#charlie met her roommates

[desertgloom]

"I'm Charlie, I'm a creative writing major at Willow Creek University, and I'm going to try to write my first novel while we're here." "That's amazing! I'm Charlene but y'all can call me Cece. I'm from Chestnut Ridge, and I'm trying to decide between sculpture and painting. I guess I'll figure it out this semester." "Nice to meet you guys! I'm Grace. I'm a photography major, born and raised in San Myshuno, and I'm on track to graduate early if I can finish two different projects while I'm here." "I'm from San Myshuno!" "Really? Where?" "You know the Spice Market..."

[foldingfittedsheets]

Since I already have established myself as a little pickle freak with no shame I have another extremely embarrassing story that will probably make you laugh.

When I started dating Brendan he was still living at home, but after we'd been dating a while he and his best friend Charlie decided to move in together. Another friend of theirs was looking for roommates and they decided to go for it. It was the lower level of a house.

Here's where I need to set the stage a little. Looking back on the time I spent in that space, I don't actually even know if it could have been nice under other circumstances. I feel almost pity for that house, full of young disgusting boys. Bare and wretched, it had minimal threadbare furniture, no decorations, and the guy who lived there already was hands down the most disgusting person I've ever met.

Not his character, but his habits. This boy's name was Josh. I genuinely don't know if their moving in with Josh was a handshake deal or if they saw the place beforehand. No sane person would ever have chosen to live there otherwise, I feel certain.

There was a kitchen. Sorta. But like. Was there a kitchen? Every counter, the whole sink, everything was just covered in dirty dishes. Brendan and Charlie said, "Josh, you need to do the dishes, we can't even wash anything cause it's so full of dirty dishes."

Josh's response to being asked to clean was to load all the dirty dishes onto a blanket. And then he dragged that blanket down the hall into the laundry room.

Crusted on residue, molding slimes, and horrible odors arose as he moved the blanket. After two months they said, "Josh, you can't just leave your dirty dishes on a blanket in the laundry room."

Josh's response was to drag the blanket of misery and miasmas into his room instead.

Josh didn't shower very much and he was a big guy. At one point I walked past his door when it opened. His girlfriend was crossing to the bathroom and I almost dry heaved directly in front of her. The smell of rotting foot, dried on sweat, and sex musk swirled together into the most eye watering assault my nose had ever faced.

So that's where our story takes place. A home of no hand towels, no soap by the bathroom sink, a blanket covered in months of early-twenties depression dishes.

I was meeting some of these people for the first time on the night of our story. Josh had a crew of two others guys who just hung around constantly. So it's me and five dudes hanging out, chatting, ignoring the various smell scapes to live in the moment. Josh left briefly to go pee.

Then I felt a stabbing in my guts. I shot a panicked look to Brendan and casually said I had to pee too. At that time in my life I was experiencing some of the most god awful IBS I've ever experienced. I knew I was going to make a crime scene in there. To my dismay there was no fan to turn on. But Brendan, like the champion partner he was, started telling a story at extremely high volume to cover the sound of my anus exploding under the force of my anxiety poops.

When I flushed and turned to the sink, I was dismayed. There was no soap. I looked around the bare bathroom and didn't see anything useful. No one had ever wanted to wash their hands here before. I then looked over the tub and spotted a tiny window that I wasn't tall enough to open. I wanted to let out the truly rank and terrible smell I had filled the bathroom with, but I had to give that up as impossible.

I slipped out and quietly said, "Hey, is there dish soap or something to wash my hands?"

"Oh," said one of Josh's friends, "There's a bar of soap by the window, let me grab it for you." This was not unreasonable, because again, I couldn't reach the window but I was doused in fear at the ridicule I was about to face.

He went to the door of the bathroom and literally staggered back from the unholy smell I'd left there. He had his arms up as if to protect his face from the malevolent beast my bowels had left behind. When he turned to us there was tears standing in his eyes.

In this house of awful smells and terrible hygiene, I was the stinkiest monster of all, bringing this boy to tears. I broke out in a sweat, ready to cry myself at the shame that was about to be cast upon me.

But instead. He said, "JOSH!"

"I can't believe you dude! Oh my god! That is the nastiest shit I've ever smelled!!" He waved the door frantically to dilute the awful power of my shit and then plowed through to open the window and air out the bathroom, passing me the soap. "I can't BELIEVE you had to go in there after him, oh my god, use the kitchen sink to wash your hands! It's gnarly!"

Everyone turned to rag on Josh for the newest addition to the gallery of smells in the house and he didn't look at me once. He laughed and pulled my shame onto his shoulders with grace, taking the bullet for me like a true hero. Only Brendan and I knew I was the stinky villain.

Josh never brought it up after, but I remain grateful to this day.

[punkshort]

Roommates | 3. fun in the sun

Pairing: pornstar!joel x f!reader

Chapter Summary: Maria organizes a getaway to Lake Travis for a long weekend. You invite your new boyfriend, but things quickly deteriorate, leaving Joel to help you pick up the pieces.

Chapter Warnings: language, smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption, flirting, sexual tension, jealousy, mutual pining, smut (18+ MDNI), semi-pubic sex, fingering, hand job, description of a panic attack, heartbreak, food consumption, golf

WC: 8.4K

Series Masterlist

Charlie was cute.

Well, cute didn't seem like the right word, and handsome sounded too stiff. But he was both those things and more. You discovered he was also very dapper when you met him for lunch one day during work. He wore a perfectly tailored dark blue suit with a crisp white shirt. One button was left open at the top, revealing a sliver of his tanned skin underneath. You almost felt out of place wearing what you thought was one of your nicer dresses when he took you to some steakhouse you never heard of that didn't have the prices on the menu and you began to wonder how he didn't own a home yet since he appeared so successful.

"I never have the time to look, to be honest," he told you with a shrug. "Work keeps me busy during the week, and even some weekends. Then between grocery shopping and laundry and occasionally going to parties and meeting super pretty girls," he smiled with a wink and you giggled, "I just never find the time to house hunt."

"I guess I got lucky with Maria doing all the heavy lifting for me," you joked as you picked at the remains of your salad.

"Yeah, and she did a great job. It's a good starter house," he said with a nod before checking his phone.

"Mm, I don't know about starter. She was hoping to raise a family in that neighborhood one day. She really likes the schools."

Charlie made a little noise and you glanced up. "What?" you asked with a small smile.

"Nothing, it's nothing," Charlie said, setting his phone back down on the table. When you tilted your head and gave him a look, he sighed. "It's a fine area of town, I just personally would prefer to raise a family elsewhere."

"Oh, yeah? Like where?"

"Barton Creek would be great," he said, and you nearly choked on your drink.

"Barton Creek? That's like, so expensive," you laughed but his mouth didn't twitch. Your smile slowly fell and you said, "are you serious?"

"Of course I'm serious. You wouldn't want to live there?"

You huffed and sat back in your chair. "Yeah, sure, in my dreams. But I could never afford something like that."

Charlie leaned forward and took your hand. "But one day, maybe you could. If you go back to school at night and really apply yourself, it would only take a few years-"

"I told you I'm not interested in becoming a lawyer," you said, smiling up as the waiter cleared your plates. "I'm happy doing what I'm doing right now."

"Well, I'm just saying. You're young, there's options out there. You should really give it some thought."

At the time, you thought Charlie was being sweet and encouraging by trying to help you reach your full potential, but you would later discover you were wrong.

"I want to get out of town for a bit," Maria said at family dinner one night. You all looked up at her, bracing yourselves for whatever she had already planned in her head. "What do you think about renting a spot on Lake Travis?"

She immediately clocked the table's hesitation. "Just a long weekend. Four days on the lake, get out of this heat and on the water. Doesn't that sound nice?"

"When?" Tommy asked, and Maria knew instantly she had won.

She gave him a few different options while he scrolled the calendar in his phone to look at his work schedule. Weekends were hard for Tommy and hit or miss with Joel, so she knew it would be a tough sell.

Tommy picked a weekend and Maria's eyes lit up. Joel was about to decline when you piped up and agreed to go and suddenly, he couldn't resist.

"Amazing!" Maria said, clapping her hands giddily. She picked up her phone and began to look at availability for lodging. "You can invite Charlie, too, of course," she added without looking up.

"Oh, right," you said, feeling stupid for not even considering him. "Yeah, let me see if he's free."

Joel's heart sank and he looked down at his food, pushing the pasta around on his plate while you texted that guy you've been seeing, completely unaware that it was tearing him up inside. He tried to not let it bother him and he thought he was doing a really good job so far, but he wasn't sure how he would be able to handle four days in the same house, watching him touch you and kiss you and make you laugh. All the things he wanted to be doing, and more, but couldn't.

"He can come for Saturday and Sunday but he has to work Friday and Monday," you announced. Okay, so two days of watching another man touch what should be his.

Maria spent the rest of the night planning the trip while Joel bit his tongue. Why couldn't Charlie take off work a month in advance? he wanted to ask. Doesn't he want to spend time with you?

But of course, he didn't say a word. He and Tommy listened as the two of you researched activities, restaurants and bars in the area and planned out the weekend, making sure to carve out enough time to relax on the beach because you knew that's what he and Tommy really wanted to do. Fuck, he couldn't wait to see you in a bikini.

"Aren't you excited?" you asked him when Tommy and Maria headed up to bed.

"'Course I am."

"You don't seem like it. I thought this would be right up your alley."

"Oh, yeah?" he asked, leaning forward so his elbows rested on his knees. "Why's that?"

You grinned and settled back into the couch. "Girls on the beach, obviously. Dripping wet from the water or sweating from the heat. I thought you would be more excited."

"I am," he said, leaving out that he was excited to see you dripping wet from the water or sweat. You hummed and stretched out your legs on the couch.

"Feel like watching a movie?" you asked, and he quickly nodded.

He knew it was pathetic but he couldn't help it. Any amount of time you wanted to spend with him alone, he would take. And when you curled up under a blanket and shoved your feet underneath his thigh while you watched the TV, it took everything in him not to pull you into his lap and press his lips against yours.

Because you were spoken for. And that would be wrong.

It was so fucking hot.

The day you left for the lake, the temperature was close to record breaking and all of you had to admit once you were in the comfort of the air conditioned truck that Maria's plan to get out of town was truly inspired. And once you arrived at the house you rented, you had to give Maria even more credit because the place was stunning.

It was a two story cabin with four bedrooms, a spacious living area and a kitchen behind it. The walls were all made of wood, stained a dark cherry for ambiance while the house sat a mere ten minute walk to the beach.

"Oh my god, this place is so cool," you said softly as you walked around the upper level, checking out each bedroom. It was hard to choose, they were all equally beautiful and had great views of the small forest around you, so you didn't mind when Tommy and Maria picked the master suite. Each room had its own charm.

The first evening you were there, you decided to go to dinner and then hit up a bar nearby, just the four of you. Charlie had planned on arriving sometime the next morning and then you would head to the beach, where you would spend a majority of the day getting tan and drinking whatever was coldest from the cooler you brought from home.

"Okay, do not even start that shit with me, Joel! You know I have a fear of heights! I'm not going anywhere near that fucking thing!"

He laughed and wrapped an arm around your shoulders as you walked down the boardwalk behind Tommy and Maria.

"It ain't even that high! It's just a goddamn ferris wheel!"

"I don't care, I'm not going on it. You guys can go and have a lovely time. I will stay down here, safe on the ground where I can't plummet to my death."

"C'mon, now. You know I won't let anythin' bad happen to you," Joel said, his voice dropping an octave lower as he pulled you in closer, the alcohol coursing through both your veins began to call the shots when you leaned into his hold.

"And what are you gonna do, Joel, if the thing breaks and I'm stuck up there? Do you have some superpowers I'm not aware of?"

"No, I think you're aware of all my superpowers," he teased, making you blush and shove him away with a laugh. "But I know I could distract you. Help keep your mind off it til help arrives."

You stumbled a bit as you laughed harder, Tommy and Maria leaving you behind when they spotted an ice cream stand.

"Yeah, I bet you would. Telling me shitty jokes or more stories of how you tormented Tommy on the school bus?"

Joel grinned and grabbed your hand, yanking you into him again as you continued to walk past various bars and restaurants packed with tourists.

"Both would work, I'm sure of it, but I had somethin' else in mind," he said without thinking, getting too carried away in the moment. It felt too good, it felt so natural as you walked with your fingers linked together around your shoulders and your head leaning against the side of his chest.

"Oh yeah? Like what?" you giggled, then hiccuped, then giggled again. Why did you have to be so fucking cute?

He opened his mouth to say something he would probably regret in the morning, then bit his tongue when you looked up at him curiously. You saw the look in his eye and you cleared your throat, leaning away from him when you realized how inappropriate the two of you must have looked.

"Maybe I'll try the smaller one," you said, trying to steer the conversation back after the awkward moment.

"Nah, I'm just teasin' you. Don't do anythin' you ain't comfortable with," he told you, making you smile right as you caught up with Tommy and Maria. He loved making you smile.

"You guys wanna head back?" Tommy asked, tossing a handful of used napkins in a nearby trash can.

"Yeah, I should probably get to bed. Charlie's getting here early tomorrow and he wanted to try to get a hike in before the beach," you said, pulling your phone out to see if you had any missed texts from him. Joel swallowed and looked away.

"A hike? Since when are you a hiker?" Maria said with a laugh. You shrugged and grinned before looping your arm with hers, heading back in the direction of the house.

"Charlie must really like her," Tommy said as he walked side by side with Joel, both of them watching you and Maria giggling and poking each other in the ribs. "Always took him for a workaholic. Surprised he would be interested in coming out here."

Joel frowned before lighting up a cigarette. "It's the weekend. Didn't think he worked on the weekends."

"Oh, he doesn't, but he likes to put in extra time. Always chasin' that next promotion. Always been that way."

Joel exhaled a puff of smoke before replying. "How'd you know him again?"

"Used to work at the bar with me, if you can believe it," Tommy said, "but it was just somethin' to keep money in his pocket while he finished school. He was always a hard worker, even behind the bar. Real focused, y'know? Wasn't surprised at all when he got a job right outta college with that finance company."

Joel took another drag from his cigarette and allowed his gaze to drift to the curve of your ass in your shorts, knowing that the darkness would give him cover. "And you stayed friends all these years? Doesn't sound like you got much in common."

Tommy shrugged. "He's a nice guy and fun to hang out with when he lets loose. Used to be a good wingman back in the day. But he's the type of guy who's real driven. Sets his sights on a goal and will do whatever it takes to get it. I think his parents put alotta pressure on him growin' up."

Joel nodded and flicked his cigarette onto the pavement as they walked up the driveway to the house. He should be happy for you. It sounded like Charlie was a catch but he couldn't stop from comparing himself to your boyfriend. Even if he quit his job tomorrow and started over doing something normal, he would never reach the level of success Charlie had.

He didn't stand a chance in hell.

Maria was right. You were decidedly not a hiker. But Charlie seemed so excited to explore the area and you were just so grateful he took time out of his busy schedule to spend an entire weekend with you that you felt compelled to agree.

At least he gave you a great view of his muscular back as you trailed behind him, your legs ready to give out from the exertion any minute.

"I bet you made so much money as a bartender," you told him. He turned around and shot you a smirk.

"You checking me out back there?"

"Can you blame me?" you giggled.

"It's beautiful out here, babe," he said once you reached a high point with a clearing. He took a swig of water while you caught your breath. "Thanks for inviting me. I've never been out this way before."

"Really?" you asked in disbelief, "it's not that far from the city."

"Yeah, well, you know how it is," was all he said. You sat down on a fallen tree and stretched out your legs while Charlie took a few pictures of the view.

"Isn't Joel seeing anyone he could have invited this weekend?" Charlie asked out of the blue. You paused for a moment, taken off guard at the thought of Joel with a girlfriend. Something you never really considered before.

"Uh, I don't think he's seeing anyone serious," you replied.

Charlie chuckled and sat down next to you. "He's a bit of a fifth wheel, don't you think?"

Your face twisted up in disapproval when you looked at him. "Not at all. He's, like, part of our family. If anything-"

You stopped yourself before finishing your sentence but it didn't matter. Charlie furrowed his brow and glared at you.

"What? If anything, I'm the fifth wheel?"

"I didn't say that."

"But you were about to."

You sighed and rubbed your eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it. It's just because we all live together, that's all."

He scoffed and stood up, brushing off the back of his shorts before picking up his water bottle from the ground.

"We should head back," he grumbled as the guilt settled deep in your chest. You stood and wrapped your fingers around his bicep.

"Wait, come here," you said softly. He sighed and hung his head before turning around to face you. "I'm sorry. Really. I am," you reached up to cup his face and pressed your lips tenderly against his. You felt him relax into your touch and you smiled against his lips. "Can I make it up to you later?" you asked suggestively, and Charlie laughed.

"I'll hold you to it," he said with a playful swat on your ass. You squeaked and he grabbed your hand. "Let's get back. I wanna go to the beach and relax with you."

"That sounds amazing," you said dreamily as you followed him back the way you came, grateful the trail was now downhill.

Joel didn't like Charlie.

And it wasn't because he had his hands all over you the entire fucking day, but that didn't help matters. He tried to keep an open mind, he really did, but something about him just felt off. It clicked with Joel later when he noticed Charlie had encouraged you to cover up your bikini before heading over to the bar to grab some drinks, even though they had brought plenty to share in the cooler. You had initially protested, laughing him off when you thought he was joking, but gave in when you realized he didn't want other men staring at you at the bar.

Charlie was trying to control you and you didn't even realize it.

Those chips are terrible for you, babe. Try these instead. They're baked.

You gotta reapply sunscreen after swimming. Don't you know that, babe?

What are you reading that trash for? You gotta let me broaden your horizons, babe.

Babe. Babe. Babe. Babe.

It was really getting under Joel's fucking skin.

"You're so quiet today," you said, plopping down next to him after spreading out a towel on the sand.

"Am I?"

You gave him a look and grinned. "Yeah. What's up with you? Did you not sleep good or something?"

Joel shrugged and looked out at the water, grateful his sunglasses were able to disguise his feelings on that particular day. "Not really."

You hummed and regarded him silently for another moment before lying flat on your back, stretching yourself out to bask in the sun's warm rays. You took off your sunglasses and closed your eyes with a contented sigh while he fought the urge to stare at your perfect body so goddamn close to him.

He forced himself to scan the beach, looking for anything to keep his mind off your soft skin coated in a thin sheen of sweat just within an arm's reach. He felt a stirring below his waist when he imagined running his tongue between your breasts, licking up the sweat collecting there.

"Everything okay?" you asked when Charlie reappeared, his phone in hand. Joel shifted and tried to subtly rest his book over his crotch.

"Yeah, just a quick work call. Hey Joel, I think that girl's checking you out," Charlie said, sitting down in the sand next to you.

Joel resisted the urge to roll his eyes and forced himself to be nice. For your sake.

"Oh yeah? Where?"

"The one in the white bikini. Blonde hair, big tits."

You whipped your head in Charlie's direction, unable to keep the shock from your tone when you whispered his name in disbelief. Joel tried not to watch but he could tell you were offended and he hardly blamed you. Who says that in front of their girlfriend?

"Not really my type," Joel said, settling back in his chair and closing his eyes.

"Not your type?" Charlie scoffed, and Joel cracked open one eye, once again grateful for his sunglasses because he caught you trying to silently shut Charlie up, but he continued to ignore you. "If she's not your type then who is?"

Your fucking girlfriend is my type, asshole, he wanted to say. Instead he just shrugged and hoped he would drop it.

He didn't.

"Come on, why don't you at least try to talk to her. Maybe invite her to dinner tonight. Then it would be all couples for once."

"Charlie," you hissed, a little louder this time. "He's not interested. Leave him alone."

"What's the problem? You were just saying earlier how you wished Joel would find a girl. I'm just trying to give him a little encouragement," Charlie said with a smirk. Your mouth fell open and you shook your head but it was too late. Joel's heart plummeted into his stomach and the familiar sting of rejection crept up his throat, strangling him. If you were privately telling Charlie you wanted him find someone, that must mean you were really over him, and whatever foolish shred of hope he was clinging to was all for nothing.

"I never said that! Joel, I'm so sorry," you said, scrambling up from the sand and turning on Charlie angrily. "Why would you-"

"It's fine," Joel said curtly, standing up and brushing the sand off his swim trunks. "You're right. I'm gonna go talk to her."

You twisted your neck to look up at him, your mouth opening and shutting as you struggled to come up with something to say.

"Y-yeah. I mean... go for it," you stammered and watched as Joel made his way across the beach. Even from a distance you could see the girl's face light up as he approached and you felt a pit form in your stomach.

"Why would you lie to him like that?" you asked Charlie with a scowl. He grinned and settled back into his chair with a book.

"I just had a feeling if a close friend motivated him, he would do it. Poor guy needs to get laid."

Fortunately you could blame the heat from the sun on your reddening cheeks. Charlie had no idea what Joel really did for work. You always skirted around the question whenever it was brought up because deep down, you knew Charlie would have a problem with it.

You slipped your sunglasses back on with a sigh and crossed your arms, still pissed off with Charlie but not in the mood to get into an argument. You tried not to stare as Joel flirted with the girl in the white bikini. She leaned into him and playfully shoved his shoulder with a giggle and your chest tightened when you saw him thread his fingers together with hers and lead her towards the bar.

You had absolutely no right to get jealous. Joel wasn't your boyfriend for that exact reason: jealousy. You had your own boyfriend who was very smart, handsome and successful. And sure, sometimes Charlie pushed you into doing things out of your comfort zone, but he was trying to help you grow as a person. So if he was so great, why did you spend so much time thinking about Joel?

Chelsea was sweet, in her late twenties, got her degree in economics and also spent the better part of half an hour subtly rubbing her ass against Joel's hips at the bar. It was crowded, being right on the beach, and getting louder and rowdier as the afternoon dragged on. At first, Joel thought it was an accident, that the crowds of people forced her to press up against him. But he soon discovered it was quite intentional when she ducked her hand under the bar to rub his cock through his swim trunks.

"Whoa, what're you doin' down there?" he chuckled. She beamed up at him innocently.

"Feel like going for a swim?" she asked. He thought she was ignoring his question until they got in the water, swimming out a ways where it was quiet, but not too deep. Chelsea glanced around before wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her mouth against his, wasting no time slipping her tongue past his lips with a soft moan.

"I recognized you," she admitted, dragging her mouth down the column of his throat and dipping her hand below the water. He hissed when she slid past his waistband and wrapped her hand around his cock.

"Oh, yeah?"

"Mhmm," she said with a mischievous grin, her fist languidly stroking him up and down where nobody could see. "You're in dirty movies."

He laughed and squeezed her hips, encouraging her to come closer to him.

"You got me."

Even though she had her hand down his shorts in the middle of a lake surrounded by people enjoying a hot summer day, he had to admit that Charlie was right about her. She was sexy and charming and he liked how confident she was. She also seemed more than okay with his profession, which thrilled him. Maybe this was something that could actually work.

The first red flag came when he had two fingers curled inside her and she murmured I bet I feel better than those girls you have to fuck, huh?

It took him off guard for a moment but he shrugged it off, thinking it was just an idea that turned her on, so he told her yeah, so tight, baby.

The second red flag was when she asked are you gonna think about me next time you're at work?

His hips stuttered a bit underwater and he could feel the mental block building up. He tried kissing Chelsea to keep her from talking but it was too late, so instead he focused all his energy on getting her off with his fingers. Her grip loosened around his cock when she came, her moans muffled against his mouth. She grabbed at his shoulders desperately as her muscles went lax and he whispered I got you and held her against his chest until she caught her breath.

Over Chelsea's shoulder he could see you and Charlie on the beach. It was far away but he could spot you anywhere. While Chelsea murmured into his skin and raked her fingers through his hair, his eyes were pinned on you. You were standing up and brushing the sand off your legs, your perfect ass sticking out when you bent over in that hot pink bikini that was driving him fucking crazy all day.

Chelsea's hand was wrapped around his cock again, the mental block disappearing the longer he watched you. He groaned when you began to rub sunscreen into your arms, your tits bouncing with each and every movement. Chelsea took that as a sign to go faster. She whispered in his ear how big he was and before he even had a chance to stop it, his mind was imagining you saying that, instead. He remembered how nervous you were but then how you begged for his cock and his hips began to thrust into her hand underwater. Then, his breath caught in his throat when he watched you untie your bikini top, your arm holding the tiny pieces of fabric against your chest as the strings hung loose and you positioned yourself face down on the towel to tan in the sun.

"Fuck," Joel groaned, his cock pulsing in Chelsea's hand as he came. His breath was ragged and he fought to stand up in the water and not succumb to sinking to the bottom of the lake. She seemed to sense his struggle because she whispered in his ear let's go back.

As he swam to shore, the guilt began to wash over him for thinking about you when he was with another girl. That wasn't his intention at all. It was disrespectful to both you and Chelsea. But you were directly in his eyeline and he couldn't seem to stop himself. He could do better. He would do better.

"Hey, what're you doin' for dinner? A few of my friends are all goin' to this Italian place-"

"Oh," Chelsea said, cutting him off in surprise when they finally made it to the beach. "I'm sorry, thank you, but I have plans tonight."

He was a little disappointed but he knew giving a girl he just met a couple hours notice to go to dinner was asking a lot. "Don't worry 'bout it. Can I get your number? Maybe we can meet up tomorrow?"

Chelsea gave him a disbelieving look as she adjusted her swimsuit. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, 'course I am. I'd like to get to know you better," he said with a lopsided grin. She laughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of her neck and that was when Joel felt the uneasiness settle deep in his chest.

"I'm sorry, Joel. I thought this was just a hook up," she said, biting her lip and glancing around the beach. He could feel the smile fall from his face but he cleared his throat, trying to hide his disappointment.

"Y-yeah, sure, I get it."

"I mean, you're really sweet and all, it's just... you know," she said with a little shrug. He swallowed and nodded. He knew. You can't take a pornstar home to meet your parents.

"Maybe I'll see you around?" he said, and Chelsea nodded. She kissed him goodbye and he watched as she made her way down the beach towards her group of friends, who had been watching with great interest.

He was living every man's dream and he couldn't feel shittier about it.

He didn't want to just hook up with random girls anymore. It was fun when he was in his twenties but now it just felt pathetic. He sighed and turned his head in your direction. Charlie looked like he had dozed off in his chair while you were still laying face down with your eyes closed on your towel, your smooth skin coated with a sheen of sweat, pinkening under the sun's rays.

As he began to walk back towards the pair of you, he spotted Tommy and Maria making their way over from the opposite side of the beach, having done their own excursion for a couple hours that day and promised to catch up with the rest of you before dinner.

Joel was relieved. At least there would be a buffer.

Admittedly, Joel drank a little too much at dinner. He was still a little bothered by his afternoon with Chelsea, but he would have gotten over it had Charlie not picked at the scab every chance he got. First, he ribbed him about not being able to seal the deal when he showed up to dinner alone, but Joel just politely laughed it off. Then, as dinner progressed and the table was on their third round, Charlie began to point out girls around the restaurant who looked like they could be single, asking Joel if he thought they were his type with a teasing lilt to his voice.

You hadn't really been paying attention. You were too engrossed with something Maria was saying, leaning across the table excitedly as the thin strap of your sundress slid down your shoulder. Your skin was practically glowing from the sun, your eyes sparkled when you giggled with Maria and Joel was finding it more and more difficult to keep his gaze off you. Charlie either didn't notice or care. His arm was resting along the back of your chair, his thumb brushing against your back or your arm while he explained to Tommy the Chelsea backstory. Tommy's eyes flickered back and forth between Charlie and Joel, providing a few forced chuckles at his teasing, then changed the subject the first chance he got.

"What d'we wanna do tonight?" he had asked, breaking up your private conversation at the other end of the table.

"Why don't we hit the boardwalk?" Charlie offered, tossing back the rest of his old fashioned.

"We did that last night," you said.

"It's my only night here, babe. I wanna check out the rides and shit."

Joel's jaw tensed and he looked down at the table.

Of course, everyone agreed, so once dinner was over they all strolled down the sidewalk towards all the bright lights, the intoxicating smell of sugar and the sound of carnival games in the air. Charlie spotted the Ferris wheel and snatched your hand.

"C'mon, babe, let's check it out!"

You stopped dead in your tracks, making him spin around in surprise. "I don't like heights, I'll just wait-"

"Oh, come on! It'll be romantic," Charlie murmured suggestively, pulling you into his chest and pinching your chin. Joel hurriedly walked past to catch up with Tommy and Maria, unable to stand there and watch him kiss you. He knew he was being unreasonable. He knew he had to get his jealousy under control or else it would drive a wedge between the two of you and he couldn't possibly risk that. You meant far too much to him. So, he tried to distance himself for the remainder of the night. He hung out with Tommy and Maria, checking out various shops, getting candied apples and playing games while he forced himself to not look over his shoulder and seek you out.

Looking back on it, he probably shouldn't have gotten that beer and shot at the bar after Tommy and Maria ducked into a photo booth. His head was already swimming from the drinks at dinner but he really didn't want to be awake later to hear you and Charlie through the walls.

Tommy and Maria found him after the photo booth and showed him the strip of pictures, laughing at some of the props and faces they were making when Maria suggested they take a ride on the ferris wheel since it would likely be their last chance. Joel told them he would just wait, not wanting to admit the mere thought of those little cars swaying back and forth made his stomach churn with the amount of alcohol he had drank that night.

He was smoking a cigarette and scrolling on his phone, sitting on a bench near the ferris wheel after Tommy and Maria had gotten in line when he heard you. The panic in your voice sent a jolt of fear down his spine and he jumped up, flicking his cigarette on the ground as he whipped his head back and forth, searching for you. Finally, he spotted you pushing your way through the crowds of people in front of the ride, your face red and soaked with tears. His heart sank and he rushed over just as Charlie emerged a few seconds behind you. When he reached out to touch your arm, you yanked it back so forcefully that you fell on your hands and knees, scraping your skin against the hot blacktop.

Joel called your name and you looked up frantically, your chest heaving. You reached out a shaky arm towards him and he immediately pulled you up off the ground, his eyes raking up and down your body, assessing you for damage. Aside from some red scrapes on your hands and knees from the fall, you appeared fine, but you clawed at his arms and gasped I can't breathe and his heart began to slam wildly in his chest. He held you up against him and twisted around, trying to spot a paramedic when Charlie waved you both off with a dry laugh.

"Bro, she's fine, she just got scared on the ferris wheel."

"She's not fine, fuckin' look at her!" Joel yelled, turning a few heads, but he didn't care. He dropped his gaze to your face, cupping your jaw and wiping your tears away. "You're alright. Hey, c'mon, you can do this. Take a deep breath in through your nose, like this. Watch-" he inhaled deeply and you did the same through clenched teeth, then he exhaled slowly, pursing his lips as you continued to follow his lead. He did it a few more times until the tears stopped and your color returned to normal.

"You alright?" he asked softly, brushing your hair away from your face. You nodded and looked around for somewhere to sit. He seemed to read your mind because he led you by the elbow towards the bench he vacated. Giving you a chance to catch your breath, he turned on Charlie.

"What the fuck, man? Why'd you make her go on that goddamn thing?"

His nostrils were flaring and he could feel the anger bubbling up into his chest.

"I didn't force her to do anything," Charlie said with a frown. "She's a fucking adult, she made her own decision-"

"Because you fuckin' pressured her!" Joel shouted, taking a menacing step forward. "I heard her tell you she was afraid of heights so don't bullshit me."

Charlie's hand clenched into a fist and his jaw tensed. "Why don't you mind your own fucking business before I knock you on your ass?"

"Is that a threat?" Joel countered, closing the distance between him and Charlie, staring him dead in the eye as he waited for him to make a move.

You shoved yourself off the bench and quickly wedged yourself between the two men, a palm pressed against each of their chests, pushing them apart. "Stop it, please," you begged, "I just wanna go back to the house."

They stared each other down for another moment before Charlie looked away with a scoff. He grabbed your hand and muttered something under his breath as he began to lead you away, but when you passed by Joel, you stopped.

"Thank you," you told him softly. You reached out to grab his hand and gave it a grateful squeeze. He nodded and forced a small smile before Charlie tugged on your other hand. Joel watched until the two of you disappeared into the crowd before he sighed and collapsed back onto the bench. He raked his fingers through his hair, trying to get his temper under control when Tommy and Maria walked over, hand in hand with huge grins on their faces.

"You missed such a great view, Joel," Maria said, then looked around the boardwalk, asking where he thought you and Charlie went.

"Back to the house," was all Joel said before gruffly standing up and lighting another cigarette to help with the burst of adrenaline still coursing through his veins.

Joel managed to calm down by the time the three of them arrived back at the house. He replayed what he had said and done over and over and just hoped that you didn't hold it against him. It didn't seem like you were pissed with him when you left but he knew his actions just made the next day incredibly awkward, so Joel decided once he saw Charlie in the morning, he would apologize.

When he walked by your closed bedroom door, it was quiet with the exception of the water running in the bathroom. He slipped into his own bedroom down the hall, then turned on the TV and fell asleep.

He slept in a little later than he intended but he had a hunch he wasn't the only one. It seemed like everyone had a little too much to drink the night before and from the sound of the plates and silverware clinking together in the kitchen below, everyone was getting a slow start to the day.

"Mornin'," Joel mumbled to Tommy, who was sitting at the table, rubbing his eyes over a steaming cup of coffee. He glanced up and nodded in return before bringing the mug to his lips and taking a sip.

"Need help with anythin'?" Joel asked Maria who was busy cracking eggs. She laughed and shook her head.

"Go sit down. You look like you feel about as shitty as your brother."

Joel didn't need to be told twice. He sat down next to Tommy with a grunt, his hands curling around his own cup of coffee, blankly staring down at it, hoping it would bring him back to life.

"Hey," Tommy whispered, eyeing Maria from across the room who was busy gathering things from the fridge. Joel leaned forward and arched an eyebrow. "Charlie left real early this mornin'. I heard a car door slam and noticed his car's gone when we got downstairs."

"Shit," Joel muttered, glancing over at Maria quickly, making sure she didn't notice them gossiping about her best friend.

"Think they got in a fight or somethin'?" Tommy asked, but right as Joel opened his mouth to tell him the details of what happened the night before, Maria bounced over to them with a plate in each hand.

"I'm gonna go wake them up," she said, turning on her heel. Joel gave Tommy a curious look and he just shrugged.

"Didn't tell her," was all he said, then rolled his wrist in the air. "Tell me before they come down."

Joel managed to give Tommy the bullet points then began quickly shoveling eggs into his mouth when they heard Maria descending the steps. She entered the kitchen with her hands on her hips, looking concerned.

"What's up, baby?" Tommy asked innocently. She swiveled her finger around in the air as the gears turned in her head.

"Charlie left."

They both did a good job of acting surprised as Maria sat down with her own plate of food and with a hushed voice, told them you were upset and didn't want to come down for breakfast.

"Did they break up?" Joel asked, realizing too late that he sounded a little too eager, but Maria didn't seem to pick up on it. She was biting her nail, worried about you and trying to figure out how to navigate the rest of the day.

"I think so."

Conflicted was the only word to describe what Joel felt in that moment. He really didn't like Charlie but he hated the idea that he could be partially responsible for your pain.

After they finished eating, Maria checked the time and tapped her foot. "I think I should cancel the zip-line, Tommy," she said, "I don't want to leave her here all alone." Maria had planned for her, Tommy and Joel to zip-line over the beach, overlooking the lake. Knowing your fear of heights, she had intentionally picked that day, expecting you and Charlie to spend some alone time together.

"I'll stay, you two go," Joel said immediately, picking up their plates and heading to the sink.

"Are you sure?" Tommy asked, and Joel nodded.

"I'm not exactly in the best shape to be flying through the air, anyway."

"And I am?" Tommy replied, but Maria shoved his shoulder and put her finger to her lips behind Joel's back while he scrubbed the plates. "Uh, yeah, thanks Joel. You let us know if you end up goin' out and we'll meet up."

Joel stayed downstairs, alternating between going on his phone or watching TV. When it got closer to noon and you still hadn't come down, he began to worry. He walked into the kitchen and grabbed a couple water bottles. Putting them on the counter, he scoured the fridge and scratched his chin. He was always a terrible cook, so he gave up quickly and resorted to ordering a couple burgers for delivery before taking the waters upstairs.

He rapped two knuckles gently on the door, then heard some shuffling before your voice called out, inviting him in.

"Oh, sweetheart," he said sympathetically when he saw your puffy eyes and tear stained cheeks. You sat up in bed and tried to run your fingers through your tangled hair before sighing and giving up.

"Leave it to me to get dumped on vacation."

He gave you a sad smile and held out a bottle of water, which you eagerly accepted. He sat down on the edge of your bed and watched as you drained almost the entire bottle, then handed you his. You thanked him and set both on the end table before turning your attention back on your television, which he hadn't even realized was on.

"Legally Blonde?"

"I wanted to laugh but I forgot she gets dumped in, like, the first twenty minutes."

Joel chuckled and leaned back against your headboard. "I'm so sorry. If it was 'bout last night-"

"It's not your fault," you sniffled, pulling the comforter up to your chin.

"You wanna talk about it?"

"Not yet."

He hummed and nodded, turning back to the television. He gave you all the time and space you needed, staying close by for the rest of the afternoon in case you wanted to talk, only leaving to get the burgers when they arrived. You ate them in your bed, grease dripping from your fingers and laughing at stupid movies until you felt good enough to get up and shower.

"You wanna go mini golfing?" you asked over your shoulder as you fixed your hair in the mirror. Joel cringed but agreed. He absolutely hated golfing, but for you, he would suffer through it. Especially considering your mood seemed to be improving.

"Lemme text Tommy and let 'em know where we're goin'," he said, pulling out his phone and following you out the door.

"Oh, let's just do our own thing tonight," you said, then cleared your throat when you realized how that sounded. "I mean, y'know, they probably want time to themselves, right?"

"Yeah, sure," Joel agreed, side eying you before hopping into the truck. You gave him directions to a mini golf course ten minutes away, then rolled down the window and stretched your arm out, the warm summer air slipping through your wiggling fingers. Even though the sun had set, the air was still so thick with heat it felt like you could grab it.

"It's so hot," you said, sliding out of the passenger seat once Joel parked the truck. You fixed your skirt; a flowy, white number that felt feather light against your thighs as you walked. Joel agreed and checked his phone, noticing a text from Tommy.

"Hold up," he said, and you twisted around, your tennis shoes crunching on the gravel parking lot.

We're gonna go to that Mexican place. 30 minutes.

"They're invitin' us to dinner," he told you without looking up.

"Tell him we already ate."

He nodded and tapped out a quick reply before pocketing the phone and approached the cashier.

"Two tonight?" she asked, smacking her gum between her teeth.

"Yes, but I'll pay for mine," you said, reaching for your wallet.

"Nuh-uh," Joel said with a frown, about to argue but the cashier spoke up first.

"It's date night. Two for the price of one."

Your cheeks felt hot at the insinuation that you were on a date with Joel, but you couldn't pass up the deal to play for half price. Glancing at him awkwardly, you shrugged and he slapped his card down with a cocky smirk.

"Alright, pick out your ball, but for the love of god don't pick the-"

"Oh, look at the hot pink one!" you exclaimed gleefully, snatching it up from the bucket. He groaned and buried his face in his hands. "What?" you giggled, shouldering him playfully as you admired your ball.

"It's just such a girl thing to do," he said with a grin, then leaned over to pick a neon yellow ball for himself.

"Well last I checked, I am a girl," you winked and headed towards the door, his gaze falling to your ass only once before getting himself together and following you.

"Shoulda known," he tsked once he caught up, "matches your bathing suit and everythin'."

Your stomach flipped and you felt your cheeks grow hot once again but you just laughed him off and approached the first hole. The course was packed with couples, no doubt taking advantage of the deal, so it was slow going. By the fifth hole, Joel grew impatient and plopped down on a bench.

"Giving up so soon?" you teased, and he huffed.

"I ain't a quitter, just waitin' for some of these people to play through. Sick of standin' around."

"You sure it's not because I'm beating you by six?" you grinned as you sat down next to him.

"I'm lettin' you win, darlin'. Tryin' to mend your poor, broken heart," he said, rolling his head to the side with a smirk.

"Eh, I don't think we were together long enough to say he broke my heart, but it still sucks," you sighed, playing with your golf ball in the palm of your hand.

Joel eyed you for a moment, trying to choose his next words carefully. "You ready to talk 'bout it, or-"

"I thought he was nice, y'know? Like, okay, he could be a little pushy sometimes, but I really thought he was just encouraging me to get out of my comfort zone."

Joel frowned and shifted his weight on the bench. "What'dya mean?"

"Like, professionally. He was encouraging me to go back to school so I could get a better job, but I like my job. And other things, too. The ferris wheel," you said, rolling your eyes, "told me I should face my fears and all that."

"You're better off without him," Joel said without even thinking. You laughed and glanced up at him through your lashes.

"You think?"

"'Course. You don't need someone to tell you how to live your life. If you like your job, then why change it? If you're afraid of heights, who cares? Seemed to me like he was tryin' to fix you, and from where I'm sittin', you're-" he cut himself off and looked down at his hands, chewing on the inside of his lip to keep himself from finishing his sentence.

You stared at him for a moment, watching something flicker across his face. "I'm... what?" you asked gently.

He shrugged and took a deep breath. You're perfect, he wanted to say, but instead he went with "you don't need fixin'."

You smiled shyly and poked him in the ribs, making him chuckle.

"Thank you, Joel. You managed to save me from wasting the last day of vacation moping around in bed."

He let you drag him up from the bench so you could continue playing the course, but your conversation kept replaying in his head, distracting him. Even though you weren't a fan of his job, you never once pressured him to find a different one. You accepted him for who he was and it bothered him that Charlie couldn't do the same for you.

Joel watched you with a smile as you bent your head and lined up your putter with your golf ball. A little crease formed between your eyebrows as you focused on the windmill eclipsing the sixth hole, trying to time it just right. How could anybody want to change you? You were so adorable and sweet and you deserved someone who would worship the ground you walked on.

A foolish thought popped into his head and he opened his mouth, about to ask you a question that could possibly change everything.

"What if-"

He cut himself off when you tapped the ball down the turf, both of you watching and holding your breath when your hot pink golf ball managed to avoid the blades of the windmill and dropped into the little plastic cup with a soft clink.

"Holy shit!" you exclaimed, garnering a few odd looks in your direction, but neither of you cared. You dropped your golf club and jumped into his waiting arms, letting Joel spin you around as you both laughed and he told you what a great job you did, deciding it was best he never finished his question, anyway.

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[aurynsia]

Unrequited, Terrifying Chapter 7

James Potter x Reader

Summary: Your secret admirer finally gets the girl…

Warnings: HARD LAUNCH! Use of flashbacks, extremely fluffy, nervous!james x shy!reader, idiots in love, lovesick!james, no use of Y/N, OC!friends, reader is referred to with she/her pronouns, quiet!reader, NOT EDITED!

Word Count: 1.2K

Series Masterlist

Chapter 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

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Platform 9¾ was bursting with energy as the new group of first years clambered onto the Hogwarts Express. James had tucked himself in between Remus, Sirius, and Peter, practically jumping in his seat as he introduced himself to his new friends.

The four boys had excitedly rambled back and forth about their prospects at the exciting school of witchcraft and wizardry, only settling down when the train finally began to move as they waved goodbye to their families through the window.

The door slid open with an awkward creak, alerting the young Marauders to a small girl standing in the doorway. “Hi, um- can I sit here? The other cabins are full…” you spoke softly, twisting your feet in an anxious habit and biting your bottom lip.

James’ breath hitched, innocent eyes growing wide as he took you in. He nervously pushed up his glasses as his friends ushered you inside, moving food wrappers off of a seat to make room for your form.

You introduced yourself with a shy smile, promising not to bother them as you shoved your nose in a book for the rest of the journey.

James couldn’t help but ogle at your soft expressions, reacting to the exciting fantasy unfolding in between the pages of your novel. He gulped as his face grew visibly warmer, pushing up his glasses once more before turning back to his new entourage of mischief makers, already planning what would be their first of many pranks.

The Great Hall swarmed with chaos as students filtered in through gaping doors. The Sorting Hat had played in James’ favour, allowing all of his new friends into the house of brave hearted heroes.

He laughed with his friends as they stumbled to the Gryffindor Table, only distracted once again by the girl with the hat on her head. “Gryffindor!” The hat exclaimed, your eyes thrown wide with surprise as you tediously moved towards the four boys.

James grinned at you as you nodded in his direction, choosing to sit on the far end of the table with two girls who shared that stunned expression. When his attention returned to his three friends, he was met with a round of teasing coos and knowing smirks, causing him to sink down in his chair with a blush painted across his cheeks. The Sorting Hat really had answered all of his prayers.

——————— ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ ———————

You stood tentatively in the crowd of red and gold, etched between Charlie and Hope in the stands as your eyes curiously followed Gryffindor’s seeker.

The Quidditch pitch was filled with adrenaline as Slytherin rocked and tumbled against the force of the lion. James Potter was speeding through the mass of players, a joyful laugh permanently plastered on his face as he wove through the commotion.

Your red sweater was proudly on display in the stands, disguised as your warmest clothing when asked why you were in house colours. You didn’t dare tell your roommates about your newfound support for the team after the introduction of their newest fourth year seeker, but they slowly caught on as your blush began to match your clothing every time the boy flew purposefully close.

His laugh faltered with a gasp when he caught your eye in the stands, glancing at your attire that you failed to cover with your hands. Your eyes met for another brief moment before Gryffindor’s golden boy was soaring once again with newfound vigour.

Your gaze followed his figure in the air, a soft smile evident on your lips. Charlie and Hope leaned forward slightly to pass a knowing smile across your stiff form, only returning their gaze to the field as their house won the match.

The walk back to the common room was quiet, a soft hum of nature surrounding the three of you as you marched along the path. That was until Charlie’s curiosity got the better of her.

“So…Potter looked quite dashing up there, don’t you think, Hope?” She pretended to ponder, gaze to the night sky. “Why, he was really something! That speed made his hair quite an endearing mess, right, love?” Hope turned to you with a teasing smirk, patiently awaiting your flustered answer.

“Uh- yeah! Yeah, he was good, you know, for an egomaniac…” you kept your eyes fixed on the path ahead of you, praying to Merlin that your blush wasn’t visible in the darkness.

“Mhmm…he seemed quite taken by this little number of yours,” Hope gestured up and down your body, “maybe you want to fuel that pretty little ego of his, hmm?” You were surrounded by a chorus of amused chuckles from your friends as your face burned under the interrogation.

“No! Well, maybe…he looked cute in the uniform, that’s all! Nothing to write home about…” You pouted with furrowed brows, kicking a pebble in your path as your friends broke out in teasing cheers.

——————— ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ ———————

The Gryffindor table was filtered with soft morning light as your group eagerly grasped at any food they could get their hands on. James tucked himself securely into your side, a smug grin plastered on his face as you grumbled words of frustration, brows dipped and lips pouting at the lack of opportunity to serve yourself.

Sirius cheerfully loaded food onto his plate before passing the bowl to James, dodging your outstretched hands. Your look of frustration was about to shift to anger before the sweet boy beside you began scraping the leftovers in his grasp onto your empty plate. You turned to him with a grateful smile that he could stare at for hours, squeezing him around his middle in thanks before diving into your meal.

James continued to pile food in front of you, planting kisses across your cheeks between servings and spoonfuls before draping an arm across your shoulders. “Not so grumpy anymore, are you love?” James chuckled, “Maybe a certain boyfriend has lifted your spirits?”

You swallowed your mouthful as you nodded eagerly, looking up at him with wide eyes that melted his heart. “I think I’m finally getting this Gryffindor pride thing,” you mumbled as you reached for another spoonful of food, “Dating the captain of the Quidditch team is certainly an ego boost.”

James grinned at you, brushing his nose against your cheek with a mischievous expression. He was finally beginning to fall into a comforting routine with you, brushing aside any nerves your soft smile might ignite in him.

The others looked at the sweet pair with satisfaction, sharing looks of relief after you announced yourselves as an official couple.

“Merlin, it’s about time!” Sirius exclaimed, hitting the table hard enough to lift plates in the air at contact. The group laughed with amusement as James leant into your warmth, arms enclosed around your torso as he sighed into your skin.

The overbearing dread of unrequited, terrifying love that clouded his logic had melted away with your simple touch. This will be his year. The year he shares with you.

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A/N: I hope everyone enjoyed this little series! While this is the official end to the story, feel free to request some blurbs based on these two characters in my asks! Thank you to everyone who patiently stuck with me while I worked on this, I’m eternally grateful for all your support <3

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Taglist: @1-queenofpotatoes-1 @caspiankingofnarnia @thesuitelifeofafangirl @moonydoodlez @fionnalopez @kawaiiarbitervoid @kc2sstuff @rafeyswrd @mads12043 @spicybearnaise @ch3rry-vine @probabydeadbynow @ilovejamespottersomuch @mqg125 @sofiacblair @valenftcrush @revesephemeres @louweenier @the-lavender-girl @empath-bunny @bmyva1entine

[odiesdayoff]

Kinktober: Tommy Shelby

Pair: Modern!Thomas Shelby x fem!reader

Summary: Your roommate's father doesn't approve of your vape.

Warning: Age Gap/Best friend's father/Dubious Consent/Tom makes reader get high

“I found it!” You yelled from across the dorm, your head poking out from behind the bed. Still partially stuck between the bed and the wall, you held up your strawberry-flavored weed pen to show Charlie. The amount of anxiety that losing it gave you was enough to realize that you and your roommate may have gotten a bit too reliant on the drug. 

You brought the pen to your mouth, but Charlie slapped it from your hand. “Dude, my family will be here in minutes! It can’t smell like Ganja Gooch in here.”

“What? You don’t have weed up in Birmingham?” You laughed. From what you knew about his family, they weren’t the most…clean cut people in the world. Why would they be upset over something so trivial as a weed pen? In your two years of being best friends with Charlie, you’d never met his parents. Only his Aunt Ada, who was sweet.

He placed the pen on your dresser. “Shut up. When are you parents coming?”

Most of the already small dorm room was covered in boxes, trash bags, and miscellaneous crap. “At 5. You’ll probably be moved out by then.” You pocketed the pen and began folding your bedding to shove it into the box it originally came in.

His phone started to ring. “That’s my mum. Are you sure you can’t go to Mary’s dorm?” You still weren’t sure of the reason that he was so cagey about his family. He had been to your house over Spring break this year and you were still in the dark.

“I have to finish packing.” It wasn’t a lie, you had put off packing until the final day. Studying for exams and final papers took up all of your free time. That and Mario Kart.

You knew that Charlie came from a rich family, but this was a new level that you haven't seen before. His father dressed like he was from the 1920’s or something, with a full suit and peaky cap. You could smell the cigarette smoke infused into his clothes before you could see him. 

His mother (or maybe step-mother, you weren’t sure) wore an elegant dress that was both fashionable and functional. Her deep brown hair was curled and pinned back. Her eyes lit up at the sight of you. “You must be the infamous Y/n!” She pulled you into a hug and you could smell her perfume mixed with a bit of her husband’s smoke. “You’re even prettier in person than in those silly Instagram photos Charlie posts.”

“It’s really lovely to meet you, Mrs. Shelby. I can’t believe we’ve been friends for so long and have never met before.” Charlie was still holding the door open for his little sister, Ruby, and didn’t hear your diss. 

She waved you off. “Call me Lizzie, dear. This is Thomas.” She pulled the sleeve of her husband and made him face you. He barely looked at you, though you did notice the way his eyes lowered down your body.

“I still don’t see why we had to be the ones to move Charles out, Lizzie. We can pay people for that.” Lizzie rolled her eyes. Why couldn’t he understand sentimentality and actually being present in the pivotal moments of his only son’s life? He only had one more year of university left. It was strange to hear him be called Charles. It felt all too fancy for someone so…normal. I suppose his father wouldn’t say the same. 

Lizzie scoffed. “Just start moving boxes, Tom.” She turned back to you. “So, where are you from?”

You decided to ignore Thomas. “Norwich.”

Charlie handed a smaller bag to Ruby while Thomas took a storage container. He pulled out his ID and opened the front door for the three of them. “The elevator’s already broken, so it’s lucky we’re on the first floor.”

~~

Having Charlie’s side of the room empty was a surreal sight. So many memories that were made in the room were basically erased at this point.

You took the pen and opened a window, taking it in and blowing it out the window. “And here I thought you were little miss sunshine.” You began to cough and gasp for fresh air at the sudden voice. Turning around, you locked eyes not with Charlie, but with his father.

Smoke billowed from your mouth. “Mr. Shelby- I…thought you all had left.” You rasped out the words, reaching for a water bottle to try and soothe your throat. He smirked at your attempt to hide your distress.

“My wife left her purse. I see you didn’t waste a second with your…” He snatched the pen from your hand. “What is this? Can’t you get real weed here?”

“It’s easier to manage. And rechargeable.” He examined the pen, shaking his head. He brought the pen to his lips and took a hit. The smoke left his mouth in a way you’d never seen before. It was skilled, he didn’t even cough. It formed into rings that blew in your direction. 

“Can barely taste it. How much weed is actually in this?” He examines the pen, and then his glance shifts towards you. "I bet you can barely take it, yeah?"

You rolled your eyes. "I'm not that intolerant. I've been high before."

He tosses it to you. "Suck in until it blinks."

It was a bit of a surprise that he knew what a blinker even was. He seemed like the type to exclusively use one brand of cigarettes since he was a teenager. As if he'd step foot in one of the fancy dispensaries you and Charlie were used to.

You maintained eye contact as you put the tip of the pen in your mouth and began to suck the flavored smoke from it. It took only a few seconds for it to blink and you could finally exhale. It was as if your lungs had never touched oxygen before. They screamed at you to cough, but you didn't want to prove him right.

"Another." He ordered, taking a small step closer. You weren't sure if he was getting taller or if it was just a mix of weed and perspective.

The vape was already hot as you rested it on your bottom lip. You breathed in again, holding it until it blinked. The taste was much worse and the sting against your throat felt like fresh salt in an open wound.

You coughed, only once. Typically, it took you much longer to feel the instant effects of the drug, but you could feel your hands already trembling under the eye of Thomas.

He nodded, finally close enough to put his calloused hands on the soft skin of your waist. "Again."

Something about his gaze and the absolution in his voice made it impossible for you to deny what he wanted. Your shaky hand held the vape up and you sucked.

His slightly chapped lips pressed against yours once you took the pen from your mouth. All of the smoke leaving your system funneled into his. You couldn't deny the way his contact made your knees weak and thighs squeeze together.

The weed was taking effect rapidly. Your head was spinning as you tried to focus on him. His lips traveled from your lips to your cheek to your ear. "Tell me, have you and Charles ever had sex?"

The words briefly brought you out of the weed and lust-driven stupor. You shook your head. "No...we're just friends."

He laughed. "Are you gay?" You denied. "Is he gay?" Again, you denied. "How has he not ever taken the chance to bed you?"

You could barely answer. His hand trailed up your leg and under your thin dress. Nothing could hide the heat that emanated from between your legs.

His free hand took the vape from yours and pressed it against your lips. Instinctively, you took a deep breath in, letting the smoke fill your aching lungs once again. "Is it because you're a virgin? Or maybe...you have an affinity for older men?"

You nearly stopped feeling the warmth of his hand on your leg until he pressed his fingers against the now-damp fabric of your panties. It was humiliating how much he turned you on...and how much the feeling of being humiliated by him turned you on even more.

"Mr. Shelby.." You coughed out, your throat sore and stinging with each syllable. As much as you wanted to scream at him to actually touch you, it would be too much to say at once.

Thomas Shelby wasn't a mind-reader, but he could read when a woman wanted him. He slipped his fingers underneath your panties and pushed into you. Your slick cunt welcomed him in without resistance at all. "Want me to stop? Leaving you high and horny while I go back to my wife and children?"

You shook your head no, silently pleading for him to do something over then idly have his fingers knuckle-deep within you. He curled his fingers, hitting the spots that your own hand couldn't reach if you tried, and moaned into his shoulder.

"Take another and I'll keep giving you what you want." Dazed, you sucked more from the pen. It was far more than you were used to, especially in such a short amount of time. Your legs threatened to give out, for multiple reasons.

"Please..." Your fingers lightly caressed his pants. It had been a while since you had anyone touch you, let alone someone like him.

He got the idea, pulled his hand away, and quickly freed himself from the confines of his trousers. There were condoms somewhere in this room, hidden in one of the boxes so your family wouldn't see that you even thought about something as evil as sex.

There wasn't time to look. You needed him now and it was only a matter of time before Charlie and the rest of them got suspicious. You pulled your panties down to your ankles and allowed his knee to settle between your trembling legs.

His lips trailed against your ear. "I'm going to show you a real high."

[a-a-a-anon]

absolutely fascinated by young dee who is criminally under-discussed so here is my dissertation on what happened in her college years (ft. dr. gainer, setting her roommate on fire, being institutionalized)/my idea for a fic that I will almost certainly never write/my way too serious take on a few throwaway dee lore lines

timeline background: we know that dee majored in psychology ('charlie got molested') and got "three fourths" of the way in (meanwhile dennis finished his psych minor.) assuming this was a four year program, I'm gonna guess that in her third year she got institutionalized and most likely had to drop out ('gun fever too: still hot'.) we also know that she had her back brace until she was twenty ('underage drinking'), so I'm guessing that means she got her back brace off in her third year.

we know that dennis fancied himself a psychologist since he was young, but I think dee did too. in particular I think she was wary and interested in her brother's psychology; she seems very aware of his psychopathy and bpd in 'making dennis reynolds a murderer' and 'psycho pete returns.' in my head she's been interested in dennis' psychology since they were kids and she saw him snapping crows necks. so instead of forcing her way into acting school, she studied psychology to better understand her brother (and also deep down, herself, who is very much the other side of the same fucked up coin.) it also meant she could tell herself she could study her characters even better when she became an actress.

i think she put in (her version of) genuine academic effort to get in, fuelled kind of by spite (remember the way she studied that thick medical book in 'hero or hate crime' or her very quick math in 'boggs: ladies reboot'). she studies books and gets cricket to quiz her and she still fails to get into penn. but frank always pitied her (i think she was his favorite of the twins-remember "let your sister into the gang", "that's my girl!", "i'm sorry the grift didn't work out, sweetie") so he shells out cash to get her in, but also to get her away from home so he has to deal with her even less.

dennis wants to do anything dee does but better and he wants to keep her close by (to watch her crash and burn, and also because he's weirdly possessive-see 'the gang broke dee' "i'm your select!"). and obviously he's barbara's favorite. so barbara gives him money to get in too. she also gets him into a frat and pays for his classes and his rent and everything he needs. dee has to live in a dumpy dorm with a female roommate.

but college presents dee a chance to moult her previous place in life where she was known as a monster (remember how insistent she was that "people can change!" in 'franks pretty woman'. I think dees always wanted to believe she can shed that feeling she's inferior, but she never has). in my head her female roommate is basically normal-has real friends of her own, mentally stable, attractive-which is exactly what dee craves. dee wants to be popular and well liked and she wants to infiltrate her roommates life, imitate her, be in the Cool group. and she places all her hopes on a friendship with the roommate but dee has never navigated real female friendships before, not with someone like her. deep down she also wishes she found what dennis found in mac, whatever it was, because ever since dennis met mac he's never been as close to her. and i do think dee is some flavor of queer. and the roommate is well liked in the way that dee admires and envies. so there is that blurriness between wanting to be her and wanting to be with her. in my head her roommate looks like the woman from dee's fantasy in 'the gang saves the day' (and they both represent that promise of escape from dee's shitty life).

dee is so desperate for the roommates approval and her love and her life that she goes insane, copying and flattering and competing with her. ever the shitty actress, she tries to emulate her, but comes off as manic and creepy. and maybe her roommate is nice enough to not completely shun her, recognizing that she's struggling. maybe in dees mind they actually are becoming friends when her roommate asks things like "are you okay?"

and dee has to talk about her plan with dennis because he's the only person who would Get It. and she makes it sound like it's almost working. dennis feels jealous and worried and threatened that maybe dee might actually be seen as normal, especially when she gets her back brace off in the third year. so dennis fucks her roommate, more of a show that he owns and controls each and every pathetic part of dee’s life than anything else. and so that dee knows she'll never be as good as him, she'll never as easily charm people as dennis does. (or at least he tells her he does).

to prove that To Someone dee is Good Enough, and so desperate for attention, dee (who's been groomed all this time) enters a sexual relationship with her professor dr. gainer. she tells herself she has the power in it, that she seduced him ("he didn't molest me. i had sex with him 'cause i wanted to.") and she has a mental break, because the thing she told herself held her back from being loved (her back brace) is finally gone by now and yet she still feels like a monster, and the only scrap of "love" she can get is from her professor.

and then she can't take the fact that she can steal her roommates clothes, can emulate her sexual prowess (in dee's own fucked up, delusional way), and still neither be well liked like her nor be loved by her. so maybe dee will always be a monster. so dee tried to burn her roommate in her bed, because she represented the promise of change and popularity, and that promise was a lie and dee's effort was for nothing. and she's institutionalized.

and i think there was kind of a falling out between the twins and their parents, because barbara wants to abandon dee but dennis can't help but visit her. and frank doesn't even step foot in a place that reminds him of his traumatic childhood, and avoids dee even more than he used to because she is his childhood mirror image. so the family becomes even more fractured and estranged.

and maybe dee becomes medicated and slowly crawls her way halfway to normal by the first season (her acting classes are so well-adjusted, taking part in healthy hobbies of her!). until her father comes back into her life and everything falls apart <3

side note, even though dee is crushingly lonely-"I just got a cat 'cause I wanted something to hang out with. I don't have, you know, a roommate or anything, and I don't really have anyone to talk to..."-AND she struggles to pay rent whenever frank cuts her off, i hc that she refused to ever get a roommate in particular female roommate again after this because both her internalized misogyny got worse and she was afraid of what would happen (what she would do) again.

[vigilxnte-shit]

join the tuna team!

ever wanted to join a discord server full of people who share your love for one specific, depressed, hot martial artist with a lot of catholic guilt? do you have other interests such as baldur's gate 3 and musical theatre? if so, the tuna team is the place for you!

the tuna team began with the intention of a server where daredevil writers could unite to share our writing, beta read for each other, and just talk about our favorite blind lawyer/vigilante. since then, it has morphed into a place where we all talk to each other about our lives, share pictures of pets, and scream into the void about everything we love.

the tuna team welcomes anyone of any age (well, any age 18 and over), religion, gender, etc. etc. and we would love to have you! if you want to join, message me your discord username and i'll send you a friend request!

be advised that the server is 18+ and although we love charlie and his characters, we do NOT allow speculation on his personal life. we ask that anyone who joins be respectful of others' pronouns, identity, and boundaries- specifics on this are available upon request!

members of the tuna team:

here is a brief introduction to each current member of the tuna team! i am relatively new to interacting with the DD fandom (i've been a fan since 2022, but only just recently started talking with other fans online) and am frankly stunned that so many cool, talented, amazing writers who i look up to are in this server. everyone in here is inspiring and supportive, and contributes to the great vibe we have going in the server!

~~moderators~~

vienna @vigilxnte-shit: hi, as you may have noticed, this is me. i'm the owner of the server, i'm mostly here to write, talk about husband!matt, and send pictures of my cat, coconut.

brooklyn @jazerno: brooke is my irl best friend and roommate, as well as coconut's technical legal mother. brooke originally joined to be a moderator, but has since fallen for frank castle, as one tends to do.

mar @mar-thewriter: mar is a very good friend of mine who i met via another server of people i love. mar doesn't talk much here, but is a great moderator who i love dearly.

mads @madschiavelique: mads is the one who made our gorgeous get roles channel and is our coding genius. they are the ones to thank for

~~tunas~~

leg @a-leg-without-fear: leg is hysterical and our resident emoji artist. she has created all of our emoji in the server and also the lovely art featured above, as well as countless other fun works!

yuna @yarrystyleeza: yuna is the sweetest person you will ever meet and fun fact: tuna team comes from her name! yuna always has the best headcanons and her oc, madilyn, is DARLING.

sapph aka sunshine @sunflowersandsapphires: sapph is the mama of our server, she is sunshine incarnate and always has the best writing prompts + blesses our eyes with her pets!

hira aka robin @amphitrite-5: hira is a very soft and kind soul who regularly makes everyone's day with her kind words. she's also one of our best gamers and doesn't like to sleep (though really, none of us do)

via @zomtart: via is the #1 frank castle character defender and i have no choice but to respect that. they're hilarious and we love having them in the server!

i cant find mariam's tumblr: i was scrolling through mariam's messages and literally fighting the urge to laugh in the office. mariam is hysterical and our representative elektra fan.

eclipse @ecxlipse: eclipse is the baby of our server (i think) but has sent us plenty of gorgeous art and wonderful matt headcanons, and they always have the best contributions to our conversations!

crys @what-i-call-men: crys is responsible for several of the best, spiciest headcanons that have come about on the server. they also have sent the best photo of themselves wearing a DD mask.

zena @coxology101: zena is a busy bee and running her own server, but when we do hear from them, we get some of the best thoughts and BTS dardevil pictures.

ivy @catholicguiltboi: ivy is hysterical and has blessed is with photos of their son, yoshi (who i think is a lizard but i am not very smart).

pasta @pastafossa: my jaw dropped when i saw pasta wanted to join. they contribute so much laughter, many great ideas, and the best advice to the server and we are thrilled they're here.

sybil @gracethyomen: brooke and i have spent several nights since the server started laughing in our apartment over something sybil has said. they are genuinely one of the funniest people ever.

shiori @shiorimakibawrites: shiori has blessed us with some of the best matt thoughts time and time again. like pasta, their name is so recognizable to me that i was genuinely shocked when they asked to join, but i'm so grateful they did!

bella @bellaxgiornata: you'll be sick of hearing this but i genuinely could not believe bella wanted to join the server. in my eyes, she is like the taylor swift of the daredevil fandom (and for clarity's sake, that is the highest compliment i can give). in the server she constantly has the best ideas and is always so supportive of everything we all write.

lindsay @shouldbestudying41: much like bella, this is someone who i very much look up to and respect in the daredevil community. having her in the server is a blessing and they are insanely good at time management- i'm incredibly amazed by their ability to juggle so much at one time!

we also have a couple without blogs; aspen and paris. they are good irl friends of mine who don't say much, but are a joy to have in the server anyway :)

divider on top by @sister-lucifer

tuna team art by @a-leg-without-fear

[jazzmasternot]

Hazbin hotel college AU head cannons

Note: decided to write these out after reading @sprainedwriting’s fanfic about Adam being a frat boy and I took that concept and ran with it.

Obviously this is based off of my own university experience where I attend a really big public university in the southern US. so that’s where my takes are coming from.

This is also my first time writing anything on here so there’s that aswell.

Charlie

Majors in musical theatre, but not performance education. She wants to be the unhinged theatre teacher that everyone loves. Lives in one of those really fancy student apartment lofts with keke. And is part of the cat club where she feeds the cats on campus

Vaggie

She probably does something super hard like biomedical engineering (let’s go women in stem!) which takes up allot of her time already. Is also an RA for one of the dorms on campus which is good for her bc free housing and gets paid to do her homework at the front desk. Met Charlie in an English class and have been together ever since. When she’s not on call she’s spending the night at Charlie’s and Charlie’s almost always sitting at the front desk with vaggie even tho she doesn’t work or live at the dorm and no one says anything bc it’s just not that deep.

Alastor

Majors in audio engineering and runs the campus radio station that people definitely still listen too. He went to community college first then transferred to a four year (to save money ofc) and is a commuter where he still lives with his mom. Does work study where he works the front desk of the library where he does his homework and works on his scripts for his radio show. Has no interest in working with Vox since he runs the tv channel simply bc he doesn’t want all that extra work. Still takes his notes on pen and paper and still has a nightmare of a time figuring out to electronically submit all his assignments and take his tests.

Angel dust

Okay so hear me out he majors in math ikik it sounds crazy but every gay math major I’ve ever met acts just like Angel dust. Goes to raves and frat parties even tho the guys don’t want him there but he always brings girls with him so the kinda have to let him in. Does nude modeling for extra cash at the art school so he’s kinda a celeb over there even tho he’s not in anyway related to that major.

Husk

Majors in Restaurant and hotel management and is one of those college students that are in their late twenties so already has more life experience than most other ppl here so he doesn’t do allot of the stupid college that allot of other ppl do. Lives in some off campus apartment that’s just a large house rented out to students made to look like a apartment (yk the ones in talking abt) works at the dive bar located just off campus that everyone goes to atleast once in their four years.

Sir pentious

Majors in mechanical engineering or industrial design I can’t really decided. Definitely uses the 3D printer all the time and is on the robotics team, which wins every competition they go to.

Nifty

She’s changed her major so many times nobody knows anymore. Is part of the kpop club and has biases complete with intricately decorated covers, like she has so many photo cards. Also runs the campus hotties account where it’s just a bunch of candids of cute guys taken from far away. Will also get really pissed if you don’t wash your dishes bc it will attract bugs so if ur her roommate you better do the dam dishes.

Cherry bomb

Art major and is the one who got Angel the nude modeling gig. Is always pulling all nighters bc she kept postponing the assimgment till the last minute. Has probably vandalized a couple buildings surrounding the university but hasn’t been caught. Goes to raves and the aforementioned frat parties with Angel. Also has a traffic cone in her dorm room for no other reason than just bc.

Vox

Majors in multi media marketing, runs the campus tv and YouTube channel. Definitely the president of a frat that inflates his ego more than it already is. Always at sporting events at the front row with all the frat guys giving everyone the inside scoop and game commentary. Is very pissed that alastor won’t work with him. Treats himself like a campus celebrity even tho ppl could care less and are just trying to get their degree.

Valentino

majors in film and media productions yeah he’s one of those. Always asking if you’ve seen pulp fiction and telling you that you need to watch some random black and white movie that’s only in French. Will definitely invite you over to watch something with you but we all know that’s not the case. Also all his film projects has allot of unnecessary nudity and sex under the guise of artistic expression, even when it’s so not relevant to the plot. Unless it’s a film that he’s making for the university in which case Vox is controlling every aspect of it which in this case is a good thing. Smokes in his dorm room without a care in the world and has really loud inconsiderate sex at any random point in the 24 hour day cycle.

Velvette

Majors in public relations and runs the university’s Instagram account. She’s always walking up to ppl with a lil microphone to ask you to tell us what you’re wearing. Speaking off she always comes to class dressed up (like the international students) no leggings and tennis shoes for her. Also is definitely in a divine nine sorority, and runs their insta too.

Carmilla

She’s a professor for the aerospace engineering dept and shes here bc she got sick of making rockets for Lockheed Martin and reatheon. Hella smart and ppl are baffled that she chose to give up a seven figure job to teach a bunch of college kids but she’s so chill abt it tho.

Zestial

Definitely English lit professor, makes you read the books no one’s heard of and not the classics. Always brings his own open regular coffee mug from his house to sip his tea from instead of a thermos, everyone asks how he doesn’t spill it on his ride to work. Also just straight up has an electric kettle in his office so he can have tea whenever he wants. Takes turns with carmilla eating lunch in each other’s offices.

Rosie

Studies agriculture sciences and food processing. Will probably run a slaughter house when she’s done with her degree. Hangs out with Alastor in his radio booth from time to time just to gossip about whatever drama is going around lately. Wears long skirts and a tote bag all the time. Is always sweet to Charlie and Emily, also loathes Vox just as much as Alastor she just finds him annoying.

Lucifer

Is probably a religion professor that’s not religious at all and is super laid back in his class like one easy discussion board post a week. The kinda guy to be like “it’s so nice out let’s have class outside today guys” or “if I make this shot ur all getting extra credit on the quiz this week”.

Adam

Definitely majors in finance and is a frat boy. And his band plays at all the said frat parties. Is very insufferable to talk to at parties will try tell you how crypto is the currency of the future and how wolf of Wall Street is his favorite movie. Has a Saturdays are for the boys flag in his room and navy blue sheets. Oh did I mention he vapes he definitely vapes those Mike Tyson ones that taste awful and look like bricks yeah those. Always gets drunk at the tailgate way before the game is even started.

Lute

Yeah she’s in premed and wants everyone to know she’s better than you bc of it. Everyone else’s major is easy compared to hers so don’t you dare complain about all your assignments in her vicinity. She’s basically made it her whole identity like she’s in the premed honors society, future doctors of America. Types her notes on her laptop and then rewrites them with all her gel pens and fancy highlighters, like thee be so colorfull and pretty then the title would be something like blood clots. Still friends with Adam bc they went to the same highschool together and always helping him with his homework in turn he gets her into the tailgate tents and frat parties so she always gets free alcohol.

Emily

Majors in Elementary education and looks like it too, with the Stanley cup, James Avery charm bracelet, and all. She also takes super pretty notes but she does them in class which is super power all in itself, like her desk is scattered with gel pens and highlighters of every color and swears by her bullet journal. She also feeds the cats on campus with Charlie and runs the arts and crafts club on campus where they always host events like tote bag painting in the grass area of the university. Also doesn’t drink bc she’s not twenty one yet even tho she’s in college and definitely won’t smoke even tho most of the ppl that show up to her events are total potheads

Sera

She’s like the university president who doesn’t actually GAF abt the students and just fund’s athletics and raises tuition every year under miscellaneous fees. She tries to come off as supportive when she’s out in public but no one’s buying it.

[moog-rt]

GO TO HELL [ch. 4]

[Lucifer Morningstar x Fem!Reader]

Previous: Chapter Three

➨ Chapter Four

Next: Chapter Five

Premise:

You love your friends. You really do. But sometimes it needs reminding when one of them accidentally sends you to Hell.

Despite falling into the hands of Hell’s loveliest princess, finding a way back to the world of the living proves difficult as you tiptoe around its king.

A/N: shout out to my very own "power bottom at rock bottom" (aka my roommate) for harnessing her inner Angel Dust and feeding into some of his dialogue.

If you'd prefer to read on Ao3, here is the link:

Otherwise, enjoy!

♡ ♡ ♡

CHAPTER FOUR

The car ride home was mostly silent and incredibly tense.

You also couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. When you looked around to sate your paranoia, you found nothing suspicious and whittled it down to the anxiety having your face plastered across every news channel in hell.

On your way out of her father’s manor, you decided to fill Charlie in about your hands and cheek. She said it was a gamble whether her dad would react well to your being human or not. Being neutral to it, however, was something she would not have imagined. She was just relieved that you were alright. 

She theorized that he may have assumed you were just wearing face paint for ‘shits and giggles’ (your words, not hers). There were some demons in Hell that did have skin tones similar to when they were human, so it wouldn’t be too outrageous for you to, as well.

Though it would be no surprise if he jumped to the conclusion that you were human due to your being televised all over Hell the day prior.

Not knowing where his head was at was going to kill you.

But worrying about that wasn’t going to get you anywhere. Charlie believed you two had searched everywhere in her old place that was likely to hold the key to you getting home. To your relief, the likelihood of returning was slim to none.

There was no need to stress over her father figuring you out since you wouldn’t have to risk running into him again.

The only thing you needed to focus on was getting those godforsaken cobwebs off the chandelier in the hotel foyer.

Vaggie was able to get the place mostly cleaned up in the time you were gone, but there were still a few things left that you were able to help with. After all they had done for you, this was the least you could do for them in return.

As you climbed back down the ladder, you saw Charlie pacing and muttering to herself. Even though you only met her recently, you knew how much the hotel and her plan to redeem sinners meant to her.

If this didn’t go well, she would absolutely take it to heart. She seemed like the type to barricade herself in a room to sulk for weeks on end. Or maybe bawl her eyes out whilst shoveling heaping spoonfuls of ice cream down her own throat.

Probably both.

“You know, this place is really coming together,” you said as you walked up to her.

She paused to face you.

“You think so?” she asked, glancing around the foyer in search of anything in need of tending. “Gosh, what if he doesn’t like the color scheme, or—or the motifs? What if he decides he isn’t interested in redemption at all?”

“Hey,” you said to get her attention as you leaned back into her view. “If he weren’t interested in what you’re offering, he wouldn’t be coming by to check things out. And I really don’t think your choice in décor will be what turns him away.”

You chuckled a bit as you glanced at the odd horse statues and slightly tattered wallpaper. It wasn’t modern or trendy, but it did have character. That was for sure.

She nodded with a far-off gaze, ruminating on your words.

“Even if he does decide that this isn’t for him—though I don’t think that will happen—there are so many people down here! I find it hard to believe that you won’t find some who are interested,” you continued. “Think about all the souls that believed they’d be going to Heaven but ended up here instead. They’d probably give up an arm and a leg to be redeemed.”

Her shoulders slacked, and her back loosened as she released a deep breath. Looking back at you, her face appeared more relaxed.

“Yeah…you’re totally right,” she said with a soft smile. “We just need to be patient.”

“I think this guy would be stupid not to accept your offer.” You bumped her arm playfully as you went to continue tidying up.

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw her smile and walk off, presumably to do the same.

Everyone was putting the final touches on everything when there was a knock on the front door. You paused in the middle of sliding the sofa across the room so you could get a look at whoever was there.

Charlie and Vaggie looked at each other in surprise.

“I told him to text or call before showing up,” Vaggie grumbled, running a hand through her bangs as she went to answer the door.

He was quite…tall.

You had forgotten their appearances could vary so much. Charlie, her father, and Vaggie were relatively similar to a regular person, despite some slight cosmetic differences. This guy, however, had an extra set of limbs and was covered head to toe in what looked like fur. 

Upon closer inspection, he also had what appeared to be three additional pairs of eyes underneath his primary ones.

Was he supposed to be a bug?

You shuffled forward as Charlie introduced herself. She had fixed up your makeup once you returned, so there was nothing to worry about regarding your own appearance. You had double and even triple-checked beforehand.

“This is it?”

“Uh…yes?” Charlie said meekly with her hands clasped in front of her chest.

He gave the foyer a hard once-over.

“Eh, anything’s betta’ than my current digs,” he said with a shrug and started walking around. “You got drinks?”

“No? The point of redemption is to stop engaging in sin,” Vaggie stated, crossing her arms. “Which means cutting out drugs?”

“You’re kiddin’ me,” he said as his body slumped. “What the hell am I supposed to do then? Play checkers?”

“Ooh, Checkers would be a fun way to break the ice!” Charlie sang, clapping her hands together.

This earned her a blank look from the new guest.

“Aha…” she laughed awkwardly at the bland response, then turned to gesture at you. “Well, this is our current resident! We have faith that she will be redeemed very soon.”

You gave a wide smile as you were being shown off. Should you strike a pose? Put your hands on your hips and puff your chest out in pride?

You didn’t mind being a fake example of a sinner-gone-good to help her out. It was the least you could do at this point. Plus, when you finally got the hell out of there, you could all play it off as you being ‘redeemed’.

“Yup, yup. Sin-free life has been pretty great,” you said, crossing your arms.

The guy already seemed exasperated. Vaggie was right when she said he was more interested in free rent than redemption itself.

“What did you say your name was again?” you asked in an attempt to keep the conversation from dying out before it had even started.

He perked a bit and plastered on a sultry smirk.

“Angel Dust,” he said as he swiped a hand through his hair(?) (head fluff?). “If you’re interested in gettin’ to know me betta’, I’ve got a nice collection of videos I can refer ya to.”

“No,” Vaggie groaned. “He’s a pornstar.”

Your eyebrows shot up.

“I mean, more power to you,” you shrugged, and he snickered.

“Wasn’t expectin’ that sorta career choice to fly with someone aspirin’ to cross through them pearly gates.” He tilted his head as he eyed you carefully, leaning down slightly to be more at your eye level. 

“What makes you think that?” you asked, raising your chin. “In my opinion, a redeemable gal like myself should be respectful of other’s bodily autonomy.”

“Last I checked, the pious types weren’t so down with cock-suckin’ hoes. I mean,” he paused and smirked, “some of ‘em were down with us cock-suckin’ hoes, but they did their darndest to pray that shit away afterward. The guilts part of the kink.”

Vaggie’s stance tensed more and more with each word that came out of his mouth. You were pretty sure her eye was twitching.

“Good people are accepting people!” Charlie exclaimed, throwing her arms out.

“You ain’t ever have to deal with the living, sugar-tits,” Angel said, draping himself over the couch in a way you were sure would be put on the front cover of a Playboy magazine. “But sure.”

You all began a short tour of the hotel much like the one you got when you first arrived. This time, however, Charlie was really trying to sell her redemption plan to him. She explained the terms of their deal. He would refrain from acts of sin, such as violence, drugs, yada-yada, and he could stay there for free.

As you began filing out of one of the available, move-in-ready rooms, you noticed Angel pause. He was looking at the ground with a blank expression, clearly contemplating something. You assumed he was weighing the pros and cons of Charlie’s offer, but you were no mind reader.

After showing off most of the relevant parts of the hotel, you gathered back in the entryway. Charlie stared Angel down expectantly, waiting in suspense for his decision.

She was overjoyed when he finally agreed.

“There’s no harm in tryin’, I guess.” He shrugged shooting a half-lidded smirk. “But I ain’t makin’ no promises that I’ll be the paragon of redeemability. I ain’t that type of model.”

When he left, he said he had to clear some things with his boss first and then he would start this whole ‘redemption thing’.

The three of you had a miniature celebration—juice, soda, and popcorn to go along with eager chatter—before you decided to address the stack of books you had hauled back to the hotel.

The evening was going swimmingly thus far, and you hoped that good luck would carry on to the very end of the night. Somewhere in that pile was your key to getting home. Your fingers were crossed that you would be sleeping in your own cozy bed that night.

You could finally take up your own offer on a nice hot bubble bath and let it soak away all the stress that had stockpiled within your body.

Sitting in a circle around the books, you began sifting through them.

Your hope dwindled bit by bit with every one you flipped through and set aside. They had everything to do with the living world except for the means of getting there.

Once the last book was deemed useless, you sat in sullen silence. A sort of emptiness settled within your chest.

If that was your best shot at returning, what else was there?

“Okay…that’s okay!” Charlie said in an attempt to lighten the mood. “We just have to try something else. Vaggie, you said you knew people who had access to Earth, right?”

“I said I knew of people,” she corrected. “But I did do a little bit of digging while you were out, and I might have a few leads?”

“Oh, perfect!” Charlie chirped, sitting straight up with her hands on her knees. “How about we look into those tomorrow then?”

You and Vaggie both nodded because what else were you supposed to do? You didn’t really have the option of giving up in this situation. Your life wasn’t going to wait on hold forever. It probably wasn’t waiting at all.

At this point, two full days would have passed since you ‘disappeared,’ but living alone makes it harder for people to notice that sort of thing. You doubted Devon would have reported it since that would likely result in them getting into even deeper shit (in addition to the can of whoop-ass you’d release onto them once you made it back).

And you knew better than to put any amount of faith into Jack. You were sure he noticed your absence. You had the texts to prove it. But he seemed to be convinced you were giving him the cold shoulder, which would most likely result in him pretending he didn’t give two flying fucks about you.

Fuck that bitch.

♡

You wouldn’t say you slept like a baby that night, but you sure did sleep. You slept with the weight of despair threatening to overtake you with each failed attempt of finding a way back home.

And you know what?

It wasn’t half bad. Would you recommend it to someone else? No, not really. But you couldn’t tell them it was terrible.

Wiping the sleep from your eyes, you padded your way down the grand staircase. It was nice not having to wake up early to get all done up, but you still felt groggy. Possibly from sleeping too much.

You also appreciated being able to spend more time in the pajamas you were given, because good lord were they comfy.

Charlie and Vaggie let you know last night that they’d be leaving earlier in the morning to talk to the folks Vaggie believed might be able to access the living world. You stayed behind because you all agreed that dragging you through public in a not-so-durable disguise was a disaster waiting to happen.

However, they planned to be back in time for Charlie’s father to visit.

He had called her the previous night—just before you were all about to go your separate ways—to let her know he wanted to stop by. She told him he could drop by in the afternoon, and that was that.

You planned to coup yourself up in your room for the duration of his visit. You would rather die than address what had happened with the paint. If he had any questions regarding that, he could direct them towards his daughter. Thank you and goodnight (love you, Charlie! Muah!).

There was nothing to do until Charlie and Vaggie returned, but you still wanted caffeine or anything that could clear your brain fog.

They had stocked up the fridge and ‘pantry’ a bit more since you arrived, and Angel would likely move in any day now so there was also that to consider. Yet it was still a gamble on whether or not you could find something appealing.

You kneeled down in front of the fridge and began rummaging through your options.

Mysterious leftovers?

No.

Artichoke Hearts?

Eh…for breakfast? Probably not.

Coconut Milk?

No… You were surprised they even had coconuts in Hell. Unless, of course, they had sinners that manifested as coconuts, then you reckon they could milk—

No, absolutely not.

You were thinking about settling on a popsicle when you heard a knock at the front door.

Nobody should have been stopping by yet. Charlie’s dad wouldn’t be there until later, and you guys weren’t expecting anyone else. It could possibly be Angel, but you doubted he already spoke to his boss considering it was still morning.

The stained-glass doors didn’t disclose much about your surprise visitor. They were merely a shadowy figure, distorted by the odd shapes and colors.

Regardless of who it could be, you needed to hide or at least find a way to get back upstairs without being seen.

Slowly rising to your feet, you locked onto a rather large crate near the edge of the entryway.

You wouldn’t have to cross in front of the door to get there, which was ideal. Even though you knew the person on the other side couldn’t see you clearly, you preferred they not know you were there at all. Once you were at the crate, you could easily make your way around the room undetected.

Just as you were about to slip around it, you heard the front door creak open.

“Hello~” sang a familiar voice.

You hastily dodged behind the crate, your feet sliding slightly underneath you due to the new socks you had been gifted by your hosts. Thankfully, you were able to stabilize yourself before falling into anything.

Your heart was pounding away in your chest.

What was he doing here so early?

You pressed your back against the crate as you carefully sat down to wait for him to pass. Listening to his footsteps crossing the room was doing nothing to soothe your nerves. It was clear that he was in no rush to move on through the hotel. You could hear him as he sauntered around the foyer, pausing every once in a while before continuing on.

If he was taking in the sights, it was only a matter of time before he got to your side of the foyer.

You had to get out.

Taking a deep breath, you hesitantly peeked around your hiding spot to see where he was and whether he was looking your way.

To your relief, Charlie’s father was investigating a portrait on the wall opposite of you.

You wasted no time creeping across the floor to take cover behind the tattered old reception area. There was a body-length mirror resting against the wall just a few feet away that would give you a relatively good view of where he was.

As you were about to lean close enough to see through the mirror’s reflection, you heard him begin to hum just a few feet away. You scrambled to get beneath the desk.

How did he get so close so fast?

You understood the guy wasn’t human, but still. You were able to hear his footsteps clear as day up until that point. He shouldn’t know you were there; you were being so quiet…

Holding your breath, you waited for him to put some distance between the two of you. When you felt he was far enough away, you slowly scooted to the other side of the desk where you could hopefully get a view of the mirror.

Hearing him tampering with something, so you took the opportunity to glance at the mirror’s reflection.

He was prodding at one of the broken columns, testing its stability, it seemed. And his back was facing you. Perfect.

Glancing around the edge of the reception desk, you could see that the stairs weren’t too far away. It was a pretty open area, however, so you wondered if it would be better to beeline it down the adjacent hall instead.

Figuring that was likely the safer option, you checked the mirror once more to make sure his back was still turned.

You met his gaze in the reflection, and your eyes went wide as his lips curled into a wicked grin.

Fuck.

In a panic, you threw yourself out of view and knocked your head into the desk’s edge. The collision was certainly loud enough for him to hear, but you kept your pained whine quiet as you cradled your temple.

Your train of thought was quickly growing fuzzy, unsure of what to do or where to go.

Was it best to run?

What if he was faster?

Would your chances be better if you found another place to hide?

Probably not… He already knew where you were, and you weren’t sure where else you could even go.

All you knew was that you couldn’t stay where you were. If his eyes were still trained on the mirror, you would probably be better off going back the way you came. Maybe there was a gap in the crate that you could worm through to hide. It would be like you disappeared.

You turned back in that direction, and as you were about to dart back to the safety of your original hiding spot, two legs stepped in front of you.

You gasped, sliding to a halt just before you could crash into him.

Charlie’s father slowly crouched down to your level as you tilted your head to look up at him, eyes as wide as saucers. His smile was wide, showing off his large, pointed teeth.

“What do we have here?”

Next Chapter

♡ ♡ ♡

Tag List: @spookysisters @for-hearthand-home @crescent-z @mixplara @juskonutoh @tinywolfiegirl @lafy-taffy @glowinthedarkbones1150 @froggybich @darling-angel222 @preciousbabypeter

[ash5monster01]

hey, could you do a neil perry x fem!reader where he (and maybe the boys) comfort her..maybe she’s ill/period or even just a nightmare.

it’s okay if not !

Sick Days

Pairing: Neil Perry x FemReader

Warnings: fluff, mentions of being sick, language

Summary: Being sick is easily the worst thing that can happen at Welton but at least you have the absolute best friends in the world to make it better, especially your caring boyfriend.

word count: 1.1k

Masterlist

Nothing is worse at Welton than being sick. Being sick was guaranteed to put you behind in classes, get other students to avoid you at all costs, and keep you from spending time with your boyfriend. On top of all of this, you also had your period. Nothing was more demeaning than being the sick girl at a mainly boys school with your time of the month tagging along. So even though you weren’t a very emotional person you had found yourself softly crying in your dorm bed after the nurse had told you to stay on bed rest for the rest of the week. What a load of crap.

The other bad thing was if you missed classes absolutely everyone knew. You were more than likely the talk to the school by third period because absolutely nothing else of excitement ever happened here. So while you were locked away in your dorm room everyone got to gossip about your absence. Which was how Neil had found out. He had confirmed the information with your roommate who had been given permission to sleep in another dorm until you had recovered. If he knew you like he thought he did you were no doubt heartbroken that you now had to die of boredom alone in your dorm. You’d rather go to class and that was saying something.

So with this information he devised a plan. One his friends help set in motion considering they all loved you just as much as he did. They snuck out of their dorms often for Dead Poets meetings in the old Indian Cave so what could it hurt to sneak out and hold a very silent meeting in your dorm. Neil knew you’d be awake, upset and bored to death from having to spend the entire day alone with piles of homework dropped off in your dorm. So it’s no surprise when he opens the door to your dorm and your head lifts from your bed at the small creaking noise that came from it. “Neil”

“Hey baby, how’re you?” he whispers out, heart aching for you and how sick you look. Your covers are wrapped tightly around you and your face is quite pale. The bed infront of you is covered in the homework you must’ve been actively working at, desperate to keep yourself ahead even if you are sick. He doesn’t miss the way your lip quivers at his question and he feels guilty for asking. “Oh honey”

Neil doesn’t care about getting sick, he sits beside you in the bed and pulls you into his arms. It was his job to comfort his girl after all, so he kisses your head, and holds you while you softly cry into his chest.

“I hate being so secluded” you tell him with teary eyes and his eyes soften towards you as he uses his thumbs to brush them away.

“I know, it’s the worst. Which is why we’re here” he tells you and your eyebrows furrow in confusion as he says we’re.

“Did the boys come too?” you ask and Neil chuckles and nods before pressing one more kiss to your face before he gets picked on for doing so.

“They didn’t want our best girl being lonely either” he says as he stands and goes back to the door. Your heart clenches from him leaving your side, needing him close to you. He opens the door and you’re met with the smiling faces of each of the boys who file into your room, some sitting on your roommates bed and the others on the ground.

“Hey guys” you smile widely at them, the whisper falling from your lips.

“Hey doll, feeling better?” Charlie is the first to respond, his signature flirty smirk on his face.

“I am now” you tell him as Neil comes back to sit at your side, arm wrapping around you.

“Our first silent meeting” Neil whispers to the group and the boys whisper hoot and cheer which has you giggling lightly into Neil’s shoulder.

“Should be easy for Todd” Knox teases and you all silently laugh at the blonde boy whose cheeks have now burned red.

“Impossible for Charlie though” Cameron adds and Charlie kicks the boy with his foot from where he sits on the bed which instantly has the red headed glaring at him.

“Alright, settle down gentlemen. Let’s take a look at our refreshments” Meeks says, reaching into the pockets of his coat and pulling out mountains of snacks him and the boys had collected. Your stomach grumbles at the sight, thinking of the chicken broth and crackers you had been brought for both lunch and dinner. You were practically starved.

“Oh Pitt’s, please pass me a cookie” you call out and the tall boy obeys, plucking a cookie from one of the snack piles and leaning over to hand it to you. You smile thankfully at him and stuff half the cookie into your mouth.

“Someone seems happy?” Neil teases as you finish the cookie and you smile at him.

“So happy, I wish I wasn’t sick so I could kiss you right now” you tell him and the boys quietly ooh which has Neil waving them off.

“I’ll be waiting the moment you get better” he tells you and you smile softly at him, wishing you could show him how happy he has made you. You vow the moment you are better you’ll kiss the shit out of him.

“Okay lovebirds, let’s get this meeting started” Charlie says a touch too loud with the clap of his hands and the boys instantly shush him. He holds his hands up in defense and Neil chuckles before pulling the book out of his jacket. You watch him fondly as he reads the opening statement and when he finishes you place a kiss on his cheek.

“We can leave if you ever get too tired or don’t feel good” Neil whispers to you and you shake your head, looking fondly over each of the boys.

“No, stay. I want you all to stay” the happiness of the others surrounding you being the only thing to make you feel better all day.

“Even if Charlie reads a stupid poem?” he asks and you chuckle and nod.

“I’d actually prefer it” you tell him and he grins, eyes also glancing at his friends who were so good to come and help cheer you up. The only girl he has ever loved.

“Then we’ll stay, until you feel better” and you nod, content with that answer and content with the friends you were so lucky to have.

“I want you all to stay forever”

[missmarveledsblog]

FLUMPY PART 4 ( JAKE SERESIN X READER)

SUMMARY: now at home while the guys navigate to looking after her in her recovery while she navigates  her feelings to her new friend and now roommate since he was staying in the spare room to begin  while also learning to  get used to her new temporary life  not being able to do much .  

warning : adding the roommate trope  to the list , the two get closer more flirty this chapter, we're getting there promise . mention of injuries , mutual pining , idiot in love  flirty tension.  little angst  but more of  goofy part to be honest . reader is in wheelchair after the accident but not permanently .

Once again the men left , some to get food while went, hangman and rooster wanted to stay it was new to see him like that and had her head reeling .

" so what weren't you telling me that little head thinking about " sarah asked .

" caught that huh" .

" caught the goo goo eyes at the tall blonde too" she winked .

" oh jake hang man i caught that too " maria simpson giggled .

" we've notice it even when she said she couldn't stand him" penny laughed .

" he beat up a dude twice for her ... dont tell your husband" nat gulp looking at maria .

" lips are seal wow how romantic" .

" yeah it was kinda bad ass .. don't tell hangman" she looked at y/n .

" wait he's the other one that requested leave to help her too" maria asked.

" does your husband tend to gossip like a high schooler this much" y/n asked shocked.

" only when it matters" she smirked .

" well i approve and i know your mom , tom , nick and carol would too" sarah smiled warmly .

"oh carol would be setting them up" penny nodded .

" oh honey whats wrong" they asked hearing a little cry .

" i miss them all so much" she sniffled starting to feel a little loopy too

. " they're here in spirit" penny kissed her head as sarah wiped her tears .

" i know but still" she cried harder.

" oh shit we broke her" nat joked. "Don't make me laugh it hurts" she sniffled .

" hey what's wrong darling" jake rushed to her side as the women shared smiles.

" i want my dead people back" she cried .

" what" rooster snorted .

" your mom, her mom , your dad and her husband " nat explained as they tried to not laugh.

" sorry it's not funny" sarah shook her head before they start laughing again .

" she get her meds" rooster asked.

" half an hour ago" penny wiped her eyes crying from laughing so much .

" explains it" jake smiled down helping her get comfortable .

" come on we let her settle,get coffee" nat herded them out the room including bradley.

" jake anyone ever tell you that your like a real life ken doll and g.i joe rolled into" she asked slightly dopey smile on her face.

" think you did couple times darling" he smirked .

" darling ugh i love that" she copied his accent .

" ok go sleep you" he laughed .

" so pretty i ever tell you , your pretty" she asked. " nope you did not unless pretty annoying counts" . " so pretty handsome pretty" she said dosing off . " think your beautiful darling" he whispered. "AWHH" he turned to see them all standing there . " not a word of this" he rolled his eyes.

Two week she was in hospital , she'd met the good samaritan charlie and his wife them giving her their number and address to keep in touch which she promised she would . Cops also visiting her taking her statement and let her know they caught the man who apparently was also drunk when he hit her only reason they knew was he crashed into a wall after a car chase that day and also was unharmed which she felt was like a kick in the gut since she was still in hospital and it was going to take at least ten more week of recovery also physiotherapy. But she was going home she sat as the beautiful nurse ruby went over after care as her dad , bradley and jake listened intently although the nurse gaze lingered on bradshaw the longest . when she finished she had her number over to the man incase he has more question .

" go roo" she cheered.

" you missy keep in touch too , i wasn't lying when i said you were my favourite patient although i will say my fellow nurses will miss the eye candy" she giggle as she hugged y/n .

" don't worry can't get rid of me but i will send some beach shots " she winked .

" sweetheart you little perv" jake laughed .

" hey what nurse ruby wants she gets after her excellent care" .

" don't be a stranger but also don't end up in here either" again her eyes lingered on rooster before she left.

" ok lets go push me i may be free but i'm not fully mobile yet" she cheered .

" you sure your in a rush darling we're riding in the bronco" jake asked.

" hey leave my baby along bagman" he gasped.

" it's not a bike but it will do" she sighed itching to get moving .

" i'm buying you a car any car you want princess" mav joked although she could sense the seriousness to it too .

" i guess these are only wheels i need for now huh" she looked down at the wheelchair.

" well then lets get rocking and rolling hot wheels" . " jesus christ bradley" the other two men hissed as her and roo laughed their ass off out the room .

Pulling up to her drive way was exciting , seeing the dagger squad standing a make shift sign in their hands along with penny and amelia. " hey where the ramp come from" her head tilted .

" bob got it , it's only temp one" rooster got out the car to get her only jake got their first.

" i gotcha" he smiled lifting her out of the car and into the chair.

hey look my new wheels" she said .

" oh your home finally" nat bounced towards her taking the chair from hangman and pushing her to the house.

" i mean i glad to be out of there but i think we might see a face around if someone grows a pair that is" she called back words targeted bradley.

" not only one who should grow a pair" he smirked at jake who glared at him . he was happy she didn't hear it or see how red his cheeks were.

The house was sparkling , looking around to see they cleaned it from top to bottom that was till her eyes stopped on the helmet that sat scratched , broken and in rough shape on coffee table .

" shit bob i told you hide that" .

" is it here?" she asked looking around at the pained faces.

" the garage when your ready" rooster crouched down to her level. " i wanna see it".

" no come on just enjoy being home pretty girl it can wait" .

" either someone brings me or i bring myself i wanna see it" she snapped .

" come on i wanna see it too" mav sighed.

" mav no she not.." .

" i got her" he said knowing she wasn't gonna give up . she was quiet as he wheeled her to the garage opening the door he but stopping turning to her.

" you sure?" and yet the words wouldn't come from her mouth so she nodded. He opened the door and closed it once they were inside he almost moved in slow motion walking over and pulling the sheet back . a gasp escaped her lips taking in the wreckage , lucky was an understatement as she looked at the completely destroyed machine. The way part hung off or the metal bent and scratched beyond repair but it in perspective of how close to never seeing her loved ones again. Her lip trembling and the sobs broke free , gut wrenching cries that made her dad snap out of his shock state and cover the bike before his arms wrapped around his daughter.

i got you sweet girl , daddy's got you" he repeated his own emotions getting best of him.

" get rid of it please daddy get rid of it" she hiccuped through the sobs that echoed through the room pleading like when she was little afraid of the monster in her closet or under the bed , she didn't care the other would hear them . " get rid of it" she begged.

" i will sweet girl lets get you into the house" he wiped his own face before the door that connected from house opened .

"i got her chair" rooster said not daring to look at the sheet it was evident on his face he was crying , they all were not a dry eye in the house when she looked around the room .

" i ruined the mood" she sniffled. " damn dust" rooster said swatting around them making her laugh only for the others to copy . " ok dustbusters lunch time" nat rolled her own teary eyes .

The mood restored as they ate food , she listened and laughed as they explained the trial and errors of setting her ramp up .

" cyclone said it was easy" bob held his hand up in defence .

" it was once we got the hang of it" fanboy fell over he was laughing so hard.

" wanna play on it later really test it out " .

" not in my chair you giants will break it"she yawned.

" she looks tired" nat face looked her over.

" med time too" bradley checked his watch.

" but i was having fun" she whined.

" we'll be back tomorrow hotstuff" nat winked.

" come on" jake lift her up and out of the room as she called good bye to others. " jesus in that much of a rush to get me to bed" she asked still waving at her friends leaving

. " know me too well sweet heart" he chuckled . she couldn't help miss her room and her bed but something was very different .

" why is there a baby monitor on my bed side table " her head tilt looking at the machine confused.

" chicken got them incase you need him during the night" .

" ooh that is clever.. Don't tell him i said that" she giggled.

" too late pretty girl wanna say it again only this time i can record it keep it with me for ever" he chuckled walking in pills in one hand and water bottle in the other .

" bagman do the honours i'm going to text ruby think i'm forgetting something" he said handing over them over .

" forgot my ass he misses the pretty nurse" jake handed her them as she laughed and groaned . " i miss being able to laugh with out pain" she pouted .

" they should help for now with that" jake smiled holding the bottle for her and she drank it back .

" can you sit with me til i sleep i kinda got use to it in the hospital" . " course i will sweetheart" .

He should of left an hour ago but yet he couldn't every little sound he was checking if she was ok .

" bagman the spare room is made up for you over" roosters voice called through the monitor.

" their not walkie talkies man , i'll head in now thanks.... Over" he chuckled giving her one more check before .

" goodnight darling" he whisper leaning down to kiss her head.

" awwhh cutie over" .

" creep" he shook his head walking out the door only to open door to spare room and rooster standing there.

" i figure you wanted them tonight , night lover boy" rooster patted his back heading to his own room .

" night bird brain " he rolled his eyes . " your good friend" he added closing the door . routinely he checked on her during the night from her to her injuries making sure the dressing were clean and she wasn't in pain then he went to sleep .

"Roo i need help" she whined sending him to his feet and into her room not caring he was in just his underwear.

" what's wrong , where hurts?" he began checking her over as she was completely taking off guard of half naked man in her room .

" where's roo" she asked forcing her eyes to his face .

" sleep what ya need, i can do it" he asked softly. " i need to pee" she whispered.

" i'll get rooster" he laughed heading out the room as it appeared both men decided to forgo clothes to be . wordlessly rooster lifted her half a sleep and to the toilet and back before some from of grunt and back to bed.

" oddly more efficient and less annoying half asleep" she giggled. " also why you here" she asked still trying to keep her eyes on his face although she did let them flicker .

" well i'm taking your spare room while you recover so get used to me being around" he shrugged trying to come off as confident but honestly he was a little nervous.

" he put the monitors in your room huh?" she asked seeing how nice her ceiling suddenly was .

" yeah i don't mind even if you snore like a hornet either" he teased .

" i do not snore like a super hornet , more like a kitten" she mused although her cheek felt on fire at possibility of her snoring in his ear though a monitor.

" no kitten don't shake the walls" he teased .

" that's clearly roo" she rolled her eyes .

" go sleep i'll wait til you are snoring" he wink loving the sound of her laugh or the little blush on her cheeks .

" no go before ROO's snoring keeps you awake night jake" she yawned. " night darling" he laughed heading to his temporary room .

" i ain't saying it man just pretend you didn't hear it , she enough on her problem without mine" she awoke to jake's voice as sun peaking in the curtains . it only felt like she closed her eyes and yet it was now morning .

" come on man just tell her she can help" .

" help with what why are you fighting this early" she groaned as they walked in fully clothed this time.

" jake needs help with something" rooster help her sit up although she wasn't fully awake and still groggy from her meds .

" it's nothing sweetheart ignore him" jake held the tray with her breakfast .

" ok you two are yelling and waking me up so tell me and give me real coffee" she yawned.

" he need a place to stay and won't ask" rooster spoke up .

" ok take spare room , coffee now" she grumbled .

"your using it anyways so just go with guys later to get your stuff while nat bathes me now bitches stop and coffee me " she said.

" told you" rooster stuck his time out. " coffee" she whined .

"shit sorry , you sure" he asked waiting til she drank it.

" yeah you'll be staying while i recover so why not just same as roo for rent and help towards bills and groceries" she said happier after her coffee.

" sorry for waking you pretty girl" bradley finally said. " nah its ok it's only ... 11 am what the hell" she wanted to rub her eyes but couldn't hole lack of mobility was killing her dramatic flare.

" thanks sweetheart" jake smiled. "Yeah next time don't be all bashful i maybe broken but i can still be useful ... can someone wipe my eyes" she asked sweetly.

she sat now cleaned on her bed at first the thought of being bathed at home well honestly was weird and yet funny as they wrapped the casts in plastic bags . " that was so good thank you feels nice to be clean and home" she sighed happily sitting on her bed as nat dried her hair.

" no problem although i didn't expect to come and find jake was moving in this morning you move quick"she laughed.

" not like that although he came into my room in just his boxer i think i died a little although so did roo not the same affect i mean think that cause he's my big brother in a way" she laughed.

" so half naked nurses " she giggled.

" i mean can't complain i don't think anyone would nat i could die with the hotness" she sighed dramatically.

" shh that's the front door" she laughed.

" new rule no shirts allowed" she yelled out . "your father is here perv" rooster yelled back.

" that's medication dad" she winced.

" i'll pretend i didn't hear it" he chuckled.

" do we take out shirts of or not" .

"keep your clothes on fanboy" the two girl burst into tear of laughter.

" hey was worth a shot" she snorted only for nat to hit the floor and guys rushing out.

" oh it's just phoenix" bradley said relieved .

" here let me help you up" mav held his hand out.

" love you too bradshaw" she snickered.

" what has gotten into you two" .

"we were watching magic mike" nat lied easily.

" got my own show of it last night" she whispered .

" i didn't heard that either" her dad walked out.

" what she say" .

" NOTHING" .

Monday came as she and bradley called their goodbye to jake eating their breakfast in her bed starting their morning at home . they watched countless hours of trash tv to the point they were taking score of the lie detector and paternity test result what was unexpected was how good rooster was at calling it .

" HAHA he fail i said it" she cheered .

" ok you won this times but i got the rest right pretty girl i know my trash tv".

" ok that's sad roo , this is sad" she looked at what they were doing .

" want to watch a movie or we could take you on a spin around the block .

" fresh air would be nice but i need to get dressed" she said sadly.

" and i've changed you drunk a lot in the past " he shrugged.

" i don't have a bra on" .

" i'll close my eyes pretty pst i got this" he smiled confidently.

He didn't have it not even close to it first he got it stuck before he put it on her head , then it got stuck on her arm which when he tried it hurt her so he had to look which was awkward as hell for both of them .

" we don't speak of it" she said as he wheeled her out the room .

" speak of what now" jake walked in the front door.

" i saw her boobs" bradley shuddered.

" that's not speaking of it and there not bad don't shake like that" .

" what me to show you mine make it even" he joked.

" no i seen them enough" she shuddered.

" see you did it too" he laughed.

" ok kids what are you doing" jake asked.

" oh walk around the block hot wheels here has cabin fever" bradley explained .

"scar face is right i can't take anymore paternity test and lie detectors" she pouted.

" you wanna take her i'll get lunch started" bradley asked .

" yeah sure i'm finished for day anyways" jake threw his bag down and took her chair.

" you can't cook , he gonna burn the house down" she yelled .

" i seen your boobies" he called making her shut up instantly.

" next time you play magic mike sweet heart give me heads up" jake teased .

" hard to magic mike it when you can barely move one arm and not move the other" she rolled her eyes.

Fresh air was so needed , seeing the birds in the sky or bees in the flower . even just feeling the slight breeze in her hair it was magical . little thing she missed being stuck at home or in the hospital . she missed work to itching to get back to being in the hanger, she loved her job and it suck not being about to do what she loved.

" what going on that pretty head of yours" jake asked instantly taking her attention funny she well not hated but didn't like him and now she looked forward to seeing him .

" pretty careful might think you don't hate me" she joked.

" never did wise ass" he laughed.

" fair anyways this all of it being out and enjoying the world instead of watching it out the window" she took as deep breathe letting it fill her lungs.

" you'll be running around in no time darling back to the hike least this time you won't ignore me" he chuckled.

" yeah i was an ass" she shook her head slightly guilty of her behaviour .

" nah i deserved it i was the ass" he said softer.

" we are both asses you can be left cheek and ill be right since it's my good side". " plus hard too ignore you ... being the account of you being so blonde i mean" she backtracked .

" hmm i don't think that's what you meant sweet heart do explain" he came closer she could feel his breathe on the back of her neck .

" i'm medicated don't let it go to your head bagman" she narrowed her eyes at him .

" nuh uh none of that i like my name coming from those pretty lips" he didn't know how it turned this way but he was enjoying the flirty tone.

" hey i'm broken you don't need to flirt cause you feel bad" she fake sniffled .

" ain't flirting cause your broken ..." .

" oh y/n your home bradley never said" an elderly woman came over to the two.

" hey mrs wilson i sure am" she smiled at her old neighbour .

" how are you doing dear" she gave a pity filled smile. " oh well intact sort of but i'm here" .

" who is this fine young man" she cooed batting her lashes.

" jake seresin ma'am nice to meet you" he shook her hand and y/n though the woman was melt on spot because she was same lately.

" jake actually new room mate naval aviator like roo not young though" she giggled . " but fine huh" he whispered in her ear making her gulp.

" oh she is very red maybe bring her in out of the sun" the woman worriedly checked her over.

" oh god kill me ... i mean i'm fine i'm fine" her voice went all pitchy only adding to the flush .

" best be going" jake held the laugh in .

" i'm medicated" she hissed.

" hey pretty girl med time come on" rooster called from their porch.

"oh kill me now."

PART 5

taglist : @harrysgothicbitch , @djs8891

[jamroses]

Maybe in another life

Word count: 1.3k Warnings: None ? Summary: Todd meets Neils sister Diane, and convinces the other Poets to have one last meeting so he can introduce her to them. Tags:Dead Poets Society, Neil Perry, Todd Anderson, Charlie Dalton, Knox Overstreet, Gerard Pitts, Steven Meeks, Richard Cameron, AnderPerry Note: THIS IS MY FIRST TIME WRITING AND PUBLISHING A FANFICTION??? HELP ME?? SORRY IF ITS HORRIBLE ?? CONSTRUCTIVE(!) CRITISM IS ALWAYS WELCOME <3

The days following Neil's death were silent, no one knew what to say. Barely a word was spoken between the boys, they had gotten some time off to deal with the news, and prepare for the funeral. 

Todd was lying on the now empty right side bed, Neil’s mother had come in the day before to clear out all his stuff and had even told him he could keep something of Neil’s to ‘remember him by’. 

Todd had chosen the script of ‘A midsummer night's dream’ and a sweater. A knock sounded on the other side of the door and Todd rose from the bed, 

“Come in.” Meeks walked in, 

‘‘It’s almost starting, are you ready to go?’’ Todd nodded and followed Meeks out the door and through the corridor. They walked silently, side by side through the halls toward the church next to the school where the service would be held. 

They slid into the bench next to Charlie, Knox & Pitts who were already seated, Todd looked around and saw Neil’s parents sitting on the front row, right beside Nolan. The headmaster rose from his seat and stood up on the podium. 

“The death of Neil Perry was a tragic accident.” Nolan began, 

“Liar.” Todd muttered under his breath. 

“He was a fine student, one of Welton’s best, and he will be missed.” Nolan continued, “We have contacted each of your parents to explain the situation. Naturally, all are quite concerned. At the request of Neil’s family, I intend to conduct a thorough inquiry into this matter. Your complete cooperation is expected.” 

-

After the service, everyone slowly made their way out to the courtyard. Todd walked behind his friends, 

“You guys go ahead, there’s something I need to check on.” 

He started towards the cemetery where they had just buried Neil. When he got there he saw there was already another person there, a girl, she couldn’t have been any older than he was. 

Todd slowly approached her, and stood a few feet apart from her, looking at Neil’s grave. The girl didn’t seem to notice him at first, as she continued to rearrange the white roses that were placed around Neil’s grave. Todd thought he had seen her before, but he just couldn’t figure out why she looked so familiar. 

After she had finished what she was doing, the girl turned her head to look at Todd.

She noticed how heartbroken he looked, how pale his skin was, how red his eyes were from crying. 

“Did you know him well?” She asked him, Todd looked up, “Neil, did you know him well?” 

“Oh yeah, we were roommates, you?” Todd looked at her, who was it that she reminded him of? 

“Yeah, he was my brother.” Todd looked her in the eyes for the first time since they met, 

“What?” 

He took in her features and realized she looked just like him, hell she could even be him. 

“Yeah he is, was, a year and a half older than me.” Todd was staring at her as if she were a ghost. 

“You look just like him.”  

“Yeah I get that a lot.” She smiled sadly. 

“I’m Todd Anderson by the way.” He held out his hand for her to shake, “So you’re that Todd!” She shook his hand, 

“I’m Diane Perry.’’ 

The bell in the tower struck, indicating that dinner was about to be served at Welton. ‘‘I uh 

have to go, dinners about to be served.’’ 

“Todd said.” Diane looked up, “Yeah I should probably make my way back as well. It was nice meeting you.” 

Diane started making her way back down the small path that led to the village, 

“Wait!” Todd called after her, she turned around, “Do you want to meet the other boys?” 

She smiled, “I’d love to.” 

“Okay, uh, awesome, meet me back here around 8:30.” 

“See you then Todd.” Todd waved and as he made his way back to Welton, he felt that everything might be okay.

Dinner was silent, no one looked at each other. “Guys, meet me at the cave tonight at half past 8?” 

Todd suddenly spoke, everyone looked surprised. 

“What, are you crazy? Why would we go back there?” Knox spoke, 

“Please guys, I have a surprise.” 

“I am never going back to that place.” Charlie said. 

“Yeah, I’ve got homework to do anyway.” Meeks agreed. 

“Come on guys, please. Just one last time.” Todd pleaded, he really needed this to work. “No, and now I don’t want to talk about it anymore!” Knox raised his voice, clearly sounding upset. Todd was starting to lose hope, “For Neil, please.”

Charlie sighed, “What’s this surprise you have for us anyway?” 

“Come to the cave tonight and you’ll see.” 

“Well it better be good.” Pitts said, getting up from the table and getting his stuff together. 

“This is the Last time I will be going back there. Understood?” Knox also got up, 

“Great, awesome, don’t forget, half past 8.” The remaining boys all got up and made their way back to their rooms. 

-

“What’s taking him so long?” Knox was getting impatient, “It’s 8:45 already!” “Dude relax,” Charlie tried to calm him down, “He’ll be here soon.”

“If he’s not here in 5 minutes I’m leaving.” Pitts decided, Meeks nodding in agreement.

Just then, Todd walked into the cave, “Sorry I’m late guys, had to pick up the surprise.”

“It better be good,” Knox grumbled, still upset. “So where is this surprise anyway?” Charlie asked, just as Diane stepped into the cave.

“She’s right here.”

The boys’ jaws collectively dropped as they looked at the girl before them, the girl who had the Same brown eyes, the Same brown hair, the Same nose, even the same smile as him. No one dared to speak a word. Scared that if they did, she might disappear.

Todd broke the silence by introducing her; “Guys this is Diane, she’s Neils sister.” Diane nodded and Todd continued, “Diane this is Knox, Charlie, Meeks and Pitts. A.K.A the Dead Poets Society.”

“I heard you guys have meetings? Where you read poetry?” Diane looked to Meeks, who seemed quite smart to her, and would probably explain it best.

“Yeah, we take turns reading poetry, some from the greats, some original pieces.” Diane nodded, “I actually have a poem I prepared to read tonight.” Diane cleared her throat, ready to start when Charlie interrupted,

“We’ve got to open the meeting first.”

Pitts agreed, “You can’t just start reading poetry.”

“Well then would someone open the meeting please?” Diane looked around and realized that as soon as she asked the question the cave fell silent.

Pitts had taken a sudden interest to his shoes, Charlie acted as though he had never seen a cave wall before in his life, Meeks felt the need to clean is already clean glasses thoroughly and Todd just stared off into the distance, as if he wasn’t even here.

“He always opened the meetings.” Knox spoke.

“Excuse me?”

“Neil, he always opened our meetings.” Knox got up, “Listen Todd, I don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish by bringing her here. But we’ve all gotta move on.”

“What are you talking about?” Todd got up as well, “I understand you’re just trying to help.” Knox continued; “But you gotta face the reality, Neils dead, we might all be facing expulsion, and Keating is being investigated. I’m sorry, but I’m leaving, I can’t take this anymore.” Knox made his was out the cave,

“Knox! Wait! Come back!” Todd tried to chase after him.

“It’s no use,” Meeks spoke, “he’s gone.”

“He was right though,” Pitts also got up, “We shouldn’t be doing this.” He started making his way out the cave too.

Todd felt all hope he had that afternoon disappear, everything was falling apart.

“I’m sorry Todd.” Charlie looked Todd in the eyes, “Maybe one day we’ll return.” Charlie put on his coat and followed Pitts outside.

“Meeks, please, you can’t leave.” Todd pleaded, feeling his eyes fill up with tears. But Meeks had already gotten up, and was halfway out the cave,

“Goodnight Todd.” RAAAAAAHHHH DO U GUYS LIKE THIS??? DO U WANT A PART TWO????

[xoxobuckybarnes]

July 2024 Reading List

Complete

Donut Forget Our Love (Rated: T, Words: 1K) by dontcallmebree / @dontcallmebree

Summary: Steve Rogers is snoring into his neck. Again. It’s the third time they’ve fallen into bed in the past month alone, and Bucky’s accepted that he’s got a problem. There’s a reason they broke up. Not that Bucky’s been able to remember why lately, with every happy hour that’s gone a little too happy, Steve inching his way across the room and Bucky unable to resist. Tonight, Bucky wishes he had. Bucky gets a little reminder of what his heart has always wanted: a decent bed, bite-sized donuts, and loving Steve Rogers.

I Am Ash From Your Fire (Rated: E, Words: 177K) by lavenderpanic / @lavenderpanic

Summary: Whether they’re making love or Brock’s punching holes in drywall, he just cares so damn much about Bucky. Bucky doesn’t understand why. He’s terrified someday that Brock will grow indifferent, that’s why he feels a rush of relief every time Brock calls him a stupid fucking bitch or slaps him around for screwing something up. He still cares, that’s all Bucky can ever think.

comic books and coffee cups (Rated: T, Words: 4K) by sparkagrace / @sparkagrace

Summary: Based on the prompt: Bucky Barnes is a comic book writer with a very specific idea for a new story, but he hasn't yet found an artist who will work with him on this project. Enter Steve Rogers.

Under His Protection (Rated: E, Words: 21K) by MelanieKS

Summary: There is a nefarious plot brewing in the White House against the president. After an attempt on his life, President Barnes’ detail can’t be trusted and he’s not sure who he can turn to other than his friend Natasha Romanov. Five years retired, Steve Rogers is asked to pick up his shield one last time to protect the president while S.H.I.E.L.D. works on finding the mastermind behind the plot. It’s unconventional, but the safest, while Steve and the president hide away in a secluded cabin in the middle of the mountains of New York. Attraction sparks. Tension rises. Steve vows to keep his distance and remain professional but his attraction grows by the minute, until he can’t deny it any longer.

Podfic

Podfic: Stay and the night would be enough (Rated: T) by ForeverShippingJohnlock

Summary: Written by perfect_plan. Original summary: Things haven't been going well for Steve; he lost his apartment and his job as well as still trying to cope with the death of his mother. Crashing on his friend's couch soon leads to something more for him and Clint's roommate, who shares more with Steve than they both would have expected.

dance with a ghost (Rated: T) by lightupstars

Summary: “Captain America is haunting me,” Bucky says over a bowl of ramen. His pronouncement is met with a round of silence. “Captain America,” Natasha says. “As in--” “The first Avenger,” Bucky confirms. “Supersoldier and hero of World War II. The fabric of the American conscience.” “But he’s--dead,” Sam says. His look of perplexed concern, ever perplexed and ever concerned, only increases. “You’re aware of that, right?” “I know,” Bucky says. “That’s why I said he’s haunting me.”

WIP

War & Peace and the Redemption of Bucky Barnes (Rated: E, Current Words: 44K) by ThePirateStorm / @fsbc-librarian

Summary: Bucky Barnes is running from his problems. He’s housesitting for his best friend while she’s on her honeymoon - the almost a year prior that he’s been staying in her house doesn’t count - when he’s woken in the middle of the night by an angel and a demon. Okay, maybe they’re not a literal angel and demon, but Steve Rogers *looks* like an angel, and his daughter Charli certainly *acts* like a demon. The father/daughter duo are running from their own problems, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t crash headlong into one another’s lives. Throw in a cursed book for good measure, and it’s about to get a whole lot more interesting.

Gold Must Be Tried By Fire (Rated: M, Current Words: 18K) by lavenderpanic / @lavenderpanic

Summary: The pamphlets about escaping abuse always glossed over this part, and Bucky finally understands why. Nobody would fucking leave if they knew how hard recovery would be. In the midst of a trial that questions every hard-won truth out of Bucky's mouth, can he possibly allow himself to heal- physically and mentally? **Sequel to I Am Ash From Your Fire**

Rereads

Heart of Mine (Rated: E, Words: 133K) by deadto27 / @deadto27

Summary: It's been three years since Bucky pulled Steve from the river. Three years where Bucky has tried to get back to the person he was, to be better, to be recovered. Three years where his motivation for getting well has been Steve Rogers. To get to see him again. But when he finally does, he gets more than he expected. Because he never expected that he’d find Steve with a child. And he really never expected that he’d find Steve with his child. ----- “HYDRA…they were using DNA to try to repeat it,” Steve continues softly. “Your DNA,” he adds, meeting Bucky’s eyes, a solemn look on his face as Bucky suddenly catches on to what Steve’s getting at. His eyes widen in shock as Steve increases his grip just slightly on his knee. “The baby…she’s, well…” Steve seems to struggle for words as Bucky’s heart starts beating faster than ever. “She’s yours.”

[darcydarlingdabbles]

At Autumn's End ~ Part 1

RadioApple🍂Human Au/Age Gap 🍁Top!Dom!Alastor

🍂Divorced Dad!Lucifer🍁Explicit~ 8.1k

🍂🍁🍃

🍁 On Ao3🍁Read for Free on Ream🍁On Tumblr 🍁

Lucifer Morningstar stood on the deck of the family's chalet, breathing the crisp mountain air, determined to carry on this family tradition. Even if he was doing it alone. He'd do it for Charlie.

Blazing autumn leaves floated down from the towering oaks and caused ripples along the surface of the mirror lake below. Lucifer gripped to the rough hewn railing, grounding himself, determined to just be normal for once since the divorce.

The two-story cabin was the perfect place. With its walls mostly made of windows overlooking the last gasp of beautiful fall foliage, a fully stocked kitchen, fire pit, two hot tubs, and the smell of wood smoke still lingering from the fireplace he'd prepped.

Charlie had always loved their farewell to fall getaway. And Lucifer was ready for a relaxing weekend, bundled up in cozy sweaters with warm mugs of spiced cider.

And Charlie's new girlfriend would just make the merrier.

Sure, Lucifer had met her before, sure, he'd made a bit of a fool of himself trying so hard not to be awkward that he'd overdone the gracious host bit and come back around to painfully awkward again.

So, there was a lot riding on this relaxing weekend.

Lucifer jumped, catching his sweater on the balcony when he registered the sound of tires crunching their way up the gravel drive.

He hurried back into the main living room, grabbing up the last few things—throwing fluffy pillows back onto the loveseat and the two armchairs, making sure everything was perfect.

He paused at the wall of windows. Already grinning as he saw Charlie's tank of an old SUV made its way across the carpet of leaves. The front doors open, depositing his beaming daughter and her scowling girlfriend out into the autumn air. When one of the back doors opened, and a long pair of legs emerged.

Right. Charlie had asked to bring her roommate this year.

Look, call Lucifer old fashion—his daughter was bi and so was he—but he'd blanched when he heard his little girl had a male roommate. Thought the school was being way too modern when they changed the dorm policy to co-ed roommates.

But the young man before him was nothing like Lucifer pictured for a college roommate.

Alastor stood there, exuding a calm assurance that seemed almost out of place amidst the playful chaos of falling leaves.

His skin was a warm, rich brown, contrasting beautifully with the soft dark curls that framed his face. Round, wire-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, framing bright hazel eyes. A well-tailored coat hugged his long and lean frame.

Despite the nip in the air, he looked impeccably comfortable, like the cold wouldn't dare touch him without permission.

A pretty gay twink if he'd ever seen one.

Not remotely Lucifer's type, not going to be‌ a problem.

With a deep breath, the short blonde turned away from the wall of windows, stealing himself to play the indulgent parent who just wanted his grown little girl to have a good weekend with her friends.

Alastor. The kid's name was Alastor. He remembered Charlie practically dancing on his heartstrings with how her roommate was facing his first school break without his mother.

Lucifer was pretty much incapable of refusing his daughter's wishes, divorced dad guilt, but how could he ever say no after that?

The chilled autumn air gusted in as Lucifer opened the front door and stepped out onto the porch--and right into the middle of a conversation.

"Yeah my family's been coming to this challette for years." Charlie was saying gleefully.

"Chalet, my dear." Alastor interjected in a voice that was shockingly smooth as velvet. "It's pronounced shal-ay,"

"Whatever," Charlie shrugged, unfazed by the correction, like it happened all the time.

"Yeah, whatever." Vaggie echoed emphatically, shooting a glare at Alastor over Charlie's shoulder. "Not like it matters."

Alastor's eyes rolled from the picturesque scenery towards the short woman with long black hair and tawny skin. A silent glare passed between them.

"Hey Dad!" Charlie called out, lighting up like a sunset as she bounded towards him. Her laugh was like wind chimes and her smile was playful.

Warming Lucifer right to his core.

"Hey Char-Char!" He barely had time to brace himself before Charlie collided with him full-force, her energy and arms wrapping around him. Hugging him without an ounce of holding back.

God, he missed this.

The mountains were already working their magic. 

"Whoa, careful there." Lucifer laughed, his heart swelling happily. "Missed you so much kiddo."

"Missed you too, dad." Charlie set him back on his feet with a grin.

Vaggie was right at her side, just behind, loyal and stern-faced as ever. Alastor lingered further behind.

Lucifer turned to his daughter's girlfriend, unsure if he should go for a handshake before he extended his arms and gave what was a slightly more restrained hug.

Okay, so it was stiff and awkward, but he was trying.

Vaggie reciprocated politely, though the discomfort lingered between them like an unwanted guest.

"Good to see you again, Mr. Moringstar,"

"Please, call me Lucifer." He reminded her gently, trying to bridge a little of the gap formality put between them.

Vaggie gave a brief nod—but hey, it was a start.

Lucifer then shifted his attention to Alastor ‌and before he could worry about making his terrible first impression—it was like the swirling red and gold leaves all went still.

The air went from brisk to sharply cold, biting into Lucifer's exposed skin and turning his face pink.

From a distance, through the window, he'd imagined Alastor was a sweet little harmless gay boy.

But now, Lucifer's assumptions were crumbling under the reality of Alastor's silently overwhelming presence.

Alastor stood there, the little smile playing on his lips, exuding an undeniable aura of dominance and control.

Those hazel eyes that looked soft and inviting through the window now pinned him like a butterfly with his precise gaze.

It was like staring down a damn mountain lion, a graceful creature that was only staying still while it suited him.

Lucifer questioned every ounce of gaydar he'd ever had.

And then, the hazel eyes locked on his. And Lucifer felt like the mountain was about to slip out from under his feet.

Those eyes weren't as remotely soft as he imagined. And it was like they could see right through the thick knit of his cozy sweater. To everything that Lucifer would rather hide.

Here he was, recently divorced, depressed, an insomniac who soothed his emotions and stilled his mind by making fool meals at midnight, being looked at like that.

His self-esteem still hadn't recovered from the end of his relationship with Lilith, and he was utterly unprepared for such an intense, self-assured man--who was half his age!

Then, the corners of Alastor's lips curled into a smile--and even the suggestion that he liked what he saw, sent heat rushing into Lucifer's cheeks.

"Oh, Alastor." Charlie seemed to appear suddenly, breaking the moment like a twig snapping underfoot. She stepped forward, grabbing the younger man's arm with the kind of graceless enthusiasm that only his daughter could pull off. "This is my dad, Lucifer."

Alastor gave a chuckle that made Lucifer forget there was a chill in the air.

"Mr.Morningstar." Alastor replied smoothly, extending a hand towards the blonde.

Who had to get over the fact that his charm cast an instant spell and were wrapping around Lucifer like silk.

Lucifer extended his hand on instinct, about to give the same reminder as he gave Vaggie about using his first name, hoping that it would dispel some of the swirling tension simmering in the air between them.

But, before Lucifer could form the words, he felt his h and enveloped in Alastor's.

The dark-haired man's grasp was firm as iron. As if that weren't enough to knock Lucifer off balance, Alastor's other hand came to clasp his wrist, pulling him in with a silent force that sent his heart racing into his throat.

It was a dominant, decisive gesture that left no room for his intentions to be misunderstood.

Lucifer stumbled over his words and nearly over his own feet, leaves crunching under his boots.

"The pleasure's all yours, isn't it?" Alastor's voice was all smoothness and certainty.

"Uh, yeah." Lucifer managed to reply, realizing that his voice came out like a breathless murmur.

He really hoped that his flamed cheeks would be counted to the chilly wind nipping at his exposed skin--not the fluttering spark he was promptly smothering.

Lucifer finally remembered to release Alastor's hand, and fully retreat back into the role of host.

"Let me help with the back—bags." The words tumbled out quickly as he hurried around Charlie's old SUV. Anything to redirect his focus from this heat rising inside him.

Busying himself helping Charlie and Vaggie, and ignoring the young man next to him also moving to help, with that silent smirk.

Lucifer went to grab a suitcase that he recognized belonged to his daughter—which he should have realized was over-packed as always—and nearly fell from the trunk onto him.

Alastor's hand shot out, catching the bag by the handle, and setting it neatly on its wheels.

"Careful," he teased lightly, in that ringing velvet voice of his. "Not to bite off more than you can chew."

Lucifer swallowed, refusing to let his mind lean into the implication of those words.

"I can handle it." Lucifer huffed, grabbing the suitcase stubbornly.

Alastor gave a smirk and a shrug.

Lucifer hurried up the front porch into the chalet, realizing how severely he'd underestimated Alastor's slender frame and fastidious dressing.

There was nothing twink about Alastor.

He was a commanding presence wrapped in charm and elegance. And everything Lucifer found attractive.

That thought nearly stopped the man dead in his tracks.

Sure, he was recently divorced from Lilith. And he'd been in a dry spell ever since—but he quickly banished the entire stupid notion. There were only a million reasons why it wasn't even worth a thought.

He was a recently divorced dad, not so much rocking the dad bod as falling into it one midnight snack at a time. He'd never been confident enough to approach anyone without Lilith. There was no way he would be interested in Lucifer. Alastor was young, gorgeous, and obviously charismatic.

Besides, the kid was half his age.

Lucifer shook the thought from his head.

This weekend was about reconnecting with Charlie, a growing bond with Vaggie, hopefully. And fully restarting this family tradition.

Not a tryst with a pretty boy half his age.

🍂🍁🍃

Lucifer lead the way up the wide staircase to the second floor of the chalet.

This part of the house was mostly loft. Another comfortable seating area that looked down over the living room and fireplace. But it was where most of the bedrooms were in the cabin.

Charlie and Vaggie were talking animatedly all the way up and past the seating area towards the bedrooms. Talking about the beautiful scenic views and the winding road that had gotten them up the mountain.

But Lucifer's attention kept wandering right back to Alastor. Who wasn't doing anything but carrying the girls' extra bags and lingering behind and being silent and cryptic.

"Here we are," Lucifer announced, pushing open the door to Charlie's room with his elbow.

It was quaint, really, but he'd redecorated a bit since Charlie had grown up. And he really hoped he hadn't overdone it. Charlie had liked it bright and colorful when she was a kid, except for that one emo phase.

But now, there were simple flower curtains and soft plush carpeting. Overlooking the towering forest outside.

"I made the room up for two, you know, obviously, because you're grown now." Lucifer said, meaning to sound supportive, though he saw Charlie's cheeks get as pink as his were outside. And Vaggie looking anywhere but at him. "Which, I understand and I'm not judging because obviously...you're an adult and—" Lucifer trailed off, painfully awkward—

Before Charlie thankfully but gracelessly interrupted. "Thanks, Dad! The room looks great."

Alastor chuckled softly, stepping into the girl's room only long enough to drop off the two bags he was holding. Before stepping back over the threshold neatly.

Like a gentleman wouldn't be standing too long in a lady's room.

Except a gentleman wouldn't look at him like he would devour him like he was going to devour him the first time they met. Or, like, right now, in his daughter's room.

Vaggie and Charlie went into their room. Leaving Lucifer to find himself alone in the hallway. With Alastor.

"Uh, yours is over there." Lucifer quickly gestured across the hall, trying to make sure his voice cut through the thick tension.

"Thank you." Alastor said simply, with what must be his polite smile—and not his I'm about to undress you with my eyes smile.

The younger man stepped alertly inside, dropping off only a simple weekend bag and a leather school bag.

Lucifer turned, only to see Alastor leaning over the doorway towards him. And he suddenly felt like he was standing too close to a roaring fire.

"Where is your room, Mr. Morningstar?" Alastor's voice cut through the quiet, smooth and spiked with something that made Lucifer's pulse quicken. It was pointed and almost suggestive.

"Not up here." Lucifer blurted around the tumultuous flutter in his chest. He realized it came out almost, defensive. That he was nearly snapping at this stranger for this thing that was mostly going on in his head.

Though the way Alastor arched his eyebrow, Lucifer seriously doubted it was all in his head.

"Downstairs. I mean," Lucifer said, trying to smooth his little outburst over.His mind raced, trying to think of anything to fill this charged silence between them.

"Dad has the master bedroom downstairs," Charlie chirped, her sudden reappearance in the hallway breaking the spell. Her eyes were bright and sparkling with something. "It even has its own hot tub!"

Lucifer swallowed, thickly.

"How interesting." Alastor murmured, a crooked smile tugging onto the corner of his lips. Fucking suggestive again.

"It's not, all that interesting." Lucifer said, too quickly jumping on this irrational urge to stifle whatever idea had taken hold. "And you won't be seeing it, anyway."

He muttered under his breath, languishing in that same stretching silence, before Lucifer forced a hollow chuckle to break it.

"So, I'm sure you kids had a long drive from school up the mountain." Lucifer fumbled the words a little bit, swinging his arms as he stepped back towards the stairs. "So I made an early dinner. Fall favorites I know Char-Char loves."

"That sounds amazing, sir," Vaggie said, strolling through whatever moment of silent communication Alastor and Charlie were having between them.

"Yeah, long drive, mountain, food." He gestured down the stairs, grateful to move down towards them.

"Food sounds amazing right about now." Charlie declared, following after him, passing him on the stairs in her enthusiasm to get down to the kitchen.

Lucifer grabbed the railing, pausing halfway down the curved staircase—realizing he knew and missed the feeling of the weight of Alastor's gaze on his back.

Neither Alastor or Vaggie had moved.

She had stepped into his line of sight, her stance firm and uncompromising, with her hands planted on her hips. Like she was daring Alastor to make another move.

The much taller man was meeting Vaggie's sternness with a little bemused look behind his round glasses. Lucifer felt like he was eavesdropping on a private conversation.

But before the tension could escalate further, Alastor inclined his head, and gestured gracefully for Vaggie to walk ahead of him.

The woman, three times as fierce as she was tall, gave a short, satisfied nod, and headed for the stairs behind Lucifer.

***

The kitchen was his realm.

It was his studio and his sanctuary where Lucifer could control and create whatever he wanted. And the smell of roasted butternut squash and cinnamon scented the air and made everything feel warm and fuzzy.

"Here we are." Lucifer murmured to himself, rolling up his sleeves with practiced ease.

He could move through this space with confidence, arranging platers with finesse.

Pumpkin soup simmered gently on the stove, its rich color a warm promise. He'd also made an arugula salad with pecans and cranberries, will the apple tart was cooling on the counter, ready for dessert.

Charlie bounded into the kitchen, her eyes widening with delight that soothed every ache in Lucifer's old soul.

"You really outdid yourself, Dad!"

"Oh, thanks, sweetie."

The clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of conversation filled the cozy dining room, casting a warm glow over the table as the sun set beyond the wall of windows.

Lucifer sat happily at the head of the small but polished mahogany table, just enjoying the company. His eyes flitting between emptying dishes and the easy conversation flowing in peaks and valleys.

"Midterms were killer." Charlie groaned.

Vaggie put her hand on Charlie's, drawing Lucifer's eyes to the movement. And it warmed his heart too. "You did great hon, I know you rocked the performing arts major."

"Well, someone has to keep politicians honest, like you're going to, Vaggie."

Sure, it was cute, sweet talk, but really Lucifer didn't mind. He was glad his daughter had this. That the girls seemed to take such good care of each other. And support each other.

"Performing arts is hard, but it's worth every second."

Lucifer nodded along. Offering an occasional chuckle or hum of agreement.

He wasn't exactly sure what he could add to the conversation, but he knew he had to keep focused on anything but the magnetic pull towards Alastor's seat at the table.

The gorgeous brunette younger man sat across the table from him, muted but present, like a shadow cast by candlelight.

"Oh, Al," Charlie started, startling her father. Wondering if she had read his wandering mind—but also wondering if anyone but charlie would dare to call Alastor a nickname.

"You haven't been talking much. Did you tell Dad your major?"

The brunette lifted his eyes, making Lucifer's breath catch, before he gave a casual shrug as he stirred his soup.

"I'm a double major." He said, his eyes catching Lucifer's. And the older man's breath. "in performing arts and forensic science."

Though the answer made his own brow raise. "Wow, that's...an unusual combination."

Alastor smiled like he had a secret everyone else wanted to know.

"I've been told I have...eclectic tastes." He said, smoothly, leaning back in his chair like he commanded all the air in the room. "But, I know exactly what I like, and where my talents are."

The words hung in the air, a subtle challenge that was sending another one of those damn shivers down Lucifer's spine.

Before the heat could rise back into his cheeks, Lucifer stood. "I think it's time for dessert," he announced, retreating to the safety of the kitchen.

When he returned, with a tray of apple tart and ice cream, his gaze involuntarily flickered over towards Alastor.

The younger man was leaned back in his chair, his hands rested on the arms, his posture open wide...and inviting.

"Who wants whipped cream?" Lucifer said quickly, only to wince at how easy that would be to twist around.

He heard Alastor chuckle low as both girls asked for ice cream, shaking his head gently. Like he knew it would be too easy, too.

Lucifer kept his eyes on slicing and scooping as he served.

He gave Charlie a generous portion, and Vaggie. Swallowing and trying to steal himself as he turned to Alastor.

"Ice cream?" He offered.

The younger man smirked. "Just the whipped cream." Alastor said, and it was thankfully the most normal and unsuggestive tone he had ever used and Lucifer was grateful.

Until the younger scooped up a spoonful of tart, and shot Lucifer another one of those smirks. "I don't like sweets, usually."

Lucifer huffed, turning to his own tart. "Well, then, you won't like much I make." turning back to his own portion. And nearly burying it in whipped cream.

But he swore he heard Alastor say. "We'll see."

***

As Lucifer straightened up from adding the logs to the fire, the warmth of the flames now a comforting presence against the chill of the mountain night, he caught sight of Alastor's gaze.

The younger man's eyes were unapologetically fixed on him, a small, knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. Which made Lucifer realize that Alastor had been watching him bent over the fireplace—and there wasn’t even a hint of embarrassment on his face for having been caught staring at the older man’s ass.

Instead, Alastor’s stare was steady, almost challenging, daring Lucifer to acknowledge it, to call him out.

For a moment, the short blonde felt suspended—But he didn't say anything. He couldn't. The admonition seemed to lodge in his throat, and he turned back to the crackling fire to distract him.

"Here we go," Charlie said brightly, breaking the tension as she settled back onto the sofa next to Vaggie. She picked up the remote and began flicking through the movie options. "Perfect end to a long day."

"Definitely," Vaggie agreed, leaning into her girlfriend, their shared warmth evident.

Alastor sat in one of the arm chairs, one knee bent as he leaned casually. Confident as a house cat surveying his domain, and eyeing the canary cage.

Lucifer hesitated for just a moment before sinking into the plush armchair directly across from Alastor. It was impossible not to be aware of how this arrangement placed them facing each other. His mind raced with thoughts of their earlier exchange.

But Alastor's attention was now focused on the flickering flames, the light casting shadows that danced across his face and glinting in his glasses, obscuring his expression.

The room filled with the soft sounds of the movie beginning, but Lucifer found his own focus wandering, drawn irresistibly back to the man opposite him.

"Hey, how about we switch to something more fun?" Charlie interrupted, a lighthearted suggestion as she picked up the remote once more. "Like a baking show!"

"Sounds good," Vaggie agreed, with a nod.

Lucifer watched as the screen flickered to life with images of powdered sugar and expertly piped frosting. The cheerful narration filled the room.

"Do you bake much, Lucifer?" Alastor asked suddenly, turning his head slightly, just enough to suggest that his attention had finally shifted from the flames.

"Here and there," Lucifer replied, trying to sound casual, though he was acutely aware of the younger man's focus now fixed on him. "I find it...relaxing."

"An outlet for creativity," Alastor remarked, his voice smooth, yet there was an undercurrent of something unspoken, something that tugged at the edge of Lucifer's curiosity.

"Exactly," Lucifer said, nodding, feeling encouraged by the easy warmth of the conversation. For a moment, he wondered what thoughts swirled beneath Alastor's composed exterior. 

The four of them fell into a comfortable rhythm, exchanging light banter about the basics of souffles and the perfect pie crust. But, Lucifer sensed Alastor's mind wandering, as if part of him was elsewhere.

Without warning, Alastor stood. "I think I'll turn in for the night," he announced, his tone polite but distant. "Goodnight, everyone."

"Night, Al," Charlie chimed. While Vaggie didn’t give much more than a nod in his direction.

"Goodnight," Lucifer added, watching as Alastor made his way toward the stairs, leaving behind an air of unresolved tension.

As the sound of his door closing echoed from above, Vaggie leaned closer to Charlie, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Something’s off with him."

"Vaggie, he’s just not super social." Charlie assured, though concern was knitting her brow.

Lucifer listened quietly. There was an undeniable pull toward Alastor, a desire to unravel the mystery he presented.But uncertainty lingered as well, like the shadows cast by the embers floating from the logs burning low in the hearth.

"He's been through a lot," Charlie's voice broke through his thoughts, tender and resolute. Her gaze was fixed on the fireplace, but her words were directed at Vaggie. "He misses his mother. And he never mentions his dad. It's been almost a year since she passed."

Lucifer felt a tug at his heartstrings. He knew what it was like to be lonely. He’d felt rudderless since his divorce, drifting on the open ocean—most times, he felt like he was fighting just to tread water. Looking for anything to anchor to.

"That makes sense, I guess," Vaggie murmured, her brow furrowing with concern.

Charlie nodded, her expression softening. "Yeah. He’s a sweet guy, deep down, just a bit…aloof."

Vaggie shot her girlfriend a look, but Lucifer

"Poor guy," Lucifer said quietly, more to himself than anyone else. "I should—" He hesitated. "—go finish cleaning up after dinner," he finally decided, rising from his seat. It was easier to focus on tasks, to keep his hands busy while his mind wandered.

“Charlie,” Vaggie said, just barely loud enough to be heard over the baking show contestants panicking about their ovens. “Are you sure it was a good idea to bring him here?”

"I’m pretty sure,” Charlie said brightly, her eyes still on the screen—like she was hiding something. "I think Dad and Alastor might have more in common than you think."

“What?” Vaggie blanched.

"Just…they’re both kind of old souls, you know." Charlie shrugged, a knowing smile playing on her lips that she was failing to hide. "Sometimes, those kinds of people connect on a different level."

"Charlie," Vaggie interjected skeptically, her arms crossed over her chest. "Is that really a good idea."

"I know Alastor better than you do, Vaggie. Trust me on this."

"Sure," Vaggie replied, though doubt lingered in her tone. "If you say so."

🍂🍁🍃

The chalet was silent, save for the quiet padding of Lucifer’s bare feet on the cool wooden floor. Shadows danced across the walls as he slipped into the kitchen, the moonlight filtering through the large window and casting an ethereal glow over the room.

 The oversized sweater he wore hung loosely, its stretched neck drooping off one shoulder, baring the ridge of his collarbone to the cool air. And his duckie pajama bottoms hung loosely from his hips.

Lucifer let out a sigh, and leaned against the counter for a moment, letting the stillness envelop him. 

Insomnia had become his only bedfellow these days. And tonight, he was being lured back into the kitchen by the promise of a snack—something sweet but that he could pretend was still healthy.

His gaze fell upon the bowl of green apples he had picked up from a market. Nice and tart, and would go perfectly with the jar of local honey sitting invitingly on the counter.

 A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he reached for a cutting board and knife, setting about slicing the apples with methodical precision. Each thin slice landed in the bowl with a soft thud, and Lucifer’s mind settled into the repetitive motions and sounds.

Lucifer drizzled a generous amount of honey over the top. He watched as it pooled around the edges and seeped into the spaces between the slices.

For these few moments, the world outside ceased to exist, leaving only the quiet comfort of apples and honey in the dimly lit kitchen.

With the bowl of apple slices balanced in one hand, Lucifer stepped up onto a small wooden stool and hoisted himself onto the cool marble surface of the kitchen island. He let his legs dangle over the edge. 

His gaze was drawn to the large picture window that dominated the far wall. Outside, the night was alive with movement. 

The wind sent leaves skittering across the ground, twisting them into a chaotic dance. Beyond, in the inky darkness, thick clusters of snowflakes began swirling lazily before pressing against the glass and falling away. 

There had been whispers of a storm earlier in the week, but he'd dismissed them, thinking it was still too early for a proper snowfall.

The thought of being snowed in with his daughter and her girlfriend brought a smile to his lips.  A chance to huddle together by the fire, sharing stories and laughter. But the smile faltered as another realization crept in—Alastor would be stuck here too..

"Hello, Mr. Morningstar." The voice was smooth and rich, like velvet draped over a midnight sky.

 The sound of it sent a jolt through Lucifer, startling him from his thoughts. He nearly dropped the bowl as he twisted around, like thinking his damn name had summoned him. 

There stood Alastor, as real as the snowflakes that continued to fall outside. His presence filled the doorway, clad in pajamas of a lurid red satin that caught the light with every subtle shift. 

Lucifer's heart gave an errant thump, a guilty awareness settling in his chest.

"Hey, Alastor," Lucifer managed, swallowing hard against the sudden dryness in his throat. 

The younger man's unexpected appearance left him grappling against emotions he couldn't name or tame.

Lucifer cleared his throat, the sound rough and awkward in the kitchen's quiet. He could feel the sticky sweetness of apple and honey clinging to his tongue.

"You know, you don’t have to call me that." he forced a semblance of nonchalance into his tone.

"Yes, sir," Alastor replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes, stepping further into the room. 

Lucifer shifted on the counter, trying to focus on anything other than the allure of Alastor's presence. 

"What’s got you up at this hour?" he asked, aiming for casual curiosity, but knowing it probably fell short.

"Couldn't sleep," Alastor said simply, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to be wandering around someone else's kitchen at midnight.

"Ah well," Lucifer nodded, hesitating for a moment before offering, " Can I get you anything?"

Alastor's hazel eyes glinted with amusement, a mischievous smirk playing at the edges of his lips, as if he had just been handed an opportunity too delicious to pass up. 

"To eat," Lucifer clarified hurriedly. "Can I fix you anything to eat?" He steered back to safer ground.

Alastor leaned casually against the opposite counter, his long fingers splayed out across the surface–he should play the piano, Lucifer thought, distractedly. 

The kitchen was spacious enough to keep so distance between them, but even so, Alastor's presence seemed to reach across the tiled floor, making Lucifer's skin tingle.

"Well," Alastor drawled, his tone dripping with suggestion, "I must say, I like what you've been offering so far."

Lucifer fought the urge to roll his eyes. He lifted the small bowl toward the younger man. "I'm having apples and honey," he announced, plucking a thin slice for himself, feeling the crispness break beneath his teeth.

Alastor’s eyes glinted in the low light as he took a slow, deliberate step forward, closing the distance between them. 

“I’m not really one for sweets,” he murmured, his voice low and velvety, “except on special occasions.”

Lucifer watched, spellbound, as Alastor moved closer still, until he was within arm's reach. The younger man’s gaze dropped briefly to Lucifer’s mouth before returning to his eyes, the suggestion unmistakable.

Then, with a gentle but assertive grip, Alastor wrapped his fingers around Lucifer’s wrist.

 The contact sent an unexpected jolt up Lucifer’s arm, his pulse quickening in response. He barely had time to process before Alastor brought Lucifer’s hand to his own lips, slowly taking the apple slice from his fingers with a playful nip.

"Look, kid," Lucifer started, the words escaping him more breathlessly than intended, "You don’t know what tree you’re barking up here. "

Alastor chuckled softly, pushing the bowl in Lucifer’s hand aside as he leaned forward, his hands finding purchase on the counter on either side of the blonde’s knees. The move was deliberate, enclosing Lucifer in a space that felt suddenly intimate. 

“I’ve been of age for years, you know” Alastor assured him, his tone a blend of amusement and something darker. “And I know exactly what I’m doing.”

Lucifer swallowed hard, trying to maintain some semblance of composure even as the heat of Alastor’s proximity made his skin prickle and his thoughts scatter like leaves in the wind.

Alastor's weight was a palpable presence against Lucifer's legs, the counter beneath him suddenly feeling like a precarious perch. 

The young man's hands remained planted on either side of him, as if to emphasize the space he was claiming.

"Alright," Lucifer said, his voice low as he conceded. "You're not a teenager, sure, but you don't know who you're trying to flirt with." His eyes flickered over Alastor's shoulder, seeking a distraction in the darkness beyond the window, even as he felt the heat creeping up his neck. "I mean, I get you're a horny college kid and all, but just think about it."

The snort that escaped Alastor was rich with amusement. It tugged at the corners of Lucifer's mouth despite himself, though he fought to keep his composure.

"But I'm Charlie's dad," he added, the words carrying an undercurrent of warning. 

 Alastor leaned further into him, pressing softly, insistently, until Lucifer’s knees began to yield to the pressure.

"Yes, Charlie's single dad," Alastor replied smoothly, his voice warm and teasing as he continued to focus only on Lucifer. "Who keeps looking at me like I'm going to eat him."

Lucifer could feel the flush spreading from his cheeks to his ears, betraying him—he and Charlie had that in common–no damn poker face.

He turned his head slightly, breaking eye contact under the pretense of watching the snowflakes gathering outside—anything to avoid the intensity of Alastor's gaze that saw right through him.

Alastor's presence loomed closer, the air between them charged with an electric tension that hummed through Lucifer's veins. Alastor’s hands remained planted on the counter, framing Lucifer in a way that made escape feel both possible and pointless.

"Which," Alastor murmured, his voice a low, sultry purr that seemed to wrap around Lucifer’s senses, "I am happy to oblige…if you ask nicely."

The boldness of the words struck Lucifer like a physical force.His breath hitched, too loud in the stillness of the kitchen.

In that moment of hesitation, the resistance in Lucifer's legs faltered, and he found himself yielding to Alastor’s body moving between his thighs. The heat of the younger’s proximity seeped through the fabric of Lucifer's pajama bottoms, igniting his skin beneath the oversized sweater.

A soft chuckle escaped from Alastor, rich with triumph, as though he could sense the internal war waging within Lucifer—a battle already half-lost before it began.

Lucifer's hand trembled slightly as he pushed the bowl of apples into Alastor's chest, a feeble attempt to create a little distance between them.  A honeyed apple slice found its way into his mouth, the sweetness a distraction from the heat pooling low in his stomach.

"I’m too old for this shit," he muttered, the words barely coherent as they slipped past his lips.

The reprieve was short-lived. 

Alastor moved with feline grace, reaching past the bowl. Fingers brushed against Lucifer’s skin lightly, then cupped his chin and coax his face back toward the younger man.

"You aren't too old to be sweet for me, are you?" Alastor purred, his voice smooth like molten caramel.

Lucifer's mind blanked, the apple halted mid-chew as he blinked at Alastor.

The world beyond the kitchen faded into irrelevance, leaving Lucifer ensnared by the bewitching pull of Alastor’s gaze and the promise that lingered there.

Lucifer’s breath caught as Alastor hummed, a low sound of approval that vibrated through the air between them. The younger man leaned in, his eyes locked onto the slice of apple still perched on Lucifer's lips.

Alastor's mouth brushed against Lucifer's with a shock of warmth, the contact fleeting yet electrifying. In one swift motion, he bit through the apple slice. Their lips touched—just barely,  tantalizing—and then it was over, leaving Lucifer craving more.

Honey dripped from the corner of Lucifer's mouth, a golden trail tracing down his skin.

Alastor’s eyes followed its descent, watching intently as it slipped beneath the stretched neckline of Lucifer’s sweater.

Alastor tilted Lucifer’s head back. Then, deliberately and with a measured grace, he lowered his head, following the sticky trail with the tip of his tongue.

 The heat of Alastor’s mouth contrasted with the cool night air, igniting sparks that danced along his nerves.

Lucifer's breath hitched, his chest rising and falling as he struggled to regain composure. The unexpected intimacy of Alastor’s tongue tracing the honey along his neck left him reeling.

"You…you said you didn’t like sweets."

Alastor's lips curved into a smirk against Lucifer’s skin, the vibration of his words sending shivers down Lucifer's spine

. “I do prefer giving bites over kisses,” Alastor murmured, his voice a silky caress. “But I’m willing to make an exception... if you ask nicely.”

The air was thick with a heavy tension that pressed in on all sides. Lucifer’s mind raced, battling against the flood of desire threatening to pull him under. They shouldn’t be doing this—he knew it. 

Alastor was so close now, his presence overwhelming and intoxicating. Lucifer could feel the warmth radiating from him, could see the promise in those hazel eyes.

Alastor was a force of nature that Lucifer found himself unable—or unwilling—to resist.

At that moment, Lucifer yearned to just give in. Let this man consume him, completely. 

"Please..." The word slipped from his lips. A surrender, and there would be no going back.

Alastor pulled him in at once, until their lips collided. It was the kind of kiss that wanted to unravel him, dissolving the walls of solitude and heartache.

The brunette was unrelenting, leaving Lucifer breathless.

Their mouths danced together, tasting sweet and tart.. Alastor took his time, teasingly plucking the forgotten slice of apple from Lucifer’s lips.

Lucifer surrendered, letting himself be swept away by the sensation of being thoroughly, deliciously dominated. Given over entirely to Alastor’s whims.

As the kiss broke,  Lucifer instinctively reached out, fingers wanting to curl into the silken fabric of Alastor's red satin pajama top. But Alastor leaned back slightly and tutted softly, amusement lacing his voice.

"Ah-ah," Alastor chided gently, a playful smirk curving his lips. "You will not get my clothes sticky."

Chastened, Lucifer withdrew his hands. Honey still clung to his fingertips.Instead he curled them on his thighs, falling into the familiar role of a practiced submissive—one he hadn’t embraced in a damn long time.

"Good boy," Alastor murmured, his voice low and smooth.

Leaving the blonde fluttering with the praise.

Alastor's fingers danced lightly along Lucifer's jaw, a touch both gentle and possessive. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against Lucifer's ear as he asked softly, "Can I bite you?"

"Yes," He swallowed hard, the remnants of honey sweet on his lips as he nodded, daring to trust Alastor. "Just... nowhere, it'll show."

"Of course," Alastor agreed smoothly, his tone carrying a promise that was both reassuring and thrilling. His hands were confident as they settled on either side of Lucifer's neck, guiding him with an insistent but tender pressure.

Lucifer allowed himself to be maneuvered, tilting his head obediently as Alastor exposed the bare curve of his shoulder where the oversized sweater had slipped away. 

"Say ‘red’ if you want me to stop," Alastor instructed, his voice steady and calm, eyes meeting Lucifer’s.

"Yellow means slow down." Lucifer replied, heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. The familiarity of those words brought a sense of comfort, grounding him.

"Good," Alastor chuckled. “I thought I would have to teach you the rules.”

Lucifer could feel Alastor's approval like a physical caress, knowing that in this moment, he was safe, understood, and about to be marked in a way he craved.

Alastor's lips moved with deliberate slowness, tracing a path down Lucifer's neck, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. Each kiss seemed to linger longer than the last, as if savoring the taste of skin beneath them. Lucifer's pulse quickened, his breath catching as anticipation coiled tightly within him.

When Alastor reached the crook of his shoulder, he paused, lips hovering above the exposed flesh. Then, he latched onto the skin, drawing it into his mouth. 

A gasp escaped Lucifer's lips as Alastor increased the pressure gradually, teeth grazing his shoulder until they slowly sank in.

Alastor knew precisely how to apply force without crossing into discomfort, maintaining a delicate balance that made Lucifer's head spin.

But then, the pressure intensified, skirting the edge of pain. It was sharp, demanding acknowledgement. But Lucifer let himself be pushed further, wanting more, until he thought his skin might break. 

 "Yellow," Lucifer gasped, voice straining.

Instantly, Alastor eased off the bite.

The relief was immediate, and the lingering sting felt tingling and pleasant as Alastor's tongue swept over the imprint of his teeth. He lavished attention on the tender area.

Lucifer moaned softly, the sound involuntary as Alastor's lips continued their ministrations, easing pain back into pleasure. That simple act of care left him feeling cherished as the mark colored his pale skin.

Lucifer's breath came in ragged bursts as he pulled back slightly, his eyes searching Alastor's with an intensity that mirrored the chaos in his chest.

His lips sought Alastor's again, a desperate connection fueled by the heat still simmering beneath his skin. The kiss was fervent, almost bruising in its urgency, and when they broke apart, Lucifer's whispered words filled the space between them.

"Fuck, I thought you were going to draw blood."

Alastor's laughter was a low, rumbling sound . "I don’t bite to cause harm," he assured, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Just to mark what’s mine."

The declaration wrapped around Lucifer like a silken thread; the sensation left him feeling exposed, and alive.

"Can I touch you?" Alastor's question was a soft murmur against his ear, each syllable enunciating a promise that made Lucifer's pulse quicken.

"Yes," the blonde breathed out, the single word filled with anticipation

"Good," Alastor hummed, a note of satisfaction lacing his tone. He paused those fingers curled on Lucifer’s inner thigh, a deliberate moment that held its own kind of tension. "If I touch you, I'm going to want to get my mouth on you. Not to bite, but to taste you. Is that alright?"

"Please," Lucifer repeated, the plea escaping him without hesitation.

Fingers fumbled with the waistband of his duckie pajamas. Why couldn’t he have worn something that was at least a little sexy? As if he could have known  he was going to be hooking up in his kitchen.

His hands felt clumsy and uncertain now.

Alastor watched him with a smirk that was both knowing and indulgent, the heat in his gaze searing through the dim light of the kitchen.

The blonde finally managing to shove the fabric down his thighs. He shifted awkwardly, trying not to focus on how exposed he felt, or how much he craved the younger man's attention. Alastor's eyes never left his, holding him captive with their unspoken promises.

"Relax," Alastor murmured, dipping his finger into the jar of honey nearby. The movement was fluid, almost hypnotic, as he coated the digit in the golden syrup.

 Then, with deliberate slowness, he dragged it along the length of Lucifer's aching cock.

Lucifer bit back a moan, his body tensing with anticipation, every nerve alight.

"How sweet," Alastor purred. He leaned in, his breath warm against Lucifer's skin, before his tongue flicked out to lap at the honey-coated length. The gentleness of Alastor's sharp teeth sent a shudder through Lucifer, the edge of danger driving him wild. .

"Fuck," Lucifer breathed. 

He squirmed under Alastor's ministrations, feeling like a damn teenager getting his first blowjob. 

 The urge to touch, to cling to Alastor and ground himself, was overwhelming. His hands clenched into fists on his thighs. .

"Easy," Alastor soothed, wrapping his hand around Lucifer's cock with a leisurely stroke that was both personal and possessive. "You do not have permission to come down my throat."

The words were a command wrapped in velvet, a reminder of the control Alastor had over him.

Lucifer nodded, swallowing hard.

Alastor's mouth enveloped him once more. He couldn't help the whine that escaped his lips, a sound of pure want that echoed in the quiet kitchen.

"Take off your sweater," Alastor commanded, pulling back slightly, his voice rough with desire. 

Lucifer hesitated, his fingers twitching towards the hem of his oversized top. The fabric hung comfortably but beneath it….he knew  had the body of a divorced dad. Even if he’d only seen Alastor covered from neck to wrist to ankle, he knew the younger man was slender and fit.

Lucifer was not. He was almost middle aged and his muscle was hidden under softness, from stress and snacking and stressing over snacking.

He’d hesitated long enough for Alastor to notice.

Those keen hazel eyes softened, understanding without judgment. "Then you'll just have to wash clothes," Alastor murmured, his tone gentle yet unyielding. His hand continued its purposeful rhythm, stroking Lucifer with a practiced grace that left no room for doubt or insecurity.

Lucifer nodded, swallowing his apprehension, surrendering to the moment. Alastor's words were a balm, soothing his frazzled nerves as he gave in to the younger man's control.

With each deliberate stroke, tension coiled tighter in Lucifer's core until it snapped, spilling come over the younger’s fist. His sweater bore the brunt of it, as Alastor watched with a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

"Good boy," Alastor praised, the words a whisper that sent warmth flooding through Lucifer.

Lucifer was left a panting mess, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he leaned back against the cool surface of the kitchen counter.

The world around him seemed to blur. It had been so long since anyone else had gotten him off, and even though it was just a hand job, it left him reeling.

He could feel the warm stickiness of his come trailing down from his chin, marking his sweater as evidence of their encounter.

Alastor tipped his head back, and  Lucifer's eyes fluttered open, meeting the younger man's hazel gaze that sparkled.

"Let me," Alastor murmured, voice rich and inviting. His tongue traced a languid path up his throat, collecting Lucifer’s come.

It shocked him that Alastor would even want to taste him. He barely registered the taste of himself on Alastor's lips before the younger man kissed him, lingering and turning tender, like Alastor knew, to ease him down.

 And Lucifer’s wits were coming back to him. Already thinking of how he would return the favor. 

Kitchen tile probably wasn’t going to be the best thing for his knees. And Lucifer hadn’t blown anyone in years, but it shouldn’t be too hard—not to get off a worked up college kid.

Just as resolve solidified in his mind, Alastor pulled away suddenly, leaving Lucifer blinking in surprise. A knowing smile playing on the younger’s lips.

 "Thanks for the snack," he said, voice smooth as velvet, a teasing lilt in his words. He turned to leave, languid and unhurried, dripping with an irritating amount of confidence.

Lucifer blinked, his bare ass still on his kitchen counter, the chill grounding him to the granite.

"Wait," the blonde blurted, his voice husky and uncertain. He shifted slightly, the oversized sweater slipping further down one shoulder. "Don't you…want me to do something for you?"

Alastor paused, tilting his head just enough to glance back over his shoulder, with a soft chuckle in the quiet kitchen. .

"I'm quite satisfied actually," Alastor hummed, casually waving off the suggestion. "Goodnight, Mr. Morningstar."

And with that, Alastor sauntered out of the kitchen, leaving Lucifer alone and a sticky mess.

The oversized sweater clung to him in places, sticky with traces of honey and the aftermath of He shifted slightly, wincing as the coolness of the counter reminded him of his current state of undress. His mind replayed the scene over and over, each repetition only deepening the gnawing inside him.

He’d eaten, and more, and yet...he was starving. 

For a moment, Lucifer considered following Alastor, demanding an explanation or an encore. But the thought vanished as quickly as it came, leaving him with nothing but an empty ache and the soft patter of snow against the windowpane.

With a sigh, he reached for the discarded bowl of apples and honey, knowing they wouldn’t be nearly enough. 

🍁 On Ao3🍁Read my original fics on Ream🍁On Tumblr 🍁

[schlattslonghairytoes]

chapter one

real life!

talia's pov

"talia." 

who is tapping me.

"talia!"

"talia, why do you sleep like a semi truck, wake up!" a loud irritating voice sounds me awake.

"what the fuck" I say as i sit up and rub my eyes, when i finally open them im making direct eye contact with my roommate brittany.

"you asked me to wake you up four hours before the party! that's what i'm doing, it's five o'clock. get your dumbass up and get ready." brittnay remarks as she closes my door on her way out.

"love you!" i yell at her as a thank you for waking me up and for shutting my door. i hate when people forget to shut my door.

tonight was a party at the misfits house, i was invited by my friends charlie and ted who i met through streaming and youtube in general.

i've always hated partying all through out high school and college. im not quite sure why i said yes to charlie when he told me, but i never go out anymore, so why the hell not.

getting ready only took two hours, but i needed time as the party is about an hour away, but traffic will make that take way longer. i got in my car and began my drive, not before sending out a quick tweet. twitter!

talia😩 @taliatalks4ever

guys I'm driving without my hands on the wheel someone stop me.🙉

💬345  ♻️22  ❤️ 7,794

load more replies...

@da.milkman

heres a little secret the goveremnt doesnt want you knowing, if you want one million dollars, keep those hands off ur wheel AND close your eyes. the money will pour into your bank account.

@broskination

I leave you alone for one minute and you are already in immediate danger.

reply:

@taliatalks4ever 

i feel like oj when the cops were chasing him real life!

third person perspective 

talia walked into the party, the familiar scent of weed filling her nose, the scent so relevant to her high school years and the memories attached. as she threaded through people she said her hello's to familiar faces, when she ran into a mister ted nivision.

"hi theodore!" she tapped his shoulder, and he turned around with a drink in his hand.

"talia!" he exclaimed as he wrapped his free hand around her side. "you look great, how have you been?" he asked.

"thank you teddy, ive been very good, how about you, you and maddie doing well?" talia questioned,

"no complaints on my end, here lets go say hi to charlie." ted exchanges goodbyes with the people he was talking to and lead her over to charlie and some ginger man standing to his left.

"hey guys!" ted calls to charlie and he turns around at a rapid pace, "is that teddy I hear, hey man is she here.... oh shit! talia hey!" Charlie flings his arms around her shoulders in a tight hug. the boy standing next to Charlie sticks out his hand.

"hey I'm tyler, but you may know me as hansum fella, that's my twitch name." he introduces himself. "oh I know you, you sent me a video on my try not to laugh, its nice to meet you tyler" she smiles in response.

talia has always loved the thrill of entertaining and meeting new people, throughout high school her and her best friend always talked to everyone no matter who they were, everyone deserved a chance she thought, and living by that principle kept her grateful and happy in life. 

meeting and chatting with a new person was her favorite past time, so her and tyler hit it off immediately, so much so that they continued the conversation all the way out side, sat by the pool sharing laughs over past experiences.

when all of a sudden yelling and shattering brought their attention back to earth.

they both hustled inside, and through a huge mass of people, to see what the commotion was about. only to see two large guys passed out on the floor and a tall man in timberland boots helping one of them try to stand up.

the boots bringing back memories she'd rather not remember.

"johnny you're really not thinking of buying those right? they're so ugly." she pointed towards new sneakers that actually looked nice rather then the dumb timberlands he wanted to buy. "hey unlike you walking around in your big uggs, i don't care about fashion, i need convenience and comfortableness." he said back to her comment on his new shoes. "hey my uggs are very comfortable, also I know you're failing english, but comfortableness? not a word dumbass."

the memory was bittersweet, she wished she could see her best friend again, no matter the terms they left things on, she needed her other half back. her mind went back to what was happening infront of her.

the timberland wearing man had successfully lifted the passed out guy on to the couch and the other guy (the starter of the fight) was left to his own devices. then the timberland man trudged back into the kitchen along with everyone else.

"hey wanna go back outside and keep talking?" hansum approached talia with the question, and she almost answered until she noticed something. those timberlands weren't any pair of timberlands. they had the same stain on the bottom left that her best friend's did. "yeah just give me a mintue." she stepped away from tyler.

her thoughts raced, a coincidence, it must be. it is not possible that her schlatt is all the way in california when he should be home in new york, but her mind and feet didn't seem to agree on that thought.

she followed him. feet moving at a pace way to fast with how many people were present. when she caught up she thought she was going to have a stroke.

she had seen him by now, even though he looked different, it was him, it was her best friend. same stupid yankees hat, and stupid obama sweatshirt. it had been two years since they had last seen each other, and talia, who is famously good at Irish goodbyes, decided that she would keep it that way. 

[bluemirrorangel]

As for fic requests, this isn’t a fully fledged idea but I would love to read a fic where Neil is embarrassingly obsessed and head over heels in love with Todd, like we need more content of Neil being like “yes whatever you say” to whatever Todd says yet Todd is still somehow oblivious lmao. Hopefully that makes sense!

you're sooo real for this. I really liked this prompt so I hope you like this drabble :)

the look of love- Anderperry oneshot

Neil never expected this to happen. He’d be the first to admit that his friends were all at least somewhat attractive and he told them openly; Charlie with  charisma and the way his hair fell  against his forehead, Knox’s absentminded charm and his soft smiles, Meek’s eagerness to learn new things and the way his glasses magnified his doe brown eyes, Pitt’s quick wit and the way his jaw set when he was focused. Even Cameron could be charming, the slight crinkle he’d get between his eyebrows when he was determined and the pink flush that coloured his cheekbones when Charlie teased him highlighted his freckles and moles. 

So it wasn’t like Neil had never admired another guy’s looks before but it was different with Todd.

When they'd first met Neil noticed Todd almost immediately. He’d been struck by his deer-in-the-headlights expression as his parents set off for Nolan, Neil watched as Todd's mother dragged him behind her like a rag doll and watched the way he followed her body moving seemingly on its own accord as he stumbled over his own feet like a marionette.

Then they were assigned roommates so Neil had gone out of his way to introduce himself. He'd taken one look at Todd, quiet and unassuming Todd, and had known immediately that they were to be friends. 

Neil had a known tendency to ‘pick up strays’ as Charlie would say, he couldn’t help himself he’d done it with all of them. Neil and Charlie were childhood friends ready to take on Welton just the two of them, at least that was the plan until a ten-year-old Neil had brought a clumsy and forgetful Knox to their table at lunch. Charlie hadn’t minded at first Knox was nice enough and funny in his own strange way, they’d grown close too, the three musketeers, and all was well until Neil came to Charlie's room for study group three weeks later with two new boys in tow, a gangly brunette and a nerdy looking redhead he introduced as Pitts and Meeks. They’d made it work with the five of them. Neil, Charlie, and Knox being a little trio were fine because Pitts and Meeks were roommates and they were close as can be sure study sessions were a little harder now with how cramped the space was but it was fine, Meeks and Charlie became closer, the redhead took to tutoring the other in Latin, and Pitts and Knox followed Pitt’s dry sarcasm complemented the other boy’s odd humour well. So two became five and everything was fine.

Until Charlie got a New roommate in their third year; a pale redheaded boy with millions of freckles, bright green eyes, and a tendency to say the wrong thing. Richard Cameron was weird; he was smart like Meeks on;y twice as studious, he was sarcastic like Pittsie but lacked the other boy’s signature good-natured tone, he had Charlie’s stubborn nature but not his relaxed disposition and he often messed up social cues like Knox even though he tried harder to fit in. Charlie disliked him from the get-go, finding his people-pleasing tendencies and his know-it persona to be jarring, this was fine because Cameron didn’t seem too fond of him either, always rolling his eyes at the others' antics and turning away from Charlie when he tried to talk to him. You can imagine Charlie’s surprise and displeasure when he went down to the common room only to find Neil pulling Cameron away from his usual place in the corner and towards their table.

Neil had promised Charlie that he’d stop taking on charity cases. Lest their whole group become social pariahs. The group dynamic had only just become stable; Neil, Charlie, and Knox with Meeks, Pitts, and Cameron but Neil was sure Todd didn’t count they were roommates after all so it was imperative they make nice. 

Todd was quiet and thoughtful, a little melancholy. He slotted into their group so seamlessly it was almost like he’d always been there. Todd was a listener, always there; a shoulder to cry on or a soundboard always ready to spend his few words on good advice that was always half followed. As well as he blended in, there were moments where his late arrival was blatant, this was one of those moments they were all crowded into Neil and Todd’s dorm; Todd and Neil lay sprawled out on the formers bed to make more room for the other poets, They listened intently to some semi-interesting anecdote Knox was sharing about Chris hanging off his every word, But  before long Charlie and Knox began bickering with each other poking each other sides crinkling Neils bed sheets with their roughhousing causing Cameron to berate them from his perch on the windowsill, Charlie was questioning Knox’s credentials while Knox insisted they listen to him because he was the only poet with something that even slightly resembled a romantic relationship with a girl. And Neil knew none of the others had so much as flirted with a girl since starting Welton.  Six years with no female contact bred a special kind of anxiety within them, and  other than Charlie’s occasional dinners with a daughter of a family friend  the only other person who could even possibly have had a relationship was, “Todd you went to Balincrest, that’s coed right Do you have a girlfriend?” Meeks asked from where he sat draped over the desk, his legs thrown over Pitt's. Todd smiled a little sadly and shook his head “Girls didn’t really pay me much attention, the other guys said I was too plain.” The other Poets all nodded in sympathy letting out slight hums of agreement and understanding, all except for Neil Perry who lay there frozen next to Todd. As the others began to pack up for the night he tried to make his brain reboot because Todd not having a girlfriend was fine, good even, it made sense Todd was a nervous wreck the best of times let alone in front of a girl but Todd Anderson was anything but plain. 

Neil spent the next week in a permanent state of perplexity because Todd Anderson was one of the prettiest boys Neil Perry had ever seen. He’d known that the moment they met the first day back from summer break shaking hands for the first time in the courtyard, he’d found Todd striking with his sad watercolour eyes cheeks rosy from the September wind, endeared by the way his thin wrists poked out of the hand me down blazer he wore clearly one of Jeffery’s, couldn’t help but feel a little charmed by the sight of his light brown hair almost black from copious amounts of gel. This feeling had only grown upon knowing Todd more.  The moment Neil thought he had his admiration for Todd under control something would happen, like earlier today Neil had meant what he’d said he really  was concerned about how little their secret society meant to Todd, had wanted to see him truly moved by something anything really, but he was sidetracked by the look of trepidation in his baby blue eyes, by the way the autumn sun hit his light brown hair making it seem almost golden. he found himself promising to take care of the other boy and he knew deep down that he meant it.

Things only got worse as the days rolled by, Neil found it hard to concentrate on anything other than Todd, a fact the other boy seemed thankfully unaware of.  The poetry lesson with Mr. Keating had honestly been his last straw, the way the other boys mocked Knox’s poem had him growing restless like they’d hear his prose about angels with dark gold halos and sapphire eyes and read between the lines. Then Todd had gotten up and stunned them all with his talent, last minute and completely on the fly so obviously they’d all applauded him (such genius deserved to be rewarded.) and Neil was sure this memory would haunt his dreams; Todd standing victorious, beaming down at him,  lips pretty and pink. 

Neil called an emergency meeting that evening after dinner with the two people he knew who understood romance.

 Charlie and Knox sat on Knox's bed as they watched Neil pace around the dorm, he stopped dead in front of them “If you find someone attractive does that mean you like them?” he asked, Charlie scoffed “No, it just means you have eyes, if I wanted to date every cute person I saw on the street I’d get nothing done.” Neil shook his head “No you don’t get it, he’s the most attractive person to me like no one else competes” he tries to explain. There's a beat of silence before both Knox and Charlie decide to answer “no” “Yeah” they both say simultaneously. Knox turns to his left to look at Charlie, expression incredulous “What do you mean yeah?” he asks Charlie shrugs “I’m just saying it’s completely possible, I’ve seen it happen.” Knox folds his arms “Literally when? I need proof " he demands "Just look at Cameron man” Charlie says rolling his eyes like that explains anything “What?” Knox asks “Cameron, he’s super attractive but I fucking hate his personality.”

They spend the rest of their ‘meeting’ trying to convince Charlie that it is in fact not normal to regularly daydream about making out with his ‘arch nemesis’. Neil ends up leaving Knox’s dorm even more confused than before. He pulls the door to his dorm open revealing a tired-looking Todd clad in soft-looking pyjamas, he’s working at his desk, Todd looks up at the door when it opens, he smiles hazily up at Neil “You’re back” he says voice quiet and a little croaky from disuse. The dim lamp light catches his wet hair and flushed skin still damp from his shower, it casts shadows on his cheekbones from his eyelashes. Neil closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and steps into their room, he shuts the door behind himself. 

Maybe Charlie’s right, maybe it is possible to find someone so attractive you’re borderline besotted with them without wanting to date them, not that that matters now to Neil because he’s clearly in too deep.

I hope this was ok :) If anyone else else any requests don't hesitate to ask :)