#but oh well i had the pinterest board ready to go so

[thyme-in-a-bubble]

till i lost you

the wistful wyvern, chapter six

a/n: alright, everybody calm down! it's happening, it's finally happening! get ready to weep (both from your eyes and somewhere a little lower....)

summary: letting your hazy gaze flutter across the abandoned mine, you then uttered, “I don’t think I can do this anymore… I shouldn’t have ever agreed to this mission. I should have just stayed away and not get dragged right back into the hole I was trying so hard to dig myself out of,” your vision began to blur as tears started to well up, “it hurts. Being near you hurts. Having you touch me as if you care hurts.” 

warnings: knight!bucky barnes x knight!reader, smut, fantasy AU (monsters, but not much magic), original fantasy world, ex-friends to lovers, coworkers to lovers, former fuckboy!bucky, tattooed!bucky, slow burn, one-sided pinning, forced proximity, injuries, love confession, crying, kissing, cave sex, injured sex, dirty talk, size kink, penetrative sex, protected sex (a fantasy birth control tea commonly used by men), creampie

word count: 2869

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“Careful, careful,” you murmured as Bucky leaned on you, letting you help him to a seated position.

“Please,” he panted, his eyes fluttering shut as he breathed through the pain, “just take the eggs and run,” he pushed the narrow chest, that you’d placed down beside him, closer to you. 

“Stop,” you swiftly shook your head.

“You can get out without any of the soldiers noticing,” he kept urging, “go back to Erasild, get Echo and return the eggs without me.”

“No!” you snapped and finally found his gaze, “I’m not leaving you!” 

Holding your stare for but a moment, his ocean eyes then averted to the rough cave floor below. 

You’d ducked into the abandoned Faldemire Mine that lied just north of Ingorn. It was cold and dark, but both with Bucky’s injury and the army of soldiers hunting the two of you, it stood as your one and only chance of survival. 

“Fuck…” you knelled down behind him and gently inspected the arrow that still pierced his shoulder, “I-I don’t know how bad it is.” 

“Just pull it out, snow,” he groaned, “I would do it myself, but I can’t reach it.”

“But–”

“Just get it out!” he barked, actually making you jump. 

Carefully, you wrapped your fingers around the length and slowly pulled it out. The groans that rumbled out of him echoed off the cavern walls, till the arrow dropped from your grasp and tumbled to the rocky ground. 

Swiftly peeling the black jacket of his formal attire off, you tugged the neckline of his equally ebony tunic back enough for you to examine the wound. 

“Oh, good!” a relieved breath escaped your lungs, “it doesn’t look that bad.”

“Great,” he huffed dryly through the laboured breaths he still sucked in. 

“I mean, it doesn’t look good, but–… fuck… I wish we could start a fire so that I could cauterise this.”

“Yeah, well, I’d rather bleed than bring the search party right to us.”

Ripping a chunk of your already tattered blue gown off, you used it as a bandage and patched Bucky up the best that you could. You’d both fallen quiet when the silky fabric was securely tied off around his frame.  

A wince then escaped you as you twisted your spine, fierce enough for you to fear that perhaps you’d hurt yourself more than the fading adrenaline had let you notice. 

As you curled an arm back to undo the laces of the dress, Bucky’s low voice then caused your fingers to halt their efforts, “here, let me help you,” his gaze captured yours a moment before you wearily let him. Turning your back to him, your eyes fluttered shut as he slowly unlaced the gown. When it was open enough and your hands had found the front to hold it up, the touch he let cascade down your spine caused you to gasp quietly, “it’s–…” his low breath tickled the back of your neck, “you’re alright…” he slowly retracted the contact, “it’s just some bruising.”

“Thanks,” you breathed, before he carefully helped you close the dress once more, though only loosely fastening it in order for you to be more comfortable. Twisting your neck, you glanced back at him and uttered, “…we should try and get some sleep…” 

“…yeah…” he waited a moment longer before parting from your proximity and laying down on the hard ground. 

You told yourself that it was just because of how hard you both shivered that Bucky soon pulled you close to huddle for warmth, but the bittersweet intimacy of his body pressed against yours had your mind reeling whether it was a good idea to indulge yourself in this sensation after the kind of day you’d had. 

You understood why it slowly blossomed into something more. You might not make it through the night, get to see another sunrise, so naturally, the man beside you let his touch wander. At first, he just scooted even closer, pressing the curve of your bottom back against his groin, but then the hand around your waist started drawing dizzying patterns that crept dangerously close to other areas. But when his soft lips pressed down against the nape of your neck, that’s when you cracked. 

Shooting up to a sitting position, you strayed from his touch.

“Are you okay?” he asked, and you swiftly felt yourself drowning in the thick molasses of his voice.

“You can’t do that,” you quietly choked out, “y-you–…” although your back was firmly turned away from him, your eyes still fluttered closed in order to shut him out, “Bucky, I don’t wanna be another one of your flings.”

“What?” you heard him sit up behind you, “snow, you’re not.”

“I c-can’t,” shaky breaths leaked out of you, “you can’t–…”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to–… fuck…” he groaned quietly, “I’m sorry, please, let’s just forget about it and go to sleep,” he pleaded, though you didn’t even move an inch. 

Letting your hazy gaze flutter across the abandoned mine, you then uttered, “I don’t think I can do this anymore… I shouldn’t have ever agreed to this mission. I should have just stayed away and not get dragged right back into the hole I was trying so hard to dig myself out of,” your vision began to blur as tears started to well up, “it hurts. Being near you hurts. Having you touch me as if you care hurts.” 

“What are you talking about?” he breathed, “I do care!”

“No, you don’t,” your head shook lightly from side to side, “not in the way I’ve yearned for so fiercely,” a tear slowly rolled down your cheek, “and I’ve accepted that, I’ve learned to live with it, but what I can’t take is finally having you for one single night, only to endure your usual routine with women of moving on to the next and never looking back again. You can’t do that to me, not me. I wouldn’t survive that. I genuinely thought I meant more to you than just another piece of ass, but apparently not,” one of your palms came up to press against your aching chest, “if I could take my heart back, I would. I don’t want it to belong to you, but it does. From the day I met you, my heart has been yours. And even though you’ve broken it a dozen times over and over again, I still don’t know how to make it stop, because I fucking love you!” your voice rang throughout the cave, “I have loved you when we were together, I have loved you when we were apart, I have loved you since you moment I set eyes on you.”

Your face then crashed down into your open palms as sobs billowed out of you. 

“Why–…” he slowly uttered, “why didn’t you ever say anything?”

“I almost did,” you sniffled into your hands, “that night, that harvest fest celebration, before I went away… it’s so stupid and I know that you were just incredibly drunk and would have probably flirted with a wine bottle if it was curvy enough, but I just thought–… I thought there was a moment between us…” 

“Y/n,” the shock of your actual name rolling off his tongue startled you enough for you to crawl out of your hiding spot and glance over your shoulder at him, “there was,” he uttered sincerely, the intensity of his stare holding you captive, “I was just too fucking thick-headed to know what it meant, what any of it meant, till you went away, till I lost you,” you slowly twisted your body back to face him fully, “I love you, Y/n. It is my heart that belongs to you. Whether or not I was smart enough to know it, it has always been yours.”

You could barely breathe, especially not when his fingers found yours in a warm weave. 

“Can I–…” his words got cut off by a sharp intake of air as his gaze momentarily flickered down to your lips, “…I would very much like to kiss you…” 

Eyes still brimming with tears, your lips curled up into a shaky smile as your brain still scrambled to comprehend his confession. 

Even though he’d technically kissed you only a few hours earlier in the night, the way he kissed you now could in no way compare to that ruse of a sample. Both his hands climbed up your cheeks till his fingers disappeared in your hair, rooting himself there as he let the light and fluttery pecks turn into an all-consuming taste as his tongue hungrily brushed against your own. 

“I love you,” you murmured breathlessly as his kisses then began to dance down the length of your neck.

Voice vibrating against your rapid pulse, Bucky planted a scorching peck for each of the words in his echoed reply, “I… love… you…” 

Plucking up his face in your palms, you kept him steady and let your glossy eyes flutter across his face in search of any signs that this wasn’t real, that you’d actually fallen asleep and this was just some heart-breaking dream. 

But then his hands slowly shot up to wipe the remaining mist from your cheeks, “I love you, snow,” he uttered, “and I’ll keep telling you that as much as I can for the rest of my life, just to make up for the decade where I didn’t, where I should have. Gods, I wish I realised it sooner… I wish I’d gotten to have you earlier… I’m so sorry…” 

Sucking in a breath, your voice came out no higher than a whisper, “you have me now.” 

“As you have me,” he exhaled longingly and let his forehead rest against your own, “you have me, every part of me is yours.” 

Seizing your lips once more, the kiss took your breath away. 

Heart thumping in your chest, a shiny string of saliva still connected you when you eventually pulled back. Your hazy eyes fluttered from his and down to where your fingers were tangled in his dark tunic. 

“Can I?” you asked breathlessly, tugging lightly at the fabric. 

“Mhm,” his head offered a faint nod before you carefully lifted his shirt up, making sure to be gentle around the makeshift bandage that knotted around the shoulder where ink crawled up and spilt across his flesh. Tossing it to the ground, your stare wandered down his form. 

“How are you this beautiful?” you whispered as your touch hypnotically ghosted over his skin, “seriously, I don’t get it. It’s just–, urgh…” 

The soft groan you let out conjured a chuckle within his chest. Pulling you into his lap, he smiled, “you’re one to talk,” and slowly began to peel the blue dress you wore off, tugging the at the sleeves and pushing it down till your tits spilt out and the upper half of the gown crumbled at your waist, “holy fuck…” a heavy breath seeped from his lips as his fingers curled just below the newly exposed skin, right at your ribs, “you’re unreal…” his thumb extended to swipe across your softness and a shiver promptly trickled down your spine at the caress, “how do you look like this underneath your armour?” 

You only bit down on your smile before capturing his lips once more, though his kisses swiftly strayed to trickle down your neck and dance across your boobs. As a palm soared up in aid and his lips enclosed around one of your pebbly nipples, your eyes fluttered shut. Digging your fingers into the fabric still tangled around your form, you gathered it up, and when it was all crumbled around your waist, Bucky’s fingers dented in it before he parted from your warmth just long enough to rip it over your head and let it join the rest of the growing cushion-like clothing pile beneath you both. 

When you had shifted to yank his pants down for him, you swiftly returned to his lap, the sensation of his throbbing hardness nudged against your core caused a shaky sigh to tumble from your lips.

The sloppy kisses were dizzying as your needy hips began to move. Grinding your cunt along his length, your pussy drooled all over him as your aching clit received a hint of relief. 

Moving the palm you had planted on the side of his bearded cheek, it slid further up his features till it curved around to loosen the thin leather cord that tied off his hair, your lips never straying from his as you tossed it to the ground. 

And as the sinful sounds of your slickness echoed within the mine at every smouldering rock of your hips, you reached down to grasp his girth. Parting slightly, a soft smirk bloomed on Bucky’s lips as he thought your intentions were simply to touch him a bit, but that swiftly melted away into blissful surprise as you, out of pure desperation, slipped it inside and sank down on his cock. 

“Oh, f-fuck!” he shuttered, his fingers flexed around your waist as you slowly eased your way down. 

“Sorry,” you whimpered, your eyes fluttering at the discovery of just how fiercely he stretched you out and perhaps how hasty you’d been in your eager pursuit, “I just couldn’t wait any longer. I’ve been fucking dreaming about how you’d feel for so long, I’m honestly not even sure right now if this isn’t a dream.” 

Letting out a low groan, his head tilted and he pressed his lips to your brow, “well, if you’re dreaming, then I’m dreaming,” his right hand soared up to find your cheek as he bottomed out and you settled for a moment of stillness atop of him.

Buried deep within you, Bucky’s fingers gently brushed away the lock of hair that had fallen over your eye. His intense gaze held you captive as you shared his breath, goosebumps tingling across your flesh as he throbbed within you. 

When you began to move, the intoxicating pleasure that each silky roll gave you as the details of his cock kissed your cunt, caused you to nearly melt on top of him. 

“Nghh,” a guttural whine slurred from your lips. Struggling to keep your eyes open, you almost missed how your reaction caused a gentle chuckle to roll from Bucky’s tongue.

But his light laugh then promptly faded as he tried to aid in your movements and take the lead, a sharp wince pierced through your fog.

Freezing atop of him, you blinked open your eyes and gasped, “are you okay?” 

“Fuck,” he hissed at the pain his attempt sparked, “yeah, yeah, I’m good, don’t stop, please,” he grunted, then let out a soft laugh, “fucking hell, I feel useless.”  

“You’re not useless,” you echoed his chuckle, then gently pushed at his torso for him to lay down completely, “in fact,” your nose brushed against his as your tits smooshed down against his pecs, “I personally think you’re being incredibly useful right now.” 

As you pressed your lips to his, you slowly began to raise your hips up enough for just the tip of him to remain, before you sank back down. 

After you’d found a rhythm so slow and deep it caused your thighs to tremble, you slowly pushed yourself back up. A gravelly moan rumbled within Bucky’s chest as he enjoyed the view of you gently bouncing on his fat girth. 

“Gods, yes,” his touch vanished from your ass and slid up to play with your tits, “just like that, snow. You’re fucking perfect.” 

It felt like his hands were everywhere. From squeezing your boobs to capturing your nipples in a harsh pinch, to rubbing your puffy clit and even landing a smack across your ass, he made you lose yourself and render you to nothing more than a trembling and whimpering mess on top of him. 

Somewhere in the haze of it all, your body had melted back down against his. 

And as you felt the edge begin to near, you couldn’t protest when he rolled you both over and he muffled his small groan of pain against your lips as he shifted onto his good side. 

Careful not to touch his injured shoulder as your palm clutched the side of his neck, he grasped your right leg and tugged it over his hip. As he glided his hand down to the curve of your bottom, he clung to you as he bucked into your pussy till you fluttered around him and squeezed him so snugly that his demise became inevitable as well. 

He stayed inside of you long after you’d milked him of all of his worth, simply stayed there, buried and frozen as your mutual nectar slowly leaked out. 

Softly brushing some hair out of Bucky’s face, you sighed blissfully into the embrace and breathed, “I can’t believe that just happened…” blinking up into his eyes in utter awe. 

“What,” a smile bloomed on his lips, “you need a reminder already? Alright, fine,” he jokingly faked a sigh, “you drive a hard bargain,” his quip conjured a gentle giggle within you, “but sure, we can go again already.” 

© 2024 thyme-in-a-bubble 

[strab3rr]

hi love,

How did you induce pure consciousness xx

i know u guys love big stories -i love those things too- but im sorry i don’t have any

but i can try to make it seem bigger 4 u.

it was a sunny day

it was a normal day

at least i thought it was…

i make a brunch w my mom and then we go buy some groceries

did i mention it was a sunny day..

there was so much sweat blood and tears(i was on my period)

then we got home

i dayreamed while i study russian and math(tears again)

than i watched my fav show(supernatural)

and finally dinner time w my family 🎉🎉🎉🎉

i got dishes and go straight to my room

usually we have some tea after dinner

but i had cramps so i just go to bed w a pill

when i realized the pill worked i tried to sleep and get some rest

but i couldn’t so i thought i can do pinteresting🎀

i add some pins to my silly little boards(therapy)

then i saw a pin/tumblr post(wait im gonna try to find that)

after reading this pin, i remembered the posts i was readin on tumblr (b4dprincess’s posts)

then i opened tumblr and continued to read those

when i was done w reading i was like 👍 ok this is it

its my reality how hard can it be?

i put my phone down and take one deep breath

(oh noooo theres only 10gif/image allowed on mobile, i was havin fun aaaaa)

life saving emojiiiss

😮‍💨

and thats it

i did nothing but taking that one deep breath (physically)

i focused on everything but my body

i think about the dates i will have w him

i think about my house, neighborhood

i daydreamed my pets

the clothes

friends and the more i think about these things i was feeling closer

some point i felt like im levitating and drowning at the same time, this is the part i got scared but be cool abt it

affirmations ive said while being cool:

i am detached from any realities

i am here and there, everywhere and nowhere

i am everything and nothing

i am, i am, i am

i am nothing but my soul

i am beyond of any physical world

i am i am

i induced my pure consciousness within seconds

i am

i am

i am

i said ‘i am’ till i felt nothing

for a second i thought i didn’t make it but again be cool abt it (bc: dont let them know ur next move)

i felt ready and opened my eyes and finally i was there and just as i imagined i felt everything and nothing at the same time

it felt forever and not even a second at the same time

guys

it-was-awesome 👏🏻

(for the clarification: i didn’t mock w anything with all those gifs)

its just im trying to tell you, i mean u want a recipe but there isnt any

there’s nothing literally nothing to do for enterin your void

well theres one thing: relax.

just relax, you got this, stop overcomplicating it. its inside of you not in the space, not in the underground not in the air not in the fuckn atmosphere its within you, so you dont have to worry about anything because its there. its always there and it will always be there

stop searching for some magic key. because you are the key. you are the void you’re searching for.

i know, having a lot with your life and everything is hard and you have goals to achieve, moments to live

well good news

you can change this and you should because you deserve better

only you can change this

(i talk a lot and most of them are nonsense but i am right abt one thing, and that is, you deserve better. so act like it)

loves, siena.

[its-time-to-write]

Hi, first off I want to say that I love your writing. It always makes me smile 🙃🙃.

As for my request, I was wondering if you could please write about Jamie soft launching your relationship on Insta and starting to bring it up in the press. You haven’t met the boys and they are trying to figure out who it is based on his comments and Insta posts. (I may have a Pinterest board with soft launch ideas so…use the screen shots on my page as u wish).

If you don’t have time to write this then no worries. Have a nice day!!!!!!!!!

🫲😇🫱

I listened to “Not All Those Who Wander,” by Miss Lana the whole time I wrote this. 10/10 recommend

it’s just wanderlust

“You’re gonna want to hold off on touching me,” you say as you haul your bags into the house. “Kid fuckin’ spit all over me today and I didn’t even have time to change.”

Jamie wrinkles his nose and takes a step back. “Ew. Fucking gross, that. Is that why you were late coming home?”

You nod, shucking your shoes by the stairs. “Uh huh. Had to talk to the parents post-session. Do a little debrief thing. Thing is, they swore their little angel would never do something like that and next time I should just give him what he wants. Only problem,” you continue as you wash your hands in the kitchen sink, “is that my entire job is not giving him what he wants when he’s displaying inappropriate behaviors. I love that kid, I really do, but his parents are complete twats.”

Jamie nods agreeably. “Was it like projectile or spray?” 

You grimace. “Both. Kid’s got mean aim, but decided to switch it up to cover more surface area.”

You look over at the table, which is set neatly. “I know dinner’s ready and I’m already late, but I really need a shower. I can feel like three inches of grime on my skin.”

“Don’t worry about it babe,” Jamie says. “Takeaway reheats easy.” He hesitates for a moment. “Did you want to shower alone, or..?”

You laugh. Cheeky fucker. 

“Give me three minutes to scrub really well, and then you’re welcome in. You sure you’re good eating late?”

Jamie grins. “Babe, I-”

“Don’t.” You cut him off, finger pointed at him. “Don’t say it. I know where you’re going, and you don’t need to finish that sentence.”

Jamie opens his mouth again but you’re interrupting before he can get his next sentence out. “And if you’re about to make a pun with the word ‘finish,’ I can guarantee it’s nothing you haven’t said before.”

Jamie looks dejected, but his ego obviously isn’t bruised too much because he’s still is on your heels the whole way up the stairs. 

—

You’re showered and back downstairs, the both of you eating dinner in pajamas like proper adults, if proper adults decided that they were allowed to sit on the counter in Jamie’s kitchen. You’re not saying much, just swapping stories about each other’s day. It’s never a dull moment between his time at Nelson Road and your time at the behavioral clinic. 

“Who do you think sees the grossest shit?” you had asked one time. 

“Oh fuck love, it’s gotta be you,” came Jamie’s response. 

“You sure? Because you have like, gross men and stuff. Half of them don’t even know how to do their own laundry.”

Jamie had laughed. “I’m fucking sure. Yeah they smell nasty and shit but like, they’re traumatized by some of the shit you have to deal with.”

He’s got a point. 

Neither of you have a whole bunch to say though, and anyway it’s nice to be in a house that’s quiet. 

Jamie’s the one to break the silence. “What if we started telling people about us?”

You give him a look so he hurries on. “I know you said you weren’t ready, especially with all the press and everything, but what if we just like soft-launched it? Y’know, take a couple photos without seeing your face.”

You chew your dinner thoughtfully. Is this a good time to start carefully introducing your relationship to the world? You’re indispensable to your company, although they may decide to place a higher value on their anonymity than what you bring to the table. It’s not easy providing behavioral therapy to clients who prefer their children to remain unknown. But at the same time, you can’t keep quiet forever. It’s not fair to Jamie. It’s like you’re saying this is only temporary. I’m keeping it a secret because it won’t last so it’s not worth sharing. It’s not true. Jamie is worth sharing, and you have the tiniest spark of hope that this thing you’ve kept going for the past six months is going to last.

Well, maybe not so much a spark of hope as a sneaking suspicion. The kind you feel as a kid when your parents swear they didn’t get you want you wanted for Christmas, but you have the vaguest sense that they’re lying. You don’t want to hope, because what if you’re wrong, but then again, there’s a part of you that can just feel it. 

You’ve been silent for far too long because Jamie says, “Babe? If you don’t want to, it’s ok,” except you can see in his face it isn’t entirely ok.

“I was just thinking,” you reply. “I think- I think I’m good with it. You know, letting people know you’re off the market. Plus it’ll be fun to take more pictures together, My mum keeps bugging me for more.”

Jamie grins. “Mint. The lads are gonna be so fucking psyched.”

—

Ah yes. The lads. Or as they’re better known, the AFC Richmond team. It hasn’t been easy sneaking around them, especially because Ted seemed to Know. Jamie came home one day all spooked because he swore Ted knew he was dating someone.

“Stared straight into me soul, he did,” he said. “Fuckin’ told me he’s surprised I haven’t found a girl yet.”

“That doesn’t sound suspicious, Jaim,” you reply, to which Jamie shakes his head vehemently. 

“You weren’t there, that’s what he said, but he meant somethin’ else. He fucking knows.”

You’d laughed and told him it was fine, even if Ted did know, you didn’t mind. 

After that encounter, there had been vague rumblings that maybe Jamie did have a girl somewhere, or possibly several girls at one time, which prompted a very serious conversation with Isaac and Sam.

“Jamie, you have said that you have changed. You are acting like a better teammate. And yet, dating more than one girl at a time is just wrong,” Sam told him.

“That shit’s sleazy, bruv,” Isaac said. “You can’t be playing around like that.”

So they had gotten Jamie to admit that no, there weren’t multiple girls, just one girl who he had met at a café of all places because he was cheating on his meal plan and she was trying to finish some assessments for work.

You wanted privacy and of course you knew exactly who he was the moment he walked up to your table and said, “hey,” so yeah, it was never going to be easy.

But the way you had wavered ever so slightly when he asked you to dinner was enough to make him realize that this was going to be something different. Something real. Because if the allure of dating national football star Jamie Tartt wasn’t enough for an automatic yes, you must be looking for something deeper. 

Jamie wasn’t sure he was looking for that, but hell he’d give it a go if it meant he got to kiss those soft lips even one time.

So fuck him, he’d fallen for a pretty face in a café on a fucking Sunday and now he has to go home and tell you that people know you exist. That a little bit of your privacy bubble has burst.

You didn’t really care though. You’d been pondering the ethics of a secret relationship for a good long while, so maybe it was good that his teammates knew you existed. 

That was a month before Jamie broached the subject of the soft-launch, so you think maybe you can ease into this. It’ll be fine.

—

The first picture is relatively easy. Just a regular mirror pic, cropped of course, with Jamie’s arms wrapped around you from behind. It’s easy to tell it’s him because his tattoo sleeve is in full view. The caption reads, “soft launch,” with a heart emoji.

The like count is through the roof.

You like it too, because what notice will your account garner in a sea of Jamie Tartt fans?

The Greyhounds lose their minds a little bit, commenting fire emojis and heart eyes and trying to figure out who could possibly be there with Jamie. He comes home after training that day to tell you that there’s a rather convincing conspiracy that he’s dating this famous model they’re all obsessed with.

You’re flattered they think you look like her. Even if they can only see your arms and torso.

“This is gonna be fun, babe,” you say, standing on tiptoes for a kiss. Jamie grins. Anything to torture his team.

—

The second picture is posted two days later, with the caption, “date night.”

You’re sitting at his dining room table, candles and wine glasses strewn about, and Jamie’s kissing you at an angle where you can really only see your hair.

For fun, you comment, “omg, I wish that were me.” Richard Montlaur responds to it, “omg same,” so you show Jamie. He rolls his eyes. 

“Lad thinks he’s funny, don’t he?” he asks.

You grin. “You’d never leave me for Richard, would you?”

Jamie shrugs. “Dunno babe, he is kind of fit.”

You smack his arm playfully and say, “Fuck off, I’m better looking.”

—

You’re almost caught before the big reveal. You’re on a coffee date in a small town, miles from Richmond or Manchester or anywhere Jamie could be easily recognized. It’s a sleepy town, mostly old people, which is why you both decided it’d be safe.

You’re sitting at a table with your coffee while Jamie’s up to grab his, when you see someone go up to him and tap his shoulder.

“Jamie? What are you doing here?” Sam asks.

Jamie jumps a little and places to where you’re sitting before he can stop himself. 

“Oh, um, just getting coffee. You know.”

Sam gives him a quizzical look. “Do you know someone here? This isn’t close to home at all. Are you meeting someone?”

Sam glances around the room and Jamie’s grateful that his gaze does not linger extra long on you. 

Jamie decides the best way to answer is to deflect. “Oi, what’re you doing here? It’s not like this place is fucking famous or some shit.”

Sam shrugs. “I like to try a different coffee shop every weekend. Sometimes I bring Dani, but after last time, I think I’ll have to find someone else.”

Jamie risks a glance at you. You’re hiding behind your latte, suppressing a grin. He’s positive you can hear every word they’re saying.

Sam’s voice breaks through his thoughts. “Would you like to sit with me? It looks like there’s only one table left. Unless your mystery girlfriend is here.”

He laughs and Jamie joins in, just a little too loudly, but he can’t think of an excuse to join you at the table so he follows Sam and tries to send you a subtle I’m sorry with his eyes.

You pull out your phone and send him two laughing emojis, then reach into your bag for your book. Might as well get some reading done.

You let Jamie sit for a good half hour before you decide to do something. You put your things back into your bag and walk over to where they’re sitting.

“Hi, um, I’m sorry to bother you, but are you Sam Obisanya? I’m a huge Richmond fan.”

Sam grins at being recognized, while Jamie lets out a small, “Oi!”

“Oh yes, wonderful to meet a fan! I’m just here with my friend.”

You smile and say, “I just wanted to let you know that you played so well last game. I think you’re the best player on the whole team.”

Jamie snorts and Sam says, “Would you like to take a picture? My friend here would be happy to take it for you.”

Score. “That would be awesome!” you reply. “Then I’ll get out of your way. Don’t want to interrupt your coffee.”

—

“Can’t believe you just did that,” Jamie says, shaking his head mournfully another half hour later. “Fucking acting like you didn’t know who I was. Any self-respecting Richmond fan knows who I am.”

You knock into his shoulder lightly as you walk to the car. “Lucky for your ego, I was just acting. And anyway, I’m hilarious. That’s like, my number one quality.”

“Number two,” Jamie interjects, “It’s your number two quality.”

You ask, “Number two? What’s number one??”

Jamie zips his lips. “I ain’t tellin’, babe. Not good for your ego.”

You giggle as he grabs your waist so he can press a kiss to your neck.

—

Posts three and four go off without a hitch. There’s one of his hand on your knee and a timer picture of you twirling under a streetlamp. You both decide that as far as social media goes, this is as much as they’re going to get. But as far as AFC Richmond goes…

“Babe, you left your phone in the car,” you say as you stroll into the locker room casually as ever.

Jamie takes it from your hand and kisses you before he says, “Thanks babe.”

The locker room is silent, frozen. Colin’s body spray slips from his hand and clatters to the floor, and Beard’s just standing and pointing with his mouth open. 

Roy breaks the silence as he growls, “What the fuck?”

“Oh my god,” Sam follows. “You’re the girl from the coffee shop.”

You grin and say, “Guilty.”

Jamie wraps his arm around your waist. “Lads, this is my girl. Babe, these are the lads.”

There’s silence for a moment longer before the room explodes into a flurry of questions. Neither you nor Jamie can get a word in until Beard yells, “QUIET! Don’t be fuckin’ weird!” 

They all mumble, “Sorry coach,” while Jamie whispers, “You can go if you want. I know you’ve got work and shit. I’ll handle them.”

You squeeze his arm gratefully and slip out the door. You know he’ll take care of things.

[starryevermore]

the house of snow (7) ✧ coriolanus snow

the house of snow ✧ a royal coryo au | pinterest board| ao3

pairing: king!coriolanus snow x fem!reader

series summary: the king of panem is in search of a bride. and, for reasons you can never understand, coriolanus snow has set his sights on you. it would never be a happy marriage, you’re sure of that. but none of that matters, because when snow decides he wants something, he will do everything in his power to ensure it is his. 

chapter summary: snow is pushing his luck with you, but you will not let his attempted slights go by. 

word count: 3,004

series warnings?: 18+ MINORS DNI, royal au, regency au, arranged marriage, rivals to lovers, obsessive!coryo, jealous!coryo, protective!coryo, eventual smut, eventual pregnancy, more tags to be added later

chapter warnings?: breaking wedding superstitions, you and snow get in an argument, jealous!coryo, pet name (petal), not proofread

“Oh, you actually look like a bride!” your mother exclaimed as Tigris led you into the sitting room.

“She has always looked like my bride,” Snow said.

When you received word that Tigris had finished making your wedding gown and was ready to start the fitting process, Snow had insisted that it be done at the palace. Another form of control over you, you were sure. 

Tigris, who was helping you gather the skirts, reached over and squeezed your hand, careful not to let Snow see. You did not know what had caused Tigris’s and Snow’s relationship to become so strained. You remembered, at the Academy, that Snow and Tigris were quite close. At least, as close as Snow would ever allow a person to be to him. He was very good at keeping people at arm’s length. The only person that he truly wanted in his inner circle, it seemed, was you. 

“Is there not some saying about it being bad luck for a groom to see the bridge in her gown before the wedding day?”

Of course, you were fine with a healthy smidge of bad luck. This entire ordeal was doused in it. But it also annoyed Snow any time you tried to deny him something, and that was joy enough for you. 

“I won’t come to the final fitting,” Snow said. 

“I don’t think you understand how luck works.”

Snow hummed. He rose from his seat on the sofa and crossed over to you. When he reached for your hand, you allowed him to take it. Tigris took a few quick steps away from you. He lifted your joined hands above your head, and you began to twirl. He hummed again.

“I do not need luck when I have a bride as beautiful as you,” he said. To Tigris, he said, “You have outdone yourself this time.”

“Thank you, Coriolanus,” Tigris said. 

Snow’s lips curved up into a smirk. “Hmm, see how easy it is? Calling someone by their name?”

“Tigris is your cousin. She is family. It is not inappropriate for her to call you by your name.” You looked back at Tigris. Guilt settled in the pit of your stomach for placing her in the middle of this dispute, but Snow started it. You were smart enough to finish it. “You are an incredibly impatient man, Snow. We are weeks away from the wedding. Are you truly that restless for me to say your name that you cannot wait that long? My, it’s a wonder anyone thought you were disciplined enough to be King.”

Tigris tugged on your skirt, trying to urge you to be silent. You wondered if she had seen Snow when his anger was at its worst. Was that why they were no longer close? Because she had looked into the beast’s eyes and was terrified by what she saw? Perhaps you would be better off holding your tongue. Yet, a part of you liked this challenge. You enjoyed discovering new buttons you could push. 

But Snow only laughed, and that alone was infuriating. He looked at his cousin and remarked, “She always keeps me on my toes.”

Tigris’s lips stretched into a thin smile. “Well, I suppose someone must keep you in line.”

“Of which, she is an expert.”

What a terrible expert you must be then. Had you ever kept Snow in line? You had certainly told him off before, made certain he knew how little you wanted this kind of life. But to keep him in line? The thought was laughable. The man was King. The only way he could lose his power was to something so particularly heinous the Electors would be forced to remove him, or if he died. 

Snow reached for your dress, his thumb running over the embroidered designs. His smirk slowly became a smile as he traced one of the roses. “Do you think you could add more of these?” he asked Tigris.

“Of course. I’ll go draw up some more designs,” Tigris said. 

“Can I take this off now?” you asked. At Snow’s nodding, you turned, Tigris gathering up your skirts so that it would not drag across the floor.

You and Tigris quickly reached the room where she had been helping you dress. It was not far from the drawing room. Irritation had been bubbling up inside you the entire short walk. It drove you insane how much control Snow had over you now. How was this fair? Why did you have to be a little puppet that Snow could pull the strings on? 

“He drives me mad,” you said. Perhaps you shouldn’t admit that to his cousin, one of his only family members, but if there was anyone who could understand, you figured it would be Tigris. 

“Coriolanus is a maddening sort of person,” Tigris admitted, shutting the door behind you once inside the room. 

You could not stop yourself. If you could not understand Snow himself, you might gain some insight from his cousin. “Is that why you are no longer close?”

Tigris looked up at you, her pale eyes turning sad. “He changed. After he came back from his time with the Peacekeepers, I mean. Before, I was hopeful for the kind of man he could become. We…We had hard lives before all of this. Coriolanus would never let anyone know, of course. Too prideful. Too sure that he would get us out of ruin. He was successful in the end, but I think he lost a part of himself.”

Your brows pinched together. “Do you know what happened?”

Tigris shrugged. “No one does. He keeps that part of his life close to his chest. All I know is, when I saw him upon his return, he did not look like little Coryo anymore. He looked like his father.”

You had heard stories of Crassus Snow. He was once a friend of your fathers in their youth, but grown distant as Crassus became colder. It probably had something to do with the peasant uprisings. From your understanding, Crassus was as prideful as Snow. Perhaps more. When he was able to enlist, he quickly rose through the ranks until he was a general. He had the power of the army clenched in his fist. He might have won the war singlehandedly had he not been caught in a rebel trap. 

“But…” Tigris paused. She shook her head. “Never mind.”

Well, that just couldn’t do. Tigris couldn’t just begin to put the pieces of Snow’s personality, his motivations, for you, and yank away one of the final pieces. 

You reached for her hand. You gave it a gentle squeeze. “Please, tell me. I am going to marry him soon. Do I not deserve to know what I’m getting into?”

“Coriolanus is different now.”

“How do you mean?”

“He’s…kinder with you,” Tigris said as she skillfully undid the fastenings to your gown. 

You stifled a snort. “That hardly means anything. A lion might let a gazelle run free, but that does not mean he is any less a beast.”

“You think I’m a beast?”

You fought the urge to jump. One might think you should have become accustomed to Snow’s sudden appearances. Yet, he always managed to catch you off guard. Instead of revealing your shock, you turned your head to where Snow stood in the now opened doorway. “Only a beast would interrupt an unmarried woman as she is undressing.”

Tigris grabbed your hands, pulling you behind the dressing screen. You maintained eye contact with Snow the entire way, careful to make sure he wouldn’t try to follow you. He already kissed you before the wedding. Who was to say he wouldn’t do something more heinous? Snow was very insistent that he could do with you as he pleased. 

“Does it matter if you are unmarried when I am going to marry you regardless?”

You decided to not deign his question a response. How many times had you had this conversation with him? Telling him to be respectful of societal expectations, him deciding he knew best. Oh, was this what your life would him would be like? Would he ever give you peace? Maybe if you gave him a few children…Though, you supposed, Snow would want more than a few. He seemed the sort of man that desired a dynasty. A legacy that would be firmly cemented. That could only be done if you played your part to the letter. And if you didn’t…

“Why are you here? Besides to be a Peeping Tom.”

You heard Snow chuckle. “Clever little thing, aren’t you? I came to ask if you would accompany me to the opera tomorrow evening.”

“Quite a late invitation, don’t you think? Perhaps I have a date with a suitor.”

Tigris’s head jerked up as she helped you step out of the wedding gown. She shook her head. Well, too late now.

“You would not.” Oh, you could hear the poison leeching into his tone. This was fun. (At least, for now. You imagined he would make you regret this impropriety later.) 

“You seem so convinced that I am going to leave you for Sejanus. Perhaps I have decided to actually give you a reason to be upset.” Tigris helped you into the gown you wore to the palace, trying to put it on you as quickly as possible. You really needed to wait to pick these fights until you were alone. You hated to make her collateral. “It is not very becoming, you know, to be so jealous.”

When you turned to step out from behind the privacy screen, you jumped. Snow was already standing there, his face an amusing shade of red. His usually pale blue eyes were much, much darker. You weren’t sure you could see any blue at all. 

“Take it back.”

“You know what the truth is, Snow. Why should I have to keep repeating it? I am your fiancé. We are going to be married by the end of the month. I have promised you to be on my best behavior. That would include, I assume, not leaving you for another. And yet…The simplest of teasing turns you into a mad man. It was all in jest. A joke about a last minute invitation.”

“It was last minute because I was arranging for a private performance for ourselves and our loved ones.”

You blinked. 

Oh. 

Oh. 

Well, you hadn’t expected that. 

“I beg your pardon?”

Snow did not look away from you, never breaking eye contact. He stepped closer. You could feel his breath. Somewhere behind you, you could hear Tigris shuffling around. “You still enjoy the opera, don’t you?”

“How did you know I—?” You shook your head. That was not important at the moment. “Yes. I do, very much so. I…Thank you. That is uncharacteristically kind of you.”

Snow snorted, looking away for a moment as if to collect himself. But when he turned his gaze on you again, his eyes were softer. Back to their usual pale blue. “You cannot even compliment me without an insult.”

“It is so easy to insult you. It is fun to see what will burrow the furthest under your skin.”

He hummed. “For now, let us move on to lighter conversations. Who would you like to invite? So that I may invitations sent out before it is too late for anyone to accept.”

“If the King sends an invitation, anyone would accept.”

“And so too shall the Queen,” Snow said. A fond smile crossed his face. He reached for your hand. His thumb stroked it, in a way that was if your hand brought him comfort. “Who should you like to be there?”

You thought for a moment, considering your options. “My parents, which goes without saying. I have a few cousins that would like to come. The Dovecotes, the Cardews.” You spoke the next name quickly, hoping to hide it in your rush. “The Plinths, naturally. I think we should invite the Ravinstills, as a gesture of good faith. To show the former family mingling with the current.” You hoped that that line would delay Snow’s realization of who you slid into the list of invites. “I don’t want the Creeds there.”

Alas, your efforts were not successful. 

“The Creeds will not be there if you do not wish it. Everyone but the Plinth family, however, will be extended invitations.”

“The Plinths will be there. You said I could invite my loved ones.”

“Our loved ones, petal. I said our loved ones. And, let me make this clear, I bear no love for the Plinths at this time.”

“Because of Sejanus?” you asked. 

Snow’s jaw ticked. “It does not matter why. I shall not send them any invitation.”

“Then I shall send one myself. I shall personally invite them, and I shall ensure that Sejanus is allowed to sit right next to us. If you are doing this as a proclamation of love, then you should not try to hurt me by excluding someone I care about.”

“And you try to hurt me by including someone who is trying to take you?”

“She is not a prize for you to win, Coriolanus,” Tigris snapped. 

You had forgotten she was there. Why was she still there? Anyone else would have run for the hills the second a lover’s quarrel with the King broke out. Of course, she was his cousin. She grew up with him. Tigris probably knew more about Snow’s temper tantrum and their fallout than anyone. Perhaps you should take her presence as a blessing. Perhaps you should worry about what that might mean.

Snow squinted his eyes at Tigris. “Because I have won her. I am only ensuring that no one tries to steal her out from under me.”

“You’re unbelievable,” you scoffed with a roll of your eyes. 

His attention snapped back to you. “I will ask you kindly, just this once, to please exclude the Plinth family from your list of invitees. If it means so much to you, I will allow his parents to be invited. Just not him.” He paused. “Please.” It almost sounded like it pained him to utter the word. 

“If you do not invite Sejanus, I will,” you repeated. 

Snow’s eyes flashed. You were pushing too hard. Probably. But you could not find it in you to care. Snow was already getting everything he wanted. Was it necessary for him to rip every comfort you had away from you?

“Sejanus will not be invited to sit with us,” Snow hissed. “You cannot manipulate me as you did your mother.”

Did Snow really think that you would bend to his will so easily? Had he learned nothing from all of your spats in school? From how often you went toe-to-toe with him the last several weeks? You knew Snow was not an idiot. Far from it, in fact. He was easily the top student at the Academy, clearing over the children of Panem’s best and brightest with seeming ease. The only person who stood behind him was you. Snow should understand that this was not going to be something you back down from. 

And to bring your mother into this? You were not sure what she told him. It would have been about your engagement ball, of course. That was the only time you attempted to change who your mother believed she could invite to the ball. But you were sure that whatever she told him only further cemented the idea in his deluded mind that you were helplessly in love with Sejanus Plinth.

“He will! Coriolanus Snow, I will not allow you to slight our friend like this. He might be interested in me. And I might have considered a marriage with him if you were not here and my parents allowed it. And I might have fallen in love with him if we did wed. But you are, and it is insulting that you think so little of me—”

“I do not think little of you,” he interrupted. You nearly rolled your eyes. 

“—then, that you are so insecure that you cannot pull your head out of your ass long enough to realize that I will not do anything to harm this relationship, however much of a sham it is, for something that might work out even less than this. My Mama told me you want my loyalty. Well, this is as close as you will ever get to that. Do you understand? I know you value your reputation, and mine, and I know you care about how you, we, are perceived. I may not bend to your every will, but I will not do anything that would reflect poorly on the Crown.”

“I want more than your loyalty.”

“This is all you will get it, and you should be grateful. I could make this a lot more difficult. I could live everything moment to ruin your life. But I am not stupid. I know the security that comes with a title and money. I am grateful that I will want for nothing if I all do is act a dutiful wife. You should be equally grateful for the power and trust of the people that will be granted to you for appearing to be a family man, a good husband, and an eventual good father. This is not a marriage of love, and it never will be. I have accepted the convenience of it all. You should too.”

“I will not invite him.”

Well, there was only one option left to change his mind. If he would not listen to reason, it was time to be irrational. 

You took a step closer to him. Snow squeezed your hand, almost in warning, as if he could anticipate what you were about to do. 

“You will send the entire Plinth family an invitation, or I shall not come at all. Do you wish for your attempts at romanticism to be in vain?”

[princessbrunette]

i need a longer blurb of jj teaching reader how to smoke 🙏🏻 possible shotgunning

i was hoping someone would ask teehee ♡

suggestive themes down below, mentions of weed etc

jj cringes at himself as he taps the cracked screen of his iphone, hitting play on the spotify playlist titled simply with the leaf emoji — a subtle and yet juvenile nod to it being his smoking playlist. what kind of nerd actually has a playlist made and ready to hit play when hanging out with a pretty girl, he thinks — cheeks a little red under the dim light. his shitty speaker hiccups and splutters before playing the music smoothly, just as he comes to drop down beside you on the comfy old couch.

“anyway, fuck uh— i don’t remember. it doesn’t matter.” he waves a hand, pushing his heels into the ground to lift up his hips so he can pull the rolled J out his back pocket.

“your concentration is terrible.” you tease with a giggle, legs tucked beneath you. he recalls you looking particularly adorable in that moment, and his brain malfunctions for a second as he looks at you before he forces out a response.

“uh… yeah — i got that letter thing.”

“adhd?”

“thats the one.” he presses his fingers tightly around the compact J before patting his front pockets for a lighter. “you smoke?”

it was the first time you’d had the privilege of hanging out with just JJ alone. you were sarah’s friend, and had tagged along with her to a few pogue hangouts when she’d started dating john b. you all seemed to get on well as a group, and you were pretty meek and shy most of the time — which they found pretty endearing, so they kept you around. you were harmless, and brought an oddly charming sense of innocence to their reckless and vulgar world. you’d started harbouring a little crush on JJ since you’d met, all smiles and doe eyes whenever he was up to his usual nonsense. he was loud and untameable, but always made an effort to behave around you. the special attention made you melt.

“JJ you’re yelling.” pope would accuse and the blonde would hold his hands up.

“sorry.” he’d apologise before turning specifically to you. “sorry. those pretty ears. shouldn’t be hearing that.” he waves it off and continues with whatever rant he was on, but your smile doesn’t go away for like 2 minutes.

his effort didn’t go unnoticed by the pogues, and since you weren’t technically a pogue yourself — and it wouldn’t be breaking any pogue rules, john b and sarah specifically had encouraged the two of you to hang out alone, leaving JJ the keys to the chateau. it made total sense to them, john b desperately wanted jj to be happy (and to get some, from a nice girl.) and sarah was enthralled by the idea of double dates based off ideas she’d tucked into a pinterest board. whilst the blonde was infamous for making bad decisions, he wouldn’t let turning down alone time with a pretty girl be another on his extensive track record.

you eye him where he sits beside you on the small cushy couch, shifting a little — springs clinking beneath you suggesting it may have been a pull out bed. “i’ve never… i haven’t done it before.” you shrug, embarrassed. you envied the pogues in that way, whilst you’d been sheltered your whole life up into adulthood, they’d been able to explore themselves and figure out what they like.

his eyes widen a little and his mouth forms a surprised little ‘o’ shape, before nodding quickly and stuffing the J back into his pocket.

“what are you doing?” your brows furrow.

“don’t wanna make you feel weird, if i smoke ‘n stuff.” he waves a hand dismissively and you shake your head with wide eyes, sitting up a little in your seat.

“oh, no i don’t mind! don’t let me stop you.” you smile as reassuringly as you can. he looks at you for a moment, fixing his hat on his head before pausing a little and turning more toward you.

“totally shoot me down if you don’t wanna but…” he pulls the J back out, slowly and cautiously like it’ll scare you if he moves too fast. “you down to learn? heard i’m quite the teacher.” he smirks, but there’s a friendly twinkle behind his eyes that just makes him so approachable and non-intimidating that you feel completely safe.

“m’kay, yeah, i’ve always wanted to know what it feels like.” your voice is soft behind your wide smile and he wants to slap himself for staring at you for so long.

“alright, that’s the spirit.” he mirrors your grin, tossing his lighter in the air and catching it.

“i didn’t know smoking was something that needed to be taught.” you comment, shuffling a little downward so you can lean against the couch more— getting as comfortable as you can in your sweet little sundress. you were sat so close now you could feel his body heat radiating onto you, and it was doing something crazy to your stomach. that, and the way he looked, manspreading casually on the couch, white tee and black sweatpants, frowning in concentration as he presses the joint between his lips, holding a flame to the end of it until it glows and then shaking out the flame.

registering your words, he sends you a little face of mock offence that makes you giggle. he inhales deep and holds the smoke in his lungs, voice strained when he responds. “nah, this shit is an art form. ‘course it can be taught.” exhale. you find you’re holding your breath too.

“yeah this’ll be good for your first time, asked my guy for somethin’ weaker cos’ i didn’t want you to think i was bein’ a weirdo or whatever, smoking you out with the strong stuff so i can be creepy. i know some guys do that.” he rambles before taking another shorter toke, brows creased as he concentrates on his mini review.

“you bought weed especially for hanging out with me?” you smile kindly and he gapes for a millisecond, holding the J between his fingers and he blinks, caught out.

“yeah.” he shrugs. “s’like buying you flowers. but better.” he shuffles closer to you on the seat. before you have time to overthink the flowers comment, he’s carefully holding the joint to your lips, his own eyes wide and already a little glossy.

“i’m nervous.” you giggle, briefly holding his hovering wrist to stabilise you both.

“hey, you’re in good hands i swear, i’ll look after you.” he promises, free hand cupping your cheek with a teasing but far from unkind expression. “you’re my little baby tonight.” it was made to be a joke but your stomach does a little somersault.

“‘kay.” your lips brush the tip of the J and he has to force himself not to think something inappropriate.

“what i want you to do is breathe in and then hold it, ‘kay?” he instructs and you do so, eyes looking to him for guidance. it burns and tickles your throat at the same time but it’s not awful, you don’t even cough. maybe this is rare, because he grins when you squint— holding it in your chest. “atta girl! see, you’re born for this. breathe out for me.” his voice is closer, and therefore quieter, more intimate. you’re a lightweight by nature, so by your second toke the delay starts to unwind and you start feeling a buzz.

sativa by jhené aiko starts to play through the cheap speaker by the time you’re really feeling it. he’s talking to you the whole time, talking you through it, praising you. your whole body feels hot and you revel in the euphoria of feeling so safe and comfortable in someone’s presence. you lean against his shoulder a little, giggling over a little anecdote he told you about his day with pope.

he’s grinning with pretty pink eyes, turning to look down at you, really look at you close up. his heart stammers because you’re so damn beautiful and he nearly chokes on smoke. that would have been embarrassing.

“you’re cute.” he lifts his cap for a second, running a hand through his hair and you tilt your head, joint still clasped between your fingers.

“really?”

“totally. i’d complain about anyone else getting lipgloss on the joint, but you’re cute so you’re allowed.” he jokes and you’re off again, leaning more into him as you chortle. his arm wraps around your shoulders, pulling you closer until your head rests against him. he looks down at you, a warm smile bordering on chuckle spreading across his face at the way you’re gazing up at him like he hung the moon and stars for you. “y’wanna learn something else?” he offers and you’re slow, but eager— eyes widening hazily and nodding clumsily.

“alright. y’trust me, yeah?” he adjusts his position a little.

“mhm, yeah i do JJ.” you’re all dazed and openly crushing. he seems pretty into it and you’re glad, because someone a little meaner might find it pathetic.

he takes your hand holding the joint and brings your fingers that clasp it to his lips, where he then takes a hit. his palms encase your jaw, pulling your face to his. he pulls ever so slightly, so your mouth gapes before he’s breathing the smoke slowly into your mouth. your heart hammers, and your hands are frozen but you get the hint and inhale, feeling the second hand burn. you open your eyes, not remembering having closed them and he’s staring at you— and you don’t get the chance to pull away because he’s closing the gap again and pressing his lips fully to yours.

you let out a quiet moan at the surprise, the sound from your throat a lot more vulgar than intended and he pulls back after a moment, eyes flickering between yours.

“sorry.”

“dont be. i wanna do it again. can we?”

“the smoking thing or the…” he trails off as you lean in slowly, a curious and sweet expression tainted with a glossy haze of intoxication and lust. you’d never been like this before with anyone, hell— you’d never felt like this.

you press your lips to his, kissing him simply before pulling back. your brows pinch together and be bites back a smile, thumbing at your cheekbone.

“wh’sthe matter?” he whispers.

“there’s more you need to teach me.” you bat your eyelashes at him and he feels himself wake up from the waist down, subtly adjusting himself.

“well we got all night.” he teases before leaning in, this time his mouth taking the lead. the joint is put out and forgotten about as he presses an open mouthed kiss to your swollen lips. “didn’t i say i was a good teacher?”

[anonymousewrites]

A Good Day for Death Halloween Special 2023

Wednesday Addams x Reader

            “Halloween is so important for Outcasts!” chirped Enid, flipping through her pinterest of costume ideas. “Come on, we have a huge party every year. You have to come and dress up!”

            “All Hallow’s Eve is important to my family,” said Wednesday. She glanced at the variety of pink and fantastical outfits on Enid’s board. “However, we prefer to spend our time performing seances to commune with our deceased family members rather than at kids’ parties.”

            “Addamses can actually die?” asked (Y/N). Honestly, that was the most surprising part of that discussion.

            “When they decide they want to explore the afterlife,” said Wednesday matter-of-factly.

            “Oh, cool!” said (Y/N) brightly. “I’m not really sure how easy it is for me, either. You know, child of Thanatos and all that.”

            “We could find out,” said Wednesday.

            “Let’s please not try to kill (Y/N),” said Enid, not liking how easily (Y/N) was nodding. They were way too willing to go along with Wednesday’s ideas.

            “Another time, then.” Wednesday glanced at (Y/N). “Though I suppose I’d have to just take you to the brink of death.” She didn’t really want (Y/N) dead (not that she’d admit it to anyone. That would be soft).

            “I trust you!” chirped (Y/N).

            Wednesday couldn’t respond to that as she felt her heart skip a beat (a pleasant sensation since it might signal her death). (Y/N) was surprisingly skilled at finding that Wednesday was (unfortunately) soft for them.

            “Hey, hey, focus, you two!” said Enid. “We need costumes!”

            “I already have mine,” said (Y/N), shrugging.

            Enid sighed, and her shoulders slouched. “You go as the exact same thing every year!”

            “I updated the outfit this time,” said (Y/N), smiling. They looked at Wednesday and grinned. “I always go as a grim reaper.”

            “Appropriate choice,” remarked Wednesday.

            “Thanks,” said (Y/N), smiling.

            “Fine, fine, you’re a reaper as usual,” said Enid. She crossed her arms. “Wednesday, tell me you of all people have a cool costume.”

            “I’m a homicidal maniac. They look just like everyone else,” said Wednesday.

            “Oh, nice,” said (Y/N).

            “You guys are both terrible at this,” muttered Enid. She threw up her hands. “Okay, fine. But I need help since I actually put in effort. I have a few ideas, but I have no idea what to do.”

            “You should go as my victim,” said Wednesday.

            “Uh, no thanks,” said Enid. “I was thinking of going as Draculaura or Princess Peach.”

            “Definitely Princess Peach. We have enough Fangs here already,” said (Y/N). Wednesday nodded in agreement.

            “But she’s so cute…” Enid pouted, but (Y/N) and Wednesday had a point. “At least Princess Peach is totally in my color scheme.” She grinned. “Now, let’s get ready for the party!”

            “I’m not going,” said Wednesday.

            “You say that now, but Enid loves this party. You’re not getting out of it,” teased (Y/N). They smiled. “But don’t worry, I’ll be there.”

            Wednesday supposed that would make it better couldn’t make it worse.

l

            “I still don’t understand parties,” remarked Wednesday as she stared around herself at the students partying and dancing (and drinking).

            Enid almost patted her on the back but stopped since Wednesday didn’t like physical touch. “I know you don’t like parties, but (Y/N) will be here soon.” She grinned at Wednesday, dressed in a blond wig and a knee-length pink dress decorated with Nintendo emblems.

            “Why would that change anything?” said Wednesday, refusing to look at Enid’s smile.

            “No reason,” chirped Enid. “Here they come, have fun!” Enid knew very well that Wednesday liked (Y/N), so she was more than happy to leave them alone.

            “Hey, Wednesday!” said (Y/N). They blinked as Enid left. “Where’s Enid going?”

            “She likes to dance,” said Wednesday simply.

            She glanced at (Y/N) and their costume. They had black trousers and a crop top on with a long grey cloak overtop. In their hand, they held a fake scythe (though Wednesday knew they were skilled with a real one, so the impression wasn’t lost). Their makeup was dark around their eyes to create a gaunter expression. (Y/N) was definitely a grim reaper.

            “You actually attempted to look scary,” said Wednesday. “Good.” Too many of the costumes here were cute. Wednesday thought perhaps she should dress up as a killer and then scare them.

            (Y/N) smiled, knowing that was a compliment from Wednesday. “You should see me during Dia de los Muertos. I look amazing.”

            Wednesday was silent for a moment before speaking. “You always fit with death.”

            (Y/N) faltered, surprised at getting two Wednesday-like compliments back-to-back, before laughing nervously and turning a little pink. “Thanks, Wednesday.” They glanced at her. “But seriously, you should come celebrate with me. I wouldn’t make you wear color, and it could be really fun.”

            “I don’t really do ‘fun,’ ” said Wednesday.

            “Not even fun that involves graveyards, death, and ghosts returning to visit us?” said (Y/N), knowing what Wednesday liked.

            Wednesday considered. “I suppose that is my family’s typical Halloween.”

            “Then you’ll like my family’s Dia de los Muertos.” (Y/N) grinned. “Sometimes my dad likes to show up, too.”

            Now, Wednesday was against parties, but with (Y/N) and the god of death present? She could put up with irritating people. “I suppose I could come.”

            (Y/N) brightened, and Wednesday pretended she didn’t like how happy they looked. “Awesome! I’m glad you said yes.”

            Wednesday didn’t respond, but she silently knew that she was more willing to do what (Y/N) asked of her than anyone else.

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[deafsignifcantother]

if music be the food of love, chapter 7

♥ here you go lovies, it’s series time | chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, chapter four, chapter five, chapter six, chapter eight ♥ summary: some crazy shit happens and she loses her mind and goes to people for advice who say drastically different things so she has to decide for herself what to feel. ♥ relationships: aroace Alastor x deaf female reader (queerplatonic to romance) ♥ word count: 3.3k ♥ pinterest board ♥ notes: she's on artfight, "compassion literally means “to suffer together.”", Alastor is only in this for one scene ♥ no tag list rn :3

Alastor leans against the kitchen's countertop, his ankles crossed, his hand covering his lips in thought. He's staring down at a notebook, his hand-made cookbook, seeming to be flipping through the pages and searching through it, looking for something in particular. You don't know why he wants you to sit with him through it.

He scans the pages for a moment before his smile grows.

You wave to get his attention. “What are you making now? Something new?”

You don’t try to glance at his cookbook for the answer, but he still moves the cookbook further away before responding.

"Yes, I suppose it is something new."

Which doesn't fulfill your attempts at conversation.

"Were you a cook and a radio host, or is it just a passion?"

He chuckles, looking away from the cookbook to spare a glance. He keeps an elbow on the pages to prop it open. From that angle, you can't see the blank pages.

“Oh, well, it certainly wasn’t my job back when I was alive. It's a passion, and it has been for a long time.” He closes the cookbook and sits it down on the countertop.

“Believe you need any help?”

You pray he'd say no.

"You'd like to help me, darling? Well, feel free to, if you'd like."

If you'd like. If you'd like. If you'd like.

It's not a yes or a no.

But he adds on. "You've always had people cook for you, haven't you, love?"

When you were alive, you had servants to do that for you, and the amount of food would take up an entire table, even if it went uneaten. Having a home-styled meal for two was beyond your comprehension before you met Alastor.

“The more the decades go by the more embarrassing that gets.”

"Oh, trust me, darling, I find it quite endearing."

“What does that mean?” The tension in your face surprises you. You are scowling; you haven't scowled at Alastor before. He doesn't seem to mind. You're not ready to let Zestial's advice go. You wanted to keep the words to yourself. If an expert like Alastor caught on to the fact that you both were talking about him, in a desperate way as well, he'd chase for the context in a heartbeat.

All he does is stare at you with untroubled eyes and open the drawer next to you, revealing herbs and spices you couldn't even name. "It means you've probably never seen anything like these before?"

“A drawer?” You sign. The smile on his face humbles you; his eyes are so gentle when he looks at you, even when he's looking down at you. “You really keep spices in a drawer?”

"I'm afraid most people do."

You reach and open the drawer on the other side of you. Cutlery all lined up. After the initial surprise that the ladles and whisks are not held in a vase, you smile a bit. You look up at him. “Are you the one keeping these organized?”

"You caught me."

"How long have you been cooking here?"

He tilts his head upwards. You notice his stillness. He still needs to move to start cooking or even face the stove. He's standing, his body facing you, giving you his full attention. "Only once. Just the other day, if I remember correctly. Cooking you breakfast was the first time I stepped in here."

He turns to the side, just staring at himself in the refrigerator's reflection while straightening his bowtie. You think about the time he's done it in a high-stress situation, where he's found himself a reflective surface to stare at himself in. His fingers will find somewhere to go, usually his outfit, finding a way to distract himself and remove himself from whatever confrontation he finds himself in. It gives you time to think of a response.

His eyes reach you before he turns his head.

“Fascinating.” You lean back with a smile. “I must be quite special then.”

"Oh, you cheeky girl. Do you really think that you're that special?”

The way he rests his hip on the counter, his shoulders relaxed, and his benign smile twists your head into a fantasy.

"I certainly do. Wouldn't you agree?"

His eyes look over you closely and intently before lifting his hands. "Oh, darling, you're quite special to me, I can say that much, at least. You know why, love?"

“Why?” You muse, placing your hands on your knees, trying not to have your playful smile grow into a flirtatious one.

He chuckles softly again at your response, your eyes endearing, the music from your heart making his beat faster. You're giving him the most childish smile he's seen from any overlord on this side of the pentagram. You're so precious that he just wants to put his hands on either side of your head and squish it until it implodes. He'd give anything to have the chance to tear you open and crawl inside you forever.

"Oh, darling, the answer is quite simple really. You're special to me because I happen to love you quite a lot."

Your breath stops in your throat; you're sure it makes an audible sound. Your body is still. You always thought that in a moment like this, your hands would clench my dress, your jaw would tighten, and your eyes would widen. But none of that happened. Your body is still, too motionless to reply. This must be a test. Are you supposed to laugh it off?

This reaction is enough to amuse him. Would any cover-up even work?

After a few beats of silence, your stiff hands lift. “That’s quite delightful to hear from somebody like you.”

He hums in approval, his smirk only widening as he looks at every detail of your face. He catches the way that your pupils seem to stop and freeze completely, like a statue, until you release the breath you were holding and lighten up. He saw how those words seemed to catch you off-guard, how they shocked you.

He watches you intently for a few beats, no response coming from him.

Silence.

Are you supposed to break it? It reminds you of those old interrogation tactics, and damn do they work. Your fingers twitch, but I quickly decide against saying anything, wanting a witty response from him to end the tension.

It is delightful for him to see you struggling like this.

He enjoys how easily he can fluster you and how you melt at his every ounce of affection. Hare help but smile a bit in amusement as he watched the uncertainty on your face.

“Focus on your cooking.” You sign, smiling wide, trying to control your face to stop your eyes from watering. “You haven't even started.”

He glances behind him, only with his neck, while his body refuses to move away from you. "Oh, really? I suppose you're right!"

“I can just leave if it’ll make the meal finish quicker,” you say without moving to stand. A wave of nausea reaches you, one that makes your stomach turn and your skull ache. You want to pull at your hair from the strands and scream.

"Well, if you think it'll help the cooking process go by quicker, then by all means, leave."

That's all you need to see. Alaster's eyes barely graze yours, but his smile remains as wide as ever. With a curtsey, you say a goodbye, “It better be the best meal I’ve ever had.”

The walk from the kitchen to the bar lasts for miles. In that (actually very short) time, your vulnerability formed into anger. How dare he mess with you like that. Who does he think he is, bringing you here just to disorder your life? He's been gone for an eternity, and now he trots back to give you a second death.

“Husk.” He's never seen you walk faster. It's almost a jog. What scares him most is how you addressed him using your voice.

You go back to signing. “Alastor is fucking with me and I’m on the verge of strangling him alive.”

He raises an eyebrow, a little concerned at the look in your eyes but also amused at how irked you look. He chuckles a little and pours some whiskey into a glass, taking his time before putting it down and signing.

"I didn't think I'd see the day you'd actually threaten him- what did he do?" For a second, his fingers linger on the word 'now,' but there isn't a moment in his memory where Alastor has done you wrong.

He glances behind you, and you see nothing when you follow his gaze. You even do a double-take just to make sure.

“He told me he loved me.” You slam your hand on the counter for emphasis, eyebrows raised and smile crooked. “Can you believe that?”

He takes a long sip of his drink and looks at you. Then, he laughs. It's a short one that only bounces his shoulders for a few seconds.

"Don't worry, I seriously doubt he really means it. That guy is about as loving as a cactus. It's all just part of his obnoxious theatre routine."

“Exactly, he’s just trying to see my reaction and I gave him what he wanted by freezing up. This is so embarrassing.” Your hands dig into your hair before you tug on it, trying to pull the headache from your skull.

"Relax, birdy. You're not the first person Alastor's done this to. Just ignore him and he'll eventually get bored and move on to something else."

I want everything but that.

This is the worst advice you've ever received. Husk sees only the worst in Alastor and knows him only for his lies and brutalities. But there's one thing the two of you have in common.

"You know he'd never leave me alone."

"Like a fucking limpet."

"A what?"

He stares down at his own hand, the suckling motion he was doing. He waves it off. "Nothing."

“Husk, be real please, I don’t know what to do.” Opening up to the bartender is something he's used to people doing. This is the first time he's seen an overlord crumble before him.

"Why the fuck you asking me?"

"I don't have anyone else who knows sign language!"

With the frizziness of your hair and the screeches of your music, his ears begin to droop.

You just continue, your eyes too focused on scanning behind you to notice the changes in Husk's body language. “Zestial said he’s playing me. Do you think that’s true?”

He growls at you and then covers his mouth. You press a hand to your speaker. Thump,thump,thump. It beats in fast dances.

Your hand forms a fist. "I'm sorry."

"How the fuck do you know Zestial?"

"Nevermind, forget it." The red dress drags behind you when you rush to the door.

People scratch out their ears. They attack each other, claws and teeth ripping through flesh down to their organs. Cars crash into buildings, lighting fires and igniting anybody close enough. You stomp down the street, dress flowing behind you like the goddess Hathor. The noise pierces Vox's cameras, all turning off one by one when you walk by. Carmilla holds her daughter's hands and goes behind closed doors when she hears the noise getting louder and louder. Zestial continues sipping his tea, holding a book in his hand, waiting for you; he has since you left. Alaster hasn't let you out alone since he dragged you here, but now you've found yourself plodding through Pentagram City. Your eyes remain locked ahead, uncaring rather than avoiding.

You even scowl when you ride up the elevator. You face the wall, arms crossed and shoulders high. Zestial's quarters in this building are tucked away; the moment the door is opened, one is greeted with a pitch-black tone. You were only hoping he was sitting in here, and you were right. As if he was waiting for you. A long table sits in the middle of his room, and he sits on one side, a book in his hand. The chair across from him is tucked in neatly.

You put your hand on the back of that chair, yank it out, and sit down, scooting in urgently. He doesn't look up at you until he sees you lift your hands. “Zestial, curse you for bringing negative thoughts into my head. I believe you were right.”

He looks up from his book, and a smile quickly forms on his face as he recognizes your frustrated expression. He closes the novel and places it to the side.

"Ah, little one, what a pleasant surprise. I take it thou has encountered some sort of dilemma since we last spoke? Hast the demon done something indelible?"

“Terribly accurate, I’m afraid. I’ve left the hotel in a haste after the dilemma. Do you want to guess what Alastor said to me?” You lean forward, eyes wide with indignation towards the name. “Guess what he said.”

He leans back in his seat. His ample amount of eyes all focus on your face, grasping at each curve, logging into his memory your emotional distress. "Thou art angered by whatever Alastor said. Allow me to hazard a guess... Mayhaps he said something to tease thee, or made a clever remark that thou did not appreciate?"

“He told me he loved me. He said that word, that specific word.” A wave of static howls from your speaker so loud that he has to clench his fists to withhold a noticeable flinch. You hardly notice.

But then he holds out his hand, palm facing you, a slight motion telling you to calm down. It's not a command; it's something gentle. Your eyes stay on his hand; he doesn't move it for as long as you need. Your pupils trail over the sharp points on his long fingers; they even sway a bit, capturing your attention further.

You sigh, put two fingers on your neck, and feel your pulse without the rhythm of your music. You nod to yourself. “I must get out of that hotel. Though forged with isolation, I’ve found my personal chambers much more appealing recently.”

"I see his confession has not brought the reaction he'd hoped for. It seems to have pushed thee further away."

“He was using it to tease me.” But the stagger of your hands gets shaky, sounding unsure. “He had to have been.”

Confession?

With the perceived uncertainty, Zestial leans forward in his seat, interested in unraveling you. "So thou believe that Alastor was merely teasing and playing with thy emotions? Using the words "I love you" as a jest rather than a sincere expression of affection?"

“He wouldn’t say it for any other reason. I thought you’d agree.”

"May I challenge that belief for a moment?"

You're on the verge of slamming your face into the table. “Say your piece. I’ll listen.”

Zestial grins at your response, at your reluctant acceptance. His expression becomes severely thoughtful, and all of his eyes slowly shrink with deconstruction. "Ah, how gracious of thou to humor me. Now, allow me to present a counter-argument."

He pauses for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "What if Alastor's use of the phrase "I love you" was not merely a jest, but a sincere expression of his feelings? What if, beneath his playful exterior, he has indeed developed genuine affection for thee?"

“Then all I did was run away..."

Your head spins. Zestial had told you there is more than one way to love. That comment had brushed over you, but now you think you understand. You think.

He recognizes the denial and resistance etched on your face and the hint of understanding in your eyes. "Little one, do not beat yourself up for thy reaction. It is normal to be skeptical and even fearful when confronted with the revelation of another’s affections. I see the need in thine heart, and I shall try to provide some clarity. Now tell me, do thou believe that Alastor is capable of love? Not just any kind of love, but the genuine, affectionate love that one person has for another."

“No.” Your hand fights against you.

You want to add to the comment that you've never considered it or entertained the thought. And though true, all of those things seem fruitless now. “I don’t.”

"Ah, I see... But tell me, why dost thou not believe that Alastor is capable of such love? Is it because of his past actions? His demeanor? Or perhaps something else entirely?"

“With how close we are,” you squeeze your eyes closed. “I believe he would have told me if he’s loved somebody before. I know he’s never had a girlfriend or a wife. I know that he’s not interested in those things.”

Explaining things to him as if he's on the outside of things makes your thoughts settle into better places. You're not acting outraged; this is entirely reasonable.

"Thou base thy belief on the fact that Alastor has not spoken of past loves or relationships. And that he has not shown interest in romantic companionship. Is that correct?"

“Yes.” You meet his eyes, your brows low, and your eyes filled to the brim with confidence. “I know that for a fact. That’s where all of this comes from.”

"But let me pose another question to thou, my dear. Just because Alastor has not spoken of past loves or relationships, or lack thereof, does that mean that he is not capable of loving? Or that he cannot feel affection for someone in the present, or even in the future?"

“I suppose not. Albeit, that’s wishful thinking.” Your head drops, and your cheeks start to warm. “Zestial, are you only saying these things to make me feel better?”

"Ah, my dearest, I do not say these words simply to soothe thy troubled mind. I say them because I sense that thou has shut thyself off from the possibility of love." He leans forward to get you staring into his eyes again. "Thou has dismissed Alastor's words as a jest, purely because thou cannot fathom the idea of him being capable of such emotions."

“Do I apologize to him?” And even smaller, your fingers barely brush out the words: “Does he not like me anymore?”

"Alastor values thy friendship immensely, and I doubt a single incident would sway his affections so easily."

"You told me earlier that you believe he's reeled me in for a plan of his." You sit back. "Zestial, my dear friend, tell me what you think he has planned for me."

"I do not know exactly what his plan is. All I can be sure of is that he has... taken a liking to thee, in some such capacity," his shoulders drop with a sigh, "I would also agree with thou that this... confession, if't be true we are to name it such, is most unfair to thou, in the way he delivered it unto thee. The Radio Demon plays for keeps, and no one knows exactly what he truly wants until he has it."

"You're confusing me."

His impossibly long arm reaches across the table and holds the side of your head, his pointed fingers putting strands astray. With his other one, he coos at you as if you're a child. "Calm yourself, little one. If thou were to return to thy status, remind yourself that Alastor would lay beneath thee."

Don't word it like that.

"If you let him know that then he'd kill me."

He pulls his hand away. "The true meaning of compassion will guide nature's course."

His cape is stiff as he stands, hardly moving with the motion. "Come now, my dear melody, I believe it is time for thou to return."

[mvltixcc]

Girls Like Girls - Robin Buckley X Cheerleader!Reader

Summary: Robin has a crush on the new girl in town. Y/N is also a new member of the cheer squad, which means Robin sees her all the time at games and other school events. Unfortunately, Robin is put in a tough situation. She's scared to talk to her because the cheerleaders have a reputation of being mean girls and she fears that Y/N may not feel the same. Little does Robin know that Y/N does not appear as she seems. Y/N becomes best friends with Eddie, which seems unlikely at the surface due to different social circles. This leads to rumors of course and word spreads like wildfire here at Hawkins, which then makes Robin's feelings even more confusing. After hanging out with Steve and the gang, Robin starts to see a different side to Y/N. Will they end up together or will they just remain friends?

Word Count: 2.3k

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Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4

Chapter 5

“Hey pretty lady!” You say skipping up to Robin as she walked into work. 

“Hey stranger!” She responded with a smile. 

“Are you doing anything for Thanksgiving this year?” You asked, twirling your skirt.

“Oh I um-” Robin cleared her throat. “I don’t have anything going on actually. My parents are gonna be out of town on a trip they've had planned for over a year, why do you ask?” 

“I was having a little get together with some people since it’s just gonna be me and my family, I thought maybe you’d like to join!” You suggested. Robin’s face lit up like a little kid on Christmas morning. “I’d love to!” She proclaimed. 

“Oh yay! How exciting, all 6 of us are gonna have so much fun!” You said, Robin’s facial expression dropping at this. 

“6? Who um, who else will be there exactly?” Robin questioned.

“Well my family and I of course! Steve will be there too since his parents aren't really around much. And also Eddie as well, his uncle is gonna be working that day and I didn't want him to be alone.” You stated.

“Oh okay, that’s- that's great! I cant wait!” Robin tried to hide her disappointment. 

“Yay!! I’ll see you there! Okay, I’m off you have a good shift! Don’t drive her too crazy, Harrington.” You joked as you headed out the door.

“But that’s my job!” Steve replied. He turned to Robin and noticed the mood change. “What’s wrong?” He asked.

She sighed. “I didn’t know Eddie was gonna be at this get together. I thought it was gonna be like-”

“A date?” Steve questioned. 

“Maybe I guess, I don’t know.” Robin said, putting her head in her hands. 

“I still don’t see why you don’t make the first move?” Steve suggested. 

“Oh I don’t know, maybe because it would end totally horrifically. Catastrophic even!” She exclaimed. 

“But you don’t know that, maybe it won't end the way you think it will.” He said.

“Look, can we just drop it please?” Robin asked, getting ready to start her shift. Steve nodded and went to stock the candy.

“Well don’t you look nice!” Steve complimented as he picked up Robin. 

“Thanks dingus, you don’t look too bad yourself.” She thanked her friend. 

“What the hell is that?” Steve asked, pointing to the container in her lap.

“It’s a pie, what have you never seen a pie before?” She joked.

“Since when do you bake?” He scoffed as he continued to drive to Y/N’s house.

“Don’t be stupid, I bought this from the store. You really think that I’m gonna make her eat a pie that I don’t know how to make? Plus, at least I brought something, I don’t see you with anything.” Robin stated. 

“Uh huh okay whatever Buckley.” He laughed.

As Steve drove the rest of the way to the destination, Robin’s nervousness increased. She spent all week trying to make everything perfect for today. From her hair, her outfit, and what she would say in a conversation. She practiced VERY hard with that as she didn’t want to be a rambling mess in front of you. She got so lost in her anxious thoughts that she didn’t even notice that they had arrived. 

“Earth to Robin, hellooo?” Steve said, waving his hand in front of Robin’s face trying to capture her attention. 

“What huh, sorry.” She replied coming back to reality. 

“Look who was waiting for you.” Steve said pointing to the door, she saw you standing there in this cute outfit waving at the both of them. A blush began to creep upon her face. The pair got out of the car and made their way toward you. 

“I’m so happy you guys are here! Come in come in!” You said leading your friends inside. Everyone was sitting there chatting and eating snacks. Robin looked around expecting to see your parents. “So guys this is my nana and papa, and this is Steve and Robin!” Y/N said introducing the two friends to your family. 

“And I’m Eddie.” Eddie said as he stuffed his face with cheese cubes.

“Yes Eds we all know who you are.” You chuckled at him. “Now save some cheese for the rest of us!” You say slapping the cheese out of his hand. This made everyone laugh.  

Everyone began to converse with one another and having a good time, which you were glad. You took hosting VERY seriously and wanted everyone to get along. You made sure that everything was perfect for today. “Hey, where did you want me to put this pie?” Robin asked as she approached you in the kitchen.

You turned around to face her, “oh um you can set it on the counter over there.” You say pointing to the free spot. You went back to adding the finishing touches to everything. 

“Is there anything you need help with?” Robin asked, now standing next to you. 

“Yes actually! Can you put the potatoes into the bowl over there for me please?” You asked kindly. Robin nods and starts to help out. She finishes up and is shocked at herself that she didn’t drop any. 

“Alright everyone, time to eat! Ah go wash your hands you goose!” You said smacking Eddie's hand as he was reaching for the rolls. 

"Ouch! Will you stop smacking my hands?" Eddie chuckled.

He returned and everyone sat down and began to eat. The food was being passed around as well as the stories, especially from your papa. Boy did he love to tell his stories. Robin was having a great time, all her anxiety was gone by this point. She was sitting next to you,  just enjoying your company and that was all that mattered most to her. ‘Maybe everything would be okay after all.' She thought to herself. Boy was she so very wrong.

Your grandparents had just went to bed so now it was just the 4 of you hanging out. Steve and Robin were in the living room while Eddie was helping you clean up. While Steve and Robin were dancing, they heard a screech coming from the kitchen. They both ran to see what had happened. There you were being playful with Eddie. He was chasing you around with olives on his fingers. “BWAH!!” Eddie said as he chased you. 

“Stop, that’s so gross, you don’t even like olives anyways!!” You chuckled, trying to get away from him. He wrapped you up in his arms and lifted you up in the air. “Ahhh put me down you weirdo!!” You yelled.

Robin’s heart sank as she watched the scene unfold in front of her. She felt tears brimming her eyes. She pushed past Steve and grabbed her coat. Steve tried to call out for her to stop, but she ran out of the house. Y/N heard the door slam and Eddie set you down to go see what had happened. You walked into the living room and saw that both Robin and Steve were gone. You opened the front door and saw the car was now gone too. You felt a wave of sadness hit. Had you done something wrong for them to leave so suddenly? Without a goodbye at that. Eddie noticed the sadness in your eyes.

“Hey come here.” He said pulling you into a hug. “Maybe there was an emergency, I know it’s hard not to take it personal, but try not to, okay? At least not until you know what happened.” He hated seeing you so sad. "Come on, let's go finish up in the kitchen." You nodded and followed him.

"Alright here you go." You say handing Eddie the containers of food.

"Thanks, Wayne is gonna be thrilled to have this when he gets home from work." He thanked. "You know how he loves your cooking."

"Anytime!" You said trying to flash a smile, but in the back of your mind you couldn't stop thinking about Robin. Eddie could see the look on your face.

"I know." Eddie said as he pulled you into a hug. "Everything will be okay, I'm here for you always." He pulled away. "How about I come over tomorrow and we can do something just the two of us yeah?" He suggested.

"I'd really like that." You said with a smile. Eddie always knew how to make you feel better.

Eddie pulls you in for another hug. "Perfect, I'll see you tomorrow then okay peach?" You nod.

You helped him out to his van with all the food you had packed him and said your goodbyes. As he pulled out of the driveway he waved at you and you waved back. Then he drove on home and you were left alone to your thoughts. You went upstairs to shower and get ready for bed. You couldn't help but cry as you were in there. You never wanted to upset anyone and the thought of you doing that to Robin affected you deeply. After your shower, you crawled into bed and passed out.

Some time had passed since the last time you saw Robin. She wasn’t at school the week after everything had happened so you’ve tried calling and going to her house, but you heard nothing. And even when she finally came back, she avoided you. She just won't talk to you and that devastated you. You weren’t sure what had happened, so you didn’t know how to make things right.

Steve was no help either, he wanted to tell you because you were his friend too but he had to respect Robin’s wishes. You had quit your job at the family video because it made you too sad going there and not being with Robin.

You’d cry to Eddie all the time about how sad it made you and he was there for you the best he could, he hated seeing you like this. Eddie knew how much you cared for Robin. He even tried to reach out to Robin to try and fix whatever had happened, but he got nowhere.

It was now Christmas time and Steve had invited you over for a small get together. Part of you had hoped Robin would be there, but the chances of that were low. You still had gotten her a gift anyways, you didn’t want her to feel like you stopped caring about her. You finally had your own car so that meant no more Eddie driving you around everywhere, not that he’d complain anyways. You pulled up to Steve’s house and grabbed the gifts out of your trunk, soon making your way to the front door. 

“Well look who decided to finally show up!” Steve said as he opened the door for you. You couldn't see him because of the big pile of gifts you had, but you could tell it was him by the sound of his voice. “Got enough gifts there Y/N?” He chuckled, helping you take some inside. 

“Hey I didn’t want anyone to go without a gift!” You stated.

“Even me?” You heard someone say from behind. You turned around to see who it was and once the realization had hit, you ran right into their arms. 

“God I’ve missed you so much.” You said softly as your voice began to break, tears welling up in your eyes.

“I missed you too Y/N.” Robin replied, hugging you tightly.

You pulled away to face her, tears streaming down your face at this point. “I’m so so so beyond sorry Robin, I-” She interrupted you. 

“No no, there’s no need to apologize. You’ve done nothing wrong. There was just- a lot going on in my head and I needed some time to work through it.” She said, wiping your tears. You hugged her again not wanting to let go, you truly did miss her. 

“So no Eddie huh?” She asked.

“No, he’s at home spending time with his uncle while they both have the time off from working.” You stated. 

“Ah I see, that’s good I guess.” Robin replied. She was a little happy that he wouldn’t be there with you so she could have you all to herself. 

“Alright come on you two, let’s go open gifts!” Steve interrupted 

Everyone sat around in a circle and opened their gifts. Everyone had gotten things that they had enjoyed or needed, like Y/N got movies, Nancy got notepads for when she did her reporting, Steve got cans of hairspray (naturally), and the kids got stuff for DND. But Robin got random stuff, things that weren't really for her or what she liked. Things like candy, stickers, or knick knacks from a gumball machine. Basic stocking stuffers. She was grateful of course, but she felt like no one really knew her or didn’t care to get her anything that she would like. That was until she opened your gift. You had gotten her favorite records as well as ones that she had been wanting to get for a long time. She had the biggest smile on her face and her heart felt so full. No one had ever payed this much attention to her, not even Steve. She felt seen and heard for once. You went over to her spot and sat next to her. 

“Merry Christmas Robin.” You said giving her a warm hug. 

“Merry Christmas Y/N.” She replied, hugging you tightly. She really had missed you a lot and she was glad to have you back. 

Next chapter

[prestonfm]

⊹₊⟡⋆ nuno gallego + he/him ⊹₊⟡⋆ blasting i am a god by kanye west through their airpods is preston pruitt. oh , you don’t know them ? they’re the 23 year old ceo who just went viral for dumping a lukewarm cup of coffee on an intern (allegedly!!!). yup , the one that drives a rolls royce phantom . i hear they’re pretty diligent, but others have claimed that they’re quite volatile. that makes sense , considering they’re often labeled as the green-eyed monster.

stats:

full name:  preston reginald pruitt

nicknames:  prefers preston or mr. pruitt, will probably be snippy about it if anyone he's not especially close to tries anything else with him

gender:  cis man

pronouns:  he/him

sexuality:  bisexual, biromantic

age:  23

date of birth:  june 10th, 2001

zodiac sign:  gemini

height:  5'8"

occupation:  nepo baby ceo of pruitt yacht sales

interests:  interior design, mixology, watching old game shows (a pastime shared with his favorite nanny growing up), perfectly tailored suits, getting his way

visual inspo:

pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/aron_piper/oc-preston/ home: the styling of his mansion is very much this kind of vibe (i'm not too sure on exactly what the homes they live in here look like, but the decorating of his would be very similar to this) office: similar sort of look to the styling of his home, something along these lines. as mentioned above, he has an affinity for interior design, and would have worked closely with a decorator to get everything to his standards - regardless of the cost.

resembles:

scar (lion king), patrick bateman (american psycho), regina george (mean girls), hunter clarington (glee), dennis reynolds (it’s always sunny in philadelphia), light yagami (death note), sebastian valmont (cruel intentions), stewie griffin (family guy), plankton (spongebob), tashi duncan (challengers), lucille bluth (arrested development)

mini bio: tw - drug addiction of a family member

for as long as he can remember, preston has lived in the shadow of his older brother, playing second fiddle to a man, who, in his opinion, was totally incompetent, too focused on the dollar bill at the end of his nose to properly run the prestigious corporation that is pruitt yacht sales. despite it not being his birthright, preston believed he was the one destined to take over, going so far as to graduate from yale with a business degree to make sure he’d be ready – as well as sabotaging his brother’s newfound sobriety the night before his father was due to announce who would be taking over the company post his upcoming retirement. finally, he’s at the top, where he belongs, in charge of a multimillion dollar company, with little care for who he had to step on to get there.

family:

ward pruitt (father)

sabine pruitt (mother)

pierce pruitt (older brother, age 29)

peter pruitt (younger brother, age 17)

paisley pruitt (younger sister, age 16)

wanted connections:

older brother (m) - they've never been particularly close, but i'm assuming things would have only gotten worse after preston stole his ceo title (regardless of whether or not the brother actually knows the reasoning behind it yet)

ride or die (m/f/nb) - best friend, lowkey would love a sebastian/kathryn from cruel intentions kind of vibe (fully platonic or otherwise) but definitely open to other dynamics for sure!

frat brother (m) - he went to yale university; i don't have any sort of specific/actually existing fraternity in mind, it would just be a fictional one, definitely snobby, old money, legacy vibes (ik the odds of another muse already in play here having also attended yale/at the same time as preston/& could be in the same frat as him are pretty low so i'll most likely be sending a wanted connection into the main for this one, but just in case anyone was already thinking about bringing in another muse or hasn't fully fleshed out your character's educational backstory just yet, i figured i'd put this here!)

& friends with benefits, hookups (as in, fwb without the friendship), friends in general, family friends, exes, cousins, gym buddies, clients (those he's done business with in the past / potentially an influencer who has some sort of ongoing deal with the company?), next-door neighbor, rivals, enemies, ex-friends, one night-stand gone wrong, unknown half-sibling, younger siblings (down for changing their ages to make them work as playable muses here!), - all pretty self explanatory, and all open to muses of any gender ! i'm also more than down for filling any connections you guys are seeking / stuff not listed here !

taken connections:

everett finch - frenemies with benefits

imara gill - unlikely friends/drinking buddies

noa barclay - ride or die

sebastian guerra - one-sided (preston's side) rivalry

victoire grimaldi - fake friendship (preston feigns warmth towards her out of fear of pissing off a member of royalty)

wesley levine - ex-friend/one night stand gone wrong

zaire solace - preston takes advantage of his generosity and uses him as a makeshift personal assistant

[dragon-chica]

Taking Stiles Stilinski to the Ren Faire

Fandom: Teen Wolf

What has my coworker made me into taking me to a ren faire.

Reminder, there are male corsets, and they are sexy as fuck. This is not an afab only treat.

Okay, he has never been to a ren faire but has secretly wanted to go so bad.

Like the first time he went to a princess/knights/dragon themed party as a kid, that was it.

His mom mentioned someday they should take him to a ren faire and when she told him what it was there were stars in his eyes.

He never got to though.

One one hand he was hyperventilating overhearing you like and go to them.

On the other you know how he tries to 'act cool' because he's and idiot and tries saying that's lame, with a strain to his voice because he wants to go so bad.

Scott's the one who spills his secret, confused little head tilt and

"Didn't you always want to go to one of those when we were kids?"

Tries shushing Scott and pulling him away from you and threatening wolfsbane.

Read the room McCall.

But because you know this idiot you eventually end up inviting him to go along with you, and there's no way he would turn down an actual invitation.

So freaking excited, wants to put out a warning message to all things supernatural not to DARE fuck this up the day of the ren faire (going first day for best vendors, duh.)

He wants your help and opinions for an outfit, he will not go naked. has a huge pinterest board on a hidden account for inspo.

Ends up with a simple costume and cape because you remind him there will be so much stuff he'll want to get for his garb there.

At your house and hour early and practically vibrating when you were already planning to leave to arrive when it starts.

He sees you still getting ready and jaw drops. You decided to get dressed at home this time and he sees you adjusting yourself in your corset.

audibly squeaks when you suck in, pull the strings and cinch your corset. His mouth is open and his eyes are so wide.

Oh god. Oh god. he's dying right now.

From excited rambles about getting there on time to barely a peep as you finish up and usher him out the door.

So excited as soon as he's out of the jeep, bouncing on his feet looking out at all the stalls and tents.

Definitely makes sure you get dragon legs (smoked turkey legs) to eat and disappointed when you inform him that mutton is actually lamb.

Kid in a candy store running around, loves listening to the minstrels and buys cds.

For trying to deny interest, he is acting like the biggest nerd there. Dragging you around the check out every stall and being a little miffed when there's some 'too modern' things for sale.

You HAVE to go watch the sword fighting.

"Psh, I've fought werewolves. I could take that guy." You tell him to challenge the big guy with a wooden sword fighting little kids and he's on his ass in no time. Made the guy's day though/

His allowance and entire budget usually saved for buying Lydia gifts goes to good items and merch.

He wants to get you something matching and will really scrutinize things at random??

Loves getting pamphlets for future ren faires, always asking when you're going next. You smirk at him send Scott pictures throughout the day.

If there's stuff like jousting he is at the front of the crowd whether you're there or not.

Is so glad there's multiple changing tents so he can put on his new things immediately.

Absolutely wipeD and falls asleep on the couch still in his cape and amazon-discount leather boots. His Dad just gives you a tired questioning look and goes on his way. Makes sure the cape has him covered for the night.

The next day your friends ask if he had a good time, knowing full well with all the pictures and little videos they got.

He tries to play it off and just say how it "wasn't too bad, the drag-turkey legs were pretty good." You just roll your eyes and Malia punches his shoulder.

[boygiwrites]

Harley D. Dixon 20

An amazing edit inspired by this story! (Cred to Cora_Line99) Harley D. Dixon's Pinterest Board! Harley D. Dixon's Playlist!

📖Chapter List.

Author's Note.

Quickest update ever, but also the shortest. Hope you enjoy some much needed down-time :)

The farm. We're back.

We drive up the long path in silence, watching the small figures of everybody in camp jump from their seats at the sound of engines. They come rushing up to the gate to greet us. I thought I'd be more eager to reunite with everybody, but as we draw closer, I realize I'm just exhausted. I'm exhausted and I feel nothing. Dad brings the truck to a stop just outside camp as Carl runs ahead of the group, shouting my name excitedly and waving us down. He hops out first and carefully helps me down after.

The second my feet hit the ground, I'm tackled into a hug.

"You're back!" Carl exclaims into my neck, too caught-up to realize that I don't move to hug him back. I barely flinch as Lori rushes up to me and grabs my shoulder, or when Jacqui and Dale move in close to get a look at me. "Oh, you're back! We were so worried!"

As he pulls away, Jacqui adds, "Sweetie, it's so good to see you again."

"Give her some space." Dad warns, shoving some of them back. "Been through Hell this morning."

"Oh, God." Lori stresses, looking to Rick as he exits the truck and joins us, followed by T, Andrea, and Glenn. "What happened to—?"

"He's dead." Rick announces without much feeling, earning a few light gasps. As Carl stares worriedly at the bloody shirt, Rick explains to everyone, "We caught up with him this morning nearly eighty miles from here. Saw him from the road, standing in an old gas station with Harley. He wasn't happy to see us, as you can imagine. Guns were pulled. We, uh... We did what we had to do to get Harley."

Shaking her head at the brutality of it all, Lori asks, "Was it quick?"

No, it wasn't. It was a mean death. I saw.

The grim silence answers for us.

"It was a long time coming." Dale says what most are thinking. "Far as I'm concerned, we're better off without him. That man was unhinged."

"Daryl, w-we knew him for fifteen years. He was always good to us, to Carl. I never would've imagined he'd—"

"Well, he did." He cuts her off. I think he's like Rick, and like me, and just about ready to put all this behind us. "He did and he died for it."

Without anything else to add, her gaze slowly falls to the blood on his fingers.

I wince again at another wave of pain.

"Man, enough talking." T-Dog tsks. "Girl's hurt."

"We gotta get her up to Herschel." Dad agrees, guiding me through the crowd. Rick gives a quick kiss to both Lori and Carl's cheeks before stepping in with us, ignoring the chatter that resumes as we leave. I can only imagine what they're saying. I hate it. I hate being talked about.

As we hurry along, Rick sighs, "You think everyone's gonna be alright goin' back to business as usual, after this?"

"Don't got much choice." Dad scoffs. "People die, people mourn. Life moves on."

We make our way up the porch steps. The front door's been left open but Rick still gives a little knock, anyway, prompting Herschel to call out from somewhere inside that we're allowed to come in. They both guide me forward into the house, keeping the shirt cupped to my ear.

Herschel pads down the stairs with a tired frown on his even tired-er face, asking us, "You're back. What's happened?"

"You got a re-visiting patient, here." Rick answers as we head into the dining room. "Her ear's been shot off."

They set me down in a chair. Rick steps back as Dad takes the seat next to me, never letting go of my hand.

"My. Well, I haven't heard that one before." Herschel drags a chair in front of me and sits down. "Which one?"

"Her left. Top-half's completely gone."

"Let's take a look."

Dad squeezes my hand and pulls the shirt away. Herschel reaches out to push my hair back, and I turn my head to the side not 'cause I wanna make it any easier for him to examine me, but because I just can't look at nobody. My cheeks go red with shame as he reveals my butchered ear to the room. Rick tries not to let his pity show but I feel it anyway, like a hot, stuffy blanket. Feels like I wanna disappear into the floor.

"Yes, I see. You're right." Herschel hums non-judgementally, as all doctors do. "There's nothing here I can save. How's it feeling?"

Not caring how rude I sound, I snarl, "Like it got shot the Hell off."

My ear's gone for good. All I got's an ugly little stump ain't nobody gonna like lookin' at.

"Well." He takes my anger in stride. "I'll disinfect it, but what we're looking at here is what it's going to be like for the rest of her life."

"How about her hearin'?" Dad glances at me. "Baby, you were sayin' on the way back that it was ringin', weren't ya?"

Yeah, I was. It hurt so bad I thought my head would split in two. "I guess so."

Herschel asks, "How bad is the ringing?"

"It was worse before."

"Might be tinnitus." He guesses. "Very expected. Let me go get my supplies, see if I can't get some meds for it, and I'll clean it up a bit."

As he leaves, an awkward silence takes over. None of us have anything to say until he comes back, first aid kit in hand.

"Okay. You didn't hit your head or anything when it happened, did you?" He sits, grabbing a tiny light and taking my face in his hand, turning me this way and that so he can best blind me with that thing. I shake my head no. The light clicks off. "No dizziness, vomiting, double-vision?"

"No, no, and no." I huff impatiently. "If you ain't got a magic potion in that box that'll make my ear grow back, just clean it already."

"Harley, baby, it's okay." Dad murmurs. "Ain't nobody judgin' ya. Won't be nobody judgin' ya, either."

I'm not so sure. I got my ear shot off over somethin' I was too stupid to understand, too stupid to see coming. I bet it looks disgusting, too. If that's not somethin' to be ashamed of, I'on know what is. Worst part is I have to live with it on the outside, now, as well as just on the inside.

"And if there ever is anyone," Rick adds soothingly, "Either me or Daryl will have a very strong word with 'em. I promise you that."

Words are useless, even strong ones. Don't he know that by now?

"S'like I said," I brush them both off, "Just hurry up an' clean it."

"I'll have another look at your stitches after I'm done, if that's alright."

"Sure. Do what you gotta do."

"Seems like you had a rough go of it out there." He says, dabbing some disinfectant onto a cotton ball. "A shot to the ear is nothing easy."

"Ain't none of it easy." Sophia's dead. So's Shane. So's a lotta other people. I hiss when he swipes it over my bloody half-ear. It hurts like a son of a bitch, almost as much as it did when I first saw Sophia walk outta the barn, that bullet pierce Shane's guts. "Two dead in two days."

A look of pain passes over his features. "Five, for us."

Rick asks him, "What happened here after we left?"

"We buried the bodies." He simply says, leaning back to re-saturate the cotton before continuing to wipe away the blood. His wife and step-son were in that barn. Others, too. They've lost people just like we have. "Beth hasn't taken it very well. And I'm afraid I haven't, either."

"I'm very sorry for everything that's happened these past couple days. Shane had no right to break your trust in us like that."

"Well, I imagine we won't be seeing much of him, anymore." Now for the gauze. "In a way, I'm grateful it happened."

Rick frowns. "How's that?"

"It takes a lot to survive what our world has become. I think I see that, now. I see it when I look at your group, and even when I look at Harley." He sends me a soft smile. "The girls used to shed tears whenever they got a prickle caught in their foot, and yet you're missing half an ear and you're still staying strong. I have a feeling that's not just by chance. It's grit. Seems until now, I haven't had the chance to learn to use mine."

"You said you buried them." Rick hesitates to say the next word. "Sophia?"

"Yes." He nods. "It was a peaceful ceremony. Your boy, though, he didn't attend. He said he wanted to wait until Harley got back."

Sophia in a grave. Somehow that still don't quite feel real.

Herschel finishes patching me up, making quick work of checking my stitches afterward. Apparently they're healing well. He gives me a glass of water and two small pills to take for the tinnitus, and hands the bottle to my Dad, instructing him on how often I should take them.

"Beyond that and keeping it dry, I don't have anything else for you. I should get back to Beth, now. Rick, we can talk later."

"Sure thing. Thank you."

About our arrangements here, probably, now that Sophia's dead-gone and not just gone-gone. About the horde, too.

"And Harley," He says as we turn to leave, "You're a strong girl. Don't ever lose that."

Oh. I don't have the guts to tell him I already have.

With that, he smiles politely and snaps the kit shut. "Enjoy the rest of your afternoon."

As we pass the bathroom on our way out, Dad suggests, "You wanna go wash yer hair off?"

I give a nod. My ear's clean, but my hair sure ain't.

"I'll be down at camp." Rick says. "Take your time."

Dad takes up a chair in the corridor as I slip into the bathroom alone, shutting the door behind me. Thank God all that poking and prodding is over with. I couldn't stand it. As I step onto the small ladder in front of the sink and look in the mirror, I'm faced with another thing I can't stand. My reflection. It's a sorry mess, like I expected. Blood crusted to my hair. A tight jaw. Two empty, green eyes. I don't think I know who that is.

Well, it's me. I know that. It's Harley Dixon, but it's not all of her. Not the strong parts.

I pick at my hair, lift it, move it, pull it apart, raking the dried blood out and flicking it in the sink, but it just don't wanna come out. I duck my head under the faucet and try soaking it, squeezing it out like a dirty rag, but it don't wanna come out that way, either. I snatch up the brush from the counter and attack the knots with it, ouch, ouch, ouch, until it snags painfully and I just throw the damn thing across the room.

I hate this. All of it. I hide my face in my hands, peering out through my fingers at the stranger in the mirror with half an ear.

I remember the look on his face before the gunshot came. I remember him stumbling, the wet smack of Dad's fist on his cheek.

I remember her vacant eyes and her slow shuffles. I remember the gunshot for that one, too. I always do.

My gaze wonders off to the side then, landing on the pair of scissors Maggie lent me the other day.

Without any shred of hesitation, I grab them, put them to my roots, and start sawing. Krrch, Krrch, Krrch. It chews through my hair like an angry dog. Long strands fall to the floor, taking the knots of crusty blood with them. Krrch, Krrch, Krrch. Stubby locks of hair spring out above my ear as I cut, cut, cut. Krrch, Krrch, Krrch. I hack off the sides. I hack off the back. I hack off all the memories, and all the pain, and all the blood.

By the time I'm done, I'm panting like I've ran a race. I stare boldly at my new reflection.

Two green eyes, sharp and ready. A wild haircut. A frown.

I scoop all the hair off the floor and stuff it into the little waste bin in the corner before stepping back into the hallway.

When Dad notices what I've done to myself, he flinches as if he's just walked into a spiderweb. "Wh—?"

"I got the blood off."

"You—" He reaches up to feel the thick, fluffy locks as I stand between his knees. "Baby, you look like a boy."

"I don't care. Merle used to say I looked like one, anyway."

He chuckles. "Y'know ya could'a asked me for help, right?"

I shrug. "Didn't need none. Not this time."

"Guess not. You look pretty hardcore."

When his hand bumps into what's left of my ear, that awful vacuum-feeling returns to my stomach, the red returns to my cheeks. I lift my hand to hide the jagged nub, but he takes my wrist and pulls it down. I stand there like a broken vase, angry at how embarrassed I feel.

"Hardcore," He repeats with a pointed look, this time softly adding, "And still very beautiful."

I scoff. Ain't nothin' beautiful about me. "You're messin' with me."

"No. I ain't."

He leaves no room for argument. After brushing my bangs to the side and pressing a kiss to my temple, he stands and leads me outside.

Carl's jaw drops when we approach camp. "What happened to your hair? Why's it so short?"

"She asked too many questions," Dad warns him, "So I chopped it all off."

His eyes go wide as saucepans.

"He's just kidding." Lori mutters, sending Dad a look that says uh-huh, very funny, but he don't look very sorry. "Don't listen to him."

"Looks like you got on good, then." Rick smiles from his seat around the fire, amused. I can tell he's already explained the state of my missing ear to everyone by the lack of gawking and questioning, which I'm thankful for. He always thinks about things like that. "Cool new hair."

"Almost as short as Carl's." Glenn snickers, giving it a ruffle. "Didn't know Herschel was a hairdresser, too."

I tsk, batting him away. "Shut up, Glenn."

"Well, I think she looks adorable." Lori says kindly, in the way a mother talks over an annoying older brother. "It really suits her."

"Maggie brought down some soup for us to heat up just now." Rick says. "Carrot and leak. I think it's about ready, you want some?"

"Sure." Dad sits down, wrapping me in his arms as I climb onto his lap. I'm bein' clingy, but he understands why. "One long ass day, alright."

"Right about that. It's good to have you back, little nerd." T-Dog smiles earnestly.

I return it shyly. "Thanks, T."

Bowls and spoons get handed out, then a few big spoonfuls of steaming soup and a couple rice crackers each. Finally, after two days of feeling nothing but bone-crushing anxiety, I let myself enjoy some lunch with all the people still left in the world who care about me.

It's not what it used to be, but it's something.

Author's Note.

Sorry this wasn't very long 🙏 Just the group returning home and dealing with emotions.

[unluckyhoneybee]

The handsome artist. 27. (Daniel Ricciardo)

Little flower. The day arrived.

MASTERLIST.

Previous part: Weddings and Celebrations.

Note: the pics that appear on the carácter are pinned on my Pinterest, on The Handsome Artist's board.

Warning: I think it's not really explicit, but the birth is described.

"Go..."

"Baby..."

"Dan. I'm fine. It's probably just the pasta I ate"

It wasn't. It had taken a hell of a time to convince Danny to go out with the guys for dinner. But some weird felling on my belly had interrupted the afternoon. What I thought that was probably just the carbonara he had cooked, ended up breaking my water.

I was bracing myself against the counter, liquid going down my legs and pain settling between them. I was shaking. It was soon. We had two weeks left. The Ricciardo's were coming in a week and a half. The baby couldn't come just yet.

"Hey, are you okay?" The worried voice appeared the moment he took the call.

"N-no... Danny..."

"Abi, fuck. What's going on?" I heard the chair moving and the guys asking if I was okay.

"My water broke. I... Oh fuck" Another contraction hit.

"Abi don't scare me. Are you okay?"

"It's coming" I said with tears filling my eyes. I wasn't ready. I wasn't ready to have this baby. "Danny..."

"Okay, I'm going. I'll be there soon. Sit. Take a seat, sweetheart"

I did.

"Are you having contractions? Are they..."

"Yes... It's coming now, Danny. I'm. Not ready... I can't have the baby now... You parents... They are not here. They have to meet the baby" I sobbed.

"Abigail, baby. I'm gonna be there soon. You will do it right. I'm sure. And don't worry about my parents, honey."

I touched my belly and felt another contraction.

"Breathe"

"Are you driving? Don't be on your phone"

"Michael is. He is driving my car. Breathe with me"

Danny's POV.

I was scared. I was terrified. It was two weeks early and Abigail was alone and crying.

"Abi, love."

"Yes..."

"Don't go silent please. I want to hear you. I want to know you are okay"

"I'm not" She sobbed. "It hurts"

I gave Michael a worried look and he patted my leg.

"Okay, baby. Tell me. How much time between contractions?"

"Five minutes"

I took a deep breath.

"Are you in your pijamas?"

"Y-yes..."

"I hope you don't mind going to the hospital on them"

"They are really wet."

"Oops. Well, we'll change them. Don't worry"

"Your mum said..."

"I know. I know my mum said she wanted to be here. But there is nothing we can do now. Don't worry about it" I tried to reassure her. I obviously wanted my parents here when my first born was born. But the baby seemed to be in a hurry now. "She is going to be just as happy"

"I'm sorry"

"No, no. Don't be, honey. It's alright. This is how it is. Baby is in a hurry but it's okay."

I heard her chuckle between sobs.

"What's so funny?"

"It's kicking. Probably trying to get out"

"Tell them to wait. I'm on my way"

"Papa is coming, baby. Just wait a little more. Please..." I heard her say. My heart skipped a bit and I leaned my head back on the seat. Michael looked at me.

"Abi"

"Mhm"

"What do you think it's gonna be?" I closed my eyes. During the whole pregnancy, she had kept the I don't care if its a boy or a girl, I just want them to be healthy statement.

"I don't..."

It made me smile.

"I knew you would say that. But c'mon. You know I want a baby girl"

She laughed a bit. I could picture her with her han on her belly, looking down with a smile and her cheek wet with tears. But then she whined in pain and I swallowed. Then she huffed.

"I want a girl. But I will love them as much."

"I know you will, sweetheart"

Then Michael turned and we were in front of the shop.

"I'm here, honey."

"Hey. I'll be here waiting" Mike told me. "And I'll call Molly"

"Thanks mate"

I ran upstairs and just as I thought, she was in the kitchen.

"Babe"

"Danny"

I knelt in from of her and hugged her. Just for pure comfort, I know she needed it.

"I'm scared"

"I know. But it's okay to be scared."

Then she got another contraction.

"They... They happen more often. We have to leave."

"Okay, okay"

Quickly, I helped her changing to clean sweats and then together we walked downstairs.

"I don't have the bag ready..." I chuckled.

"Don't worry about that now. They won't leave baby naked"

Then she sat in the car and forced a smile.

"Hi Mike"

"Hi Abi, how are you?"

"Terrible, thank you"

I laughed and kissed her cheek.

"Molly said she will come quick"

"Charlotte"

I passed her the phone.

"H-hi" She said with tears on her eyes again. "I... I think the baby is coming... Really fast and..." she shut her mouth and leaned on me. Mike was already driving. "I know... I'm scared..." I held Abi all the way to the hospital while Charlotte talk to her.

Then, once inside, they gave us a wheelchair and I found myself following her and the nurses. My ears were ringing and my whole body shaking. All the fears where on my skin. What if something went wrong? What if it was true that Abi couldn't do it? What if this was an emergency? Why was the baby here so soon? Why was it all going so quick?"

I saw how they changed her clothes, cutteed the sweats and almost pushed me outside.

"No, I'm staying. That's my wife and my baby"

"Sir..."

I watched Abi, face contorned in pain and hands fisting the sheets. They were grabbed her arms but she was still standing.

"See, they say that this is the most natural way to give birth" She said showing me a photo. "Will they let me do it like this if I ask"

"I will kick a couple of asses of they don't."

"I'm staying. I'm not leaving her alone. Why do you want me to leave?" I said raising my voice. "If something is wrong you can tell me already because I'm not going anywhere"

"He stays" The doctor said without moving her eyes from Abi.

The nurse rolled her eyes and passed me the clothes. I changed as fast as I could and then went out.

"Push, Abigail"

She screamed and my heart broke.

"It hurts..."

"I know, Abigail. But the baby is in a hurry. The head is already here"

The head is already here.

"Husband!"

"Danny. He is Danny" Abi panted and everyone smiled.

"You can help us holding her." But then her face changed. "Okay no, the bed"

"The bed? No. Not the bed. I don't want the bed" Abi said desperate.

"Doctor she..." I tried to help.

"The baby is coming quick, Abigail. If you do it like this you can hurt yourself badly."

Abi looked at me. She was terrified. I hated seeing her like this. "Danny"

"It's for you. Please, let them move you to the bed. Please."

"But I..."

"I don't want you to hurt yourself. Please."

Finally, they helped her on the bed, knees up and legs open. She was grabbing my hand hard. Her hair was sticking on her face and she was crying. "Please... Take that baby out"

The doctor smiled sweetly and caressed her knee. "One more and we will have the head out. Then the shoulders and it'll be done. You are doing it fantastic, Abigail"

I wrapped my arm over her shoulders and kissed her temple.

"Okay" She whispered. I kissed her cheek.

"I'm so proud of you"

Then another push and another cry of pain. A well done for the doctor and another push. And finally... A cry.

A baby cry.

Abigail, instead of relaxing as I thought she would, straightened her back. She wanted to see.

My heart was beating on my chest and I couldn't move. I was frozen. That baby crying was my baby. I was a father.

"Danny? Danny, baby" I felt Abigail touching my face. "Are you okay?"

I blinked and tears fell down my cheeks. I focused my eyes and I saw her smile. Again, I fell even more in love with her. Flustered and sweaty, with her eyes glassy and lip swollen from biting it, Abigail was smiling at me with all her sweetness and kindness.

"I'm okay"

"Danny, do you want to cut the..."

I shook my head quick. "I will faint"

And everyone chuckled, even Abi.

"I love you" She whispered.

And then, finally they lifted the baby and she covered her mouth.

The nursed walked to us and laid then on her chest.

"You had a healthy baby girl."

And Abi wrapped her hands around her and looked at me. Her lip was trembling and she was crying.

"What you wanted!" She said just as if I was a kid with a toy on Christmas day.

"I love them" A nurse said laughing.

"Best Labour of the week"

"What we wanted"

I leaned over her shoulder and looked at her. At Daisy. Even though she was sticky and still dirty, I reached and touched her cheek. She was crying badly, but nuzzling her cheek against her mums chest.

"Hi Daisy" I whispered.

"She is so pretty, Danny"

I always thought babies were kind of ugly when they were born, I thought tñparents were a bit out of their minds when they called them cute. Even my own sister. But now that my girl was here on my other girl's chest, I understand them completely.

"She is perfect" She had a lot of dark hair and big eyes, round cheeks and tiny hands.

"Daisy" She looked at me. "Izzy will be so happy"

I chuckled and kissed her lips for the first time.

"She sure will. I can't wait to tell them"

"I'm sorry I couldn't keep her inside."

I chucked and pressed my forehead against her.

"It's not your fault, all hers"

She laughed and looked down again.

"Hi baby" She whispered. "I'm muma. The one that has been feeding you. And this is Papa. The weirdo that talked to you in the middle of the night."

I gasped.

"You knew that?"

"Of course I did" She smiled so big, so bright. Not scared anymore. She had done it perfect.

"Sorry to bother. We need to check and clean her. And also clean you, Abigail"

She nodded.

The nurse took Daisy carefully and I follow her with my eyes. Then I looked down at Abi.

"I'm not going to let anything bad ever happen to her."

She smiled with tears on her eyes and brought me down for a kiss.

"I love you"

"I love you too"

"Go outside and tell them we are okay"

I nodded and kissed her head.

Five minutes later, I was walking down the corridor.

It was already 11 pm and there wasn't much people in the hospital.

Michael, Molly, Blake and Charlotte got up. I didn't know how Molly, Blake and Charlotte had arrived, but I didn't care.

I felt myself starting to shake again. Tears filled my eyes and I try to stop them. I didn't want them to be scared. But I couldn't stop myself.

When Charlotte hugged me, I started crying.

"Daniel, please. Don't do this. How are they? How is my Abi?"

The woman was shaking too.

"It's a girl. And she is so perfect."

I coudl hear the sighs of relief and Charlotte crying on my shoulder. "Oh Danny, I told you! I told you you would have a little flower"

I chuckled and pulled back because anyone knew about the name. Not even about the idea.

"Daisy. She is Daisy"

Charlotte kissed my cheek like a grandma would (she kind of was now).

"Izzy told Abi to please name the baby like her favourite flower"

Molly walked to me and hugged me. Then Mike and Blake. And then Charlotte tucked herself under my arm and dried my tears.

"I can't believe it" I said with a smile. My friends looked at me. And wow. They were also crying.

"Daniel, I'm so happy for you" Blake said. "I'm so so happy"

"Same, mate. You have your little daughter already"

I nodded.

"Give me another hug"

And I hugged them both again. I felt Molly's hand caressing my back.

"How is Abi?"

"Happy. It was fast and she couldn't do it standing. But she is okay now."

"She was scared" Charlotte said.

"Yeah. A lot." I sighed. "But everything went well"

"Hey, call your parents"

I nodded.

"Stay here just in case they need someone"

They nodded.

I walked outside the hospital. The air was humid and thick. I sat in the steps and called home. It was already in the morning in there.

"Hey Dan! I wasn't expecting you now" My mum answer the videocall happily.

I felt a knot on my throat. I would have loved to have them here and somehow I couldn't believe I was about to tell them I had become a father.

"Mum"

"Danny, are you okay?"

"What's wrong?" I heard my father ask. He appeared soon on the screen.

"Nothing wrong. Everything is perfect actually"

"Where are you?"

I smiled and cleaned a tear.

"Um. Yeah. We had a little surprise tonight"

Somehow, I knew my mum had understood perfectly. She covered her mouth and her eyes got glassy.

"Daniel"

"The baby is here"

"Oh!" My dad shouted. "Already? And the two weeks?"

"Yeah... It lasted for an hour and a half since her water broke so... No two weeks. Fast delivery"

They laughed.

"Oh Daniel. Daniel! You have a baby!" My mum shouted too. "I can't believe it. We are grandparents again! I can wait to meet... Wait? Is it a girl?"

I chuckled between tears. Everyone wanted a girl.

"It is a girl. Daisy. But... Don't tell the kids, okay?"

"Daisy? Oh that's so cute... Izzy is going to love it"

"It was her idea."

My mum sobbed and dad had to hug her. That's how we were all crying, the creen between us.

"Are they okay?"

"Yeah. Healthy and perfect. She is so beautiful. She has a lot of black hair and her eyes are so big. She has this little round cheeks and... I can't wait for you guys to meet her."

"We can't wait either. I will call Michelle and we will fix the flights. I'm sure the kids can miss a couple of days of school."

I laughed a bit.

"I missed you here."

"This is how things went." My mum said quietly. "We are equally happy, Daniel. We are now even more excited. We can't wait to meet our granddaughter and see Abi. Give them a lot of kisses and tell her I'm so happy and proud."

"She was worried for your" I told them.

"You couldn't have found a sweeter girl, Daniel" Mum said with a smile. "We are so happy for you. You are so lucky, Daniel"

"I know. I couldn't be luckier." I dried my tears and sighed. Just then, I heard my name. Molly was walking in my direction.

"Hey, they are already taking the girl to the room."

"Okay."

Molly had pink cheeks and her eyes were swollen.

"Hi!" She said peaking over my shoulder.

"Hi Molly!"

"Mum, Dad. I have to go already. I'll send you pictures as soon as I can."

"Okay, son. Give them a lot of kisses. We will call again in the morning."

"Um... I will call Michelle soon"

"Goodnight, Danny"

"Yeah, bye. I love you guys"

"I love you too, Daniel" Mum said.

"Have a good night" Dad said.

I got up and looked at Molly.

"She is beautiful, Daniel" She said and opened her arms.

I hugged her tight and kissed her head.

"I'm so happy" She whispered.

"Thank you, Molly"

"Thank you very much for making Abigail this happy."

"She makes me even happier, Molly. It's so easy"

She cupped my cheeks.

"You will be a great Dad, Daniel" I knew then that she knew.

"I hope so."

"Let's go, they are waiting for you"

When I opened the door, Abigail was on the bed and Daisy was on her arms. They were dressed with white hospital clothes. Abigail had her hair in a braid, rpobably done by Charlotte, who was looking at her nieces with so much love. Blake and Mike were sitting by the window, both with smiles on their faces. I swallowed and took a step in.

"Hey..."

Abi looked at me and smiled.

"Hi"

I walked to her and kissed her head.

"You look good" I kissed her lips. "I was calling my parents"

She bit her lip.

"I wish she had stayed in only for a few more days."

"Don't worry about that. They are changing the flights. And they told me to give you both a lot of kisses"

Abi leaned her head on my shoulder. Charlotte reached and touched her head.

"Are you tired?"

"Exhausted"

"We should get going" Blake said and walk closer to see the baby. Then he looked at me with a smile. "She is a Ricciardo, huh"

"I see her more like Abi" Michael said watching his goddaughter.

"She has her cheeks like Abi when she was a baby. But that mouth is surely Dan's" Charlotte whispered.

"I see it" Molly said.

And suddenly Daisy opened her eyes.

"Hi" Abi whispered and ran her finger over the side of her face. Ioved closer and hugged her shoulders. I couldn't speak. "How are you little flower?"

I smiled and Charlotte chuckled.

"She just had her first nap in the world. Must be feeling good"

Daisy made a noise and stretched her arms.

"There is plenty of space out here, right?"

The softness of Abi's voice was making me melt. It was dissolving me into a puddle.

I reached my hand and touched Daisy's, her fingers quickly grabbed mine and I gasped.

"Hi honey"

Her eyes followed my voice although she couldn't see yet.

"It's Papa" Abi whispered.

"Love, we are going to leave you guys alone" Charlotte said and kissed Abi. "I'll be here in the morning with the bag, okay?"

"Thank you, Charlotte. All of you actually. Thank you very much for coming" She said looking at them.

The Godparents said goodbye to the baby, then the coolest uncle too and finally Charlotte. And soon we were left alone with our baby and once again I couldn't believe it was real.

Daisy whined and as if she had been doing this her whole life, Abi put her on her chest, opening the shirt and letting her grab the nipple.

"You are going to kill me today, Abi"

She looked at me and smiled.

"Why?"

"Remember what I said when I proposed? That I fall for you everyday? Well, I'm feeling so so many things today and each second I love you more. And her... Look what you have given to me. You have made a perfect baby, Abi"

"We."

I kissed her lips and she grabbed me by my neck, kissing deeper and making me shiver.

"I love you so much, Daniel Ricciardo"

"I love you more."

"Call Michelle. And show your parents the baby"

I did. I took pictures and a video. I wanted them to see how healthy and strong Daisy was. Abi talked to them and then I sent Michelle a message.

Me: Hey. Something happened.

Not even a second later, she answered.

Michelle: what happened?

Michelle: don't scare me.

Me: this happened.

And just as quick, she called.

"Daniel!"

"Hi"

"The baby"

"Yes"

"Oh my god. I... The kids... They are at school but..."

"Hey, hey. It's fine. Breathe"

"Daniel you have a baby"

"I have a baby."

"How is Abi? Oh. When did it happen? She wasn't due in..."

Abi took the phone.

"Hi, Michelle."

I heard them talking. Abi told her everything and they talked and laughed for a while. And then she lookedat me and put it on speaker.

"She is so sweet Michelle. She has only cried once."

"She? A girl?!"

"Yes" Abi said with the biggest smile. "Everyone wanted a girl"

We laughed.

"Hey Mich" I called her. "Don't tell the kids that Daisy is a girl."

"Why is that?"

"Izzy asked me to name her like this, we want to surprise her"

We talk to her for a while and Abi started falling asleep on my shoulder.

"Hey, love. Let's go to sleep, huh"

We said out goodbyes to Michelle and Abi carefully moved Daisy away. She had fallen asleep while eating.

"I can't sleep yet" She said.

"Why?"

"I haven't seen you hold her yet"

I gasped. "I haven't"

"No Danny"

I felt my hands shaking and I looked at the small baby.

"We can wait until the morning"

"No, no. I want to. It's just..."

"It will be okay"

I nodded and looked at her. She smiled and reached the baby for me.

My heart was hammering in my chest. My baby. My little girl. My daughter. My little flower. My Daisy. She was sleeping on my arms and I couldn't stop looking at her.

"I love you so much, little flower. I have waited so long for you"

............................

Liked by @.danielricciardo and 345 others.

@.hopper_abigail: we are going home❤️

...........

I can't believe we are already here!!!

Next part: Daisy's life Pt1.

Taglist:@d0ntjudgemy50shades @controsnes   @thybulleric   @lcuppo  @priylodhasstuff     @scotlynaurora @chxrryrose  @f1-incorrect-s @yearsof-war @earfquak3 @amsofftrack @hannahholland1811

[thesimmermo]

Hunting For a Home

Morgan: "Don't piss me off."

Maurice laughs.

Morgan: "Maurice Damir, please do not piss me the fuck off. Are you serious?"

Maurice nods and smirks. Morgan stares blankly at him and rolls her eyes. She turns back to the house and then looks back at Maurice again.

Morgan: "This is your number one? The one I HAD to see?"

Maurice smiles and nods again. He puts his hands on his hips proudly. Morgan squints and then faces the house again.

Morgan: "I hate that you're a lawyer sir because I can never tell when you're joking or dead the fuck serious."

Maurice: "Morgan... I'm kidding. This isn't the home. This is a air bnb."

Morgan: "So if I just take off and beat your ass, I would be joking too right?"

Maurice dies laughing and runs away with Morgan chasing him. They get back into his car and they drive across town to the actual house that Maurice knows Morgan will love. When they arrive, he stands in front of her blocking her view and leads her slowly to the house.

Maurice: "You ready?"

Morgan: "I don't know man. At this point, take me back to Willow Creek."

Maurice laughs loudly again.

Maurice: "Babe, I'm serious this time. You ready?"

Morgan sighs and loosens her grip on Maurice's waist.

Morgan's jaw drops and she holds her breath as she takes in the full beauty of the home. She stares up at Maurice who can't stop smiling then back at the beautiful home.

Maurice: "I may or may not have looked at your Pinterest boards."

Morgan: "I think I'm going to piss myself."

Maurice laughs.

Morgan: "This is beautiful."

Maurice: "It was put on the market at the last minute. It's only 20 minutes from my parents so it was kind of like my make or break. How do you like it?"

Morgan: "Maurice, we could have gotten the cabin and I would have be happy. I'm happy whenever I'm with you."

Maurice: "I know you would. You're the only person who hasn't heard my last name and immediately thought dollar signs. I love that you have your own. You never ask me for anything."

Morgan: "I do ask you for one thing though."

Maurice: "Oh, what's that?"

Morgan: "That you love me like I love you."

Maurice smiles and pulls her in and kisses her softly.

Maurice: "I couldn't stop loving you even if I tried."

Morgan smiles and hugs him tightly.

Morgan: "Forever?"

Maurice: "And forever. So you really love it?"

Morgan: "I love it."

Maurice grins widely and lifts Morgan onto his shoulder. She laughs loudly as he gets a good grip on her.

Maurice: "Well then Mrs. Haywood..."

Maurice: "Let's go home."

[coraline-jones353]

The First Confession

Using this prompt in this fanfic today, credits to whoever created this, I found it on Pinterest.

Y'all I had to write this twice because my phone died and it wasn't saved 😭

Summary: Tory and Y/n have been dating for a year now. Y/n decided to invite Tory over to their house for a sleepover.

Warnings: no pronouns used for reader

I had finally convinced Tory to come over for a sleepover. She is gonna arrive in about an hour so I don't have much time to set up. I need this to be the best sleepover she's ever been to. Granted it will just be me and her but... it will be great.

I put Coraline on the TV to wait for her, it's one of our favorite shared movies so I figured it would be a great way to start off the night.

The table is basically filled with snacks, I'm talking chips, to drinks, to candy, to fast food. Yes I went out and got McDonald's fries.

I almost jump out of my skin when I hear the doorbell ring. I rush over to the door and open it to see my loving girlfriend. Her arms are open for a hug and she's grinning ear to ear. I hug her and kiss her cheek. She goes into the house and sits on the couch waiting for me.

"So I got a whole schedule for tonight. I'm talking the works. We got fort making, pillow fights, snacking, try not to laugh videos, videos game and board games, and last but not least movies. You just need to pick what we should do first." "Hmm," She says pretending to question what she wants to do, "We should build a fort first." She then throws a pillow at me, which I do catch. "Oh you wanna fight? I'm not gonna go easy on you babe." I say as I grab the pillow and get ready to swing. "I should be saying that to you." She says with a smirk as she hits me with a pillow, indeed striking first.

After our pillow fight we did end up building an awesome fort. We watched only one movie, Coraline and played a few board games. I won twice at Clue but she won three times at monopoly, I swear I hate that game. But she's so cute when she wins.

After that we moved onto video games and having our energy drinks and junk food. We played Mortal Kombat for about 2 hours before we finally just called it a tie.

Then we moved onto the try not to laugh videos. It was mostly the ones where they scare people, like jump scares, or people almost breaking a bone doing something stupid. We even spiced it up by putting water in our mouths so if we did laugh we'd spit the water all over the place.

Tory ended up with water up her nose after a particularly bad jump scare. Their face they made was just so funny. The water ended up everywhere so we ended up spending some time on the floor with towels, still laughing at the ongoing videos.

We decided to wind down to another classic movie, Flipped. Such a good movie.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After Flipped was over we climbed into my bed making ourselves comfortable. My parents were to come back next weekend so there was no reason to be cautious.

Tory asked to be big spoon tonight so I allowed her to spoon me. She put on some calming music to sleep to.

As I closed my eyes and started to fall asleep I felt light tracing on my back. It wasn't too noticeable at first. But it seemed to be repeating the same thing. Eight letters, possibly two maybe three words. I decided to really concentrate on it for a minute.

After a few times of Tory's tracing I figured it out. "I Love You" Was written about 30 times on my back already. This was the first time either one of us has said the words, well I guess she didn't say them technically. But she brought them up first so that's something.

After cuddling for a while Tory started to move away a bit in a half groggy state. I immediately moved towards her, wrapping my arms around her. "I love you too." I whisper sweetly in her ear.

[overnightheartbeats]

The memories could not be helped when she pointed out he did most of the work, causing a mischievous grin to spread on his lips. "I gladly did the work," was all he said. Aaron knew this was an effort on both of their parts, and this was only step one. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, Aaron knew he would be a dad. The news were being processed in his mind, but he knew. Still, his own silent confirmation didn't compare to the feeling of hearing it come from her lips and to feel her guide his hand to her stomach. Hearing her say it felt unlike anything else. His eyes quickly welled up with tears, and when he smiled, a few quickly trailed down his cheek. "We're going to be parents, to our little nugget. We did it."

He watched in awe as she eagerly jumped to their wedding plans. Aaron knew that she'd need something to plan, and they had so many different places to start, but little nugget still had some time before they needed to plan. He was glad that she quickly took his ideas and ran with them. "Well, you know heatwaves are kind of fake up here." Not like Southern California. "Wouldn't be competition if we completely outdo her anniversary," he teased. Though, he wouldn't dream of ruffling any feathers with her family. "We could probably make late August work, give us some time." Aaron tilted her head slightly when she mentioned Europe. He hadn't considered the thought of leaving the state, let alone the country. "Honestly, these days - a move and a new place in Europe might be costing around the same or less, for a place here. I'm not saying no." If she really wanted that, he could do it. He'd really do, just about anything, for her.

His hand was still resting on her stomach from earlier, but he couldn't bring himself to move away. Aaron already had an inkling that he'd be clingy for the next nine months. "You're definitely not crazy, these are all valid concerns. Watch me freak out in a couple of weeks, some kind of delayed reaction. You'll hear the same concerns from me," he teased in an attempt to soothe her further. "A little boy, Aaron Jr.? I like the sound of that." It was highly unlikely he'd want to pass on his own name, but a miniature version of him sounded cute. The thought of their child inheriting her qualities made him smile, he'd be the luckiest boy. "Oh, and if gets your bossy nature, we'll definitely have an all hands on deck situation. I'm 99.9% confident that we will be ready." That was a case of overconfidence for sure, as well as just ensuring she didn't feel more stressed than necessary. "We're not alone in this, we'll have our families once we tell them, and our friends. So, I'm sure we'll be ready by the time they arrive."

Aaron rested his head on her shoulder, smiling as ideas began flying around. "I agree. We deserve something nice. Not that our first wedding wasn't nice, but we were so young...and very broke. Lot of budget cuts and DIY, if I remember correctly. It was great though, I loved our creativity with that one." That one, he'd always hold close to his heart. "Oh baby, I think that might be one you don't win. I mean, we're going on our second wedding, and those two are still stunned whenever the word marriage comes up. Maybe it's just not for them. Then again, maybe they do need a nudge. If it wasn't for you, those two would probably still be friends and..or...roommates?" Perhaps, they just needed to plan the whole thing for them and do a surprise party but for their own wedding. But, he wouldn't suggest it to Jolie because she just might go for it.

It was impossible to say no to her, not when her eyes lit up with excitement like that. When he suggested planning their second wedding, he didn't think of an event coordinator. Aaron really thought he'd be taking that role. But, she was happy and not having a meltdown about their life change, so he'd make it happen. "Hm, I'll be the judge of these beautiful weddings he plans, but only because I had my Pinterest board ready," he joked. "I see no downside in reaching out. We should probably do that today, make sure he's not booked. If we want to make this happen by August or September. What do you think? We could even go down there this weekend, for research purposes of course."

Her own watery eyes gazed at him as she leaned into his hands. "You did most of the work though. But, fine. We did it." she amended her original sentence. The wide smile on his face showed that he was ready and therefore she'd be ready. He oozed the kind of confidence she wished she had on her own but nevertheless was grateful his reaction wasn't scared. She didn't think two of them could handle being terrified. "You're going to be a dad." she grabbed his hand and placed on her flat stomach that would expand in the next few months and sighed. "Little nugget is already so lucky."

"I know August is heatwave month but I kind of want to do it in August. Too soon? I also thought of September but then you get competition with my aunts anniversary and you know how she goes on and on about it." Jolie wanted to sound annoyed but truthfully nothing could really bring her down from this high. "A bigger place here? What if we moved to Europe?" Technically this was just talk, she had gone down a rabbit hole and loved how peaceful it looked over there and the outdoors were even more beautiful.

She nodded solemnly already feeling the deep blush coloring her cheeks. He always knew what to say and in times like these she needed his levelheadedness. "Thank you for not thinking I'm crazy." she mumbled it as her eyes darted down to his hands. Her smile grew as he went into how excited he was. "I want a little boy. Little miniature version of you with my bossy nature. How confident are you with that notion we will be ready?"

"No, wait. I think we both deserve the big hoopla. I mean technically I don't care about the big dress and things but surrounded by family and close friends, I'd like that. Maybe we can convince eli and lala that tying the knot isn't so scary." Jolie smiled just thinking about the deer in headlights expressions both wore at the mention of marriage. "There's this event coordinator. He does these really beautiful outdoorsy weddings and he's a local. I follow him on Instagram. His name is something Betancourt? Can we at least see how much he'd charge doing a wedding at Carmel?" Her eyes lit up just thinking about the scenery.

[thedisneychef]

Refreshing Coconut Lime Recipe: How to Make It

This weeks odd theme comes from a brain cramp on my part, paired with dumb luck. I had initially planned on making this a week about fruit and the various fruit dishes that you find around Disney. Sounds like a great theme, right? Well, in a fit of productivity that's somewhat uncommon for me (I like to do my cooking on Sunday for the blog and then spread it out over the week), I started doing my cooking on Friday, making two out of the five dishes and having all the ingredients for the other three ready to go. More Delicious Recipes You Will Love: - World Famous Chicken Crunch – Planet Hollywood - Zeppole di Ricotta – Via Napoli - Banyan Beef Skewer Recipe – Bengal Barbecue Then Saturday night (because such realizations always come at night when you're trying to sleep) I was feeling quite proud of myself for being so far ahead of my normal schedule when I realized that two of the dishes I'd made had coconut... And that coconut isn't a fruit, it's a nut. D-oh! I briefly considered keeping it fruit week and just explaining my embarrassing mistake in mentally identifying a coconut as a fruit, but that seemed like such a lame excuse for correcting my mistake. Then I thought of shelving the two recipes and saving them for another week, but one recipe I made was so delicious and universally loved in my household that it seemed a shame to not share it. That's when I realized, everything I'd made had either lime and/or coconut... And voila! A theme was born. Yes, it's an odd theme created out of a combination of desperation and laziness, but hey, I think it works and it's given me a great set of dishes, perfect for summer. Also, this week or next, I'll be trying something a little new and different. Either Friday or Saturday I'll be featuring a recipe that fits with the theme of the week, but isn't a "Disney dish," but we feel it should be. This is something that I actually started on one of the forums I chat on when I made a dinner, shared the recipe and said "this was so good, they should serve it at Disney." Then other folks started sharing recipes for meals they thought should be served at Disney. From there, an inside joke turned into fun board on Pinterest where all sorts of people started submitting their "they should serve this at Disney" recipes. As sort of a salute to this fun and eccentric group of recipe collectors, I wanted to give some of the recipes they've submitted something of a test run, then put it up to a vote... Should Disney put it on their menu? I can't wait to share my new dishes and I'm really looking forward to this week. And I think what started as an odd solution to a mistake has turned into one of the most fun, and delicious, theme weeks I've done. Have fun! In addition to the delicious food and recipes, Disney World is also known for its unique dining experiences, such as character dining and themed restaurants. Whether you want to have breakfast with Mickey Mouse, dine in a replica of a sci-fi drive-in theater at Hollywood Studios, or enjoy a meal with an ocean view at the Coral Reef Restaurant in Epcot, there's something for everyone. And with the help of Recipes Today and the How to Make category, you can even recreate some of these magical dining experiences in your own home. So why not start planning your next Disney-inspired meal or dining experience today? Read the full article