#cassie said “fuck shit up and look good doing it”

[arrowheadedbitch]

Yj is about to go into a fight

Tim: Alright, young justice, what's the number one rule?

Yj: overlapped talking

Tim: Okay, that's on me, we have a lot of number one rules.

[orcelito]

Lately, I've been learning to not take things for granted. I've been taking videos of my cats a bit more. Got a video today of me feeding June Bug and Tally, including bits of their meows

I deeply regret not having any record of the sound of Cassy's meow. I'm trying to make up for it with my girls, though.

[punkshort]

saturday

Pairing: Joel Miller x f!reader (established relationship)

Summary: Your sister, Cassie, gives birth, and Joel has a question for your father.

Warnings: no outbreak, modern day but Joel is 40, language, fluff, flirting, soft!joel, explicit smut (18+MDNI), (somewhat - reader is on BC) unprotected piv sex, oral sex (f receiving), size kink?, alcohol use, reader's sister (obviously) gives birth but there's no description of the event

WC: 6.6K

Series Masterlist

dividers by @saradika-graphics

2:38am

You blinked a few times, making certain you were reading the time correctly. Sleep still weighed you down and you were having a hard time comprehending what woke you up in the first place. Then you heard it again and your heart jumped into your throat.

Someone was at your apartment door, you were sure of it. You could hear quiet scratching on the other side and when you sat up in bed to look across your apartment, you could see the unmistakable shadows of two legs under the crack in the door.

"Oh, my god," you mumbled, throwing the sheets off and grabbing your phone. Where was the baseball bat Joel gave you? What the hell did you do with it?

"Closet," you whispered to yourself, taking a few steps towards the coat closet when the door cracked open and you froze. You were in the middle of your apartment in just a tank top and underwear, clutching your stupid phone. This is how women are always killed in horror movies, you thought.

A familiar man's broad fame tripped over his own feet as he entered, and when you heard him curse quietly under his breath, relief flooded your veins which was quickly followed by annoyance. Reaching over to the floor lamp next to your couch, you flicked the switch, making him yelp and wince.

"What the hell are you doing, Joel?!"

He blinked rapidly and looked around the room before his eyes landed on you and a lazy grin spread across his lips. His hair was a mess and you could smell the alcohol and cigarettes from ten feet away. You wrinkled your nose but you couldn't help the goofy smile you always got whenever you saw him.

"You stink."

"Hey, baby," he croaked, his voice raspy from having far too much fun that evening. He stumbled towards you and you noticed dark spots staining his navy T-shirt that you hoped was just spilled beer.

"You scared the shit outta me. I almost called the cops!" you said, holding up your phone. "What are you doing?"

"Came t'see you," he slurred, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you close. Now that he was standing in the light, you could see the pink dusting his cheeks underneath his heavy lidded eyes.

"You're very drunk," you told him, and he just hummed in response before burying his face in your neck. "Had fun with Tommy and the guys I take it?"

"Mhm," he mumbled, his lips sucking messily at your shoulder. "Wanted t'see you. Missed you. Fuck, you smell so good."

You giggled when his facial hair ticked your neck. "You came to see me because you can't drive home and my apartment is within walking distance of all the bars."

He pulled away and gave you a feigned look of hurt. "No. Thought 'bout you all night. Talked 'bout you all night," he said, leaning into the crook of your neck. His hands slid down from your waist to cup your ass and he groaned. "I like these," he murmured into your skin, his fingertips tugging playfully at the edge of your underwear.

And even though your body was responding to his touch, warmth blooming between your legs, your curiosity won. "What did you talk about?" you asked, biting on your lower lip when he pulled you closer, pressing you against his erection through his jeans.

"How fuckin' happy you make me. How I wanna spend my life with you. How sexy you are," he said lowly, gripping your jaw and giving you a sloppy kiss.

"Oh, wow, spend your life with me? You really are drunk," you giggled after you pulled away. "Let me make you something to eat."

You managed to wiggle out of his grasp and walk towards the kitchen area, flicking on lights as you went and opening the fridge. "Leftover pizza okay?" you asked, pulling out the cardboard box and flipping the top open before grabbing some foil to lay down in your toaster oven.

"What'dya mean? I ain't that drunk. 'Course I wanna spend my life with you," he said, leaning up against your counter, watching you work.

You turned the dial on the toaster oven and popped in two slices of leftover takeout pizza before turning around to face him. "We met four months ago and you want to spend your life with me?"

His eyes suddenly appeared clearer when he looked at you. "Yeah. 'Course I do."

You gave him a look before pulling a plate down from your cupboard.

"What? You don't believe me?"

You put the plate down and shook your head.

"It doesn't matter," you told him, wrapping your arms around his neck and dragging him down for a kiss, but he pulled back before you could make contact.

"I mean it," he told you, sounding serious. "Already got the ring."

Your eyes bugged out of your head and your eyebrows shot straight up. "What?!"

"I'm just kiddin'," he said immediately when he saw your reaction, something flickering across his face for a split second before the toaster oven beeped and distracted you. You pulled your arms away, turning around to check his food when you felt his arms wrap around your waist from behind.

"I'm only hungry for one thing," he whispered in your ear, the ring comment suddenly long forgotten. You leaned back into his chest, pulling his pizza out of the oven while he nipped at your earlobe.

"Why don't you eat some actual food," you offered, turning around in his arms with a playful smirk. "And then you can have me for dessert?"

A wide smile stretched across his face and he nodded. "Deal."

"Fuck, Joel," you whined, his face buried between your legs, your fingers tangled in his curls as he dragged another orgasm to the surface. You were confident at this point you've never wanted anybody the way you wanted him. You kept waiting for that honeymoon period to end, but somehow each time with him was just more intense than the last.

Your head fell back against your cupboard while you cried out his name, your thighs clutching his head as a rush of white hot heat flooded your body, little whimpers slipping past your lips until he finally pulled away. Your legs dropped shakily onto the counter as you struggled to catch your breath. He watched you try to recover with a pleased smirk on his face, wiping away your slick with the back of his hand. You gazed at him, your mouth open and panting for air, your eyes half closed and filled with need.

"Fuck me, Joel," you gasped, slipping down from the counter, your underwear lost somewhere on the floor. He groaned and crashed his mouth over yours, giving you a taste of yourself while his hands greedily reached down to lift you up, carrying you towards your bed.

"Shit," he muttered when he stumbled a bit, and you weren't sure if it was his excitement or the alcohol to blame but you giggled nonetheless.

He dropped you unceremoniously onto your bed before he got to work stripping himself of his clothes. He seemed to be struggling with his belt but when you kneeled on the mattress and pulled your tank top off, his fingers magically began to work faster at the leather. He hopped on one foot, kicking his jeans off in a hurry and making you laugh before he stood up straight against the edge of your bed and cupped your face with both his hands, pulling you in for a kiss and stealing all the air from your lungs.

He broke away but kept his nose pressed against yours, your face still held delicately in his large hands as he whispered, "need y'so bad, baby."

Your eyes drifted down between your bodies and you raised an eyebrow at his painful looking erection pressed up against your stomach. "You don't say," you teased, and he smirked before giving you one more soft kiss on the lips. He dropped his hands to your shoulders and gave you a gentle shove, indicating he wanted you to lay down, but you bit your lip and shook your head before twisting around, propping yourself up on all fours and looking back at him over your shoulder. "Like this," you told him, and a low groan rumbled deep within his chest as he stared down at you.

"You tryin' to kill me?" he asked, bringing his palms up to glide smoothly over your ass, giving one cheek a little squeeze. "I ain't gonna last long like this."

"You weren't gonna last long, anyway. Not with all the beer you drank tonight," you replied with a grin.

He chuckled and spread his legs a little wider before bending his knees and lining himself up with your entrance. When you felt the familiar fat tip of his cock notched against you, you sucked in a deep breath. Joel was normally a lot to take, but from this angle, you knew it would be even more intense.

He pushed inside with a grunt, giving you time to adjust when he heard your sharp gasp before sliding all the way inside and bottoming out with a low groan. Looking down at your ass flush with his hips, he knew he was a goner. The muscles in his stomach were already twitching and tensing and he barely even moved yet.

Your eyes squeezed shut and you pressed your mouth into your shoulder, stifling your whimpers while your body slowly relaxed around his girth.

"Y'okay, baby?" he murmured, his fingers flexing around your hips the only movement he allowed himself to make, patiently waiting for you to get comfortable.

"Mhm," you whined, then rolled your head to the side and arched your back a little, stretching yourself around him. "Just so big. So fucking big, fuck," you gasped when you felt him pulse inside you from the compliment.

"Don't talk like that, c'mon," he groaned, closing his eyes. Baseball. Tommy. Hanging drywall. Do not fucking come.

You looked at him over your shoulder, a lazy smile twitching at your lips when you saw his closed eyes and the pained expression on his face. Something about being able to pull him apart like this made you feel powerful, so you decided to have a little fun. You began to slowly move your hips, keeping your eyes on him as you rocked back and forth. His fingertips dug into your waist and his eyes flew open.

"W-wait-"

You sunk your teeth into your lower lip and moved a little faster, watching as his eyebrows pinched together and his breathing became erratic. "Why?" you asked innocently, fluttering your eyelashes at him.

"Stop, baby. Fuck, I'm-" he hissed and tried to pull out but you pushed yourself back on him further before he could move. "I'm gonna come, it's too soon," he whined, his face contorted in embarrassment.

"Joel, look at me," you commanded, slowing to a stop so he could focus. His chest was heaving and his fingertips were most definitely leaving bruises in your skin as he tried to fight off his climax. "You already made me come twice in the past thirty minutes. Now I want you to fuck me exactly like you want to and I don't care if you come in ten seconds or ten minutes. Can you do that for me?"

His eyes darkened a bit and the corner of his mouth turned up into half a smirk.

"Yes," he murmured, finally allowing his gaze to drop to your ass and you saw him swallow before taking a deep breath. In an instant his hips started snapping into you, almost making you fall forward but you quickly braced yourself. Your mouth hung open, hardly able to make a sound when your entire focus was on the way he managed to reach the furthest depths of you with each devastating stroke. One of his hands gripped your shoulder, the other still planted firmly on your waist as he slammed you back against his hips with each thrust, your skin smacking together so loudly you barely heard him grunting each time he knocked the wind out of you.

The hand he had placed on your hip slid to your lower back and he gently pressed his palm down, his pace still merciless when he whispered "can'ya arch your back a little more, baby?"

You could hardly form a coherent thought let alone sentence, so you did as you were asked without answering. Based on the loud groan you heard, he was pleased.

"Oh fuck, oh fuck," he chanted, breathing heavily behind you as you did your best to hold yourself up against his ruthless pace, but you could feel your legs getting weak. He suddenly fell forward and wrapped his arms around your ribs, yanking you up with a yelp so your back was flush against his chest and his mouth was pressed against the shell of your ear.

Your hands tried to grab his weakly, looking for some part of him to hold onto when he moaned into your hair and his body stilled momentarily, his hips stuttering as he flooded you with his release. Neither of you moved as you each fought to catch your breath, your head falling back against his shoulder. His heavy breathing was loud against your ear, then his chest eventually slowed down and his heartbeat returned to normal. Your legs began to tremble so he tightened his hold around you, holding you even tighter against him.

"I got you," he whispered, leaning forward so you could relax tiredly into your mattress. He pulled out with a soft grunt before collapsing next to you, stretching his arms wide. You crawled into his embrace and buried your face against his chest with a contented sigh.

"Too much?" he asked, his voice sounding a little hoarse as he drew invisible circles on your shoulder with his thumb. You shook your head and closed your eyes. "You're so fuckin' perfect, y'know that? How'd I get so lucky?" he asked softly, and you smiled. "You feed me 'n then you fuck me. What else could a man want?" he joked, and you giggled in his arms.

"Don't forget you went down on me in between those two things. You're pretty damn perfect, too."

He hummed and pulled your comforter over you both, making sure you were all tucked in and warm.

"I love you, baby."

"I love you, too," you whispered sleepily.

9:13am

Your phone rang shrilly on your nightstand, startling you both out of your deep sleep in surprise.

"Oh, Jesus, fuck," Joel mumbled, his hands immediately coming up to clutch his head. You sat up, holding the comforter against your chest as you groggily reached for your phone, knocking over a framed picture of you and Joel in the process. When it clattered loudly to the floor, he groaned.

"What?" you snapped angrily when you answered your phone, not even looking to see who was calling.

"Buck! It's happening!"

Your heart skipped a beat and you gasped, making Joel drop his hands from his face to look at you curiously.

"Now?!"

"Yes, now!" your sister, Cassie, replied on the other end. "We're on our way to St. Dave's. Mom and Dad are already on the way."

"Oh my god!" you yelled, throwing the comforter off yourself and running to your closet completely naked. Joel sat up and gawked as you used one hand to pull out fresh clothes, tossing them on the bed frantically and although he could tell it was an emergency, he couldn't stop staring at your perfect fucking body.

"W-where do I go? The emergency room or labor and delivery?"

Joel threw his legs over the side of the bed and tried to shake away his massive hangover before standing up slowly and hunting down his clothes.

"Okay, okay. I'll be there in like," you looked at your clock quickly, "twenty minutes."

You hung up and threw your phone on your bed before grabbing your underwear and pulling them on, much to Joel's dismay.

"Cassie's in labor!" you said, rushing past him in just your bra and underwear.

"I gathered," he said with a yawn. "You got any Motrin? The hospital's got a coffee spot, right? Starbucks or somethin'?"

You popped your head out of the bathroom and handed him the bottle of medicine. "You're coming with me?"

"Yeah, 'course I am," he said, popping two pills and swallowing them dry. "Unless you don't -"

"No!" you said hurriedly, disappearing back in the bathroom. "I want you to! I just thought you'd have to go home to Sarah."

"She's at a friend's house the whole weekend. It's why Tommy dragged me out in the first place. Said I never spend time with him when we work together all damn day," he muttered under his breath before sniffing his shirt from the night before and making a face. "This smells like the floor of a bar."

"You have some spare clothes here, remember? In the third drawer," you told him as you dried your face and started to brush your hair into a ponytail. He went to your closet and opened the dresser, smiling when he saw the entire drawer was devoted to just his things before picking out a fresh outfit and a stick of deodorant, hoping it would be enough because there was no way he would have time for a shower.

"Do I still stink?" he asked worriedly when you walked by, shrugging on a shirt. You stopped and sniffed him, then grinned.

"You smell like sex."

He smirked and raised an eyebrow. "Well, in that case, I'm ready to go."

"At least brush your teeth, you animal," you teased, shoving him towards the bathroom with a laugh. He stumbled into your small bathroom and found the spare toothbrush you bought for him. As he quickly brushed his teeth, he ran his fingers through his messy hair, trying to tame the bedhead to no avail. After he rinsed, he wet both his hands and ran his fingers through his hair a few times, slicking his curls back to make himself look more presentable.

When he was satisfied, he met you out in your kitchen, your face buried in your phone as you furiously texted your family. You glanced up at him and did a double take when you saw his hair.

"Oh, I like that look," you said lowly, reaching out a small hand to gently touch his wet hair, and he grinned. "It's not fair. If I were hungover as shit, I would look like road kill, and here you are looking more handsome than ever," you told him, pecking a kiss to his lips before grabbing your bag and heading to the door.

"You must've seen some real pretty roadkill if you think that," he told you, following you out the door and draping an arm around your shoulders as you headed to the elevator. "Want me to drive?"

"Yeah, if you don't mind," you said, handing him your car keys before tapping away on your phone again. "My mom's telling me where we should park."

Joel courteously dropped you off at the hospital entrance while he parked your car, giving you the opportunity to find your parents quicker. You saw your dad waiting for you by the front desk, his head tilted down towards his phone.

"Dad!" you called out, and he looked up at you with a smile. Slipping his phone in his pocket, he bent down and enveloped you in a big bear hug. Your dad, Paul, was a big guy and might come off intimidating to most who didn't know him, but at the heart of it all he was a huge softie.

"How's she doing?" you asked, pulling away while he stabbed the button for the elevator.

"She's doin' alright. Little nervous but she's ready."

When you noticed the elevator about to reach the lobby, you glanced behind you. "Wait! Joel's parking the car," you said, and his eyebrows rose a bit in surprise.

"Oh, didn't realize Joel's here," he replied, glancing at his watch, and you immediately felt the heat creeping up your neck.

"He was out with his friends and brother last night. He had too much to drink and couldn't drive so he walked to my place," you told him, which wasn't exactly a lie. When you saw Joel walking through the lobby, his hands shoved in his pockets and his hair slicked back, you felt the same flutter in your stomach you felt every time you saw him and you prayed it would never go away.

Joel's gaze landed on you first and then your dad's, giving you both warm smiles as he approached.

"Hey Paul, early congratulations are in order," he said, shaking your dad's hand just as the elevator dinged behind you.

"Thanks, Joel," he replied, clapping him on the back and following you into the elevator. "Heard you had a fun night last night."

Joel's eyes went wide and the blood drained from his face as his gaze darted back and forth between you both.

"The bar. With Tommy and them," you reminded him, and his shoulders visibly relaxed.

"Oh, yeah. Too much fun. Feelin' it today," he said, rubbing his forehead. "Tommy met a girl, though. Got her number, if I recall, so maybe that'll get him off my back. Can't drink the way I used to."

"A girl? That's great. Maybe y'all can double date or somethin'," your dad said, stepping through the open elevator doors when you reached labor and delivery. "Now she's only allowed two visitors plus Josh, so why don't you go back and we'll swap out after a while. It's room 663."

"Okay," you said, turning to Joel. "I'll be back soon, I just want to check on her-"

"Take your time," he told you, kissing the top of your head. "I'll get us some coffee and somethin' to eat."

You smiled in relief and hurried past the swinging doors, eager to see your sister.

12:26pm

The strong, over-caffeinated coffee Joel drank managed to quell his nasty hangover. You had swapped out with your dad once already, gratefully accepting the breakfast he bought while you updated him on your sister's status. From what he gathered, her water broke but she wasn't dilated enough yet. It had been quite a few years, but Joel remembered when Sarah was born and how long it took. When his ex went into labor, they both thought they had to rush to get to the hospital, assuming the baby would arrive quickly but it ended up taking a day and a half before Sarah was actually born.

"You don't have to stay, you know," you told him after a few hours. "I know this is boring and there's nothing to do. I'm sure you have things to do at home-"

"I wanna be with you," he said, cutting you off. "If I went home I'd just be sittin' around wonderin' what you're doin', so I think I'll stay if that's alright by you."

You gave him a shy smile and looked away, and goddamnit you looked so beautiful every time he made you blush.

The double doors swung open and your dad emerged, holding out his arms to his sides with a smile.

"Still the same," he announced, and both your faces fell. "Tag, you're it," he teased, tapping you on the shoulder before you stood up.

"I'll be back in a while," you told Joel, stretching your arms a bit. "But seriously, if you want to go home it's totally fine. You can take my car and my parents can take me back."

"I told you, I ain't goin' anywhere," he said firmly, "now go be with you sister, she needs you."

You smiled and blew him a quick kiss before pushing past the doors. He looked over at Paul, who was scrolling on his phone, and took a deep breath.

It was now or never, and he might as well do it while your dad was in a good mood.

"Hey, Paul, can I talk to you 'bout somethin'?"

Paul looked up and clicked the button on the side of his phone, the screen going dark.

"Sure. What's on your mind, Joel?"

Joel knew Paul long before he even knew you. He met your parents when he was hired to build their house, which took a very long time and was a lot of hard work, but he loved being able to bring to life what someone could only dream about. He always got along well with your parents, so much so that they invited him to their Christmas party, which was when he met you and his life changed forever.

And even though he knew your father well and he had no reason to be nervous, he still felt butterflies in his stomach as he thought about what he wanted to say.

"Well, it's 'bout your daughter," he began, his fingers fidgeting anxiously in his lap as he struggled to maintain eye contact.

"Bucky? Everythin' okay?" Paul asked, suddenly looking concerned. Joel quickly shook his head.

"She's great. Nothin' bad. We're... great," he stammered, taking another deep breath. "I love her very much. I'd do anythin' for her, I hope y'know that," he said, hoping his voice didn't tremble like he thought it did. "We're plannin' on movin' in together when her lease is up in a few months, I think she told you," Joel said, looking up at Paul questioningly. He nodded slowly, his brow beginning to furrow a bit.

"Yeah, she told us. We think that's great, Joel. You know we love havin' you part of the family," he told him, and Joel felt a bit of relief when he saw his opening.

"That's exactly what I wanted to talk 'bout, actually," he said, and Paul tilted his head to the side, confused. "'Bout bein' part of the family, that is. I-I'd like to ask her to marry me - with your blessing, of course," Joel said hurriedly, "and not straight away. I was thinkin' when she moved in I might ask her then. I know it's soon, I know we've only been datin' a few months, but Paul, I gotta be honest with you, she's the one for me," Joel said, the words tumbling out now as he watched Paul's eyes go soft. "I've never been more sure 'bout anythin' in my life. And I promise I'll take care of her, I'll love her and give her whatever she needs. I'll never do wrong by her, you got my word-"

"Joel," Paul chuckled, waving his hands in the air. "Joel, that's enough. You don't gotta sell yourself to me. I know you're a good man, I see how happy you make my daughter, I ain't blind. 'Course you have our blessing. Christ, nothin' would make us happier."

"Really?" he breathed as a smile stretched across his face, his hands trembling now in his lap.

"Yes, really. The hell you so nervous for?"

"Well, figured you'd be upset 'bout her last engagement and how we haven't known each other long," Joel admitted, running a shaky hand through his hair.

Paul shook his head and made a face. "That last guy never even had the guts to ask me. I had a feelin' it wouldn't last, but I had hoped my little girl would be the one to end it on her terms. But it all worked out, anyway. She met you," he said, grabbing Joel's shoulder and giving it a firm shake. "You might've only known her for a few months but I've known you years and I know the type of man you are. I see the way you look at each other. Reminds me of when I met Martha," Paul said, his eyes growing misty. "When you know, you know."

Joel smiled and blinked back tears of his own. "Yeah, you're right. When you know, you know."

Paul leaned forward and pulled Joel into a tight hug, squeezing the air from his lungs in the process but he didn't care. He had your father's blessing, that was the first hurdle. Now all he had to do was find enough courage to ask you to marry him one day.

5:48pm

"You havin' fun, babygirl?" Joel asked into his phone as he paced the halls of the hospital.

"So much fun, Dad. It's supposed to be warm out tonight so we're all gonna sleep outside in tents and have a campfire."

"Now why are you excited to sleep outside with your friends but when I wanna go camping you always say no?" he said, smirking when he heard her groan.

"Because I'm still within walking distance of indoor plumbing," she shot back, making him chuckle softly.

"Yeah, well, y'got me there," he conceded, his eyes flicking up when he noticed you walk through the doors, scanning the lobby looking for him. He held up his hand and when you saw him, your mouth stretched out into a tired smile.

"How's Cassie?"

"Nothin' new but I think I might be gettin' an update here in a second," he said, eyeing you as you hurried up to him. "You call me if you need anythin' at all, alright?"

"I will."

"Okay, love you," he said right as you caught up to him.

"Love you too, Dad."

He dropped the phone from his ear and slid it back into his pocket. "How's she doin'?"

"She's getting ready to push!" you said excitedly, grabbing his arm as you bounced on the balls of your feet. "I was just giving them a few minutes of privacy but she said she wants me to hold one of her hands. The doctors said you and Dad can wait outside the room if you want," you told him, pulling him back down the hall towards your father, who was already waiting with a nervous look on his face.

"How're you holdin' up?" Joel asked Paul, who looked paler the closer he got. You let go of his arm and he followed you down the hospital corridor, making sure to stay out of the way of the passing medical staff.

"I'm 'bout to be a grandpa, Joel. I'm feelin' every emotion there is right now," Paul said with a nervous laugh.

Even though his hangover was still a very fresh memory, he still said, "why don't we get a drink later on and celebrate? Help take the edge of a bit."

Paul clapped Joel's shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze and making him wince, but Paul didn't notice. His eyes were fixed on a door at the end of the hall. "That sounds like a plan, son."

Joel choked up for a moment at the term of endearment but quickly swallowed it down. This was about Cassie and Josh, not him. But still, the fact Paul felt comfortable calling him son during such a pivotal moment in his life touched him.

"Okay, I'll come out and let you know how it goes," you said, turning around to face the two of them. It melted Joel's heart, the way you were so happy and excited for your sister.

"Alright Bucky, you take care of our girl," your dad said, planting a kiss on the top of your head. You turned to Joel and he shot you a wink.

"Go on, now," he told you with a smile, and you gave him a quick kiss on his cheek before disappearing inside the room.

It took nearly one more hour, but after hearing a lot of screaming and crying from your sister, there was a brief silence before the telltale sound of a newborn's cries filtered through the door. Joel's eyes widened when he looked at Paul, who immediately began to tear up. Joel grinned and patted him on the back but he was quickly yanked into a bear hug so tight he wondered how he didn't fracture a rib.

"Congrats," Joel said, his voice a little pained, but Paul didn't notice. He was far too excited as tears of joy spilled down his cheeks.

Josh stumbled through the door wearing a disposable apron and cap, looking shellshocked as he yanked off a blue mask. Paul grabbed him and pulled him into a fierce hug, making his eyes bug out of his head even more and Joel had to stifle a chuckle.

"It's a girl," Josh said, a smile stretching across his face now. Paul laughed and wiped away his tears while Joel shook Josh's hand and congratulated him. "They're both doing great. Cassie's great. The baby's great. Perfect. Oh my god, I'm a dad," he said, suddenly bending over, his hands gripping his knees as he breathed deeply.

Paul laughed and rushed into the room, leaving just Joel and Josh in the hallway.

"You alright?" he asked Josh, putting a hand on his shoulder to help steady him.

"Yeah. It just kinda hit me all at once, y'know?" he said weakly, falling limply into a chair. "How'd you do it, man? Weren't you freaking out?"

"Oh, yeah. I still freak out," Joel admitted, sitting down next to Josh. "Havin' a girl is hard. They are unpredictable and independent but also so amazing and strong."

"You got any advice for being a girl-dad?" he asked, half joking.

Joel grinned and leaned his head against the wall as he scratched his chin and thought about it.

"Encourage her. Let her be herself. Let her paint your nails and make mistakes. Play tea parties with her and listen to her. Don't lie to her. Do your best. Show her love. Make sure she sees how you and Cassie love each other. Treat her with respect, but don't assume anythin'. Wear the tiara. Wear the boa. Just... be there. Because a father's love for his daughter is special. Look at Paul," Joel said, stretching his arm out towards the closed door. "He hasn't left this building all day. He raised two beautiful, smart, well rounded women who he would go to war for but also lets them be themselves. Lets them make their own choices and doesn't hold 'em back. Just... love her, man," Joel said, tilting his head in Josh's direction. He had been quietly listening to everything he said, absorbing every word before taking a deep breath.

"Thanks, Joel," Josh said with tears in his eyes. "I mean it. Thanks."

Joel slapped him on the back with a wide smile.

"No problem. Now get in there and help your wife."

Josh stood up and looked down at Joel. "Aren't you coming?"

Joel stood and followed Josh inside the crowded room, which was currently being vacated by the hospital staff so everyone could bond with the new family member.

But what Joel wasn't expecting to see was you holding the newborn in your arms, seated in a chair next to Cassie's bed as you gazed down lovingly at your niece.

Something tugged inside Joel's chest when he saw you. Something foolish and primal and earth-shattering. You looked up at him and smiled.

"Look, Joel. Meet Anna," you said, your gaze finding hers once again, and Joel looked at you, praying his face didn't give away what he was feeling in that moment.

"She's gorgeous," he whispered to Cassie, then went to stand behind your chair so he could admire Anna's sleeping face.

Paul was snapping pictures while Martha was on her phone talking to extended family, letting them know the good news. Josh pressed a kiss against Cassie's lips and murmured what a great job she did, but all Joel could see was you and Anna. You looked so at ease as you cradled her in your arms, like you were made for it and he felt his throat close up.

You finally handed her back to her mother but made sure to press a quick kiss against her forehead first.

"We should probably let you guys get to know each other," you said, giving Cassie a half hug.

"Thank you so much, Bucket," Cassie said softly, looking down at her baby. "I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for being here, Joel," she added, and he smiled.

"'Course I'd be here. You're like family to me," he said sincerely, and she gave him a tired smile.

You blew Cassie a kiss and gave your parents a hug before grabbing his hand and leading him out the door.

"Well that was an unexpected way to spend a Saturday," you said, wrapping your arm around his bicep as he lead you to the elevator.

A flurry of thoughts swam through his head as he walked you through the parking garage to your car, but he kept them all to himself. It was an eventful day, you were right. You just had no idea how much.

"Did you want to stay the night?" you asked him when he parked your car, and he felt the butterflies swirl in his stomach. He wanted nothing more than to spend every second with you, but he made a promise.

"Yeah, but I mighta made plans," he confessed, and you gave him a look as you stepped out of the passenger side of your car. "Told your dad I'd take him for a drink to celebrate," he told you, and you rolled your eyes.

"After last night? You're willing to drink again so soon?" you teased as he walked you into the lobby of your building.

"Just one drink. Then I'll be back, and this time I won't sneak up on you," he murmured, pressing a slow kiss against your soft lips.

"Better not, or else I might not be so nice this time," you whispered against his lips, making him groan.

"You were real nice," he said lowly, his cock already twitching in his jeans. "Give me a couple hours and I'll return the favor."

"Is that a promise, Mr. Miller?" you asked playfully just as the elevator dinged and the doors slid open.

And maybe it was because he was so tired, or maybe all of the emotions from the day were building up inside him like a dam ready to burst, but the urge to ask you right then and there was overwhelming. He had never felt so strongly about anything in his whole life. But he had to be careful, especially after your reaction to his comment about the ring. He had to be patient, he had to think about the timing. He had to do it right.

"Yes, ma'am," he finally replied, his tone so serious it made you grin.

You stepped backwards onto the empty elevator, holding his gaze and with a mischievous glint in your eye, you winked.

"I'll be waiting."

Then the doors slid shut, leaving him paralyzed. He had to fight the urge to race up the stairwell and meet you at your door, all breathless and needy, but he forced himself to exit your building. As he strolled down the street, heading towards where he parked his truck the night before and silently praying he didn't get a ticket, he thought about the hold you had over him. It was powerful and intense. Alluring and confounding. Debilitating and staggering.

And he absolutely loved it.

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[suzukiblu]

WIP excerpt behind the cut: YJ accidental baby acquisition. (( chrono || non-chrono ))

“Genetically, Kenley is our offspring,” Tim cuts in quickly, keeping his voice as even as possible. “The DNA test was clear. And they’re a child. They can’t just stay at the Tower or on the Watchtower.” 

“Impulse is technically seven, and Superboy is–what, five?” Barry says, looking exasperated. Kon’s still a few months away from four, actually, given the whole “was dead for a year” thing and some other weird shit that’s happened in their lives–they actually did the math pretty recently, but the fact that they had to do the math at all is very obviously a sign of weird shit happening in their lives, and either way, Tim won’t be correcting Barry’s math right now. “And you and Wonder Girl are what–seventeen?” 

Speaking of people who were dead for a while and lost track of shit . . . 

“I’m nineteen,” Cassie says, narrowing her eyes at Barry. “And Robin’s eighteen. No ‘technically’ about it.” 

“Physiologically and mentally, Impulse is seventeen and Superboy is nineteen,” Tim informs them shortly before anyone can try and make the technicalities an issue. “It’s unreasonable to treat them as capable of risking their lives as active superheroes after they’ve both already died in the line of duty but then claim they’re not capable of basic childcare when you think it’s inconvenient for them to be allowed to.” 

“Also you’re not allowing anything,” Bart says with a frown. “Kenley’s ours. Genetically and, like, ‘found and saved’-ly.” 

“Bart, you have no idea how difficult taking care of even a normal kid is. Assuming the kid’s safe, an actual foster situation is going to be necessary,” Barry says in exasperation, sounding weary, and Wally looks a little stressed too, which is not good. Wally’s the best chance they have to get the League at large not to be unreasonable about this–at least as long as Dick’s here, anyway–but he and Bart have never really seen eye to eye and he’s never really understood him or taken him seriously, so . . . 

Also, Wally’s the one who has the most experience with having superpowered kids in this conversation, and with nearly losing said kids. If anyone’s going to be the one they can get on their side, well– 

Technically, Tim is perfectly aware of Jon Kent’s existence and the fact that he has superpowers and was also temporarily “lost”. He’s equally aware of both Otho and Osul’s existences and past traumas and own powers. 

He is even more aware of the fact that Clark apparently didn’t know about Lophi and Martha and has never fucking once trusted Kon to be responsible for anything but a dog who was already invulnerable and indestructible and that he just personally happened to need a long-term petsitter for. Which might be unfair, a little, but is also objective fact. 

So yes, Wally is definitely their best shot here. Especially with Dick hopefully willing to back them up, if it comes to it. If he weighs in too quickly, Bruce will think he’s either biased or being too emotional, but if they can at least start to convince Wally and maybe Diana . . . 

“What do you expect us to do, just dump ‘em on Max Mercury or Red Tornado? Go see who’s the Spectre right now?” Cassie demands, folding her arms. “Go dig up Cadmus wherever they’re currently buried, see if they’re hiring kindergartners? Hey, I know, ship ‘em off to Hawaii with a sleazy–!” 

“Kenley doesn’t need fostered,” Tim cuts in quickly, because that line of conversation is not ending well no matter what. “We’re their biological parents, and we’re capable of taking care of them to an appropriate standard.” 

“That isn’t an acceptable decision for Young Justice to make without input,” Bruce says. 

“What is this, a superhero-CPS visit?!” Cassie snaps, clenching her fists. “Based on what, exactly? They’re ours! What’s not ‘acceptable’ is for the Justice League to decide you all get to make decisions about our fucking kid!” 

“Also, like, super hypocritical, I’m pretty sure,” Bart says. “Nobody interferes with what any of you guys do with your kids.” 

“None of us just kidnapped a kid straight out of a lab, Impulse!” Barry says in exasperation. 

“That’d be way too, like, actively proactive, yeah,” Bart agrees, and for just an instant vibrates in a very telling way. His expression doesn’t change, but he’s obviously angry. Very obviously angry. 

Maybe not obviously to Barry, though, Tim realizes almost immediately. 

“Being patient enough to show restraint isn’t a character flaw, kid,” Barry says, still clearly exasperated. 

“You’re being a sprocking nass about this,” Bart says, still staring at him with the same blank expression. “And also a fucking asshole.” 

Well, this is going well. 

“We’re just concerned about everyone’s safety, including the child’s,” Clark says, lifting a placating hand. Bart scowls, and Cassie bristles. Kon–doesn’t look away from Kenley. 

Tim just doesn’t feel particularly “placated”, put it that way.

[thebisexualdogdad]

Smutober day 7: Kate Bishop x Male!Reader - The stakeout

“God I hate stakeouts,” Kate groans, putting her binoculars down and leaning her head back against the headrest of the passanger seat.

“I know but Cassie said they are moving the warhead tonight and Kamala is still mad at us for getting distracted during our last stakeout,” you reply, thinking back to a few months ago when you and Kate were supposed to be watching a warehouse that a gang moved drugs out of and instead ended up having sex in the backseat of your car totally missing the bad guys leaving the warehouse.

“Soo… you don't want me to give you a blowjob right now?” Kate says playfully.

“Are you serious?” You laugh.

Kate puts her hand on your thigh, looking at you with a wicked grin, “come on Y/N we've been here for seven hours already we deserve a little fun.”

You lick your lips, of course you wanted what she was offering but was it really a good idea?

Screw it.

You quickly undid your pants and took your cock out, Kate smiling as she starts slowly stroking you.

You lean over and kiss her, Kate feeling you getting harder in her hand.

“We're gonna get in so much trouble if we get caught,” you mutter into the kiss.

“It'll be worth it won't it?” She replies.

After making out for a bit you're fully hard, Kate pulling away from your lips and leaning down to take you in her mouth.

“Oh fuck Kate,” you groan, Kate bobbing her head.

You tangle your hand in her hair, tugging lightly making Kate moan.

She releases your cock for a moment, stroking you quickly and you rock your hips up into her touch.

She grips the base of your cock firmly, swirling her tongue around the tip before taking all of you in her mouth hitting the back of her throat.

“God yes,” you sigh.

Kate loved surprising you with blowjobs, you went down on her so often that she loved making you feel the same way.

Just the other day you ate her out for over three hours so why not return the favor while you were on a boring stakeout.

Your shirt is pushed up just enough for her to see your stomach is tightening signaling you were nearing your release.

Once again she frees you from her lips and begins rapidly jerking you off, your eyes screwing shut as you're about to cum.

She kisses your neck and whispers sweet nothings in your ear coaxing you into your orgasm.

You moan as you cum, shooting out onto the steering wheel, some of it landing on the floor as well.

You're smiling as you come down from your high, Kate slowing her hand while still kissing your neck.

“So much more fun than a stakeout right?” Kate chuckles.

“Very much so,” you laugh.

“Hey guys how it's going?” You suddenly hear Kamala ask over your comms.

“good- its going good,” you stutter, hastily stuffing your cock back in your pants afraid of her finding out what you were doing.

Kate grabs her binoculars and sees a van leaving the warehouse, “oh shit guys the move is happening.”

You fumble with the keys and turn the car on, grabbing the now sticky steering wheel and following the van.

Cassie and Kamala met up with you at the drop off site and you took possession of the warhead after kicking a lot of ass, your teammates none the wiser of what happened during your stakeout.

[0xstarzx0]

Don’t write it it stinks of toxic love

synopsis: Nate never found someone to love, Rafe was never loved and Y/N was never taken serious Maybe their entry into college will change their lives.

Frat Rafe x Reader x Frat Nate.

[English is not my native language❗️❗️] TW: toxic, smut, sex, penetration, fingering, non-con, manipulation , insult, fight, humiliation, misogynistic attitude. [PART1]

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

NATE 

The summer vacation had not been easy for Nathaniel Jacobs. Between the divorce of his parents, Cassie who was just stalking his and his going to college, nothing was right.

Two weeks before homecoming, he decided to go to Chris Mckay’s, he was happy that Mckay was still talking to him about what happened between him and Cassie.

They were in Mckay’s room playing a fighting game. They were focused in their game when Nate was talking. "Dude?". Mckay turned his head to look at him. "Yeah?" he said.

"How’s college, I mean is there a lot of hot chicks?" Mckay and Nate laugh, Nate laugh to hide his anxiety.

Nate wanted to leave, college was one of the best ways. What Nate was afraid of was not being number one. He was afraid that he would not be THE best football player. That he is not indispensable to his team.

"Nah, man, college is where you can fuck whoever you want, it’s not like high school, people don’t give a shit about who’s fucking who, as long as it’s not cheating." Mckay said.

"How do you get respect?" Nate asks. Mckay seems to think long." I had sex with the cheerleading captain and the opposing college captain. Nate opens his eyes wide. "Two cheerleaders but not the same team or the same college?"

"You’re gaining huge popularity and a huge repsect. You’re teammates will trust you after that." Mckay laughed." So if I understand correctly, a good fuck with a cheerleader captain is the deal?" asks Nate. "Got it all figured out, man. But one advice, close the door of your room when you’re inside."

Mckay’s expression changes, it becomes empty and hard. Filled with hate and sadness. Nate nods, and as he was about to speak the door opens. Drawing the attention of Nate and the latter.

"Chris, your aunt is here, comes to help her carry her boxes." said his mother. "Is she already there?" asked Chris sighing." Yes, she’s already here, with her daughter, so be nice and come now." Demands her mother.

Chris gets up and Nate follows him, they go outside where, his head car is parked. Chris hugs his aunt and takes boxes, Nate only says hello and helps her carry her boxes.

Nate poses where he needs to, he goes back out when he crosses a small head out of the bathroom.

Nate looks at the girl and he feels something, he doesn’t move me and she doesn’t either. He looks at the girl.

She is small, her hair is black braided, long eyelashes that put her brown hazelnut eyes in values , black skin but which shone thanks to the passage of the sunset in the long corridor. Nate begins to detail her body, she has beautiful boobs, a slim waist and beautiful hips that enhance her legs.

She’s wearing a Brazil jersey with black shorts, a cyclist? He doesn’t know, but anyway, this girl makes him feel what no other girl has ever made him feel not even Maddy.

"Y/N" says Chris enthusiastically. Y/N looks at Nate looking away at Chris. "Did you miss me?" she asks trotting towards him.

Chris laughs and hugs her. Nate remains in his thoughts for a short time.

______________________________________________

Nate learned a lot about Y/N. She’s her age, she likes to read, write and fine art, she doesn’t have a boyfriend and something that makes Nate want to have her, in two weeks, they’ll share the same campus.

They go to the same college, she looks so pure and kind, Nate intends to make sure that she lives only by him.

Nate falls in love every time she talks to him and that’s a big problem for our football star.

Especially when Y/N won’t just attract his attention.

______________________________________ [PART 2]

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.

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[ivysangel]

in an alternate universe partition was written about dick grayson because it's so him i just KNOWWW he'd do that shit!! with his cocky smile and everything 🤭

NONNIE NONNIE NONNIE !!!!!!! saw this ask half asleep while checking my notifs and had to force myself to get some rest instead of answering it bc i got SO excited even in my delirious half asleep state. obviously i'm listening to it rn while writing this, like NONNIE ??? i'm smiling, literally not joking i'm cheesin like a fucking loser. quick ro lore before we get into the GOOD stuff: massive beyoncé stan, MASSIVE partition stan !!!! massive music lover and pop culture fiend too like this might just be my favorite ask ever. anyway.

who said in an alternate universe bc it's definitely this one. i literally ghostwrote the song with dick grayson in mind err? like i do just wanna be the girl he likes (everybody point and laugh). like the song, aside from being about super hot sex, is about being so into your partner that you'll give everything to them, do anything for them, put all this effort into catching their eye as if you don't already have it. 'take all of me i just wanna be the girl you like' (cassie in euphoria s2 is that u?) IS SOOOOOOOOOOO REAL TO ME !!!!! like i would do anything for him. (side note, why am i listening to partition and hearing jay on the bg vocals? like am i going insane orrr)

(everything under the cut is just smut)

'he popped all my buttons and he ripped my blouse/he monica lewinski'd all on my gown' and 'took forty-five minute to get all dressed up and we ain't even gon' make it to this club' ??? oh exactly. you put all this effort into looking good for him, and unlke CASSIE in eufuckingphoria season 2, it works out for you oh my god it does. 'driver roll up the partition please/i don't need you seein' yoncé on her knees' bc...car sex. but you're not going to a club, no it's a wayne enterprises gala and you don't even get there until hours later because you're almost fully naked in the back seat getting dicked down by dick grayson !!

'handprints and footprints on my glass, handprints and good grips all on my ass' ugh real music literally real fucking music. you're straddling him as he manspreads, cock buried in you, and your fingernails are digging into the black leather seats. his ties been loosened, shirt opened, and there's red smudged on top of blooming hickeys. the glass is foggy, the only semi clear parts being your handprints from when the pleasure got overwhelming. 'now my mascara runnin', red lipstick smudged/oh, he so horny yeah, he want to fuck' like it's dick grayson, he'd fuck you into next week on a normal day so ofc he'd do it when you get all dolled up. ofc everyone's wondering when pretty boy grayson's gonna make an appearence in front of the flashing cameras. 'over there i swear, i saw them cameras flash' rolls down the partition just a smidge, to tell the driver to park somewhere private so you're not caught in an extremely compromising position. not that he really cares, everyone already knows he gets play anyways, it's more about your comfortability. tits out and pussy facing the world, on the cover of tmz and shit bc he got just a bit too cocky. no never that.

'cheauffer eavesdroppin' tryin' not to crash' you and the driver both end up getting a tip that night. he's sorry, he really is. but he just couldn't resist you, not when you were dressed like that. your intention was to have amazing mind blowing sex with dick that night but not in the back of a moving car. 'driver roll up the partition, please/i don't need you seein' yoncé on her knees' bc it was just supposed to be some quick head and now his pants are ruined, your dress is torn, hair messed up on both ends, and the amount of hickeys between the both of you is concerning.

you'd do it all again tho, and he knows you would. shit, he would too !!! and that's so evident in the way he teases you for the next few weeks about it. asking if he should take the dress to the dry cleaners knowing it looks like you'd been in a fight, suggesting you wear the lipstick shade from that night, asking if you need a cheauffer anytime you have to go anywhere, and giving you knowing looks everytime someone asks why you guys showed up at the gala over an hour late. "wardrobe malfunction and car trouble." he says with a smile. it looks normal to whoever you're talking to but you know it holds a level of cockiness that is so completely unfathomable, a level of cockiness he only gets when he fucks you.

(got a little carried away nonnie my b. ughh how i love a good lyrical breakdown, even out of order lol. seriously, this made my day. literally woke up and got straight to it. did not proofread this bc i...just woke up lmao)

[bambi-slxt]

🤍𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 ~ 𝐩𝐭. 𝐭𝐰𝐨🤍

𝕔𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕠𝕝𝕠 𝕩 𝕗𝕖𝕞!𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣

previously titled Talk Dirty

word count: 1.5k

genres/tropes: romance, dealer!chris, sturniolo au, slow burn, strangers to friends to lovers

teaser: here

pt. one: here

warnings: drug usage, alcohol consumption, guns mentioned and used (non-sexual context), smut, mature themes and topics

notes from bambi: this is a multi-part series, and updates will be sporadic.

Cassandra's POV:

I smacked my hand over my gaping jaw. Oh my god, I took a patron to the bathroom and practically ripped his shirt off. I’m going to lose my job for sure now.

Christopher reached gently for my arm, shushing the apologies that once again began to flood my lips. “Easy,” He closed my hand between both of his and looked me in my teary eyes. “None of that. Your intentions were pure, I’m certain of it.”

I nodded, ripping my gaze away as the tears slipped down my cheeks. “I really fucked this up. I’m so sorry.” I swiped furiously at my traitorous eyes before noticing the…oh FUCK- “Your shirt!” It was soaked. What the fuck is he supposed to wear now?

Christopher sighed, and then many things happened all at once. He took both of my wrists, gathered them into one hand, pulled my arms above my head, and pressed me up against the cold marble tile in one fluid, lightning-quick motion. “Please remain calm.”

As his nose hovered inches above mine, there’s no way he could have missed my heaving chest, darting eyes, and parted lips. The absurdity of the whole situation struck me like an oncoming semi-truck and I let out a most unlady-like snort. His mouth twitched. It’s contagious.

I couldn’t help it–I broke loose into a laugh. He let go of my arms and joined my witch-like cackling with guffaws of his own. My chest began to ache as I swallowed breath after breath just to giggle them back out, and those soon turned akin to a howl of paradoxical laughter.

Christopher braced himself against the countertop, shaking his head with that smile. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have…I’m sorry.”

“No, I am, I really needed to…yeah.”

He pulled himself onto the counter, long legs whispering over the cold floor even as they hung there. “We’ve got to stop meeting like this.” Christopher gestured to the empty bathroom.

“People will talk,” I replied. Pulling his dripping shirt from the sink, I gave it a once over and hung it over one of the stall doors. In the dim blue light, it looked almost stainless. 

“You’re funny, Miss Cassie.”

“Thank you…Mr. Christopher.” I flashed my eyes to him to see his reaction. A small smile. Not bad.

“What were you guys celebrating? With the champagne?”

Christopher leaned against the mirrored wall above the sinks and counter.

Christopher's POV:

I paused and wondered how much information I wanted to reveal to her. “A good week at work,” I settled on, hoping that would satisfy her. It seemed to. Cassandra nodded and hiked a leg up onto the counter, bending at the knee, twisting at the hip, and somehow contorting herself into–“That can’t be comfortable?”

She snickered. “It is. You can’t do this?”

“To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what it is I’m looking at.”

“It’s just, like…tucking one leg up under you to sit on, except I’m not sitting on it.”

“Somehow that makes less sense.”

Cassandra giggled again and something moved inside my chest. “Maybe you’re just not as…I don’t know, blessed as me.”

Oh I’m plenty blessed, Miss Cassie. I blinked. What the fuck? Calm down. “I’ll have to take your word for it.” I looked around for a moment. “I don’t suppose I meet the dress code anymore, do I?”

She looked at my shirtlessness and smiled sheepishly. “Negatory.”

“Looks like I’m stuck with you here then.”

Cassandra's POV:

I opened my mouth to respond, but at that moment my walkie tinged in my ear. “Cassandra, you have another party in Room 2!”

“Sorry, my–they need me to–shit, um–”

“Cassandra,” Christopher said quietly, interlocking his arms in front of his chest while another smile graced his features. “It’s okay. Go.”

“I’m sorry. Thank you.”

“It was good to meet you,” he said.

I grinned in spite of myself, turning and making my way out of the bathroom. “You too, Christopher.”

Christopher's POV:

I watched her leave in the mirror reflection. That has to be the most wholesome interaction I���ve had with a stranger in years. 

My phone vibrated and I tugged it out of my pocket, turning the screen towards me.

Matthew: That guy was just another drunk. What do you want security to do with him?

My brow furrowed into lines as I typed my response and pressed Send. I waited a moment for him to read it, and when he did, I considered the job done. Matthew had always been that way–steady, reliable, loyal to a fault. Nicolas carried the hot streak in the family, and probably the most Italian blood of us all. Though the oldest, Nicolas never felt the confidence in leadership that proved necessary to succeed in the line of work we engaged in. Matthew, on the other hand, lacked the social skills. All of us could be prickly, but they knew who took point in the important things. 

I hadn’t lied–we did come out tonight to celebrate. The elimination of competing products and markets is always cause for a party, in my opinion.

The door to the bathroom opened and a woman in a sparkly dress made her way inside. “Oh my,” she said at the sight of me.

“Sorry. Wine spill.” I indicated the button down drying on a stall door. 

“I’m so sorry,” she murmured. Her eyes glazed over me, and my pants tightened. “I'm not the one who spilled on you but…” She stepped toward me, her heels clicking in response. “I could make it up to you anyway.”

I glanced at my phone to check the time, and at that moment, her hand traveled up the outside of my thigh.

Matthew can handle himself, I thought, and pulled her body into mine.

Cassandra's POV:

As the days passed, I found myself mulling over the events of my strange first night at the club. Christopher, his brothers and their friends (business associates?), the conversation in the bathroom, the incident where he held me up against the tile–I thought about it all.

A week came and went before I saw Christopher back at the VIP section, though it only took 24 hours for me to hear his name mentioned.

“Do you know what they're gonna do about the door?” my co-worker asked as I waited on the computer to load so I could clock in. “No clue. They said it may have to come out of my check.”

“Um. What?” She scrunched her face. “That’s fucked.”

“I know,” I said with a sigh, tapping my employee number on the screen. “But it is what it is, I guess.”

She shook her head. “Absolutely not. Hold on.”

My eyes widened watching her march to the back office. I'm cooked.

The wink she gave me afterward did little to clear things up. The club lit up with energy shortly after, and in my hurry to carry drinks, I didn't get a chance to ask her how her impromptu meeting with our manager went. Although, as it turned out, I didn't have to–he called me into the office himself.

“Do you remember the name of the man you spoke to before the door shattered?”

“Yes sir,” I said, “Christopher.”

“I see.” He leaned toward his computer screen and seemed to scour the contents displayed on it. “Says here, ‘Please accept our donation of twelve thousand dollars to be used toward the repair of one floor-to-ceiling glass door. Should there be overflow, please tip the remainder to Miss Cassandra, who kept us safe and comfortable. Signed, Christopher Sturniolo at Sturniolo LLC’. Whatever you did,” he said, leaning back in his chair with an air of pride, “Did us a lot of good.”

I smiled warily, unsure what this could mean for me. “Thank you..?”

“I appreciate your work, Cassandra. Keep it up. I’ll have your tip tonight after last call.” He went back to his computer, and I took that as my sign that I was dismissed. Pins and needles throttled through my midsection. How much money did I just get? Is this really happening? All the commotion of the club did little to drown out the torrential downpour of my thoughts, falling like rain–quick and formless upon impact.

After the last round of shots splashed into their weary glasses, I took my weary feet back to the office. 

“Cash or check?” my manager asked.

“Ch-check please,” I stammered. 

After a moment of scribbling, and a half-second to look it over, he handed the pale yellow slip across his desk into my hand. “I’ve got a copy just in case something goes wrong.”

“Thank you sir,” I breathed, holding the enormous sum in hand. “Thank you so much.”

“Don't thank me,” he waved absently, “Thank your Christopher Sturniolo.”

I hurried out of the office without another word, check clutched close to my chest. I couldn’t look at it for hours–ridiculous, I know. But the looking made it real.

Once I arrived home, I locked my door with fumbling hands, strode to my bedroom and tossed my bag on the mattress. Just deposit the damn thing. It’s not gonna bite you for god's sakes.

With an apprehensive sigh, I opened my wallet where I’d stuffed it earlier and out came the yellow slip, equal parts daunting and why am I afraid of a piece of paper?

request to be on the taglist here

pt. three: here

thank you for reading!

- bambi <3

[hanihazeljade]

Three Pasts

The Waynes +Tim had Christmas. And some other welcome and unwelcome guests.

(HHJ: Hi guys! After this one update I might afraid that my next update will be so long after this one, because my professors decide that their happiness is their student's suffering. I am drowning with a bunch of reports to do, so just giving you a heads up!)

Tim knows that he had to go back, after with a bunch of messages pinging his phone and tonight is Christmas Eve. Tim doesn’t want to even celebrate this forsaken holiday, as he doesn’t have any experiences on how to celebrate it. 

But he has no choice as Tam is going to celebrate with her family and Tim doesn’t want to put more burden than he already had. 

So, at noon, he picked himself and said goodbye to Tam and travelled back to the curse house of the Waynes. He quietly enters the house and hopes that nobody could see him tiptoeing around as if he snuck out last night and failed to come home late at night. 

But of course, Cass found him doing stupid shit in his life. She has an expression on her face that could only be translated that she is not amused at whatever Tim pulled. Tim looked at her and awkwardly smiled, “Hey, Cassie.” Tim used his annoying voice, hoping for some reaction out of Cass, but nada.

“You left.” Cass signed and Tim knows he fucked up. Cass was more on using broken English as she was more comfortable using it and she just used signs when she is incredibly high of emotions, A.K.A when she is mad.

Tim just gave her a pout, hoping to soften her, “I know, I left a little bit hastily yesterday. But I was pissed, you know? Why do I get called a whore when they probably have laid more people than I have?” he justified himself, he knows it is a little bit immature but Tim is a petty little shit.

“Made me worried. What if you didn’t come back?” Cass signed a little too fast but Tim still understood it, after all, Cass’ eyes showed so much hurt and desperation. When he left, Tim did not give anyone anything to prove of his life except for those postcards that he kept sending until Tim was caught in the flesh by Cass.

Tim hugged his sister tight, “And not attend your wedding? Not in this life.” And he can feel Cass relaxed a little bit.

“Was really scared. Couldn’t find you. Felt miserable, useless.” Cass stuttered. And Tim just cradled her sister, understanding that his sister doesn’t like being incompetent.

Tim dragged Cass to the nearest couch, “Come on, let's take a nap before tonight.” Tim said as he fell down to the couch with Cass in tow.

Cass squirmed a little until she got a comfy spot. “Dad wants everyone to celebrate Christmas. Be here, okay?” she mumbled as she was slowly giving in to sleep.

“Just for you, Cass.”

+++++

Christmas eve is not that eventful, thank goodness. They just made gingerbread houses— which Tim wants to brag to Tam that he has the best gingerbread house, thank you very much— they ate dinner, with it can be considered a feast and Tim just stick to three foods that he very much missed to eat, Alfred’s carbonara, chicken pot pie and coffee jelly, and then of course, the gift giving. 

He gave everyone a knitter sweater with their symbols, and no Tim did not knit everyone’s sweater, he just made a custom order and the only sweater he hand knit is Cass’. Everyone seems fine with his gift and he starts to open his gifts. Alfred made him a red scarf, Bruce gave him camera lens –which he already has, but it doesn’t hurt having an extra one— Richard gave him a  ticket to Paris Olympics— no, Tim is not interested on going — Jason book about photography –which he doesn’t need, he had a degree— Damian gave him a painting of him, sitting on settee— Tim looks good in the painting, not gonna lie— Cass gave him an obnoxious yellow sleeve dress shirt with black pants — Tim is still laughing— Steph gave him a buttplug but Tim quickly hid it from the eyes of Alfred when he gave Stephanie the finger.

But nevertheless, nothing went awry as Christmas celebration was always done after the clock hit twelve, as the Waynes still needed to do their patrol. And Tim just waved goodbye and helped Alfred clean the mess they made.

And that’s how Christmas Eve went for him.

How does the Christmas Eve look so tame to him because the night after Christmas, Bruce apparently throws a Christmas Party for everyone in the caped community and their closed friends instead of going to the Christmas Gala for Gotham socialites.

And Tim is fucked. He doesn’t want to meet those bastards, he planned on sneaking to hang out with Tam but Tam is also invited together with her family. So, Tim is basically trapped and nowhere to escape and Cass would probably not gonna let him go.

So, here he was, sneaking to the food table to get some wine, because he is in desperate need of alcohol in his body to get through to this bloody Christmas Party that was hosted by Bruce and apparently it was a tradition for the past 5 years. And Tim doesn’t know that, he was gone for seven years!

Tim doesn’t expect anyone to know who the fuck he is. After all, he put on his best red dress, as it was per rule that one must wear a red or green, the Dior 1999 Collection , the red knit dress with mink fur collar and buttons. One of Tim’s favourites and he made sure to go bold or go home. He styled his shoulder-length hair in curls and had two braids that held his hair. And his face, he can be the new Madame Red. Red eyeshadow, red lipstick and red blush. He is the new Red Queen. 

But Tim doesn’t expect to be hugged by a speedster that worms his way to his cold, stone heart. It was Bartholomew Henry Allen II. One of his best friends, that he was kind of sad to leave. If  Tim just decides to be a man and reconnects with them but he chooses the godforsaken company of Bruce and he regrets it.

“TIM! I miss you so much!” Bart said as he continued to hug him so tight and Tim just let the negative year old kid to hug him. He kind of missed the feeling of Bart’s hugs now. 

“Hey, Bart. I miss you too.” Tim softly said as he gently patted Bart’s fluffy hair. 

Bart looks at him and has a pout, and Tim could not do anything but coo at such an adorable face, “Why did you not call me?”

Tim smiled a little, “I kind of have to give up my phone to go off the grid, you know?”

“But you memorised my number, email, and even Wally’s phone number!” Bart tightened his hug, seeing Tim was lying to him.

“I maybe just forgot.” Tim said sadly and Bart finally let it go. He let Tim go and dragged Tim to the sweets on the table, and they started catching up. Bart was finally a hero like his grandfather, and also finished school and has an identity as Wally’s little brother.

“Are you coming back to the cape scene?” Bart said after swallowing a huge marshmallow that was covered in chocolate. And Tim answered in a quick speed.

“Nope! Absolutely not!”

Bart grimaced, “That was a bit quick, don’t you think?”

“I don’t have to think about going back to the phase of my life that made me miserable, Bart. Some things are the best to be forgotten and never look back on.” Tim smiled and Bart finally got the hint that Tim will never be back on taking a mantle ever again.

++++++++

“Tim?”

Tim stopped his strut after hearing the voice that he rather not want to hear again, he looked at the man and straightfaced said, “It’s Timothy. Timothy Jackson Drake. Just in case you misnamed it in your head, Mr. Kent.”

“It’s been so long and you look different.” Clark said, probably hoping for some small talk, but Timothy rather did not talk to this man, he may have healed himself but he also was a petty man.

“You too. You look…” Timothy’s eyes scanned Clark from the top of his head to the bottom of his shoes, degradingly, “...old.” and then Timothy smiled, empathetically(degrading).

Clark chuckled, not sensing Tim’s hatred to be in his vicinity, “Well I am nearing sixty, ageing and all of that.”

“Kind of treating yourself poorly, don’t you?” Tim smiled so sweetly yet his eyes were full of venom, “Wrinkles, spots, dullness… poor you, Clark.” Tim pointed out all of the signs of ageing in Clark and having so much fun seeing a little awkwardness on Clark’s face.

“I am fine with —”

“Oh, I am quite busy as I need to come back to Tam before she throws a tantrum.” Tim cut Clark’s sentence as his patience is already thin enough to be rude and disrespectful to Superman.

Clark seemed like still hadn't gotten the memo and kept on questioning Tim, “Are you and Tam?” Clark asked, seemingly having not touched the internet to find out that Tim and Tam are nothing but friends.

“Haven’t you heard from Vicki Vale yet?”

“A reporter yet so damn ignorant. Shouldn’t you be more informed on who is in the party? It is kind of your thing.”

++++++++

Timothy finally got the time for himself as he escaped to the crowded ballroom where the Christmas party was hosted and Tim finally got a chance to escape by the veranda. He is glad he took a bottle of champagne and a bowl of crackers, as he got the serene scene of Bristol and the nice bite of Gotham’s winter.

Timothy was about to close his eyes as he made his mind to sleep in the cold veranda, when the doors toward it opened, revealing Superboy I, Conner ‘Kon-El’ Kent. A man that he trusts, and the man who throws him out.

Tim decided to end the awkward staring contest when he greeted Conner, “Conner! It has been so long.”

Conner looks where the voice that he hasn't heard for seven years comes from and he doesn’t expect a Timothy Jackson Drake in front of him. Tim changed, the light from the chandeliers gave Tim’s red undertone to shine with blood moon earrings and red pearl necklace. Tim is wearing a red fur dress and has a wool crepe scarf. And Tim also put on some bold red eyeshadow and lipstick on his face.

“Tim, you look stunning.” Conner said without thinking, “But aren’t you a little bit too red?”

Tim looked at his clothes, “It’s Christmas and the only dress that I have in something red like the theme is this, Dior, 1999 Collection. One of my favourites actually. It’s vintage, it’s on trend.” Tim smiled and then gasped, “Do not tell me that you are still not on trend, Conner? That is very shameful.”

“I just don’t like following the flow.”

“And yet you did, to keep the peace. Right?” Tim smiled, remembering the last conversation he had with Conner before going off the grid.

Conner's face was contorted in grimace, guilt on his eyes were finally showing. “I am sorry—”

“I don’t need your apology, Conner. I already forgave you, so, so, so long ago.” Tim said and patted Conner’s back with his gloved hand. “But I don’t forget, I am not as naive as I was once.” and with that Timothy left Conner alone.

[storiesofmyhead]

Pogues - A Rafe Cameron Story

Summary: Rafe and Cassiopia have always had a complicated relationship. A big age gap of 3 years starting at age 16 and 19, Rafe constantly hurting her friends, and in the end her. But hurting he was never what he wanted to do, all he wanted to do was protect her. Put yourself in Cassi's shoes as you live through 4 seasons of The Outer Banks and a rough relationship with the one and only Rafe Cameron.

Also find on Wattpad! @CloveMadden

Season 1

Episode 1, Episode 2

Word count: 1541

"We're the pogues. And our mission this summer is to have a good time, all the time.'

Sitting on the top of a vacant house, John B - a longtime friend of hers - was playing with fate as he balanced next to her, a beer is his hand.

"That's what a- three-story fall to the deck?" Pope said sarcastically. "I'd give you about a one in three chance of survival." He squinted looking up into the sun.

"Hm," John B licks his finger before lifting it up to the sky. "Show I do it?" He jokingly asks.

"Ya, you should jump." Pope answers, holding his drill up to the sky towards John B like a gun. "I'll shoot you on the way down."

"You gonna shoot me." John B plays along holding his finger up like a gun, playfully shotting down at Pope.

"Yep."

Shaking her head, Cassiopia looks down hearing Kie's footsteps come out of the house. "They're gonna have Japanese toilets with towel warmers." She throws her hands up, annoyed at the insensitivity towards the sea creatures and sea life.

"Of course, they are why wouldn't they?" Pope says as if it's the most obvious thing.

"Used to be a turtle habitat but, who cares about the turtles, I guess." She rolls her eyes, walking out onto the dec. More annoyed than she was before.

"I can't have cold towels." JJ jokes as Kie looks up at the three.

"Can you please not kill yourself?" Kie asks sarcastically, squinting her eyes up at him as Cassiopia, or Cass/Cassi for short, laughed at his antics.

"Don't you drop that beer," JJ threatens. "I'm not giving you another one."

Though despite JJ's threat, John B still managed to drop it not even 30 seconds after the warning, whining as he watches it smash on the ground, Casi slapping his leg, "You idiot," as she laughs shaking her head.

"Of course you did. Like right when I said." JJ shakes his head in disbelief as John B dramatically mourns his lost drink.

"Casi! Casi, where the fuck are you!" a familiar voice yelled from behind the house, near the road.

Rolling her eyes she stands, balancing her way to the other side of the house where none other than Rafe Camerom stood. His tongue pushing his cheek out, a clear sign of his annoyance, as he scowled his eyes searching the house.

All the pogues go silent, watching as Cassi slides down the roof until she was invisible, hidden by the other side of house.

Rafe's eyes widen, his body moving towards the house at a quick pace as he watches her climb down the house. "What the fuck are you doing up there?" He scolds. "That's so fucking dangerous. What were you thinking? You could've gotten hurt." His hands grab at her waist lifting her up away from the side of the house until she was safely on the ground.

"I'm fine, Rafe." She breaths out, annoyed at his concern. Well, it wasn't his concern she was annoyed about. She loved that he cared for her and knew he only wanted her to be safe, but sometimes he was a little overprotective. But it was everything she did that concerned him, he was always annoyed when he found her hanging out with the pogues doing some stupid or dangerous shit. And it wasn't just the fact that she was hanging out with the pogues, it was the fact that she wasn't hanging out with him and maybe because she picked the pogues over him.

"How many times have I told you, not to go some stupid shit with those pogues," he spit, saying the word pogue as if it was venom.

"Those pogues, are my friends." She scowled at him, now re-thinking her plans with him.

Huffing, he throws his head back running his fingers through his hair. "Ok. I'm sorry." He says looking back down at the girl in front of him. Her lips out in a pout, her arms crossed as she avoids eye contact.

"Baby-" His eyes catching the on-looking eyes and ears of the pogue's that try to catch their conversation. "Cassi, I'm sorry. Ok? I didn't mean to hurt you; I was just worried." He watches her eyes move from the ground up to him, before glancing back at her friend that try to eavesdrop.

"I forgive you. I know you just want what's best for me." She smiles up at him, his eyes showing true compassion and love as he gives her a small smile back.

"I wish I could kiss you right now. Just to show you how much I love you." He slightly shakes his head, breathing out, his eyes fluttering.

Giggling she grabs his hand and pulls him towards his truck that waits for them parked on the side of the road. Shaking his head, he allows her to pull him as they reach the passenger seat. Opening the door for her, he waits until she sat comfortably in the seat before closing the door and walking to the other side.

'And that's my friend, Cassi. Well, her real name's Cassiopia but we call her Cass or Cassi for short. She's a pogue through and through, but she has this weird relationship with the Camerons. After her dad died, I guess they took her in for a while until her mom came back and then she went back to full pogue. But no matter what Rafe Cameron never left her and refused to believe that she was even a 'dirty pogue' as he likes to call it. Don't really know their deal, but they're close. And ya. That's my crew.'

Gasping, Cassi shoots up breathing heavily now awake thanks to the loud thunder and rain that hit the house. Moaning softly Rafe sits up next to her, his arms wrapping around her waist and his head falling on her shoulder as he digs it into the junction between her neck and shoulder. Placing soft kisses down her neck and collarbone he asks, "What's wrong baby?"

"Nothing," She mutters, slightly shaking her head. "Just the thunder. It's loud. Go back to sleep."

"I can't sleep knowing that you're awake." He mutters, placing a kiss on her lips. "C'mere." He opens his arms pulling her on top of him. "I'll keep you safe, I won't let anything hurt you. I promise." He says placing one more kiss on her head as his hand covers the ear that isn't laying on his chest.

Listening to his heartbeat and his soft breaths, she allows it to lull her back to sleep. The raging storm outside long forgotten.

Moaning, Cassi turns over in the bed to lay on her stomach, pushing her head deeper into the pillow. Trying to block the bright light beams that had tried to wake her up in the first place.

"Cassi, stop moving." She hears Rafe groan from beside her. the arm that once held her close to his side, now laid under her. his grip tight as he rolls her on top of him as if she weighs nothing, which to him, she didn't.

"Mmm, Rafe." She hums, placing kisses on his bare chest moving up to his neck and jaw.

Eyes fluttering open, he smirks at her lifting his hand up to grip her chin and connect their lips. "My pretty girl." He says the rasp in his voice signaling that he just woke up.

Giggling softly, she places a few more kisses on his lips, sitting up to now straddle his hips. He reaches up to push her messy hair behind her ears, smiling tiredly up at her. "You're so fucking pretty. Oh, the things I want to do to you."

Bitting her lips she runs her hands up and down his torso, tracing his abs. His own hands falling to lay comfortably on her hips. "Ya? What do you want to do to me? Hm?"

"Oh," he chuckles, pulling her hips harder into his. "You feel that baby? Feel what you do to me?" He pouts, his bottom lip jutted out.

Leaning down she places another kiss on his lips before they’re interrupted by Rafe’s voice calling up the stairs.

“Sarah!” 

Groaning Rafe rolls his eyes, Cassi swinging her leg up and off of him, jumping off the bed. “No, baby~ Come back~” He whines, his hands reaching out to her.

“You're such a baby.” She giggles, opening his closet and grabbing one of his shirts out of it. 

Turning around she watched him sit up, placing a pillow on his lap, his eyes looking her up and down. The sight of her only wearing a pair of spandex and his shirt that stopped just above her knees, left barely anything to the imagination. 

"Are you hungry? I can makeeeee~" She drawls out as she tries to think of something, since the power was still out.

"Can I have you." His eyebrows lift up, his lips pulling up into a smirk.

Rolling her eyes, "How about yogurt and fruit." She sends him a smile.

"Ok." He smiles back. "I'll be right down."

"Got it." She answers happily before walking out of the room and down the stairs.

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@carolina6677

[justagalwhowrites]

Lavender - Ch. 20

Life in the QZ gets worse and you're called outside the walls again. A continuation of Lavender Ch. 1-19 found on Tumblr here.

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader (broken up), Tommy Miller x Reader

Warnings: Mild smut, talk of extreme police action, description of injuries. No use of Y/N. Minors, DNI 18+ only

Length: 6.5k

Saturday, June 11, 2011 - One Year Later 

“I can only keep them off your back so long,” Elias was all but stalking you into an operating room as you made sure your hair was tucked below your scrub cap. “At some point…” 

“I’m not asking for you to keep them off my back,” you said, pausing at the door to go scrub in. “Don’t need to lie, don’t need make up an excuse. Tell them I think they’re fascists and that I’m not going to prop up their dystopian police state.” 

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, looking exhausted. 

“They’re going to do it with or without you there,” he said. “This isn’t the hill you want to die on…” 

“I think it’s exactly the hill to fucking die on, actually,” you snapped. 

“And if they decide to execute you, too?” He demanded. “What then?” 

“Sounds like you’ll need to find someone to fill in for me on Saturdays,” you shrugged. He glared at you. “Can I go do this hernia repair now or are you going to keep trying to get me to be a tool in the continued downfall of humanity?” 

“Sometimes we can’t solve everything ourselves,” he said. “Sometimes we have to go along with awful things because we can do more good if we survive it.” 

You sighed. 

“They don’t know shit about medicine, right?” You said. He nodded once. “Great. Tell them you really just can’t spare me because I’m the only one who can do some stupid common surgical procedure so you need me here when I’m on duty. Because it’s just raining appendicitis here in the QZ. I imagine that will satisfy them and they can figure out how to check the pulse of someone they’ve hanged themselves without dragging me into it…” 

“Might work,” he sighed. 

“None of us should be a part of this,” you said. “Not just me. None of us should. It goes against our oath and even if it didn’t, it’s cruel and wrong.” 

“I agree,” he said. “But imagine how many people would die if they executed the entire clinic for insubordination. Oaths are complicated things. Sometimes, we have to look beyond just ourselves and consider what’s best for the whole.” 

“What’s best for the whole is FEDRA not executing people who have broken curfew one too many times because suddenly they’re dissidents,” you replied and then you sighed. “I do need to actually operate, I’ve got another hernia repair after this one… I’m sorry you’re stuck dealing with this shit. If you can keep me out of it while letting me keep my head, I’d appreciate it.” 

“Just… try not to call any of the guards fascist to their face, alright?” He said. “I’d rather you not end up shot in the street.” 

“I’ll do my best.” 

You went in to scrub and ground your teeth. Things had been steadily going down hill with FEDRA for the last six months. 

Patrols had increased drastically. They instituted a curfew about 10 months back that people didn’t take seriously at first - especially not the speakeasy crowd. Being home by midnight seemed outrageous. 

Then the executions started. 

They waited a few months before they started killing people. Gave people citations. Warned them that they’d be seen as conspirators with the Fireflies, the militarized resistance to FEDRA. From what you’d heard on your regular visits to the radio - you were still hoping against hope to find Cassie one day, though you were far less certain of her survival than you’d ever been of Joel and Tommy’s - that the fireflies were gaining strength across all the other QZs. People were angry that things weren’t getting better. You didn’t blame them. 

The first sign you had that you, specifically, needed to worry about getting roped in was when Andrew showed up to your apartment one evening, looking distraught. 

“Hey,” you frowned, pulling him inside. You led him to your couch and he sat down, almost in a daze. “What’s going on?” 

“Guards just came by, they took Jess, said they needed her, they’re doing something outside the walls, I don’t know what they need her for out there, it doesn’t make sense,” his voice cracked. “I don’t know what they need her for, what if something happens? She’s never been out there, she’s from Boston, she came right here, what if…” 

You pulled him into a hug, his arms going around your waist, his head buried in your stomach and he let out a choking sob. 

“It’s OK,” you ran your fingers through his hair. “It’ll be OK, they’ll look out for her. She’s going to be OK.” 

He spent the night that night, you sandwiched between him and Tommy (“This is weird, right?” Tommy said. “I mean, I’m fine with it, I just want to know that I’m not crazy.” “It’s weird,” you and Andrew said together.) Jess came back the next day, shaken but otherwise OK. It was the first of numerous trips for her outside the walls of the QZ. They were trying to use her to justify increased militarized presence through psychology, how that would help keep raiders under control. They were trying to prove their own worth. It was only a matter of time before they started roping in medical staff and teachers, too. 

Meanwhile, the Fireflies were getting more outspoken, more vocal and more violent. The tighter FEDRA seemed to squeeze, the more people wanted to back the Fireflies. It was so incredibly stupid on FEDRA’s part it took all you had to not walk off both your jobs. The only thing that kept you going was the fact that it was the best way you could help people. There were no schools or clinics that weren’t run by FEDRA. If you wanted to teach, if you wanted to heal, there were no other options. 

And you could use your connections to keep Tommy, Joel and Tess safe. 

They were still making their smuggling runs. You tried talking Tommy out of it every time he was about to leave for another one, all but begging him to stay with you instead of going out again.

“What, and leave Tess and Joel without all my skills to back them up?” He kissed your forehead. “C’mon. I’m basically the only reason they’re still alive, Sweetheart. Can’t let them go it alone.” 

So you kept them stocked in trauma supplies, stealing things from work with even greater regularity. Tommy kept showing up at your door battered and bruised. You’d taken to keeping a suture kit at your house, regularly needing to stitch his wounds closed. 

“I really fucking hate this,” you said one night, stitching a knife wound to his shoulder closed as you sat behind him on your bed. 

“Sweetheart,” he sighed. 

“No, I mean it,” you said. “I really hate it. I really hate seeing you hurt, I really hate patching you up, I really hate that you feel like you have to do this. I really fucking hate it, Tommy, and I wish you’d stop going out there.” 

You tied off the suture and got the kit cleaned up, stashing what was unused and still sterile back in your abused at home supply kit. 

“Hey,” he took your hand and pulled you between his legs, looking up at you. “I’m not goin’ out there for nothing…” 

“You’re going out there for ration cards,” you snapped. “Which is damn near nothing.” 

“Goin’ out there for shit we can’t get here,” he said, untying your robe and unwrapping you slowly, like you were a gift. He pressed his lips to your bare stomach, kissing up your body to your breastbone. “Some of it is important shit. And I have to try to keep Joel and Tess safe. I’m not tryin’ to get hurt, I’m really not tryin’ to hurt you. I’m doing it because it’s important and it’s the only damn way I got to do something important in this fuckin’ place.” 

“You’re important to me,” you said quietly, running your fingers through his hair. “Be important that way.”

“And you’re important to me,” he kissed your chest again. “But would you listen if I asked you to stop working at the clinic?” 

“I’m not risking my life at the clinic.” 

“You’ve got your brain to offer,” he half smiled up at you. “I’m a soldier. All I’ve got’s my body, so I’m usin’ it.” He tugged you closer. “Hopin’ you’ll let me.” 

You sighed, straddling him, kissing him, your arms draped carefully over his shoulders so as to not disturb his fresh sutures. 

“Really don’t encourage a lot of physical activity so soon after a medical procedure,” you said as he slid your robe to the floor and trailed his lips down your throat. “Should probably make you wait…” 

“Swear to God I’ll lose my mind if you don’t let me inside you,” he growled and you laughed. He took the opportunity to pick you up and lay you down with a surprised shriek. 

“And you really shouldn’t be doing that,” you said between kisses. “You’re going to rip your stitches out!” 

“Worth it.” 

He quickly pulled off his pants and thrust into you, making you gasp and moan. “Fuck, Sweetheart, Goddamn,” he groaned. “How do you always feel this fuckin’ good?” 

You ground your hips into him and he pressed his lips to the hollow of your throat with a delicious moan, starting to work himself in and out of you. He knew just how you liked to be fucked now, knew all the places inside you to find, how to work your clit, touch your skin, suck your nipples into his mouth. He pulled you tight and close to him as his pace increased and your orgasm built and you fell apart together, gasping for breath as he lay on top of you. You lifted your head just enough to see his sutures before collapsing back down into bed. 

“You got fucking lucky, Miller,” you panted. “Because I’d never fuck you again if you made me redo those stitches.” 

“I’d seduce you eventually,” he said, kissing your shoulder and sliding out of you. You rolled your eyes. “Only took me 10 years the first time…” 

Your relationship with Tommy had been one of the few, surprising bright spots in the last year. It was oddly easy, being with him. There wasn’t much about him that wasn’t easy. He was sweet, he was fun. It was what you’d imagined a relationship to be like in college before you’d started dating Joel. With Joel, it had been heady and intense from the beginning. You’d been head over heels for him from the start. There was no other option, it was all in or nothing and nothing didn’t feel like it was on the table. 

Tommy was the opposite. But that was, in part, because you couldn’t seem to actually fall for him. Even when you tried. Even when you focused on it. 

It didn’t seem to matter what he did. He took you dancing at the Speakeasy. He brought you bottles of wine from outside the QZ. He got you a small TV/VCR combo from the underground market and a copy of You’ve Got Mail on VHS. You were almost giddy with it while trying to tell him it was way too much. 

“Nah, I had to,” he smiled. “Found the tape when we were outside, knew how much you loved that movie. Then I just had to make sure you could actually watch the damn thing.” 

Tommy was probably a damn near perfect boyfriend. He just… wasn’t Joel. 

It didn’t matter that you hadn’t seen him - not even in passing - since the conversation near the clinic. Tommy always came to your place. You always dealt with him or Tess when it came to resupplying their medical stash. He had done a thorough job of making sure you never saw each other. 

And it didn’t make a damn difference. 

There was a second every morning Tommy spent the night where you thought you were waking up next to his brother. It was one moment - a sweet, if brief, moment - where everything felt right. It was one of your favorite moments of the day, the second there your mind tricked yourself that you were still with the person you loved most. And then came the letdown followed by the shame of it. 

“What the fuck is my problem?” You asked Andrew one afternoon as you worked in your lab. “Why can’t I get the fuck over him? Tommy… he’s basically perfect, why can’t I just love him? Why do I have to want the person who doesn’t want me back? And at what point do I fucking tell Tommy ‘hey, I know you’ve basically done nothing but be the best boyfriend a girl could ask for for the past almost year but I’m still in love with your brother who, as it happens, is kind of a dick.’”

“The heart wants what the heart wants, I guess,” Andrew shrugged. “I can’t imagine loving anyone but Jess. You could drop Halle Berry in front of me, make her love all the same shit I do and I’d still want Jess. Just how it works sometimes.” 

“This is such a fucking mess,” you groaned. 

“He said he understood what he was getting into,” he shrugged again. “So, if I were you, I’d keep it to myself until he drops the L-word on you. Then you’ll have to come clean. But, until then, I think you’re in the clear.” 

“Why am I this stupid?” You asked. “Seriously. I’m not this stupid with anything else, how was I this fucking stupid?” 

“Eh, you’re pretty stupid with at least some other things,” he said. You glared at him. “You are an absolute shit partner to have in bridge. You cannot strategize for shit, you are really stupid at bridge.”  

“Thank you,” you said sarcastically. “That makes me feel so much better.” 

“Always happy to be of service.” 

It had been a few months that you’d known, for a fact, that you couldn’t fall in love with Tommy. It didn’t matter how hard you tried, how much you wanted to, it wasn’t going to happen. You still weren’t sure what to do about it. 

You thought about it more when he wasn’t around. So you were thankful, that Saturday, to have surgeries to attend to. Tommy, Joel and Tess were outside the QZ yet again. Not only were you always worried the whole time they were gone, your brain went into overdrive trying to figure out what to do about the Tommy situation. Surgery was a pleasant distraction. 

It was late when you finally finished everything on the docket that day. The sun had set and you felt like you were ready to fall asleep standing up. 

“Want to come over later?” Andrew asked as you leaned against the front desk. “Feel like you might need the distraction.” 

“Yeah…” you sighed, looking out at the empty waiting room. “Probably a good idea…” 

The bell on the front door rang and you instinctively looked. Tess ran in, eyes wide, blood dripping from her shoulder. 

“Fuck,” you swore. You were running before you even really knew you were running, grabbing one of the clinic’s go bags. 

“Andrew,” you said as you went for the door. “Keep an OR ready for me, do NOT shut down until I get back, understand? See if you can get someone else to stay, please…” 

“I’ve got it,” he said. “Go!”

Tess led the way to the hole in the fence. 

“What happened?” You asked, the two of you walking as quickly as you could without drawing the attention of anyone patrolling. 

“We got pinned down, about a mile outside the QZ,” she said. “We took everyone out eventually but Tommy and Joel…” 

“Tess,” your voice cracked. 

“They were alive when I left,” she said. 

“Fuck!” 

You slipped out of the fence, past the search lights and the debris field, and you ran. 

You’d never been an athlete. You liked hiking and swimming and walking and were in fine shape but you’d never been a runner. That didn’t seem to matter then. 

You raced toward where Tess pointed you, her falling back. You started watching for the bodies that would be around wherever they’d stashed themselves, the telltale signs of the showdown Tess mentioned. 

When you spotted it, you practically tore into the small storefront, yanking a flashlight out of your pocket. It didn’t take you long to find Joel and Tommy. 

“Hey Sweetheart,” Tommy smiled a little at you. He was breathing heavily, his gun lying across his lap. Tess ran in behind you. 

“Hey, you idiot,” you smiled a little back. Joel was silent on the ground. “I need to evaluate you both and figure this out, try to stay conscious for me, OK?” 

“Anything for you,” he said, wincing a little. 

You took off your backpack and put your flashlight in your teeth, looking Joel over first. He was unconscious but he had a pulse and was breathing. Good signs, even though his breath was shallow. There was a penetrating chest wound and a compound fracture just above his left knee. 

“Jesus Christ, what the fuck did you guys get up to?” You asked, pulling out your stethoscope. “Do you know how fucking hard it is to break your femur?” 

“Had to jump off a roof,” Tommy winced. “Think I just sprained an ankle, Joel landed wrong…” 

“Wrong is a fucking understatement,” you muttered, checking his heart rate and his breathing. “Think he’s stable for the moment…” 

You moved to Tommy. 

“Why do I feel like we’re gonna be in a fight after this?” He asked. 

“Because we are,” you said. “Show me what’s wrong.” 

“Got shot,” he angled his leg with a groan so you could see the wound. It was to the thigh but had missed the major arteries, so not terrible. “Sprained the ankle…” 

“Tess,” you said. “I’m going to need…” 

There was a sudden gasping sound from behind you and you spun. Joel was still unconscious but he was struggling to breathe. 

“Doc!” Tess ran to him. 

“Move!” You ordered, rushing over and thrusting the stethoscope into your ears. You pressed it to his chest and listened. “Fucking hell…” 

You yanked your bag to your side and started ripping through it. 

“What?” Tess sounded panicked. “What is it?” 

“He had a fucking pneumothorax that I missed and it just changed to a tension pneumothorax,” you said, thrusting the flashlight to Tess. She took it, shining the light down at the bag. You found a scalpel and some tubing. 

“What’s that?” She asked. “What does that mean?” 

“It means there’s air in his chest that’s trapped and making it so his lung can’t inflate and I need to get it out or he’s going to fucking die,” you snapped, ripping his shirt open, sending buttons flying and pointing to a spot on his rib cage. You cut off a short length of tube. “Light here.” 

She obeyed and you made the cut, thrusting the tubing in to hold the incision open so the air could escape. He took a deep, shuddering breath and you relaxed. 

“Thank fuck for that,” you sighed, really looking at his face for the first time. 

You had to fight the urge to touch him. He was still so fucking beautiful it made your heart ache. Seeing him again was like getting hit by the train. All this time, you’d thought you’d just been holding steady, that you just kept loving him the same way you always had. 

You hadn’t. It had become a dull roar. It hung on the edges of everything but you could forget about it sometimes, when he wasn’t there to remind you. But the second you saw him, it was all consuming. You felt it in your skin, your chest, your marrow. Loving him was built into you like any other vital thing, there was no excising it. You could quiet it, avoid it but it would never cease to exist. Not for you. 

“Tess,” you said after a second. “Hold pressure on the lower chest wound, leave the one I just made the fuck alone.” 

You went to Tommy and started looking at his gunshot wound. 

“How are you feeling?” You asked. “Lightheaded?” 

“Nothin’ I can’t handle, Sweetheart,” he smiled a little. “Just having a hard time walking is all…” 

“Yeah, that’s going to be the sticking point here,” you glanced to Tess.

“What?” She asked. 

“You and I are going to have to do some heavy lifting,” you said. 

“I can do that,” she nodded. “I can do that.” 

You grabbed some gauze and a brace from your bag, wrapping Tommy’s gunshot wound and giving him some ankle support before you looked him in the eye. 

“Alright Miller,” you said. “Time to boot and rally, you were in the army, you can do this. You’re going to go with Tess to the fence and head for the clinic. Andrew is waiting for you guys.” 

“What about you?” He asked. 

“I’m going to wake up Joel and I’m taking him to the main gate,” you said, getting to your feet and offering Tommy your hand. 

“That’s a fucking death sentence, you can’t go to the main gate!” Tess gaped up at you. 

“We can’t get him through the fence,” you said. “There’s no way in hell, not with a compound fracture, an open chest wound and a pneumo. Main gate might be a death sentence for you but I can get us in. It’ll be tricky but I can get us in.” 

“That’s too big a risk,” Tommy said, taking your hand. You pulled him to his feet and slung his arm over your shoulder. “You can’t…” 

“I can’t just leave him out here,” you looked up at him, meeting his gaze. “I need to get him to the clinic before shit gets worse and that’s the only way…”

He cupped your face, looking in your eyes and you knew he saw it. What you felt. Why you couldn’t leave Joel behind. Not now, not ever. 

“It’s gonna get you killed, Sweetheart,” he said softly. 

“Don’t have a choice,” you smiled sadly. He pressed his lips to your forehead. 

“Tess?” You said, still looking at Tommy. She came alongside you and you held up his arm. She stepped into place. “Straight to the clinic, OK?” 

“You sure you’ve got Joel from here?” She asked. 

“Yeah,” you said. “Get yourselves out of here, we’ll be right behind. The clinic. Andrew’s staying there, he’ll help you.” 

She nodded and they left you there with Joel on the ground. 

You ran to his side, checking his breathing. Still solid. 

“Well at least there’s that,” you muttered to yourself. You quickly bandaged the wound at his chest. Looking closer, you were pretty sure it was a stab wound and not a bullet hole. You tried to keep it so it wouldn’t be jostled and have him start bleeding out. You moved onto the leg. 

You were going to need to at least partially set it, there’s no way you could carry him and he couldn’t put any weight on it the way it was now. It was just going to hurt like a bitch. Which is part of why you’d sent Tess and Tommy along. This part was not going to be pretty and there was a good chance he was going to scream loud enough to attract every clicker and raider in a five mile radius. 

“OK Miller,” you grabbed the length of tubing you hadn’t used to open his chest and put it between his teeth, making him bite down on it. “You can do this, you can get through this you stubborn asshole, you’re going to be fine, hear me? I will never forgive you if you’re not fine so you’re going to be fucking fine…” 

You grabbed the stuff to make a splint from your bag and set it up around his injured leg before you put one knee on his hip, hoping to help hold him still. 

“Here we go,” you took a deep breath. “One, two, three…” 

You winced as you started pushing his bone back into alignment. He gasped and flung his hand out, catching you in the side. 

“It’s me!” You said quickly, pushing the bone back into place. He groaned, the sound choking and gasping. “Bite down on the tube, I’m setting your leg enough that you can put weight on it, I know it hurts, I’m almost done just stick with me…” 

The bone disappeared below the skin and you stopped pushing. Joel went slack, panting for breath. You grabbed gauze and quickly bound the point where the break had come through the skin before setting the splint. 

“You still with me over there, Miller?” You asked, not able bring yourself to look over at him, afraid of what you might see. 

“Still here,” he was panting for breath. 

“Good,” you said, sitting back on your heels for a moment, out of breath yourself. You looked over at him. 

He was watching you, a soft look on his face. Your heart swelled with it.

“Hey Kid,” he said quietly. 

“Hey,” you half smiled at him. 

“Tess and Tommy?” He asked. 

“Headed for the QZ,” you said. “Sent them on ahead because they’re taking a different route in than us.” 

“What route are we taking?” He frowned. 

“Main gate,” you said, starting to pack up your supplies. 

“No,” he shook his head. “No, we can’t…” 

“You can’t without me,” you cut him off. “But I can. And you can’t get under the fence right now, Joel, not with your leg like that coupled with the fact that you’ve got a penetrating chest wound and I had to give you an incision to relieve a tension pneumothorax.” 

“Then you’re leavin’ me out here,” he started trying to prop himself up on his elbows and you went to help him. “Not riskin’ you bringing me in through the main gate…” 

“Shut the fuck up, Miller,” you said, helping him sit up all the way. He glared at you. 

“Always knew there was a risk of not comin’ back, Kid,” he said. His eyes kept ranging over your face. 

“You don’t get to just die on me out here,” you snapped. “We’re not doing that, got it? I didn’t come all the way out here to save your ass just to have you die on me so we’re going to the main fucking gate.” 

You stood up and put on the pack before offering him your hand. He glared at you. 

“I swear to God Joel if you don’t I will go to the main gate myself and make them come get you in a patrol truck,” you snapped. “Guessing this is a smuggling hide out for you, I will bring them here, I don’t give a shit.” 

“You’re the most stubborn damn woman I’ve ever met,” he muttered, taking your hand.

“Put as much weight as you can on the good leg,” you ordered. He glared at you. “What, you’re saying dumb shit like I should just leave you out here to die so I have to state the obvious. Ready?” He nodded once. “Alright, one, two, three.” 

You pulled and he hissed in pain as you helped him up. He almost collapsed and you caught him with your shoulder tucked into his armpit. 

“See?” You said as he panted for breath. “We’ve got this.” 

It didn’t take long for you and Joel to fall into a rhythm that kept his pain from getting worse as you walked. It was slow going but you made steady progress. 

“Why’d you do this?” He managed after you’d walked half a mile. 

“What do you mean?” You frowned. 

“Come out here,” he said. His breaths came in short, gasping pants. “Save me. Why?” 

You were quiet for a moment.

“You know why,” you said eventually. 

He ground his teeth. 

“We’re not good for each other,” he said. 

“I know.” 

“Told you I didn’t want to see you.” 

“Trust me, I remember.” 

“You’re with Tommy.” 

“I know.” 

He growled. The searchlights of the QZ perimeter were getting close. 

“When we get up there, let me do the talking,” you said. “Keep your mouth fucking shut. I’m going to get us through this in one piece but you have to do what I say for a change, got it?” 

He just grunted in affirmation. 

The guards spotted you quickly. It wasn’t like you were trying to hide. 

“Hands up!” Their guns were drawn. You raised the hand you could. “I fucking said hands up!” 

“Can’t put them all up, I have an injured man with me,” you called back. “I’m a doctor at the clinic, I got word of an injured person outside the fence, I’m bringing him in for treatment…” 

The voice shifted. 

“Doc? That you?” 

You squinted against the searchlight as the guard came closer. You smiled a little. 

“Hi Tim,” you said. You’d known there was a good chance one of your former students would be at the gate. It was just luck that it was one who remembered you fondly. He lowered his gun. 

“What are you doing out here?” He asked, coming over and taking Joel’s other side. Joel just gaped at you. 

“Helping the injured,” you jerked your head in Joel’s direction. “That whole hippocratic oath thing, I couldn’t just ignore it once I knew about it. I was hoping you could let us in here.” 

“Doc, you left the QZ…” he said quietly. 

“I know,” you said. “And I don’t want to compromise you or your job in any way. But I had to do my job, too. If you need to write me up or take me into custody you can, but I need to get this man to the clinic first…” 

He looked Joel over. 

“You’ll make sure he does intake?” He asked.

“Of course,” you replied. He pulled out a scanner and took a sample from each of you. The screen glowed green. His jaw twitched. 

“Alright,” he said. “But we have to move quick and you never saw me, OK?” 

“Thank you,” you said, moving as quickly as Joel would allow. Your heart was in your throat until you were through the gate. 

“Get to the clinic by curfew,” Tim said. “You’ve only got 20 minutes.” 

*** 

Joel wasn’t sure what hurt more, his leg, his chest or seeing you. 

He’d managed to avoid you for a year. A whole year of not seeing your face, the longest he’d gone since he’d come to the QZ. He hated every goddamn second of it. 

It was the right thing to do, though, trying to let you go. He kept fucking failing you and he’d keep fucking failing you the more he was around you. And being around you hurt. 

He wasn’t sure it would be better or worse if you were his. Everything he’d lost was all tied up in you. The life he’d been inches away from having wound around your limbs and lips and hair. He didn’t think he could just be next to you and know that. But fuck, not seeing you… 

One of the hardest things he’d ever had to do was say goodbye to you that day on the street. But he couldn’t keep drowning you in his misery. As much as he’d hated Tommy for touching you, for picking you, he couldn’t hate him for pointing out the obvious. He’d been cruel to you. As much as he was angry, hurting, wanting to hate you, you didn’t deserve that. You deserved better than what he could give you. You were too much for him to take and he couldn’t seem to stop hurting you. It had to end. 

But he was relieved that he could gauge how you were doing by Tommy’s mood. He didn’t like much else about the fact that you were with him but when Tommy came home from seeing you in a good mood, he knew you were happy. If he were a little off, he knew you probably had a bad day at work. If he were irritable it meant you were upset about something. He didn’t dare ask what but he knew it was something. 

It was strange, knowing you existed in the world but not knowing much of anything about it. He clung to what he did know. Wished he didn’t want to know. Didn’t want to see you. Wished he didn’t want to look at you. 

But now you were close - so fucking close - and it hurt. Andrew helped you get him onto an exam table and he could barely hear what you were saying, giving him some kind of pill and making him breathe in some shit that made his head swim as you made him lie down. 

“Don’t want you workin’ on me,” he managed. You frowned. 

“Well I’m the only option you have, Miller, so suck it up,” you said, not looking up from your work at his side. 

“Don’t want to want to look at you,” he muttered. 

“Then don’t look at me,” you said, stitching up his side. 

“Can’t help it,” he mumbled. “Too fuckin’ pretty…” 

“Sounds like a personal problem, Miller,” you said. “Stop talking so much, you’re making it hard to sew.” 

“Sorry,” he said. “Just missed you.” 

You looked at him for a moment. 

“Missed you too.” 

You went back to sewing. He just watched you work, soaking up what he could of you. He didn’t know when he’d see you again. He wanted to hold onto this. 

He fell asleep watching you heal him. 

***

By the time you finished with Joel, you were exhausted. You were going to have to just sleep in an exam room, it was past curfew and you wouldn’t want to be far, anyway. But, for that moment, you just wanted to slump against the wall in the hall, not able to make yourself move any further. 

You slid to the floor, leaning your head back against the wall and taking a deep breath. Your legs and arms ached. You were pretty sure your abs would, too, in the morning after you hauled Joel all that way. 

Tess came out of an exam room and looked surprised to find you on the floor before siting next to you. 

“How is he?” She asked. 

“He’ll be fine,” you sighed. “Won’t be able to make any runs for at least two months while his femur heals, though.” 

She nodded slowly. 

“Can I ask you something?” She asked after a moment. 

“As long as it’s nothing philosophical,” you replied. “Brain is fried. Ask me how to do surgery, that I can do with my eyes closed.”

“What are you doing with them?” She asked, watching you. You frowned. “You’ve got Tommy wrapped around your finger. You’ll put your life on the line to save Joel. What are you doing with them?” 

“Nothing that I really have a say in,” you looked at her, too tired to try to dodge the question. “If I could stop… feeling the way I do, I would. I hate it, I hate what it’s done to me, what it’s done to him, what it’s doing to Tommy and I just… I don’t want it anymore. I don’t want to feel like this anymore. I want it to be over. 

“I keep thinking that loving people, that’s the reason we’re here. That’s what we’re supposed to do with life, we’re supposed to love people as much as we can for as long as we can but that doesn’t work anymore, does it? Maybe it did before all this happened. Maybe it didn’t and I was just too naive to know it but that’s what it felt like we were supposed to do. But I can’t keep loving him and I can’t just let this keep going with Tommy and I just….” Your voice cracked. You were too tired to try to fight off tears. 

Tess tugged you over so your head was on her shoulder. You blinked in surprise. 

“I was married before,” she said. “I told you that. I didn’t tell you that I had to shoot him, in the outbreak.” 

“Jesus…” you breathed. 

“Even knowing how it was going to end, I’m glad I had it while I did,” she said. “But I’m still too afraid to ever love someone like that again. Love like that wrecks you, utterly destroys you. It’s why I make the choices I make now. And yeah, it’s safer but my God is life sweeter when you have it.

“Joel’s broken like that, too,” she said. “Part of why we get along. I’m not sure he’ll ever get his shit together. It’s too big a risk for him. But I think you still can figure it out. It hasn’t broken you yet. You still wear ribbons in your hair. You’re not broken yet.” 

You stared at the wall for a moment. 

“I need to talk to Tommy,” you said eventually. 

“I’m really sorry, Doc,” she said quietly. 

“Me too.” 

You made yourself stop crying before you knocked on Tommy’s door and opened it quietly, half hoping he would be asleep when you went inside. 

No such luck. 

“Hey, Sweetheart,” he half smiled at you. 

“Hey,” you half smiled back. “How are you feeling?” 

“Been better,” he shrugged. “Been worse.” 

You nodded. 

“The nurse - Kristen, I think? - said Joel was fine,” he said. You nodded again. 

He just looked at you for a moment, like he was memorizing you. 

“I never had a shot, did I?” He asked. 

You smiled tightly. 

“I told you I wasn’t sure I could ever love anyone else,” you said softly. 

“You did,” he nodded. “Just hoped I’d convince you.” 

“You and me both.” 

He smiled at that and held out his hand for you. You took it, letting him tug you to him. 

“You’ve been the most fun I’ve had since the end of the world,” he said. “Glad we got to figure it out.” 

“Me too,” you sniffed, trying not to cry. 

He smiled and kissed your forehead. 

“Go sleep,” he said. “You look like you’re about to fall over.” 

“Yeah, I think I am,” you laughed. “Your brother is fucking heavy, I’m never hauling him anywhere again…” 

He laughed at that, too. You looked at him. 

“I really tried,” you said quietly. “But…” 

“I know,” he said. “Now get out of here before I do something stupid.” 

You nodded and went for the door. 

“Hey,” he said. 

You stopped and turned back to him. 

“Here’s looking at you, Kid.” 

You smiled, shook your head a little, and left him behind. 

A/N: Hi guys! I hope you enjoyed this chapter as things ramp up as we build into the core story of TLOU. Tommy will still be around for a bit but boyfriend Tommy is over. So sorry for all the Tommy Stans! This was always the plan, though. He was here to help Joel figure his shit out and give Doc a way out of her single-mindedness when it comes to Joel.

I do have a tag list, please let me know if you'd like to be added, just comment below! If you've asked and haven't made it on, please ask again. I'm trying to get everyone added but I think people may have slipped through the cracks because I have no organizational system for this.

Thank you so much for reading and commenting and letting me know how the story makes you feel! It's a joy to write for you all, thank you for hanging out with my characters :)

Taglist: @paleidiot @ayamenimthiriel @ginger-swag-rapunzel @drewharrisonwriter @flugazi @pedropascalsbbg @taoyuji @starstruckmusiciansartghost @splendsay @bigboiseason123 @jpbplvr @ashleyandring @mrsyixingunicorn10 @sloanexx @ninaminaromina @lady-bellyn

[dsireland86]

The Best Kind of Danger: Chapter 2

Tag list: @bngurngheart, @blackveilomens, @myownthoughts12, @vinyardmauro, @iknownothingpeople, @lilylovesdew

She had to tell him. He had to know. She didn't want to take any more chances of losing him. Tonight, she faced the reality of the world around her; the reality that his heart wasn't hers. She was terrified to lose him, yet scared to tell him the truth, but thinking about life without him made her want to cry. She never imagined that a man she'd met only a year ago could make her feel this way and become her world, her happiness, her safety; become her everything, and the idea of never being with him because she was too afraid of rejection hurt her deeply. He looked at her the second the tear slipped down her cheek. She casually brushed it away, never knowing he was watching her. 

"I don't do pools, I don't do oceans, I don't do anything that requires me getting into a swimsuit. I just don't like them."

Cassie followed Folio inside the lodge with Jolly close behind her. Ever since Matt told everyone that the lodge they were staying in had a hot tub Jolly made it his mission to convince Cassie of the many reasons why she needed to pull out her swimsuit, the one she told him she didn't have, and get in it.

Folio knew how Cassie got when feeling pressured and it always brought out his protective nature for her. He felt the need to defend her or stick up for her even though he knew she could do it on her own. Cassie never argued or told him to stop either, which only encouraged him

He was trying to be on good behavior and not snap, but Jolly's persistent attitude was starting to piss him off. He was exhausted from the show; still in the same sweaty clothes and sore. From the severe pain running from his bicep and up the side of his neck, Folio figured he pulled a muscle somewhere. 

"Fuck dude, why are you riding her case about it? Just fucking let it go. If she doesn't like them, then she doesn't like them," he barked

"What? Pools, hot tubs, or swimsuits?" Jolly teased, forcing Folio to suddenly stop and turn around. Cassie ran right into him, her face smashing against the bag strap across Nicks's chest. 

"Ouch, holy shit," Cassie yelled, grabbing her nose.

"Oh my god, Cassie, I'm so sorry! Fuck, I didn't mean to," quickly offering her assistance. 

"What the hell! Why'd you stop like that?" brushing his hand away.

"I was turning around to look at Jolly, and I just," stifling a laugh that faded the second he saw the discomfort on her face. 

The way she was rubbing her nose and her eyes welled up with tears hurt his heart. Nick pulled her closer, cupping her face to examine it. 

"I'm sorry," he said gently, giving her a half smile. 

Cassie smiled back, placing her hands over his.

"It's okay. It just hurt, really bad, that's all," shrugging her shoulders.

The scent of him made Cassie's knees weak. He smelled like his deodorant, incense, and sweat; he smelled like Nick and damn she loved that smell.

Folio caressed her cheeks with his thumbs, taking the opportunity to relish the feeling of her skin. It was always so soft and he loved having his hands on it; on her.

"I think the universe is trying to tell you something," Jolly chuckled, moving around the two of them to get by. 

"What that me hurting Cassie saved your ass?" Folio scowled, slapping him in the back as he walked by.

"Just get in the fucking hot tub!" Jolly yelled, walking away.

Folio rolled his eyes.

"You sure you're okay?" focusing his attention on Cassie, who, by now was fixing her hair and readjusting the bag over her shoulder. She was still in his hoodie, making him wonder if he'd get it back. To be honest he didn't care if he didn't. It looked better on her anyway.

Cassie nodded. "I'm fine." To reassure him, she gave his bicep, the same one that was hurting, a slight squeeze, and his face scrunched in pain. 

"Oh, sorry! What's wrong," a worried look washing over her face.

"I don't know, it just hurts. Pain's running up the side of my neck too," he said, dragging his finger up and down to show where it was hurting. Cassie didn't waste a second before dropping her bag and laying her hands on his neck after removing his back from around him. The delicate touch of her cool fingers moved smoothly over his skin, massaging over his newest tattoo of Jesus. 

"You probably pulled a muscle with all that crazy arm throwing you do when you play. You're a crazy animal, Nick." peering up at him through her lashes.

"Yeah, but you like me that way and you know it." His eyes were glued to her, watching her face as she worked her magic on him. 

Cassie paused for a moment before a warm smile rushed over her lips, sending his heart racing. "Yes, I do; very much."

A strong, vast heat surrounded his length, the throbbing quickly making him uncomfortable in his briefs. She was turning him on so badly and with the release of the pressure and pain that came as she rubbed the nerves and muscles, working out every tensed knot that had formed from weeks of overwork made him light-headed, and dizzy. For a brief moment, the vision of her in only his hoodie returned, cascading over his mind like a welcoming rainstorm on a hot summer night, and along with the images of him finding his release within her walls, it stimulated his hardness even more.   

"You crushed it tonight, though."

"Did I?" trying to ignore the butterfly feeling running like a racehorse through his body.

"You don't think so," she asked, her voice low and alluring. She worked out a remaining knot right below his shoulder blade.

"Do you always believe me when I say you're fucking hot?" turning his head slightly to look over at her. His jaw was clenched, showing off his well-defined jawbone. Cassie paused and leaned into Nick's back, resting her chin on his cool bare skin and wrapping her hands around his shoulders. She wanted to fall into him, absorb every bit of him into her body. 

"No, I don't." 

"Well, then see, I don't always think I did so great. I messed up a lot tonight." 

The tension that was quickly developing around them was unusual, but not unwelcome.

Cassie continued working her fingers up and down Folio's neck, pushing away his silver chain with the trout on the end of it so she could have easier access to his body. A soft, hard groan that only came out when something penetrated him in ecstasy, escaped his throat as she moved her hands down to his bicep.

Cassie's skin prickled and she suddenly ached between her thighs for Folio. What little of him she had in her hands stimulated her sex, bringing her to the point of silently begging him for release. Even though Nick didn't notice, at first, how easily he set her body ablaze, the soft whimper that escaped was a sign she wanted more; so much more. Cassie wanted all of him.

Nick heard that whimper and for the first time, ever, he was positive that something incredibly strong was building between the two of them.

"I think you're too hard on yourself, Nick," she indicated.

"You do huh?" 

She nodded.

"Mmmhmm, I do. Sometimes, you don't realize how great you are and what you do to people; what you do to me." Those last words she whispered, he heard them, and they did the most incredible things to him.

Folio quickly turned and faced her, hoping to see what he was dying to see in her eyes. And he did. 

The eyes that reminded him of deep forests in springtime looked back at him with such tender longing, almost bringing him to the edge of himself. Folio was done for. He no longer wanted to fight the feelings that came every time Cassie was near him, or when she touched him. He was tired of resisting and ignoring the way she made his heart and body feel alive. He wanted to embrace all of it now, to show her, tell her, that the only thing that mattered to him was her heart and that it belonged to him. She had to know that he was completely hers now and he never wanted anything else but her again.

Cassie's breath hitched the moment she saw what she did in Folio's eyes. It seemed like a light had come on and he was seeing her in a whole new way. It gave her hope that maybe he was beginning to understand the things she was trying to say without saying them.

Folio moved in closer to Cassie, sliding his hand across the side of her face and behind her head. Her lips are calling to him, beckoning him to come and get them. 

Cassie licked her lips, anticipating the idea of what Nick was thinking about as he looked at her like she was his last meal. Her heart felt like it was about to beat out of her chest the closer he came, and with her hands pressed hard against his shoulders, gripping the flesh and muscle beneath them, she braced herself for the ultimate feeling that was about to hit her.

"Folio! Where the fu... oh shit!" 

Noah yelled from across the lodge, interrupting the most incredible moment between Cassie and Nick. 

Cassie backed away in sudden panic. Folio was after all part of her job, and even though the family atmosphere was a huge factor in it, she was still scared that getting involved romantically would be an issue for Bryan. Plus, she still carried the reality of her secret that hung around her like a sickness; one she feared she'd never get rid of. 

She picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder.

"Cassie, wait," 

"No, I should go find a room or something," she mumbled, scampering away, embarrassed and crying. She sped past Noah, almost knocking into him. 

"What the flying fuck Noah!"

"What? How was I supposed to know you and Cassie were about to have a fucking make-out session?" throwing his hands up in the air only to let them fall back down at his sides.

"We weren't about to make..., you know what, just forget it."

Groaning, Nick ran his hands through his hair, pushing it back out of his face. He snatched up his bag, feeling utterly depressed now over what just happened with Cassie. How was he going to fix this? Was she even going to let him fix this? What started as a fantastic moment turned into a horror show, all because of Noah, and Nick was having a really hard time processing it. 

"What did you want?" standing across from Noah, not even trying to hide how pissed off he was.

"I'm sorry man, I didn't mean to get in between. I know how you feel about Cassie," Noah apologized, laying a hand on his friend's shoulder. 

Folio shrugged. "It's fine."

Noah noticed the rigid line of his friend's clenched jaw and knew he was holding back his temper. 

"I fucked up didn't I Folio?"

Nick's mouth was set in a hard line. "Yeah, just a little."

Noah draped his arm around Nick's shoulder.

"Cassie is an awesome girl. I'm sure you two can work this out."

Folio wasn't so sure. 

"Do me a favor and don't mention any of this to anyone. I don't want to embarrass Cassie or make her feel any worse than what she probably already does."

Noah grinned, admiring Nick's consideration.

"You got it, man," patting him on the chest.

The two of them headed to where everyone else was gathered while Cassie hid in the corner of a hallway, mortified and crying.

Chapter 3

[mamawasatesttube]

Cassierose, cass(cain)rose and cissieanita

WOMEN IVE HEARD OF THEM.

i love cassierose. deeply homoerotic absolutely insane. i definitely think theyve fucked. im always torn on whether i like them actually being in a relationship or just never actually unpacking all their feelings past some powerfully homoerotic """hate"""-fuelled makeouts. because i don't think cassie would like, be a total bitch to rose forever! she is generally nice she's just going through shit and kind of takes it out at rose for a minute (<- my interpretation of geoff making her catty and bitchy). but at the same time her internalized homophobia is SO strong. i feel like she'd be so ashamed of her attraction to/fooling around with rose. and rose would not take that well. she'd taunt cassie about being her dirty little secret (tim vc It is not a secret literally everyone knows i Literally walked in on yall hardcore making out in the communal kitchen please stop doing that btw.) but in actuality cassie being ashamed of her would make her feel SO shitty. i like this as a mess of a situation first and foremost i think. but yeah if you can't tell by the giant ramble paragraph it absolutely compels me skjdfhkjds

cassrose is similar, in some ways, except that it IS always marred unfortunately in my mind by how much i disliked batgirl '08 for slandering cass so fucking hard. but i mean. "is she... like me?" + the inherent homoeroticism of cass slitting rose's throat and knowing deathstroke wouldn't let her die. honestly (because there are so many things wrong with rose) i think rose gets flustered when she thinks about that later. i reiterate. many things wrong with her. like yeah she almost died but also... damn. i feel like... if they ever were to actually have feelings + act on any of them, it'd be a future scenario, not anywhere where they are at the present. like i think rose would have a "hate"crush on cass (and a lot of feelings about cass being the daughter of an assassin who got out and did better than she perceives herself to have done), but cass wouldn't realize she even likes women for long enough that rose's thoughts on her would fade for a few years. but then maybe later...!

cissieanita. they make a lot of sense and i do like them but they don't make me as insane as other ships do. part of this is bc i just like... need to figure out how to Fix anita's storyline in my head (like, i think her forced retirement was Stupid As Fuck, but then if she continues heroism that would introduce Issues with her and cissie's relationship that didn't exist in canon bc she retired, you know?) and bc i haven't figured out what anita's future looks like in my head fully, it's hard for me to have concrete thoughts on the two of them. that being said, there's Definitely something very compelling abt the way anita looked up to cissie and cissie got jealous of her for replacing her and they had to work through it. it's a good and solid ship i just need to work harder to be insane about it properly.

[sparklypinkflightsuit]

Drugs, Thugs and Pilot Kelson Hugs: Part 2

Pairing: Pilot Kelson x Reader

Warnings: Drugs, Alcohol, Swearing, Sexual Themes, Violence, Slowish Burn, I think that’s it?

Summary: Your friendship with Pilot grows steadily into something new.

- Part 1 Here -

———————————

Over the next few weeks, you saw Pilot a few times at parties and bars and general get togethers. You quickly became good friends, getting to know each other more and more each time.

You also got to know Mason’s friend, Zack, who began hanging out with your group more frequently. Zack was a good looking guy, and he was charming. He asked you out the second time you met, and you had agreed more out of boredom and curiosity than out of actually liking him, but regardless, your date went well and you started seeing each other more over the next few weeks. You weren’t official but you definitely felt that Zack was about ready to ask you to be his officially. You weren’t sure if you would say yes when he asked, he was cute but you just weren’t crazy about him yet.

One night you were invited to Jack and Cassie’s for a get-together. Carly, Porter, Pilot and Mason would also be there, so you’d assumed Zack was also invited and didn’t bother asking him yourself. Truth be told you didn’t really care whether or not he was there, but you would enjoy his company if he was.

You arrived at Jack and Cassie’s apartment, and made your rounds saying hello to everyone who was already there. Mason and Pilot had yet to arrive so you made yourself comfortable.

A few minutes later Pilot walked through the door followed by Mason, but there was no sign of Zack. You hugged Pilot and he kissed your cheek. You said hello to Mason and went about enjoying your evening, forgetting about poor Zack entirely.

Most of the night passed without incident, and you were lounging on the couch next to Pilot and Carly, talking about everything and nothing when the front door swung open.

Zack stood at the front door, face red with anger as his eyes searched the room. You sat upright and looked at him with confusion.

“You!” He pointed his finger in your direction as he closed the gap between the front door and the couch. “What the fuck are you doing here, huh?” He spat.

“Woah! Woah!” Pilot stood and held his hands up to Zack, trying to slow his barrage.

“What are you talking about Zack?” You asked, incredulously, standing from your seated position.

“I went to your apartment to surprise you, but you weren’t there. I tried to call you, but you’re ignoring me! I called Mason, who was kind enough to inform me that you’d be here, without me. An invitation would have been nice, don’t you think? Or are you trying to avoid me so… so you can snuggle up to this guy?” He yelled, clearly slightly drunk.

“Alright Zack, I think you need to calm down.” You said, walking towards him. You tried to gently push him towards the front door so you could both leave and you could walk him home, but Zack took this as you trying to force him out, and shoved you. You went stumbling backwards and Pilot caught you before you fell. This enraged Pilot, and once he was sure you were secure and standing, he launched himself at Zack, grabbing him by his T-shirt and shoving him to the ground. Pilot held him down as Zack struggled drunkenly.

“Listen here you piece of shit, if you ever lay a finger on (Y/N), or any of us ever again, I will personally shove twenty quaaludes up your ass and strap you behind the wheel of your car with your foot on the gas, got it?” Pilot spat, his hand squeezing Zack’s face, forcing him to look at him.

Zack nodded, clearly embarrassed by the situation and that no one was taking his side.

“Good.” Pilot smiled sarcastically, tapping Zack on the cheek as he got up. “Now get the fuck outta here.”

Zack sauntered off, slamming the apartment door behind him. Mason felt the need to follow Zack and ensure he got home safely, so he left shortly after.

“Are you okay?” Pilot asked, walking back over to where you sat on the arm of the sofa, still not really believing what just happened, and that you found Pilot incredibly sexy in that moment.

You nodded, “Yeah, yeah I’m fine. Thank you, for sticking up for me.” You nodded and smiled weakly. You suddenly weren’t in the mood to party. “I think I’m gonna go. I don’t feel so great all of a sudden.” You excused yourself, waving goodbye to the remaining members.

“I’ll drive you.” Pilot said, grabbing his keys. You were too shaken to argue.

The drive home was quiet, you were now contemplating whether or not to speak to Zack and to apologise for any misunderstanding, but you were aware that his behaviour, regardless of the reason, was unacceptable. You pulled up outside of your apartment block, and Pilot got out to help you out of your side.

“You ok if I walk you to your apartment? Just in case he’s waiting.” Pilot chuckled awkwardly. You smiled at him as you closed the car door.

“Thanks, good idea.” You nodded.

You made small talk as you climbed the seemingly endless flights of stairs to your apartment, eventually coming to stand outside your door.

“Well I guess he really did just go home.” You shrugged, relieved.

“Worth making sure, I guess.” He rubbed the back of his head.

“Thank you again, Pilot. For sticking up for me and for making sure I got home safe.”

“Any time.” You made eye contact for a while, mouths saying nothing but eyes saying everything. “See you around?” He eventually said, walking backwards towards the stairwell, both hands in his pockets.

You nodded, “Hope so.”

Pilot made his way down the stairwell, a smile in his face as he went. He got about halfway down, when he heard you calling him.

“Pilot, wait!” you called from the top, looking down at him. He looked up with a grin.

“I have a work event tomorrow night, I was going to take Zack, but I guess he’s out. Do you want to come as my plus one?” You asked, “as a friend, I mean.”

“Do I have to wear a suit?” He joked.

You rolled your eyes, “Just wear a nice shirt.”

“I guess I can make that happen.” He smiled.

“Ok, meet me here at 7?”

“See you then.” And he was gone.

You stood at the top of the stairwell, smiling to yourself. You were excited to see if he cleaned up well.

———————————————

The next evening came round quickly, you got ready and smoothed out the beautiful deep red dress you’d bought especially for the event that matched your lipstick. Your hair was styled elegantly and you felt… nervous.

The knock on your door alerted you that Pilot had arrived.

You had no idea why you were nervous until you opened the door, realising suddenly that it was him. You had subconsciously been worried he wouldn’t think you looked beautiful. But as soon as you opened the door, Pilot let out a deep breath and whistled lowly, taking you in. His eyes turned dark as he made eye contact with you.

“Wow.” He breathed. “You look incredible.”

You suddenly didn’t feel nervous anymore. You smiled at him. He looked so handsome, his hair was still messy but he had made an effort to smooth it down. He wore a button down white shirt, the top few buttons undone and his sleeves rolled up to his forearms.

“You clean up good yourself.” You said, grabbing your purse and locking the door behind you.

Pilots hand came to rest gently on your mid back, as he guided you down the stairwell. You two were quiet the whole time, Pilot focussing on how the dress moved against your figure. You focussing on how his hand felt on the exposed skin of your back.

He drove you to the hall where your work event was being held, and you ran him through who to speak to and who to avoid.

When you arrived you walked in and went straight to the bar, getting a drink for you and Pilot before you began your rounds.

“(Y/N)! How nice to see you!” Your boss called as he and his wife waltzed over to where you stood.

“Mr and Mrs Jamison, lovely to see you.” You greeted them both with a kiss on the cheek.

“I love your dress darling!” Mrs Jamison exclaimed. She was a beautiful older woman, and she had taste, her dress had to cost more than a month of your salary, but she was kind enough to compliment you. “And who is your… friend?” She asked, unsure of who you’d brought.

“This is Pilot Kelson, ma’am. He’s a good friend of mine.” You introduced him.

“He’s a pilot?” She questioned. You chuckled and explained, “No ma’am, that’s just his name.” You smiled. Pilot shook her and Mr Jamisons hands.

“Nice to meet you.” He said politely.

“And you boy. Interesting name you have!” Mr Jamison exclaimed. “Come, let me introduce you to a few people.”

You and Pilot walked around the room following Mr and Mrs Jamison, being introduced to people you hadn’t yet met, and greeting those you had. After about 15 minutes of doing so, you excused yourself and Pilot to refresh your drinks.

You pulled him to the bar and sighed, “This is exhausting.”

Pilot chuckled, “It suits you, you fit in well with everyone.”

You scrunched up your nose in mock insult, “You saying I look like a snob?”

“You do in that dress.” He joked, poking your ribs, causing you to squeal and jump forward slightly into him involuntarily. Pilot laughed as he steadied you with both hands, suddenly stopping as he realised how close your faces were to one another. He could smell the peaches in your perfume.

You cleared your throat and stepped back when the bartender came to serve you. You both ordered fresh drinks and sat down at an empty table.

“So you spoken to Zack yet?” He asked, taking a long swig of his beer.

You shook your head, playing with the straw in your drink.

“No, I think I’ll give it a few days. But I probably should end it in person at least.”

Pilot nodded. A beat of comfortable silence passed as you both people watched.

Couples of all ages took to the dance floor, slow dancing lovingly with each other. It made sense really, almost everyone had brought their other halves, and there were only a small handful of singletons in your company.

Pilot watched you smiling as you gazed on the happy couples. He got up from his seat and extended his hand out for you to take.

“Oh, no way. We know how bad you are at dancing.” You gave him a stern look as you joked. He grinned at you, taking your hand and pulling you up.

“Come on Mrs Kelson, I think it’s time you gave your husband some attention.” He joked loudly. You flushed bright red and hissed at him to shush. Pilot laughed, and pulled you up against him once you reached the dance floor, one hand on his shoulder, his on your lower back, other hands on one another’s as he swayed you slowly back and forth.

“You’ve gotten better. Been practicing?” You questioned him.

“Yeah Jack and I love to slow dance in the living room. We’re romantic like that.” He joked. You smirked at him and rolled your eyes. You both moved gently to the music, and your eyes settled on one another while you did so.

Other couples flitted effortlessly around you, everyone’s eyes watching the sweet young couple now at the centre of the dance floor, dancing slower than everyone else, but your eyes were just on one another, not taking notice to everyone watching you.

“You look so beautiful, you really do.” He breathed, eyes half lidded and dark.

“You look pretty good yourself. I like this-“ you gestured to his slightly unbuttoned shirt, your fingers moving to gently stroke the uncovered skin without thinking.

Pilot let out a soft moan only you could hear over the music.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have-“ you pulled your fingers away and made to apologise but you were interrupted by Pilot squeezing your waist, as if to say it was ok. You smiled at him, your heart beating so hard you thought he’d be able to see it.

“That feels… nice.” He admitted, you grinned softly, and sheepishly moved your fingers back to his exposed chest, just underneath his collar bone. His skin was soft, and you traced the little bit of chest hair he had. When you looked back up at him, his mouth was slightly parted, his pupils were blown, and he was breathing heavily. His lips looked so soft.

“Pilot I-“ again you were interrupted, this time by the band switching to a lively song, and everyone started cheering. You quickly pulled away from one another and the little bubble you’d formed around yourself had burst.

For the rest of the evening, things felt slightly tense, and you and Pilot didn’t spend much time alone until he drove you back to your apartment at the end of the night, neither of you speaking about what had happened.

——————————————

- Part 3 Here -

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Hair Trigger

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam, YJ98

Summary: A junior at Gotham University, Jason finds it difficult to conceal his worsening mental health from his family and his friend, Jon Lane Kent. Family secrets are revealed and boundaries are pushed as Jason and Laney struggle to navigate through school, their romantic feelings, and their trauma. Could the reintroduction of Laney Kent be more trouble than it's worth, or is it just what Jason needed to confront the demons of his past?

I will also do trigger warnings for chapters and if there is smut I have the chapter(s) tagged so you don't have to worry about nsfw in the fic if you're just here for the story itself.

Chapters: 9/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Jonathan Lane Kent, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Cassandra Cain, Tim Drake, Conner Kent, Natalia Knight, Jonathan Samuel Kent, Cassie Sandsmark, Chris Kent, Bart Allen, Original Character(s)

Relationships: JayLaney, Clois, TimKon

Additional Tags: University AU, No Powers AU, Sharing A Bed, Romance, Angst

Chapter Nine: Connect

Laney woke up from his nap after having a nightmare, and he pulled the mask off in a panic. "Hey, hey," Conner whispered as he grabbed Laney's wrist. "Relax. What happened earlier? Are you still fucked up about Christmas or something?" Conner asked.

Laney looked around the room and gestured for Conner to be quiet. "You said you wouldn't tell anyone—."

"And I haven't, because I'm not a jerk... But you're not really that good at hiding how you feel about things. Why don't you just tell him?" Conner asked.

Laney sighed. "Because it's not that easy... We've only hung out twice since his dad let go of his grudge against me," Laney whispered.

"Text him," Conner replied.

"See, this is what I meant when I told Dad you get on my nerves—."

Conner chuckled. "Because I'm being honest with you?" he asked.

"No, because you act like everything's so easy," Laney replied.

"It is easy. You're just making it difficult," Conner sighed.

Laney rolled his eyes. "You can be such a know-it-all sometimes. Look at me. I'm Conner. I'm a social butterfly and one of the most likable people in all of Metropolis and Gotham—."

"Shut up," Conner laughed, "And not everyone likes me. You don't like me—."

"I do like you. You just irritate me. Mainly because you have my face and some of my interests, but you're exponentially better than me at literally everything," Laney replied.

"You can't possibly be jealous of me... Laney, you're my older brother. I look up to you, as much as I hate to admit, I do," Conner replied.

Laney pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. "Please say you're joking because it's gonna make me look like an asshole if you're being serious," Laney mumbled.

"You are an asshole," Conner laughed. Laney smiled. "Can I still borrow your ID, though?"

Laney chuckled and grabbed his wallet from the table to hand Conner his ID, still holding onto it. "Wait, please don't get something ridiculous tattooed on yourself."

"I'm getting twin snakes like in that one dream I had," Conner replied. Laney smiled.

"That sounds cool, actually," Laney admitted, "Where's Dad?"

"Feeding your cat. When did you get a cat?" Conner asked.

"Right before Sylvia moved in—."

"Sylvia? Does Mom know you're living with a girl?" Conner interrupted.

"Sylvia's younger than you, and she has a girlfriend. I don't think Mom will mind... Oh, and I'm gay dingus," Laney punched Conner's shoulder.

"Oh, yeah," Conner laughed as he rubbed his shoulder, "Hey, lookit." He nudged Laney and pointed to Jason, who stood outside the glass door with an unsure smile on his face. "Talk to him, and I'll keep Dad busy."

Before Laney could say anything, Conner let Jason in and left the two of them alone. "You look good," Jason whispered.

"I look like shit," Laney laughed. Jason grinned and nodded.

"Yeah, you look fucked up," Jason snickered. Laney pushed his hair back, and his features softened as he stared at Jason. "Why do you want to talk about Christmas?"

"Because it was important to me," Laney replied. Jason sat down next to Laney.

"Well, it was humiliating for me," Jason replied.

"Because you misunderstood what was going on... I panicked, Jason," Laney confessed. Jason touched his mouth, and Laney pulled his hand from his face. "Don't do that..." Laney's voice was soft.

"Laney, what are you saying?" Jason asked. "I thought you made things pretty clear back then."

"I didn't make anything clear at all... Things weren't clear to me back then. Jason, I didn't run away because I didn't like you. I ran away because I didn't know I was gay until that moment and then I had to deal with all those feelings... And... Jason, I wasn't ready to come out, not then. How many boys were out when we were growing up?" Laney explained.

"So you did like me? I always thought that you were—." Jason trailed off. "Wait, does that mean I was your first kiss?"

Laney smiled awkwardly and nodded as the machine beeped in the background. Laney looked away and took a few breaths until the machine stopped beeping. Jason raised his hand back to his mouth to bite his nails, and Laney leaned forward and held his hand. "Stop, okay?" Laney whispered. "Was I yours?"

Jason shook his head. "But it meant a lot to me," he whispered.

"Can I kiss you?" Laney whispered so low that Jason could barely hear him. "Jason?" Jason leaned forward, and he hoped that Laney couldn't see how nervous he was. Laney touched the nape of Jason's neck, and he parted his lips as if he wanted to whisper something, only for their lips to meet. They both pulled away for a moment to look at one another, and Laney leaned back in, allowing for a second kiss. They held each other and kissed until they were breathless, their faces were flush, and they touched foreheads. Laney's ears heated up, and his ears rang. They never even heard the machine beep.

Jason giggled as he whispered, "Fuck," faintly into Laney's mouth.

"Did you just fucking giggle?" Laney laughed. Jason turned his head, still allowing their foreheads to touch. "No, let's address that—."

"Don't be a jerk," Jason laughed, "I should go—."

"You don't have to. I already slept twice since you left the last time. Stay a little longer," Laney whispered, "Please."

"I won't move," Jason laughed. Laney touched Jason's face and brushed Jason's cheek with his thumb.

"I probably shouldn't kiss you again," Laney laughed, "I forgot I still have a fever—." Jason held Laney's hand to his face.

"I didn't forget. I just didn't care," Jason murmured as he kissed Laney's palm. "Please..." Laney gave him a quick peck on the lips.

He tensed up. "How long do you think my Mom's been standing there?" Laney asked. Jason turned around and let go of Laney's hand.

"Should I go?" Jason asked. Laney shook his head.

"No, stay. I've been wanting to see you... Just stay," Laney whispered as he gestured for his mom to come in. She opened the door, and a grin spread across her face.

"Hi, Jason," Lois greeted him, " Laney, I met your roommate, Sylvia, and she said she fed Gus Gus, and she hopes you feel better."

"You can ask," Laney replied.

"When did this happen?" Lois asked, pointing to the both of them.

"Literally five minutes ago... How long were you out there?" Laney asked.

"Ten seconds," Lois answered. Jason still couldn't move himself to say anything. "I just wanted to check in with you. Clark said you got upset at the nurse during breakfast."

"Ugh, don't remind me. Christopher and Sammy probably think I'm a huge jerk," Laney groaned.

"The opposite. Sammy and Chris couldn't wait to tell Conner and me all about it," Lois whispered, "That's all I wanted to say. Do you want me to get anything from your apartment later?"

Laney shook his head. "Thanks, Mom. I'm good," he whispered before giving her a hug, and she gave him a thumbs up on the way out the door. "Aww, Mom..."

Jason smiled. "I've always liked your mom," Jason smiled.

"Please tell me you don't—."

"Next topic. Laney, what did we just do?" Jason asked. Laney sighed.

"What do you mean? We kissed, we finally acknowledged how we felt about each other, and at least we know that on both ends, there's some attraction between us two," Laney replied. Jason nodded.

"So, what? Are we gonna go on dates now? Are we dating?" Jason asked.

"Dates? Like going out to eat, going to parties, making out in the coronary care unit?" Laney asked.

Jason shook his head and chuckled. "We did not make out—."

"We did so—."

"Making out would imply tongue. We didn't make out. We kissed. We had two amazing kisses, that was all," Jason replied. Laney smiled bashfully.

"You said they were amazing, so I'll take that," Laney smiled. Jason smiled back.

"And that's coming from the first person that ever kissed you," Jason added.

"Who was your first kiss?" Laney asked.

"Laney, if you're asking if you're the first boy I ever kissed, you are... But my very first kiss was a girl a few months before I met you," Jason whispered. Someone knocked on the glass door, and Laney gestured for them to come in.

"Hey, Christopher," Laney smiled, "Wait... Weren't you with Mom or Dad?"

"I was with Mama... Then, Dad. Can I ask you something?" Chris asked.

Laney nodded. "Is it okay if Jason stays while you ask?" Laney asked.

"Dad said I could spend the weekend with you sometimes if it's okay with you," Chris mumbled, "I know I can't stay this weekend... But maybe when you're feeling better in a few weeks..." Chris fidgeted with his hands, and Laney nodded.

"Of course you can stay over sometimes... On one condition, you have to use your whole bedroom. I don't mean doing your homework in different spots. I mean, enjoy your own room. You and Jon have rooms all to yourselves," Laney whispered, "You should enjoy that."

Chris shook his head, "But, what if you want to come home?"

"I'll be a visitor in your room if you'll have me. I don't live there anymore. I visit," Laney explained, "You can do whatever you want to your room. You're thirteen-years-old, don't you ever think about changing things up a little?"

Jason smiled. "He's right. You could do something really cool with your room now that it's all yours," Jason agreed.

Chris smiled. "Okay," he nodded.

"Do you know if Sammy kept my sweatshirt with the coffee stain on it?" Laney asked. Chris smiled and nodded.

"Mom won't let him wear it to school," Chris whispered. Laney smiled.

"What are you doing today?" Laney asked. "I hope you guys aren't wasting an entire three-day weekend hanging around the hospital."

"It's not a three-day weekend, not really," Chris replied, "But Dad's gonna take us to hang out with Damian."

"Have you guys talked to him lately?" Jason asked. Chris nodded.

"We called him this morning, and he asked me to tell you to call him tonight. I think he's mad," Chris whispered.

"No, that's just his resting voice," Jason joked, "But I'll call him later..."

"What are you doing in school?" Laney asked.

"We're playing tennis in my gym class. I think I'm gonna try out for the team next month. My teacher says I'm good," Chris mumbled.

"That's what I like to hear. I didn't even know you liked tennis," Laney whispered as he playfully punched Chris's shoulder.

"I didn't know I liked it until we learned how to play," Chris smiled. Laney lit up for a moment, almost forgetting how tired he was. "If I make the team will you come to see me play sometimes?"

"Would I come to see you play? Of course, I would! I'll even come in school colors," Laney beamed. It was almost funny how genuinely excited Laney was. Jason hadn't realized how mature Laney seemed around his brothers. Chris even seemed like he looked up to Laney. "I'm glad you found something that you like to do. Maybe in a few weeks, you could show me how to play at the park." Chris nodded excitedly, and Clark and Sammy knocked on the door.

"Are we interrupting?" Clark asked. Jason shook his head.

"I'll see you later on," Jason whispered to Laney as he pressed a kiss to Laney's cheek. Sammy's jaw dropped.

"But you said—."

"There was a new development," Jason answered as he messed up Sammy's hair on his way out the door. As he exited the hospital, he noticed Lois and Conner sitting at a table eating fast food together, and Lois waved him over. He hesitated for a moment before he sat with them, and Conner took a sip of coffee.

"We haven't even said anything yet, and you already look like you're dying of embarrassment," Conner laughed, and Lois nudged him.

"Be nice," Lois whispered. Conner picked over his chicken. "Eat with us. Clark's not hungry, and we've got more than enough."

"About Laney and I—."

"Wait, you guys kissed, didn't you?" Conner asked, and Lois shot him a look. Jason nodded.

Jason grabbed a paper plate, and Lois gave him some of the food they got from the restaurant. "Do you still like green beans?" Lois asked.

"Uh-huh," Jason answered. As he took a fork and started to eat.

"Tim called you and Laney's school and rescheduled our gig... So, I guess we're gonna play two weeks from now on Saturday," Conner mentioned.

"Mm," Lois stopped him and tried to finish chewing, "Are you still doing covers?" Conner nodded.

"Yeah, like four of the songs in our set are covers. I think I'm gonna head back to the apartment after this to help Bart make the new posters," Conner replied.

Lois lit up. "Do you need help?" she asked.

"Mom, I'm cool, really. Unless you just wanna come over and hang out, that's cool too," Conner offered.

"Wait, I just remembered I can't. Your dad said Laney's roommate is coming by after lunch, and I wanna meet them," Lois replied.

"Slyvia's a girl. I haven't met her yet, though," Conner blurted out. Lois smiled.

"Laney!" a girl yelled from the parking lot. "You're supposed to be in the—. You're not Laney, are you?"

Conner shook his head and reached out to shake her hand.

"I'm his younger brother, Conner. We look a lot alike, except my eyes are the same color," Conner explained. She smiled and leaned closer.

"You two could be twins... So, you must be Laney's mom. It's so nice to meet you," Sylvia shook her hand.

Lois smiled at her. "It's nice to meet you too," Lois replied, "This is Jason—."

"He and Laney finally acknowledged that they're attracted to each other, so we're not sure if we should call him Laney's friend or—." Lois nudged Conner.

"Nice to meet you," Jason smiled as he shook Sylvia's hand. "Do you go to the university?"

"Yeah, I'm a theatre major," Sylvia replied, "Which is kind of fun because Laney's major is music therapy, so—."

"Laney changed his major to music therapy?" Conner interrupted, his mouth half-full. Sylvia nodded.

Lois took Sylvia's arm and offered to show her where Laney's hospital room was, leaving Jason and Conner to talk to each other. "I don't think you look that much like Laney," Jason replied.

"That's because you've spent more time with Laney than anybody I've ever known," Conner whispered, "Other than Chris."

"How come you and Laney stopped sharing a room?" Jason asked.

"We fought too much... And he was the only one who didn't mind getting up when Chris had nightmares," Conner replied. Sammy came outside and circled the table. "Chill!" Conner laughed.

Sammy sat down next to Conner. "Are you Laney's boyfriend now?" Sammy asked.

"We'll see," Jason answered softly. Sammy took his mother's plate and started to eat after her.

"Dad said I can sleepover at your house tonight," Sammy said.

"And why would you want to do that, Jonny number two?" Conner asked as he pinched Sammy's cheek.

"Stop!" Sammy swatted his hand away. "You said I could if I wanted to."

"Okay, but you still have to go to bed at eight-thirty," Conner replied. Sammy put his fork down.

"But I'm not even going to school tomorrow!" he exclaimed.

"Trust me, you'll be tired by then anyway," Conner replied.

"But you stay up late," Sammy replied.

"I'm not a kid. Besides, I'm giving you a whole extra thirty minutes on a school night because I know you didn't finish your homework," Conner replied.

"How do you—?"

"I didn't... A little trick I learned from Dad," Conner smiled. Jason chuckled. Jason finished eating and threw his plate out.

"Wanna see the dance I learned from TikTok?" Sammy asked.

"I have a feeling you're about to do it anyway," Conner mumbled as Sammy stood up and showed him. Conner covered his mouth as he took a moment to collect himself. "You know, that's neat, Sam. I would try it, but I have too much self-respect."

"No, you don't. I saw your yearbook picture," Sammy replied. Jason gasped.

"Sammy!" Jason laughed.

[justmeinadaze]

I'm In Control Part 21 (Steddie X You)

A/N: No real notes today :) Just hope y'all enjoy <3

Warnings: Daddy Steve and Sir Eddie and all that that implies. (I regret nothing!), An ex appears making the reader jealous and act out (more so just being a brat). Matthew comes to visit! (Yay!). These two siblings casually talk about their trauma and how the reader feels she isn't good enough for them (mentioned in last chapter), Smut for sure with slapping and spanks. Blindfolds and ice play. I believe that's it.

Word Count: 5061

“How do you not know where she is?”

“TJ, we aren’t her keeper. She said she had an errand to run but didn’t elaborate. It’s still her lunch hour. Calm down.”

Your boss glares at Steve. “Mr. Harrington, did you just tell me to calm down?”

“Depends. Did you like it?” The man winks cheekily at TJ as they both laugh. 

The door to your office opens and you lean against the doorway adorning a huge grin. 

“Where have you been, Y/N?”

“I had to pick something up.”

“’Ello, boys.” Matthew’s tall frame appears behind you as he waves. 

“Hey, man!” The boys get up to greet him as your brother smiles, pulling them in for a hug. 

“TJ and Avery, this is my little brother, Matthew.”

“Jesus. Another good-looking kid to make me feel old.” Your boss rises to shake his hand. “Now, you’re not like the other Y/L/N’s, right?”

“That is correct. Sex feels good, porn is alright, tattoos are cool, and churches scare me.” He chuckles as you lean back against him. “I also love my sister as is, you slut.”

“I love you to, heathen.”

“Hey, you should come with us to the club tonight. We’re all going together finally.”, Avery beams as Matthew nods.

“I actually have to drop off these two on a set but they will be coming by after. Speaking of, Eddie and Steve, we should probably go.”

##############

“Hey Derek.”, you grin at the director as he beams over at you.

“Hey mama! How are you?”

“I’m good. I brought your talent.” You gesture towards the guys who smile back at him.

“Great! Now, we had a slight mix up. Well, not really a mix up. The young lady you guys were going to be working with got sick so I had to reach out to a nearby agency to get a new actress.”

A gorgeous woman with a plethora of tattoos, mostly on her arms and legs, sauntered from down a nearby hallway. Her skin looked incredibly smooth and her long blond hair sat perfectly on her shoulders. Her smile glowed but there was something off about it that you couldn’t put your finger on. 

A breathy fuck came from your side and her eyes widened as she focused on theirs. You knew actors in this industry and honestly this girl in front of you was a fairly good one. She may have seemed shocked to see them but you saw the faint smirk twitch on her lips at their stunned expressions. 

“Guys this is—”

“Cassie Leigh.”, Eddie finished. 

“Oh shit. I’m, uh, I’ll just be in the car.” Matthew slowly backed away and exited the front door. 

You exhaled heavily as you turned to face them. “Oh? How do you guys know each other? Work?”

“Hey Derek, can we have a moment alone?” The director nodded at Steve as he went to check the cameras. “What are you doing here, Cassandra? Thought you moved back home.”

“I did but, you know, I saw your new show online and it just…motivated me to come back and try again. The industry I mean, not you two.”, she giggled.

“Yet you find yourself here on set with them. How odd.”, you smile at her as you turn your sarcasm to them. “So not just work then?”

“We had a relationship with her when we first moved down here.”, Eddie answers as his eyes finally meet yours. “More of an…arrangement.”

“I guess you could call it that especially since relationships weren’t really your thing.”

“How would you know? You left so quickly there wouldn’t have been time for one to evolve.”

“Oooo ‘evolve’. That’s a big word for you, Daddy.” 

Steve glares at her, stepping forward before you place your hand on his chest to stop him. 

“Haven’t changed at all have you, Cass?” Eddie’s tone is full of agitation. 

“Hm. Never seemed to bother you two.”

“Hey, Y/N. We’re ready. Is there a problem?” Derek asks from across the room. 

A sarcastic laugh escapes your lips as you push past them towards the door. 

“Hey! Hey, hey, hey.” Steve grabs your arm turning you back around. 

“I’ve got to say you two continue to fascinate me. I mean, I get why you would have a relationship…I mean ARRANGEMENT. My fault. I get why you would have an ARRANGEMENT with her. She’s a beautiful young woman but she doesn’t really seem like the submissive type.”

“Neither did you.”

You glare at Eddie as you pull yourself out of Steve’s grasp. “I imagine the sex was mind blowing which if your agreement with her was anything like ours then I get why she’s here.”

“Y/N, we aren’t in an agreement. We are in a relationship.” Steve was trying extremely hard to control his temper. “You can’t be jealous.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Harrington? Did I just hear you tell me how I’m not allowed to feel? You know what? You’re right. I can’t be jealous. This is just work, right? Go head. Fuck her all over the house for all I fucking care.”

You storm out as you stomp towards the car. Again, Steve’s hand reaches for you and spins you to face him. 

“The fact that you think we would, work or not, is very frustrating, Y/N. This isn’t work for her. They would have told her she would be partnering with us. She knew we’d be here.”

“I’m not fucking stupid, Steven.”

His face twitched at the name as his head tilted to the side. “Then why are you being a fucking brat right now?”

You both stared each other down until you felt someone standing behind you and gently but firmly reached for the man’s wrist. “Ok. I know everyone is a bit amped up but Steve I’m going to need you to let go of her now, ok?” Matthew’s voice matched his movement, ready to defend you if he needed to. 

Steve’s angry eyes flicked to your brother before letting you go who gently pushed you towards the passenger seat before coming back around to glance at them. 

“Do what you need to do but give her some space. If you come at her right now when you’re all like this she will shut down.”

#############

“Talk to me, Y/N!” Matthew shouted over the music of the club as you chugged back the martini in your hand, gesturing for the waiter to bring you another.

“I don’t want to! Just let me drink and be angry, okay?!”

“Okay but why are you angry?! It’s just work right?!”

There’s a lull in the music as you turn to sullenly look at him. “Yeah but—”

“She’s their ex.”

“It’s not even that but…”

“But what?”

A heavy bass fills the room before you can answer. You reach for his hand and bring him to a patio that’s outside, allowing him to reach in his pocket and light a cigarette. 

“I got incredibly sick last week and in my haze I told them I’m always worried they can do better.”

“Y/N…”

“I know. We talked about it and I believe them when they say they love me. That I’m the only one for them but then I saw that girl…she’s not like me.”

“Probably one of the many reasons they love you. Y/N, there is a reason they aren’t with this girl anymore. Also don’t forget, you met her for like, what… 5 minutes? You don’t know the whole story. You’re just letting our parents get in your brain again.”

You nod at his observation. “Matthew… our parents disowned me because I’m not perfect. What if—”

“No ma’am. Don’t even go there. Our parents disowned US because of their ignorance. Honey, being human means you’ll never be perfect but you’re perfect for them.”

You smile as you wrap your arms around him. “Thank you for being you.” He grins as he kisses the top of your head.  “I’m going to go grab another drink. I’ll be right back.”

As soon as you disappear, Eddie and Steve find Matthew outside. 

“Hey, man. Where is she?”, the metalhead asks. 

“She went to go grab another drink.” They nod at him as they take a sip from the glasses in their hands. “She told me you asked her to move in with you guys.” Steve meets his gaze as he nods again. “She also told me what happened at the wedding you guys went to before your impromptu trip to Indiana.”

Matthew squishes his cigarette in a nearby ashtray. “I like you guys a lot but I’m warning you now. Something like that is a big step for her and if you hurt her again like you guys did before…I will kill you.” He grins at them as he pats Eddie’s shoulder. “And I don’t mean that in like a sarcastic way. She’s been through enough.”

They glance at each other, knowing he means what he’s saying. After following him back into the club, they find you dancing and smiling with Avery. Your brother chuckles as he watches you have fun. “You never would have guessed we grew up in an uber religious house!” The boys laugh along with him as he nudges Steve with his elbow. “And not just because of the dancing, Daddy!”

Their eyes widen as they turn to face him making Matthew laugh harder. “She has bruises on her wrist and arms that look like fingerprints! My sister didn’t want to tell me at first but when I told her they look like the same kind of marks girls leave my bedroom with…! It’s kind of funny! In bed I always like to be control! I assumed it was because we never had any growing up!”

The music dies down again and you giggle as you wrap your arms around your client, heading back towards your brother. 

“You would think she would be the same but I guess not.”

“Maybe it’s because after she left your parent’s house, she had to learn how to handle things by herself. That can be exhausting.” Matthew raises his eyebrow inquisitively as he gives his full attention to Eddie. “Especially when you feel like… it will all fall apart if you don’t have everything together.”

“What she doesn’t realize though is”, Steve continues. “She has way more control in and out of the bedroom than she thinks she does. Y/N has us wrapped around her finger.”

“Hey! You guys came.”, Avery clapped excitedly. “How was your shoot?”

The men across from you watched as your eyes fall to the floor. 

“We wouldn’t know. We left right after Y/N did.”

“Oh? What took you so long to get here then?”, you ask. 

Their eyes shift to Avery before turning to your brother. 

“Hey Av. I’m sick of these whiskey whatevers. Take me to the bar and order me the best drink on the menu. My sister says you come here a lot so I trust your judgement.”

Your client grins as Matthew extends his elbow to him and the boy loops his arm through as they head to the counter. 

“We had a conversation with Cass about this stunt she pulled. She won’t be doing it again.”

Your eyes flicked to Steve before looking down at the contents of your glass. “Yeah, because she seems extremely trustworthy…Why…why haven’t you guys mentioned her before? Or at least told me someone you dated was in the industry so I could look out for you guys.”

They frustratingly sigh, looking around the club before Steve heads down a hallway and Eddie takes your hand to follow. After turning into a nearby open door and locking it, they marvel at the room you three find yourself in. 

It’s small with couches along the mirror lined walls. In the middle, a stripper pole welcomes anyone to use with a stereo in the corner for ambiance. 

“Did…did we just walk into one of our movies?” Eddie’s eyes scan the room and you can’t help but laugh. 

“I mean, the club is called Fantasy.”

Steve hastily guides you to one of the sofas, throwing you both down as he takes your hands in his. “Y/N, I swear we didn’t purposely hide her from you or anything like that. We thought Cassie was back in New York.” Your brows furrow together as Eddie throws himself down next to you. 

“We met her on set a little after we moved here and had our little arrangement for about two months. She was the first person we tried it with and she was all for it. The last time we saw her she was spending the night at our place and the next morning she was gone. Left a note and everything.”

“Actually, a note would have been better. She placed a sticky note on Eddie’s phone that said something like ‘I can’t do this anymore. I’m going home.’ When we called her agency, they said she had flown back home to New York.”

“Did you have feelings for her?”

“Not like we do for you.”

You roll your eyes at Steve’s answer. “I’m not a child. Just answer my question and DON’T tell me it doesn’t matter!”, you turn to warn Eddie.

“It doesn’t! Do you know why? Because she left without so much as a fucking goodbye.”

“Like we were trash.” You sighed at Steve’s comment as his eyes squint in your direction. “Y/N, she’s not nor will she ever be better than you in anyway way shape or form.”

“Is that why your jealous? Jesus Christ.”, Eddie whines in annoyance. “That little snippet you witnessed? Not new for her. She could be aggressively bratty and not in a fun way.”

“Why did you stay with her then? I mean why did you even bother?”

“Because the sex was good.”, Steve cringed as he looked at you. “It was. Again, not as good as—”

“Okay, Mr. Harrington. Calm down. I don’t need you to keep stroking my ego.”, you interrupt with a small smile. 

“I’m sure you understand with your own experiences. Not that I need my ego stroked but…”, he grins. Your smile grows as you look down at your hands. “Whoa, what was that?”

“What was what?”

“Wow, Munson. Look at her face. Did all your past sexual encounters suck?”

“So, a stripper pole in the middle of the room, huh? That’s so cliché.” As you start to slide off the couch, two strong hands grip your biceps and pull you back. They both beam down at you with big, amused yet admiration filled eyes. “I did say you had way more sexual experience than me.”

“Yeah but, I mean, had you ever even cum before?”

“I thought I had. I really did! Until I got in this business. Then I thought I was doing something wrong because I couldn’t…get there. Then…”, your eyes squeeze shut as you gesture your head towards Eddie.

“Oh, this is too good.”, the metalhead chuckles. “Talk about stroking the ego. Your first orgasm EVER was because of my fingers WHILE watching Steve get his shitty blow job.” You both make a face at him as he laughs harder. “Well, you’re welcome.”

The door to the room abruptly opens as a bouncer flies in. “Guys, these rooms aren’t ready yet. You have to get out. Come on now! Now!”

##############

“I will be coming back. Jesus, you always hug me like I’m going away forever.”

“It feels like it.”, you wrap your arms around your brother tighter as he chuckles. 

Matthew points at the guys behind you. “Remember what I said, yeah?” They nod as he unhooks your arms from around his waist to look down at your face. “You to. Don’t let our parents live rent free in there, okay?” He points to your temple as you smile and respond with a tiny ok.

After revving his bike a few times, he delivers you one final wave before speeding off and disappearing over the hill. 

“Are you ok?”, Steve asks as he hugs you from behind. When you nod, he suddenly lifts you in the air and throws you over his shoulder. “Good. Then the punishment can begin.”

“Daddy!”, you giggle as he carries you back inside. “What are you talking about?! I didn’t do anything!”

“Oh, really? I specifically remember you being a brat yesterday and then the cherry on top was you calling me Steven.”

“Fuck. But I apologized!”

He reached up and smacked your ass before flinging you onto the mattress. “Watch your mouth. So, Ed, what we thinking?” The man places his hands on his hips as he looks to his friend. “Do you want to do it?”

You watch them with eager eyes as they whisper to each other. Eddie grins as Steve leaves the room and removes his pants before falling on to the bed with his bare back to the headboard. “Come here, princess.” He pats the space between his legs and you kiss his cheek as you place yourself where he wants you. 

The other man returns with a bowl but before you can peek at what’s inside the metalhead grips your chin, forcing you to look ahead. “Eyes forward.”

“Yes, Sir.” 

His lips tenderly kiss the back of your head as he lifts your shirt and tosses it to the floor. “Do you want your hair up or down?”

“Oh, um. I don’t know, Sir. I don’t know what’s happening. What do you think?”

The boy glances at Steve who shrugs. “You can just keep it out of her face with your hand if you need to. Can you hold it up for me though while I put this on her?”

On instinct, you move your head to look towards him to see what they are putting on you but Eddie immediately pulls your chin, forcing your face forward. “If you move your head again, you won’t like the punishment that follows. Do you understand me?”

“Y-yes, Sir. I’m sorry.”

He loosens his grip as he holds your hair up in a makeshift ponytail. Something soft and velvet blinds you as they place it over your eyes.

“How’s that, honey? Can you see anything? Be honest.”

“No, Daddy. It feels really nice actually. Can I adjust it a little bit?” When he gives you permission, you reach up tug it down a bit more so it’s fully and comfortably resting on your face. 

When lips gently meet yours, a little gasp escapes you. “Whoa.” You reach out with your hand to caress Steve’s face. “It’s so weird but in a good way. You…taste different. Stronger.” You feel his smile spread across his lips before reaching behind you blindly to find Eddie. “Can…Can I—”

His palm reaches for your cheek and guides your mouth to his own. You instantly taste nicotine but also the lingering savoriness that makes up the man you love amplified to an intoxicating degree. 

“Ok. Hey, hey now. This is supposed to be a punishment.” Steve grabs your jaw and turns you away from the other man as you both try and catch your breath. “You got her, Munson?”, he chuckles. 

“Yeah. Yeah, I got her. Fuck me.” Eddie’s arms looped around yours, bringing them behind your back as his heels slide over your ankles to hold them down. 

“Alright, little one. The rules of this punishment are simple. Don’t make any noise or say a word. If you do…?” While Steve was speaking, the metalhead had shifted so your wrists were held with one hand as his other came back around to the front of your body. When his friend paused, his palm came down hard on your inner thigh. “Do you understand?”

“Yes, Daddy. I understand.”

“What do you think, bud? I’m thinking 15 min of silence.”

“Sounds good to me. Start over every time she fails.”

“Every time I fail. You both are so cocky, I swear.”, you giggle until you feel Eddie’s chest lean away from you and a firm hand slaps your cheek.

“You’re already failing, little girl.”, Steve whispers. 

It feels like an eternity before any movement is made. The pads of the man’s fingers glide lightly along your legs and up your thighs, stopping right before he reaches you sex and repeating his actions. 

“Now I know what you’re thinking, babe. This is punishment for the way you behaved at the shoot but it’s not.” The bed dipped in front of you and you bit your lip as you felt him trace along your tummy. His fingers trailed back down and you whined when his fingers skipped your pussy again. 

A hand came down to slap your thigh and Steve chuckled. “I guess we’re starting over.”

He began caressing your skin again, purposely avoiding all the sensitive areas you wanted him to touch so desperately. “You are being punished because you, little one, don’t value yourself like you should.”

Steve’s hand rested on your cheek as you turned your head to press into it. His thumb pulled at your bottom lip and you silently kissed it, hearing him let out a small sigh of pleasure. “Honey, we love you so much. There is no other woman we would rather be with than you.” Tugging his palm away, he gradually slides down your body and you jump when his thumb pressed against your clit.

“You don’t need us to tell you how amazing you are and you shouldn’t allow bitches like Cassie Leigh or your bigoted parents make you feel less than.” 

You tried to hold in your whine but he wasn’t moving his thumb fast or hard enough to get you where you needed to be. As soon as it left your mouth, Steve removed his hand and Eddie slapped between your legs making you cry out. 

You felt the atmosphere shift and heard the sound of something being moved. 

“Jesus fucking Christ!”, you shout as something cold and wet touches your calf.

That earned you two hard slaps on your thighs. “Watch. Your. Mouth.”, Eddie growled in your ear. You apologized and slowly came to realize that the cold, wet thing was ice. Your legs began to tremble as he brought the cube between your thighs. You so badly wanted him to touch you with it as your hips involuntarily started to grind. 

“Oh, honey. So needy. This is the furthest you’ve gotten so far. 10 minutes left. Do you think you can make it?”

He guided the ice to your nipple, startling you but you managed not to make a sound. 

“So beautiful, sweetheart.”

Switching to caress your other breast with the cube, Steve mouth enveloped your erect bud, swirling his tongue along your flesh. Your head fell back on Eddie’s shoulder as you stifled your moans. 

“You want to try, Eddie?” The metalhead slides out from behind you as the other man grips your wrists and places your hands against the headboard above you as you fall to your back. 

“I could handcuff you but I’m trusting you, okay? Do NOT move your hands from this spot.”

You nod, fearing that if you reply properly, they will restart the timer. “Good girl. I’m going to help keep that mouth quiet.”

Eddie reaches into the bowl on your nightstand and picks up where his friend left off while Steve places himself by your face and positions his cock by your mouth. “Open up, little miss.”

You do as your told and he hisses at the feeling as your lips wrap around him. His hand grips the side of your head, turning you so you can take more of his length as he does small thrusts with his hips. 

As Eddie brings the ice down your stomach, you feel his tongue trail after liquid and it takes every fiber of your being not to moan. 

“Good girl, baby. You’re doing so well. You have a couple more minutes. I’m, f-fuck, I’m gonna fuck that pretty little mouth, baby girl.”

While Steve picks up his pace, the metalhead rubs the cubed along your clit as he pushes two of his fingers into your entrance. The euphoria of feeling them finally touch you where you want is almost too much to handle and you know you want last long. You assume the ice in Eddie’s hand melts because the cold sensation is replaced by his warm tongue as he flicks at your nub. 

Steve’s watch beeps and he groans as he pulls his cock out of your mouth. 

“Sir, yes. Please, please, please! Daddy, can I cum?”

As soon as he gives you permission, your legs clamp around Eddie’s head as you stumble over the edge. He forcefully shoves your thighs against the mattress as his tongue rides you through it. 

Eddie climbs your body, hurling the mask off your eyes, and pushing your legs wider apart with his knees before guiding his cock into your entrance. His motions are slow at first, pumping himself into you as deep as he can, gradually picking up his pace. You glance at Steve who was still beside you on his elbow as he watched your face contort in ecstasy.

“Can I—mmm—can I move my…hands, Daddy?”

“Yes, you can.”

Eddie mewled as you palms wrapped him and your nails dragged down his back.

“Harder, Sir. Please.”

His body fell against yours as he placed his head to the other side of your own. “Like this, baby?” He clings to you as his hips slam into yours, your eyes rolling back. 

“Yes, Sir. Just like that. You feel so good.”

“Cum for me, princess. Please.” He whispers his last word so low you barely heard him, grunting as your pussy clenched around him. Eddie’s neck craned as he watched you come undone. “Good girl. That’s my sweet girl. Fuck.”

His hips faltered as he thrust his seed into your cunt. You tenderly ran your fingers through his hair as he panted against your neck. 

“You ready for Daddy, baby?”

You nod, shakily crawling to him as he rises on to his knees, wrapping his arms around you, and lifting you so your back was against his chest. 

Steve reached between you two, spitting into his hand as you moaned, feeling the tip of his hard cock press against you. 

“Fuck, Daddy.”, you whimpered as he guided himself into your ass.  

His fingers roughly pinched your cheeks, pushing your head back against his shoulder as he began pumping his hips. 

“Just because the punishment ended—mmm—doesn’t mean you can curse. You…you didn’t do that with him. What makes…you think you can get away with it…with me, little girl? Hm?”

“I’m…I’m sorry, Daddy.” Your hands clung to his arms that were encircled around your waist as he thrust into you harder.  

“Did his long, thick fingers and cock…make you fucking…fucking dumb?”

You cried out when you suddenly felt fingers between your legs, opening your eyes to see Eddie on his knees in front of you. His forehead fell on yours as he pushed two of his fingers inside of your entrance, matching Steve’s pace. 

The other man closed his eyes, panting at the sound of your moans. “Cum, honey. Please. You sound so fucking beautiful. I need to hear it.”

He presses you tightly to him and your body shakes as you cum, lips attaching to his as his tongue mingles with yours. Steve’s grunts hit your face as he leans his nose to your cheek, his own body trembling as he releases inside of you.

“Please…”, you beg as you push at Eddie’s hand. 

Steve grips your hips as he carefully lifts you off his lap before bringing you with him as he falls flat on the mattress on his side. The metalhead follows you both down, pushing some of your damp hair out of your face. 

As he starts to get up, you quickly reach out to grab his arm. “Wait…Wait. Not yet.”

Eddie smiles as lays back down beside you. “Are you okay?” You nod, placing your hand on his cheek. “Ah, Ah, Ah. This is what I was afraid of. Wake up, sweetheart.”, he tuts as your eyes start to close. 

A small, sleepy grin spreads along your face. “You can’t tell me what to do.”

Steve snorts behind you as he laughs making your grin stretch further along your face. 

“Such a pain in the ass. You’re lucky we love you.” Eddie kisses your forehead before heading towards the bathroom and turning on the shower. The other man groans as he rolls off the bed and lifts you into his arms, setting you down under the water. 

“Can I ask a question?”

“Yes, you can sit down.” 

“No, you goof.”, you playfully slap Eddie’s arm. “You guys said I’m the first girl you actually had a relationship with, right? So, you’ve never had a girl move in with you?”

Their actions slow as they listen, Steve freezing completely. “That’s right.”

“So, um, I know that when I sleepover or vice versa, we fall asleep together but at your house you both have your own room…”

The metalhead turns off the shower, drying himself before reaching for you and gently running the towel over your body. “Princess, you’re doing that thing again where you dance around the topic instead of asking what you actually want to ask.”

“I was just thinking… I mean…do you both need your own room?”

Steve throws on some boxers and reaches for a clean shirt to throw over your head. “I like falling asleep with you.”

“Me to.”, Eddie chimes in. “I was thinking…hypothetically… if you moved in with us, we could turn one of our rooms into like an office or something for you.”

“You do bring a lot of your work home. Not including us, of course.” 

You giggle as you climb back into bed and they follow, your eyes shifting back and forth between them. “Okay.”

“Okay like ‘good to know’ or okay like ‘I want to move in with you guys?’”, Steve asked in a nervous tone. 

“I’d like to move in. If…if you still want me to.”

“Fuck yes!”, Eddie shouts before clearing his throat. “I mean, yeah, of course we still want you to.”

“Matthew already threatened us to so you’re good to go.”

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