .

"I love you so fucking much Dani don't ever doubt that ." He whispered in my ear "I'm sorry for not pushing her away ,I should've but I didn't ." I turn around to face him and peck his lips ."Yes, you should have push her away Eddie but still I shouldn't have acted that way because know-one knows what's going on between us ,but I just got really jealous and Also sad because I know I wasn't able to do that with you in public ,that's why I'm quitting my job so I could Be able to be with you ." I stop and look at him.

His eyes lock on mine ." I love you so,so much I never thought I would feel this way for anyone but then you came and snatched my heart from my hands and never gave it back ." I chuckled softly ,he pecks my lips softly "Eddie when I say I love you is not just because I want to say it, is because I mean it and I want to be with you as long as I'm alive ,I want you to move in with me and Nathan when the house is finish in June ,Nathan even calls you Dadda Eddie ." I stop talking realizing what I had said ,I just fucking told him move in with me and that Nathan calls  him Dadda.I look him in the eye our faces bearly visible with the only light on being the lamp on the bedside table .

He had no reaction ,he didn't say anything so I panic I got up from the bed and from

His arms looking for my clothes on the floor and putting them on as fast as I could .I almost tripped when I was trying to put my sock on ."shit." I muttered.

I heard movement in the bed but I didn't dare to turn around and look at Eddie at his stupid eyes ,I felt so stupid ,why did I think he would want to move in with me and accept Nate as his son ,im so stupid ,so Fucking stupid what was I thinking?

I know it was a big step in our life's but fuck he was still in high school and I wanted him to move in with Nathan and me.Yeah I probably scare him when I said Nate calls him dad .

Oh shit fuck me !!

I was screaming internally.

I was about to open the door to his room but I stopped when his hand grabbed my arm, spinning me around to face him .

I could barely see his face .

I was nervous, my heart beating faster than usual .

Or maybe I was just having a heart attack .

He pushes me against the door and his hand goes to the light switch and I realize he is completely naked standing in front of me .

I try not to look down but Jesus Christ this man was beautiful is like he was carved by Gods .

"Dani, I'm sorry I reacted the way I did ." He starts saying .

I just look at him scared that he might say something that's gonna hurt me .

"Move in with you ?Your being serious?" He smirk tilting his head to side to look at me,"I mean you don't have too if you don't want to ,maybe you just want to have fun live your life ." I started babbling nonsense ,but stopped with his lips crashing into mine .

"Isn't that what we were doing already ?" He says against my lips "mmmhmm." I hum "But yes Danielle Henderson I would love to move in with you ." He pecks my lips .

Jesus Christ I felt a great relief in my chest and I finally relaxed a little .

Maybe I didn't really scare him.

"So Nate calls me Dadda ?" He smiles that big goofy smile

"Yeah ." I tell him

"You know in the few months that I knew him that kid stole my heart and to be honest I see him as my son too but I never thought he would actually call me dad ." He stops and looks down covering his face with a strand of his curls

I wrap my arms around his neck trying to kiss his lips but he keeps turning away not wanting me to look at him ,but then I heard sniffling .

Was he crying ?

"Baby are you crying ?"

"No." He reply

"Look at me ." I cupped his face but he kept his eyes closed but I saw tears staining in his cheeks.

"Why are you crying ?" I cooe

"Because Nate considers me a dad even though he has Liam and I don't know if I could be a good role model for him ,I mean look at me ,I-I never had a father to teach me how to be a good father myself ." He wrapped his hands around my waist pulling me closer to him hiding his face in the crook of my neck ,I could feel the tears on my neck and sniffling.

"Baby ,you have Wayne ,he has been more of a father than your real father ,Wayne has made you into the man you are today ." I kiss the side of his head while rubbing small circles on his bare back .

"You want to cuddle in bed naked ." I said sweetly

"Yes." His voice muffled in my neck

A/n so I try translating the song as best as I could ...⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

     Happy reading

              ~Alba

Who'd say

Quién lo diría

that love could be made by telepathy

Que se podría hacer el amor por telepatía

The moon is full, my bed is empty

La luna está llena, mi cama vacía

what i would do to you

Lo que yo te haría

If I were in front of you, your mind would be blown away

Si te tuviera de frente, la mente te la volaría

Night and day, night and day

De noche y de día, de noche y de día

You know I'm just a flight away

You know I'm just a flight away

If you want it, you can take a private plane

If you want it, you can take a private plane

kilometers away we are connecting

A kilómetros estamos conectando

And you turn me on even though you're not touching me

Y me prendes aunque no me estés tocando

You know I got a lot to say

You know I got a lot to say

All these voices in the background of my brain

All these voices in the background of my brain

And tell me everything you're thinking

Y me dicen todo lo que estás pensando

I can imagine what you are already plotting

Me imagino lo que ya estás maquinando

Who'd say

Quién lo diría

that love could be made by telepathy

Que se podría hacer el amor por telepatía

The moon is full, my bed is empty

La luna está llena, mi cama vacía

what i would do to you

Lo que yo te haría

If I were in front of you, your mind would be blown away

Si te tuviera de frente, la mente te la volaría

Night and day, night and day

De noche y de día, de noche y de día

You know that I can see right through you

I can read your mind

I can read your mind

What you want to do?

It's written all over your face times two

Cause I can read your mind

I can read your mind

I can hear your thoughts like a melody

Listen while you talk when you're fast asleep

You stay on the phone just to hear me breathe

on repeat

On repeat

Who'd say

Quién lo diría

that love could be made by telepathy

Que se podría hacer el amor por telepatía

The moon is full, my bed is empty

La luna está llena, mi cama vacía

what i would do to you

Lo que yo te haría

If I were in front of you, your mind would be blown away

Si te tuviera de frente, la mente te la volaría

Night and day, night and day

De noche y de día, de noche y de día

(You know I got a lot to say

(You know I got a lot to say

All these voices in the background of my brain)

All these voices in the background of my brain

Next chapter

[bullfrogjoy]

Bullfrog Joy

March 22, 2023

Good Morning! It’s really spring now, but I’m not sure it feels like it. For some reason I am just cold. I do like the sunshine later in the day, and I know it will warm up. On my walk today I saw bluebells and mini daffodils. So cute! My regular daffodils are just about bloomed out. They’ll last a little longer for just a bit more early spring joy.

March Madness…it’s another sign of spring. Are you in? How do you choose your winners? I’m looking for a Cinderella team, but the one I picked got beat. Long Beach State. Their coach got fired and then they won their tournament. I’ll look for another one. Maybe Oakland?

I guess you could say my family is a little basketball crazy. We had two TV’s going last night, flipping between games. Our daughter took two days off work to watch games this week. We did not teach her to be a North Carolina fan, but somehow that has become her team. They won so her bracket is good so far.

Facebook told me that our son got tickets to see Illinois play yesterday afternoon. I didn’t even know he was a fan, but there was his picture at the game. He and his friend drove six hours to watch the game. Guess they were feeling the joy because Illinois won. I did notice he had on his White Sox shirt so he does still know which sport is the best!

Here’s my non-basketball joy story for the week, my friends. My brother left town for the winter, but before he left he made plans for some remodeling of his house here in Illinois. He asked if I would supervise and make some decisions if necessary. It really is a bit bigger job than I expected, but it is sort of fun to be in charge of spending someone else’s money! Someone had to choose what kind of flooring to put in his new bathroom and hallway. The carpenters suggested we go to the Warehouse Bargain store at the mall. WOW! Have you been there? So much stuff! And so many deals.

However, the real joy was when we discovered we had not bought enough flooring. Doesn’t sound like joy, does it? We had to go back to buy an entire box to get the three pieces we needed for the doorway we hadn’t measured. We walked in, told the guy what we wanted, and he said he thought he could hook us up. He pulled three pieces out of an open box and handed them to us, saying, “Have a nice day. It’s on us!” What a deal! And yes, my friends, that was JOY! We will go back to that store.

I do like basketball as much as the rest of the family, but I also found a really good book. It may be a tough choice this weekend. Basketball or The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese? The characters are amazing. The setting is 1900’s in India. An interesting tidbit, not particularly important to the plot is that the main character attends a church established by the apostle Thomas, after Jesus sent him to go to all nations, preach the gospel and baptize believers. I had to check on this. I don’t know that it is proven fact, but it is tradition that Thomas did go to India to preach the Word, and there are churches that claim to be founded by Thomas. There are three different story lines. At page 250 (there are 700) I am beginning to see how they might intertwine. So much to find out, so much to read, how can I watch basketball?

Life is good. Joy is out there my friends. Macomb outdoor Dairy Queen is open! It may be cold, but ice cream brings me joy! And….even better….It’s almost Easter when we celebrate the greatest joy of all. Find a church and celebrate Palm Sunday! Jesus is alive. Joy to you my friends. Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea. Joy to you and me.

[dragon-kazansky]

Made with love | Helmut Zemo

Chef Zemo AU! 👨‍🍳

Gender neutral reader

Collage by @realremyd

[Previous chapter] - [Next chapter]

Part 9

Both Zemo and yourself enter the restaurant together, his arm wrapped snugly around you. You dispose of your personal items and stand behind the bar.

Helmut makes you each some coffee as you look around the room.

As it stands, Escorpión Morado had a homely feel to it which was perfect for you. That meant you didn't want to completely lose that touch, but to complete with Stark, the restaurant needed a new look.

Sam and James came in for work. They saw you both chatting and laughing, drinking coffee together. They shared a look before Sam coughed into his fist. You both turned around.

You looked extremely happy to see them.

"There you are! We need to have a word with you," you waved them over. Helmut made them each a cup of coffee too.

"What's going on?" James asked, looking between you and his boss.

"Escorpión Morado is going to have a makeover, and we need all the help we can get," you declare, proudly.

They look at each other before looking at Zemo.

"What's going on?" Sam asks him.

Helmut sighs softly and placed his hands on the bar, he uses them to support his weight as he leans forward. You're trying so hard not to stare at the muscles visible through his tight shirt.

He is dressing this way on purpose? No! Get your head back on to the restaurant, not the handsome chef.

"Stark has opened his restaurant. He is stealing our customers. We need to earn them back. The only way I can think to do that is to do a grand opening of our own. Escorpión Morado will receive a makeover, we will update our menu, we will update our service. I don't want to lose my business."

You wrap your arms around the one closest to you and rest your head against his shoulder.

"You won't. We can do this. It's going to take a lot of work, but we'll do it."

He smiles at you.

Sam and James nod. They had worked for Helmut for years, he was a good boss and they each had so much respect for him. They had seen the ups and downs of Escorpión Morado and have dealt with every scenario. This was just one more.

"What's the plan?"

You glance at Zemo before answering.

"Helmut and I spent some time picking out designs for the remodel. I'm going to make a few calls later and see who I can get to come over and when. Can you help us clean up the shop? We could leave the outside tables for now, let's start inside."

They nod. You all finish your coffee and Helnut takes the cups away to be washed. You explain to the boys what you want them to do and then you leave to go make a call.

Sam and Bucky pull all the chairs out from under the tables and begin to stack them by the window, pushing the tables out to either side, making as much room as possible.

When Helmut comes back out, he begins clearing the bar. Sam helps him box up the bottles and containers, they store them away for safe keeping.

It takes a couple of hours to shift everything out of the shop, keeping on a few things back incase of customers.

You didn't want Zemo to close up until it was absolutely necessary.

You had made several calls. You had organised someone to pull up the floors and lay a new one, someone would come to repaint the walls in a couple of days, and you had hired a van for the weekend so could collect the new furniture you had organised.

You explained everything to the boys, discussing when things would happen.

"So, what do we today?" Sam asked, looking at the new open space.

"Clean everything. I want this place cleaned from floor to ceiling. We have to get all the photos and decorations off the wall," Helmut said, casting a glance to the photo of his father.

You smile softly.

"You should take him back to the apartment until the restaurant is ready for him to come back," you say.

Helmut nods.

Bucky goes to fetch the mop and bucket. Sam goes to get some furniture polish for the tables.

You grab a box and walk over to where Helmut stood by his father.

"I'll let you pack him away safely," you say, leaving the box on one of the tables.

Helmut stops you from walking away from him, pulling you into his chest and hugging you. You're quick to wrap your arms around him and let him hold you.

"It's going to be amazing when it's done," you tell him.

"You're amazing."

You smile and look at him. Helmut kisses you softly.

"Sorry to interrupt."

You both pull away at the new, yet familiar voice that had entered the room. You both turn to see the man you despised at the door.

Stark takes off his shades and tucks them into his pocket.

"I heard something was happening here, thought I'd come see what's happening."

"None of your business," you snipe.

Stark grins, chuckling in amusement.

"Closing up already?" He asks, not giving you pleasure of a response.

"No," Zemo states.

"Oh? Looks like it."

Stark reaches into his inside pocket and pulls out a cheque. That cheque. He waves it about between two fingers.

"My offer still stands."

"We're not selling you the restaurant," you say, standing in front of Zemo with your arms crossed.

"It's not your decision, pip squeak."

"Pip squeak?"

Helmut places a hand on your shoulder.

"What we are doing is none of your business. Please leave my property and take that with you," Helmut nods at his hand.

Stark continues to hold it up.

"Why are you doing this? Just give in and accept my help. I could make this place something spectacular."

You glare at him.

"It is something spectacular. It's special. We don't need you, Stark."

Stark looks at you. There's a smirk on his lips as he takes slow and certain steps toward you. He comes to a stop directly in front of you and looks at you with piercing eyes.

"Who are you?" He asks.

Your tell him your name.

He scoffs.

"This has nothing to do with you."

You don't back down. You hold your head higher and silently challenge him.

"It has everything to do with me."

Helmut places both hands on your shoulders and pulls you away from Tony.

"What do you want, Tony?" Zemo asks, looking at the other man.

"I'm having a celebration this Friday at my restaurant. You're invited. Bring your data too if you'd like," Stark glances at you.

"We don't want to come," you say.

"Maybe. Maybe not."

Tony leaves an invitation on the end of the bar. You don't even look at it, just watching him.

Tony head back toward the doors.

"Nothing you do will change the outcome."

You wanted to punch him so badly.

He leaves.

You turn on your heel and face Helmut. His dark brown eyes focus on you.

"We can't let him walk all over us."

"No, we can't," he agrees.

"What's he even celebrating?" You ask, glancing at the invitation.

Helmut steps around you to pick it up. He holds it up to where you can both read it. The card was white with cold trimming. In neat black lettering, it read:

You are cordially invited to the engagement party of Pepper Potts and Tony Stark.

Formal dress

Friday 6pm

You look up from the card at Helmut. He looks back down at you.

You both smile.

"It would be rude not to."

"Yes, quite."

Sam and Bucky return. Bucky puts the mop bucket down and grabs a broom, getting straight to work. Sam walks over to the bar and begins to dust it.

You smile again.

"A few more surely wouldn't hurt, right?" You ask, looking up at him.

"Not at all. Us two, plus four, perhaps?"

You grin.

"We have until Friday, by which the new floors and paint should be done."

Helmut nods.

"Stark has no idea what's he just done," you bite your lip with a grin.

Chuckling, Zemo turns back to the photo of his father. There was much to be done before Friday.

I wonder if you're proud of me.

Helmut grabs the box you gave him and begins to pack away the plague and photo. You go over to help Bucky with the floors.

I am, always.

@namethathasnotbeentaken @belle82devart @cathrin2405 @lieutenantn @wilder-fangirl @latenightartist-author @lucky-luck-lucky @hb8301 @charistory @thatoneartgalsstuff @thesuitkovian @malkaviangirl @zemosimp420 @realremyd @the-chaotic-cow @lostghostgirl94 @zafiro-draco @lazygurl05 @pinkcutiepiee @goddessofmischief03 @whovianayesha @myybebe @awesomesauce-abbie @that-stupid-head-tilt-thing @swooning-for-mc-avoy @nonamec0s @apparrio @scuttle-buttle @alex-the-nb @my-blood-is-maple-syrup @greeneyedblondie44

[hualianff]

More Than This VI 《V》

It’s no surprise XL gains his own taste of fame after walking the red carpet with one of the most sought-after actors in the country. He doesn’t mind it, going as far as to create a few social media accounts to interact with fans and scroll through their photos and edits of him. He has a few fan sites too, but only for fancy events where he chooses to be recognized in public.

XL and HC agreed before sharing their relationship with the public that they would maintain a strong sense of privacy when it came to their personal lives. They only share what they want to. The paparazzi who manage to take photos without permission are immediately disciplined so it doesn’t happen again.

(“I can’t believe you did it.”

“Hmm, Gege said he was okay with it.”

“I know! But I didn’t expect you to actually....” XL stares at a recent selfie of them HC had posted on his Twitter, taken the night HC won his award. “We look like we just had sex.”

“Nobody’s gonna know.”

XL raises an unimpressed eyebrow at his boyfriend. HC insists again.

“Nobody’s gonna know-”

“They’re gonna know,” XL says with a sigh, pointing to the hickey marks clearly visible on the photo. HC rolls over closer to XL in their bed, scrutinizing the image on XL’s phone.

“Oh, I didn’t see those when I posted the photo.”

“San Laaang!” XL cries, pushing at the taller man’s shoulder before burying his face into his pillow. HC makes XL breakfast in bed as an apology and promises to not drunk-post anything again.)

Eight months after officially dating–which is over two years since they met–HC asks XL to move in with him. XL doesn’t even need to think about his answer, a simple “Yes! Yes please!” escaping his lips. Both HC and XL’s faces light up with overjoyed smiles.

They seem to have had the same idea about where to live, purchasing a home they’ve been eyeing for months! The best aspects include a massive yard (front, side, and back) for XL to tend to, a hot tub, and a spacious living and dining room area to entertain guests. It’s not the grandest or most impressive residence by size or feature. In fact, the first months have them living in a half-finished, rusty house with the prettiest garden you’ve ever seen.

It gradually gets better. HC and XL knew they would have to do a lot of work to improve the shape of their home. Over the next year, they repair and remodel the house themselves, simultaneously adding value to the property and curating the style to fit their dream home. XL makes sure to post progress photos on his social media. His most recent selfie of HC and himself in hardware glasses got over 500k likes! He pinned HC’s comment that said, “Gege is my own very handyman!”

(HC, in a sleeveless tee, shorts that show off his ass, hair pulled back into a high bun: “Gege, you’re the boss now. Tell me what to do.”

XL, struggling not to gawk at HC’s side boobs: “O-okay, first, can you smash those cabinets-”

Cue them making out against the counter when it’s the only part of the kitchen that is fully done.)

***

Having a partner who considers the outdoors as a second home is a special experience. XL often takes HC on dates to national parks and plant nurseries. They go on weekend camping trips where XL teaches HC how to properly filter water, summit long stretches of terrain, and stay warm during cold nights with below-freezing temperatures.

(HC, trying to fit into XL’s sleeping bag: “Hi, gege-”

XL: “San Lang, you have your own sleeping bag that you can actually fit in.”

HC: ‘But I’m cold. Gege helps keep me warm.”

XL: “Fine. But let’s use yours because it’s bigger.”

HC, kissing XL’s forehead: “Thank you, my love.”)

On their hikes, XL points to different plants, explaining their origins and why he finds each one particularly beautiful. At first, HC picks up random flowers on the way home and then he asks XL about what flower fate gave him that day to gift his beloved. (“San Lang, that’s not allowed!”) HC eventually stores all the random facts in his mind, always eager to listen to XL talking about his passion. He also learns to keep his hands from digging up “poor, helpless plants from their home soil.”

However, this unfortunately doesn't prevent HC from accidentally squishing some plants in their yard that he thought were just weeds.

(HC, thinking he’s a good partner: “Get out, stupid weeds. CHOP CHOP!”

XL: “SAN LANG STOP, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?”

HC: “Gege always works so hard. I just wanted to help you in the yard today because you deserve it.” 🥺

XL: *sigh* “I appreciate the gesture, San Lang. But those particular grasses took months to grow, and you just killed them-“)

***

Countless media outlets try to stir up trouble like they typically do with celebrities. Especially when HC has roles that involve romance, articles claiming HC and XL are on the brink of breaking up receive lots of attention. However, what gains more attention are the videos the couple posts on Youtube or Instagram live of their reactions to their “scandals.”

(XL, reading a headline: “Actor bachelor Hua Cheng and co-star Yushi Huang seem to be cozying up after a late-night shoot.’”

HC: “I’m not a bachelor, the fuck?”

XL, smiling: “You could be. Me as well. We can be bachelors together.”

HC, chuckling: “All right. If gege is, then so am I.”

The comments: “That doesn’t make any sense!?”

HC, reading another headline: “HC’s lover found with a mysterious third party??”

XL, exclaiming: “Oh, that’s Shi Qingxuan! You know, the designer for all our red carpet outfits!” 🥰🥰

HC: *nodding along*

XL, cheekily: “-and my secret second-lover”

HC: *blanches* “What.”

XL: “Kidding!!!! San Lang is the only one for me, hehe.” *kisses HC’s cheek* “Okay, next one!”)

Everyone watching the videos is 50% confused and 50% entertained as HC and XL make light of any drama the media portrays them in. Viewers accept that of course, the rumors aren’t true; HC and XL are still very much in love.

They’re in love with each other and will continue falling for many years to come.

***

HC doesn’t like watching himself on screen. However, he does enjoy previewing his own movies for the first time with his boyfriend.

While XL watches the new movie, HC observes XL’s reactions. It helps that XL is a conversational movie watcher too. XL’s narrations consist of horny comments during the sexual scenes (“Ooh, that’s hot. Nice tongue.” “Thank you?”), side remarks about the plot and characters (“San Lang, your character is very rude.” “...”), and dramatic reactions to the huge reveal scenes where HC becomes a human punch bag. (“Oh my goooosh, San Lang!! It was him all along- AHH!!”)

As a perfectionist, something you have to be in HC’s field of work, HC is incredibly self-critical of his performance. Which is another reason why it’s nice to have XL watch alongside with, who never has a shortage of praises for his boyfriend.

(HC: “Fuck, why did they leave this shot in the final? I’m supposed to be mourning for my dead lover but instead, I look like I’m crying out of daddy issues. Why did no one tell me!? It looks so bad-” *pointing to himself on the screen* “-stop looking so constipated-!”

XL, squeezing HC’s nape and massaging his shoulders: “San Lang, no one thinks that except for you. You did everything perfectly. Please acknowledge your hard work and just enjoy the movie.”

HC: *sigh* “You’re right. Okay. Thanks, gege.”

A beat of silence. HC cuddles closer to XL.

HC: “Love you.”

XL: “Love you too.”)

***

XL now knows HC’s movies well enough to quote HC’s lines in his movies to make him laugh. HC happily indulges him, questioning after breaking character, “Gege, are you sure I’m the actor out of the two of us?”

One time, HC and XL are in their kitchen re-enacting a scene with HC as the investigator going to a bartender for more information on his suspect. HC has XL caged against the counter, asking in a teasing manner, “How can I repay you for your help tonight?”

XL lowers his eyelids, looking up through his lashes, flawlessly depicting his character. “Any restrictions on your offer?”

“No, darling. Name a price, a brand, a desire. Right now, anything is on the table,” HC says huskily. XL slyly bites his lip.

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

XL brings a hand up to cup HC’s jaw, then smooths it down his neck, traveling down his bare chest. XL tilts his head to expose his neck, wanting to build up his boyfriend’s anticipation. But before he can say his next line, HC effortlessly throws XL over his shoulder like a bag of rice.

“San Lang, wait, this is not how it went in the movie!” XL shouts, a little dizzy from the sudden lift turning him upside down. HC takes long strides to their bedroom, plopping XL on their mattress and blanketing him with his larger frame.

HC only utters a husky “we’re improvising” before diving down to devour XL’s lips. XL’s arms hook around HC’s neck, holding him impossibly close.

***

After a filming shoot where HC’s character gets beaten up–HC performing his own stunts–he heads home beyond exhausted. He just wants to take a relaxing shower and cuddle his boyfriend in their warm bed.

HC arrives at their house a little past midnight. He opens the door and finds XL’s back facing him, quietly humming a song as he takes care of the vase in the living room. The sight makes HC smile.

However, as XL turns around, the vase slips from his hands and explodes into pieces on the ground.

“San Lang! What happened to you!?” XL cries out, the panic in his voice only comparable to the day he had confessed. HC stands in the doorway confused. Was something wrong with his appearance?

XL is on him in an instant, his pupils shaking as he frantically asks, “Does it hurt a lot? What happened!?”

HC blinks, expression blank as he still doesn't understand what has freaked XL out. But as the shorter man gently caresses HC’s face, it suddenly hits him.

The make up!

HC urgently starts rubbing the fake bruises off his face. “Gege, I’m okay! It’s just make up, none of this is real. See?” He holds his hands out for XL to see as the pigment stains HC’s palms. “I’m so sorry! San Lang is dumb, he didn’t mean to make you worry,” HC murmurs as he takes XL between his arms. He really loves this man too much.

XL’s teary eyes shine glimmer as HC embraces him. “Y-you’re sure you’re okay?”

HC nods, leaning into the slender hand that cups his cheek.

“Thank goodness,” XL breaths out as he buries his face into HC’s neck. His next words are slightly muffled. “It looks…so realistic.”

“Yeah, the make up artists are all quite talented, aren’t they?”

XL clings tighter to HC.

“Very much so. Let’s shower so we can properly wash it off.”

“All right,” HC says. “Wait, we?”

XL tugs HC toward the master bathroom.

“Hush, let’s go.”

***

They lay in bed together after four long months of separation. Both of them had been in different parts of the country; HC filmed a drama series while XL traveled for several high-profile projects. Their respective busy work schedules limited communication to brief video chats and text messages, which never seemed enough.

Now, with his head resting on HC’s chest, their legs overlapping comfortably, XL finally feels like he’s where he belongs.

“Why did you choose me?”

Tactical fingers massage XL’s scalp, lulling him into a serene state of bliss. XL nuzzles further into his boyfriend-sized pillow.

“It’s not like I can choose who I fall in love with, Gege,” HC states with a light chuckle. “But if you want an answer, it’s because you are everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner.”

XL looks up at his boyfriend, mouth forming a shape of an O.

“That simple? Even when we made a deal to have no strings attached?” XL asks. HC groans at the reminder of their initial agreement.

“Yes, which was a dumb decision on my part.”

“I agreed to it too. We were both dumb.”

They are silent for a moment. It’s not the first time they’ve talked about or referenced their insecurities when it came to confessing their feelings. XL’s luck when it came to dating someone who could love him for every part of him was practically nonexistent. HC’s constant grappling for his self-identity and worth rendered most of his relationships superficial. And temporary.

Always temporary.

“I can’t believe you thought I didn’t like your plants though. They’re so pretty. And fascinating.” HC says, breaking the silence.

“They take up half our living room space.”

“So? You work with plants all day. They’re bound to be a part of your personal life as well.”

XL’s heart bursts with a sudden fondness. It’s a wonderful thing to be appreciated for the little things.

“I’m glad you think so,” he says happily. HC hums in response, sending vibrations to where XL’s cheek lays on his chest. “I can’t believe I didn’t know you were a famous actor for the first three months we…”

“Met up for sex?” HC finishes with an impish grin.

“Yes,” XL laughs.

“It was nice not to be recognized for once. With you, I could just be myself,” HC says with ease he never thought he would be able to do. He’s struggled with letting himself be vulnerable his whole life. It turns out, HC just had to find the right person. And thank god he did. XL is more than HC’s outlet from his career. He’s become HC’s closest friend who knows him the best; he is HC’s number one supporter in any endeavor he pursues; he makes HC feel important. XL sees and loves HC for who he is. No amount of fame or wealth could come close to comparison.

“Gege?”

“Hmm?”

“Does it ever bother you that my life is always everyone else’s business?” HC softly asks.

“Well, the fame can be a bit…uncomfortable,” XL admits. “But you’re an amazing actor. And a remarkable person. I can’t blame your fans for loving you so much, you know? I also got to ride in a limo-“

“Which you rode very well-”

XL flicks his boyfriend’s forehead.

“You’re so predictable.”

“You would’ve said the same thing given the chance. Don’t lie, gege.”

They go back and forth a little longer, never once creating unnecessary distance between each other as they roll around until they’re on their sides. Facing each other in their bed that’s been vacant for months, HC and XL are inseparable.

“As I was saying, fame is something that comes with your job–your passion. You can’t control it, nor does it solely characterize who you are. Besides, I get to be a part of your life! That’s all that really matters,” XL continues. He shifts forward so their bodies are closely pressed together. XL plants a kiss on HC’s chin, then whispers a confession that tilts HC’s entire world on its axis.

“I’ve been waiting my whole life for someone like you.”

HC’s world spins and spins until all that he sees is his beloved, gleaming brighter than all the galaxies without the power to disrupt their orbit. He wraps his arms around XL and kisses the top of his head.

“Me too, Gege.”

Bonus:

HC watches wearily as XL salivates at a showering scene where HC’s bare ass flashes in the frame. XL turns to HC with a serious look in his eyes.

“San Lang! Hiking has done your ass wonders.”

XL sneaks a grope to a meaty cheek. HC chokes.

***

“You can’t be late to your own premiere!” XL cries incredulously.

“Try me,” HC purrs into XL’s ear, delicately kissing the lobe.

XL gasps as teasing hands roam around his torso, one of them slipping down to cup his behind. He vaguely thinks about how SQX is expecting them in the next hour to help with their red carpet outfits. But when hungry lips attach to the sensitive column of his neck, XL is a goner.

“Gege doesn’t have to do any work. Just lay back and look pretty.”

(Brainchild with @no-one-says-hi!)

[cpd5021]

Love Drunk

Happy almost Valentine’s Day! Here’s a long, annoyingly fluffy Upstead one-shot inspired by the song Afterglow by Ed Sheeran. Written for the “Upstead Valentine's Love Songs Challenge” on @upsteadofficial. Enjoy! 

Hailey slumped back in her chair, rubbing at her face and never feeling so thankful that it was a Friday. The past week had been long to say the least and Intelligence had been hammered with case after case. But finally their work week was over and she was about to go home. She glanced over to Jay’s desk, only to find him already looking her way with a soft smile spread across his mouth. 

“What?” 

She mouthed quietly, squinting her eyes at him when his smile increased. He shrugged and shook his head before shutting down his computer and standing to stretch. They made their way into the locker room and found Kim and Adam exchanging a playful banter over the fact it was Valentine’s Day this weekend. Hailey rolled her eyes, laughing when Adam made a comment about the discount candy he’d be buying on Monday. Every time she looked Jay’s way she caught him looking at her, an almost mischievous look behind his eyes. 

Finally they made it out to his truck, Hailey jogging to get out of the freezing wind and letting out a sigh of relief when she was tucked into the warmth of his cab. Jay climbed into the drivers side, sending her another grin as he pulled them out of the lot. 

“You’re up to something.”

She stated, eyes boring into him. He shrugged again, reaching to adjust the heat and giving her a wink. 

“Can you make sure my bag is back there?”

 Jay asked, motioning towards the back seat. It wasn’t an odd request, seeing as they usually packed a bag to stay at the others house on the weekends. But when Hailey turned to look into the back seat she spotted not only Jay’s but hers as well. She shifted back around and stared at the side of his face. 

“It is. And it would appear mine is as well.”

She watched his mouth creep up into a grin again and he sent her another wink. 

“Huh...weird.”

He shrugged again and she playfully smacked his shoulder. 

“Why is my bag in the back Jay?”

She pushed when he wasn’t going to answer. 

“Well, it’s your overnight bag.”

He stated simply, turning them into the parking lot of Portillo’s to grab them some dinner. 

“Yes, thank you. But why do I need it?”

She tried to sound annoyed but really her tone was light and held a hint of excitement. 

“Because you’re staying somewhere overnight.”

He grinned her way once more before pulling up and ordering their usual.

“Somewhere? So not your place?”

Hailey angled in her seat to fully face him now, becoming more curious by the second as to what he might have planned. 

“Not my apartment…”

Jay paid and passed the bag of food her way, then pulled into a spot for them to eat. 

“So where?”

Hailey asked, handing out the meals. Jay chuckled her way and she rolled her eyes in response. 

“You ask a lot of questions, you know that?”

It was Hailey’s turn to chuckle as she shook her head at him. 

“Just trying to catch up.”

She shrugged, opening her sandwich wrapper. 

“How about… you just enjoy the surprise.”

He kissed her mid sentence and she smiled into him before he pulled away. Hailey gave him a hesitant nod and they settled into eating. Once Jay was done he pulled them back out of the lot and pointed them in the direction of the expressway, only peaking Hailey’s curiosity more but she did her best to keep quiet. Jay turned on the radio after a while and Hailey settled back into her seat, letting the soft lyrics of Ed Sheeran fill her ears as the lights of the city began to fade from view. After a while she felt her eyes getting heavy and rested her head on her hand, propping it up against the window. Jay’s hand reached over and took her free one, tracing lazy circles over the back of her hand and the gentle touch lulled her to sleep. 

Hailey woke when the truck came to a halt. Rubbing her eyes she glanced at the clock on the dash and felt disoriented when it read just after 10pm. Jay’s hand squeezed hers and she looked his way before letting her eyes finally take in the sight before them. They were parked in front of a cabin, seemingly in the middle of the woods, with a string of white Christmas lights illuminating a covered porch. Her gaze drifted back to Jays and she smiled back at him when she saw him grinning her way. 

“Come on…”

He nodded and jumped out of the truck. Hailey climbed out of her side and met him at the front of the truck. Jay came to stand behind her as she took in the small house, unable to contain her smile at the almost magical sight before her. His hands rested on her hips and he placed a kiss on top of her head. Hailey leaned back into his touch, placing her hands over his as they wrapped around to her abdomen. 

“Jay…”

She couldn’t finish, still in awe over his surprise. She assumed this was his family's cabin, something she had heard about once but never seen. 

“I know it’s kinda cheesy, but I wanted to do something nice for you for Valentine’s Day and you don’t seem like the candy and teddy bear type.”

She laughed against him, squeezing his hands in hers. She definitely wasn’t that type. But this? This was perfect. 

“Are we here all weekend?”

Hailey turned in his arms to face him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she spoke. 

“If that’s okay with you.”

He smiled, looking relieved that she was appearing to like his surprise.

“The whole weekend, just us...no interruptions?”

Her voice dipped lower as she spoke and his eyes darkened in response. Hailey stretched up onto her tiptoes to give him a kiss and his arms pulled her in tighter to deepen it. They stayed locked together for a moment, letting their lips dance together in a slow pace, before Hailey pulled back to look up at him.

“Can I see the inside?”

She bit her lower lip, grinning when he moaned a little at the sight. He took her hand in his and led her up to the steps of the cabin. Snow was starting to fall around them and the sight of it under the glow of the string lights was beautiful. 

Inside the cabin, Hailey found herself awestruck once again at the beautiful simplicity laid out before her. Worn down furniture, an old handmade quilt draped over the back of the couch and a brick fireplace that was screaming to hold a crackling fire. She turned to face Jay and pulled him into another slow kiss. When they separated, he pressed his forehead against hers, his eyes beaming with happiness. 

“Thank you.”

She whispered against his lips before placing a quick kiss against them and then pulling away. 

“For what?”

He asked, following after her as she trailed around the small room. 

“For this surprise. It’s perfect.”

She grinned his way as she went on to explore the tiny kitchen, just enough room to cook a meal and perfect for her and Jay. 

“You’re perfect.”

He sent her a cheesy grin when she rolled her eyes at him. Jay stepped back out to grab their bags from the truck and tossed them onto the dining table when he returned. 

“How about you take these to the bedroom and then take a hot shower and I’ll start a fire.”

Hailey quirked an eyebrow at him, trying to picture Jay bent over the fireplace. It was almost something she wanted to stay and witness but instead she gave him a nod and took the bags down the hall. For such a small, simple cabin Hailey was surprised when she stepped into the bathroom to find it completely remodeled, huge walk in shower and a soaker tub big enough for two included. She located some towels stacked in a closet and then turned the water of the shower on, quickly undressing and then stepping into the hot stream. Her body began to melt instantly and she was pretty sure she could happily stay in here for the rest of the weekend. 

She half expected Jay to join her but when he hadn’t appeared by the time she was done, she shut the water off and wrapped a towel around herself. Padding into the bedroom, Hailey smiled when she noticed what appeared to be another handmade quilt laid over the bed. She rummaged through her bag in search of pajamas but came up empty handed.

“Hey Jay, did you pack me some of my sleep clothes?”

She called, jumping slightly when his response came from the doorway of the room. 

“No.”

He smiled, making his way across the room and digging into his own bag. 

“I packed you mine.”

Hailey couldn’t help but grin up at him because it was usually his shirts she was sleeping in anyway. Once dressed, she followed him back out into the living room and they settled onto the couch together. Jay leaned back into one corner and Hailey tucked herself into the side of his body, letting his arm pull her in closer. They stayed silent for a while, just enjoying the crackle of the fire. 

“I gotta be honest, fire starting isn’t a skill I pictured you having.”

Hailey teased, dancing her fingers up and down his chest. He scoffed underneath her, causing her to chuckle. 

“I’ll have you know, starting fires is something I’m very good at. It being in the fireplace is just an added bonus.”

Hailey laughed against him, resting her head against his chest and letting her eyes flutter close when he kissed the top of her head. 

“This really is perfect.”

She said after a while, feeling herself completely relaxed now. 

“We’ll have to run into town in the morning for some groceries. I didn’t want to wake you up until we got here. But the town is kinda cool so we can walk around a bit if you want.”

Hailey tilted her head up to look at him, smirking when he met her eyes. 

“Building fires and grocery shopping. I’m learning all sorts of things about you now.” 

He scoffed again and rolled his eyes down at her. 

“Come on, you gotta give me some credit…”

He tried to give her an annoyed look but it fell flat when she smiled up at him.

“I’m just saying, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you go shopping. Any other hidden talents you want to share with me?”

Hailey’s voice lowered as she finished speaking and she watched as Jay’s eyes darkened, immediately picking up on her train of thought. Without saying another word he shifted them on the couch and then scooped her up, carrying her down the hall and into the bedroom as she squealed with the sudden movement. 

 ****

When Hailey rolled over she noticed she was alone in the bed. After a quick stretch she climbed out of bed and pulled her discarded shirt on from the night before. She found Jay in the kitchen, standing over the small stove and cooking what smelled like bacon and eggs. She walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his bare torso and pressing a kiss into his shoulder blade. 

“Morning.”

She whispered sleepily against him before going to perch herself on the counter by the kitchen window. Jay turned around, handing her a cup of coffee that she happily accepted. He stepped back towards the stove but his eyes were locked on her, watching as she sipped from the mug. Hailey felt her cheeks blush under his intense stare. He walked back over towards her, reaching up and tucking a loss strand of hair behind her ear, his eyes tracing all over her face. 

“What?”

She questioned, darting her eyes down towards her mug, suddenly feeling self conscious. Jay placed his fingers under her chin, tilting her head back up to look at him. 

“You’re beautiful.”

He gave her a quick kiss and then went back to finishing their breakfast. Once they ate, Hailey found herself staring out the window above the sink as she cleaned up the dishes. The sight of freshly fallen snow against the forest backdrop was truly breathtaking. Jay came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his head against her shoulder. She grabbed the towel and dried her hands before turning in his embrace and sliding her arms up around his shoulders. They kissed slowly, both content with a lazy pace as they had no fear of being interrupted. Eventually though, Hailey trailed her hands down his bare chest and into the waistband of his grey sweatpants, escalating the moment into something more. 

Sometime later, Hailey was once again laying in bed but this time Jay was with her. His fingers trailed patterns over her bare back and her eyes were closed, just enjoying the touch. Her stomach let out a tiny growl and she felt Jay laugh beside her. 

“Hungry?”

Hailey grumbled into the crook of her arm before replying. 

“A little. But we just ate…”

Jay laughed again and she picked her head up to shoot him a look. 

“Well...in one context, yeah. But breakfast was a while ago.”

Hailey smacked his chest, shaking her head at him as she hauled herself out of the bed. She made her way over to where their bags were and pulled out some clothes.

“As fun as it would be to lay here all day and listen to your amazing jokes...I really am hungry. For food. And I believe I was promised a Jay Halstead shopping trip last night.”

She pulled on some jeans and a blue flannel button up as she watched him get out of bed and dig his own clothes out. Once they were both dressed and her hair was pulled into a ponytail, they made their way outside and scrambled into his truck. 

The drive into town was surprisingly short. Hailey felt like they were in their own little world so to realize that they weren’t actually that far from civilization made her chuckle. The town itself was quaint to say the least, with a few stores littered here and there and only one stoplight hanging in the middle of it all. Jay pulled them into the parking lot and Hailey jumped out, eager to see what shopping with Jay was actually like. He picked up on her excitement, playfully rolling his eyes as they made their way into the building. She decided to let Jay push the cart and he followed along after her as she trailed up and down the isles. Hailey had made a loose mental shopping list on the way and plucked the things they needed off the shelves, tossing them into the cart as Jay pushed along behind her. She turned to add a few things to the cart and caught him picking up a box of fruit snacks, giving her a sheepish look before letting them fall in with the rest. They wandered up and down the rest of the isles before Hailey decided they had everything they needed. Jay took a quick detour down one of the isles and returned with a box of hot chocolate. She raised an eyebrow at him but he simply winked in return before they headed to checkout. 

“So, was shopping with me everything you had hoped for and more?”

Jay teased once they were back in the truck. Hailey shook her head at him, letting out a chuckle and refusing to answer. The whole shopping trip had felt oddly domestic, something she wasn’t quite used to with him yet but something she had enjoyed every minute of. Jay drove them down the main street, pointing out the little shops here and there. He nodded towards a tiny diner, the only restaurant in town and his eyes shined with fondness. 

“We’ll come get lunch here tomorrow before we leave. My mom used to take Will and I there every time we came up. They have the best pancakes.”

Hailey glanced at the diner before looking back at him, smiling at him inadvertently sharing something about his childhood. Fond memories weren’t something either of them seemed to have many of but she was happy he held onto some good things from his past. 

“Pancakes for lunch?”

She teased, breaking the silence they had fallen into and pulling Jay back into the moment.

“Well, I have zero intentions of getting out of bed early tomorrow and they serve breakfast all day.”

He sent her a wink and then pointed them back towards the cabin. 

As Jay hauled their few bags of groceries in, Hailey found herself wandering around the back of the cabin looking around in awe at the scene laid out before her. It truly was a little piece of paradise, their own little corner of the world. She pictured a younger Jay and Will running around the yard playing and felt a smile tug at the corner of her mouth. Lost in thought, Hailey jumped when Jay came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. 

“It’s pretty great, isn’t it..”

Jay stated, placing a gentle kiss on top of her head. She leaned back into his embrace, nodding against his chest. 

“Did you come here a lot growing up?”

She felt Jay let out a slow breath behind her before he answered. 

“Yeah, we’d come up a few times a year. I’ll bring you back in the summertime. There’s a little pond over there that’s perfect for fishing.”

Hailey smiled and turned in his arms to look up at him, her arms finding their place around his shoulders. 

“You fish?”

Jay’s head fell back slightly as he chuckled and when he looked back down there was a playful glint in his eyes. 

“I’m just full of surprises. It’s almost like you haven’t known me for all these years.”

His tone was teasing and Hailey smirked up at him before darting her eyes back down.

“Yeah well...this is kinda different.”

Jay tilted her head back up so she met his eyes, a quizzical look on his face. 

“How so?”

Hailey played with the buttons of his shirt, feeling suddenly embarrassed by the conversation. Not that she really had reason too, but the last two days with Jay had her mind wandering to the future and it was something new for her and it left her a little uncomfortable. 

“Just...us. I don’t know. We don’t get time alone like this, it’s nice.”

Jay dipped his head down to look at her, giving her a small smile. 

“She says with uncertainty.”

He spoke in a light tone but she could tell there was some unvoiced worry under his words. 

“I love you Jay.”

She wasn’t sure what made her say it so suddenly. It wasn’t the first time they had said it, but as the words left her mouth she felt something inside of her shift and she knew then that he was the one. The one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, to wake up every morning with and go to sleep next to every night. She glanced back out into the yard and suddenly it wasn’t a childhood version of Will and Jay running around but her own children, their children. The thought overwhelmed her and she felt tears gather in her eyes. Jay cupped her face between his hands, kissing her forehead and lingering there before pulling back to meet her eyes, letting her know he understood exactly what she was thinking and feeling without her needing to say another word. 

“I love you too Hailey.”

Hailey pulled him down into a kiss, smiling against his mouth as his strong arms wrapped around her. They stood like that, frozen in time and completely lost in each other, until Hailey felt huge clumps of snow hitting her head. She pulled back, smiling up at him again as more snowflakes danced around them. Jay took her hand, leading her back towards the cabin. They made it about halfway before Hailey had an idea, dropping Jay’s hand and quickly bending to scoop up some snow. Jay sent her a warning look but was unable to control the smile from reaching his eyes when she chucked the ball of snow in his direction, hitting him squarely in the chest. 

The only sound was their crunching boots in the snow, mixed with squeals and laughter as they battled it out, tossing snow back and forth until they were both soaked and freezing. Eventually Jay conceded, holding his hands up in surrender and making her send him a smug look. They hurried into the cabin, pulling their soaked clothes off and draping them by the fireplace. Hailey headed down the hall, intending to take a hot shower to warm up but Jay scooped her up from behind and raced her down the rest of the hall, tossing her onto the bed and immediately hovering over her as their lips melded together once again. 

When Hailey and Jay re-emerged from the bedroom darkness was falling outside. Hailey glanced out the window and was surprised to see how much snow had accumulated over the last few hours. Jay was in the kitchen, turning the radio on and letting it play softly as he pulled out the stuff for dinner. Hailey joined him, working beside him to chop up the produce and then making her way to the stove. They worked around the kitchen like it was the most natural thing and Hailey found a smile on her face that seemed to be a permanent feature now. They leaned against the counter, waiting for dinner to finish cooking and Hailey heard a song playing on the radio she recognized as something by Iron & Wine. Jay came to stand before her, taking her hands and surprising her when he pulled her away from the counter and started moving them together in a slow rhythm. 

“And now we’re dancing?”

Hailey grinned up at him, shaking her head playfully. 

“And now we’re dancing.”

Jay replied, tucking her head under his chin. Hailey let her head rest against his chest and her eyes wandered to the kitchen window. She could see the snow coming down hard as they swayed back and forth. She listened to the soft music and the steady beating of his chest, feeling that no matter what was going on in the world around them that she would be okay as long as he was here with her. Whether they were tucked into this little nook of the world or back in Chicago, it didn’t matter as long as Jay was by her side. Jay was the reward for everything she had gone through in the past, the breath of fresh air when she felt like she was suffocating, the light at the end of the tunnel, and the safe place to come home to when nothing else was right. Jay was home.

[fific7]

There May Be Trouble Ahead - Part 2

John Whittaker x Reader

A/N: This does not follow canon, it’s all lemon zest 🍋 because the world deserves more of the over-eager puppy that is the handsome Johnny Whittaker. And puppies need discipline.

Warnings: 18+ NSFW due to sexual content including oral and unprotected sex between consenting adults*. Some drinking.

*Irl, please don’t go wild in the country without protection.

(Not my GIF, credit to owner)

The following weekend, John parked his car with a flourish, jumping out of it and bouncing up the front steps of her mansion flat in town, noticing that it had a nice view of a small park across the road. Ringing the doorbell, he fervently hoped that she hadn’t changed her mind since he’d telephoned her during the week to reconfirm the details for today. He was excited about this second date. He’d been pleased when she’d given him both her address and home number without hesitation on the night of their first date, and she hadn’t said anything adverse during the midweek call. That had to be promising.

Surely that would have been the perfect opportunity to belatedly decline his invitation?

When she opened her front door, he wished her an exuberant ’good afternoon’ while being much taken with the vision of loveliness which presented itself to him. She was resplendent in a pretty floral dress, matching high heels and a floppy sun hat in a contrasting colour, and he thought she looked absolutely adorable. And told her as much, which made her blush. He loved it when she blushed. He was, in the meantime, admiring her curves and he could see a little more of her shapely legs today, her dress being very slightly shorter than the skirt she wore previously.

He was still gazing at her when he felt a stirring in his loins. It really had been quite a while since a woman had elicited that response from his now usually dormant manhood. With all the recent emotional upheaval, his libido had been truly and utterly extinguished.

Oh! he thought, looking down quickly at the growing bulge in his trousers, I’m very pleased to be in this state but… umm. He quickly clasped his hands in front of his fly.

Looking back up at her, he could tell by her expression that she was feeling very anxious and indeed, instead of greeting him, she burst out, “Do you really think this is a good idea, John? We have only just made our acquaintance but you’re taking me to meet your family? They may hate me!”

He smiled at her, “Believe me, it’s entirely possible that it will be the other way round!” She smiled back at him, “I’m sure it won’t be.” Grinning, he said, “You haven’t met them yet!” “John! You’re not exactly reassuring me!” He reached out a hand, “Come along, it will be fine, honestly. Don’t worry about anything!” She turned slightly and picked up a clutch bag from the hall table. “I’ll try not to,” she replied.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

Your first thought on opening the door was, ‘how handsome he looks!” He was wearing cream trousers, a stone-coloured shirt and a cream waistcoat, very dashing. You noticed his dark eyes staring at you, and hoped that what you’d chosen to wear was suitable for a tea party with his family.

However he’d immediately complimented you so hopefully that meant you’d passed muster. Then you couldn’t help mentioning how anxious you were feeling and while he didn’t exactly make you feel less so, by the time you took his hand and let him lead you down to his car, your nerves were beginning to subside a tiny little bit.

His car was a really rather smart sports number and he opened the passenger door for you, not letting go of your hand until you’d seated yourself in it, gracefully you hoped. Then he leapt into the driver’s seat and started up the engine, a loud purring sound in the quiet street. You saw a curtain twitch at the next-door window and smirked. Good! This’ll give that awful Euphemia girl something to think about. She was always making snide passive-aggressive remarks about the lack of gentlemen in your life - as if she had any herself! It twitched again and you cheerily waved at her, the lace curtain instantly dropping back into place.

“Neighbour of yours? A friend?” John nodded towards the window. You gave a rather unladylike snort, “God no. She’s ghastly. I avoid her like the plague.” He laughed, and as the car pulled away from the kerb you glanced at him, “So. Who is going to be at tea today?” He was concentrating on navigating the car through the streets but replied, “Oh, let’s see… just Mother and my two sisters Hilda and Marion. Although I do think mater might’ve said something about Sarah possibly dropping in too.” “Sarah?” you questioned. He shifted in his seat, “My ex. We were almost engaged at one point, but…” he shrugged, “…Larita happened.”

You got a sinking feeling in your stomach. His ex? Why on earth was she joining you? And who was Larita? You asked him as much and he cleared his throat, a little uncomfortable, “Larita is my ex-wife. And Sarah - although we’re no longer involved - has a kind of big sis thing going on with me, I think. To be honest, our whole relationship was always very much like brother and sister. No hanky-panky, you know?” He gave a nervous laugh. “She’ll be over to have a gander at you, no doubt - make sure you’re not going to steal the family silver.” You couldn’t stop yourself laughing out loud, “Have no fear! I��ve concealed my burglar’s Swag Bag very well.” He joined in your laughter, “Hate to disappoint you, darling, but we’ve got no silver left to steal!”

Darling? you thought… he’s forward! “That’s not a problem,” you replied, “filthy lucre’s not really my scene.” His head turned towards you, “What’s your scene? Tell me,” he said. “Oh… you know. Someone with a brain so I can have a decent conversation. Someone who can make me laugh. And treat me like a princess.” He pulled up momentarily at a crossroads and his eyes met yours, “I can do all of those,” he said earnestly, “I promise you that I can.” You laughed, suddenly slightly shy due to how sincere he sounded. “Can you? That’s encouraging, John.”

“Yes, I can. I’ll prove it to you, if you’ll let me.”

You smiled at him. “Well, it’s very early days but we’ll see, shall we?”

He nodded, eyes gazing into yours, “We shall indeed.”

A car horn tooted behind you. He changed gears and turned the car towards the fields and meadows.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

(Flintham Hall, the Whittakers’ residence)

The car tyres crunched over the gravel of the wide driveway and he drew the car to a halt in front of “The Family Pile”, as he called it. When he’d turned the car off the road and driven between two huge gate posts and then past a gatehouse, you knew that his house was going to be rather large. And it was. It wasn’t quite Blenheim Palace, but it wasn’t too far off.

“John,” you said, slightly in awe, “…what a beautiful house.” He grinned, “The original part of the house was built in 1798, not by us though. It was extended first of all in… um, 1820 I think. The Whittakers eventually inherited it through marriage in the mid-1840’s, and they extended and remodelled again a few years later. Been in the family ever since. Bit shabby round the edges nowadays,” he gave a self-deprecating laugh, “…somewhat like myself.”

He jumped out of the car in typically energetic fashion, coming round and opening your car door, “I’ll give you the full guided tour after we’ve had tea.” He took your hand again and led you towards the main entrance. “They’ll all be on the terrace, no doubt. Or… maybe in the conservatory. Come and meet them.”

You smiled, “You’re not, you know.” He stopped in his tracks, looking back at you, a confused look on his face, “I’m not what?” “Shabby,” you answered, and began walking again.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

John’s heart gave a little leap. She sounds…. interested, he thought. Could she possibly like me? Oh, I do hope so.

He led her inside the house, spotting their butler gliding towards them and waving him off, “It’s fine, Furber, it’s just me and my guest,” and giving her a quick smile, guided her through the large hall and into the large, high-ceilinged conservatory. “Oh, no sign of them in here after all. The plants are probably too overgrown to take tea amongst. We’ve only got one doddery old gardener left now, and it takes him all his time to look after the grounds never mind in here. Poor old Bob.”

He tugged her hand and gently pulled her back out into the hall then cut through a grand sitting room, where French windows were already lying open. He propelled her swiftly towards them; he could tell by the tenseness of her hand in his that she was getting nervous again, and he really didn’t want her to take flight in the opposite direction. “Terrace it is then!” he sang.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

Your heart was in your mouth as John all but shoved you through the French windows and out onto the terrace.

A large round table was set out there, complete with crockery, cutlery, napkins, plates of sandwiches, two cake stands each filled with a selection of tea cakes, a large teapot, along with several tea cups and saucers. What a spread! you thought.

Four female heads turned towards you and John, but their eyes were drilling into you and you only.

Taking a deep breath, you dropped your hand out of John’s and stepped forward, a smile - but a reserved one - on your face.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

John took in the four staring women, and had a fleeting moment of deja vu. They didn’t look very welcoming, any of them. But he squared his shoulders and hurried to stand next to her, his hand on her arm.

He cleared his throat and firstly introduced her, before indicating each of the still-silent women and introducing them in turn to her. He gave her a tentative smile and a comforting squeeze of her arm. She turned back to the women, smiling and said, “Very pleased to meet you.”

There was a further moment of silence, and he saw their eyes travelling down to look at his hand resting on her arm. But he didn’t remove it.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

You noticed them all staring at John’s hand, which had remained on your arm, then finally Veronica nodded at you and returned your greeting with the smallest of small smiles. This seemed to open the floodgates and the others echoed her, with accompanying smiles. Hilda jumped up (it seemed to be a family trait) and came over to you, claiming your arm from John and leading you over to an empty seat between her and Sarah, who looked up smiling as you approached. At the same time you didn’t miss the intensely scrutinising look she gave you. Well - this isn’t going to be uncomfortable at all is it?! you thought, smiling back through slightly gritted teeth.

A housemaid appeared from nowhere and began pouring tea for everyone. Marion, with her tightly permed hair and her mustard-coloured pleated skirt and mustard-coloured twinset and pearls, was busy passing the now-full cups round, spearing you with her sharp stare as she did so. Had these people never seen anyone from outside the estate or something? The way they were examining you! - as if you were a specimen on a laboratory slide or something. You decided to put on a brave front, smiling and thanking her as you took your cup from her. You would not be cowed by these women.

Sarah lifted her cup to her lips and sipped, before placing it carefully back in the saucer. You took a moment to study her. Well, you were just returning the favour, after all - she’d had the opportunity to scrutinise you for rather longer than that when you’d been paraded in front of them all. She was pretty, with soft brown eyes and wavy dark hair in a short bobbed style, however you felt that she was perhaps the kind of woman who just tended to fade into the background. Not that you were saying she was insipid, but… well, maybe you were.

But perhaps you’d better reserve judgement until you knew her better, you cautioned yourself. You yourself used to be a timid little mouse until you went out into the wide world. You either had to toughen up or else the world would eat you up, you’d learned that lesson pretty quickly. Perhaps Sarah had lived all her life in the rarified air of a country estate such as this. That would certainly explain why she had an air about her of one of those flower arrangements the Victorians liked to keep under glass domes in their parlours.

Hilda was a bubbly little thing, a few years younger than you. She was babbling happily away to you, asking where you got your dress, your hat, your shoes and who did your hair. Sensing that you had a new fan, you caught John’s eye over the tea cups and he smiled conspiratorially at you. Your lips lifted slightly in response. You could tell that he’d been trying to distract his mother’s attention from you, but that was only going to work for so long.

She turned towards you like a galleon in full sail and bared her teeth at you in a forceful smile. It reminded you of a visit you’d made to the Aquarium a few months ago. You were almost positive you’d seen the spitting image of Veronica there during your visit - flashing past you in one of the shark tanks with that same chilling grin in place, as you stood there gazing into that underwater world.

Under her regard, you very much felt like an item on that particular shark’s food chain. “My dear,” she intoned, “…my boy has told us literally nothing about you!” she glared at John, before switching her eyes back to you. “Pray do tell us something of your life to date, I’m sure it must be very interesting!”

You smiled at her, “Not really, Mrs Whittaker, but here goes! I got my degree - a First - in History of Art at Oxford, then I came down and now work at the Art Gallery in town. I’m a conservator. Well, I’m still a trainee but it’s not too bad. Eventually it will be fairly interesting once I’ve learned as much as I can about it from my mentor.” Veronica’s eyebrows rose, “Oh… an academic.” She smiled slightly more kindly at you then turned to John, “Well, that’s an improvement at least,” she said directly to him. His face pinked up and he cast an apologetic look at you.

However Veronica was not finished. She turned back to you and asked, “And your family, dear? What about them - what do they do?” You hid a smile. Pedigree was everything to the Veronicas of this world. “My father was in the army…” you noticed the frosty shutters coming down on her face again and wondered what that was all about, “…and then after the war, he started an antiques and artwork shipping company. It’s global now, doing rather well.” You saw interest spark in her eyes and her expression warmed again. “Oh, how interesting. And where do they live?” “In Sussex, on the Downs. We have a house there. And as Father’s offices are in London, a flat in Mayfair. And I have my flat here. Well… in town.”

Her expression was positively glowing by now. “How lovely!” she exclaimed, leaning forwards and motioning at one of the cake stands. “Do have a tea cake.”

You noticed John’s eyes rolling heavenwards.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

After half an hour of continued small talk, you were wondering why Veronica looked so pleased, Marion and Hilda looked anxious, and Sarah didn’t look particularly pleased at all. John suddenly stood up, smiling round at his relatives and their family friend. “I’m going to give this lovely lady the Grand Tour!” he announced, holding out his hand to you.

Taking it, you nodded to the other ladies and thanked Veronica for the delicious afternoon tea. Once again, she bestowed a smile on you and then John was tugging impatiently at your hand.

He towed you along behind him, whizzing you in and out of rooms and along corridors all the while delivering a staccato list of what their functions were. Eventually he pulled you upstairs and began the same whistlestop tour you’d had on the ground floor. He arrived at one particular door and stopped. He grinned at you, “This is my bedroom. D’you want to see it?” You nodded, grinning back at him. So he opened the door and you stepped inside, taking in the ornate damask curtains, the large carved bed and heavy dark-coloured oak furniture.

“It’s very…” you ground to a halt, not sure what to say. “Last century?” he laughed, “Don’t worry, I know it is. Most of the furniture in this house is ancient.” He shrugged, “Can’t afford to replace it.” You saw a momentary flash of anxiety across his face and moved to stand closer to him.

“John? Why did your mother suddenly warm up to me?”

He sank down on the edge of the bed, a defeated look about him. “I did mention this place was sinking like the Titanic, didn’t I?” You nodded, watching him closely. “My mother desperately wanted me to marry Sarah because the Hursts have actual money. Real, folding money. Not pie-in-the-sky money, tied up in land and bricks and mortar which swallow up any available funds just by existing. Then I met Larita. She was an American racing driver at the time but had no money whatsoever, she scraped through from race to race. Like a damn fool I married her in France, and brought her back here. Can you imagine how that went down?”

You thought back to Veronica’s original icy demeanour when you first arrived. “Um.. taking a wild guess here… not very well?” He nodded, sighing. Lying back against the pillows all of a sudden, he linked his fingers behind his head. “Like a hundred-pound bomb went off. American? No money? And as far as Mother and my siblings were concerned, no class. So of course in their book, that meant no chance!” He gave a harsh laugh. “What the hell was I thinking?”

“Well, I suppose you were in love?” He shook his head, dark eyes seeking out yours, “No. I was infatuated. But definitely not in love, although I thought I was to begin with. And the infatuation quickly wore off. She was bored here, but this is my home. I wasn’t going to leave it and go off gallivanting across the world with her! Spending all the money I don’t have.” He leant up on one elbow, propping his head up on one palm, “The weirdest thing was, I come swanning back here - supposed to be almost engaged to Sarah - with another woman on my arm as my wife, and Sarah was really calm and gracious about it all. She actually became quite friendly with Larita, that’s the weird bit I’m talking about!”

He gazed up at you, “She should’ve hated her, no?”

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

His logic regarding that was spot on, you thought.

Of course Sarah should’ve hated Larita, that was just a normal human reaction. By rights - and without doubt if it had been you in Sarah’s position - a huge tantrum would definitely have been thrown. So huge and enduring, it would’ve registered on the Reichter Scale.

You suspected that the supposedly shy and retiring Sarah had known exactly what she’d been doing. John’s next comments merely reinforced your viewpoint, but you kept silent.

“I mean, I was moaning to Sarah one evening about how Larita’s behaviour was beginning to grate on me, and she actually told me to be quiet and go and look after my wife!”

That was the icing on the cake as far as you were concerned. Sarah was playing some kind of long game, you decided. One of the most ancient games around in fact, ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer’.

John had admitted to you that he and Sarah’s relationship had always been sibling-like, and she was probably only too well aware of that fact. When he came back from the Riviera with a wife, there wasn’t very much she could do about it at that point but had decided to bide her time. She thought exactly the same as John’s family thought about the marriage (poorly) - but she never admitted it.

In fact she played it exactly the opposite way and ‘befriended’ the wife, who was probably only too happy to see a supposedly friendly face in amongst all the hostile Whittaker ones.

Well, well, you thought, clever little Sarah.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

John had continued, “So you see, my darling mama - and I do apologise most profusely for this - is now of the opinion that you are a very good prospect indeed. She and my sisters will be worried that I’ll say or do something to frighten you away! But I assure you that in getting to know you, those are the absolute furthest thoughts in my mind.”

Her eyebrows were steadily climbing as he spoke. Seeing this reaction - John, as he was fond of doing - had moved swiftly along to another topic of conversation.

He was grinning up at her, as she stood there deep in thought. “But on another and more interesting note… the bed itself might be old, but I just had a new mattress delivered a few months ago. It’s very good.” He patted the quilt next to him, “Like to give it a try?”

He didn’t truly expect her to agree so he wasn’t too disappointed when she laughed and shook her head. “I think we’d better get back downstairs, John!” Turning and walking out of the room, she sent him a smile over her shoulder which made his heart leap again.

Sighing, he got up off the bed and followed her.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

Additional A/N: In the film, I never found Sarah’s smiling acceptance of John getting married to the brash Larita believable. She either never really loved him or else she was a seething mass of jealousy under that calm exterior. And I think the latter! Also, for anyone who’s a stickler for accuracy, Easy Virtue was set in the Roaring Twenties and the Reichter Scale wasn’t introduced until 1935, so that’s fiction writer’s licence right there 😉 😁

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

@paracosmenthusiast

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

[faegoddessog]

 Seventy Two Hours of Bliss Ch.25/41

Chapter 25: Be Brave

Chapter Warnings: Explicitly mature content, 18+ only, voyeurism, unprotected PIV (Play safe ya'll!), fingering, cunnilingus, tub play

Series Masterlist

Series Summary:

You are neighbors with Austin Butler on the Gold Coast of Australia just prior to shooting Elvis. You become just friends because he is taken. However, after he is single again, you both find out just how attracted you are to one another and things get unrelentingly hot.

SERIES WARNING: Explicitly mature content, 18+ only,  here there be lemons.

Authors Notes: I started writing this while remodeling my kitchen, so that informed the slightly quirky narrative. It starts slow, but once it heats up, it is on fire. I have tried to pull facts from RL as much as I could, but obviously there are some assumptions and flat out dreamy wishes  involved here. 

Chapter 25: Be Brave

It’s been a week since Elvis fucked you senseless. The countertop guys came and installed the granite countertops today. The flirty guy showed up, ‘to make sure everything went smoothly’. He asked you out on a date. You told him you were seeing someone. He backed down, but told you to look him up if it all went tits up.

You finished installing the sink today. Damn you are almost done with this kitchen! Appliances should be delivered this week too! You need a day off though, you’ve been working non-stop. You are hoping you can catch Austin soon. He has still been haunting you in the middle of the night, in the best possible way. You text him.

Me: Hey, when is your next day off? I have an idea!

You go to put your phone away, not expecting to hear from him anytime soon. Then your phone dings.

Austin: Day after tomorrow. What’s up?

Me: Do you want to go develop your film? You send a link to the Maud Street Photo gallery and Dark Room in Brisbane.

Austin: Yes please.

Me: I’ll book the darkroom.

Austin: You are a goddess.

Me: That is correct.

You book the space, and text him details. You get a thumbs up from him. Then nothing.

The next day at about 1PM, you are on your knees, installing the final trim around the living room when you hear the door open.

“Oh good! You are home!” Austin exclaims.

You stand up, brushing the dirt off your work pants and hug him tightly.

“Hi love! Oh no, you caught me in my actual work clothes,” you jest.

“Yeah but those knee pads though,” he kisses his fingertips and gestures towards the sky.

“They could come in handy,” you wag your eyebrows suggestively and laugh. “To what do I owe the honor of your presence so early in the afternoon?”

“Well,” he puts his arms around your waist, swaying side to side, ”I am off for the next two days, so go pack a bag, I’m taking you on a weekend getaway.”

“You are?!” you say excitedly, “Sweet! Where are we going?”

“Brisbane, I already set it all up, bring a nice dress. Wait, nevermind, I owe you one anyway. Can you be ready in like a ½ hour? You are driving by the way!” Austin is clearly stoked, thoughts tumbling out of his mouth as he backs towards the door, “I gotta go pack too, I’ll be back in 30 min!”

He shuts the door and you are standing there, then it hits you. He’s never taken you out on a date, let alone for a weekend. In public. Natural Bridge doesn’t count, you didn't’ encounter enough people for it to count.

“Ok,” you say to yourself, unstrapping the pads from your knees, “I guess we are doing this.”

It takes you 10 minutes to pack a bag, 10 in the shower and 5 to put on your long dress, Chacos and throw some mascara on. You are hastily tidying up your scraps from the day when Austin pops in the door.

“Ready?” he grabs your bag.

“I am, but…” you hesitate, unsure what exactly to ask, “what am I supposed to do in public? Do we need to walk separately, or something? I just don’t know what to expect and I’m all of a sudden nervous.” You hadn’t realized it until this moment just how green you are to all of this.

“Oh hunny,” he sets down the bags and enfold you in his arms, ”you don’t have to do anything differently. Just be yourself. I doubt anyone will even recognize me. If they do, well, most people are really nice. I love you and I honestly don’t care if the world sees us, as long as you are OK with that.”

“I want to say I’m OK with it, but I’m also not sure that I have any idea what that would mean,” you say honestly.

“Fuck, I’m sorry I didn’t think about this, I was just excited to get away with you. We don't have to go if you don’t want to,” he says, trying not to sound disappointed.

“Hold up, I didn’t say I didn't want to go. I just need you to remember that I’m just a civilian here in your celebrity world. I really don’t give a fuck about what people might say about me or what they see. I just don’t want to mess with your reputation or image or whatever. Cuz I love you too.”

“Awww, Kitten, thank you.” he hugs you close, ”It will all be just fine. I haven’t seen any paparazzi around here lately anyway. The way I see it, it’s none of their business. If something happens, just follow my lead. They don’t get to control us.”

You take a big breath, “Alright, fuck it, let’s go have a great weekend.”

You manage to sneak Austin out like last time, although no one was there to see anyway, which goes a long way to soothe your fears. You just don’t want to end up not being able to go to the grocery store. You remind yourself that you aren’t dating a member of the royal family, so chill out.

The one and a half hour drive is easy in the afternoon. You spontaneously stop at a little hole in the wall place called Yatala Pie Shop. Mostly because, mmmm pie. They make homemade delicious gourmet pot pies and pastries. You share a chicken mushroom pie, a sausage roll and a caramel tart. You are feeling much more relaxed. You are just two normal, admittedly pretty, people out driving.

Austin has a roll of film to finish, so he periodically snaps a photo of you. Driving, eating, laughing.

You pull up to the swanky Emporium Hotel.

“Shit Austin, I don’t know if I’m this fancy… I’m not sure I’m gonna fit in,” you look at him slightly concerned.

“I get it, but Kitten, the key is to simply act like you do,” He winks as he gets out of the car. You nod to yourself as the valet opens your door and you hand your keys to her.

A bellhop grabs the bags. Austin is right there beside you, hand on your waist, sweeping you confidently into the lobby. A fantastic white sweeping staircase dominates the three story atrium in front of a wall of glass. A huge red sculptural wall abuts the lush living wall that provides the backdrop for the front desk.

Austin leads you up with a little of that Elvis swagger in his gait. It’s sexy as hell. He checks in under a pseudonym. Everyone immediately is treating you both with that deference you thought reserved for rich people. Maybe they know who he is?

Taking Austin’s advice, you just act like someone with money. ‘These old things? Yes, these are exclusive Chacos only for sexy people. This dress, yes it IS vintage, sustainability is so posh,’ you think to yourself, trying to act bored, as though you have seen all this before, even though you are ‘wowing’ on the inside.

“Ah, yes sir, and your tickets will be waiting at will-call tomorrow,” says the concierge with a smile.

Austin also asks for information on where the best shopping is. The concierge recommends a couple places and offers to call ahead for an appointment and an uber whenever you are ready.

The bellhop has your bags on a cart and takes you to your room. You get in the elevator and go up, up, up. He makes small talk, asking if you’d ever been here before and where you were planning on dinner. He recommends the hotel restaurant as well as a couple others near. The bell dings at the top floor and the elevator opens to a beautiful foyer.

“Welcome to the Exquisite Suite Sir,” the bellhop says as he makes a show of opening an elaborate set of double doors, flanked by Carrera Marble columns. You quickly realize why they were treating you and Austin that way. It’s not that they know who he is. It’s that he booked the best suite in the hotel

It is gorgeous. Floor to ceiling windows, balcony, a huge bed, well placed mirror walls, marble bathroom, a huge tub overlooking the city, a walk-in closet and a full on bar with chilled champagne in a bucket and chocolate dipped strawberries. The bellhop opens the champagne and pours two glasses.

Austin tips the bellhop and closes the door as you pull open the balcony doors and go stand at the clear railing, looking out at the amazing city view.

“Holy crap babe, this is splashy,” you tell him as he brings over the glasses and the strawberries, offering you one. You guys clink, drink and take a bite out of the strawberries. The chocolate, berry and champagne flavors mix in your mouth. It's decadent!

“I figure we have both been working hard and we deserve it.” He wraps his arm around you, kissing your neck.

“Well, what all do you have planned to do?” you ask.

“Apart from you?” he drains his glass and sets it down on the little table and pulls your shoulder strap down, kissing your skin.

“I hoped I would be on the list, yes” you smile, leaning your head to the side so he can kiss up your neck.

“Well,” *kiss* “ I want to take you to get a new dress for tomorrow night,” *kiss* “We have the darkroom tomorrow at one,” *kiss* “And theater tickets at 7,” *kiss* “Anything else is gravy.”*kiss* “We can do that wheel thing," he points out the window to what looks like a Ferris wheel, “ we can walk the gardens, do a museum, find a club, … whatever you want hun.” *kiss*

“Damn, I don’t know what I want to do first,” you say, “ strike that, yes I do.” You set down your champagne, turn around and hands to Austin’s face, press your lips to his. “Thank you Austin,” you whisper against his gorgeous, full lips.

He looks deep into your eyes and says with a straight face, “my pleasure.”

You fucking crack up. He does too.

“Ahhh,” he says on the tail end of his laughter, “no really, I’m so grateful you were willing to come with me.” He leans in and kisses you slowly, deeply.

Your hands are on his neck, playing in his hair. God you love kissing him. The breeze kicks up and your dress billows. Austin's hands land on your naked cheeks.

“Wait a minute, have you been bare under this all afternoon?” he asks, gliding his hands to see if you have on a thong or something.

“Yes,“ you shrug, ”I wanted to be ready, y’know, if we had a chance for a little quickie in the wild.” Your hand migrates to his covered crotch. You feel a growing bulge.

“Did you now,” he says, “Well I can’t decide if that’s naughty or nice.”

“Why not both?” You unzip his fly and pull out his half hard cock. You step back, turn around leaning forward on the railing and step your legs apart. You look over your shoulder at him, then lift up the back of your dress, revealing your naked bum.

“Oh hoh hoh, Kitten,” his hands are on you, one on your ass and one cupping your breast, his mouth kissing, sucking biting your neck. His growing cock rubbing on your bare cheek. His shorts and undies fall to the ground.

His hand slips down your front, between your legs, feeling your soft lips. He presses on either side, making your moist inner lips push out. He milks your lips, going wide and pressing deep, then pushing them together while he pulls away. It makes you suck in breath and breathe out shakily.

“How ready for me are you?” he asks, easily sliding a finger between your lips. ”Oh my, quite.”

He pulls away his finger glistening with moisture and brings it to his mouth. You watch him suck your juices off his finger from the corner of your eye. Twisting, you reach up and pull him down to your mouth. Your tongue flicking on his lip, tasting the slightly salty remnants of you there.

Both of his hands reach down to pull your cheeks apart. His now hard cock slides between your legs, along the line of wetness he created when he pinched your lips. His velvety soft tip feels exquisite along your smooth labia. Luckily you had just got waxed a couple days ago.

You seep more. He slides more. You moan softly. He quietly groans in the back of his throat. He slides his arms under yours, fingers playing with your stiffening nipples.

“Do you want me fuck you Kitten?” he growls in your ear, “out here in broad daylight, with your dress still on?”

“Oh gods yes,” you moan quietly.

You tip your hips just enough to slide him into you on the next thrust. From behind he feels even bigger than usual and the angle hits you just right inside.

Buried deep in you, he laughs low and grips tight to your shoulders from the front. His hips rock back, pulling his cock almost out of you, then thrusts forward, sheathing himself in you again. He hits that spot in you again, making you moan.

Suddenly you hear voices. You both freeze, trying to figure out where it’s coming from. It sounds like from below. You peek over and see a couple on the slightly larger balcony below you. You motion for Austin to look.

You both peer over, him still inside you. The couple start kissing, after a minute, she drops to her knees as he undoes his fly. Her head bobs forward and backward as she starts sucking his cock. It’s fucking hot. You are mesmerized.

“Do you want to go inside?” Austin whispers quietly in your ear.

You shake your head, no.

“Can you be quiet?” he whispers in your ear, you can hear the smile in his voice.

You just nod.

Slowly, he starts moving in you. Both of you are watching over the balcony.

The man has taken off his shirt, his pants puddled around his ankles. He is moderately muscular. She has added her hand to the stroking of him. He is moaning audibly, hands laced on the back of his neck. You hear “That’s it mama, take it deep, daddy likes your mouth on his cock.” She keeps sucking him, making choking sounds.

You swallow a moan, pressing your lips together.

He stands her up, spit has soaked the front of her blouse. He pulls it off and kneads her big natural breasts. She undoes the bra and he leans down to take her nipples in his mouth. She is beautifully curvy, with long brown hair that falls down her back as he leans her head back, eyes closed, moaning.

Austin’s thrusts become faster.

He is wiggling off her pants. She sits in the balcony chair, her legs over the arms.

“Yeah, you get down there and fuckin’ eat that muff,” she says.

He kneels in front of her and dives into her pussy. She is moaning loudly. “Yeah, get it daddy, tongue-fuck that fuck hole. YES!”

It is so hot watching them fuck with Austin inside you. He starts breathing a little harder in your ear.

You can hear her yelling, “I’m ‘bout to cum daddy, yes, finger me, yes, yes YES!”

You look back down and she has a hold of his hair, grinding her pussy into his face.

“Look at her cumming on his face,” Austin whispers to you, fucking you harder now. Your fingers are rubbing around your clit, you hadn't even realized you were touching yourself.

The man is rising up from his knees, stroking his cock. “Daddy’s gonna fuck that sweet cunt now. You ready for me?”

You feel heat rising from your core

“Oh daddy, give me that big cock.” He does have a big cock, you notice. She is bouncing, slapping her pussy with light smacks as he leans over her. “You are so fucking hot baby,” he guides himself into her and starts fucking her hard, planking on the chair.

You are getting close. Your free hand is clutched in Austin’s hair behind you.

“Watch how he makes her tits bounce,” his low voice quiet in your ear. Austin starts fucking you in earnest, as you flicker across your clit with your fingertips.

“Fucking take it mama, take my cock like a champ. Oh fuck, I’m gonna paint your pussy like a Pollak,” you hear him say.

You hear squelching noises, you aren’t sure if they are yours or hers.

Your chin tilted up to the sky, eyes fluttering, you are so close.

“No baby, “ he gently tilts your head down, “watch them cum,” he whispers.

You open your mouth in a silent O just as you hear her screaming “OOOOOHHHHH FUUUUUUCK YEAHHH!!” He pulls out of her and jizzes all over her tits and belly.

Your orgasm mushrooms from your clit and g-spot and ruptures into your chest. Screaming silently, your whole body shakes. Austin is gripping you tightly, trying to hold you up as he slams into you, then leans back and thrusts deep, shaking as he silently pumps his cum into you.

“Fuck mama,” the man says, “ that was good, my little exhibitionist.”

“Yeah, I would love it if someone was actually watching us.” She says as they go inside.

“Should we tell them?” you ask Austin as he is pulling out of you, cum dripping down your leg.

“UM no,” he says firmly, “remember, shy.”

“Oh yeah, sorry, I forget that about you.” You kiss him.

“Let’s clean up and go get you a dress. Although you may want to wear some underthings.” He smiles at you and playfully slaps your ass. ….

You guys uber to a fancy French boutique suggested by the concierge, who made an appointment for you. It’s one of those places that they give you drinks and bring clothes for you to try on.

Austin sits down on the viewing couch with his bourbon. The lady running the shop is painfully thin, even for a French lady. She brings a handful of evening dresses. You tried on a couple, but none of them fit right and they made Austin frown and shake his head.

The lady is unzipping the dress for you in the dressing room. She makes a rude comment under her breath in French about how your muscles were too big for her evening wear, but smiles at you in the mirror.

You turn around, mouth open “Excusez-moi?” you say quietly, “oui, je parle francais,“ then louder and in English, “ My body is kick ass and strong. I’m not gonna let you or anyone else body shame me, especially in a language they don’t think I know. Plus that fucking HOT man out there loves this body.”

You grab your sundress off the satin hanger and shoes from the floor. Confidently you walk out of the dressing room in your bra and panties.

“Et peut-être manger quelque chose, dame grincheuse,” you say to her. She just stands there, mouth open in shock.

You stand in front of Austin, and step into your dress. He is frowning, not at your lack of dress, but at what he heard you say in the dressing room.

“Will you please zip me up babe.” You say calmly, although you are fuming inside.

“Of course Kitten,” he throws his drink back, and stands up and zips up your back. “We will go spend our money somewhere else," he says calmly.

You walk out the door, completely ignoring the shop lady as she stutters out half hearted apologies in French.

Down the street, he stops you and hugs you tight. “I’m sorry love, are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m ok, I just didn’t expect that, especially in this day and age," you blow out a big breath.

“What did she say?” he asks.

“That I was too big and muscle-y for her dresses but in French with a smile on her face, assuming I wouldn’t know what she was saying.” You say exasperated.

“What did you say to her before we left?”

“I told her to eat something, then called her a cranky lady,” he stares at you, you stare at him. You let out a puff of laughter and you both start laughing.

“You are right though,” he gathers you to him, “I do love your body.”

You try another shop, the man running it was amazing. He knew exactly what you needed and within a ½ hour you had a dress that made Austin’s eyes light up. It was deep sparkly blue, off the shoulder and curve hugging with a thigh slit that showed off your sexy leg. It fit you like a glove.

You told Austin he really didn’t have to pay for it.

“Oh no, I insist.” then in a lower voice, “so if I ruin it later, I won’t feel bad about it.”

He hands his credit card to the man, who pretends not to hear, but winks at you as he runs the card. Austin has the dress sent to the hotel. You decided not to look at the price tag, you didn’t want to know. You thanked him profusely.

“Oh you will thank me just fine later,” he says with a wink.

As you walk down the street you see a big sign that says CLUB X. You are intrigued. You walk right in and find a sex toy store. You are giddy! You love these places!

“I’ve never been brave enough to go to a place like this,” he whispers in your ear.

“Oh babe, these places are fun! People aren’t embarrassed about sex and you can ask all the questions.” You are like a kid in a candy store.

You two wander around together at first, then you separate and end up at the other side of the store.

“Can I help you find anything?” you hear the clerk ask him.

“Yes,” says Austin, ”um, I am wondering about these,” he indicates the display in front of him.

The clerk talks to him as you check out rainbow butt plugs and new clit suction toys. You decide to buy a fully submersible vibe, thinking of the huge tub in the hotel room. The clerk talks you into some water play lube and some toy cleaner, which you needed anyway.

“Just don’t use the silicone waterplay lube directly on the silicone toy, do you need some regular lube for it?” they ask, putting your purchases into a black paper bag.

“I definitely do not,” you look over your shoulder at Austin, who is walking towards you. “He keeps me wet enough pretty much all the time. Now if you have an electrolyte drink for sex….”

You both crack up as Austin comes up behind you and puts his arm around your waist. “Oh, wow, yes I can see why, lucky girl.” the clerk says to you quietly.

“You ready to go? I’m hungry,” he says.

“You two enjoy your purchases!” they say, knowingly, as you walk out hand in hand.

“Did you get something babe” you ask.

Austin just winks at you and walks on in search of food. You shake your head and hurry after him. Boys.

You come across an Argentinian grill called La Bocca Bar and decide to have dinner there. You head to the bathroom as you are waiting for a table.

As you step out the bathroom door, you notice a man do a double take and ask Austin if he is, well, himself. He shyly affirms. You keep back and let him do his thing. You are amazed at how kind he is, taking a picture with the guy and chatting. Shaking his hand as he departs.

Once you are seated and have a drink order in, he says, “See, that wasn’t so bad, He was a really nice guy, recognized me from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He’s a Quinten Tarantino fan too.”

You sneakily pay for dinner, you couldn't let Austin pay for EVERYTHING. He gives you a squinty-eyed, pursed-lip look and shakes his head. You just smile big and cute.

Walking hand in hand, you wander through the city’s botanical gardens as the sun sets. The gardens are gorgeous. He is gorgeous. You are fucking gorgeous too! As it gets darker, he pulls you into a dark little alcove behind a tree and plants a long deep kiss on you. His hand slipping down between your legs.

“Oh Kitten, if I were braver I would lift this dress right here and slip inside you,” he whispers into your ear.

“Fuck, be brave baby,” you whisper back, bunching up the fabric in your fist. His fingers, expecting to find the soft material of your panties, finds only your bare skin.

“Oh hohoh,” he breathes out with a curled lip, “you are so dirty, I love it.” He pushes his fingers inside you, “how are you always so damn wet.”

“You.” Your hands are wrapped around his neck, pressing your body close to his to hide this devious act from any wayward eyes.

He captures your mouth with his. Your hips rocking back and forth on his fingers, the knuckle of his thumb sparking against your clit..

“Fuck that feels good baby” you whisper in his ear. “Don’t stop.”

“You gotta be quiet again.” He lets you continue to fuck yourself on his fingers, kissing your mouth.

You can feel the sparks start to catch fire. Your breath comes short and sharp through your nose. His kiss fanning the flames. He pulls his fingers out and just starts flicking your clit with his fingers. It’s just enough to set you off, flames dancing across your nub and into your core. You quietly moan, muted by his mouth. Your hands grip his arms tight, fingers digging into his flesh. Your stomach tightens and shivers run up and down your spine.

He pulls away, both hand and mouth. Your dress drops, hiding your wet thighs. You lean your head on his chest. Recovering your breath.

You hear the crunching of feet on the pathway. You both freeze until the crunching fades. He lets out the breath he was holding.

“Fuck, that was close’ he says.

“Yeah, but thanks for being brave baby.” You lean up and lightly kiss his lips.

“Lets go back to the hotel,” he suggests.

“Yes please, I need a bath,” you declare, remembering your new toy.

“Yes you do, dirty girl” he says low, “and I need more of you.”

You decide to walk back to the hotel across the Good Will Bridge and along the river front walk. He buys ice cream from a street vendor. It is a perfect night.

Back in the room, Austin draws a hot bath. You put your hair up and sink into the freestanding, oversized oval tub. He turns off the lights and slides in behind you, the water rising to cover your tits. You watch the city lights creating contrasting highlights and shadows across your bodies. You cuddle in the hot water as he runs his fingers over your skin.

Once again, it strikes you how blissful this moment is: the feel of him behind you, the lines he is tracing on your arm and shoulder, the eddies of his breath on your neck; the warm water cocooning you both.

Fucking paradise.

You take in an enormous breath, burrow into him, and exhale the most rapturous sigh.

He hugs you tight to him, kissing your temple.

Bliss.

After a few minutes his deep voice rumbles in your ear, “Would you be willing to play a little game with me tomorrow?”

“What are you thinking?” you nuzzle your ear against his lips.

“Well, I am wondering if you’ll let me edge you all day,” he is cupping your breasts in the water.

Immediately you are intrigued, “Oh?”

“Y'know, play with you, get you all hot and bothered but not let you cum. At least not until I say so. I’m curious how you will respond to that,” his hand migrates to your labia, stroking you lightly under the water.

“Well, my demon may eat you alive… but I am game to try.”

“Your demon?” he asks.

“Oh, you have met her,” you smile, “remember that morning when you made me cum and cum and cum?”

Austin nods his head, “Mmm hmm, that was fun .”

“Well, right after I was squatting on your cock and came on your face,“ Austin growls appreciatively behind you pressing his palm into your vulva, “when you told me I needed to be tamed and knocked me down on the bed and I still demanded that you fuck me?”

“Oh yes,” he remembers, “ you had this wild look like I was prey or something.”

“Yeah,” you say a little self-consciously, “ you were. Prey. That was my sex demon. She can get out of hand sometimes. I usually keep her on a short leash, although you tend to bring her out.”

“I seemed to be able to handle her then, I’m sure it’ll be fine,” he seems confident, ”and if it comes to that, I will just tie her down on my own short leash.“ He rubs his hand back and forth.

“Oh my, “ the idea and pressure start another warm fire behind your clit. “Ok, on one condition.”

“What’s that Kitten,” he rubs a thumb across your nipple.

“That we don’t start until tomorrow morning,” you sit up, reach behind the tub and grab your new vibrator, “cuz I gotta play in this tub!”

“Alright,” he says, pulling you around for a kiss to seal the deal.

His lips are unfathomably soft, the tip of his tongue tickling your bottom lip. You melt into his chest, momentarily forgetting about the vibrator in your hand. Your lips open, pressing together, creating a seal to one another, tongues rolling across one another before pulling back with slight suction forming into two mouths once again with the tiniest of ingressive clicks.

“God I love kissing you,” you say looking into his eyes, “please don’t ever stop kissing me.”

“As long as it’s within my power Kitten,” he agrees, “That’s one of the first things I loved about you, that first night when you kissed me back. I knew that any woman who could kiss like that…” he shakes his head in memory, “well I knew we would fit well together.”

You acknowledge with a soft “yeah” and nod, kissing him again, longer this time. While kissing you, he takes the vibrator from your hand, and starts rubbing it against your pussy lips under the water. It’s off, but the soft silicone covering and the friction feels good.

Your kiss becomes more passionate, leveraging against the side of the tub with your foot to twist and reach up farther to him.

You can feel his hardening cock trapped in an awkward position between your bodies. You lift away from him a little, allowing space for him to rise behind you. You nestle back down against him, reaching for the vibrator with him. You turn it on to the lowest setting and help him press it to your pubis.

The fingers on his other hand drift down to your opening. There is something about the warm water and the vibrations that just hits different, while his fingers swirling in little circle motions just inside you make it all the more.

Guiding the vibe side to side, you snuggle the end down between your labia up against your clit. A moan slips from your lips as your head falls back against Austin’s shoulder as a spike of pleasure arcs up from the vibe.

Your thumb clicks the vibe up a level. Your hips shimmy against the vibrator and his fingers.

“Oh yeah.” he breathes into your ear, pushing his cock against your shaking body. His fingers start moving faster.

Another spike of pleasure shoots through you, then another. Your pussy clenches and you jolt forward, curling around your core.

“Ohhohohoh” you moan, not exactly an orgasm, but close.

Austin extracts his hand from your crotch and lifts your hips. You grab the edge of the tub, dropping the vibe to stand up. You reach for the water play lube and decide to make a show of it, stand up in the tub and bend over really far, Austin’s hands automatically go to your cheeks, spreading them apart so he can see.

“You have the most beautiful pussy, Kitten,” he says.

Before you can put lube on it, Austin’s tongue is slurping at the water dripping from your labia, reaching forward, teasing your clit.

“God I love licking you,” he says, lips against your labia and mimicking you from earlier, “please don’t ever stop letting me eat your pussy.”

“As long as it is in my power, Mon Roi.” You mimic back.

He pulls your hips towards him and delves into you, licking and sucking. He. Is. So. Talented. You mentally thank any and all previous lovers who taught him and/or provided opportunity for practice. Your ass shakes on his tongue.

He pulls away, rubbing your saliva soaked lips and utters the best five words of the day: “I want to fuck you.”

You spread some of the waterplay lube onto just your opening, in case you want to play with the toy more on your clit.

“Can you get your cock out of the water?” He pushes his hips up and since the water is lower for you not being in it, you can slather his cock in the silicone based lube. You put your feet on the outside of his legs and flip your legs underneath you, pushing your ass back towards him on your knees.

“Oh yeah Kitten, slide down on me, “ he holds his cock as he guides you down, “oh my god that feels good.”

On your knees, facing away from him, you are impaled on his cock. His hands are pushing and pulling on your hips as much as you are bobbing back and forth on him. The lube is a game changer and doesn’t wash away. Water begins to splash back and forth in the tub.

After a few minutes, you decide you feel too detached from him. You rise off him and turn around in the tub.

Lowering down onto his cock again, you take his face in your hands and hungrily kiss him. Squatting on your feet this time, you glide up and down the length of him, taking him deep.

Fuck, it feels phenomenal be kissing him and to have him so deep inside you, to be so joined, connected together as one being in the watery chrysalis that is this tub. The beast with two backs, moving together in the ancient rhythm. Water sloshes up and over the thick side of the cauldron. Whatever magic you are making, it is intense.

He pulls away from your mouth, breathing heavily, forehead to yours, hands on your face. Your hips stop moving on him.

“My god Kitten, I feel so good when I’m with you,” he says, “not just fucking, but anytime I am with you. ”

“I’m so damn lucky to get to be with you baby, you are….. beyond words, “ you say, leaning in to kiss him hard. His ass flexes and thrusts into you. Your hips start up again.

Suddenly the water is rippling as Austin turns on the wand and pushes it towards your clit. You break away from kissing him and lean back to give him space. One hand around your waist, the other holding the vibe hard to your pussy, he kicks it up one, two levels.

“Oh fuck yes,” you moan out, head back.

“Keep going Kitten,” he commands. ”I want to watch you go to pieces on my cock.”

His words fan your flames. You are riding him like a galloping stallion, hard and fast, holding to the side of the tub. His hand keeps the vibe tight against you. Water is splashing everywhere.

Deep below and behind your belly the quickening rises. Your eyes roll back in your head, your mouth is open, the tip of your tongue flipping back and forth. Suddenly Austin’s wet finger is in your mouth. You suck it, rubbing your tongue vigorously along its length. Your strokes become short and sharp but he is still deep inside you.

“Do it baby, do it,” he says through clenched teeth. He clicks the vibrator up one more level.

The rising erupts over you like lava from your belly. Steam escapes in a full on scream around this finger as you cum. Your back is alternately arching and rounding on his cock. Water swirls, turbulent, around you both.

You are breathing heavily through your nose, humped over him, still sucking his finger.

“I need you out of this tub,” his voice is low and weighty.

You rise off him and he slips out from under you. You collapse into the tub. Getting out, he almost slips on the wet floor. He throws the towel down and turns to help you out. His cock dripping with water and lube in front of you. You look up, it’s gorgeous. Maybe it's the demon in you, but god you love his cock.

He hauls you up onto your feet and helps you get out, reaching down to grab the vibe. He walks you slowly, carefully backwards off the hard, wet floor, wrapping your wet hair around his loose fist.

“Oh Kitten, you got me so fired up,” he is looking you dead in the eye, lust painted all over his face, “making me finger you in public, sloshing up and down on my cock in the tub, the taste of your pussy on my lips.”

Once you hit the carpet, his hand tightens, pulling your head back. Your pussy drenches again.

“I’m gonna fuck you so hard,” his lips against your exposed neck, “and when you cum again, cuz you will, I’m not gonna stop, no matter how much you beg me to.”

You shudder in delight at the thought, your demon glinting in your eye. Fuck, you want him. Now.

He pushes you down on the foot of the bed, Your wet hair splays out behind you. The cool night air from the open balcony door turns your skin into gooseflesh.

“Come get me baby, make me beg,” your demon coaxes him on.

Then he is on you with a growl, hands again in your hair. His delicious mouth is on yours, his tongue flicking and playing with yours as he finds his way inside you again.

Your swollen pussy and clit are so sensitive already that you almost cum when he thrusts inside you. You know you are in for it now.

He’s nothing if not honorable and true to his word, starts slamming into you, but with a slow rhythm.

Gripping your hair tight, he stops after each thrust, savoring your moan and your body arching, before slamming in again.

Thrust- Arch- Moan- Pull.

Thrust- Arch- Moan- Pull.

Thrust- Arch- Moan- Pull.

Each stroke is deep and hard.

Each one just a little faster than the last.

Soon he is driving in and out of you with no pause, holding you down by your hair.

You are on the brink of cumming again when he sits back onto his heels and pulls your hips on to his lap. He thrusts the vibe into your hand. You click the button several times and shove it onto your clit. He pushes himself into you and holding on to your hips he continues, dauntless in his quest of ravishing your pussy.

You can feel the heat in your face, rising red. The pulsations on your pussy expand deep into you then explode into particles of pleasure that liquefy in your veins, every cell alight.

Austin keeps fucking you.

You are thrashing on his cock now, handfuls of sheets bunched in your fists.

And he keeps going.

Wordless screams roll from you in time to his thrusts.

He keeps going.

Tears stream out your eyes as your screams turn to sobs of “I can't, no, no, no”.

“Yes yes yes!” he snarls, and he keeps going.

It’s too much, you are flooding him, flooding yourself.

He keeps going.

You are swept away, lost in the erotic pain and pleasure that is the torrent of his pounding dick.

Suddenly, he falls forward on top of you, roaring into your shoulder, thrusting hard, harder, harder into you. You rattle your own teeth with the strength of your shaking under him, clenching down so hard onto his cock.

He lets out a string of profanity, as your pussy milks the cum out of him as you clench and unclench. He is laying on you exhausted, shivering and moaning.

[szivtalan]

love is in the words unspoken

all these moments are golden,

forever is mine with you

the blossoming of the cherry trees always puts hawks in a strange mood. he thinks they’re romantic, magical - reminds him of a time when he was more naive, more dreamy, didn’t know much about the world. it’s nostalgic, to see the carpet of sakura petals on the streets, reminding him of what is and what could’ve been.

‘hawks!’

it’s ironic that he runs into endeavor’s child just as the flowers begin to fall.

‘hey, it’s todoroki.’ he grins, glancing at the two heroes behind the one already rushing up to him: deku and dynamight. ah yes, the three musketeers, as they call themselves. it’s nice to see the top three teaming up that way. ‘where’s the honorific though, kiddo? i’m still much older than you.’

‘not that much.’ shoto replies, and it feels like a shot to the heart. that’s right... they’re both in their twenties now. ‘and i figured i’d drop the honorifics now that i’m above you on the hero ranking list.’

the tilt of his head would be adorable if he weren’t such an asshole. tokoyami was right when he said that his youngest was different than endeavor - hawks only wished to see such a playful side of him.

‘the disrespect.’ hawks laughs, slapping shoto on the shoulder. he hits harder than what would be necessary, but the boy doesn’t even bat an eye. sturdy. and tall. holy shit, is he taller than hawks now? ‘anyway, i really don’t mind. are you guys patrolling around here?’

‘GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE HALF-AND-HALF, BEFORE I GO THERE AND BEAT IT!’ one youngster yells at them.

‘kacchan, don’t be so rude! he’s talking to hawks-san!’

‘friendly bunch.’ hawks snorts, and shoto just shakes his head with a smile.

‘they’re the best. i’m just trying to catch up.’ he admits, sounding sincere.

‘DON’T IGNORE ME, FUCKFACE!’

‘what are you doing around here anyway?’ shoto asks. ‘isn’t your office in a different city?’

‘yeah, i just came here to stretch my wings, take a walk.’ hawks says, ruffling his feathers a little for emphasis.

‘are you walking on your wings?’

‘n-no...?’

‘then how-’

‘WRAP IT UP NOW!’ at dynamight’s next shout, shoto visibly flinches. he seems more irritated than scared, at least to hawks.

‘i just wanted to thank you for helping my dad all those years ago.’ shoto says then, bowing his head a little. hawks takes it back, he doesn’t have an ounce of disrespect in his body. he’s just a little warped in the social area, and hawks has a fairly good guess where he gets that from. ‘i’ll be going now.’

‘wait, ah- how, how’s the old man?’ hawks tries to aim for anything but desperate. ‘i haven’t heard from him since the retirement.’

shoto looks at him thoughtfully, and those dual-colored eyes make hawks immeasurably nervous. he feels like he’s staring into his soul, opening up the secrets he’s got locked inside.

‘he’s well. i go home on weekends.’ shoto says, pulling up a notebook and a pen. ‘here’s the address. i think he’d appreciate the visit.’

the road to the todoroki estate was the most tiring one hawks had taken in a while. it’s not like it was far from where they met with shoto, but he spent the entire time worrying if he’s dressed well for the occasion, if he should just walk instead of flying to not get gross and sweaty - if endeavor will even let him in, or he’ll just pass by and get told off.

the house is huge, traditional, designed in classic enji taste. hawks could see the roof from a street away, almost walks into a lamppost while staring, his heart picking up the speed both from the scare and the nerves. his feet feel heavier with every step, walking down the street, finally getting to the gate-

and seeing todoroki enji, former number one hero, the feared endeavor sweep the walkway to his door, the scene way too casual to not send an already spring-up hawks into hysterics.

‘what the hell is that?’ hawks spits, laughter erupting from deep in his belly. the look on endeavor’s face just makes him shriek louder, his abs clenching with it. ‘is that- a fucking broom for ants, endeavor, you look so funny-’

‘can’t a man just do his chores in peace?!’ endeavor’s yelling now; sparks fly on his heated skin, and then they burst into flames.

‘now that’s the endeavor-san i know and love.’ he laughs, holding onto his own stomach, wiping his tears. endeavor’s face appears red under all that fire, he walks up to the gate to let him in.

‘what are you doing here, anyway?’ he mumbles, extinguishing himself as hawks walked in. he holds his broom under his armpit rather awkwardly, with the gracelessness of a man not quite used to doing the cleaning. hawks looks at him, observes: the slouch in his shoulders, the specks of grey in his stubble, the blush high on his cheek, the early wrinkles. he smiles to himself, reasons unknown, buried deep in a secluded part of his heart.

‘ran into your kid downtown, he said i should drop by and say hello.’ hawks lifts the nylon bags he’s been carrying, offers a lopsided grin. ‘i brought takeout.’

‘hmpft.’ endeavor is elaborate, as always. a man of few words and plenty actions, something hawks has always admired in him. ‘you can stay. only for the food.’

‘so you’re still very much hopeless in the kitchen, eh?’

‘don’t make me change my mind, brat!’

the house is huge on the inside, at least five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a big kitchen and dining room, and one living room all fit into one floor. all of it echoes from their steps, empty and lonely.

‘your boy said that he’s visiting you on weekend.’ hawks pries, shrugging his coat off as he hands over the bag. his fingers brush against endeavor’s fight-hardened, calloused ones and his heart feels like it could jump out of his chest again.

‘whenever he has the time. shoto’s a busy man.’ endeavor nods, his voice dripping with pride. hawks doesn’t need him to say any more to know how fond he is of his son. it makes him smile, actually. ‘why?’

‘and the rest of your family?’ he asks, a little more cautious.

‘i see rei and natsuo on holidays, and fuyumi usually spends her school breaks here.’ enji sets down the bag at the low table, grabs a pair of chopsticks from the dish rack. there are plates piled high there: it seems like he can clean up after himself, but refuses to put things away. hawks figures it’s pretty comfortable, considers that for a second before he realizes how much he can see into endeavor’s private life.

they sit down at the same time, and their eyes meet. ‘i’m not lonely.’ enji immediately turns defensive. there’s probably pity or sadness in hawks’ eyes, he wasn’t paying attention to his expression for a second.

‘i wasn’t suggesting you were.’

‘being alone is something i deserve. so i take my punishment with pride and strength.’ enji squares his shoulder, sitting up impossibly straight at his uncomfortable seat. he takes the boxes out, scatters them across the table for them to reach. no plates, though. ‘itadakimasu.’

they eat mostly in silence, warm, comfortable, and hawks can’t take his eyes off him. endeavor looks so casual, so approachable like this. he looks soft, in the slightly frayed sweatpants, a little weary from use, and the soft cotton shirt hugging his bulging muscles, stretching across his enormous shoulders. his face is a little thin, the wrinkles obvious on its unharmed half. from this close, hawks can see the grey hairs on his temple, too.

‘i’m looking for a place to stay.’ hawks announces once they’re finished eating. the look of surprise and something else - hope? no, it can’t be... - flashing across endeavor’s face startles him, but he’s not about to back down, now. ‘what-... ugh, how much do you think you’d rent out a room for?’

‘what?’ endeavor appears shell-shocked. ‘wh- why?’

‘well, because my apartment building is remodeling, and i’m pretty sick of living in the busier side of the city anyway. figured i’d change it up, move into the suburbs-’

‘that’s not what i’m asking.’ he snaps. ‘why me? don’t you have friends who’d let you stay with them?’

‘not anyone i’d like to move in with.’ hawks shrugs, playing with a few leftover grains of rice. ‘you know, i can cook, and i’m also willing to dry off and put away your damn dishes.’

‘hawks...’

‘c’mon, we can have sleepovers! i can braid your hair and you can braid mine. it will be fun!’

‘i can’t let you do that, hawks.’

‘okay, yes, i admit, your mane’s a little short for a proper french braid, but i can make do-’

‘hawks.’ enji’s voice booms. ‘no.’

‘you’ve known me for almost a decade, old man.’ hawks is talking back, suddenly fired up. ‘why won’t you just let me take care of you?’

‘because i’m a perfectly capable person who doesn’t need anyone to take care of them.’ he huffs, steam seeping from his nose. ‘and because i can’t let you do that to yourself.’

‘what, enji?’ he’s loud. is he shouting? he can’t tell.

‘waste your time on a bitter old man who isn’t worthy of you.’

now they’re pulling up the big guns. hawks deflates, props his head up on his elbows.

‘retired, but still on your self-deprecating bullshit.’ he sighs. ‘will you take it to the grave?’

‘hawks, i’m serious-’

‘and i’ve been serious, too. my entire life, about my feelings for you. you kept shaking me off, saying it wasn’t appropriate for someone your age dating someone so young, saying you were married, but all this time, i kept getting refused because you hate yourself too much to allow yourself to be loved?’

hawks doesn’t know when he stood up, but he’s falling to his knees beside enji now.

‘what kind of an asshole does that...?’ he whispers, staring right into enji’s fearful eyes.

‘an asshole who cares about you.’ enji murmurs, letting hawks hit him in the chest.

‘this isn’t “caring” about someone! this is just lying to yourself and keeping yourself from being happy!’ his fingers tangle in the front of his shirt, pulling him closer.

‘keigo-’ enji hisses, losing his balance and gripping the edge of the table so he doesn’t fall against the other man.

‘tell me no.’ hawks proposes, his free hand coming up to cradle his jaw, so prickly and manly and strong, the shudder that ripples through him from the gentle touch, making him so weak and vulnerable. ‘no more running away, enji, no more games. tell me no right now, and i won’t ever bother you again.’

endeavor furrows his brows, the skin around his scar pulling grotesquely over his face with the struggle. he takes a deep breath, and hawks gets goosebumps as the hot air from the exhale hits his skin.

‘i can’t...’ enji whispers, and hawks can barely hear over the sound of his heart shattering. he starts to let go, but he forgets to breathe and move altogether as enji leans in instead, hand coming up to hold him close by the back of his head. ‘i can’t say no, not anymore...’

the first touch of lips against his have his insides flutter, almost working him into a panicked frenzy. he can only hope that enji can’t feel his heart beating in his throat as he kisses him, deep and desperate and oh so careful. hawks clings into him, lets him chase him for a change, holds on for the ride.

when they separate, hawks feels dizzy, drunk with heat and pleasure. enji looks just about as much present, he seems dumbfounded.

‘well, uh.’ he says, and hawks would kick anyone who says he doesn’t have a way with words.

‘i can come on thursdays and fridays.’ he offers, for now. ‘that way your kids can still have you on weekends.’

‘thanks.’ that’s all endeavor says before he pushes a few stray strands of hair back from hawks’ face, leans in for another kiss.

it’s a date, then.