#first time i heard it chase was not nearly this. audible. so uh.

[deep-love-fan-blog]

My favorite thing about this song is how incredibly normal, stable, and unaffected I am about it 🙃

[mypoisonedvine]

𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 || dark!Bucky Barnes & dark!Steve Rogers x reader

summary: a little fresh air never hurt anyone, right?

word count: 10.3k (yes, OVER TEN THOUSAND WORDS OF FILTH what is wrong with me)

warnings: noncon smut (incl. anal, oral m and f receiving, dp, and spitroasting), bondage/restraint (and a gag), some mild violence, lots of slapping, pussy spanking, forced orgasms, degradation/derogatory language, kinda kidnapping, a touch of stockholm syndrome?, very brief breeding kink, period-typical sexism (this is set in the late 60s but you wouldn't really be able to tell aside from that and the lack of technology)

a/n: the song that plays on the radio, and the song that just so happens to be the title of the fic, is by john lee hooker in case anyone wants the proverbial vibes

You needed a chance to clear your head every once in a while, that's what camping in the woods was for.  It was the perfect time of year for it, too; the leaves were changing, the woodland animals were beginning to prepare for hibernation, and the weather was almost warm with a refreshing breeze that promised to bring the winter chill soon enough.

It was far from your first time in these woods, you knew the drive like the back of your hand by now, just as well as you knew how to hike down to the best places to set up camp.  

You set down your pack and took in a deep breath of the crisp autumn air.  No sounds except for the wind in the trees, the trickle of the creek, and your own thoughts which you found pleasantly blank.  You'd chosen a spot by the creek, where you could spearfish on evenings that you felt especially adventurous, with a nice dirt patch perfect for a fire.  The most dangerous thing about camping in the fall was that the dry leaves could catch flame so easily, so one of the key stages of setting up camp was raking away any foliage from your firepit, lest it become unintentional kindling.

The next order of business was finding a few dozen smooth stones to surround the fire, along with some logs and sticks to burn.  

A knife and flint was just enough to speed up your firebuilding so that you had something solid going by nightfall, shedding your jacket to better feel the warmth as the flames grew and the sun set.

Sure, the woods could feel a little… creepy, at night, for lack of a better word, but it was more tranquil than anything.  Most of the wildlife that was so active during the day stilled and silenced, bar the occasional owl’s hoot, so the loudest sounds were the crackling of your fire and the ever-present trickle of the creek.  You heated your kettle for a cup of chamomile tea, something to help you get to sleep on the admittedly uncomfortable sleeping bag in your canvas tent.

The mug warmed your fingers as you filled and held it, and the steam warmed your face as you took a sip; but the contents warmed your chest, and your soul, as you contemplated the flavors; is it possible that tea tastes better when enjoyed in the quiet woods, mid-autumn?

You were already yawning by the time the mug was finished, so you set it aside and crawled into your tent, shedding the excessive layers and slipping between the fluffy down-stuffed layers of your bedroll.  It was chilly at first but you knew your body heat would make it toasty all too soon, so you ignored the way you shivered as you fluffed your pillow and laid it under your head.

It was dark with only the fading light of your fire seeping in through the thick-weave canvas; and it was quiet, being the middle of the forest and all.  One sound you didn’t expect were distant sirens, barely audible, which made you wonder if something had happened, but you couldn't know what so you didn't pay it much mind as you drifted to sleep.

The next morning came early, of course; as early as the sun rose, warm sunlight flooding through the canvas of your tent.

You enjoyed staying in the bed for a while, not so much because it was very comfortable (it wasn’t) but just because you wanted to relish having no need to get up yet.  No job, no cleaning, no chores… though you were pretty hungry so that inspired you to get up and see about breakfast.

Slipping on a few more layers to protect yourself from the morning breeze, you opened your tent and stepped out into the woods, finding your fire had been reduced to a pile of embers meaning that you would need to find more wood to get it going for breakfast-cooking purposes.  And that’s what you were about to do when you heard a snapping of twigs echo through the woods, making you glance up to the source of the noise.

Your back straightened instantly at the sight of two men, one with short blonde hair and the other’s dark and nearly to his shoulders, walking down the hill nearby just across the creek.  They were still pretty distant, and yet they were much too close for comfort; close enough to see that these were not men one would want to encounter while alone in the woods.

They had new clothes— baggy and loose, almost certainly stolen— but it wasn’t enough to hide where they must’ve come from.  They might as well have still been in jumpsuits with numbers on their chests.

The prison, just over five miles away.  Had they really hiked this far?  You kicked yourself now for ignoring the sirens last night.

You froze as they turned and caught your gaze, the three of you locked in a stare for a brief moment before one of them took a step forward: that was all the cause you needed to run like hell, turning on your heel and starting so fast you nearly slipped on the leaves beneath you.  You heard them call out, chasing after you, but you focused on staring ahead and trying to remember the path back home, or at least to the road where someone might drive by to help you.

A root nearly caught your foot but you kept running, hating that you could hear them gaining on you since it didn’t actually seem to help you run any faster.  You looked back and saw them much too close for comfort, but when you looked back ahead it was too late to avoid the tree right in front of you; you swerved but it still made you slip and almost fall.

But you didn’t fall.  Someone caught you, and grabbed you, and pulled you into his oppressive form.

His arms held you painfully tight as his hand covered your mouth.  "Gotcha," the man growled against your ear, licking the shell of it as you struggled against his grip.  

Everything everyone had told you about why a lady shouldn’t camp alone in the woods suddenly flashed in your mind, your eyes squinting shut as you wished you had listened.  All you could do now was kick wildly, swinging your legs in the air which didn't even do anything.

"Pretty little thing, aren't ya?” he purred as you saw the second man come into view— the blonde one, so you knew it was the one with long, dark hair that must’ve been holding you, giving you such a twisted compliment.  “Just beggin' to be fucked right."

"Don't look so scared, sweetheart, we're not gonna hurt you…” the blonde man explained, “just play nice and we will too."

"Speak for yourself, Rogers," the man holding you snarled.  "Been a long time since I got to feel a pussy, I wanna tear this little bitch up."

You sobbed and writhed as the one apparently called Rogers hushed you soothingly, trying to calm you.  "Hey, just do what we say and it won't hurt alright?  Just take it easy."

He stepped closer, reaching out towards you while you grunted and whined with every kick, smiling in a way that would’ve been soothing in nearly any other situation.  He motioned to his partner who slowly lowered his hand from your mouth, and though your instinct was to scream you just heard yourself panting and whimpering instead.

“Did you hear me?  We’re not gonna hurt you.  We haven’t even introduced ourselves yet… I’m Steve, and this here is my cellmate— uh, friend— Barnes.”

“But you can call me Bucky, dollface,” the man behind you added with a little smile that you could hear and feel with him pressing up so close to your face.

“See, he and I just came from an awful, terrible place—”

“I know where you came from,” you cut him off with a snarl.  “You’re criminals!  You’re scum!”

Bucky just laughed and held you tighter until your arms started to ache from struggling against him.  

“Hey now, you don’t know what you’re talking about,” Steve corrected firmly— not angry, but stern.  “I was framed, I served seven years for something I didn’t do.  You’re innocent, too, right Barnes?”

“No,” he instantly answered, making Steve look disappointed.  “Oh, uh, sure.  Yeah, I was framed.  Real sob story,” he suddenly decided, not sounding like he was trying that hard to convince you.

“Point is, we were all alone for a long, long time, and we thought maybe you’d wanna be nice and take care of us, huh?” Steve offered.

“Fuck you,” you hissed.

“That’s sort of the idea,” Bucky whispered playfully.

“Let me go,” you demanded as Steve’s eyes widened and his nostrils flared, anger finally coming out when he suddenly grabbed your chin and held your face to look up at him.

“Let me make one thing very fucking clear,” he explained, nearly whispering so you were forced to stay still and quiet to hear him.  “You don’t get to pick what you want.  But you get to pick if you’re gonna make this easy, or difficult.”

You spat in his face; he slapped you for that, so hard that your ears rang for a moment while he grimaced and wiped his face with his sleeve.

“Difficult it is,” he announced with ill-restrained loathing, coming even closer as Bucky covered your mouth again to muffle your screams of protest.  “Buck, I’m goin’ first.”

“Fuck you, pal, I was in longer and I saw her first,” Bucky replied frustratedly.  “I’m not gonna take long anyway, you can go after me.”

“I just got spit in my face!” Steve reminded him.  “And the breakout was my idea!”

“Your idea?!” Bucky repeated incredulously.  “What, you think you’re the first guy to think ‘hey, what if we just left prison?’ because trust me, if it wasn’t for my screwdriver—”

Their argument caused Bucky’s focus to slip, that must have been why the hand on your mouth loosened and you could speak again.

"You won't get away with this, my father's a sheriff!" you yelped, interrupting their negotiation.

They both laughed darkly and you instantly regretted saying it.

"Oh, sweetheart, your old man's a cop?  That's too bad,” Steve sighed.  “You know what they say: sins of the father…"

"Fuck the daughter,” Bucky finished with a cold, hollow laugh as he suddenly bit down on your ear making you wince and shudder, tears streaming down your cheeks already.

He tossed you down and pinned you to the ground, his strong, heavy body on top of yours knocking the wind out of you as he began to tear at your clothes and, annoyingly, not seeming to find them much trouble at all.  You whimpered when you felt your pants torn down your legs, hating how exposed and vulnerable you felt, hating the undeniable fact that you couldn’t stop this.

You tried to get up when he reached down to open his belt and jeans, but Steve’s boot came down on your shoulder and held you still again.  Bucky was rushed and brutal as he pushed his pants down and pressed his cock against your ass, guiding it between your legs as you hissed and tried not to think about what was about to happen.

He pulled back briefly to spit on your hole, spreading the forced wetness with the head of his cock before suddenly pushing into you as you gasped and choked on a sob.

"Oh, that's it baby,” he groaned, “scream if you want, nobody can hear you but us."

Already he was thrusting with wild abandon, his hips slapping into your ass as his hot breath came down against your ear and neck, his face pressing yours into the cold ground.

"Fuuuuuck,” he moaned lowly, “so tight, Jesus Christ… fuckin' missed this, went almost ten years without burying my cock in a wet little cunt like this.  Shit, it's even better than I remember."

You just cried and bit down on nothing, pain making violent shivers run up your spine as the width of him split you open, pushing deeper than you’d known anything could go.

Each thrust seemed somehow rougher and deeper than the last, pushing you further past your limits, making your toes curl inside your boots.  He was unabashedly using your body, treating you with less care than some men might a blow-up doll, moaning loudly as he split you open with every moment.

So why did it almost begin to feel good, now that the worst of the pain had faded?  Why was the ridge of his cock brushing over your g-spot just right each time he moved?

He pinned more of his weight on you as he changed his angle slightly, enough to add just that much more brutality to every stroke, the loud slapping of skin echoing through the desolate trees.  You could tell he wasn’t lying about how long he’d been celibate in prison, because he fucked you with every ounce of pent-up frustration, hissing through his teeth and holding you tight enough to bruise.

Everything he did, he did enough to bruise.

“Yeah, take it, bitch,” he moaned when you made a particularly pained noise.

“I thought you said you weren’t gonna take long,” Steve remembered, staring down at the two of you from where he was leaning against a tree with his arms crossed.  

“I’m almost done, you waited this long you can wait five more minutes,” Bucky dismissed, voice a little strained as he kept fucking you.

“Just stop and give me a turn and then you can get back to it,” Steve suggested.

“Nah, no fuckin’ way,” Bucky laughed, “feels way too good to stop.  Trust me, Stevie, this pussy’s worth the wait.”

“Get her on her knees then,” Steve instructed as he came closer to you and kneeled in front of your face; Bucky manhandled your hips into place while Steve pulled your hair until you yelped and brought your head up.  “I wanna fuck this pretty little throat.”

He cut off your protests with another hard slap to your cheek, tugging your hair again as you struggled to hold yourself up on shaking arms.

“Gonna teach this mouthy bitch a lesson,” he explained as he hit you again before using one hand to open his belt and jeans.  “You know what’s gonna happen if you try to bite me, right?  I’ll just knock you out and fuck your throat anyways.  So you’d better make it good if you wanna breathe.”

You tried your best to nod with his fist tugging your hair, gasping slightly when he pulled his cock out and stroked it right in front of your face.  

“Come on, baby, open up— this is the most you’ve kept your mouth shut all day,” he laughed, tapping the swollen head of his cock on your lips until you finally opened them.  The flavor of his skin on your tongue made your lips curl in disgust but he held your jaw and pushed deeper, quickly hitting the back of your throat.  “Fuck, so warm… come on, suck it, make it good for me.”

“She’s gettin’ wet,” Bucky informed Steve with a chuckle.  “She likes it— don’t you, little whore?” he prompted as he slapped your ass suddenly, making you cry out around Steve’s length.  “You like choking on a cock like you deserve?”

You made some sort of gurgling sound, and apparently they took it as a ‘yes.’

"Aw yeah, fuck, gonna fill up this little cunt,” Bucky promised.  Funny thing is, you weren't sure if "this little cunt" meant your hole, or you.

“You’d better not, m’supposed to go after you,” Steve reminded him.

“Fuck, I dunno if I have the heart to pull out,” Bucky admitted with a laugh, slapping you on the ass to make your walls suddenly clench around him.  “I know a sweet body like this just needs to be bred.”

Your sob was louder around where Steve’s girth stretched your lips, making Bucky laugh darkly.

"Oh shit honey, what would Daddy Sherriff say if he found out you got knocked up by a couple'a criminals, huh?  By murderers?"

Steve pulled his cock out just enough to let you sob weakly before shoving back in and penetrating your throat.

"Yeah, you like it don't you?” Bucky continued to taunt you.  “You like being bred by some strangers who caught you in the woods… dirty bitch."

Steve's head fell back as he started to thrust into your mouth faster and harder, the base of his cock flexing against your tongue.  You assumed it was a sign that he was close and it made you hopeful that this would be over soon, but he suddenly pulled out with an exhausted laugh.

"Oh no you don't," he breathed, "not gonna come yet, still need to feel that tight little pussy of yours… if Bucky would hurry the fuck up."

"Fuck, I'm close, I'm close," Bucky rasped.  "Shit, babydoll, this wet cunt is gonna make me come, aren't you so proud?"

Steve held your mouth open and rubbed his cock on your tongue, occasionally shoving two fingers in with it which were salty with his sweat. 

"Fuck, fuck, fuckfuckfuck," Bucky hissed, "oh god, fuck, I'm—!"

He pulled out suddenly, rubbing his cock against your clit as his seed shot onto the ground beneath you.  You sighed with relief although you hated the way your body was actually disappointed, craving more and clenching around nothing in protest.

Bucky was hardly even finished when Steve reached under your arms to pull you up and flip you onto your back, groaning as he settled between your legs and rubbed his cock over your folds.  He didn't waste any time pushing into you, and apparently being fucked by Bucky wasn't enough to warm you up for Steve because you hissed at the sting as he filled you.

"Fuck," Steve mumbled as he grabbed your wrists and pinned them down beside your head.  Already he had begun to pull back only to spear into you again, reaching deeper inside you than Bucky had until you were gasping and choking on nothing.

Bucky stood up and stepped back, pulling his jeans up as he watched you two on the ground.

"You got any cigarettes back at camp, sweetheart?" Bucky asked you, and it was hard to focus on his question but you shook your head.  "Damn," he breathed, pondering for a moment before coming up with his next question.  "You got any candy bars?"

"Do you mind?" Steve hissed, still thrusting into you— a bit slower than Bucky but not exactly more gentle.  "We're kind of busy here."

"No, I don't particularly mind," Bucky smirked.

"Can't you just entertain yourself for a few minutes while I finish this?"

"Why should I entertain myself when I've got this pretty little thing to entertain me?" Bucky smirked, kneeling down beside you as Steve buried his face in the crook of your neck.  "Wanna help me out here, dollface?  I'm still hard…"

He freed one hand from Steve's grip and brought it up to the front of his jeans so you could feel the hard bulge there.  He opened them for you, reaching in and pulling his hard cock out to wrap your hand around it.

Feeling the thickness of it in your palm now, you couldn't imagine how it ever fit inside you.

"Yeah, that's it, I'll teach you how to stroke it right…" he groaned.  "You know how many times I had to do this to myself, just imagining claiming a little slut like you?  Your hands are so much softer, sweetheart…"

His hand tightened around yours and guided every movement, which was good because you had no chance of focusing on anything while Steve was slamming into you and moaning right by your ear.

"So wet," he whispered to you, "so warm.  All mine…"

You felt your insides grip him harder and he smiled, lips tickling your sensitive skin.

"Yeah, you like bein' mine.  You like being owned, I can feel it.  I can feel that this is exactly what you needed.  Is that what you were hoping for when you came out to these woods all by yourself?  That a big strong man would show up and stretch out this pussy?  Well I'm here now, angel, and I'm just about ready to fill you up real good."

A few more thrusts, faster and harder than ever, were enough to send Steve over the edge as you felt each pulse warm you from the inside out.  Steve groaned loudly and buried himself as deep as he could possibly go, painting his come right onto your cervix while you gasped at the sensation.

Bucky stopped moving your hand and looked down at Steve.  "Are you fucking serious— did you just come inside?"

Steve took a moment to catch his breath before answering: "duh."

"How come you get to come inside but I don't, huh?"

"Cause I went second!"

"Yeah, that's some bullshit," Bucky scoffed.

"Will you just leave now, please?" you whimpered weakly from the ground.  "You got what you wanted, now just go."

"Oh, sweetheart, we are nowhere near done with you," Steve promised, sighing as he pulled out of you slowly.

You wanted to try to get up, but your limbs were weak and numb, and your head heavy with confusion.  It made it easy for Bucky to scoop you up and carry you back the way you'd run, your tent quickly coming into view which made you realize how pitifully short your chase had been.

“Looks big enough for the three of us,” Steve noted as he tilted his head to look at your camp.

“We’re not going in yet, I think somebody needs a little creek bath first,” Bucky smiled as he started to set you down on your shaky legs.  “Go ahead and strip, doll.”

You shivered, considering resistance but deciding it wasn’t worth the trouble as you started to peel off your shirt and jacket, then your boots and slightly torn leggings.

They both smiled and watched you, Bucky snorted a little when he saw how hard your nipples were.  “It’s chilly,” you defended meekly.

“Sure it is,” he nodded, “don’t stop, get in the water when you’re done.”

You nodded slightly as you tossed the clothes aside, trying to cover yourself with your arms as you slowly walked into the stony creek, wishing the water weren’t so clear so it would cover you better.

You made a weak attempt to clean yourself, watching goosebumps cover your skin from the cool water.

"Wash yourself up good,” Bucky instructed firmly.  “I don't want any of Rogers' jizz still in you when I take that pussy again."

With a grimace, you washed between your legs and winced when your touch reawakened the sting of soreness there.

“You’re gonna have to push it out, honey, it’s real deep,” Steve grinned pridefully.

You did your best to clean up, not for Bucky’s benefit but for your own, because you hated how it felt to have Steve’s spend still within you.

“How am I supposed to dry off?” you asked nervously as you looked around, knowing you hadn’t brought a towel as you hadn’t really planned on a full creek bath during your trip.  You hadn’t planned on any of this during your trip, shockingly enough.

“You can drip dry,” Steve suggested.

“So you want me to stand naked in the cold for an hour while I dry?” you realized, irritated but still scared.

“Something like that,” Bucky confirmed.  “Unless you want us to keep you warm…”

“I’ll freeze,” you decided, stepping out of the water as Bucky snatched your clothes away to make sure you couldn’t dress.  “Gimme those!”

“Come and get ‘em,” he challenged, leaving you to huff and cross your arms, teeth chattering as the wind picked up.

You couldn’t imagine why they cared so much about testing your will when they’d already proven that they could take you however they wanted.  Perhaps it was just that they wanted to know you’d accepted that.  Better yet, they probably hoped you would participate willingly if you understood that you never had a choice.

Closing your eyes didn’t help, you could still feel their hungry gaze on you; rubbing yourself with your hands didn’t help because it just spread the cold water around on your skin, rather than actually warming you up.

It was probably less than a minute but it felt like half an hour before you relented, walking up to Bucky and looking down to avoid his stare as you meekly requested, “can I have my clothes, please?”

“But I can think of so many better ways to keep you warm,” he whispered as he wrapped his arms around you, Steve moving behind you to press his chest against your back.  You sighed with relief because even this was already making you feel better,  the warmth of their bodies taking out some of the chill while their size blocked you from the wind.  You mewled, ever so quietly, when you felt Bucky’s lips on your neck, your eyes falling shut as your head fell back onto Steve’s chest.  

They showered you in gentle touches and teasing kisses as they picked you up and carried you into your tent, the small space beginning to warm quickly with the heat of three people inside— or was it just you that was getting hot from what they were doing to you.

Steve was groping your tits and pinching your hardened nipples, while Bucky focused most on sucking your neck or biting just beneath your ear.  It was overwhelming, and impossible to ignore though you wanted so desperately not to be aroused.  There were only four hands exploring your body but it might as well have been a hundred because you couldn’t tell the difference, they were touching you everywhere all at once.

"Now, are you gonna behave or do we need to tie you up?" Steve asked quietly.

You shook your head wildly, tensing up just imagining that.  "Then say it," he instructed.

"I-I'll be good," you promised weakly.

Bucky grinned and slid his hand up your thigh, and though you didn’t mean to, when Bucky reached between your legs you tried to shut them and squirm away, it was instinct.

"Ah ah ah," Steve tutted.  "You said you'd be good."

"Think we oughta tie her up," Bucky nodded, feigning disappointment.

"No, please, I'm sorry—"

"Too late for sorry, dollface," Bucky smirked, grabbing a shirt from your pack and tearing it into strips like it was no effort at all.  

Steve held your wrists together for Bucky to tie, and they even tied your legs up bent and spread wide, finishing it off with a gag in your mouth.

Now you were helpless to Bucky pinching your clit, circling it with his thick and calloused finger, applying pressure to it until your eyes watered.  At first it was exploratory, delicate, but once he’d found the most sensitive places he began to rub your clit hard and fast, laughing every time you moaned and flicking the sensitive bud to make your body jolt.

"Yeah, this little cunt's getting all wet, y'like having your pussy played with?" he smirked.

He accentuated his question with a few sudden spanks to your clit that made you jerk and yelp.  The worst thing was that each slap made a wet sound that made you sure you were soaking by now.

“I know you want it so bad, don’t worry doll, I’m not gonna make you wait anymore…”

He caged you in and opened his jeans one more time, the process going much more quickly since he didn’t have to hold you down— you could squirm and cry, but that was about it.  

With a little grunt, he pushed into you, and with how wet you were it actually went it much more easily.  It was by no means painless though, especially since he was already moving and giving you no time to adjust.

"Yeah, that's better," he sighed, grinning as he watched you whine into the gag.  "Now I can really take my time with you, show you how good I can make you feel."

He was certainly more relaxed than the first time, his pace measured and calculated as he made sure his hips met with yours fully at the end of each stroke.  His width wasn’t as challenging in this position but his length certainly was, bumping into your sore and delicate cervix until you were forced to bite down onto the gag to cope.

But, in spite of the pain, or perhaps because of it, something deep and strong was forming inside you, tightening and twisting until it took all your effort not to let it spill forth.

He reached down and roughly rubbed your clit again, forcing a muffled scream from your throat as he grinned down at you.  “Close already, huh?  Good to know I haven’t lost my touch after all these years.”

You almost heard Steve scoff beside you, but it was hard to hear anything when your ears felt like they were full of cotton, only your own echoing heartbeat ringing louder than anything else.

"Yeah, I wanna feel you fuckin' come,” Bucky growled.  “Bet you get even tighter every time."

As much as you wished not to, you fell over the edge, back arching until your chest bumped into Bucky’s where he hovered above you.  He coaxed you along in his words and movements, your walls clenching in a nonsensical rhythm.  More than anything you just wished he would stop moving so you could catch your breath, but his pace never faltered and it felt like you’d never stop coming if he never stopped fucking you.

“That’s it, good fucking girl,” he groaned, “makin’ you feel so good, aren’t I?  Answer me.”

You hesitated, and sniffled, but finally nodded.

Even worse, your clit was so swollen now that he didn’t even need to rub it with his thumb anymore; his cock rubbed against it with each movement, the ridges of his shaft massaging you there until it felt like every part of your body had become the most sensitive place possible.  You shook violently beneath him, each wave of pleasure stronger than the last until you felt like you had lost all sense of time, and space, and really anything that wasn’t being fucked in this tent like the fate of the world depended on it.

"Get outta the tent, Steve,” Bucky instructed suddenly.

"Why?" Steve protested with a scoff.

"I can't come with you starin' at me!"

"I'm not looking at you, dumbass,” he sneered, “I'm lookin’ at her.  So pretty when she cries…"

"Whatever, either way, just go outside please?" 

Clearly irritated but relenting anyways, Steve grunted under his breath as he got up, stepping unceremoniously over both of you.  Bucky sighed with relief when Steve zipped the tent flap shut behind him, turning his attention back to you.  “That’s better, isn’t it?  Just me and you… way it oughta be.”

“I heard that!” Steve called from outside.

“Then stop listening!” Bucky suggested through his teeth before leaning down to whisper in your ear, holding your hips tight so he could fuck you harder than ever.  "I don't give a fuck what he says, I'm coming in you this time.  Not pulling out until I know every drop is in you, wanna see this pussy stuffed to the brim with my come… you want it too, huh?”

Another electrifying pulse inside you made your channel flutter around him, and how cruel that the moan he made actually turned you on more.

"Fuck, that's it, squeeze my fuckin' dick, honey.  Wanna milk all the come outta my cock, don't you?"

You nodded again, hearing him moan in that perfect way one more time before you started to feel him pulse and swell within you, streams of hot come pouring into you.  The amount was pretty impressive since he’d already come once, although you didn’t exactly feel ‘impressed,’ so much as horrified and confused.  And numb, from coming so many times.

Bucky smiled down at you with an exhausted sigh, smacking you lightly on the face a few times to try to rouse you from your blissed-out state, but all you could do was hum sleepily into the gag.

“M’gonna untie you now, you’re too out of it to try anything,” he explained, releasing the gag first before working on your wrists and your legs.  A rush of warm come oozed out of your abused hole when he pulled back, making your face heat up as he smiled and held your legs up to see it better.  “Yeah, filled you up real nice,” he informed you.  He gave a reassuring pat to your thigh before getting up and getting out of the tent, leaving you to stare blankly into nothingness for a while.

Eventually, you knew you had to face the world again, though you were more sure than ever that you weren’t prepared for it.  Grabbing a blanket from the floor of the tent and covering yourself with it, you took a slow breath to try to stabilize yourself.

For how slow time seemed to have passed so far, you were surprised to see the sun setting when you opened the tent flap and stepped outside.  You realized, with a sick feeling in your chest, that they had been using you nearly all day now.  And considering they were waiting for you around the fire, giving you a glance up and down as you emerged from the tent, they still might not stop for a while.

In fact, they’d made themselves very comfortable from the looks of it.  The fire was burning stronger than ever, three logs positioned around the sides of the firepit to sit on; a pot was over the fire, and you recognized the contents as some of the food supplies from your pack.  Best of all, Steve had found your battery radio and adjusted the station, blues quietly playing from the speaker as he used your hunting knife to whittle a stick.

Serves you right to suffer, the smooth voice crooned from the broadcast, serves you right to be alone...

For a moment, the three of you sat in silence as you took in the scene.  But when the wind changed and the heat of the fire no longer reached you, you remembered you had business to attend to.  

“C-Can I have my clothes back now?” you asked Bucky quietly, seeing them draped over the side of one of the logs.

“I think if you get dressed you’ll try to run again,” Steve mumbled, not even looking up at you.

“No, I won’t, I’m too tired,” you explained.  “I just don’t want to be cold.”

“Fire’s hot enough,” Bucky dismissed.  “Why don’t you just lay down a while, hm?  Get some rest.  You earned it.”

You weren’t just tired physically, but mentally, which is partly why you didn’t put up more of a fight before going over to the log and laying beside it, the blanket around you protecting you from the cold ground while you used your clothes as a sort of pillow on the log.

It couldn’t have been that you were asleep, because you could still hear the fire and the radio and Steve’s whittling (a constant reminder that he had a knife), but with your eyes closed and the darkness getting darker it was almost like sleep.  A draining, restless sleep that did nothing to shelter you from the memories of what you’d become.

So, you opened your eyes, staring into the flames instead and venturing the occasional glance at Bucky or Steve; the former always met your stare, the latter would only look up if a sound got his attention.

“You gonna take a turn?” Bucky asked Steve casually, motioning to you by cocking his head.

“Not yet, need a while to... you know, build up some energy,” Steve explained.

“Mind if I have another go then?”

“She’s all yours,” Steve approved, making Bucky grin as he got up and circled the log you were slumped over.  

“Y’hear that, dollface?  All mine,” he cooed, picking you up and adjusting you until you were bent over the log, facing Steve and the fire.  Your clothes kept your naked torso from rubbing against the bark, thankfully, but nothing could spare you from Bucky’s incessant touch, running up your back, over your butt which he spanked a few times for good measure, and finally to your entrance which he pushed two fingers into first.  “Mm, we stretched you out pretty good… you’ll be back in shape by the mornin’, but until then, I just slide right in…”

And he proved himself right with one long stroke that pushed his cock to the deepest parts of you, pushing your hips forward into the log as you tried your best to keep your breathing steady.

He was uniquely quiet this time, still moaning and grunting occasionally but otherwise sparing you from the constant taunts and filthy whispers.  Steve, meanwhile, was doing his best to look unaffected, but the subtle adjustment of his legs along with the increased vigor of his carving made it clear he was distracted by the sight in front of him.

Bucky’s strong hands on your hips were sure to leave marks, fingertips digging into your curves and pulling you back onto him, spearing you on his length.

“Yeah, that’s it,” he sighed, “gonna come.”

And it was actually a relief because this was going to end (for now), which was definitely the only reason you moaned in response.  He got more talkative after that, smacking you on the ass a few more times as he chuckled darkly behind you. 

“Fuck, take it, doll… take all my fuckin’ come.”

It was sort of a meaningless instruction, since you had to, but he seemed to enjoy reminding you that he was about to take his pleasure from your body one more time.  He made a weak little moaning noise, almost pained, as he filled you once again, slumping down on top of you and for the first time really showing signs of exhaustion after coming three times in a day.  You were so out of it that you hardly noticed his weight on you, or the little kisses he gave to your ear, whispering praises that tried your best not to hear.  

He pulled out and came back around to look at your face again, pulling you up slightly by your hair so you looked up at him.

“Such a good fuckin’ girl,” he groaned.  “Open your mouth sweetheart,” he instructed, spitting onto your tongue as soon as you’d done it, then lifting your jaw to make you close your mouth and swallow.

He tugged your hair harder before he kissed you, more possessive than affectionate, but unexpected regardless.  His tongue tangled with yours as he reached down to circle his hand around your neck, feeling your pulse but not going so far as to choke you.

A little groan from Steve caught both his attention and yours.  "You wanna fuck her, Stevie?"

"Oh god, I want that ass, I want that fuckin ass," he answered through his teeth, making you gulp as Bucky laughed.

"Go for it, man," he encouraged, and only a second after he stood up you both heard and felt Steve appear behind you, one calloused hand spreading your cheeks; you whimpered from embarrassment when you felt a finger circle your tight rim, before slowly pushing in.

"Fuck," you whispered, and it sounded much more like a curse of pleasure than you intended.

"Yeah, you want it don't you?" he asked through his teeth, giving you a hard spank that made you cry out.  Bucky slapped you when you didn't answer, grabbing your jaw roughly.

"He asked you a question," he reminded you firmly, the sound of Steve spitting into his hand and coating your hole and his length distracting you slightly.

"Yes, yes, I want it!" you sobbed.

"Where?"

"In my ass!"

Your body put up significant resistance against his swollen head, but it was no match for his rough thrust forward, the tip of him popping inside and stretching you painfully.  You bit your lip but it was impossible to stay quiet when he slid the rest of the way in.

You cried out as he moaned with satisfaction, already moving so much faster than you could handle (which, to be fair, was a low bar).

"Oh my god," he breathed.  "So fuckin' tight…"

The pain was sharp, and it felt like the base of his cock was impossibly thicker than the rest of him since you whined every time he pushed in.

"Aw, does it hurt baby?  That's my cock ruining your little hole, sweetheart…"

"Stop," you rasped, "please… please stop…"

"Nah, I think you like it… I think what you really needed was just to be put in your place, fucked in every hole so you know exactly what you're meant for."

Bucky appeared in front of you again, stroking himself in front of your face, still slick from behind inside you.

"See what a mess you made on my cock, dollface?  I think you need to help me clean it up," he groaned, holding your jaw open to stuff his cock into your mouth and stifle your sobs.  The taste of your and his come was potent and musky on your tongue, his head pushing right into your open throat when you tried to gag.

Steve held you tighter as he thrusted a bit more vigorously, Bucky simultaneously using your throat as he stroked your hair and cheek.  

You couldn’t remember how to do anything but just take it now.  At times their paces synchronized and you felt like you were being filled to the brim at both ends.  Other times they were in a syncopation where one pushed in just as the other pulled out, meaning you had no real breaks at all.

Bucky was too weak to come again, that much was obvious, but he was happy to choke you anyways; and Steve, well, Steve was moaning more now than he had from your mouth or pussy, apparently trying to hold himself back even though he had no reason to try to prolong this— unless he actually wanted to see you in pain more than he wanted to finish?

“You want me to come in your ass?” Steve interrogated you with a spank to your thigh.  “Beg for it.”

You shook your head around the length in your mouth.

“It doesn’t stop until you beg me for it, isn’t that what you want?  You want it to stop, right?”

Had you really fallen into his trap that easily?  

Bucky pulled back to give you the opportunity to meet Steve’s request, and you sucked in a lungful of air before finally whimpering: “Please, Steve… please come…”

“Where?” he pressed, ever-determined to make you remind him where he was fucking you.

“Please come in my ass…”

“If you say so, sweetheart,” he snickered before starting to thrust faster and more erratically, chasing his peak which you prayed was close.  It was, thankfully, though never close enough, and you forgot that the swell of his pulsating cock would stretch your tired hole even wider.

And, you forgot that he had no reason to pull out just because he’d come.

“Fuck,” he groaned, “that was good.”

You tried to kick him away but it was impossible with how hard he’d pinned you down to the log.

“Just stay still and keep my cock warm in this pretty ass of yours, alright?” he instructed, all the while Bucky stared down at you with a satisfied smirk on his face, combing your hair a bit with his fingers.

“You’re tired, huh?” he noticed.  “We’ll get you to bed soon.”

“Will you leave?” you instantly returned.

“We need somewhere to make camp for the night, too.  And since there’s already a perfectly good camp right here…”

“No,” you whined, “no, you’re never gonna leave me alone, are you?”

“We’ll talk about it in the morning, alright?” he offered.

//

It was truly a testament to how physically exhausted you were that you managed to fall asleep squished between your two personal monsters.

Bucky was behind you, essentially spooning you while Steve had an arm draped over your chest.  And even with the heavy weight on you, physical and metaphysical, you would’ve slept through the night easily if it weren’t for the feeling of Steve running his hands over your body, groping you wherever he could reach.

You opened your eyes but it was still pitch darkness, giving you no distraction from the physical sensations of Steve's fingers delicately grazing over your skin.  Behind you, the quiet stability of Bucky’s breathing made it clear he was still asleep and unaware.

“Steve,” you whispered hoarsely.

“Shh,” he soothed below his breath, right by your ear.  “He sleeps like a rock, we’re not gonna wake him up with a little fooling around.”  

Amazingly enough, that wasn’t exactly what you were worried about.  But you discontinued your dissent as he lightly suckled the lobe of your ear, fingers tracing abstract shapes over your hip.  You heard your own breath catch, and he must have too because he smiled and nibbled on your neck.

You shivered when he started to pull you closer, laying you back to reach between your legs and toy with your overly-sensitive folds.  His fingers found your clit and rubbed it in slow circles, making you writhe and jolt as shocks of pleasure shot through you.

“So sensitive,” he praised darkly, pushing against you harder.  “Gettin’ wet, honey?  Want you dripping before I put my cock in you.”

Bucky stirred beside you, pulling you closer in his sleep though Steve kept a strong hold on your lower half.  It was nearly claustrophobic being sandwiched between them like this, made even worse when Steve adjusted your hips and you felt his cock rub against you.

“Tell me you want it,” he whispered in your ear, cradling your face in his large, rough hands.

“I— I want it,” you whispered back, biting your lip to stay quiet when he pushed in.  You were still sore, but the wetness helped ease his way as he filled you to the brim, groaning softly and thrusting much more gently than you expected.  It was all very relaxed, and languid, and… sleepy.  It was so much easier to pretend that you wanted this when it was gentle and patient like this, when you couldn’t see his face

“You two got started without me?” Bucky interjected, making you both gasp.   

"You seemed pretty busy snoring over there," Steve explained with an unamused tone.  “You know, Barnes, I actually broke out of prison so I wouldn’t have to sleep in the same room as you for the rest of my life.”

“Leave if you want, Rogers, I’ll keep the girl and you can take her battery radio, ya limpdick.”

“Limpdick?  Were you not here for the past twenty-four hours?” 

“Yeah, I was fucking this sweet little thing while you were out there by the fire doing your arts and crafts.”

And just like that, your sweet and gentle sex was gone; Steve was determined to claim you now, fucking you harder and faster until you couldn’t hold back your broken moans.  "Yeah, you like that?" he growled against your ear.  "You like gettin' fucked?  Say it."

"Y-yes, I like it," you gasped.

"We're gonna be on the run for a while…" Bucky mumbled against your skin as he kissed your shoulder, "sure wouldn't mind takin' you with us, keeping our own little pet to fuck whenever we want."

You tried not to stop breathing entirely when he said that, distracted by Steve slowing down slightly, offering some reprieve.

"Been so long without touchin' a woman," Steve added huskily, "I don't know if one day is enough."

"Yeah, plus we've already got you obedient, trained, fucked braindead and full of come," Bucky replied, biting down on your skin to make you whimper and he chuckled happily.

"Are you sure you can share, Barnes?" Steve pressed.  "I know if you had it your way she'd be ripped to shreds by now."

"Whatever man, you're the one who tore her ass up."

Steve scoffed slightly, while Bucky continued.

"You wanna come with us sweetheart?  We'll be real good to you, keep your holes wet and full for a couple months straight at least.  You won't have to worry about a thing, won't have to lift a finger, just keep your legs spread and you'll be peachy."

"Hey, that's what we'll call you: Peach," Steve decided.  "It's perfect, isn't it?  'Cause you're sweet… and soft… and I could just eat you up," he purred.

"Wanna be our girl, Peach?" Bucky prompted.

"No, please…"

You expected anger, you expected them to hurt you, but you didn't expect them to laugh.  "Looks like our sweet little Peach hasn't had a chance to realize how good it's gonna be with us," Steve announced.  

"Yeah, let's show her how much she wants to be our girl," Bucky snickered, holding your hips as Steve started to move inside you again.

Bucky, meanwhile, was grabbing handfuls of your ass and groaning as he rubbed his cock against you.  One finger explored your rim and slowly pushed in.

"Looks like you're still a little loosened up from when Stevie here gave it to you, huh?  He was real mean, wasn't he?"

You nodded, clutching harder into Steve's chest as he fucked you faster.

"Then taking me should be a breeze."

Truly, you had no idea how this was possible.  I'm the dark it all felt like a fever dream, but when Bucky pushed into your available opening while Steve was still fucking you… it was definitely real, the feeling was too overwhelming not to be.

'A breeze' was definitely an exaggeration but it was undeniably easier, especially since being half-asleep made your body so much more relaxed.  You still hissed when Bucky's hips met your ass, you still choked on a breath at the feeling of two cocks buried all the way inside you, but it wasn't from pain as much as being full beyond your wildest dreams

"You were right about this ass, Rogers, goddamn…" Bucky moaned, holding your hips tight and beginning to thrust.

"Fuck, can hardly believe you're takin' both of us," Steve sighed against your ear.  "I know you love it, Peach, I know you love bein' so full…"

Your lips fumbled with the desire to moan a name but not sure whose to say; so instead you just babbled mindlessly, sounded just as dumbfounded as you felt.

But they weren't having any problems speaking, in fact they were more talkative than ever, each whispering in a different ear and making shivers crawl up your spine with every word.

"You're making us feel so good, such a good girl, aren't you Peachy baby?"

"Such a perfect fucking whore, so wet already just from being used."

"Want us to come inside, huh Peach?  Wanna be full of come?”

Each time you arched your back, it only somehow pushed them both deeper, so deep you couldn’t think about anything else anymore.  Bucky was moving at a much slower pace than Steve, such that they would only occasionally thrust all the way in at exactly the same time— and when they did, you heard yourself moan but refused to believe it was you making the sound because it sounded nothing like you, it didn’t even seem like something you would do; enjoying this that much, that is.

“You’re close, huh?  Gonna come for both of us?”

You found yourself nodding, even though they couldn’t see it, but Bucky must have felt it against his shoulder because he laughed a little, grabbing your face and turning you back to kiss you hungrily.  When he moved his kiss down to the back of your neck, Steve captured your lips instead, less dominating than Bucky’s but no less intense.�� The moan that undeniably signalled your orgasm was nearly lost against Steve’s tongue, but they both heard it and began to pump into you faster, keeping you suspended in your pleasure.

Steve lost it first, spilling into you with a choked groan and a tight grip on your arms that was sure to bruise.  Bucky was close behind, panting with each hurried thrust until he finally moaned and filled your ass with ropes of hot come, a sensation you never could’ve imagined, let alone predicted you would experience twice in one day.

Bucky rubbed your thighs while he caught his breath while Steve peppered your face in tender kisses, both of them showering you in affection you had no idea how to handle.

“Whaddaya say, dollface?” Bucky prompted as he kissed just beneath your ear.  “Y’like bein’ our little Peach, don’t you?”

You stammered over a few different responses, none of them very good, until Steve finally instructed you: “say yes.”

“Yes,” you repeated instantly.

“I can tell you do, you soaked my cock real good,” Steve praised with a grin you could feel against your cheek and hear in his gravelly voice.  “We’ll head out in the morning, alright?  Soon we’ll be somewhere where nobody knows who we are, what we’ve done… doesn’t that sound nice, Peach?  A chance to start over?”

A fresh start never hurt anyone, right?

//

Months on the run made the night all blend together, you didn’t even know what state you were in anymore and you couldn’t find the energy to care.

It was definitely harder to hitchhike with three people, and a disturbing amount of truckers offered to take you alone but not your companions— and obviously they would never allow such a thing.  At this point, you were better off with the devils you knew, anyways.  At least with them you knew what to expect.

Specifically, you could expect Steve to be aloof and brooding until he occasionally snapped and became possessive over you again, asserting his dominance over you and Bucky however he could manage— usually by covering your body in his marks and every once in a while by covering your face with his come.  You could expect Bucky to taunt and mock you, cornering you into consenting to his relentless barrage of pleasure and pain, over and over again watching you struggle to maintain your sense of denial and disgust, reminding you that you loved being fucked just how he wanted.

In fact, today was a pretty typical day while the three of you crashed in a motel, Steve staying silent and distant while Bucky kissed his way down your stomach that rose and fell shakily with each breath.

“Bucky, p-please,” you whispered, closing your eyes so you could more easily pretend it wasn’t you begging him for more.

"What's that, Peach?  Want me to lick up your juice?" he grinned.

You shuddered and he chuckled as he knelt down between your legs to give a long, slow lick over your sex.  Your entire body jolted when his rough tongue slid over your swollen clit, so he focused there until your legs were quivering and your head fell back.  

"Mm, so sweet…” he cooed.  “Come getta taste a’this, Steve.”

“I’m busy,” Steve refused, turning the page of his newspaper.

“Are you fuckin’ serious?” Bucky sighed, standing up straighter and leaving your pussy ignored; you whined a little, but it fell on deaf ears.  “I’d love to see what you’re reading that could possibly be more interesting than this.”

“There’s an article about us,” Steve answered sternly, looking up from the paper to meet Bucky’s gaze, before glancing to look at you.  “All three of us.”

Bucky huffed and stood up, leaving you naked on the bed as he crossed the room to tear the paper from Steve’s hands.  His eyes scanned the page until he landed on the part Steve must have been referring to.  “Holy shit,” he breathed.  “Look, Peach, you made the papers!”

He brought over the article for you to read, and you sat up straighter when you saw that a photo of yourself had been included alongside the mugshots of Steve and Bucky.

Two escaped prisoners, one missing woman, spotted in woods near Schenectady, NY...

“When is this from?” you asked nervously.

“The paper’s from today, but we were in Schenectady two weeks ago,” Steve explained.  “They aren’t anywhere near us.”

It brought back memories of TV broadcasts you’d seen in hotels, radio news Steve had turned off before you heard too much.  Phrases like ‘statewide manhunt,’ ‘federal investigation,’ and ‘trafficked woman,’ which had once been foreign to you, now represented your deepest anxieties.

Bucky saw the fear on your face and knelt down on the bed beside you, stroking your face gently.  “Aw, Peach, don’t be scared… they’re not gonna find us, I promise.”

“If they did… what would happen to me?” you asked weakly.  You truly had no idea if you’d be returned home and treated as the victim of a crime, or if you’d be arrested and charged as a perpetrator, as a collaborator who aided in the escape and continued flee of two violent criminals.  They’d already gotten you in on a few robberies, even one bank— could you defend yourself by saying that you were forced to do it?  

“Nobody’s gonna take you away from us,” Bucky assured sternly, not quite answering your question but making it clear that was all you were gonna get.  You reached up to rest your hand atop his where it held your cheek, letting your watery eyes fall shut before you looked back up into his enrapturing gaze again.

“Kiss me, Bucky, please,” you whispered, making him laugh and shake his head.

“No, Peachy, I would but I know where that mouth has been.  Steve woke you up in the middle of the night to choke on his cock, thought I wouldn’t hear, huh?”

You gasped a little and Steve crossed his arms where he sat in the chair.  Bucky turned his attention back to Steve with a look of challenge on his face.  “She’s scared, Stevie, won’t you come over here and make her feel better?”

Steve sighed but relented and stood up, crossing the room to stand beside the bed and stare down at you.  For a moment you didn’t know what he intended to do, until he knelt down and grabbed your hips, pulled your spread legs closer to the edge of the bed where he latched his lips onto your slick and swollen folds.

“Oh god,” you moaned, reaching down to tangle your fingers into his hair, his tongue pushing inside you right away, twisting and thrusting and licking right over your g-spot until your eyes rolled back in your head and your back arched up off the faded quilt.  Bucky grinned as he watched you, leaning down to kiss your neck, then suckle on a hardened nipple, then lick over your hips until finally he bit down on the inside of your thigh.  You yelped a little and felt him smile against your delicate skin.

“I told you we’d take care of you, babydoll,” he mumbled, voice all deep and throaty like it got when he was about to spend an hour reminding you who you belonged to.

Sometimes you dreamed of the life you had before this, of the person you were when you only belonged to yourself, but that life was gone forever and it wasn’t coming back.  Each day you mourned it in a different way.  At first it was just the loss of dignity, then it was the loss at any chance of gaining that dignity back.  You missed your friends and family, but you realized they wouldn’t welcome you back with open arms after this long.

You realized it was well and truly over the first time a man on the news called you an accomplice to the ‘rampant crime spree’ of Bucky and Steve.  Just a few weeks later, the stories changed from two prisoners and their kidnapping victim, to three prisoners.  And yes, you were a prisoner, but the police didn’t see a difference between you and them anymore.  You had no reason to run, no motive for escape.  They were the only thing keeping you alive and free now, even if this freedom wasn’t exactly overflowing with liberties.

So, you accepted as quickly as you could that this was your new life; every morning you banished the memories of who you used to be, and every night you prayed that your lovers wouldn’t be caught.  And it wasn’t so bad of a life to have, even if it wasn’t the life you would’ve chosen for yourself— there was something nice about it, really, never very calm but still having its moments of peace and domesticity.  Like falling asleep in the backseat of a stolen truck while Steve played blues on the radio.  Like sitting in Bucky’s lap as he told you all about the beautiful tropical islands they’d take you to someday.  Like when Steve robbed a jewelry store and told you he’d picked that one because they had the ring he’d seen in a magazine ad, the ring he decided he wanted you to wear from now on.  Like being Mrs. Barnes when Bucky introduced you to his criminal connections, and being Mrs. Rogers when Steve did the same the next night.

Maybe you’d forgotten how to be anything else but their sweet, quiet, obedient Peach, but maybe it wasn’t such a bad wrap after all.

[apocalypticgargoyle]

Hii!! I was wondering if you can write a dream imagine where like you guys are secretly dating and you sometimes post you and dream holding hands but you never tag him so like people know that you are dating someone but no one really knows who and one day you and the guys were talking and you say something like “oh yeah my boyfriend gave me this this and this” and everyone else is all like omg that’s cute but sapnap is over here like “dude dream literally had that here yesterday” but like sapnap doesn’t say anything to you guys he just tells the rest of the guys that he thinks you guys are dating but has zero evidence so the next few weeks they are just trying to catch you guys and one day when they suspect that dream is cheating (when he was actually like asking your mom for your hand in marriage or something) the boys are all like “dude we caught dream talking with someone else I’m so sorry to tell you this” and like you and dream start laughing so hard bc it was your mom and you guys are like “yeah We’ve been dating for like a year now did we not tell you guys?” Or something like “oh yeah did we not make it obvious?” Idk if it made sense 😭😂

I'm ✍️✍️✍️✍️

𝐌𝐎𝐌'𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄. ♘ 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

warnings: one or two swear words

You leaned back in your chair, listening to the conversation unfolding before you. You turned the volume up slightly as Sapnap began to tease you about your gaming techniques. You giggled as others began to weigh in, joking about this and that. George’s voice came in above the others. “Guys shut up, her boyfriend works for Microsoft and can get you banned,” he mocked, making you snort.

The image of Dream trying to figure out how to boil water flashed into your mind. “Yeah, he’s terrifying,” you chided.

Sapnap was the next to pipe up. “You can tell us you don’t have a boyfriend, you know. No one will care.”

“No yeah, I do. He bought me this shirt,” you defended, lifting the hem of your hoodie to show the group of them, earning a chorus of sarcastic cooing. Sapnap’s eyebrows furrowed slightly as if he’d seen it before.

George smugly grinned at you. “Oh, yeah? Does he go to another school?”

You snickered. “Shut up,” you mumbled, the chat switching to a new subject. Little did you know, Sapnap was texting George and the rest of them about his suspicions that this mysterious boyfriend of yours was actually Dream, knowing full well that he’d seen Dream buy that exact shirt a few weeks prior.

You’d been dating him for nearly a year, choosing to blatantly disregard any questions about who he was and vice versa. Most of your photos on Instagram involving him were vague and gave your audience more confusion than understanding. Comments about searching for your OnlyFans to see if they could recognize his voice began to circulate and your friends even fueled that fire.

You weren’t sure what Dream had told Sapnap all those months of secrecy, but somehow it seemed like the t-shirt was the first hint at your relationship. After he’d addressed his suspicions with the rest of your group, it was like a hunt to find out if it really was Dream or if Sapnap was just a few marbles short of sanity from one too many late nights.

In the midst of this wild goose chase, Dream was focused on getting your mom to warm up to him. She was a difficult woman to impress, but he was just as (if not more) stubborn than she was. It wasn’t that she didn’t like him, but he’d rather have her favor him over your past boyfriend and there was one she was determined to prefer over him until the end of time. You often joked about him getting close to you only for him to date your mother, which drove him absolutely sideways.

When she visited, he made dinner for all of you and―after studying for a week prior―discussed various books and authors she loved. It wasn’t until he exhaustedly brought up The Crown that the two of them finally clicked. He’d found her “g-spot,” you’d often tease.

After that, they were practically inseparable and he was the one that took her to lunch and sightseeing when she was in town until you got out of school. It was on one of these visits that Sapnap had spotted the two. She was talking Dream’s ear off about something, touching his arm to articulate her points and mockingly appraising him for opening doors for her without being asked.

At this point, Sapnap and the group were certain the two of you were together, therefore when Dream’s voice picked up on his radar and he saw him schmoozing an older woman, his stomach sank. He watched the two of them for a bit, not seeing much change in the way they communicated, but through the glass of the front of the restaurant, he was shocked that Dream was going behind your back in such a way.

That night the group was rather quiet, only a few mumbles from the others would pitch in as you and Dream basically had a conversation amongst yourselves. “So what’s the news. Why is everyone suddenly so mellow?” You joked, making a few of them chuckle awkwardly.

George cleared his throat. “Uh, we have to tell you something…” he muttered. “Dream’s talking to someone else…”

Your eyebrows perked slightly. “What do you mean?” You queried, Dream sending a silent what into the air.

Sapnap sighed. “I saw him with someone else earlier today. They looked like they were on a date or something…”

Dream laughed into his microphone, wheezing as he went about. “You bitch! I knew you were hooking up with my mom!” You joked, biting back your own giggles. You could hear the physical embodiment of a question mark ricocheting through the chat. “Dream and my mom are absolute besties. I wouldn’t be surprised-”

Dream drew in a sharp breath, his laugh making his voice barely audible as he cut you off. “STOP don’t encourage them!” He bellowed, struggling to breathe through his chuckles.

“What’s Dream doing with your mom?” George asked, tilting his head with a probing expression.

You wet your lips. “Since we’ve started dating, he’s been obsessed with being her favorite,” you jested.

“Since you’ve started dating?” Sapnap repeated to the group as if proving he’d been right the whole time.

Dream sighed, catching his breath. “Yeah, I’m at her place right now,” he spoke. “Hold on, I’ll prove it.” You let out a small chuckle as you heard him set his headphones down, followed by his footsteps thundering up your stairs before he was standing behind you. He briefly pressed his lips against yours in a greeting before leaning toward your microphone and sending a “hello from the otherside” to the group.

He leaned his arm against the back of your chair, you switching on your camera mainly because it was just the group of you. “I thought we were pretty obvious like you guys were just making fun of me because you knew it was him,” you stated.

Sapnap looked over his shoulder slightly as if he were listening for movement in his own home. “Wait, when did you leave?”

Dream scoffed. “I’ve been here all day. I literally woke you up to tell you where I was going.” Sapnap furrowed his brows in disbelief at this.

George was clicking away at his computer. “See, I knew I recognized your hands in the Instagram photos,” he mumbled. “I hate it here.”

You smirked slightly. “That being said, my boyfriend does own your guys’ server so he will ban you if you make fun of me.”

[bloomingjungwon]

please write a heeseung college!au !!!! ♡♡

college!au heeseung

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: thank you for requesting! sorry if this is so long, i kind of got carried away and i was kind of inspired by one of my favorite blogger's writing style

major: cinematography (don't ask why, i can just imagine him being so into making motion pictures)

he'd probably minor in like north american or woman studies tbh

i can see him as a really quiet, doesn't involve himself in too many things, kind of student

doesn't really speak up when it isn't needed

but if it's a topic he's really familiar with, you can't shut him up

definitley the type of student to sit in the very front even if the classroom has like a billion seats left open

i also see him as the type to never be in the library, he usually just studies out on the grass or in a very underrated cafe.

lives off of coffee to the point his roomate!jake tells him he smells like coffee 25/8

you know how gym freaks take a shot of like protein powder before their workout? yeah that's him but with ground up coffee beans if he is in a rush and doesn't want to wait for his coffee to brew.

it's kinda funny, you don't know heeseung, and he doesn't know you. but you pass each other almost everyday because you also go to the same cafe as him.

like youre always leaving as he enters and like????

hello how r u not noticing such an amazing human being

but dont worry, ya'll meet some day

you're walking across your campus and the bulletin board catches your attention

amongst all the papers screaming "tutor needed" or "join our club", theres a flier SMACK DAB in the middle

"class do20 presents mini films at flint theatre this friday!"

and like, that peaks your interests

because you've always appreciated people's works

but you're kinda just standing in the middle of the walkway and staring at it , you don't realize someone standing next to you

"are you going to go and watch?"

you nearly jumped out of your skin cause like, who tf just talks to someone without getting their attention first

heeseung does

and now he's just staring at you waiting for an answer

"uh,, yeah seems kind of interesting. why? are you?"

"i have no choice to. i'm a part of it, i just haven't started on my film yet."

.... homie, the show is on friday and it's currently tuesday

silence

no words or expressions are exchanged and you're just staring awkwardly at each other

but in reality, you two are just silently admiring each other's features

"do you want to be a part of my film?"

your blank expression turned into a "wtf" kind of expression

"you want me, a complete stranger, to be a part of your film?"

he proceeds to tell you that it'll be a lot easier for him to work with a stranger since he'd most likely not mess around

because this boy needs to get his assignment done asap

and you kind of hesitate but then you're like "well, fuck it. sure"

and then he smiles. and holy

this guy has one of the most captivating smiles ever and you literally feel your heart stop for a small second

"let's get started today, if that's okay with you?" he suggests

and you agree and tell him you have one more class, but he can meet you at a cafe you're usually at

and now it's his turn for his heart to skip a beat because he's talking to an attractive person who just willingly agreed to help him on his project AND goes to the same underrated cafe???

but before he can say anything.. you're already walking away

and now he's just standing there dumb and love struck

but yeah heeseung is already at the cafe thirty min early while he waits for you, camera out facing the door, waiting for you to enter

catches you on film as you walk inside and he kinda just watches you in awe as you're scanning the room to find where he is

you give him a small smile and wave and in that moment, heeseung knew what title he was giving his film

you take your seat and you're like "so, what would you like me to do?"

and heeseung just asks you to do whatever you would usually do at the cafe

and you're like oh sweet. that's easy.

so you ask him what kind of coffee he wants and when he tells you, you stand up to leave and order coffee

he films everything

from you standing in line awkwardly, you picking at your nails, scrolling through your phone, ordering... literally everything

you come back holding both cups (which of course he films too)

"i usually just do my homework while i'm here, but i don't have a lot today"

"that's fine. you can just do it, and if it's okay, i can ask you questions to get to know you better."

"yeah that's okay with me. i can multitask well. i think."

that earns you a chuckle from him

he angles the camera at the end of the end of the table, focusing on you

and ya'll just do homework together and learn new things about each other

like how you eat pizza with a fork and knife because you refuse to get your hands dirty

which heeseung reacts with "do you need professional help?"

but homie blurts out he lives and breathes off of ramen noodles and his roomate!jake has to restock for him every two days

and you're like.... "you're the one who needs professional help."

and for a couple hours

you guys are just goofing around and talking to each other as if you've known each other for years

homework done, three cups of coffee later, heeseung's camera runs out of battery so he calls it a day

chooses the next location to film

a dog park

so the next day, classes done, you meet him at the dog park, and even brought your dog

films you throwing tennis balls, petting dogs, and even you getting chased by a dog

laughs throughout the whole filming process but then internally regrets it because he notices it could probably be heard in the video

breaks it to you that he has enough content for his project

and lowkey youre kind of sad because you've had fun being around him the past two days but you keep it to yourself

"i'm glad i could help. i can't wait to see it heeseung."

loves the way you say his name and now he's sad too because he doesn't really have an excuse to hang out with you more

so ya'll part ways after saying bye

but it's not some dramatic "i'm never going to see them again"

cause ya'll run into each other again at the cafe the next day

and it's kind of unspoken but ya'll just silently agree to sit down with each other and work on homework

you, reading out of your textbook, and him working diligently on his laptop (shh he's editing his film)

and you kind of steal glances his way and he's just smiling to himself as he works

and that's because he loves the way his film is coming along, and he loves seeing you

because in that moment, you both realize you have feelings for each other

but once again it's unspoken cause you're both scaredy cats

you call it a day and say bye and him back

you guys don't see each other until the night of the film show

and you're like okay i'll tell him i have feelings for him after the show

little did you know, he was thinking the same thing about you

but he's up in the film booth sweating his ass off because he knows you're somewhere in the crowd

and all of a sudden he doesn't want to be there

"what if they don't like me in that way?" "what if they take my video the wrong way?"

internally and externally panics

but before he can grab his cd and break it, the lights turn off and oh shit the show is starting

tbh, the films from the other students were quite interesting and you were enjoying each one

but this uncomfortable feeling was forming in the pit of your stomach

were you anxious? nervous?

idk but you were anticipating heeseung's film

and finally on the screen appeared heeseung's picture and biography

you didn't even notice the smile growing on your face

you thought to yourself, what did he even name his film?

"love through my eyes"

....love??

does heeseung have feelings for me too? or did they switch up someone's film with his??

but nope, there was no switch up

you watched yourself on the screen, from you smiling at him at the first moments in the cafe, to you laughing at his eating habits, and to you being chased by the dog, audibly hearing heeseung's giggles

but you thought it was over until there were more clips of the both of you in the cafe

however, they weren't from the first meeting. the clothes you both were wearing were different

wait, isn't this from two days ago? he filmed us that day?

from a hidden angle, the camera caught you two stealing glances at each other when the other wasn't paying attention.

you looked at him with stars in your eyes, and when you went back to your textbook, he stole glances at you as if your were his entire universe

speechless, the film ended, and with his film being last, the show ended and the lights turned back on

you didn't even applaud, for you ran out of the building immediatley, looking for heeseung

and there he is at the entrance of the theatre just staring at his feet

looks up when you hear him running up to him

"so... the film" he starts

but you don't let him finish because you pull him by the shirt and kiss him

and he's shocked because what the fuck they're kising me?!?!

but relaxes and kisses you back

and yeah, that's how your relationship starts

and expect him to film you at random times

would probably treasure "love through my eyes" and play it as a surprise at your guys' wedding in the future

im crying

[restlessfandoming]

“the president and the troublemaker” (part 13) (chilumi fic)

“Lumine is the student council president and Childe is the school’s number one troublemaker. They cross paths more than they’d like. Especially when Childe finds out Lumine’s big secret. Highschool AU à la Kaichou wa Maid-sama.”

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 5] [part 6] [part 7] [part 8] [part 9] [part 10] [part 11] [part 12]

[Fic Masterlist] // [AO3 Link] // [Main AO3]

* * * 

im really sorry for the massive time between each update. i am truly in the struggle  * * * 

the president and the troublemaker (part 13)

“I’m a professional fighter,” Lumine said to Venti. 

Venti stared at her for a long second, before slowly raising one of his brows. “What are you talking about, LuLu?” 

She bit her lip. “You know, like the UFC. That’s my job. I’m a MMA fighter.” 

Again, Venti stared at her, then glanced between her and the unconscious men on the floor. 

Lumine braced herself for him to laugh, to ridicule her, or even shy away in fear—how terrifying it was that she was powerful enough to do all that and even more. He would be disappointed, a bright student like her getting involved with the activities of delinquents. 

“That’s…,” Venti started. Then, he went to Lumine, grabbing her hands, eyes bright. “So cool!”

Lumine looked at him, silent with shock. 

“Wow, I would have never guessed!” he went on. “But I should have known. You’ve always been so strong.” 

“So you’re not...disappointed?” she asked. 

“Of course not. I would never be disappointed in you,” he said, giving her a soft smile. 

Lumine’s eyes stung. From relief? From gratefulness? “Thank you, Venti.” 

His smile widened. “Just wait until everyone at school hears about this! They’re gonna think you’re so cool, and you’re gonna get so popular, and—”

Lumine pulled her hand away from his, a trembling panic overtaking her nerves. “Venti, no one can find out about this,” she blurted. 

His brows furrowed. “Why not? You should be proud of what you do.”

Lumine stood in silence, ruminating. Proud of what I do? 

Venti started reaching out towards her when there was an audible THUMP from the ground. 

Childe stood from where he had hit one of the men on the floor. “He was waking up,” he said after taking in Venti and Lumine’s worried looks. “We should leave now.” 

Lumine let her gaze linger on Venti—his brows furrowed from either confusion or frustration or both—before turning to Childe. 

“Yeah…let’s go back the way we came and try to backtrack,” she suggested. She and Childe started to make their way back.

Venti didn’t budge. “How does Childe know?” 

“What?” Lumine answered. 

“You said you don’t want anyone to know.” His teal green eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, at Childe. “So he’s an exception?” 

“He found out on his own,” Lumine said. Why is he doing this right now? We need to go—

“And I’m her coach,” Childe said, crossing his arms. There was the tiniest curve of a smile on his lips.

Venti let out a meek laugh. “He’s your coach? So do you spend a lot of time together?” 

She threw a glare at Childe. “Yes—Well, I don’t know. I guess.” She shook her head. “This isn’t the time to be talking about this. Let’s go.” She marched off without another word.

As she walked back the direction they came from, she heard the two boys footsteps behind her. She kept her pace up, however, not wanting to speak to either of them at the moment. Any time either of them entered her peripheral vision, she sped up away from them. Stupid boys and their stupid jealously. 

Eventually, after trying to navigate the twists and turns of the alleyways, the group had somehow ended up in a completely new location. 

Lumine first noticed when the scent of salty sea waves hit her nose. Then, was the shuddering of ocean waves lapping against the shore line, and the groaning of metal ships floating in the water.

“Looks like we’re at a dock,” Childe remarked. 

“How did we even get here?” Venti wondered. 

Lumine rubbed at her forehead. “How do we get out?”

The three of them stood silently, thinking, watching as a group of fishermen unloaded from a large docked ship, and funneled into a nearby building—tall and silvery sleek. 

Childe murmured something to himself before heading towards the building himself. “Follow me,” he said to Lumine and Venti. 

The two shared a questioning look, before following Childe forward. 

They all entered the building, finding themselves in a large lobby, business men and women scooting past. Childe instructed Venti and Lumine to wait in the corner as he went alone to approach the receptionist. 

Lumine watched curiously as the receptionist looked at Childe, a mix of wary and annoyance. Childe started saying something to the lady, his face lifted in confidence. The longer he went on, the receptionist’s expression shifted to disbelief, slowly picking up the telephone and making a call. 

The receptionist kept her eyes on Childe while talking on the phone, with Childe smiling right back at her. As the phone call went on, her face stretched into shock, eventually handing the phone right to Childe with wide eyes. 

Lumine furrowed her brows as Childe took the phone, turning away so she no longer saw his face. What in the world is he doing?

When he finished his conversation, Childe turned back to the receptionist, but kept hold on the phone. He gestured to Lumine, and after a nod from the receptionist, he waved her over. 

Lumine awkwardly walked up to the desk, ignoring Venti’s whispered questions behind her. Upon reaching Childe, he held out the phone to her. 

“All yours,” he said. There was something in his expression Lumine hadn’t quite seen before—a sheepishness of sorts, a humbled look that didn’t seem possible for him. 

She hesitantly took the phone, eyes looking to the receptionist who placed the receiver towards her with a smile—much different than her initial standoffish disposition. 

Lumine looked down at the keypad, her fingers already pressing the only number she could remember in the moment. The phone barely rang once before someone immediately picked up.

“Hello?” Aether’s panicked voice crackled on the other end. 

Lumine let out a shaky sigh of relief. “Aether, it’s me—”

“LUMINE!” he interrupted. “Are you okay? Where are you?” 

The slew of Aether’s worried questions bombarded her ear, and she almost laughed. “I’m fine,” she enunciated over his questioning. “I’m safe here with Childe. And Venti.”

“God, you two…,” Aether murmured. “Where are you?”

“Where are we?” Lumine repeated, looking up at the receptionist. The lady quickly pulled out a business card, the address of the building clearly printed; Lumine repeated the address to Aether. “We wound up here because I chased after some asshole who stole all our stuff.” 

There was shuffling on Aether’s end, and she heard him talking to someone in the background. The line crinkled as he returned to the phone. “Okay, I just told Miss Ninguang,” he said. “She wants to talk to you.” 

Lumine swallowed the lump in her throat. The school principal. Oh, I’m definitely in trouble… 

“Miss Lumine?” Ninguang asked. 

“Yes, hello, Miss Ninguang,” Lumine answered. “I am so sorry for the inconvenience; I—”

“Please, do not worry yourself,” Ninguang said, her voice reassuringly mellow. “I am just glad to hear you and your friends are safe.” A chuckle. “We were really quite besides ourselves at your disappearance.” 

Lumine nearly cried in relief. “We-We’re not in trouble?”

“Of course not,” the principal said. “We just want to make sure to get you back safely.” 

“Thank you. Thank you, Miss Ninguang.” 

There was a pause, and Lumine could imagine Ninguang’s small smile. “Now, for the safety of everyone, we’ll meet back up in the morning. For now, it would be best for everyone to rest for the night.”

The night? Lumine glanced out of the large office windows, and blinked at the darkened sky in disbelief. Have we really been lost that long?! 

“From the address Aether gave me, there should be an inn within walking distance from where the three of you are. Stay there for the night, and we will be there to pick you up in the morning.” 

“Stay in the inn for the night? Miss Ninguang, I’m so sorry, but all of our money was stolen—”

“Do not worry. We will call them and make the reservation for you. Please, just rest up. I am sure it has been a stressful day for you.” 

“Th-Thank you, Miss Ninguang.” 

“I trust you. Stay safe.” Then, the line clicked off. 

Lumine slowly handed the phone back to the receptionist, legs shaky from the relief flooding her body. Finally, the light at the end of the tunnel… 

“Well?” Childe asked. “What’s the plan?”

Lumine relayed the information about the nearby inn. 

“Will you be needing a car ride there, Mister Ajax?” the receptionist asked Childe. 

Lumine’s eyes flashed to him. Ajax?

“No, thank you,” he quickly said. “We’d better get going now.” He sauntered away from the desk.

Lumine jogged up to him. “Ajax?” she questioned. 

She saw his body lock up. “It’s nothing,” he said.

A scoff. “Obviously not. How did you—”

“What’s going on?” Venti asked, skipping over to them. He looked over at the receptionist desk. “What was that all about?”   

“We’ve got rooms at a nearby inn thanks to Lady Ninguang,” Childe said. “Let’s get there quickly before the night gets even darker.” He rushed out of the building. 

Venti shot Lumine a confused look. “Uh, what’s wrong with him?”

“Who knows?” Lumine muttered. 

Childe had always been very straightforward with her, rarely hiding any secrets. 

So why was he hiding something now?

* * *

The inn—Wangshu Inn—was a quaint wooden building lit up with glowing lanterns and paintings plastered along the walls. The lobby and outdoor restaurant had a few groups strewn about, a diverse grouping of travelers. Thankfully, Lumine, Childe, and Venti didn’t look too out of place. 

The three approached the lady at the front desk, a woman named Verr Goldet, with Lumine asking about their reservation. 

“Yes, we just received that phone call about your situation,” she said kindly. “We have the last two rooms ready for you.” 

“Oh,” Lumine uttered. She had assumed there would be three rooms, one for each of them. “I guess Venti and Childe can share a room—”

“I am not sharing a room with him,” Childe said. 

“Ehe, I wasn’t going to say anything, but I will not be sharing a room with the likes of him either,” Venti retorted. 

“Oh, I am so sorry,” Verr Goldet interrupted. “I didn’t realize there are three of you! The last two rooms are single bed only.” 

Lumine’s jaw barely had time to drop before Venti was pulling on her arm. “Let’s have a sleepover like when we were younger, LuLu! We can build forts, watch movies—”

Childe’s hand slid down Lumine’s arm, shoving’s Venti’s hands away. “The only way that’s happening is in your dreams, buddy.”

Lumine shrugged off both of the boys, leaning in towards Verr Goldet. “There are absolutely no other rooms available?” Any combination of the three of them would surely result in a dead body in the morning. 

Verr Goldet started typing away at her computer. “I’ll double check for you!” 

The sound of Childe and Venti hissing insults at each other made Lumine snap around. “Just. Go to the rooms. I will figure where I’m staying for the night. Alone,” she said definitively, pulling the two keys off the counter and holding them out in front of her. 

There was a pause as the two of them stared at the keys. Childe was the first to grab one. 

“Guess this is goodnight then,” he said. He pressed a swift kiss to Lumine’s forehead. “I’ll see you in the morning, Lumi.” Just as quickly, he left, disappearing into the elevator, leaving Lumine’s forehead (along with the rest of her face) to melt with boiling heat. 

Before she had time to process that, Venti’s cheeks puffed, and he planted a kiss on the side of Lumine’s face. “Goodnight, LuLu. If you still want to pig out on junk food, you know where to find me,” he said, jingling his room key. He quickly disappeared into the elevator as well.

Stupid boys. Stupid boys. Stupid boys. Lumine’s mind buzzed. And who was causing this sensation? 

“I am so sorry, ma’am,” Verr Goldet said, bringing Lumine back to reality. “On such short notice we truly gave you the last two rooms.” She clicked around on the computer a little more. “I can find another inn for you to stay at if you’d like.”

Lumine took a deep breath in. Her body was already feeling weighty with fatigue, and she didn’t want to complicate the situation even more. “No, that’s alright. I’ll just...stay in one of the rooms.” 

Verr Goldet nodded. “Which room would you like a key to?”

* * * 

Standing outside the door, Lumine suddenly felt a pang of anxiety burn in her gut. Was she really about to do this? Was it a completely idiotic choice of hers? It wasn’t too late: she could turn right back around and take Verr Goldet’s offer of staying at a separate inn. 

But it wasn’t like she could avoid this choice forever, lest the two boys kept fighting for eternity.

And this was the right choice. She knew it in her heart, no matter how much pain it would cause the other one. She cared for them both, deeply. But in different ways. One as a good friend, the other...something more. 

She started to push the key into the lock, but stopped herself as images of her walking in someone changing brought blood rushing to her head. 

She cleared her throat and knocked on the door instead. 

Seconds passed, and Lumine’s heartbeat picked up, just a bit. Was it anticipation? 

The door opened, and Childe stood there, fully clothed, thankfully. 

He stared at her in silence, as if in disbelief, not sure if she was really there. 

“Move,” was all Lumine could say, feeling heat creep up her spine.

He blinked, and stood to the side, still silent. Lumine stepped through the doorway, moving her way to the corner of the room, and plopping herself on the armchair. Wordlessly, she yanked a blanket from the bed, and wrapped herself in it, then closing her eyes. 

Maybe neither of them would speak. Maybe it would make the situation more bearable. Childe, please, don’t say anything—

“Take the bed,” he said, pulling the blanket off of her. “I’m not having you sleep in an armchair for the night.” 

She tried pulling the blanket back. “It’s fine. You take the bed.” 

A tsk. “Why are you always so difficult?” 

“I am not diff—”

Childe picked her up from the waist, tossing her on the bed. Then he tossed the blanket on top of her. “There. Just sleep now.” 

Her chest fluttered as her breath shortened under the blanket. “And you say I’m the difficult one,” she grumbled. She kept the blanket over her face for as long as she could, not wanting to make eye contact with Childe. 

After a while, she peeled it off for air, and couldn’t help but glance over to the armchair where Childe was sitting, eyes closed. It was obvious he was uncomfortable, his lanky legs crossed awkwardly, and his neck looking oddly stiff. 

Lumine let out a disgruntled groan, and turned on her side so her back was to Childe. “Sleep in the bed before you break your neck in your sleep,” she said. “Just...stay on your side.” 

A long pause. Lumine thought he had fallen asleep. 

“Are you sure about that, Lumi?” he asked. 

“Do it before I change my mind and make you sleep in the bathtub instead.” 

He chuckled lightly. The bed weighed down as he climbed on. Lumine glanced over her shoulder, finding Childe’s back turned to her. 

“I’m not going to do anything you don’t want me to do, Lumi,” he said, as if sensing her eyes on his back. 

She quickly turned her head back, heat flushing into her cheeks. “Good. Because I’d beat you up.”

“I know you would.” 

They laid there in silence, in the dark for a while, backs to each other. 

Lumine couldn’t fall asleep. And she was sure Childe couldn’t either. 

“Why’d that lady call you Ajax?” Lumine asked quietly. 

“Curious about me? I’m flattered.” 

“Nevermind. Goodnight.” 

“It’s my birth name,” he said. “And that place is actually owned by my father.” 

Images of his luxurious mansion flashed in Lumine’s mind. 

“That entire dock, actually, is mostly his. He, uh, runs a very big fishing company. Very famous. Very rich.” 

“Oh,” was all Lumine could utter. That amount of wealth was something she could only dream about. “And you don’t tell anyone because...?”

“We all have our secrets, don’t we, Pres?” he reminded. “People are greedy. If anyone truly knew who I was, all I’d ever be used for is my money.” 

“That’s...very true,” she responded. How...sad. “Is there a reason why you’re not at some big fancy boarding school then?” 

Childe laughed. “Can you imagine me in that kind of environment? I’m not interested in that at all.” 

The bed shifted as Childe moved around. Lumine glanced over her shoulder again, finding Childe laying on his back, eyes open and staring at the ceiling.

“Besides,” he continued. “If I had gone to one of those schools, I wouldn’t have met you.”

Lumine turned onto her back as well. “You would’ve met me anyways,” she murmured. “You ran into me at the arena, remember?” 

“You think so?”

“Our paths would’ve crossed eventually...right?” 

A beat of silence. Fluttering of breaths. 

“Do you regret meeting me?” 

Something about his words, the way he said them, made Lumine’s entire body seize up. It was almost the quietest she had ever heard Childe speak, the tiniest tinge of fear, like his heart had hissed it out before he even really knew what he was saying. 

“No,” she answered, just as quiet, her heart responding to his. 

Another slight pause. Then a small exhale from Childe, breath lilting in a soft laugh. 

“You know. It’s been quite a lonely existence. Before you,” he said. 

Lumine looked over at him. His hand was resting on his chest—right where that huge scar was. 

It was rare to see him so vulnerable, and her to be just as such. Her past self wouldn’t have been able to fathom this happening with Childe of all people.

But just like she said, she didn’t regret it. 

He understood her, better than herself sometimes. And there wasn’t anyone in Childe’s life who came close to knowing who he really was. They both wore facades of sorts, but not around each other. Not anymore. 

Her hand started reaching out without thought. It was the right thing to do, to comfort him, to connect with him. 

Lumine’s hand sat atop Childe’s. “You’re not so lonely anymore, right?”

She felt his hand flex under hers, hesitant. Then, he relaxed, and his fingers intertwined with hers. “Of course not.” 

The warmth from their hold sparked something in her. The warmth of a promise she had made.

She finally turned onto her side, completely facing him. “Did I do it?” Her amber eyes met with his. “Did I save you?” 

He stared at her, gaze lost in gaze. He smiled, small, but real, genuine, from the heart. “Yes.” He brought her hand to his lips, lips brushing over her knuckles. “You saved me, Lumine.” 

She stared at him, wide-eyed with anticipation, heart beating in a frenzy. She swore her chest was going to burst. 

“I love you,” she said. 

…

Childe was frozen, speechless for once.

He’s surprised. He was never surprised. He was always so calm and collected. 

Should I have even said it? No, she had to. She was going to explode otherwise.

“Lumi, are you serious—”

“Yes, I’m serious. I can’t explain it; I just do and I know it sounds crazy, but you—”

He pulled her close and kissed her. 

He kissed her, and this time, she kissed him back. 

* * *

[part 14]

[oikirstein]

𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 | 𝐤.𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐚

PAIRING: tsukishima x fem!reader

SYNOPSIS: You’re in your third year at Karasuno High, and have liked Tsukki for all of them, but after finally being in a relationship with him for the past six months, you realize his cold, careless demeanor, which you once fell in love with, was the same reason you were falling out.

CONTAINS: Angst (?)

WORD COUNT: 2,610

A/N: Anyway, this is my first time writing a char x reader one shot, so hopefully it isn't too dreadful to read. I wanted this one to be about Mr. Kei Tsukishima because the phrase “take it back” sounded angsty, and I have a burning hate towards him, so I thought it would be fitting.

Part two here.

Prompt from here.

Six months.

That’s how long you’ve been in a relationship with Kei Tsukishima, but is that how long you’ve practically been in love with him? Of course not. You’ve liked the blonde boy since your first year orientation, when you noticed how much he soared over the other students. Obviously his height wasn’t the only thing you liked about him. You adored the way he cared about his best friend, Yamaguchi. You found it hilarious when he picked on the other first years (and occasionally the upperclassmen as well). You were in awe of how he almost glowed at the end of a long game. You grew to love his stone cold face, which he wore so effortlessly and so undeniably well. You were fond of the way he’d get annoyed of his short golden curls tickling his forehead. You were desperately in love with every little thing about him. Who would’ve thought that over these past six months, those things that you found so much comfort in, would’ve also become the exact reason you were in the position you’re in now?

You had the grades, you had the looks, but most importantly, you had the boy. What more could you ask for?

It was January when Tsukki had seemed to have forgotten to walk you home—which you thought was strange since he’s walked home with you everyday for the past year and a half—but you made the excuse nonetheless. 

Maybe he’s just running a bit late. Maybe practice was taking longer than expected. Maybe he just lost track of time. Maybe—

Excuse upon excuse was running through your head as you sat outside the gym waiting for him, like you did every day you were together. You always asked him why you couldn’t just wait for him inside so you weren’t vulnerable to the elements (and so you could watch him practice).

“You’d only be a distraction,” is what he always said before walking away and leaving you all alone beyond the gym doors.

A forced smile spread across your face as you shrugged your shoulders and turned on your heels to sit on the bench near the vending machines. You wondered why he was so distant with you—no—you longed for a real answer. Was he trying to hide something within those concrete walls? You knew Tsukki had secrets that he kept from you, hell he hardly ever talked about the things that weren’t secrets, but to say you were shocked when you found out the secret he was keeping was you, was an understatement. Because that day, that special winter day, was the day the sky decided cry.

Your legs moved before your brain could think, and suddenly you were running towards the gym’s entrance, seeking refuge from the rain. The sounds of sneakers squeaking against the laminated hardwood floors, the echoes of volleyballs ricocheting off of walls and hands, the murmurs of huffing and puffing coming from the athlete’s chests—they all came to a halt as they stared at the girl who just interrupted their practice.

“Can we help you?” their captain, Yamaguchi, said with a smile and both hands resting on his hips.

“Oh um sorry. I was waiting for Tsukki outside and it started raining so I kind of just ran in here without thinking,” you giggled to hide your nervousness, but your shaky tone was still apparent.

“Tsukki?” Yamaguchi questioned.

“Yeah...” you trailed off thinking of what to possibly say. Tsukki wouldn't be very happy if he found out that you actually came into the gym and showed yourself in front of his teammates, but then again it’s not like he ever got upset about anything, “it’s just that me and my boyfriend usually walk home together and he still hasn’t come out.”

If according to routine, Tsukki typically would’ve been done with practice about two hours ago. At this time, It would usually be just Yamaguchi left alone with the first years, as he liked to spend extra time working with them and their skills.

“B-boyfriend?” the green haired boy almost couldn’t contain his laughter in his reply.

“Yes...” you tried to laugh with him, but the awkward tension in the air kept getting thicker and thicker.

“I’m sorry,” he chuckled, “it’s just that Tsukki’s never told us he had a girlfriend, or even liked anyone before.”

Oh. So that’s why he wanted to keep you out of the gym.

“Say, how long have you two been dating now?”

“A little over six months.”

His expression went a complete 180. What was once the look of light, friendly banter, was now riddled with fear, shock and a jaw nearly touching the floor.

“Oh my god,” Yamaguchi looked as if an apology was on the tip of his tongue, but before he could get the chance, you opened your mouth.

“Uh well since Tsukishima obviously isn’t here, I’ll just walk home myself. Thanks for the help Yamaguchi,” you hurriedly replied, one foot already out the door.

Step after step, the time it took between your strides became shorter and shorter, as you broke into a run, making your way towards home. Why would he keep you a secret from them? Why is he always so cold? Why does he always push you away? Why does he always tease you with that same monotone voice? Why did he not love you? 

You stopped mid-step as you took in your surroundings. You knew exactly where you were. This was the intersection where you and Tsukki would part ways. You debated: left or right? My house or his? Where should I go? 

You took a minute to think about which direction to take, when suddenly your phone rang. Pins and needles ran through your skin and a chill went down your spine as you read the caller ID.

“Tsukki”

You stared at the phone in shock, eyes wide, mouth agape, and skin turning paler by the second. He never called you first, so why start now? Ah. That’s right. Yamaguchi probably told him what happened.

“Hello?” you practically almost whispered.

“You went inside the gym today?”

“Uhm yes?”

“Why do you sound like you’re not sure,” his words said one thing, but his tone said another. Like he was trapped trying to scream in a place where the volume was muffled.

“Yes,” you said, more stern this time. Today was the day you were going to get answers.

“Why?”

“Take a fucking guess, Tsukki.”

Silence.

“I was waiting for you. Outside the gym. For four fucking hours,” you all but yelled into the phone.

“You could’ve just stayed outside.”

“Are you blind, four-eyes? Did you forget your glasses or something? Its raining!”

“Y/n,” he didn’t say your name often, maybe that's why it always had you so weak in the knees, “where are you right now?”

“Why?”

“Well you sound upset and it seems noisy in the background,” maybe he actually did care about you?

“The intersection.”

“Theres thousands of intersections in Miyagi, Y/N, try being a little more specific,” there it was, the passive aggressiveness he was so good at using.

“I know that, dumbass,” annoyance dripping from your lips, you tried getting across to him that you were fed up with his attitude, “the one where we always split up.”

“K,” was the only thing he uttered before you heard the dial tone.

Could he be on his way here? Did he want to talk to you? Did he want to see you?

One ounce of you. All it took was one ounce, one sliver of hope, for you to be waiting out here in the rain, not entirely sure if Tsukki was going to show up or not. You made a deal with yourself: if he wasn't here in the next fifteen minutes, you were leaving, and the two of you would be over. Right then and there, you hadn't realized that one of those things would have been inevitable anyway.

Five. Ten. Fourteen.

You cautiously watched the clock on your phone as your anxiety grew more and more intense with every passing minute.

There it was. Fifteen.

Some part of you must have known he wasn’t coming, because when the clock struck exactly fifteen minutes, you did not hesitate to get up and take the right to finally go home.

As you turned the corner, you heard the faint tap, splash, tap, splash, tap, splash, coming from behind, growing louder and louder the closer it got. You thought it was just a dog, or maybe some sweet, innocent child playing in the rain. Then you heard the volume of a voice you never thought you'd hear.

“Y/N!” Tsukki cried while running towards you, “Wait!”

You did not stop. You did not wait. Your steps did not waiver the way your breath hitched at the sound of your name. You continued on as if nothing was said at all.

Though this plan of yours didn’t work as you had forgotten one important factor: Tsukishima was an athlete. You forgot how fast he could run if he really wanted to...but maybe you wanted him to run after you? This was all you wished for after all. For once you wanted him to understand how it felt to chase after someone with no requiting in sight.

You didn't stop walking until you felt a heavy hand on your shoulder and an audible exhale against the nape of your neck.

“Why are you running away from me? I know you heard me,” he said, his monotone tone of voice almost slipping...was he...pleading?

You hadn’t turned around yet when you spoke, “You have some nerve asking me that,” you all but spat.

“W-what?” Oh so now he was stuttering? Was this even the same Tsukishima you fell in love with all those months ago?

You turned around so fast, you could have sworn he winced when his arm was violently whipped to the side.

“Isn’t that all you’ve been doing for the past six months?” You raised your voice—something you’ve never done in front of him before—but little did you know that this day was going to be full of firsts for you two, “Just look at today. You forgot about me. You didn’t tell your team about me. You barely even talk to me.”

“Wait, that’s not true—”

“Is it not? Your best friend didn't even know that you had a girlfriend,” you cut him off.

“Well if you would just shut the fuck up and let me explain you would know why I did all of that!” 

What a terribly heartbreaking sight: to see two young lovers yelling at each other in the rain. Tsukishima grabbed your wrist and turned around, making an effort to start walking in the opposite direction.

“Just follow me,” he sighed, putting his headphones on and dragging you along behind him.

You were tired—exhausted really. It was draining to be the only one putting in effort to stay together. You genuinely believed that if you stopped initiating, the two of you would fall apart. That’s probably the reason why only a mere whisper could be heard from your lips.

“Do you even like me?”

With the sound of the rain’s relentless smacking of the puddles on the floor and the music coming from Tsukki’s headphones, he wasn’t entirely sure if he heard you correctly, or if you had really said anything at all. Still, although his pace never faltered, he still felt a pang in his heart from your supposed words.

You used your free hand to ever so lightly tug on the hem of his shirt, and that’s when he realized you truly did utter those broken hearted words. It was like he nearly came undone at your touch.

“What?” he said as he slowly lowered his headphones to rest on his shoulders.

“I know you heard what I said,” suddenly the sky wasn’t the only thing crying that day, but unlike the heavens above, your tears were warm, livid, and came slowly down your face—inaudible to the human ear.

“Y/N—”

“It’s a simple yes or no answer, Tsukishima,” you said this despite already knowing the answer. He was either going to tell the truth or lie.

“Yes.”

He lied.

It was true: you had the grades and you had the looks, but life could not grant you the boy.

“Let’s,” your voice almost broke at the thought, but you kept yourself together for just a little longer, “break up.”

Tsukki swore his heart stopped beating for a second. Surely you weren’t serious.

“W-what? Why?” His voice was shaky and panicky—two things you wouldn’t dare associate with him.

“You’re smart! Do you need me to spell it out for you?” You looked up at him, eyes glossy from oceans spilling out of your lash line, and the sound of defeat flowing out of your throat. “I’m so tired of this whole relationship being one sided! Do you want me to start coughing up rose petals for you until I can’t breathe? Because surely I’m getting there.”

“Do you seriously think I don’t like you? I wouldn’t be standing here if I didn't care for you,” he half-screamed. Tsukki was offended that you’d doubt him, but he was the one who gave you every reason to.

“For the first time in six months—six fucking months—you came for me. Where was this attitude yesterday? Or the week before? Or months ago? The fact of the matter is,” you took a deep breath as to not unravel right then and there, “your heart is the one thing that will never be mine.”

You turned away from him and whispered, “So let’s just end this here, before any of us—before I—get hurt,” and you walked away. It wasn’t until you were out of earshot when Tsukki’s heart wrenching three words slipped from his mouth.

“Take it back,” he held his hand out for you, watching as your petite frame got smaller and smaller with every stride.

When you disappeared from view, he slowly turned around and slumped in his step. He went back home and dropped to his knees when he opened the door to the reminder of your absent presence. 

Why had he left early?

He planned a special surprise for you at his house for your six month anniversary. A banner, chocolates, roses, teddy bears, and all of your favorite movies. It took him all of six months to build up the courage to do something as heart warming as this—but unfortunately, he was six months too late.

Why was he so cold?

He knew that’s why you caught feelings for him. You told him all about how you fell in love with his distant demeanor. How you thought it was cute when he cringed at people trying to make conversation with him. He never changed because he thought that's what you wanted. After all, that is the reason you liked him, wasn’t it? Maybe he was just too inexperienced to recognized what you truly wanted—no—what you truly needed.

You see, Tsukishima was the type to love in silence, the way you did all those years ago. He left you love letters in your shoe locker, the ones you assumed to be from random secret admirers. He’d leave practice thirty minutes early so you wouldn’t have to wait for him too long. He’d make sure to shut anyone up who dared speak a single negative thing about you, because he too, was in awe of every single aspect you had to give.

Neither of you could have predicted that that unassuming day six months ago was truly the beginning of the end.

© all content [unless stated otherwise] belongs to oikirstein 2020. do not modify or repost.

reblogs are greatly appreciated :)

[dwaynepride]

somewhere only we know

summary: it’s late, and dwayne searches for some peace in the chaos.

words: 1,628

warnings: coroner!reader but only kinda

tags: @6adb0y @thegoodlonelydalek​ @consultingdoctorwholock​ @starryrevelations @thebeckyjolene​ @diaryofafan17​ @specialagentlokitty​ @stanathanxoox​ @pageofultron​

It was the tail-end of a cold, breezy day, and Dwayne was happy to walk into the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office.

It’s a strange occurrence for southerners to retreat inside because it was too cold out. Maybe a handful of months out of the year would prove too chilly to be out for long. Even Dwayne exhaled as he came through the doors, pleased to feel his nose and ears start to warm back up.

The hallway is empty, turning orange with the light of dusk and smelling like old Pine Sol. His footfalls are audible without nothing else to cover up the sound, and the silence makes him nervous. He starts to get worried that there’s nobody here.

Or at least, the person he’s here to see has left already. And Dwayne would have to try again tomorrow.

The worry deepens as he comes up to Loretta’s lab and sees it mostly dark. A frown comes over Dwayne’s face, wrinkling his brows until he sees somebody moving inside. And there’s not even enough time to get hopeful before he recognizes the form as Loretta.

Well, maybe she’ll know where you are.

He opens the door slowly, immediately attracting the attention of his old friend. She turns, face lighting up as Dwayne closes the door behind him. “Dwayne! What a lovely surprise,” she greets him.

“Evenin’, Loretta,” he replies in return. And for the first time in quite a while, Dwayne’s feeling shy. He hopes it’s not written on his face as plainly as he thinks it is.

“It’s late. Why’re you here?” Loretta asks him. And her question makes him feel just a little foolish - she’s standing there, coat on and purse in hand, obviously about to leave for the night. And yeah, he knows it’s pretty late. Dwayne figures it was a bargain to come by, but something in his heart told him to.

His weight shifts slightly. “I, uh- I had a question ‘bout a case.” A harmless white lie won’t hurt anybody, right? “I was lookin’ for that assistant of yours. Know if they’re still here?”

Dwayne can feel his heart pound in his chest. It makes his palms sweat. Makes it hard to meet Loretta’s eyes, even as the coroner takes no notice. “Next door, in Sebastian’s lab,” she answers. “I tried telling them to head home, but they insisted there was some more work to be done.”

So you’re still here? Dwayne forces himself not to let the relief show on his face.

“I know how that goes,” he replies. Puts on a smirk to let his humor mask his nerves.

Loretta simply hums at him, turning to continue gathering her stuff. “Oh, I know. You two are very alike, as a matter of fact. It’s no wonder you get along, so well.”

Her words are like a hand around his throat, squeezing tight and cutting off his air. For a moment, Dwayne wonders if maybe Loretta knows more than she lets on. If she’s slyly teasing him about a budding romance that Dwayne himself hasn’t fully understood yet. He’s not sure how he’d react, and would likely scamper home with his tail between his legs.

But she says nothing else, and he uses the silence as an escape. “Well, I’ll leave you to your night,” Dwayne quickly spouts as he backs away. “Talk to you tomorrow.”

“Good night, Dwayne!”

Once he leaves the lab, it’s a little easier to breathe. Only a little.

Because Dwayne turns in the direction of Sebastian’s lab. And true to Loretta’s word, he can spot a single light emanating from inside. It’s bright, white, and cuts through the dull gold of a Louisiana sunset. Slowly, he turns and makes his way to the doors on the other side of the hall. Stops right in front of them to peer in and take a look.

You’re right there, back facing him, studying something on the plasma TV. To Dwayne, it looks something like a zoomed-in puncture wound - red and gaping against deathly pale skin. And the cop inside of him wonders what you’re still working on so late in the day. Wonders how he can help.

Though, the more human part of him is intensely aware that you’re here alone.

Slowly, he pulls the door open, expecting you to hear and turn around. To recognize Dwayne and smile and greet him and the bundle of nerves in his stomach can finally go away.

But it seems that you don’t even hear him come in. The door shuts silently behind him, and Dwayne doesn’t even dare to breathe. For a moment, he just watches you - hip cocked to the side, arms crossed. Probably has that adorably focused expression that you wear every time you’re at a crime scene with him and the team. He longs to see it again. That’s why he came all the way down here. In truth, it’s becoming harder and harder to go the whole day without seeing you, even once.

Dwayne takes a small step forward, gently clearing his throat. “Evenin’, sweethe-”

You jump instantly, gasping and cutting Dwayne’s sentence off. Whirling around and seeing him with wide eyes and he raises his hand a bit in a mock surrender. And then you huff, shaking your head at him. “You scared me,” you simply say.

He can’t help but smirk. Yeah, he knows he scared you pretty thoroughly. But you’re still wearing those autopsy scrubs and your hair is a bit messy from a hard day’s work and seeing you is exactly what he needed to end with day on. “Sorry,” Dwayne offers in a soft tone. He takes another step closer, even though you’re watching him through narrowed eyes.

“You could’ve knocked.”

“I thought you’d hear me come in.” Dwayne nods to the monitor behind you. “What’s got you workin’ so late?”

You huff at him, but you turn back to the puncture wound shown on the monitor. “I dunno. I guess it’s just a stupid hunch I had about the cause of death,” you answer.

Dwayne gives a light shrug, even if you don’t see it. “Don’t dismiss a hunch so soon,” he advises. “Sometimes, it’s a good hunch that solves a case.”

He hears you smirk. And when you turn back to him, Dwayne’s pleased to see you smiling at him - fear forgotten. “Funny. Dr. Wade told me the same thing. I guess that’s why she’s letting me stay late,” you tell him.

His head dips in a nod. And suddenly, Dwayne doesn’t quite know what to say next. His first mission was to come and find you. Now that he succeeded, he never figured out what he’d say if he did find you here. So his eyes trail over the lab before falling back to you. And the way the dark orange light hits you through the window makes him breathless. “Want some help?”

You shake your head at him. “You should head home. I heard you had a long day.”

“Nah, it’s okay. I’ll stay, if you want me to.”

Dwayne takes a step closer to you. Another one, because he can see the conflict in your eyes. And he just hopes you say yes, even if there’s not much he can actually help with, because he isn’t a coroner. Still, you haven’t said no yet. And Dwayne suspects that’s because your eyes turn much softer as he approaches. The sight of it makes his chest tight with affection.

“I don’t know. You might distract me,” you reply lowly. Maybe you meant it to be teasing, but honestly, it might be true.

With another long step, Dwayne is finally in front of you. Close enough to reach out and touch you, but he doesn’t. Not yet. “I can be helpful,” he says. “If anything, I can offer moral support.”

You laugh out loud at his words. That wasn’t Dwayne’s intent, but he sure as hell doesn’t mind it. You sound good and your smile is always wanted and the laugh is what finally pushes him to reach out for you. To grasp your hand softly, like he’s done before, and revel in the way your skin feels against his. Even in this tiny contact.

Your eyes haven’t left his. And Dwayne would happily drown in the sea of your gaze like the Gulf during a hurricane. “You can stay,” you finally tell him. As if your fingers squeezing his hand weren’t answer enough.

Dwayne smiles, and it mimics yours as he leans in. Close enough to kiss you, and he nearly goes for it. But he stops. Makes you come up to him. And when you do, Dwayne simply forgets how to breathe. The evening sun and its waning warmth is no match to how you feel when you kiss him so softly; like a blanket straight out of the dryer. Or more appropriately, a fire chasing away the cold of the night.

It’s not a deep kiss. Not a desperate kiss. It doesn’t need to be. Dwayne brings his other hand up to curve along your cheek. Reveling in how you lean into his hand before he breaks the kiss. And when he leans away, you’re watching him with those soft eyes again. A sigh escapes your lungs, and somehow, it really cements how real this moment is.

They’re not so common. Dwayne knows it’s because whatever this is between you is still new and unfamiliar and hinging on secret, stolen moments nudged between chaos. And yet, that’s what makes it all the more sweet.

It’s probably what made drove Dwayne to see you.

“Y’know what?” You ask him softly.

His eyes crinkle with his smile. “What?”

“I like it when you distract me.”

[anarcoqueer1994]

4th of July, 1932

It was Steve's 14th birthday, not that anyone would remember, not when he shared a birthday with America's number one day to blow up things. Sarah even had to work today, regretfully telling him they would have a little birthday dinner tomorrow. She gives him a plate of deviled eggs to bring down. He doesn't give her trouble, he knows his ma has to work any shift she could get to support them. He'd bring in a little doing free lance drawing in the park, but not nearly enough.

Anyhow, the neighborhood was having a block party for the holiday, so he decided to go down and enjoy, knowing Bucky would be there. In fact, when he opened his door to head out, Bucky was already on his steps waiting for him.

"Happy Birthday, Stevie!" Bucky smiles at him before pulling him into a big hug, carefully maneuvering as to not drop the eggs. Usually this would be fine, he and Bucky hugged all the time. But Bucky turned fifteen a few months back and had had that growth spurt, putting him almost 8 inches taller than his friend. That's when Steve started to realize that he may like Bucky more than a friend, spending countless nights praying to God to fix him, to make that feeling go away.

But when Bucky hugged him, all those feelings flooded back in as usual, prayer not working. He wanted to pull away, remind Bucky that guys their age aren't supposed to be that affectionate with each other(at least that's what Mr. Barnes had said), but he didn't. He just leaned into it for as long as Bucky wanted.

When the hug finally did break, Bucky was beaming at his friend. "So ready to get down there? Mrs. Horvat made hot dogs, and I don't trust there to be too many for long."

The golden haired boy couldn't help but smile back drawn in by warmth radiating from his best friend. "Sure thing, Buck. I'm ready." Bucky throws his arm around his shoulder as they walk down together.

When they get to the festivities, Steve drops his plate off at a big table(actually crates with some old boards laid across them) on the side walk. They walk around, enjoying the day, gorging themselves on food. Steve notices that Bucky's arm barely leaves his shoulder the entire day. The increased height difference though, made him more conscious of it. It felt like Bucky was pulling him, closer than usual. But he couldn't find it in him to complain.

Unfortunately, Steve isn't the only one who noticed how close the boys are. Walking past a group of women, some being mom's of a lot of the guys they had gone to school with(both having dropped out to help their parents back home, who needed more than an 8th grade education anyways?) Steve heard one whisper to another "Do you think their mothers know?" The other replies "Seriously, boys that age shouldn't be so cozy..."

Steve could feel his cheeks going pink, self conscious as they keep walking. He pulls away from Bucky. Bucky for his part looks...sad, like Steve had hurt him by suddenly pulling away. He has been wrapped up in telling Steve about some pulp novel he had swiped the other day and was reading, he hadn't heard the comments.

"What is it, Stevie? Are you okay?" Worry coats Bucky's features.

"Uh...yeah Buck, just um...guys out age can't act like that, don't, um want anyone to think we are pansy's." Steve tries not to look hurt by his own words but is impossible when Bucky looks like he just got kicked in the stomach.

But he recovers, flashing a fake smile to his friend. "Yea...I guess you're right, Steve."

Steve decides to leave it at that even though he's known Bucky long enough to know his friend's feelings are hurt. They continue to walk the streets, conscious not to touch each other. Unfortunately this isn't enough for some of their ex-classmates.

A group of them sat on some front porch steps of a brownstone. There were a couple of guys and few dames, all who had been in school with the two boys. As they walked by, a boy, Danny Vesely, whispered something into a pretty little redhead's, Mary Anne Smith, ear, pointing at Steve and then to Bucky. Steve knows he should keep his mouth shut, but when he pointed at Bucky, it became personal. But before he can say something, Bucky is already in action. He had seen them point at Steve.

"What's so funny, Danny?" He snaps at the boy making the comment.

"Nothing Barnes, just commenting how cute you and your best girl look."

Steve turns red, looking at the ground. Steve knew he didn't look as strong or manly as other boys his age, his ma assuring him he was just a late bloomer. That didn't make it feel any better when he would be called a girl.

He can feel heat radiating of his friend, anger surging through him. Steve may be embarrassed but he looks up again, ready to back his friend up if their is a fight, putting on a tough face.

Bucky shoots back "You better shut your ugly mug!" Bucky looks ready to kill, hating that Danny is trying to humiliate him.... humiliate Steve.

"Calm down, Barnes. It's nice that you are defending you girlfriend's honor and all but you are being a little dramatic." Danny smirks. "I guess my big brother was right, all you guys who are light in the loafers are so dramatic."

Mary Anne and few of the other kids sitting there chime in in a sing-songy voice. "Bucky and Steve sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.

Now Bucky is red as the girls start to giggle. Bucky knows he can't hit girls, but Danny and the three other boys laughing are fair game. He steps closer and before Danny can react, his fist makes contact with Danny's nose, causing it to bleed. One of his friends steps up to retaliate, but Steve steps between him and Bucky and by some grace of god actually lands a pretty hard punch in the face. But Bucky sees this and knows that the two other guys will soon be coming to back up their friends. He understands they will be out numbered and refuses to let Steve get hurt.

Without out thinking, he grabs Steve's hand, pulling him away from the group. They run until the others stop chasing them, hiding in an alley, and then...Steve laughs. The adrenaline of the fight and running away from guys together, felt good. Honestly doing anything with Bucky felt good. He feels silly for pulling away from Bucky earlier. Bucky smiles, because of course he does. Those mean words didn't mean anything, really, as long as his Steve was happy and smiling.

Darkness is starting to fall, and the fireworks show over the water was supposed to start soon. As they stood in the alley, still holding hands, Bucky spots a fire escape ladder. "Hey Stevie?"

"What?"

"Do you trust me?" Bucky asks plainly.

"Don't be stupid, Buck. Of course I trust you, punk." Steve replies like it is the most obvious thing in the world. Steve can't think of a single person he has ever trusted more than his best friend from preactically the day he was born. Their mother's had been friends and Bucky, who was a who was a whole 16 months older, wanted to hold "the baby" all the time. It was "his baby," Of course not realizing he was a baby himself, but as he got older, he never stopped wanting to hold "his baby," even if Steve was too dense to realize that.

Bucky drags him to the fire escape. "Follow me,Jerk." He smiles and of course Steve does follow him, They make it the top, until they are on tha roof. "What are we doing up here?" Steve questions.

"Watching the fireworks." Bucky replies simply with a smile that Steve can't help but mirror back. Bucky hesitantly takes Steve's hand again, and when Steve doesn't pull away, he laces his fingers with his friends, taking him to a spot on the roof that seemed clean enough to sit.

They wait for the fireworks, and when they finally start, Steve can only focus on Bucky and the way his face lights ups as the colors explode in the sky. He isn't sure what compels him to do this, but he rests his head on Bucky's shoulder. He feels the brunette tense for a moment, before he wraps his arm around Steve's shoulder.

He whispers softly "Hey Stevie?"

"Yea?" Steve's voice equally as quiet.

"Did you know that these fireworks aren't for the Fourth of July? Who cares about a dusty old country anyways? They are for you to celebrate the birthday of the best fella in the world." Bucky says in a matter-of-fact manner, you would be forgiven for thinking he actually believes this.

But he has been saying this to Steve every year since he learned to talk, so Steve was expecting this. It still didn't change the way Steve ended up blushing, this year feeling like there was more weight behind his words. "Thanks, Buck..."

"Don't thank me, it's true." Bucky insists before continuing. "One more question, Stevie."

"Shoot." Steve responds, head still firmly planted on Bucky's shoulder.

"What do you want for your birthday?" Bucky asks plainly, but Steve could feel Bucky's hand lazily stroking his shoulder.

Steve takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He know what he wants...and he figured after the events of today, he could ask. If Bucky is repulsed, he can play it off like a joke. In a voice almost too small to be audible, Steve answers "A kiss..."

Bucky's hand stills on Steve's shoulder before pulling away. Steve begins to panic, lifting his head off of Bucky's shoulder. He starts to make up a lie in his head, to brush this off, and never talk about it again. But when he looks up at Bucky, he had adjusted so he was sitting in front of Steve now, smiling. He softly replies "Okay." And Steve feels like his heart will beat right out of his chest and fly away. He wonders if Bucky would catch it for him.

His hands go clammy as he is watching Bucky lean in, slowly, almost too slowly. Steve closes his eyes, nervously leaning to meet Bucky, and their lips connect and it's better than the fireworks going off around them. It's chaste, and awkward, the awkwardness of a first kiss for both of them but unbelievably sweet.

When they pull away, both are smiling contently. Bucky takes his place back next to Steve, wrapping both arms around him now, threatening to never let him go. As they watch the rest of the show, he says "Happy Birthday, Stevie."

[dreaming-of-brawlstars]

Mortifying Discovery: Part One

Desc: Colt’s been running around Starr Park for ages now, and had depended on Jessie as his navigator. But sometimes a map doesn’t do justice to what’s there.

Author’s note: I decided to try my hand at a bit of good ol’ fridge horror instead of blatant psychological horror. This one’s shorter than my others, but it’s a two-parter!

“Alright, Jess.” Colt held the radio close to him, normally it was in his duffel bag, but he didn’t want his voice muffled. Or Jessie’s. “Do you have any clue where I am? This place doesn’t look familiar.”

“Uh, where are you by? What’d you just leave?” She asked. Colt looked around.

“I… I see the Starrcade. I just entered in through the central area. I think I passed by the mines-“

“Mortis’ Mortuary.” Jessie cut off his ramblings. It took a few moments for her to explain. “It’s that big grey building in the distance on the left. You can’t miss it. There’s a big dead tree by the haunted house. They don’t even use it. The entrance is at one of the other corners.”

“…a mortuary? Haunted house?” Colt raised an eyebrow, glancing around. “As if Starr Park wasn’t creepy enough already. Now this?” He muttered.

Jessie sighed into the mic. “Colt, trust me. There’s nothing here, just the place and some trees. I heard it used to look a lot prettier, then the changed it to be like this for some reason.”

“Well-“ Colt was cut off by the sound of fireworks in the distance, making him freeze in place. He looked back at the main park, seeing colored explosions. “…Jess, it‘s starting.”

“I know. I can hear it.” He could sense that she had the same reaction as he did. “You need to get out, now. Find a place to hide, like you always do.”

“I’m going back to the park-“

“You won’t be able to make it out of there fast enough.” Jessie interrupted with an edge to her voice. “I know this area is pretty open, but there’s some bushes, and since everyone will be distracted by the fireworks I-I think you can make a run for it.”

“A run for it where?” Colt grumbled. “The only places near here are the park and the cemetery, unless you want me to go all the way to the haunted house?” His voice rose higher and higher.

There was a heavy sigh coming from the radio. “Just get to the house. Like I said, they don’t even use it. I doubt anyone’s even in there, and they’ll be busy with everyone freaking out at the fireworks going haywire.” A pause. “And the house isn’t actually haunted. It’s an attraction.”

“Well it’s Starr Park, I know half of the nightmare fuel here are literal nightmares, but they also managed to make a robot bear which chased me- are you laughing?”

“Yeah.” Jessie chuckled lightly. Her laughter died out. “Look, just try to get to the house before it’s over, okay? Get out of the open fast.”

“Okay. I’ll find a spot to hide then. I’ll get back on the frequency once I’m safe.” He began to put the radio back in his bag. “Okay?”

“Be careful.” Her voice softened. “Love you.”

He hesitated, then nodded. “I’ll see you later.” He put the radio back into his bag. “See you soon,” he muttered before turning it off. “Love you too, kid.”

The radio was light, so he didn’t really notice the additional weight. Besides, he found the weight of the duffel bag comforting. It made him feel grounded. He felt less uneasy. Still not completely relaxed though. It was probably because of the sudden silence of the area. Of course, there was still the noise from the explosions.

He heard it enough times that he was sure he could do a countdown to the news and weather announcement that would follow on the radio soon after. But he didn’t wait for that, instead bolting when he heard an explosion that was most definitely not a firework, then a chorus of screams that followed.

He dodged into a bush, staring into the darkness as the graveyard was illuminated by the fireworks. He took moments to scan the area, and run in the brief moments of darkness. Starr Park was most likely focused on the current disaster, but he didn’t like the idea of being spotted. Especially with his luck. Not that he couldn’t hide, no, he could. Just, there were some… accidents.

With a deep breath, Colt moved towards the nearest wall, and crouched down behind the closest tree in a bush. He was practically in what he could assume was the front yard of the haunted house.

This… felt familiar. In a bad way. Hiding in the dark, running from light, afraid of being seen… and intending to get into a house that wasn’t his.

“Nope, I am not dealing with this.” He pinched bridge of his nose, wincing, reminded the bandaid was on it for a reason. “Come on, Colt. Think. This isn’t the first time that you’ve gotten involved in something like this,” He didn’t remember much, but if it was familiar, he probably had experience. “So, you can make it through this one. You’re not the bad guy this time.”

He wasn’t here to steal something. He just needed a place to hide. That was all. He wasn’t a bad person-

A loud pop and bright flash of light that nearly made it look like daytime snapped Colt out of his thoughts, bringing him to reality and reminding him that he still had to hide in an actual place. Not in the open.

Looking out of the bush, he slightly grimaced as seeing that something had caught fire, bringing a constant light. And from what he saw, it was only getting more intense.

Screw it. He was making a break for it.

Quickly, he stood up and made a dash for the porch, checking the door. When the knob didn’t turn - which didn’t surprise him - he went to the window. Pulling his sleeves over his hands, he attempted to open the window from outside. Thankfully, it was unlocked, so he swung it open, climbing through as quickly as possible. As he landed on his feet inside the room, he glanced around, hearing the distant sounds of people yelling as well as more firecrackers.

He was in a living room. No lights were turned on. He stepped away from the window, briefly reminding himself to close it, slamming it, locking it. Then, he glanced around the place.

Not waiting anymore, Colt pulled out the radio, turning it on. “Jessie? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I am.” She answered immediately. “What about you? You took a while - the news and weather announcement started and I was getting worried.”

“Sorry. I-I’m fine, I promise…” Colt tried to smile, hoping it’d reassure himself. “I made it into the house.” He added.

“That’s good.” He could hear her sigh in relief. “So, after the lecture from the weird guy, there’s the eight hour sleep music. As per usual. They usually start looking for you at night since they’re not busy with everyone else.” She reminded him.

“Then it looks like I’m staying here for a while, Jessie.” Colt mumbled. “Don’t worry, alright? I’m safe. I promise, and I don’t plan on leaving this place anytime soon.”

She exhaled softly again. “Good. Okay, you should-“ She paused. “…do you hear that?”

“Wh-“

“Shh,” she whispered. “It’s faint, but listen.”

In a moment of silence, Colt attempted to listen through the fireworks outside and the settling of the house.

Then he heard the familiar sound of the announcement. Another radio. He swallowed a lump in his throat.

“…I’m going to find it. And I’m going to turn it off.” Colt repeated as calmly and carefully as he could manage. “I’ll keep it quiet. I don’t want them finding out I’m here… or… anywhere close by.” He whispered.

“Call me back. Promise.” She said quietly, her voice barely audible above the fireworks. There was another moment of silence, and then she continued to speak in a whisper, almost as if she had lowered her voice so no one could overhear her. “If you need help, or if it gets really bad, don’t be afraid to tell me. I can help.” She paused for a second, as if collecting herself. “I’ll come save you, I swear it.”

“Jessie, you can’t help anyone if you’re caught.” He told her gently. “I trust you, but there’s a reason I’m out here and you’re the voice that hears me. ” His eyes darted around the room, listening intently. “And it’s just a radio. I’m just turning off a radio.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

There was another silence between them that lasted until the next announcement came on. The fireworks stopped. The man was nearing the end of his lecture. Colt listened as he tried to calm himself. He felt a bit better knowing that someone was looking after him. He didn’t have to rely on himself alone.

“I’ll get back to you.” He started to turn off the radio. He heard Jessie softly whisper an ‘okay’ before it turned to static.

To Be Continued.

[problemchildnoonewanted]

Starker Soulmate!AU: Iron Man P1

2010

Queens, New York

"Hey, Peter! How was school?" Peter closed the front door behind him with a sigh. Aunt May was in the living room by the sound of her voice. When he turned around that's exactly where he found her, leaning over the back of the couch so she could see her nephew.

"Hey, Aunt May," Peter responded in a barely audible tone. Peter adjusted his glasses and started toward his room. He hadn't been able to find the energy to deal with his contacts lately. Ever since Tony Stark had gone missing over three months ago Peter had become withdrawn and depressed. Of course, May noticed almost immediately and tried to pry for a reason but Peter wouldn't budge an inch. "School was fine."

It was most certainly not fine. Flash had been tormenting him ruthlessly for the past two and a half months, seemingly taking advantage of Peter's sudden drop in life. Ned was his only friend and the only one he told about who he thought his soulmate was, so he was the only one who understands what Peter is going through.

"That's great, sweety. What would you like for dinner?" May asked to try and prolong Peter from running directly to his room and locking the door shut. Unfortunately, that never worked.

"Whatever is fine." Peter made a break for isolation but was stopped once more by his aunt.

"Okay. Hey, you think that Tony Stark guy is pretty cool, right? I saw on the news that they just found him." May pointed at the muted TV screen behind her and Peter halted in his path.

"What!?" Peter ran over to the couch and snatched the remote from Aunt May's hand.

"Yeah. It looks likes he's on his way back to America now." May continued a bit confused by how aggressive Peter swiped the remote from her. The thirteen-year-old barely registered what his aunt was saying as he scrambled to press unmute.

"Finally, after three months of searching, Tony Stark has been found and will be landing in Florida in less than four hours alongside his rescuer and close friend, Colonel James Rhodes."

"Oh my god! Oh my god! He's alive!" The remote fell from Peter's fingers and onto the couch as his knees buckled and he slid to the floor. Peter could feel tears slipping down his cheeks as his guardian attempted to comfort him.

"Peter, what's doing on!? Peter talk to me!" May begged the boy as she tried to stop him from further sliding down behind the couch. She soon gave up and rushed around the furniture in the living room to reach the sinking boy.

After a few minutes of Aunt May helping Peter catch his breath, he finally broke down told her why he had been so distraught for the past few months and what his suspicions were. May was rightfully taken aback but as this information processed it all made sense. She recognized the look Peter would get when Tony Stark showed up on the television, but she thought it was just his first crush and he wasn't comfortable telling her about it.

She should have known since that was exactly how she'd look at Peter's uncle and that's exactly how she looked when she lost her mate. She told Peter exactly that.

"Oh, sweety. Come here." She pulled her boy into her arms as he began sobbing again. He didn't think she would believe him and the relief he felt from both that and learning Tony was alive came crashing down on him again.

Peter finally calmed down after Aunt May rocked the small boy in her arms for a good minute, letting him get it out of his system.

"Word has just come in that Tony Stark will be giving an immediate press conference at the Stark Arc Reactor Power Facility in Miami Florida after landing."

They sat in silence while May rubbed Peter's back before he quickly sat up and looked at his aunt and adjusted his unlevel, tear spattered glasses.

"Hey, hey, uh, Aunt May I'm feeling really tired after everything and-um... I'm gonna go take a nap," Peter stuttered out.

"A nap?" May's eyebrows furrowed.

"Yeah, a nap," Peter confirmed and rose to his feet and started walking back toward his room. "In fact, it's been a really long day I think I'll just go to bed early. Okay, goodnight."

May got up to chase after Peter, but he managed to close the door and lock it just as she was about to grab the handle. "Peter, wai-"

"Goodnight, Aunt May! Love you!" She heard the squeak of his bed dipping under his own weight and assumed he was going to sleep either way despite his odd behavior.

"O-okay, Peter... Goodnight."

Once he heard Aunt May walk away he quietly got out of his bed and powered on the computer set up he put together and opened Google.

After looking up everything he'd need in order to fly as an unaccompanied minor he grabbed his phone and pulled up the picture of Aunt May's credit card from when he needed to buy something from the store on the way home from school to get the numbers. He felt horrible about it, but he couldn't pay in cash so he pulled out his stash of three hundred fifty dollars from his last birthday and Christmas.

He wrote a note explaining where he was going, why, and that he was very sorry. He placed one hundred twenty dollars on the note and bought the ticket for the soonest flight from Queens to Miami. Good news: there was one in forty minutes. Bad news: there was one in forty minutes. He quietly dashed to his closet and dug to the back to find his birth certificate and shoved it in his backpack with a single change of clothes, his phone charger, and the rest of his money after emptying it. He was ready to go in less than two minutes and grabbed his phone as he went to his window.

As he was climbing out he took one last look at his door already feeling guilty for the grief he's going to cause his beloved aunt. But this was too important. He can't risk never meeting his mate again. He descended the fire escape in record time and almost thought he would need his inhaler. Luckily he was able to catch his breath as he hailed for a taxi.

Remarkably, the drive only took about thirty minutes leaving him just enough time to check-in at the front and go through security to immediately get on the plane.

Just as he was buckling into the Unaccompanied Minor row he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out to see Aunt May's contact on the screen. He pressed ignore but opened up his text app.

I'm sorry Aunt May but I'm already on the plane and it's about to take off. I love you and I'll see you when I get back.

He then turned off his phone and closed his eyes as he tried to ignore the fact that this was his first time on a plane.

Miami, Florida

The plane ride wasn't too bad other than the few times they had turbulence and freaked him out making some of the adults around him giggle before reassuring him that it was okay. The only bad thing was that it took three and a half hours to get there.

He also came to find out that calling a taxi is much harder in Miami since they don't have nearly as many. However, Peter was still able to make it to the facility

Except by the time he got there, the press conference was already over.

Defeated and on the verge of tears, the boy walked aimlessly around the compound. He couldn't find it in him to turn his phone back on to tell his aunt that it was all for nothing and that he didn't have enough money to get back. He only vaguely noticing the jet black limo he walked past.

"I'm serious, Tony." Tony?

"Okay, Obbey." Peter knew that voice.

"Lay low!"

"I will!" Peter whipped around just in time to a bald man with a cigar that, after researching Tony for so long, he recognized as Obadiah Stane hop onto a segway and ride off. The man he was talking to was now quickly moving for the door being held open to the limo he just passed. That man was the one and only Tony Stark. The same one that had been starring in all his dreams for almost the past year.

"M-Mr. Stark!" Peter bolted to the man. "Mr. Stark, wait!"

The man opening the car door moved to cut Peter off but the second Tony made eye contact with the boy he yelled for "Happy" to stop. The instant their eyes met, Peter knew that he was right all along. This man was his soulmate. It was like he was seeing everything for the first time and everything felt so intense. And hot? The pair could already feel their emotions linking together and it was weird yet felt so right.

"Boss?"

"Let him pass, Happy."

"Hey. Mr. Stark. Um. I'm- I'm Peter."

"Tony." The man in the arm sling approached the kid as well with a somewhat disbelieving expression.

"I know."

"So you do." Now that the boy was in arms reach Tony raised his good arm to pat Peter on the shoulder as if to make he's real. The contact only further solidified the pull the two felt. Peter was sure his knees were going to give out when Tony looked him up and down before leaning down to gaze directly into his eyes as though he were trying to see his soul.

"Sir?" Happy interrupted whatever was happening between the two.

"Hm? Right. You here with anyone, Peter?" Tony refused to even glance anywhere that wasn't this small cute boy in front of him.

"No. No, I'm not. Uh- Tony." Peter shook his head.

"Alright. I want to go home and I'm definitely not done with you so hop in." Tony slid his hand to the back of Peter's and started directing him to the open car door.

"Home. Your home? We're- you want me to come to your home? With you?" Peter struggled to find the words as he was led to the limo.

"Yep. That's exactly what I mean. In you go, kid." Tony gripped Peter's neck a little harder and pushed him down so he'd have to get in. Peter didn't put up any resistance after Tony gripped him with strong hands. Peter has always been a bit of a pushover, but he had never felt so submissive before. Tony then climbed in after him and pressed up against Peter with the subconscious need to keep contact with the sweet boy. Happy was a bit confused, but got in and started the car none the less.

[axoxtxhxh]

Can’t it be You? - Chapter 2

Summary: A couple days after the party, Kinjou has a request for Y/N.

Kinjou x Fem!Reader    Discussion of Sex/Losing virginity   Word Count: ~3000

“Y/N!” Kinjou was running across the courtyard to catch up. “Y/N!”

Y/N heard her name being called and turned around to see who was calling her. She saw Kinjou running past people, waving at her. He bumped into a couple students walking, knocking their books down as he collided with them. She watched him apologize, helping them pick up their things and then run towards her, this time keeping his bookbag closer to his body. He reached her, out of breath.

“I… I… I’ve been…” He was panting. Y/N put her hand on his shoulder as he caught his breath. “I’ve been looking for you. I was trying to get your attention all day, but you haven’t noticed.”

“You have?” She questioned.

“Yeah, I was watching you in the library.” His breathing finally normal.

“You were watching me in the library.” She repeated and lowered her eyebrows. “Why didn’t you just text me?”

“That’s a good point.” He realized.

“I’m actually pretty busy.” She turned and started walking, Kinjou following behind. “What did you need?”

“I had a proposition for you.” Even though he was taller than Y/N, he was still struggling to keep up with her walking. “Well, more of a request.”

“What’s that?” She looked at the time, knowing she was already late.

“I’d really rather not talk about it here.”

“Then why did you chase me down to talk to me?” She laughed. “I’m eating dinner with Shinkai tonight. Why don’t you come over and you can tell me then?”

“I don’t…” He wasn’t sure how comfortable he was with anyone else knowing what he was going to ask her, but of all the people he would be most okay with Shinkai knowing. “Okay.”

“Six o’clock,” she said, “my place.”

“Okay.” He stopped following her and watched her walk faster to the science building. It didn’t take long for a blush to make its way to his cheeks, already anxious to ask. He was finished with classes for the day and decided to drop his stuff off at his dorm and go out for a bike ride until dinner.

The size of the campus was one of the things he loved most about his school. On a casual ride, it took him thirty minutes to make it around the perimeter. When he was looking for a longer ride, he could weave through the buildings and get a good hour out of it. If he wanted a quieter ride, he could go to the park nearby and ride along the paths. He didn’t have time for a long ride today so he settled for riding around the edge of campus.

Six o’clock was quickly approaching and he rushed home to shower and go to Y/N’s apartment. By the time he got there, Shinkai was already inside and the food they ordered was there.

“Hey.” He placed his helmet on the floor with his shoes. “Is it just the three of us?”

“Yeah.” She pulled three plates from the cabinet and moved them to the table. They all sat down to eat and the conversation quickly moved to cycling. Y/N used to be on the women’s cycling team for the university when she was an undergrad and had a lot of interesting stories the guys never got tired of hearing.

“Couldn’t you have stayed on the team since you’re doing your masters?” Shinkai asked her.

“I could have.” She shrugged. “I just couldn’t find the time. Being a TA takes up all my extra time now. I thought you guys were exhausting. This new group is way worse.” She looked at them, knowing what they were thinking. “I still practice though, so don’t get any ideas. I could still beat you guys any day of the week.”

They continued the conversation as they cleaned up the dishes. Shinkai surprised them both with dessert he brought. They put the cake on the table and each took their forks to it. Y/N remembered Kinjou wanting to talk to her about something.

“What was it that you were asking me earlier?” She turned to him after taking a bite.

“Oh.” Kinjou blushed immediately. “I—uh, we can talk about it later.”

“What was it about?” She questioned.

“It must be good if it’s making you blush that red.” Shinkai added.

“It’s just a little personal.” He stated, starting to play with a bite of cake with his fork.

“Is it about your classes?” She wondered.

“No, it’s not really related to school.” He told them.

“Is it about cycling?” Shinkai asked, taking nearly half of the slice in his mouth. “I could probably help.”

“No.” He adjusted his glasses, feeling his face getting hotter.

“I know we’re friends, but that’s literally the extent of the overlap of things we have in common.” She laughed a little and took a sip of her wine.

“I want to have sex with you.” He blurted out, his face managing to flush a deeper red. Y/N spit her wine out, spraying the table and parts of them with the splatter and coughing. “Or rather, you have sex with me… I want you to be the first person I have sex with.” Y/N was coughing still, trying to swallow the wine that didn’t make it out of her mouth.

Shinkai sat there, his mouth open, not saying a word. He was actually unsure of what he could say in the moment. He looked at Y/N, still choking then turned his gaze to Kinjou.

“I think this is a great idea.” He beamed at both of them. Y/N wiped her mouth and the table with her napkin and took a deep breath.

“Why… where is this coming from?” She asked him.

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I just want to do it.”

“That’s a solid reason.” Shinkai added and Y/N glared at him though she did agree. Wanting to have sex and knowing you were ready were the only requirements really. Well, that and having a partner which Kinjou seemed to think of you for this.

“But I mean why are you asking me this?” She asked. “You don’t need to pick someone just because they are around you. You know plenty of women.”

“I don’t really.” He shrugged softly and looked up at her. “I want it to be you though. Can’t it be you?”

“This is getting really good.” Shinkai murmured to himself stealing Y/N’s wine glass and drinking it himself.

“What about the other women in your classes. There’s bound to be one—”

“First of all, the way you say that is insulting, don’t you think? Bound to be?” Kinjou started. “Second, you think I should just choose a random person to lose my virginity to?”

“He has a point.” Shinkai turned to Y/N. “Plus, you took my virginity so you’re practically an expert.” He leaned back in his chair smiling.

“Shinkai, you aren’t helping.” She took her wine glass back from him. “I just mean—”

“If you don’t want to do it, just say no. Stop trying to find other women for me.” Kinjou went back to playing with the cake.

“It’s not that I don’t want to.” Both guys quickly looked up at her. “Do… do you even know how awkward this will be?”

“It’s just sex,” Shinkai stated simply.

“For you and me, maybe.”

“Have you even thought about what it would be like to kiss me?” She asked. Kinjou’s face dropped and he swallowed hard. “I didn’t mean that how it came out. I meant have you thought about, like… the logistics of it.”

His mouth opened and closed not being able to say anything. He had carefully considered the idea of this, but when it came down to it, he really didn’t think about how it was going to happen. Y/N looked straight at Kinjou, eyes not moving.

“Could you kiss me right now?” She asked him. “If I asked you to, could you do it now?”

Shinkai slouched in his chair trying not to be noticed, Y/N’s wine glass back in his hand. He smiled into the cup as he watched their reactions.

Kinjou couldn’t think, his eyes just stayed watching her. Was she asking him to kiss her? He didn’t plan on doing it now.Is that what she was planning? He could feel another lump in his throat making it even harder for him to speak.

“I… I—if you…” He chuckled nervously and scratched his head.

This is what he wanted, right? He was ready to lose his virginity and losing it to one of his best friends made the most sense. Until it didn’t. Could he kiss her right now? He was pretty sure she was testing him and he didn’t want to fail.

Kinjou shot up from his chair, eyes fixed on Y/N. He moved towards her with a confidence he didn’t have just a minute before.

“Holy shit,” Shinkai quietly muttered into the wine glass, barely audible to anyone but him. He slouched further into his seat, so happy that he was able to see this.

Kinjou passed the corner of the table, nearly in front of Y/N now. She felt herself sink back into her seat, feeling nervous. Where did this come from? Where was this certainty when he was asking her to have sex? Was he actually going to do this right now? Her stomach felt like it was in her throat. She hadn’t actually meant for him to kiss her now, she just wanted to make it was known how awkward it could be for them.

He was in front of her now. He hadn’t thought about how this was going to work with her sitting and him standing up, but he couldn’t think about that now, he had to make this work. He reached for her hand and pulled her up so she was standing in front of him. The same hand that held her arm moved up to hold the back of her head, cupping her jaw.

His jaw was clenching as he brought his face to hers. Does he open his mouth? Does he keep it closed? He had no idea what kiss would be good enough to convince her. Not that he had much power over that, he wasn’t really an expert with kissing either.

She couldn’t believe this was happening. This was Kinjou. This was one of her best friends. His hand was on the back of her head, pulling her closer to him. She wasn’t sure what to expect. It was possible that he would just pull her in and give her a small peck, but she could see the look in his eyes and she knew it was going to be more. As his eyes lowered to her lips, she was thankful she didn’t grimace with the thought of kissing him. If she was being honest, the closer he got to her, the more that twisted knot of excitement grew inside of her.

Their noses touched each other for a quick second before his lips were on hers. He didn’t move at first, just held his lips against hers, pressing deeply. She thought that maybe that would be it until he opened his mouth, pulling her top lip in between his. His lips were so full and plush and soft and she loved the way they felt. His movements were so careful, barely nudging her, gently shifting. She felt her heart beating as her breathing changed. She wasn’t holding her breath, but feeling his lips move like this on hers caught her breath and held onto it until she felt the wet rub of his tongue on her lips and she opened up, sharing his breath. Her hand unconsciously went to his waist and around his back, pulling him tightly.

He lightly brushed his tongue against her lip and she opened her mouth for him instantly. The motion causing a gasp to nearly escape his mouth. He adjusted his arms, moving one to her waist as their kiss got deeper. He let his tongue play around her lips for a second, enjoying the feeling. He felt her tongue brush against his, entering his mouth and he groaned quietly, squeezing her waist.

Y/N couldn’t believe what she was feeling. Kinjou was definitely helping convince her that maybe this wasn’t as terrible of an idea as she originally thought. It wasn’t awkward at all at this point. At this point it was warm and soft and cozy and it had her feeling hot. His tongue felt weird on her lips at first but not for long. She could taste the chocolate cake they had been eating as she slid her tongue next to his. Kinjou groaned into her mouth, pulling her tighter and she quickly pulled away.

“That—that’s good… um.” She put her hand on his chest and pushed him back, wiping her mouth. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him just yet.

“Fuck…” Shinkai’s voice made them both look at him, his cheeks pink. “Did you forget I was here? I nearly forgot I was here.”

Kinjou quickly sat down in the seat next to Y/N, his hand rubbing his lips slowly. He took off his glasses to rub his eyes.

Y/N sat down in her seat and Shinkai slid the wine glass over to her and she drank the rest in one gulp.

“Can I just say—” Shinkai started.

“Please don’t.” Y/N interrupted.

They all sat in silence for a short while. Kinjou and Y/N looked at the floor, neither one able to bring their eyes to the other. Shinkai watched both of them, a small smile on his face.

Y/N couldn’t believe she was even considering going through with this. She quickly glanced up at him, enough to see his pink cheeks and red lips and she had to look away. If she was being honest with herself, really honest with herself, she wanted to continue with that kiss and move into the bedroom. Hell, she doesn’t have any issues doing it on the table or the floor if she could. She was never going to tell either of them that though.

“God I can’t believe I am actually considering this.” She mumbled to herself then looked up at them. “If I say yes, what’s in it for me?”

“For you?” Kinjou hadn’t really thought about that. “I sort of thought the sex was the prize? Isn’t it something that we would both enjoy?”

“No,” Shinkai said, “you’re definitely getting the better end of the deal and you’re probably going to suck, but based on that kiss—”

“Shinkai, please stop talking.” She massaged her temples. “Everyone sucks. And Hayato has very low expectations for his partner.”

“God, I love when you use my first name,” he groaned, propping his head on his elbow and smiling at her.

“It doesn’t seem right to offer you another cycling shirt to have sex with me, but if you want one, I can give you one. I mean, I don’t have a lot of extra money—” Shinkai burst out laughing.

“Please don’t finish that sentence.” She closed her eyes.

“I think I would like to join in on this.” Shinkai pointed out eating another bite of cake. “I think you need a male teacher as well.”

“Shinkai, I think you need to go home.” She glared at him.

“What!” He exclaimed. “The conversation is starting to get so good!” She stood up, pulling him with her and taking him to the door. “You and I could teach him, show him some stuff—God this is getting so hot.”

“Alright, that’s enough.” She handed him his shoes.

“I need to know if you’re going to say yes.” He smiled as he whispered to her, stepping into his shoes. “You have to say yes. Please, say yes.” She handed him his coat and opened the front door. “If you don’t do it, do you think you and I—"

“Just send me an emoji.” She closed the door, but could still hear him laughing.

Y/N came back to the table and started cleaning. She put the cake in the fridge and Kinjou started picking up the forks.

“Just sit,” she told him. “I’m thinking.” She took the forks from him and he sat back down. She quickly washed them and put them away, grabbing her wine glass and filling it back up. Kinjou watched her as she sat back down at the table.

“When do you want to do this?” She asked.

“You’ll do it?” His eyes opened wide and his mouth slowly curved into a smile.

“If I’m saying I will,” she started, “when would we do it?”

“Anytime. Whenever. Tomorrow.”

“Not to sound old, but tomorrow is Thursday.” She laughed. “How about Friday?”

“Friday is good.” He pulled out his phone and started typing.

“What are you doing?” She tried to peek across the table.

“Adding it to my calendar.” He continued typing.

“Like hell you are!” She grabbed his phone and looked at it. He had added an event titled, “Dinner at Y/N’s”. “Oh.”

“Did you really think I would write exactly what we were doing?” He smiled, taking his phone as she handed it back.

“I mean, I wasn’t going to put it past you.”

“Wow. Thanks for that vote of confidence.” They both laughed, staring at each other. The moment was a little awkward, but familiar at the same time. “I guess I should get going.” They both stood up.

“Or…” she started, “I mean, it’s not even eight yet. Do you want to watch a movie?”

“Sure. Or…” He smiled playfully. “The weather is really nice tonight.” He looked at the window.

“Get my bike from the closet. I’m going to go change.” She ran to the room and quickly put on her riding shorts and Kinjou’s green cycling shirt.

She walked back into the living room, putting on her shoes and Kinjou raised an eyebrow at her shirt.

“It fits nicely.” She smiled.

“It does.” They made their way downstairs and unchained his bike.

“Did you have a path in mind?” She asked.

“Not really.” He buckled his helmet.

“Okay, I’ve got one.” They got on their bikes. “Follow me.”

[imsorrymom124]

Then there were two part 2

Hey, so the reaction i got from my first fic on here was insane, i appreciate everyone who liked it so i’m gonna write a part two :) so if you haven’t read part one : https://imsorrymom124.tumblr.com/post/617434984657092608/then-there-were-two

T/W: Language n stuff, drugs, panic attack, and mentions of abuse

It was almost 12 by time you woke up from your all-nighter with JJ on the beach, you were exhausted but couldn’t help but smile. You sat up and noticed your dad was at the door

“Late night last night, huh?” he said looking at his watch.

“Oh yeah, I was just uh- reading this really good book.” You say grabbing the nearest book to show you weren’t lying.

Your dad narrows his eyes in suspicion and you realize you were holding your little sister’s copy of Diary of a wimpy kid.

“I thought you were a bit more advanced than that, Y/N.” Your dad seemed amused that you were lying, you didn’t do anything that was overly bad or illegal so your parents trusted you.

“A walk down memory lane never hurt anyone!” you shout as you run to the bathroom to take a quick shower, to get the sand and thoughts of JJ off you.

~~~~~

You were eating a very late breakfast when you got a text from kie saying to get your ass in gear and come to John B’s for movie day. You had forgotten that you were supposed to watch a combination of disney and action movies with your friends (you can guess who picked which genre).

You finish your cereal and run outside to your bicycle and hop on to start riding to the house when you notice something up ahead. You hear an engine revving and you knew instantly it was Rafe. You felt your heart sink into your stomach, Rafe was the absolute last person you wanted to see right now. He pulled into your driveway and shut off the engine.

“Looking good Y/N.” He leered at you. You rolled your eyes at his attempt of flirting. You cannot believe you had dated him, he was a douchebag through and through.

“Listen Rafe, I don’t have time for this right now I have places to be.” You said while you begin to pedal away. He grabbed onto the handlebars and stepped in front of you.

“You can’t ignore me forever, you know what we had was the best thing you’re ever gonna get. I’m not a bad guy, Y/N.” He said.

“I don’t want whatever you call what we had back, Rafe. You were controlling and manipulative, you never trusted me.”

He pushed back his and angrily sighed.

“How could i trust you? You were always off with those dirty pogues!” He yelled.

“Those “dirty pogues” are my friends, and I don’t appreciate you insulting them anymore now than I did when we were together.” You said calmly.

He suddenly grabbed your wrists and got close to your face.

“You don’t know what you’re saying right now Y/N, you’re being irrational.” He whispered in your ear.

“Rafe, let go of me.” You said, barely audible, the panic and fear taking over your body.

“I don’t want to hurt you, but you’re forcing my hand.”

You pulled free of his grasp and pedalled like hell as far away from him as fast as you could.

“You can’t do this to me! You are worthless pogue trash!” Rafe yelled as you got further and further away.

~~~

You arrived at John B’s house and threw your bike away as you felt your heart race faster and faster. You put your hand on your knees and tried to steady your breathing, but your mind was running a mile a minute as Rafe’s threats and screams echoed. I just need to calm down, calm down! you thought as your eyes started to fill up with tears.

“Y/N?” you heard a familiar voice call out

Shit, JJ

You wipe your eyes and take a shaky breath.

“H-hey JJ.” You say, still trying to calm yourself down.

“What’s wrong?” He asks, his eyes filled with concern.

“It’s nothing, I was just um, chased by a big dog, nearly lost my life.” You try to joke, a weak laugh escaping your lips. JJ doesn’t seem so convinced.

“You know, you can talk to me. As much as you’re there for me, I want you to know I’m there for you too.” He said stepping closer.

You know JJ would do anything for his friends, that’s just how he was. But, if you told him Rafe had confronted you and the things he said to you... JJ would kill him.

“I know JJ, just not now.”

He seemed to understand that, he nodded his head and pulled you into a hug. Nothing felt more comforting than being in his arms. You heard the door open behind you and you both jumped apart.

“You guys gonna stand there all day or are we going to do this movie marathon?” John B yelled out from his porch.

You and JJ walked into the house and saw Pope, Kie and Sarah sitting in the living room, they all greeted you and you heard popcorn popping in the kitchen.

“Y/N, you’ve been M.I.A all morning. Where have you been?” Kiara asks.

You and JJ look at each other and you put on a smile and reply,

“Late night last night, slept in.”

JJ looks down, knowing that was true but it wasn’t the reason you were late.

Nemo begins to play on the screen and you try to take your mind off Rafe and his words.

~~~

Somewhere in the middle of Terminator, you fell asleep and didn’t realize you had let your head fall onto JJ’s shoulder. You woke up to him shaking you lightly and whispering your name.

You open your eyes and once you realize what was happening you jumped up.

“Woah, where’s the fire Y/L/N?” JJ says while laughing.

“S-sorry i just was...” You trail off as you realize how late it was. You checked your phone and saw that it was 2 a.m and you had five missed calls from your dad and two from your mom.

“Shit! Oh fuck. Fuck!” You exclaim as you try and gather your bearings.

“What’s wrong?” JJ asks.

“I’m dead, I was supposed be home two hours ago!” 

“Here, I’ll garb the keys to John B’s van and I will take you home.” He said, jumping up from the couch.

You hopped in the van and JJ came running out and got into the driver’s seat. You two drove in silence for a minute when JJ cleared his throat.

“I know it’s not my place, but I know that whatever happened today really messed you up. And, I can’t help but worry about you. So when you’re ready to tell me you can.”

He placed his hand on your thigh, which normally you would think was a move but you knew he was just trying to comfort you. You felt your eyes well up with tears as the memory of Rafe crossed your mind.

“It’s just...Rafe.” You manage to get out.

“Did he hurt you? I’ll kill him I swear to god I will-” JJ starts ranting before you interrupt.

“No, no he didn’t hurt me JJ. He just... scared me.” 

JJ looks at you with those big blue eyes and you can feel the empathy has for you. You put your hand on top of his, and manage a smile.

“I have a big blonde guard dog to keep me safe, I’m okay.”

JJ seemed to calm down after that statement, even laughed a bit. You realize he was holding your hand, your heart fluttered.

“If he ever does anything to you, I want to know so I can kick his ass. It doesn’t matter if you think I shouldn’t but I have to.” He says protectively.

You pull into your driveway and JJ shuts off the engine. Some old cassette is playing from the radio and you braced yourself for the hell you would have to face inside.

“Your parents won’t actually kill you, they will yell and stuff but they know you’re pretty much a model daughter.” JJ says to relieve some of your stress

“Being seen with me won’t help your case though.” he jokes.

“The wild JJ Maybank has been cohorting with Y/N Y/L/N? What are we going to do with her?” You mock.

He feigns hurt and you tussle his hair.

“Hey! Hands off the merchandise!” JJ says while grabbing your wrists.

You giggle and then the car goes quiet. JJ is looking at you the same way he did on the beach, and suddenly you look at his lips. He brings your hands down and starts to lean in, your heart was beating out of your chest. You can feel his breath on your lips and you are mere inches away when you hear a door slam in front of you.

“Get the hell away from my daughter!” You hear your dad yell, as you jump back from JJ in shock.

God, why? You thought as you watched your dad approach the van.

You jump out of the car and try to ease the rage that your dad is about to inflict on JJ.

“Dad, stop. We didn’t do anything, JJ is my friend!” You plead, standing between him and the van.

“I wasn’t born yesterday, I know exactly what was happening. You’re out all night and now this boy is trying to get in your pants on my own damn property!” He bellowed.

JJ stepped out of the van with his hands up like he was about to be arrested.

“I’m so sorry Mr.Y/L/N, I was just trying to get her home and this won’t happen again.”

“You’re damn right this won’t happen again, I don’t want you anywhere near her again!” Your dad yelled as he started to drag you inside.

“Dad no, you don’t understand it wasn’t his fault!” you tried to reason, but it was no use. 

You turn back and see JJ looks more crushed than you have ever seen him. And that was the last thing you saw before the door was slammed in front of your face.

[fallen-gravity]

Fightin’ Back Chapter 5

Chapter Notes:  Heeeere’s Sock Opera! Clocking in at over 5k, this is the bulkiest chapter in the entire fic, and if the final one following this ends up even longer I'll be officially terrified of the power I have. This time around this chapter's dedicated to @eri-descent,  because her works were a huge inspiration and drive for this chapter.

Bit of a content warning in this chapter for mentions and references to past child abuse. Not in regards to Dipper or Mabel, but there are quite a few nods to Filbrick sprinkled in this chapter. Fuck him.

AO3

“Seriously, I need to go to the hospital”

“Pssh,” Mabel waves a dismissive hand. “I’m sure that’s just the haven’t-slept-in-three-days-and-haven’t-eaten-in-eighteen-hours talking. Nothing a little ordering a pizza can’t fix, right Grunkle Stan?” 

“No promises,” Stan quips, and stands from his charred theater seat. “Theater folks are probably already planning on charging me for your little fireworks stunt. What kind of caretaker would that make me if I bought you pizza after all of that?”

“Uh, a fun one?”

Stan blinks. “You know? You’re absolutely right.” he stuffs his camcorder into his suit jacket. “C’mon, if we book it now these theater jerks’ll never be able to catch our plate in time”

“See?” Mabel turns back to Dipper. “What’d I tell you? Pizza solves everything”.

Dipper blinks very slowly. “Actually…” he places a hand covered in cuts gently over his stomach. “Pizza does sound really good right now”

“Great!” Mabel beams, and starts half-skipping towards the small staircase attached to the side of the stage. “First one back to the car gets shotgun!” 

“Mabel, you know running is the last thing I’m capable of doing right now” Dipper follows sluggishly behind. “If anything I should be getting carried to the car, in case I-” 

Stan’s just quick enough to turn back towards Dipper to see his eyes roll into the back of his head. He only has one foot on the step below where he’d just been standing, but Stan isn’t taking any chances. He just barely hears Mabel’s horrified “Dipper?” before he rushes forward to catch Dipper as he faints. Stan’s relieved that Dipper’s head smacks into his arm, rather than the floor or the stage, but adjusts him in his arms so his neck won’t hurt when he wakes up again.

“Dipper?” Mabel chimes in again, and she’s by Stan’s side in a moment. When she catches sight of Dipper’s paling face and gently closed eyes, her breath audibly hitches in her throat. “Dipper, can you hear me?” she shouts towards her brother’s unconscious body, but keeps her arms glued to her side like she’s afraid he’ll shatter if she touches him. Instead, she places a hand on Stan’s arm, and when he meets her gaze there are tears building in his eyes. 

“I thought he was exaggerating! I thought for sure it was because he hadn’t slept, because we both fell from the catwalk in the cake prop and I walked it off fine, I should’ve listened to him the first time he told me something was up and needed my help, because now he could be hurt or worse, and-” 

“Hey,” Stan takes a knee and places a gentle hand on Mabel’s shoulder the best he can. “He’s gonna be okay. Probably just passed out from exhaustion like you were saying earlier. You see his chest rising and falling like that? Just means he’s sleeping. Think it could be a good idea to bring him to the hospital, since, uh, that was a pretty far drop, but it’s just precautionary, okay?” 

She sniffles. “Okay”

He gently taps her shoulder since his arms are too preoccupied to rustle up her hair, and he stands to his feet. Just as he’s about to head towards the door, though, another thought comes to him. “One more question, okay, sweetie?”

“Yeah?” 

“This have anything to do with that spooky journal? I couldn’t help but notice he was chasing you around stage trying to take it from you”. 

Her shoulders tense, which is good enough an answer without her even opening her mouth.

“Look, I’m not gonna be mad, okay? Dipper and I talked about this earlier. I’m not gonna take it away if you say yes. I just wanna know the severity of what we’re dealing with here. Don’t even gotta specify which monster it was, if you don’t wanna”

She buries her mouth into the neck of her sweater, and for a moment Stan’s sure she’s not going to answer. He adjusts Dipper in his arms again to prevent him from slipping, but just as he’s about to walk away again she murmurs the quietest yes he’s ever heard.

“Okay,” he sighs. “Okay. We can work with this. Just means he’ll probably be staying for a few hours instead of a quick checkup, okay? Let’s get him to the car”

Mabel squirms a little bit, like there’s something she still isn’t telling him, but she squashes that down and gives him a half-smile. “Okay.” 

The walk to the parking lot isn’t a very long one, but Stan swears it’s the longest the three of them have ever gone without speaking a single word all summer. Sure, Stan will give some of the credit to the fact that Dipper’s currently passed out in his arms, but every other time that he and Mabel have been alone together this summer she’s talked his ears off for nearly an hour straight. 

Not that he’s complaining! He wouldn’t want anyone else to blabber his ears off about things he doesn’t understand. But right now Mabel isn’t speaking a single word. She’s staring at Dipper passed out in his arms like a hawk, like she’s at the ready to catch him if as much as his arm slips out of place. Once they’re back at the car, she opens the back door for Stan to help Dipper inside, and won’t even climb in herself until she’s sure Dipper looks comfortable. 

When Stan climbs into the driver’s seat and adjusts the rear view mirror, he notices that Mabel’s shifted in her seat so Dipper can lie against her to prevent him from falling over and smacking his face into the seat. Stan smiles, and rolls his eyes at the pair as he pulls out of the parking lot. 

About a minute passes before Stan hears the sound of even more shifting around from the back seat, and a tired, raspy voice.

“Grunkle Stan?” Dipper slurs, and blinks slowly two times. “Wha happen? Where are we?” he places a head to his forehead. “Why am I so dizzy?” 

“There you are, kiddo” Stan lowers the rear view mirror so Dipper can see his face better. “Mabel and I were worried sick over when you were gonna wake up”

“Wake...up?” Dipper repeats, like he’s processing each of the words individually. His face pales. “Did I pass out? What day is it? What year is it?”

“Whoa, whoa, let’s not get you worked up and passing out again. It’s only been a few minutes. You passed out walking to the car from Mabel’s puppet show. We’re driving you to the hospital to check and see if you’ve got a concussion or anything”

“Ugh,” Dipper moans. “Good thinking. I already feel like I’m about to pass out again” 

Stan smirks. “Yeah, well, your sister’s right there. Pass out all you want. But if you even start feeling a little nauseous, you’re telling me so I can pull over. I’m not letting anyone blow chunks all over my baby” he taps the dashboard of the car affectionately.  Dipper groans again, and leans against Mabel, smushing his face into her shoulder.

“Got it,” he mumbles, and his voice is muffled by the fabric of Mabel’s sweater. His eyes close again, but thankfully this time Stan doesn’t notice them rolling into the back of his head, which means he probably closed them voluntarily to stop the car from spinning. The sound of his breathing increasing in volume concerns Stan for a moment, but when he double checks through the mirror and just sees that he fell asleep, Stan sighs in relief. 

Dipper’s real lucky he decided to faint after the show ended, rather than before, because if they’d left the theater just ten minutes prior they would've been stuck in dinner rush traffic for at least an hour. Thankfully, though, all of that’s passed, and since everyone who came to see Mabel’s show left much earlier than they did, the drive to the hospital is a quick and smooth one.

“You think you can walk in on your own, bro-bro?” Mabel asks as he unclicks herself. “There’s no way I’m letting you in there without me either way, but say the word and I’ll piggyback you in there myself” 

Dipper’s laugh is weak but genuine. “I don’t think they’ll let either of us in if you tried that, Mabel”

“Oh boo,” she pouts. “We never get to use the piggyback maneuver” 

He laughs again. “I’ll tell you what, if they don’t make me stay here overnight, we can use the piggyback maneuver to get out of here” Dipper offers out his hand, and Mabel beams as she takes it in her own.

“It’s a deal!”

Stan clears his throat. “I appreciate the enthusiasm about getting out of here as quickly as possible, but if we don’t get inside soon they’ll make him stay over just for checking him in too late, which means charging us more for no reason, which nobody wants.” 

“...Right, sorry” Dipper mumbles, and stumbles out of the car. Mabel’s beside him in an instant, throwing an arm around his shoulder to help support his balance. He reciprocates the gesture, and the two of them hobble towards the entrance behind Stan. Luck must really be on their side tonight, because there’s not much of a wait in the waiting room lobby of the hospital, either. 

Upon noticing both of the children behind him hobbling in slowly, the receptionist stands to her feet. And maybe it’s Stan’s eyes playing tricks on him, but he swears that she’s staring daggers into him for a moment before she reaches into her desk to pull out an admission form.

“Alright, who are you checking in?”

“The boy,” Stan gestures with his thumb towards Dipper behind him. “His sister’s fine, she’s just helping him walk so he doesn’t pass out” 

The receptionist doesn’t respond. She scribbles something down on the paper. 

“Where’s the worst of his injuries?” 

Uh. 

Stan glances back towards the twins. Dipper’s standing on his own now. He shrugs his shoulders, immediately regrets that decision, and tentatively rubs at his shoulders in a gentle motion. Stan tugs at his collar. 

“Nowhere. Uh, I mean, no, he didn’t have time to specify where. Soon as he passed out uh, at home, I drove him right over here” 

She doesn’t seem to like that answer either. Her mouth forms into a thin, tight line, and she scribbles an even longer sentence down on her paperwork. 

“Did you find him passed out, or did you see how he hurt himself?” 

Stan’s not sure the last time he’s felt this interrogated by someone who wasn’t a police officer. These are standard hospital entry questions, he knows, but there’s something...off about the way this lady is questioning him. 

“Uh, yeah. He, uh…”

 He what? He fell 15 feet from a theater catwalk? He hasn’t slept in three days? He was attacked by some monster he found in the middle of the woods, because he got too caught up in reading a spooky journal he found lying around whose author disappeared under mysterious circumstances? 

“He fell down the stairs! Kid’s so sensitive, he fainted at the sight of his own blood” 

“I see…” the receptionist’s expression remains stone old, until she clicks her pen and places it down in front of her. “Mind if I talk to the kid? I need to ask him a few questions too”

“Uh, sure” Dipper replies from behind him, and steps forward to stand beside Stan. 

“Date of birth?” 

“August thirty-first, nineteen ninety-nine” 

“Cause of injury?” 

Dipper doesn’t hesitate. “It’s like my uncle said. I fell down the stairs” 

“Name?” 

“Dipper Pines” 

She shakes her head. “I said your name, not your nickname” 

Dipper shares a very brief, very confused glance with Stan. “I...just told you. It’s Dipper Pines.”

She audibly sighs, pinching at the bridge of her nose. “Listen, kid, I don’t have time to joke around. There are hundreds of other patients in this hospital, and I don’t appreciate you taking my time away from them because you won’t give me your real-”

“He’s not joking” Stan interrupts her before she can finish that sentence. “And I don’t appreciate you trying to tell my nephew what his name is or isn’t. If he insists that his name is Dipper Pines, that means his name is Dipper Pines”

She’s staring daggers into him again, before she sighs and sits back down in her swivel chair. She rolls herself over to the computer where she prints out Dipper’s wristband for him, and gestures towards the hallway to the left of the lobby. “Alright, then, Pines family, come with me”  

She leads them down a fair number of different hallways until she brings them to a room with a single bed in it. Dipper is quick to climb into the bed and under the covers, and Mabel is equally quick to pull up a chair beside him. She leans in real close to whisper something to him, something Stan can’t hear, but the journal is unmistakable when she pulls it out from under her sweater and slides it under his pillow. 

Stan can’t help but smile.

Those kids never change, do they?

“Don’t get too comfortable,” the receptionist says, once she looks up from her clipboard and notices that Dipper’s already lying in bed. “I have to go submit this paperwork, but a nurse is gonna come by and take you to radiology so they can give you an X-ray and check for any fractures or breaks, okay?” 

Dipper sits up, his hair somehow already affected with bedhead. “Okay”

Just as the receptionist turns heel to leave, Stan speaks up as well. “And, uh, I’m gonna run to the cafeteria to get some coffee. I’ll be right back”

He follows the receptionist out of the room, and just as they’re out of ear and eyeshot of the twins, he taps her on the shoulder. “Hey, mind if we talk?”

“Mister Pines, I don’t have time for this”.

“It’ll be quick, I promise,” he says, and removes his fez to demonstrate the sincerity of the statement. 

She sighs, but tucks the clipboard under her arm and leans against the wall. “Fine. What do you need?” 

Stan fidgets with the tassels of his fez. 

“I know what you’re insinuating” 

“What?” 

“I know what you’re insinuating about the kid. Look, I know the injuries look bad, and the story doesn’t make any sense, but I promise that it’s not what you think it is. Those kids’ parents trusted me over any of their other relatives to take care of them for the summer. They’ve been staying with me for a little under two months now.” 

Stan’s not typically an anxious person, not in the least. But even the thought that the hospital could let one bad lie slip and send the kids back to California by tomorrow terrifies him to his very core. 

“I love those kids in that room more than anything else in the world. I’m getting older and don’t have much, but those two are the light of my life. I’m not the kind to go around telling strangers my life story, but I need you to understand that I’d never do anything to hurt them. I’ve been through that wringer enough times myself to never wish that kind of treatment on anybody.” 

There’s a deafening silence, as she reads his face like she’s searching for a lie.

“Please,” he murmurs, even though the word still makes his chest burn.

She sighs, taking another glance at her clipboard. “It checks out. I could see you three talking in the parking lot before you came in. He seems perfectly happy. I’m so sorry I was being so accusatory.”

Stan waves a dismissive hand as he puts his fez back on. “Eh, I’ve been accused of a lot of things” he shrugs, and reaches into his coat pocket for a wallet. “But just so we’re clear, this conversation never happened” he pulls a fifty out, and gestures vaguely towards her clipboard. “And that never happened either. You let any misinformation on that clipboard slip and I’m suing the hospital for malpractice.”

Her face pales. “Understood,” she replies, swiping the fifty from him before starting her way back to reception.

Stan watches her go for a few moments, just to be sure that she’s not going back on her words, before he turns heel and heads towards the arrows pointing out the cafeteria. With all the adrenaline from driving Dipper over and checking him in gone, Stan’s finally come to the realization that he hasn’t eaten in a few hours. 

He knows, realistically, that he can’t leave the kids alone in that hospital room for long. But Stan also knows how hospitals work, and how they can only bring so many meals to so many patients so quickly. He’s not even sure he remembers the last time he saw Dipper eating anything in the past few days, and he knows if they try poking his arms with shot needles and IVs without any food in him the kid’s gonna black out for sure.

As he’s passing the fridge full of cold sandwiches on the way to the coffee machine, Stan grabs the thickest ham and cheese sandwich he can find, and a bag of barbecue chips from the rack beside it.  Beside the coffee dispensers is a small display of wrapped baked sweets, and once he picks out a toffee brownie and makes himself an extra-large cup of coffee, he hauls his load over to the checkout. 

“Long day?” The cafeteria employee asks. 

“More like a long week” Stan replies, pulling his wallet out of his pocket again. “Most of this stuff’s for my nephew, though. Poor kid hasn’t gotten to eat all day” 

“Yeah, hospitals will do that to some people” they reply as they punch their numbers into the cash register. The screen dings with the total amount. “Hope he gets better soon”

Stan grabs his haul in one arm and drops the money on the counter in the other. “I’m hoping too,” he says, and without another word he’s on his way back to the kids’ room. He gently shoves the door open with his shoulder, and when he turns to hand Dipper his food, he notices that he’s fast asleep in the bed with the journal opened face down at the foot of his bed.

“How’s he doing?” Stan asks as he takes the seat beside Mabel. “He pass out again?”

“Nah,” Mabel shrugs. “Finally convinced ol Dipdop to take a nap. Willing to bet this being his first time in a bed in over twenty four hours also had something to do with it too”

Stan laughs, taking a sip from his coffee. “Nice try, kiddo. But the nurse is coming by to take him to his X-ray in about five minutes, so it won’t be much of one”

“Oh, boo” Mabel crosses her arms. “I was so sure that he’d be out long enough to sneak him out and bring him home early”

Stan laughs again, and there’s a light knocking on the door as a nurse walks in. The noise startles Dipper awake, and he sits up, stretching his arms. “Am I all done? Are we going home?” he asks, and his voice is groggy from his short nap.

“Fraid not, kiddo” Stan replies, reaching a hand over to ruffle up his already messy hair. “You still gotta go and do your X-ray and sit through a bunch of boring tests first. Could still be a few hours”

Dipper flops back against the pillow, groaning the same way he would if Stan had just asked him to clean out the attic. Stan chuckles, but the nurse clears her throat before he can say anything in return. 

“I don’t mean to rush you two out of the room, but we really have to move things along”, she says, tapping at her wrist. “If you could wait in the waiting room we’ll gladly call you back in when he’s all done”.

Mabel’s the first to jump from her seat, grabbing the journal from Dipper’s bed on her way out the door. The walk back to the waiting room is a near silent one, and at first sight of a chair she climbs on board and hugs her knees to her chest. Reaching under her sweater, she pulls out Journal 3, and holds that close to her chest as well. 

If he looks close enough, her hands look like they’re trembling.

Stan takes a seat beside her. “Something on your mind, sweetie?”

Her face flushes pink, and she buries her mouth into the collar of her sweater. “Grunkle Stan?” she pauses a moment to turn her pleading brown eyes towards him. “Is Dipper going to be okay?”

Stan blinks. “Of course he is, sweetie. What makes you ask that?”

Her blush darkens, and she buries herself even further in her sweater.

“I mean…” she twiddles with her fingers. “Dipper and I have gotten hurt a bunch of times fighting the supernatural over the summer, and this is the only time either of us have been hospitalized for it?” She hugs the journal even closer. “I just...I can’t imagine why that would be unless all those times were okay, and this time we messed up real bad and I underestimated how he was feeling”

Now Stan’s the one blushing, because he can imagine exactly why they hadn’t taken a single trip to the hospital since arriving. 

When Dipper came back to the shack from the woods the first afternoon the twins had arrived, Stan was the one who patched up his cuts and cleaned up his scratches. When he’d come home from supposedly getting into a fight with one of Wendy’s friends, Stan had been the one to give him some home remedy tips he’d had left over from his boxing days. Even when he’d just had a bad day, and didn’t need any medical attention at all, it was Stan who intervened.

If Dipper hadn’t passed out walking out to the car, Stan wonders if he’d come to him for help this time around, too. 

“I’m sure he’ll be better than okay, sweetheart. You said it yourself. You and him have been fighting these monsters all summer and you’ve walked away from them fine.” Stan smiles.  “Matter of fact-” he starts, fully intent on telling her everything, but before he can get another word out the nurse from before pokes her head from around the corner.

“Pines family?”

Stan and Mabel jump to their feet at the same time. “How is he?” they ask, also in perfect synchrony.

“He’s fine, just resting in his room while he waits for his x-ray results. I told him he could have the time to rest up by himself, but he insisted that I come back because he wants to talk to you guys instead,” she rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling. “You really ought to fix that sleeping schedule of his fixed”

“Trust me,” Mabel says. “I’ve been trying to get him to work on that for years”. 

When they get back into the room, Dipper’s sitting up in the bed munching on the bag of barbecue chips, with the half-opened sandwich pack sitting on his chest.

“Hey, buddy” Stan waves a hello before he reaches to open the sandwich for him. “How are you feeling?” 

“Tired,” Dipper groans, and takes a giant bite out of the fattest part of his sandwich. “Starving” 

“Yeah, we didn’t need the hospital to tell us that. How did the tests go?” 

“Oh,” Dipper replies through a mouthful of sandwich, and wipes some excess honey mustard off of his face with his now-bandaged wrist. “They didn’t think they saw anything, but they’re gonna give me stitches so my cuts won’t reopen” 

Mabel frowns. “Are they gonna make you stay overnight?” 

“Nah,” Dipper shrugs. “Just for a few hours. If the rest of it really is paperwork, I’m gonna try to sneak in a nap or three before then” 

The same nurse comes knocking on the wall again. “Sorry, one more time.” She says, and when she comes inside she’s followed in by a doctor. “I’m sure he’s already told you, but all we have to do now is stitch up some of those cuts, and then he should be good to go” she flips through the stack of papers in her hand. “There’s nothing in the x-ray that could indicate breaks or fractures, so the only follow up you’ll need is to have the stitches removed in a few weeks.”

She checks her wristwatch. “A lot of patients prefer to be alone when they get stitches so they don’t get too fidgety and distracted, so I’m going to have to ask you to leave one more time. I think the cafeteria should still be open for another half an hour if you wanted to grab food. I’m more than sure he’ll be all done by the time you finish eating”

Despite Stan being in the cafeteria just a few minutes before, it seems much quieter now. He’s willing to chalk that up to the fact that he’d been in a hurry and probably also going into sensory overload from all of the uncertainty of Dipper’s condition. But now that they’re certain he’s coming home tonight, and they don’t have to sit in the waiting room anymore, Stan can feel every last nerve in his body relaxing at once.

He turns to Mabel, holding out a five dollar bill. “Here you go, sweetie, buy yourself something nice”.

“Five dollars?” Mabel snatches the bill from him, beaming. “I’m rich! I’m gonna buy one of everything!” She squeals, and bounces off towards the kitchen.  Stan smiles as he watches her go.

The list of things he’d do for these kids is endless, he swears.

He finds a table to finish off his coffee and his toffee brownie, and soon enough Mabel comes slinking slowly out of the kitchen with a large bowl of soup, moving like she’s afraid that if she drops the bowl it’s gonna flood out the entire cafeteria and lead them all to their brothy  demise, or something.

Stan’s chest warms at the thought.

“Hey!” she grins once she sits down. “Sorry that took so long. They told me I could take the rest of the soup since they were shutting it down for the night and I may have gone a little cray-cray with it”

Stan chuckles, dismissing the comment altogether, until she rolls up her sleeves to eat and she notices that her arms are spotted with bruises and scratches, too.  

“Hey, uh…mind if I take a look at those?” he gestures to her arms.  “Might save us a trip if you need stitches from falling from the catwalk, too”

“Oh, uh…” she hesitates, rubbing at her arms for a moment. “...sure!” she half-smiles, and rolls up her sleeves before offering her arms to him. He takes them gently in his hands, turning them over to check for any deep cuts or splinters.

“Mmm, doesn’t look to me like you’re gonna need stitches, but some lotion and a bandage or two couldn’t hurt. Should still have some of both left over in the car if you don’t feel like waiting until we get home”

“Left over from what?” Mabel cocks her head to the side, but before Stan can even open his mouth to respond, her eyes go wide and she gasps in realization.

“Grunkle Stan, have you been the one taking care of Dipper all this time?”

He leans back in his chair, laughing. “What, have you been thinking that all this time Dipper’s been taking care of himself? Kid wouldn’t be able to win a fight against a punching bag if his life depended on-”

He’s cut off by Mabel nearly knocking him off his chair in a hug.

“Grunkle Stan, you big softie!” she squeals, and his cheek flush pink as he pats her head in response.

“Yeah, yeah, okay” he rolls his eyes to divert eye contact. “How’s about you finish up that soup so we can head back and bring your brother home? I’m sure he’d much rather fall asleep in his own bed then in that stuffy old hospital bed”

“Okay!” she grins, pulling herself away from the hug. “I don’t think anyone can realistically finish this much soup in one sitting, though, so I’m just gonna smuggle this out to the car in a to-go cup so I can eat it in bed later”

“Hah!” Stan ruffles her hair. “That’s my girl.” He stands to his feet and stretches his back. “But seriously, we have to leave before it gets too late. Apparently it’s “illegal” for me to drive too close to the town border after midnight, whatever that means”

She snickers, moving to grab a to-go cup from the coffee dispensers near the entrance. “Before we head back to Dipper’s room, though, you think I can stop over to the vending machine? He mentioned wanting a candy bar when you went to get your coffee, but I think you were too far away to hear it. Do you mind?” she holds out her hand for another dollar bill, and Stan swears if anyone else on the planet kept asking him for money he’d just laugh in their face.

But…if she runs off to the lobby, that means that he could have a moment alone with Dipper. Stan wants answers about what happened today, and Mabel’s not budging.

“Fine,” he grumbles, reaching into his wallet for a single dollar bill. “But only one.”

She beams, taking the bill from him and sprinting her way down the hallway. “Thanks Grunkle Stan!” she yells after him, waving a hand in the air. He smiles after her, and once she’s out of his sight he shoves his hands in his pockets and starts making his way back to Dipper’s room.

When he knocks on Dipper’s door and invites himself in, he’s sipping from a plastic cup of ice water. “Where’s Mabel?”

“Raiding the vending machine for you. How’d all this go?”

Dipper’s cheeks flush. “Well, uh, it was going great! It was going so well when they came in the room and started talking to me, but, uh…” he takes another sip of his water and evades eye contact. “…I blacked out as soon as the needle hit my skin, so they had to wake me up and bring me some water so it wouldn’t happen again”

Stan snorts. “Yeah, well, maybe if you didn’t keep running around picking fights with monsters six times your size, you wouldn’t need stitches in the first place”

Dipper frowns into his plastic cup, and murmurs something that Stan can’t hear.

Stan raises an eyebrow. “Come again?”

“I said it wasn’t like that,” Dipper murmurs, nervously crinkling with his cup. “I-I mean, in the past, sure, maybe, but it really wasn’t this time! All that was happening was that I got too caught up in my research trying to figure out the password for the laptop we found last week, and I couldn’t bring myself to hurt Mabel’s feelings and ignore her project to work on it during the day, so I ended up spending at least four nights straight trying to solve it at night, and the night before the show I tried moving up to the roof so she wouldn’t wake up, but then I-”

“Whoa, whoa, back up. What laptop?”

Dipper’s cheeks burn red. “D-did I say laptop? I, uh, I meant the journal! We were investigating the journal”

Stan sighs, scrubbing his hands down his face. “Dips, what did I tell you about keeping these kinds of secrets from me? I don’t care if you found a laptop, or a game station, I don’t even care if you found Bigfoot. I’m not gonna take it away from you and lock it up forever. I want you to tell me these things because I need to know if it’s something you need protecting from. I’d never forgive myself if anything serious ever happened to both of you because you kept me in the dark one time too many. I shouldn’t have to be asking your sister how you got hurt while we’re driving to the hospital.”

Dipper’s face is flush with embarrassment. “I…” he says, staring down at his hands. “You’re right. I’m sorry”

Stan sighs. “Look, I know I’m not the gentlest person you know. I know a lot of these townsfolk think I’m crooked. But I don’t want you to feel bad about this, okay? I guess I just must’ve inherited some of the tough talk from my dad”

He nearly flinches at the comparison, but he buries that down for a conversation at another time.

“I love you kids. You know that, right? All I wanna do is keep you safe”.

Dipper painstakingly pushes himself up into a sitting position, and reaches for Stan to wrap his arms around him in a hug. “I know,” he sighs, and if he hadn’t been hugging the kid back, Stan’s sure he wouldn’t have been able to hear him murmur “We love you too.”

[only-here-for-jatp]

Build-a-Band pt 7 The End

Just me tying up loose ends

Featuring: WILLEX <3, the boys playing with their bears like they’re seven, Juke, hotdogs

As always you can read on Ao3 here

But also below! ~2300 words

The boys poofed back to the studio hearts as full as their arms full of stuffed bears.

Luke and Alex were both jittery with anxiety. Luke hadn’t seen Julie hug her bear, but he also hadn’t seen her not hug her bear and he was growing very concerned at the prospect of when or if she’d hear the lyrics he’d poured into the heart. He hadn’t meant to offer a confession, hadn’t meant to reveal his feelings so blatantly.

What if she didn’t like the song? What if she didn’t like him? What if she didn’t get it and he was stuck in this nightmare limbo waiting for her to realize as she kept hugging and hugging the bear that they lyrics were about her???

Yup he was a ball of anxiety, but at least he wasn’t alone.

Every now and again Alex would shift onto the balls of his feet and then back down. His mind zipping down very similar avenues to Luke. He’d impulsively made a bear for Willie but what if Willie thought it was dorky and lame? Was it weird for a not-dating person to give another a teddy bear? What if he heard the message and didn’t feel the same way?

I mean. Alex was pretty sure Willie liked him? But the more and more it went around in his head the less sure he was that he was interpreting Willie’s actions correctly. I mean they could just be friends?

Reggie quietly noted his friends’ anxiety and while he had no idea why it was happening; he knew a surefire way to cheer them up. Luckily, it was also one of the things he was best at, distraction.

He held up Sir Reginald II, a name he loved and adored since it meant Julie remembered his story about Sir Reginald I, and in his best teddy bear voice ( which mostly turned out to be a weird falsetto) said “Hello there!”

Both anxiety ridden boys eyed him warily and Reggie took this as permission to move Sir Reginald II verrrryyy close to Luke’s face. “Have you seen my friend Lukas? He’s late for band practice.” Luke’s eyes widened and glanced between Reggie and Sir Reginald II as Alex let out a snicker. “Wellllll? Have you seen him?”

Luke let out a sigh, knowing Reggie wasn’t going to let him out of this. He pulled Lukas up in front of his face and mimicking Reggie’s voice as best he could responded. “Sorry Reginald. I didn’t mean to run late.” At this point Alex was nearly doubled over with silent laughter. The sight of Reggie’s face all lit up though made Luke warm inside and suddenly he knew their next move. He raised an eyebrow at Alex who discovered too late what Luke was planning.

Luke bounded over, put Lukas right into Alex’s face and asked “Have you seen my friend Alexander? I’ve been looking all over for him.”

Alex slowly backed away “I’m not doing this.”

A quick exchange of glances brought Reggie on board with Luke’s plan and soon Reginald and Lukas were chasing Alex around the study asking and asking about Alexander their best friend. It wasn’t until Alex tripped, falling onto the bed where Alexander lay (tucked in no less) that he gave in. He pulled Alexander out and in the same falsetto his bandmates used called “Who disturbed my nap!”

The three boys grinned and thus they were off.  They spent the rest of the day pretending with their new stuffies, reliving favorite moments of their life or pretending to play major stages around the world. They even took turns pretending to be Julie and reenacting some of their favorite moments with her.

In fact, the trio was having so much fun that Alex had forgotten about promising to meet Willie, who after waiting and growing concerned came looking for him. Willie stayed out of sight for as long as he could, watching the blonde-haired boy who he wanted to be around every second of every day laughed and joked with his brothers. Willie could feel the smile growing on his face at the sight of these three rock band boys kneeling on the ground miming arms and leg movements of stuffed bears while playing out scenes in funny voices.

However, his spying was up after Reginald and Lukas ganged up on Alexander (he’d long since figured out the names) in a hug pile and he burst into laughter.

All three boys heads whipped around suddenly very shy and sheepish at the thought that someone had been watching their antics over the last couple of hours. Alex turned nearly bright red, stammering out excuse after excuse for missing their plans and finding Willie here.

Willie turned to Alex with a soft smile. “Oh hotdog. You missed our plans AND y’all made bears for everyone except me and are having all this fun? My feelings are hurt.” He couldn’t resist the opportunity to tease Alex just a little. After all, he was incredibly adorable when flustered.

Luke and Reggie glanced at each other smiles growing wide as Alex grew even redder and began mumbling under his breath. In a move to both help and tease him, Luke and Reggie called out “Hey Alex, what is that you’re mumbling? Maybe you should say it louder.”

Willie tilted his head to the side in confusion as Alex took a deep breath and plucked up the courage to speak just a little louder. It was still barely audible, but Willie still caught it.

“I made you a bear”

Willie thought his heart was going to burst. He’d seen the bear-ified version of the band but as he glanced around the room he noticed a bear in a skater outfit off to the side. “You made me a bear?” Willie knew his voice was soft and he knew Alex liked him, but to include him in this little family of bears meant so much. He slowly moved toward the stuffie which had his signature tie dye and skateboard.

Alex began to ramble as Willie began a dedicated perusal of the bear. “I know it’s kind of lame, but I kept walking past it and it has two hearts sewn onto his chest and I don’t know something about its face reminded me of you and yeah it’s lame, you don’t have to keep it….”

Willie burst in. “No. I- I love it. Is it alright if he lives here though? I don’t want…”

“No, no, yeah totally.”

Willie’s head sprang up to look at Alex all of a sudden and a signature mischievous smirk filled his face. “Wait a second. You said there were two hearts sewn into the chest. Why would that remind you of me?”

Alex’s eyes widened as he shot looks to Reggie and Luke who had settled quite comfortably on the couch, bears in their laps to enjoy the show. They offered him an encouraging smile and a couple of nods. Alex gulped, took a deep breath and said as confidently as he could “It seemed kind of poetic. Since you.. uh… kind of… hold mine?” He hadn’t really managed for it to come out as a question, but he’d started to wince as if preparing for a negative reaction from Willie.

Instead, Willie wrapped himself around Alex in a fierce hug, never letting go of William. “You hold mine too Alex.”

Alex being too surprised, didn’t hug back right away, but with a squeaky “wait really??” he hugged on so tight that if either of them needed to breathe, they would probably be worrying about it. The two had started to jump around a little making happy noises while Reggie and Luke beamed.

The hug had barely broken apart when Julie joined them in the studio with a questioning look, but before anyone could say anything Alex burst out “I HAVE A BOYFRIEND!!” before shooting nervous glances at Willie “I mean, if you want.”

Willie chuckled, “Definitely”

Alex couldn’t stop smiling, but of course now was when he remembered “You should hug William. When I hugged Alexander I could hear the wish Reggie made for me and I uh, may have left you one too.”

Willie looked slightly confused, but sure enough when he squeezed William the Sk8 Bear tightly Alex’s voice whispered in his mind.

I wish for an eternity to hold your hand.

Willie seemed to melt a little, before he entwined his hands with Alex’s. “For eternity” he whispered just loud enough for Alex to hear. They both blushed, but everyone else mostly looked confused.

Luke was the first to speak up. “I also heard Reggie’s wish when I squeezed Lukas.”

Reggie looked entirely confused. “You could hear… my wishes? That’s awesome!!! But also, you couldn’t hear Julie’s?” Alex and Luke both shot a look at Reggie. “She made wishes on both your hearts also, but you didn’t hear hers?”

Julie’s face was growing slightly pale. She hadn’t realized they could hear those wishes. The thought of Luke hearing those lyrics was maybe making her panic a little, but maybe since he hadn’t heard them yet he wouldn’t. It helped her fear a little that there was some overwhelming curiosity about the wish Luke left for her.

Alex’s voice cut through her questioning. “You know, I only tried the one time.” Luke sounded an agreement before Reggie cut in.

“You know it’s kind of cool if you think about it, she ended up leaving a wish on all our bears. Maybe we should try together to hear it?” The boys nodded as Julie watched with concern.

Alex’s face changed first. A small gasp echoing out of him and his eyes pooling with tears as he rushed towards Julie to envelop her in a hug. She’d made him feel seen and valued and the reassurance that he had a special and unique existence to her was a security he hadn’t realized he needed.

Reggie hugged his bear two or three times just listening to the message she’d left him over and over again.

Sir Reginald II please take care of Reggie. Sometimes he doesn’t realize how important he is. He’s the glue that holds us all together and keeps us going when everything seems bleak. He is so loved and so valuable. Please remind him of that when everything seems hard.

Reggie glomped her next. Crying just a little at the words she left him which touched on his biggest and darkest insecurity. He could help but whisper his thanks and she pulled him tighter telling him that he was basically her brother. Reggie could no longer tell if he was laughing or sobbing everything was perfect.

Julie was having difficulty holding up the two emotional boys and she was filled with warmth at their love almost as much as she was filled with tension. She could barely see Luke which meant she couldn’t see his reaction.

Luke was having difficulty breathing and functioning. He didn’t need to breathe but now he couldn’t do it and he really felt like he needed to do it. He couldn’t-

He couldn’t believe it.

We say we're friends, we play pretend. You're more to me, we're everything Our voices rise and soar so high. We come to life when we're, In perfect harmony

She’d poured the same song, the same words, the same wish into his bear as he had into hers. Julie Molina loved him. He had absolute verifiable proof and he didn’t want to waste another second without her. Without her knowing that she was the most precious, wonderful, thing about his life. So he did the only reasonable thing he could.

He yanked his crying brothers off of the girl they also loved more than anything, but not as much as him and worked on gaining her attention. He smiled. She looked slightly terrified, but she didn’t have to be. She just need to hug Jules.

“Julie. Julie. Julie. Julie! You need to hug Jules. Right now. You need to hug her right now. RIGHT NOW.”

His boys looked pissed, but slowly they could tell by the rush and joyous mania radiating from their friend that this was Important and begrudgingly stood out of the way.

Julie looked at Luke with big eyes as he insistently shoved Jules at her. He seemed excited and thrilled and flushed and by god if he didn’t stop rushing her she was going to-

We say we're friends, we play pretend. You're more to me, we're everything Our voices rise and soar so high. We come to life when we're, In perfect harmony

The song filtered through her head as she hugged Jules and she felt her mouth drop as her eyes snapped to his. She watched his grin widen as he saw her figured it out. Her eyes met his and she was drowning. He was too far away and they both rushed into each other. They took another second to stare before wrapping each other in a tight hug.

Alex groaned a little, in a good-natured way, his hand once more linked with Willie’s. “Not that we’re not glad that you both finally got your lives together, but do either of you care to explain what exactly just happened?”

Slowly Luke and Julie moved out of hugging, but they still hovered around each other with their hands intertwined as they explained. They took turns explaining that somehow, someway, they’d left the same wish in each other’s bear. More than that, they were the same lyrics from the same love song they’d written without telling the other.

The shocked faces on all cause Luke and Julie to burst into laughter and soon all five of them were falling together into a hug. Julie carried one more surprise though in her back pocket. Slowly she pulled out three hotdog accessories for their new Build a Bears.

The boys looked at her with shock and horror as she grinned sheepishly at them.

“I couldn’t resist!”

They spent the afternoon playing with Jules, Lukas, Reginald, Alex and William. Then, when the time came for sleep, they couldn’t bear to leave each other so four ghosts, one human, and 5 teddy bear fell asleep in a pile of warmth and love.

[ice-bjorn]

Winter Solstice

Elsa slapped the back of her hand against Anna’s bicep.

“Ow! What was that for?” she swiped a thumb over her lip, inspecting it for blood. She glanced from her clean thumb to Anna expectantly.

“What? I thought you liked biting.”

“Not that much biting, obviously,” Elsa said, still prodding her lip.

“Oh suddenly there’s such a thing as too much biting.”

“Now is not the time to start being a brat.”

“Maybe I’m making up for lost time,” Anna quipped, raising her eyebrows suggestively.

Elsa rolled her eyes heavenward, mouthing ‘oh my god’.

She looked back down at Anna, fighting a smile at the expression plastered on her face that was both guileless and smug.

“Have I ever told you how insufferable you can be?”

Anna scoffed. “Yeah right, you know you lov- ahh,” she trailed off in a gasp as Elsa pressed a thigh up strategically between her sister’s legs.

Elsa smirked and raised a delicate brow.

“That’s what I thought,” she murmured, leaning down to graze her teeth over the pulse in Anna’s neck. Her sister hummed in pleasure, lifting her chin and exposing her throat.

“Uh-huh, whatever you say.”

Elsa continued her way down Anna’s neck, sucking opened mouthed kisses into her skin. Her sister’s breath grew shallow, fists curling into the fabric of Elsa’s nightgown at her shoulders. She yelped when Elsa pressed against the sensitive spot between her neck and shoulder, jerking up and rolling them over.

Elsa blinked up at her, fluttering her lashes innocently.

“What, I thought you liked that spot?”

“Yeah, sure, the same way you like this spot-“ Anna’s fingers found the area just below her sister’s ribs where she was desperately ticklish. Elsa gave a satisfying shriek, trying to wiggle away from her hands. She shoved at Anna’s shoulders, flipping them once more, scrambling to grab her wrists and pin them to the bed, far out of reach from her sides.

Elsa panted, watching for any sudden movements. Anna let her hands go slack, capitulating.

“You win, you win. I surrender, your majesty.”

Elsa eyed her suspiciously. “Why don’t I believe you, your majesty?”

Anna gaped at her, comically scandalized. “What kind of queen would go back on her word?”

“The kind that wants to get the upper hand in bed.”

Anna’s eyes took on a mischievous glint. “You may be right about that,” she said, shifting under her sister, preparing to grapple herself on top once more.

Elsa’s eyes widened, suddenly realizing how close they were to the lip of the bed.

“Anna wait-“

Too late- her sister pushed and Elsa slipped over the edge of the bed with a feminine yelp and a floor shaking thud. A burst of ice shot out on impact, climbing halfway up the wall behind her in short spikes.

“Oops.”

Her sister let out an exasperated groan; Anna pressed her lips together, trying in vain to hold back her laughter before giving up and collapsing face first into a pillow, cackling.

“ANNA.”

She crept to the side of the bed, peering over the edge. Anna watched as her sister pinched the bridge of her nose- nothing damaged, save her pride. Elsa pushed herself up and straightened her shoulders, stalking regally towards the dressing screen in the corner. She yanked her robe off the chair with a violent flourish, disappearing behind the screen with an audible huff.

Anna started laughing again.

“Oh come on Elsa it wasn’t that bad! I’m sorry! Do you want me to kiss it and make it better-“ Elsa’s robe hit Anna square in the face, cutting off the rest of her proposal.

She grinned and tugged the garment away, discarding it behind her as she leapt off the bed. She made her way to the screen, ducking behind it- giving Elsa a start.

“Ann-AH,” she squealed as Anna lifted her up over her shoulder, carrying her back to the bed. She flopped them down onto the covers, Elsa’s head bouncing with a little squeak.

Anna planted her hands on the bed beside her shoulders, hovering over her.

“Now Elsa, you’re not allowed to be grumpy on your birthday.”

Elsa crossed her arms over her chest in mock petulance, eyes narrowing. “Actually I think that’s exactly when I’m allowed to be grumpy.”

“Don’t you want to have a nice time with your sister, after she’s made so many painstaking plans for your special day? After I’ve slaved for weeks getting everything just perfect?”

“Don’t play that card with me, I know Kristoff arranged most of it.”

“He did not!”

“Anna, you know Kristoff can’t keep a secret to save his life, and I’ve seen him slaving over “Super Secret Birthday Plans” for the past two weeks,” Elsa countered, her fingers drawing quotes in the air.

“Ugh fine. But it was all my idea, and I did help, just so you know.” Anna clucked her tongue, shaking her head, “It’s just a shame you don’t want to enjoy one of your few remaining birthdays out and about, before all your youthful vigor is gone.”

Elsa rolled her eyes.

“I’m thirty Anna, not a hundred.”

Anna nodded sadly. “Nearly at the end of your prime. Soon you’ll be hobbling around the castle, too old to do anything more strenuous than taking a brief walk in the gardens.”

Elsa covered her eyes with a hand, groaning.

“Too decrepit to ride across the ocean on your noble water steed.”

She pressed a hand to her heart, closing her eyes in sorrow. “Too feeble even to give your poor sister a kiss.”

“You’re terrible,” Elsa peered at her from between her fingers, on the verge of laughter despite herself.

“But at least I’m yours,” Anna smiled, drawing Elsa’s hand away from her eyes.

Her sister’s face softened, lips curling fondly. She traced her fingers down Anna’s cheek to the corner of her mouth. “Yes, you are.”

Anna leaned down, capturing Elsa’s mouth, smiling against her lips.

Bringing her other hand up to cradle Anna’s face, Elsa angled her head to run her tongue along her bottom lip. She inhaled as her sister parted for her, slipping inside Anna’s warm mouth languidly.

She felt Anna sag against her, and Elsa took the opportunity to flip them again, chasing her sister’s lips as she pressed her body into her. She skated her hands up the inside of Anna’s forearms, dipping her fingers into her palms before slipping them between Anna’s, clasping them beside her sister’s head.

She caught Anna’s bottom lip between her teeth, tugging gently as she leaned back.

“How’s that for feeble?” She murmured with a grin, eyebrows lifting.

“I think you’ve got a few good years left,” Anna smiled, dopey and a little breathless.

Elsa hummed.

“Let’s hope so,” she said, slapping a hand against Anna’s ass, freezing it to the bed. Elsa disentangled herself, grabbing her robe and flipping it over her shoulder with a smirk. She made her way back to the screen in the corner and disappeared behind it.

Anna sputtered, staring at the space her sister had just vacated, tugging at the bedspread now firmly stuck to her.

“ELSA!”

She yanked a little too hard and the covers came away from her nightclothes with an impressive RIP.

“Oh COME ON!”

Elsa’s full, unbridled laugh burst from behind the changing screen.

“Great, that was my second favorite nightgown,” Anna muttered, flopping back on the bed- though she couldn’t find it in herself to be bothered as she listened to her sister’s bright laughter.

—

It was a miracle they managed to be only a half hour late to meet Kristoff at the docks.

He chuckled to himself as he spotted them walking hand in hand down the cobbled avenue, stopping to acknowledge children and townsfolk alike who flocked eagerly to greet their queens.

He nudged Sven. “I win- it was under an hour. Pay up.”

The reindeer gave a loud grumble, dropping the carrot from his mouth into Kristoff’s hand. He tucked it away in the back of his waistband, giving a hearty wave as Anna and Elsa spotted him.

The gathered crowd followed them to the docks, getting in their own small vessels as Kristoff escorted the royal pair into their boat.

—

Night fell quickly on the shortest day of the year, and before long all the citizens of Arendelle and their monarchs were drifting to the mouth of the fjord, only the lights of the city behind them and the stars to break up the darkness. An air of hushed excitement pervaded; eager children and parents and friends murmuring to one another in anticipation.

On their boat, Anna looked to Kristoff, who nodded and whispered, “Show time.”

She brought two fingers to her mouth, whistling so loud and sharp, it seemed to echo off the surrounding hills. Anna reached for her sister’s hand, smiling at her bemused expression and countering with a look that said- you’ll see. The three of them (and Sven) stood at the side of the boat facing the open sea, waiting.

The night slowly grew brighter around them with faint, warm light. Elsa started- jerking her head as an unfamiliar glowing object drifted past them into the air. It was followed by another, and another, until large gleaming clusters were floating silently past them. She turned, watching as a bright trail flowed from each vessel, a multitude of lanterns being lit and set off into the sky.

Elsa followed their path into the night, mesmerized.

Anna had been watching her face, gauging every reaction anxiously. Seeing her sister’s face now, she knew she needn’t have worried.

She’d heard tell of the celebrations their Coronan neighbors held every year on the princess’- now queen’s- birthday, traveling merchants and dignitaries alike extolling the grandness of the lantern festival. Anna had endeavored to learn more- sending probing missives to Corona that she made sure Elsa would not discover. With Kristoff’s help, over the last few months they’d managed to make, and purchase, as many paper lanterns as they could, quietly alerting the citizens and swearing them to secrecy.

“Thirty thousand,” she whispered in Elsa’s ear.

Kristoff coughed-“Three thousand.”

“Oh right- three thousand.”

Elsa chuckled quietly.

Anna ducked behind her back, grabbing Kristoff by his collar and pulling him close.

“I thought you said we got thirty thousand!” She hissed. He shrugged helplessly.

“Anna I’m not magi- a miracle worker! There was no way we could get that many, I told you that,” he whispered.

“But it’s her thirtieth birthday, it’s supposed to be thirty thousand- three thousand doesn’t make sense!”

Elsa turned, her eyes bright with mirth. She looped an arm back through Kristoff’s and brought her other hand to intertwine with Anna’s, pulling them out of their huddle to stand with her.

“Whether it’s three thousand or thirty... it’s beautiful. Thank you both,” she smiled, leaning up to kiss Kristoff’s cheek, then turning to catch Anna’s forehead with her lips. “This is very special,” she said softly, gazing at the sky, now full of more lanterns than visible stars.

Both of them blushed, grinning bashfully as they joined her in admiring the fruition of their hard work.

Elsa leaned against the railing with a gasp, reaching out as some of the lanterns drifted closer. “Oh, look, they’ve been painted.” She caught one as it skated over the top of the water, holding it up to see the symbols of the spirits sketched on each side.

Anna and Kristoff certainly hadn’t painted all three thousand, but they’d gotten through a decent number- even recruiting children from town eager to help make a special birthday present for their winter queen.

Elsa leaned further over the side of the boat, pointing to the lanterns in childlike delight. “There’s my snowflake…and the crocus, and-“ she giggled, “Olaf and Sven.”

Some had the youthful scrawl of stick figures- illustrating everything from loved ones and friends, the sister queens, their favorite royal ice harvester- among countless others. It was life in Arendelle, illuminated around them.

Anna and Kristoff shared a look- ice harvester winking at the auburn queen, who beamed back at him.

Nailed it.

“Oh,” Elsa brought hand to her mouth, her breath catching with emotion.

Just around the edge of the inlet to the fjord more boats floated into the harbor; the Northuldra called out, whooping and waving at the gathered crowd- the citizens of Arendelle answering back enthusiastically.

Elsa spotted one among them with a peculiar shape; she gave a surprised laugh as she realized it was Marshmallow- with Olaf jumping excitedly at the helm.

She raised a hand high in greeting to all their extended family and friends. Anna and Kristoff joined her- stopping to point as they spotted Yelena, Honeymaren and Ryder among the tribe.

Elsa swallowed roughly around a suddenly tight throat. “This is…it’s…,” she struggled for words as she looked out at the gathering of love and overwhelming light. “It’s magical,” she laughed, dabbing at her eyes.

Anna and Kristoff each wrapped an arm around her, squeezing tight.

“Happy Birthday Elsa.”

—

They stayed in the harbor until the last of the lanterns drifted far off into the sky, and the few that remained settled on the calm waters like little beacons, shining the way back home. The Northuldra joined Arendelle’s townsfolk as they made their way back to the main square, decked for the holiday season - now featuring a large bonfire, along with a grand feast. Some from the crowd broke away, grabbing instruments and sparking a tune that encouraged dancing and gaiety. Singers from the northern tribe lent the harmony of their voices, bolstering the music until it seemed it must be heard far over the hills of Arendelle.

It was as much a celebration of their queen as it was the joyous end of the longest night.

Elsa and Anna found Honeymaren and Yelena; they traded the latest gossip and goings on, while Kristoff and Ryder gushed about new reindeer migration patterns.

Olaf was everywhere- dancing around the fire on Sven’s back one moment, chasing children around the square who had absconded with some of his parts the next. He offered cups of warm glögg to the royal sisters, joining them in toast, though the liquid went right through him, as it always did.

The festivities lasted long into the night; those who didn’t plan on staying until sunrise drifted back to their homes, and those from the north settled in town or found rooms in the castle.

—

Anna collapsed back on the bed, exhausted but satisfied. She scooched backwards, settling herself into the pillows with a sigh as Elsa continued getting ready for bed.

“That was…magnificent Anna,” Elsa said, sitting down at the vanity. “Thank you,” she looked at her sister with such unguarded affection and gratitude that Anna blushed and ducked her head.

“You’re welcome,” she mumbled through a grin, suddenly shy under Elsa’s adoring gaze.

Anna shook herself, rallying at the sight of her sister- luminous in the firelight and nightclothes that were more sheer than they weren’t, draped lovingly over every curve.  

“Well, now it’s time for your final present,” Anna pronounced, gesturing to herself with a flourish.

Elsa had already turned back to the mirror, brushing out her hair- her focus on a stubborn tangle. “Hmm-What? Anna you didn’t need to get me anything else- you’ve already given me more than enough,” she smiled to herself. “The best birthday I’ve ever had.”

Anna cleared her throat aggressively, waiting expectantly for her sister to look at her.

Elsa stopped, turning slowly in her seat to face the bed, eyebrows raised. “Yes Anna?”

“Your final present, if it please your majesty, is me,” Anna waved a hand over herself again grandly. “Any way you’d like.”

Elsa cocked her head as a sly, sultry smile curved her lips.

“Any way I’d like? Is that a challenge?”

Anna’s grin fell and she swallowed with an audible gulp.

“Uhhh...y-yea-no?” she stuttered.

“You know Anna, you can’t take back a gift once it’s given,” Elsa cautioned her, rising slowly and prowling with lithe grace towards the bed.

Anna held up her hands defensively. “N-no of course not! I just think maybe a f-few parameters should be put in place now that I think of it...,” she shrank back into the pillows as her sister leaned over her. Elsa got close, hovering near her mouth as Anna’s eyes shut and her face scrunched comically as if she were about to receive a blow.

Elsa let her breath drift over her sister’s lips for a moment, drawing out the tension, before kissing her cheek instead, laughing gaily. “Relax Anna, I won’t bite.”

She trailed her nose along her sister’s jaw up to her ear.

“Much.”

[thechosenburrito]

Intro to Love: 1.4-Thanks for Ghosting Me

Word Count: 1,581

Description:

Xochi and Carson are on their way to study when they’re rudely interrupted.

Author’s Note:

Almost done with Chapter 1!  Maybe I’ll be done tonight!

Previous Chapter: 1.3-I Can See Right Through You

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It's hard to sleep when you feel like shit.  That's why I only slept for 30 minutes after my little episode the night before.  The clock read 7 o'clock which came as a shock to me as I usually only see it followed by a "pm".  I stayed in bed for a couple of hours, scrolling through an endless stream of nothing on my phone.

My stomach growled out of nowhere.  I smiled a bit when it wasn't immediately followed by nausea.  I got up and pulled a cold slice of pizza from the fridge.  I was able to finish a small slice and figured I could use this time to take an extra-long shower.

It was nice to shower some of the sadness away.   But, when I got out, my eyes were still puffy and had dark circles under them.  This wasn't unusual for a college student.  However, I generally try to present myself as someone who didn't have a mental breakdown the night before.  I dried my hair in front of the mirror in my room.  Drying my thick dark hair required using my blow-dryer on the maximum setting, which isn't optimal for dorms with paper walls.  My true hair revealed itself.  It was wavy in strange places and I had a sort of cowlick in the front.  I plugged in a flat iron to tame the crazy mess.  

I touched the dark bags under my eyes.  I considered putting concealer over them, then on the red marks on the side of my nose, and maybe followed by the weird freckle on my right cheek.  At that point, I didn't really feel like doing make-up anymore.  I looked closely at my eyebrows.  A bit over-grown, but thick brows were in.  I think? Oh well.  I toweled off and pulled on a tank top and hoodie ( Of course with proper supportive garments underneath).  I pulled on a pair of jeans and slipped on my black canvas sneakers.  The iron was finally hot enough and I got to work on my hair.  I've done this a million times, which made it the perfect time to let all my stupid thoughts out.

What if they made really tiny curling irons for eyelashes?  Actually, I don't want that THAT close to my vulnerable eyeball.

Am I strong enough to stand on the tips of my toes in these shoes?

Of course, I put the iron down and tried it out.

"Ow."

Not yet.  Next time for sure.

Should I become a beanie person?  Are beanies secretly my thing?

I pressed my hair to my head and imagined a beanie there.

Nope.  My head is a weird shape.  Guess I can't go bald either.

I finished up my hair and unplugged the iron.  I still had a couple of hours to kill and an orange soda from the vending machine down the hall was calling my name. I grabbed my room keys and wallet and headed down the hallway.  I passed a few early risers on the way.  Do people actually wake up this early? For fun?  I kept scrolling through my phone to avoid eye contact.  I wasn't really feeling the whole 'interaction' thing.  At some point, I realized I was scrolling and not even looking at anything.  Not my best moment.  A sponsored post caught my eye and made me audibly groan.

God, another ad for a Team StrikeForce! (TM).

"Even Superheroes need clean teeth!  Use StrikeForce SuperClean Toothpaste to fight back against plaque!"

StrikeForce was essentially a government-backed superhero team.  They purposely sought out conventionally attractive people with the most vanilla powers ever to represent the "ideal striker".  And they made sure to throw in some token minorities.  You had a strong girl, a flying man, someone that blasted fire from their hands,  and some other generic power. Speed maybe?  Telekinesis?  I did my best to avoid any media with them in it. They were essentially glorified cops who spouted government-approved messages like "It's cool to protect your chip from harm so keep yourself and others safe!  " and "Remember: Public use of powers is against the law!  Only teams like StrikeForce are allowed so everyone can be safe!". Right after the lightning storm, they actually did some important things like stopping individuals who abused their powers.  But, once people realized they could get away with more crimes by keeping on the down-low,  the StrikeForce lost their bite and became the government puppets on kids' backpacks we all knew and loved.

I sighed a bit.  Being critical was too tiring.  I quickly realized that I was going to crash. I didn't expect my sleep debt to catch up to me so quickly. I started getting everything to make coffee but hesitated at the thought of drinking something caffeinated after last night.  

I'll make a cup of tea first.  That'll cancel out the caffeine.

Yes, that's exactly how biology works.

I put on water to heat up and chugged an iced coffee from the fridge while it brewed.  Chasing ice cold coffee with nearly-boiling tea made my insides feel like an absolute mess of clashing temperatures.  

Phone buzzed.

(C) I forgot there's a staff meeting in the study room today.  Wanna go to the library instead?

I paused a moment before replying.

(X) Yeah that works.  I'm good to leave whenever you are

(C) Cool, I'll be downstairs in 5

(X) ok see you then

I threw all my supplies in my backpack, grabbed my keys, and started making my way to the dorm lobby.

I saw Carson chatting with someone at the front desk and laughing.  I'd seen the guy at the front desk a million times and barely made eye contact, except the time I got locked out of my room and was forced to talk to him.

I slowed down my pace and stared at my phone as if I didn't notice before taking a breath and walking up to him.

I struggled to plaster on a normal-looking smile.

"Hey! Ready to get going?" I asked, too cheerily.

"Yeah, just-"

A phone alert when off on all three of our phones.

"MISSING: 20 YR OLD FEMALE, 150 LBS., 5'6", STRIKER, LAST SEEN IN PURPLE SWEATER ON JUAREZ ST 9 AM. SEE LOCAL MEDIA."

My breath caught in my throat.

"Oh no.." I whispered.

"Wow," said Carson. "Juarez Street isn't even that far from here.  Do you think she was a student?"

I shrugged.  The guy at the desks scoffed.

"How do I turn these off? I hate the sound of those dumb ass alerts going off all the time," he said in a huff.

It was Carson's turn to shrug.  He pulled on this backpack.

"Ok, we should get going.  Let's be careful though.  We don't wanna get snatched up!" he said with a laugh.

I smiled and we headed out the door.  We walked for a bit in awkward silence before Carson casually broke it.

"So why did they have to put that the girl was a Striker? Doesn't exactly help identify her," he asked.

"Probably to make sure no one ever looks for her,"  I sighed.

"Really?" he responded innocently.

"Uh no. Ha, not really. I was just making a joke about how people don't tend to like Strikers," I tried to keep from stumbling over my words. "A lot of the time, when they find..uh...a body... they check to see if they're a Striker to help identify them."

We stopped at an intersection.  I decided to let Carson cross first, thinking they wouldn't try to hit me if they saw him first, even though there was only one car quite a bit away.

"Oh yeah.  That actually makes sense since they have..." he rubbed his shoulder "..those chip things.  Do you think it hurts?"

"I don't..." I heard the sound of a car speeding up.  I turned only to be met with the unmarked marked white van only 10 feet away from us.

I didn't have time to scream.  I lunged at Carson, praying that I'd grab onto him in time.  As soon as I got my hands on him, I did my best to think permeable thoughts.  

I watched the bumper pass right through us.  For a split second, I could see into the interior of the van.  The driver was wearing a bandana over his face and sunglasses, but even with both of those, you could tell he was sure that he turned me to roadkill.  I caught a brief glimpse of the back of the van.  I could make out a dark hunched figure and maybe some rope, but it was all going too fast.

We both hit the ground hard.  I was pretty grateful that I landed on a person and not the asphalt.  I rolled off him and tried to catch the breath that got knocked out of me.   It immediately occurred to me that we were both still in street, and I started helping Carson onto the curb.  His arms had some scrapes on his arms and a couple of holes in his T-Shirt, but otherwise, he didn't look too bad.  We collapsed onto the curb.

"Holy shit.  We got lucky." I managed between breaths.

I turned to him, but his face wore an expression of shock rather than relief.

"No.  That was beyond luck.  We should be dead." he said darkly.

He turned to look at me so quickly, I shot right up.

"How did you do that?"

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Next Chapter: 1.5-The Good, The Bad, and The Unmasked

a/n:

I can’t think of anything clever to put here but you should totally send me asks and stuff