#frank adler x y/n

[thereoncewasagirlnamedjane]

snow birds.

‣ pairing — frank adler x f!reader

‣ contents — xmas/holidays, angst [referenced character death, grief], fluff, childhood frenemies in love, mutual pining, not actually unrequited love

‣ summary — frank thought he closed that chapter of his life on love and romance a long time ago, but a fateful reunion on the dirt paths of a christmas tree farm seems to reopen an entire book of possibilities.

‣ word count — 5.1k

‣ notes — okay, again i’m not exactly thrilled about this one and also the first half of this turned out way angstier than i’d originally intended… but hey, i can’t help the way these stories turn out (i say, as if i’m not the one actually writing them 🫣). i also left the ending kind of open, but i think it works and at least i’m finally finished with this one! another character to add to my roster 🥰 i hope i did our frankie justice!

✩ read on ao3 ✩ janie’s masterlist ✩ library blog

The rusted pickup truck rumbles to a stop, its wheels crunching on the gravel parking lot. Outside, the rich scent of pine needles perfume the humid air. Festive red and green ribbons adorn the nearby farmhouse, strings of twinkling lights strung overhead, the atmosphere absolutely screaming Christmas despite the blazing Florida sun. 

Before Frank even puts the truck in park, the passenger door flies open and a little blonde blur is bounding out, a scruffy one-eyed cat leaping out after her. 

“Stay close!” He calls as he follows suit, sighing heavily. That darn cat goes everywhere with them now, even places cats have no place being—like a Christmas tree lot, for example. 

Frank had tried to convince Mary to leave Fred at home, but she just looked so reluctant to leave this morning. He ended up relenting, even though the idea of letting a cat have the final say in which tree they brought home was actually ridiculous, but he couldn’t say no to her this time; she’d been through a lot these last few months. 

“Hurry up, slowpoke!” Mary shouts back as she reaches the entrance to the lot. He ambles after her casually before she can’t wait anymore, turning and running up the paths between rows of towering firs and blue spruces with Fred hot at her heels. 

Frank keeps a watchful eye on her as he trails behind, taking in the scene with a mix of nostalgia and bittersweet longing. The farm looks just like it did when he was a kid, and for a moment he could almost see Diane running ahead of him in Mary’s place, her blonde hair flying behind her as she wove between the trees. 

Come on, Frankie! She��d giggle, ducking into the next aisle. Before Dad finds us!

His throat tightens at the memory. It’s been years since he last came here with his sister, even longer since his old man was alive, but the ache of their absence never really fades. Especially not around the holidays, when every tradition seems to carry the weight of what he’d lost. 

But then he catches sight of Mary again, her cheeks flushed with excitement as she points out a particularly massive pine to Fred, tilting her head as she asks him what he thinks. Because again, Fred is a cat, he looks disinterested as he licks one of his paws. 

And just like that, the heaviness in Frank’s chest eases, replaced by a fluttering warmth he’s grown to recognize all too well. He quickens his pace to catch up with them, trying to ignore the way his heart stumbles when Mary looks up at him with her mother’s eyes. 

“This the one, kid?” Frank asks, hands on his hips as he regards the tree. He peers around it to the next row. “Or should we keep look—” 

But when he peeks past the spiky branches, he halts mid-movement, breath catching in his throat. For a minute, he thinks he might be hallucinating—because standing there, looking frustratingly gorgeous in a cream cable knit sweater and black leggings is a blast from his past. 

Or maybe he’s dreaming, he thinks as his pulse quickens traitorously. He hasn’t seen you outside of his dreams in years. 

“Look, mister, all I’m saying—” you huff, one hand perched on your hip, gesturing animatedly with your other hand while arguing with the middle-aged tree farmer who looks just as done as you do. “—is that if you’re going to advertise ‘tall, full, and handsome’ trees, you need to deliver, okay? Also, a hundred bucks?! This thing can’t be worth more than fifty, maybe sixty. Or does it come with presents already underneath it?” 

Some things never change, do they? You always did like to haggle. 

“Frank?” Mary asks, reaching up to take his head. You look over then at the sound of the girl’s voice, your gaze colliding with his. Just like when he was a teenager and he saw you for the first time, it’s like the ground shifts beneath his feet, the world tilting on its axis. 

It all started with a favour, more than half a lifetime ago. 

Frank remembers jolting awake to the shrill ringing of the phone, rubbing his bleary eyes and glancing at the clock on the bedside table only to find it was 2:17 a.m. in the morning. 

His sixteen-year-old self moved quickly, throwing the covers aside, running down the hall, and flying down the stairs to try and reach the kitchen before the phone could wake his mother. He picked up halfway through the third ring, his eyes closed as he held the receiver sleepily against his ear. 

“‘Lo?” He mumbled, his brow furrowing when he heard Diane’s voice on the other line. He tilted his head up in the direction of his sister’s bedroom, completely unaware that she’d even left the house. 

She needed a ride home, she said; she’d snuck out and went to Trish Aalerud’s party after all, the one their mother had expressly forbidden her from going to. There had been a big ensuing fight, one which he’d tried his best to mediate, but it ended with Evelyn once again laying down the law. 

Diane, once again, was faced with the choice to either obey or rebel. For once, it seemed, she’d finally chosen to rebel. 

A part of him was proud of her; they couldn’t live like this under Evelyn’s reign of terror forever. But on the other hand, he knew how their mother could be. Her expectations were sky high and her disappointment was even greater when her children failed to meet them. 

But another part of him wanted to slump over in dread. If he were being honest, Diane got the worst of it. For some reason, it was just easier for him to shake off his mother’s lectures, to shrug off her impossible ideals, and to take a path away from the one Evelyn had so calculatingly laid out for him. 

His sister, however, was different. Frank got good grades and was well-liked by his teachers, but Diane was downright brilliant, destined for greater and amazing things that Frank could only ever imagine. And somewhere beneath it all, she thought that maybe if she worked hard enough, if she were smart enough, maybe if she were the kind of genius Evelyn so desperately wanted her to be, then their mother might finally realize their worth. Maybe even love her. 

But, unfortunately, Frank knew better. 

So, despite being annoyed that he’d been woken up in the middle of the night on a school day, he shook off the cobwebs of sleep still clinging to his brain and promised he’d be there as fast as he could. 

They couldn’t risk Diane getting caught, because he knew what it would mean. Evelyn would simply double down, her punishment swift and severe, maybe even lock his sister in her room again for days at a time “until she came back to her senses”. Never again, not as long as Frank could help it. 

He hung up and dragged himself back to his room, pulling on some jeans and a hoodie, before grabbing his keys and carefully tiptoeing towards the front door. He listened for any signs that his mother had woken up, but thankfully only the sound of silence greeted him back. 

Satisfied, he slipped out into the humid night air, climbing into the beat-up Chevy pickup he’d inherited from his late father the moment he got his learner’s permit. It only took him fifteen minutes before he was pulling up to the curb outside a large house still pulsing with music. 

Frank remembers drunk teenagers in skimpy outfits stumbling around the lawn and pouring out the front door, their silhouettes illuminated by strobe lights flashing in the windows. He scanned the crowd for Diane, his jaw clenching before finally spotting her near the mailbox. 

And there it was, where it all began. 

She wasn’t alone. For the first time, Frank laid eyes on you, swaying uneasily on your feet beside his sister who looked on with sympathy. She made a move to touch your arm, but you twisted away from her and angrily began stalking down the driveway, swiping the back of your hand across your face. 

“Frankie!” Diane called, her eyes widening when she saw him. You paused briefly, long enough to look up so he could get a clear view of your face. It occurred to him then, as he took in the sight of the tear tracks on your cheeks, that maybe you were the reason Diane had called in the first place. 

“You’re both sitting in the back,” he said once he found his voice, looking away and feigning indifference despite the stuttering of his heart. “I don’t need anyone puking in the front seat.” 

“I’m not drunk,” you snapped, eyes flashing in a way he decided he rather liked. But then you turned around and addressed Diane, “and I don’t need your damn charity!” 

“Please,” Diane said, approaching you slowly and cautiously, as if trying to corner a hissing and frightened kitten. Frank could practically see your hair standing on end. “Just let us take you home?” 

“I can call someone else, Adler,” you scoffed, wrapping your arms around your middle even though it’s hot and sticky out, shivering as you resumed your descent down the driveway. 

“The hell you will,” Frank almost growled, a sound he didn’t know he was capable of making, placing the truck in drive and swerving to stop right in front of you and blocking your path. “It’s almost three in the morning. Both of you just get in the damn car.” 

“Please,” Diane implored again, opening the door to the backseat and waiting. After a few seconds of hesitation and a tense staring match with the siblings, you relented with a huff and slid into the truck. Diane followed suit and once she slammed the door shut, Frank peeled away from the curb. 

“You don’t know how to mind your own business,” you told Diane, the lot of you not even clearing the end of the street before you started in on her. You crossed your arms over your chest and leaned against the door, angling yourself as far away from her as you could. “You and your… whoever that is.” 

“This is Frank, my brother,” Diane tried to explain kindly, before locking eyes with him in the rearview mirror. Judging from the way you were speaking to her, it was clear the two of you weren’t exactly friends, but Diane didn’t need to say anything to clue him in that something must have happened back at the party. If anything, your drying tears already told him as much. 

“I think what you meant to say is ‘thank you’,” Frank scoffed however, unable to help snapping back. You were being a giant pain in the ass. 

“Frank—” Diane admonished. 

“Oh, right, thank you,” you began, your words soaked in sarcasm. “Thank you so much for practically forcing me into your car. You did everything but drag me in kicking and screaming.” 

“Just tell me where you live so we can drop you off and be done with this,” Frank fired back, “you ungrateful twerp.” 

“Sorry that sissy here interrupted your beauty sleep, pretty boy,” you leaned forward, eyes blazing as they met his in the rearview mirror. “But if I recall, I didn’t ask for either of your help. You insisted, remember?” 

Frank remembers that the bickering didn’t let up the entire drive to your house, barbs flying fast and furious, all the while Diane kept trying to play peacemaker without much success. By the time Frank arrived in front of your place, your tears were forgotten, sadness replaced by a fire he much preferred, even if his knuckles were white with irritation around the steering wheel. 

“Frankie…” Diane sighed disapprovingly from the backseat, once you exited the truck with a slam of the door and a final parting shot, along with an exaggerated flip of the bird. 

“Don’t start, Di,” he snapped, turning around in his seat to fix her with a glare of his own. “That girl is a menace. You sure know how to pick ‘em, don’t you?” 

“She’s had a rough night,” Diane smiled wryly, glancing out the window to watch you remove your shoes as you trodden up the driveway, dangling them by the straps at your side. 

“Join the damn club,” Frank shook his head, but he was watching too, making sure you stepped into the house and closed the door behind you before beginning to drive away. 

“They weren’t very nice to her tonight,” his sister murmured. Frank took a deep breath, something a bit like guilt settling like lead in the pit of his stomach, knowing very well just how cruel his schoolmates could be. And because Diane was always too soft-hearted for her own good, he knew what she was trying to say even though she fell quiet the rest of the ride home. 

They weren’t very nice to her, but maybe we could be. 

Frank remembers that it wasn’t long before the change, and he began seeing you with his sister more often than not. It only took a few more weeks before the two of you were inseparable, practically attached at the hip with Diane hanging off your arm with a big smile, bigger than he’d ever seen on her, and you letting her while looking only partially annoyed. 

You were seen together in the school cafeteria, Diane talking your ear off as you ate; in the library, Diane’s legs stretched across your lap as you took notes; or sitting at the bleachers with your textbooks open, quiet conversations punctuated by the occasional giggle or reluctant snort. 

What began as a random act of kindness blossomed into a true and rare friendship, much to Frank’s pleasure and dismay. Diane didn’t have a lot of close friends, or at all actually. Evelyn had made sure of that, but even she couldn’t keep you apart. 

Diane would lie and say she was going to the library to study when in reality she was at your house. You’d invite her to your family gatherings, where your parents plied her with food and affection. At school events, everyone just knew that you and Diane were a package deal. 

But you just got under his skin so easily, and he couldn’t resist the temptation to give as good as he got. The two of you would maintain a facade of civility in front of Diane, but the second her back was turned all bets were off. 

“Well, well, well,” you smirked as you passed him in the hall on your way to your next class, Diane up ahead and out of earshot. “If it isn’t dear ol’ Francis. I see you still have a knack for showing up where you’re least wanted.” 

“Nice haircut,” he retorted, unflinching as his own smirk rose to meet yours. “Did you lose a bet or something?” 

“Nah, just trying to keep up with your… ever-changing style,” you drawled sardonically, your eyes sweeping over his usual ripped jeans and button-up shirt over a white tee. “Is that really your only outfit?” 

The barbs were sharp but never cruel, the both of you committing to a strange dance of wit and veiled… 

Frank swallows hard. 

He can call it what it was now, even though it still hurts, even though he can’t bring himself to say it out loud. Who would be there to listen, anyway? The only person he’d like to tell is long gone. 

Because it was affection. It was always affection. 

It was there in the quieter moments, tantalizing and unusually sweet, when his gaze lingered on you a little too long after a round of half-hearted insults, or when his hand accidentally brushed yours when he passed by. But he was always careful to stand behind that line, the one Diane had long ago forbidden him to cross. 

“I see the way you look at her, Frankie,” Diane had said softly, her eyes pleading. “And I don’t blame you.” 

Frank couldn’t look at her, his heart twisting in his chest. His first instinct was to deny it, to tell her she was seeing things that weren’t there. But he couldn’t lie to her, he never could. 

“But please… don’t go there. She’s my best friend and you’re my brother. If things went wrong…” she trailed off, but he knew the implications. He’d be putting Diane in an impossible situation, because the thing she didn’t say was that you were her only friend. 

And so he decided he wouldn’t ever make her choose. 

Besides, to you, Frank was probably just your friend’s annoying brother and nothing more. Repeating that to himself made it slightly easier to keep his promise for years after, burying those feelings deep and putting up a front of playful antagonism whenever he saw you. It had been torture, especially during the more genuine moments shared during a movie night at your house, Diane asleep on the couch, or under the bleachers at one of his soccer games. 

“I never did thank you for that night, did I?” You whispered to him, eyes bright, so close and yet so far out of reach. He swallowed down the words he really wanted to say, like—I’d go anywhere, no matter how far, to be your knight in shining armour. 

Instead, he joked, “Yeah, well, it’ll never happen again, all right? So don’t go around making a habit of stranding yourself at parties.”  

“Well, good,” you smirked, those walls going back up, the chasm between you once again opening up to something seemingly insurmountable. “Because your truck is an abomination. It’s, like, rolling probable cause with that illegal ass window tint.” 

“Take that back. That truck is a national treasure,” he hissed, and you threw your head back and laughed. It was all he could do not to close the distance between you and lay his lips on yours. 

It was torture, but he’d done it for Diane. He would’ve done anything for Diane. 

Frank remembers the sky wept the day they laid her to rest. He’d stood beside her grave, his face a mask of stone, but his eyelids were heavy and swollen with grief. You stood just a few feet away, clutching at a sodden tissue in your trembling hands, sobbing as your eyes fixed on the casket that held your dearest friend. 

As the service ended and the mourners began to disperse, Frank found himself face to face with you, the weight of your shared grief hanging heavy in the air. Words rose to his lips—confessions and apologies, longing and regret—but even then they remained unspoken. He couldn’t bring himself to reach out to you; he didn’t know how. Diane’s death had changed everything and yet nothing at all. 

“I’m sorry,” you whispered to him, your voice barely audible above the patter of rain on fallen leaves. You leaned forward to press a kiss to the tiny little bundle fast asleep in his arms—Mary, the only piece of his sister he had left. “I’m so sorry, Frank.” 

He wanted to ask you to stay, to navigate this dark and desolate new world without Diane with him. He wanted to say he’s loved you since he was sixteen, that Diane loved you too, and that like always he was here for you no matter how you needed him. He wanted to ask you to be in Mary’s life, because if she couldn’t have Diane then at least she would have you. 

But he couldn’t, the words once again stuck between his lips. Instead, his heart clenching, Frank forced himself to let that dream go. He watched you walk away, turning away reluctantly himself to begin picking up the pieces of his shattered life, with half a lifetime’s worth of unspoken words lodged in his throat. 

You would see each other around St. Petersburg every now and then, but then you took a job all the way across the continent. Mary had only been a year old when you came around to say goodbye, bringing toys and baby clothes, looking at him with all the silent apologies in the world in your eyes. 

And despite the lightheartedness of your voice as you joked about how much you were dreading your new life in Toronto, he could see how desperately you needed to escape the suffocating grip of Diane’s absence. 

“Take care of yourself, Frank,” you smiled, a sight so familiar and yet so foreign, the lines of your face tinged with profound sadness rather than the usual mirth and good-natured teasing. 

And that’s how it was supposed to be. Frank thought he would never see you again. You were supposed to remain firmly in his past, a distant memory he thought back on whenever he visited Diane’s grave, whenever a postcard arrived in the mail with a short cursory message written on the back, whenever he pulled out photos of his sister for Mary to look at whenever she wanted to see her mom. 

But six years later, after all that time telling himself that he was over you by now, that whenever he felt for you now was simply nostalgia, that the schoolboy crush he’d had was exactly that—fleeting and innocent and not at all life-changing, you’re here.

Years of history and unresolved tension zings up his spine like an electric current as his eyes find you again. Your expression mirrors his own, shock and awe rolled into one, and a flicker of something indecipherable in your eyes before your lips quick in that familiar smirk, a single brow arching in challenge. 

“Francis,” you say in a tone that brings back an unbidden rush of memories. “Don’t tell me you’re trying to steal my Christmas.” 

And just like that, Frank feels himself slipping back into old patterns, his competitive streak flaring to life as he realizes you’ve both set your sights on the same tree. Frank realizes right then, that no matter what he’s told himself these last six years, you’d never actually left him at all. 

“Please, I was here first,” he outright lies, “this tree clearly has Adler written all over it.” 

“You can’t possibly need a tree this big,” you scoff, falling easily back into that rhythm of banter, like no time had passed at all, like the two of you were still a couple of teens arguing over the last slice of pizza while Diane watched on with thinly-veiled irritation. “What are you decorating, a ballroom?” 

“Maybe I am,” Frank retorts, crossing his arms, stubbornly not wanting to admit that, yes, this tree is definitely way too tall for the modest apartment he shares with Mary. “What’s it to you?” 

“Don’t even,” you roll your eyes, “you wouldn’t know how to properly trim this thing down if your life depended on it.” 

He opens his mouth to deliver a blistering response when a small voice interrupts him, “…Frank? Are we getting the tree?” 

He startles, turning to find Mary looking up at him. He’d almost forgotten she was there and, judging by your bewildered expression, you didn’t even notice her until now. He hears the hitch in your breath as you drink in the sight of Diane’s daughter, the little girl you never really had the chance to know. 

She has Diane’s high cheekbones, her stubborn chin, her vivid blue eyes—and he knows it’s like staring at a ghost of Christmas past. 

“Mary, this is…” he says, resting his hand on his niece’s shoulder. Mary squints up at you, her brows furrowing thoughtfully before she grasps her uncle’s hand. 

“it’s the lady from Mom’s pictures,” she observes, recognizing you from the photographs currently tucked away in an old shoebox at the back of Frank’s closet. She turns to you and repeats, a bit quieter this time, “you’re the lady from my mom’s pictures.” 

You stare at her for a few more seconds, before a slow smile spreads across your face. “Well… yes. I, uh, I knew your mom a long time ago.” 

“And Frank, too?” 

You nod, your smile wobbling. “From way back.” 

“How far back?” She asks, her curiosity piqued as she twists her fingers around Frank’s shyly. 

“Oh, ancient history,” you laugh in a way that has his heart aching, your eyes glistening. “Back when your uncle was still cool.” 

“Frank was cool?” Mary looks up at him with a hint of a grin, slightly skeptical. He playfully pinches her cheek. 

“Actually? No,” your voice taking on that teasing tone he’s so used to. “I was only saying that to be nice.” Mary manages a tiny smile as a silence descends, like a quietly mounting blanket of freshly fallen snow. “You know what? You should take the tree.” You say suddenly, your voice falsely bright. 

“Really?” Mary asks, sounding hopeful. She picks up Fred, squeezing him in her arms. The cat meows indignantly, but allows her to manhandle him all the same. 

Frank frowns, “No, you don’t have to—” 

He feels you slipping away again as you shrug, your eyes still holding a glimmer of sadness despite your playful tone. “It’s just a tree, Francis. No big deal.” 

But this is a big deal, he wants to shout. It’s never not when it comes to you. But you’re already backing away, forcing smiles and your gaze darting between Frank and Mary. He calls out your name, but you don’t look back as you avert your eyes and turn to leave, a faint “Merry Christmas” vanishing into the warm Florida afternoon. 

“Frank?” Mary is tugging at his hand, but he watches your retreating form until the very last second, so many things bubbling up to his lips but going unsaid, held back by a childhood promise to a person who is no longer here. 

But he never did tell Diane, did he? What the thing she always saw brewing there whenever he looked at you was. 

He waits too long, and you disappear into the crowd, as if swallowed by magic, just as quickly as you’d reappeared. 

You sit curled up by the crackling fire in your childhood home, nursing a mug of mulled wine as your nieces and nephews chatter excitedly around the brightly decorated fireplace. A pot containing a mixture of cranberries, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and cloves simmers on the stovetop, the oven baking away at a batch of sugar cookies, filling the house with the undeniable smell of the holidays. 

Despite the fact that you are thrilled to see all of your relatives after such a long time away from home, you have a hard time mustering up any holiday cheer. 

All you can think of is Frank, the way his eyes widened when he saw you, the way they softened when you said his name, and the way his deep voice rumbled through your body like that distant thunder of longing you could always seem to hear on quiet nights, hovering nearby like a persistent storm cloud. 

There was always a chance of running into him here, and you thought you’d been prepared for that possibility. And yet, your heart still soared at the sight of him, no longer that boy who had—albeit, reluctantly—come to your rescue that night of Trish’s party, but you’d recognize those blue eyes anywhere. 

The couch sinks beneath you, and you turn to see your mother settling down beside you with a mug of her own. “You okay, honey?” 

“Yeah, Mom,” you force a smile, tearing your gaze away from the fire. The twinkling fairy lights cast shadows upon your mother’s face, the lot of you having had to decorate the fireplace since you walked away from the tree farm empty-handed, almost running with your need to escape. “Sorry I couldn’t get you a tree.” 

“Oh, it’s fine,” your mother waves a hand, gesturing at her grandchildren who are screaming at each other as they play a board game, “they don’t even know the difference.” 

But she knows you, this woman. She studies you for a moment, her eyes soft with understanding. It’s a tough time of year for you; traditions feel somewhat incomplete when someone important is missing. 

“I miss her, too,” she says, grasping your hand as she leans back against the couch. You smile to yourself, swallowing past the lump in your throat. So many nights you and Diane fell asleep on this couch watching TV or studying, only to wake up to find a blanket thrown over you and the smell of dinner wafting in from the kitchen. 

“I know,” you lean against your mom and she wraps her arm around your shoulders. You sit there in her embrace, enjoying the sight of most of your family all gathered together in one place, but a commotion erupts near the front window of the house. 

Your relatives are clamouring over each other, their excited shouts filling the air. You grin, their enthusiasm, even though you have no idea what about, is contagious. One of them calls out your name, beckoning you over. Reluctantly, you rise from the couch with a soft groan and make your way over to the window. 

You peer out the glass, pushing aside the curtains, thinking maybe—despite the impossible odds—that it’s snowing outside. But something even more inconceivable happens and there, at the end of the driveway, is Frank’s beat-up old truck, the Christmas tree you’d surrendered tied up in the back. 

Frank himself  is walking up the driveway, hands in his pockets, until he stops in front of your door. He looks hesitant, completely oblivious to the fact he’s being watched. One of your cousins elbows you, hard, giving you an incredulous look when you glare over at them, “What are you doing? Go!” 

This is a dream you’ve never dared to voice out loud, seeing Frank here again. But here he is, on Christmas, and you tell yourself that second chances like these are so rare. 

So you get up and open the door before he’s even had a chance to knock. 

He looks surprised, but you hold the door open and smile. 

We’ve lost so much time. 

I don’t want to waste another second. 

Frank steps closer. 

I fell in love with you when I was sixteen. 

I have loved you ever since. 

And he smiles back.

fin.

[secretswiftymarvelfan]

Court Of Public Opinion - Andy Barber x Reader Masterlist

A/N: This is the sequel to Memory Served and will contain major spoilers for that series so go read that one first if you haven’t already!

Summary: 4 months have passed since your disappearance and Andy is beginning to lose hope. However a miracle is just around the corner, but it comes with its own complications 

Series Warnings: Angst! Talk of Abduction! Talk of Non-Con and Dub-Con! Language! Fluff! SMUT! 18+ ONLY! more detailed warnings in each part

Status: Ongoing

This series has no update schedule! Do not ask when it is getting updated!

Chapter 1 

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

[sarahrogersevans]

Cute request where Mary and little three years old cousin molly (frank and reader's kid) puts makeup on frank while he is asleep. Reader was cooking up some dinner

Little Troublemakers- Frank Adler xreader fan fic request

Summary: Mary and her cousin draws on Frank’s face while he’s asleep on the couch and Y/N is busy in the kitchen cooking dinner

Warnings: fluff, angst, kids being silly

-Frank’s POV-

I just got back to the house from working on my boat and I felt really tired and I heard Y/N cooking in the kitchen and I saw her by the stove and I went over to say hi and I walked up behind her wrapping my arms around her and I kissed her cheek and her neck and said “mmm hi baby, watcha cooking babe? It smells good.” She smiled at me and said “meatloaf and Mac and cheese for the kids.” I dipped my finger in the sauce and said “yum, so good Y/N, I’m gonna go take a nap ok?” She hugged me and said “alright honey I’ll let you know when dinner’s ready.”

I went to go lay on the couch and a bit later while I was sleeping I thought I heard giggling and I thought I felt something on my face but I was probably just dreaming so I went back to sleep fully. Mary said “hehe here molly draw the mustache and I’ll get the rest.” Molly nodded her head and said “here this good?” Mary nodded and said “ha! That looks great! He’s gonna love it.”

-Y/N’s POV-

I had just finished cooking dinner and I set the table for us and put everything on the table and I went to find Frank to wake him and I giggled seeing he had a drawing on his face and I saw the girls come out and I said “girls you are trouble makers drawing on your uncles face though.. it does looks really funny..” I noticed Frank was waking up and they quickly sat at the table and I went to hug him and I said “babe.. dinner is ready.” Frank noticed I was trying not to laugh and said “what? What is it Y/N?..” I looked down and he grabbed a mirror and said “oh, well that’s peachy.. Mary? Did you draw on my face while I was sleeping?” Mary burst into laughter and said “it looks great doesn’t it?” He laughed a bit and said “yes it does you’re a natural artist you silly girl but how many times have I told you to not draw on my face?” Mary nodded and said “five times Frank.. I’m sorry, I’ll help you clean it.” Frank shook his head and went to go hug Mary and said “no it’s alright thank you for apologizing Mary no harm done it’ll come off and Molly you drew the other parts hmm?” She smiled shyly and said “yes uncle I did .. sorry.” Frank smiled and said “no it’s ok you did really good you should draw more.”

I love how Frank encouraged Molly he is so good with kids this is why I love Frank so much.

We ate dinner and then I had the girls help me clean up and then I got the girls to bed early so Frank and I could have some time alone for the evening and Frank came out from washing his face and he sat down by me kissing my cheek and said “are the girls asleep?” I nodded my head and laid on his chest hugging him and said “yep both are in bed for the night. He cuddled me close to him and said “those girls drive me nuts but I love how they try to make us laugh no matter how tough things have been lately, I’m doing my best for our family.”

I kissed him and caressed his cheek gently and I said “I know Frank they love you and I do too, I love you do much and we’re proud of you and the girls are doing well in school.” Frank smiles at me and plays with my hair and we napped together for a bit and then checked on the girls before going to bed for the night hoping they’d be alright until morning, Frank and I love our family so much they are both very energetic trouble makers but we love them regardless.

Hi darling! Sorry it’s kinda short 😅 but I hope you enjoy it xx🤍

Taglist:

@lokiandbuckysdoll

@jessybarnes

@sunshine-on-my-mind

@nana1000night

[theycallmebecca]

For your Autumn prompts- a character (I’m thinking Frank or Curtis would be fun!) of your choosing doesn’t “get” the magic of Autumn/Fall- but after participating in a typical Autumn activity (Fall Festival/haunted house/carving pumpkins/apple picking/a scare crow making contest/scary movie marathon) they get it and it’s a cute fluffy ending 🥺🧡

If this drabble had a theme song it would be Taylor Swift's Anti-Hero, specifically the line 'Hi, I'm the problem, it's me' because I literally started writing this drabble the day I got this request back on the 18th and the ending eluded me until today...

Never the less, I have prevailed! And I bring you some Frank Adler grumpiness.

Title: New Traditions

Pairing: Frank Adler x reader

Rating: PG

Warnings: n/a

Disclaimer: This work of fiction is not to be reposted, used or translated without my permission.

Usage Disclaimer: This work is for fans only. This author does not give permission for it to be shared, spoken of, referred to in any public manner (podcast, tv, online, etc.) that wants to either make a celebrity uncomfortable, mock fan fiction/fandom in any way, or the author themselves. Requests can be made, but it is unlikely the author will change their mind. If no response is given to a request then the answer is a solid no, not interested and the work cannot be shared, spoken of or even referred to, regardless of the manner or context. 

"What do you mean you think fall is overrated?” You stared at your boyfriend in shock.

“The colors are nice, I guess,” Frank Adler replied with a shrug. “But I don’t get the fuss.”

You blinked and shook your head in disbelief. You opened your mouth to remind him that he’d grown up in fucking New England, one of the most picturesque places in the entire fucking world to experience fall and then shut it when you remembered why the two of you were even in New England in October.

Mary’s monthly weekend with her grandmother.

You bit your tongue to keep from saying anything about Frank’s mother and tried to mask your face, but you could see Frank’s lips twitch as he tried to fight smiling himself.

“It’s ok, you can call her a bitch if you want to,” Frank said with a grin. “I’ve said worse. To her face.”

“I will not stoop to her level,” you said, pulling your shoulders back. “I’m just glad I’m part of yours and Mary’s lives now and can help you both experience the parts of life that were kept from you.”

“Like what?” Frank asked, tilting his head in curiosity.

“Experiencing fall the way it’s fucking meant to be spent!” you exclaimed, throwing your hands up. “Pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, just everything that makes fall fun!”

Frank gave you a look that said he wasn’t convinced.

“Trust me, by the time I’m done showing you and Mary everything you’ve missed, you’ll be begging me to show you more and, not only that, but making a huge weekend of it every single year,”  you promised.

With Mary busy with her grandmother for the weekend, you and Frank went to a local haunted house and then watched a couple scary movies. While he refused to admit he was enjoying himself, you could tell that he was.

By the time you guys were back in Florida, Mary was on board for experiencing a true fall and you knew that would seal the deal for Frank. If there was anything that made your grumpy boyfriend happy, it was seeing his niece enjoying her childhood, something that both he and her mother had missed out on.

You spent the week planning a weekend full of fall-related fun for the three of you, some of which you shared with Frank and Mary, but other parts you decided to keep as a surprise.

When the weekend finally arrived, the three of you got up early and headed out for the first day of fun. You’d found a farm not too far away that had an actual pumpkin patch as well as hayrides, a corn maze, and a farm store.

Just as you had expected, it was an instant hit for Mary. It was a harder sell for your grumpy boyfriend, but, eventually, even he was enjoying himself, though you weren’t sure if it was because he’d gotten into the fall celebration or if it was just because he was happy that Mary was happy.

By the end of that first day, you knew that you’d just stated a new, annual, family tradition.

[georgiapeach30513]

Flowers of Waverley Road: You Can Have It All - Frank X Lavender Masterlist

Needy and touched starved.  The baby of the family, and everyone had moved on, and left you alone in the giant mansion.  Homeschooled, and unable to travel, you are literally always alone.  Left to wander the halls and dream about actually seeing the world.  Heavy security detail whenever you leave the grounds.  You father didn’t think about the builders Ari and Frank who had come to work on the house.  What starts off as teasing Ari, leads into something completely different with Frank.  A man just as touch starved as you, and one that is willing to hide you away from the harsh and cruel world of the mafia.

*This story is part of a larger Universe*

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

A/N: this is a mafia AU, and will feature themes of violence, arranged marriage, running away, neediness, D/s dynamics, lies, schemes, and conspiracy.  Please read ALL warnings before proceeding.  And as always minors DNI.

[imyourbratzdoll]

𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒚 (ma papillon)

valentine's day masterlist - tinsel tunes

summary - frank shyly asks if you'd do something with him for valentine's day.

warning - slight angst, fluff.

the gif and headers I use aren't mine.

Warnings and Reminders - Please do not plagiarise, copy, repost/republish, adapt, or translate any of my work on any social media platforms, apps, or third-party sites. The only platforms I post my work on are: Tumblr and Wattpad. I do not own any character of any franchise (Marvel etc.) All my works are fiction and may be dark or triggering content: READ ALL WARNINGS BEFORE PROCEEDING.

Frank shyly moves toward you, his tiny hands reaching up as he begins tugging the hem of your dress, gaining your attention softly. “M–mrs Claus, c–can we please go out to pick some fruit and watch the butterflies?” You look down at him in awe, staring at his adorable wide eyes and the cutest little pout on his face, never having seen Frank so shy.

“Of course, sweetie. C’mon, let’s go.” You pick him up and place him on your shoulder, giggling as you feel him nuzzle into your neck. His tiny little face lit up as he noticed how high he was, his little hands wrapped around your neck as he held on. You head outside, and toward the little garden, you had started when you had gotten to the North Pole. It’s one place where all the elves are happy to help. It’s a peaceful place for all. 

You kneel, gently placing Frank into the soil where the fresh fruit is. The two of you begin to harvest it, dropping the fruit into the basket nearby. Frank proudly shows the fruit he’s picked. Each time he’d manage to pull one off, he’d turn and thrust it toward you with a giant smile on his face, blushing when you’d praise him. 

As time flies by, you and Frank relax back and watch the beautiful butterflies fill the room, smiling at the pretty colours that flutter by. Frank points, talking to you about the many different names he’s given them. “That one is Winnie! Because he’s orange with some red! A–and that one is called Tulip! Because it reminds me of the flower!” 

You smile, watching him as he gets happier and happier. “That one is Franklin! I named him after myself because he’s the most adventurous!” He looks at you and smiles, cheeks turning a rosy pink when he notices you’ve been staring at him. “What? Did I do something?”

“No, sweetie. I’ve just noticed how adorable and caring you actually are. This was a lovely day, and I enjoyed spending time with you.” You lean down and plant a soft kiss on the top of his head, causing him to hide his face, giggling as he does so. 

thank you for reading!

feedback and reblogs are greatly appreciated.

[aorifukuzawa]

To remember 💜💜💜

The Moment

Summary: The moment Frank Adler realised he was hopelessly, irretrievably in love with you.

Notes: 18+ Minors DNI

authors note: i got this idea after seeing @twerkforambrose’s gifted gif set, especially the last one. so, thank you for the inspiration. i wrote this at 4:30am this morning, so i hope you guys enjoy it.

masterlist

Frank Adler was a difficult person to read, always had been. He grew up in the shadow of his sister, her unique intelligence and witty personality commanding the attention of every room she entered. 

He learnt that keeping quiet gave him the easy, laid back life he so wanted. 

Not to be bothered by his mother’s pestering or belittling. 

Keep reading

[lives-in-midgard]

Fic Recommendation

On this Masterlist you can find some of my favorite fanfictions I've read recently. Some of them are older ones that I found and some are new ones. Let's show those amazing writers some love and enjoy their storys.

P.S: I'm gonna make a Christmas recommendation Masterlist as well because I have read some great stories!

Bucky Barnes:

A Slip of the Tongue by @antiquarianfics

Bracelet by @sergeantbarnessdoll

My favorite piece of art by @nicoline1998enilocin

Wonder What It Was Like by @questionableratatouille00

Check Yes or No by @navybrat817

Words and Consequences by @mrsbuckybarnes1917

Can't sleep by @sebastianstanisahotmf

Smiles and Smooches by @aikaterini-drag

Lovers by @sleepypanda27

Steve Rogers:

Dancing in the street by @nicoline1998enilocin

First Kiss Since 1945 by @sergeantbarnessdoll

Overlooked by @sebastianstanisahotmf

Kissing Booth by @buckys-wintersoldier

Yelena Belova:

Cheesy pickup lines by @alotofpockets

Loki:

Period- Headcanon by @lokisbiiiitch1993

A Second Chance by @lokisbiiiitch1993

Andy Barber:

All these years by @nicoline1998enilocin

Frank Adler:

"Never heard you laugh before" by @buckys-wintersoldier

[rascal-xo]

Does anyone want a Pt.2 to This?

[obsessedwrhys]

CALL OF DUTY (MOSTLY COLD WAR)

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ Symbols

fluff = 🦋 , angst = 🪐 , smut = 🍒 , goofy = 🎧

Headcanons:

-None yet-

Stories:

Unforgettable (Frank Woods x F!Reader) / He takes you to Burger Town for the first time 🦋

Born Fighter (Frank Woods x F!Reader) / Your 12 y/o daughter gets in trouble for a fight and Woods is the one called to meet the principal 🦋

Series:

-None yet-

[babyjakes]

〈 disclaimer: this blog posts content not suitable for individuals under the age of 18. minors are strictly prohibited from viewing, sharing, or interacting with this blog. for more information on this blog's commitment to protecting minors, read our full statement here. 〉

nav | masterlist | rules | library

about the event | eun hosts a hurt/comfort-themed blurb night for the month of february 2023!

dates and times | requests will be accepted all day friday, february 10th through the start of the event. the event will begin at 2pm on saturday, february 11th.

submission guidelines | the theme of this event is general hurt/comfort. please do not send in requests for any of eun's series au's. more detailed requests are more likely to be chosen. please make sure your submission follows eun’s general request guidelines.

blurbs.

angel's aid | friend!curtis everett x reader | when the tail-end's chaos gets to you, curtis knows just what you need.

captain's orders | bf!steve rogers x reader | steve dotes on you when your period's causing you pain.

craving comfort | daddy!andy barber x little!reader | andy's so proud of you when you finally seek him out for comfort.

where the heart is | best friend!jake jensen x college student!reader | jake makes for the sweetest surprise during a valentine's day spent in the hospital.

[chxrryhansen]

౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ Cherry’s Cevans Series Rec List

thought i’d make a list of all the best cevans (characters) series i have read!! i have lots more to add and will continue to update this list🫶🏻 i will also create a one shot fic rec list in the near future💖💘💞

Preying On You Tonight - @evansbby

“Steve is the cocky, brash and domineering alpha who makes your life at university a living hell every day. You’re the complete opposite - quiet, meek and reserved. You’re convinced Steve hates you, but what happens when he finds out you have a boyfriend? (a/b/o dynamics)”

Wicked Games - @evansbby

Ari is the campus fuckboy and you’re his little plaything. But he’s telling the truth when he says he’s going to make you his girlfriend soon, right?

What A World - @onsunnyside

S.H.I.E.L.D. had a lot of secrets, you just never expected one of them to be an actual person—a blue-eyed giant, wild manbeast at that. [tarzan!Steve Rogers x doctor!reader, nomad!steve, size difference]

Just Because I Won’t Die For You, Doesn’t Mean I Won’t Kill For You - @dbnightingale24

Lloyd Hansen is just another job for you. Your last job. However, when he decides that he wants to take you for a ride and have a good time, well...how’s a girl supposed to say no?

Closer To Heaven And Closer To You - @georgiapeach30513

When your boyfriend, Ransom wants to take a trip back home to the ranch to meet your family, you are unsure.  Knowing that a rodeo is in town could only mean your ex, Frank Adler, was most likely riding for eight seconds, still trying to beat his best friend, Steve Rogers.  All you wanted was a nice time, not old memories bothering your brain.

Just Like The Caged Bird - @georgiapeach30513

You are a widow who moves back to her husband's hometown after selling your in Georgia home.  Moving in above your brother in law's garage.  Sharing the space with his friend Bucky Barnes, but your other brother-in-law Andy causes problems, along with your overprotective brothers.

Pretty Petals - @darkficsyouneveraskedfor

You go on a self-improvement retreat, but not all is as it seems. (multi-character)

His Koala Bear - @kinanabinks

you and steve have been best friends since you were 5. for the longest time, he has wanted so much more from you. and it's getting harder for him to stop himself from taking it.

Belong Here - @angrythingstarlight

Steve has been looking for his perfect girl and suddenly there you are stuck in this dingy restaurant. You don't belong here, you belong with him.

Finding Home - @navybrat817

Steve finds a home with you. (lumberjack Au)

Their Doll - @kaiparker-avengerssmut

y/n Stark, all records of her non existent, and yet Hydra still find her. When she is kidnapped by a certain super-soldier and no one believes her, she finds herself searching for unexpected familiarity in her not-so-distant past.

No Better Than Beast’s - @lokislastlove

You’re an animal rights activist who sets out to put an end to animal testing… but it’s a risky mission. (Dark!Steve Rogers)

Doppelgänger - @boxofbonesfic

Your husband’s twin brother has always made you uncomfortable, and after two years of marriage, you finally find out why. (Dark!Ransom Drysdale + Dark!Lloyd Hansen)

Million Dollar Man - @chrisevansgoodgirl

your relationship with ransom and his insane family.

Brooklyn’s Sweetheart - @spacesnail3000

Bucky and Steve had always been meant to keep her safe and happy. As far as anyone else was concerned, that was their sole reason for being alive. Unfortunately, the things that kept her safe were not always the things that kept her happy. Lately, she was making it pretty damn hard for them to compromise.

Let It Snow - @spacesnail3000

She was his Omega, and Steve had a plan. She would love him. He knew she would.

Sweet Renegade - @cevansbrat0007

A new arrival in town leads to an unexpected complication in the form of a sexy as sin Bounty Hunter named Ari Levinson.

Evergreen, Evermore - @babyjakes

loving husbands jake and ari had always believed they were all each other could ever want or need. but one unusual summer, when their world is turned upside-down by an uncanny girl from down the street, they find that having someone to love, nurture, and care for together is the missing piece that finally completes their perfect family and lives.

A Huckleberry Is Nothing Without His Hummingbird - @dbnightingale24

Lloyd and Y/N have been amicably(ish) divorced for four years. However, when earth shattering trauma come their way, will they lean into what they truly want, or will the flames from past traumas still burn too bright?

Civil war- Brooklyn - @saiyanprincessswanie

Ten years ago the Readers world was turned upside down when her father was killed by Hydras Brock Rumlow. She believes the loves of her life Steve Rogers and James “Bucky” Barnes were also killed while trying to avenge her fathers death. Reader is now working for the FBI on a task force that is meant to take down Hydra. She volunteers to go undercover to take down Hydra. In doing so she not only puts herself in the cross hairs with Rumlow but she gets to meet the mystery men causing Hydra issues. Who are the Captain and Winter Soldier? What lengths will you go through to uncover the truth and seek revenge?

The Boston Brute - @time-for-a-lullaby

When you graduated from Northeastern University, you had your sights set on the West Coast. And then you were offered a position with the Boston Bruins Athletic Training Department. And then you met Chris. A 6′3″, ruggedly handsome hockey player dead set on making your life a living hell by pushing every button and getting on every nerve. Despite your obvious disdain for each other and the ‘No Fraternization’ clause in your employee contract, you’re drawn together in a passionate, fiery love affair that seems to burn everything in its wake. 

Planet Evans Universe - @astranva

In which Chris was a nervous mess when he met his A+ list celebrity crush, highest-paid, and the most iconic actress, you, at Vanity Fair’s 2014 after party. (Following the life of overprotective!dad!Chris x wife!actress!reader!)

Don’t Speak - @darkficsyouneveraskedfor

Reader is a reclusive loner who ventures down to the library on a simple mission. Her task is complicated by the man she meets there. (Dark!Andy Barber)

Cat and Mouse - @queen-of-the-avengers

You’re called the Vixen because you were HYDRA’s favorite creation. You’re very hard to catch, and once you are, it’s even harder to keep you.

Let’s Ride - @starryevermore

You’re a single mom and have just moved into a new town. You have no interest in looking for love, but the funny thing about love is, it waits for no one. (Biker!Ari Levinson)

Out Of The Darkness - @sunshinexsin

Sienna Jons has lived in Boston for three years now after graduating and is running her own salon in the city. With a small group of friends sticking by her side, she's content with her life. Enter Chris Evans, a known and feared mob boss in Boston’s underground crime world. Coming out of a long relationship ended in a bitter divorce, Chris isn’t looking for anything serious until Sienna crosses his path. Trying to win her over proves difficult for the man who seemingly has it all and Sienna is not willing to be with someone who causes such destruction in his own hometown. Sienna soon finds herself entangled in the crazy, violent world of the mob and struggles to find a way to either live with the hardened man Chris has always been or get away from him before her own life spirals out of control.

Murder He Wrote - @wiypt-writes

You’re sent by your asshole boss to do a review of a Celebrity Host Haunted Mansion, hosted by none-other than the arrogant, wild-eye browed actor Lucas Lee, but you’re worried you’ve missed the boat…that is, until at the last minute, an email arrives to say they can let you in on the last admission that night, which just happens to be Halloween. (Dark!Ransom Drysdale)

Poison Paradise - @the-iceni-bitch

Robert Pronge was sure he could settle for a fake domestic life as long as he could go on killing. Little did he know that you could give him everything he needed.

A Bun In The Oven - @witchywithwhiskey

the leaves are changing—green fading into golden yellow, burnt orange and radiant red—and the days are getting shorter and colder as autumn settles in. it's the perfect time of year for baked goods, fall foliage, book stores, and to curl up next to (and get under) our favorite man with a plan, steve rogers

Wilford’s Demands - @sweater-daddiesdumbdork

Wilford places you in Curtis’ care so he can impregnate you.

In The Balance - @goodgirlofglory

One unsuspecting evening, the stranger Steve Rogers appears bloodied and in need of aid at your doorstep. You immediately catch his eye, and he forces himself upon you within the hour. Several months of repeated visits from him results in your pregnancy, and the night you find out, Steve intereceps you on your way to an abortion clinic and kidnaps you to his mansion. Will you carry the child to term? Will you buckle under the pressure of capitivity? Will you escape the grasp Steve has on you, or will you submit to it and your own, conflicted desires?

Drowning Siren - @rogerswifesblog

The Avengers found an old abandoned HYDRA base, that had been cleared after HYDRAs existence had been exposed. At least they thought it was cleared. It was the biggest experimental lab they had ever seen, the closest base to the ocean, full with creatures-dead creatures. Some of them laid still on tables, stripped with metal cuffs, open and already rotting. It was an awful smell. But then they heard something beautiful. A melody, a beautiful voice singing unbelievably gentle sounds. Walking into the building full with ocean creatures, they had no idea their life was about to change.

Vampire Kings Religion - @marvelcriminalhoe

In a world where fantasy beings roam every corner, the humans are on the bottom. Looked at as weak and disgraceful. The vampires are the opposite. They rule the land, and all of the creatures that take part of it. the current ruler, King Steven, has ruled for more than 150 years, alone. After many nights, and long talks with his most trusted hands, he comes to the long awaited decision that he will finally, take a wife. All female creatures, are to be evaluated, so he can find his perfect match. Of course, no one expects for him to choose a human. Especially not one from the church. Especially not the daughter, of the leader, of the church. The same church that detests the mythical creatures, wishing for nothing more than for them to perish in fire. How could this union possibly end well?

Ride And Prejudice - @pagesoflauren

A take on Pride & Prejudice, certain circumstances in your life have led you to take refuge and work in a farm village, particularly on the ranch owned by Steve Rogers. He doesn’t take kindly to you, having bad perceptions about city folk. Your only reaction to that is the one you deem acceptable: get annoyed at every little thing he does whilst doing your best to annoy him and still keep your job.

Love On The Brain - @howardpotts

You’re just a student, living her normal daily life in New York. One night changes everything, without you even knowing. Steve Rogers slowly introduces you to his world full of money, drugs and voilence. But are you able to handle what he has to offer? (MobBoss!Steve Rogers)

Flamingo King - @onsunnyside

The sun is brutal this summer, especially in Flamingo Trailer Park, the land of big hearts and cheap tricks, you’ve been here for years unlike your “new” neighbour, Ari. He’s older, bigger, and intimidating, the local rockstar, and you, well, aren’t you just the sweetest girl in the whole damn city?

Make It A December To Remember - @imyourbratzdoll

AGE AND SIZE DIFFERENCE IS ADDED TO ALL! SANTA AND THE GRINCH ARE LARGER THAN THE READER! THE ELVES ARE THE SIZE OF HER PALM! (a chris evans xmas universe)

This Love Is Bad - @wildestdreamsblog

You were just trying to escape your past, and Ari was trying to chase his future.

Nowhere To Run - @sagechanoafterdark

On the last day that Steve spent in your small town before heading off to basic training for the army, he made sure it was one you wouldn’t ever forget. Years later when he appears in your town he seems like a changed man in more ways than one, but you’re ready to show him that you’ve never forgotten that day. (Dark!Steve Rogers+ Bucky Barnes)

Nice To Be Kneaded - @rogersideup

Almost every news station in the country was covering the chase for the missing superheroes post-raft-escape following the Civil War. Steve Rogers face had been plastered on the cover of every news paper, fliers stapled to street lamps, posted on bulletin boards in what felt like every coffee shop in the country. It had been just a few long months shy of a year, just long enough to grow out his hair and beard to make himself as unrecognizable as he could manage. Though he was still the poster boy of disorder within the states, he found himself in the scanty town of Greenwood in the house right next to yours.

Forever And Ever More - @syntheticavenger

Ransom Drysdale may be Boston’s most eligible Alpha who has his eyes set on you. With his inheritance hanging in the balance, he won’t take no for an answer, whether you like him or not.

Hackers Heart - @bakugousaysdie

steve rogers has always been america’s golden boy, leading earth’s mightiest heroes and serving his country. you have always been bad with boundaries, a little too curious, and an absolute disruption. you are an absolute menace,so it’s only right you fell in love with the most adored man in the country.

Arranged - @time-for-a-lullaby

Living in this life, you’ve never gotten to have much say in anything. What you wear, who you hang out with, and now, who you marry and you’re dreading your arranged marriage to the Italian mob boss, Chris Evans. Expecting to suffer through a life of abuse while being kept under lock and key, you’re pleasantly surprised when Chris is nothing like you expected. He’s the most feared man on the East Coast, only brought to his knees by one thing and one thing only. You.

[secretswiftymarvelfan]

There for you - Frank Adler x Reader

A/N: Happy Mother's Day to anyone who celebrates it today!

Summary: The first period can be daunting, thankfully Mary has you

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings: Periods! Fluff!

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Masterlist

“Who’s gonna be the most handsomest pup ever?” You coo as you gently rub some shampoo onto the top of the newest strays head.

In response the little pup wagged his tail, spraying water and shampoo across the back of the bath. He wiggled forward to lick your cheek.

“Oh yes thank you so much” you chuckle as you gently push the pup back into the tub.

You began carefully rinsing out the shampoo when you heard the door open behind you, glancing over your shoulder you saw one of the volunteers poking her head in.

“Oh there’s someone on the phone for you,” she tells you, “says it’s urgent”

Your brows furrow “Did they say who it was?”

“Um Plato Academy?” She says with a small shrug of her shoulders.

You curse under your breath, that was Mary’s middle school, why on earth were they calling you?

“Oh okay, yeah, can you take over?” You ask nodding to the pup in the bathtub.

“Sure” she nods grabbing a waterproof apron from a nearby hook.

“Great thank you” you mutter as you quickly dry your hands and make your way out to the front desk.

Your supervisor was already at the desk working at the computer, she gave you a smile before nodding to the phone which had been left for you.

“Um hello?” You say once you pick up the phone.

“Hi, is this Y/N?” A woman on the other end asks.

“Uh yeah speaking” you confirm scratching the back of your neck.

“Okay, I’m calling from Plato Academy about Mary Adler” the woman starts.

“Is she okay? In trouble?” You ask knowing what Mary could get like, and it was only getting worse as puberty hit.

“She’s locked herself in a bathroom and is refusing to come out” the woman on the other end sighs making your brows rise in surprise.

“Right… did she say why?” You ask as you rub your forehead.

“No, but she’s really quite distressed so we were hoping you could come see if she’ll talk to you or take her home?” The woman explains.

“Okay, well um I’m at work so Frank will probably be able to get there sooner than I can,” you tell her.

“Mary’s asked for you specifically,” the woman tells you making your brows rise again in surprise.

“She did?” You stutter in surprise “Right um okay I’ll um-“You scratch your forehead trying to work out what to do. Something was clearly wrong and you wanted nothing more than to go help Mary but you couldn’t just leave work.

Your supervisor then taps you on the arm, getting your attention “You can go if you’re needed” she whispers.

You cover the phone with your hand “Are you sure?” You whisper back.

She nods her head with a kind smile “She sounds like she needs you and we can cope” she reassures you.

Your shoulders drop as you shoot her a grateful smile “Okay I’ll be there as soon as I can” you say into the phone.

When you arrived at the middle school one of the receptionists was waiting for you and took you straight to the bathroom that Mary had shut herself into.

“Do you mind just giving us some privacy?” You ask turning to the receptionist.

“Yeah of course, I’ll be right out here if you need anything” she nods with a kind smile.

You give her a thankful smile before pushing inside the bathroom. As soon as you stepped inside you heard the small sniffles.

“Mary? Sweetie, are you in here?” You call out softly as you walk in.

“Y/N?” Mary sniffled.

“Yeah I’m here, what’s wrong?” You ask moving closer to the stall that you heard her sniffles coming through.

“I got my period” she mutters quietly, her tone embarrassed and upset.

“Oh…” you sigh sympathetically, everything making sense “Do you have any pads or tampons?”

“No, and it really hurts” she complains.

“Okay, don’t worry we’ll get you some pain killers and I have some spare pads in my handbag for emergencies just like this” you reassure her, looking for your bag to find what you needed, you were just about to pass a pad under the door when you paused “mary, do you need a change of underwear?” You ask quietly.

Mary was silent for a moment with the exception of her sniffles before finally whispering “Yeah”

“Okay I’ll get that sorted don’t worry” you reassure her “I’ll be right back”

You head back towards the door, popping your head out and whispering to the receptionist “Does the school have spare underwear for girls?”

A look of understanding crosses her face followed by a sympathetic smile “Yes I’ll go grab a pair” she nods before hurrying off to the office.

Soon enough the receptionist returned with a fresh pair of underwear, straight from the packet, and you were able to pass them onto Mary.

“Here you go sweetie, here’s a bag for you to put your pair in and I’ll chuck them in the wash when we get home, or you can just put them in the bin it's up to you” you offer as you pass everything she needed under the door.

“Thank you” Mary whimpers as she takes them from you.

A few minutes later the bathroom stall opened and a defeated-looking Mary stepped out. Her gaze was set on the floor as she traipsed over to the sink to wash her hands. Once she was done you open up your arms for her, smiling gently when she stepped into your embrace.

“Thank you Y/N” she sniffled.

“It’s nothing, let’s get you home and we can relax, eat any snacks you want and watch a movie,” you say running your hands over the top of her head.

“What about school?” She asks looking up at you.

You couldn’t stop the small smile that grew on your lips, any other kid would be jumping at the chance to skip school.

“No matter how natural and normal they are, periods suck, especially first periods so we’re gonna make sure you’re feeling better and if you wanna go into school tomorrow you can” you tell her, rubbing her shoulders.

“Okay thank you,” she says a smile finally tugging at her lips.

“Good now c’mon I have a secret stash of ice cream at home that even Frank doesn’t know about” you smirk as you wrap your arms around her shoulders and begin to lead her out.

At the mention of her uncle Mary froze “Will you tell Frank?” Worry clear in her eyes.

“Not if you don’t want me to, but he’ll understand, Frank despite how grumpy he can get is one of the good ones, he won’t think it's gross or weird, he might be a bit sad that you’re growing up but he’ll look after you, spoil you” you reassure her turning to face her.

“Really?” She asks her tone unconvinced.

“Yeah, he spoils me whenever I’m on my period so of course he’ll spoil you,” you tell her.

“Okay,” she hums quietly as you continue to walk back out and towards the car “I don’t know how I’d tell him” she admits quietly.

“That’s okay, I can tell him if you want?” You offer as you reach the car.

“Thank you Y/N” Mary sighs in relief, hugging you tightly before moving to get into the car.

You and Mary were curled up together under a blanket on the couch. Bowls of both yours and Mary’s favourite snacks sat on your laps as one of Mary’s favourite movies played.

You had given Mary a hot water bottle for her cramps, something that Fred took full advantage of by curling up on top of it. Mary didn’t mind though, a soft smile curled at her lips as she stroked her hand down his back.

The sound of the door opening had you looking over, Frank frowning in confusion when he spotted the both of you on the couch.

He glanced down at his watch before pointing over at you “Why aren’t you at work?” He questions before pointing at Mary “And why aren’t you in school”

“Why aren’t you at the harbour?” Mary fires back making Frank’s eyebrows rise.

He opened his mouth to scold her but you held out your hand “Mary wasn’t feeling well so we’re having a couch day” you tell him.

Frank's brows furrow again, this time in concern “Oh… what’s wrong squirt?”

“Nothing” Mary answers quickly making Frank shoot you a confused look.

You just subtly nod your head in the direction of the kitchen. Frank lets out a small sigh before nodding his head and making his way into the kitchen.

“I’m just gonna replenish these,” you tell Mary grabbing the half-finished bowls of popcorn and chips.

She murmurs an okay as you get up and follow Frank into the kitchen. You find him leaning against the counter, his arms crossed over his chest. His brow arched in the silent question of what the hell is going on.

You put the bowls down on the side before moving to stand in front of him “Mary got her period” you whisper.

His lips part in surprise and understanding “Is she okay?” He asks quietly.

“She feels pretty crap, it caught her off guard the school had to call me because she locked herself in a bathroom,” you tell him, his brows rising in shock.

He grabs his phone from his pocket and you can see him scrolling to see if he missed any calls “Why didn’t they call me?” He asks when he saw he had none. You level him a look which makes him sigh “right”

“She’s just embarrassed,” you say placing a hand on his arms and rubbing it soothingly.

“She has nothing to be embarrassed of,” he says with a soft shake of his head.

“We know that, but she doesn’t know that yet, society still sees it as something gross and weird,” you say with a long sigh.

“Which is bullshit” Frank mutters under his breath looking down.

You couldn’t stop the small smile that tugged at your lips as you reached up to gently brush your lips against his.

“I wish she felt comfortable enough to talk about it with me but I’m glad she has you” he sighs wrapping his arms around you.

“It was nothing, now c’mon help me fill these up and we’ll continue our movie night” you say stepping out of his embrace and passing him a bowl.

“You think she’ll want me to join?” He asks sceptically.

“Of course, and what better way to show you’re there for her” you point out.

A smile tugs at his lips “Okay” he agrees.

Once the snacks were refilled, you and Frank made your way back out to the living room. You return to your original spot while Frank sits down on the opposite side of Mary, his arm resting around the back of her.

“What are you doing?” She questioned he sat down and start snaking on the popcorn.

“Joining my girls for movie night” he answers simply.

“But you hate this movie” Mary argues pointing to the cheesy romcom currently playing.

“What are you talking about?” Frank exclaims dramatically “I love this movie” he smirks popping more popcorn in his mouth.

Mary rolls her eyes but doesn’t argue, settling back down into the couch. Shifting ever so slightly into Frank’s side. You look over smiling at the two of them, especially when Frank threw you a grateful look.

A couple of weeks had passed since you had picked Mary up from school. It had been a rough few days with her but Frank was just as patient with her as he always was with you when you were on your period.

As you woke you naturally stretched an arm out to Frank’s side of the bed but found his side cold. You peeked an eye open to see he wasn’t lying beside you. You frown in confusion because it was Sunday and Frank always had a long lie-in on Sundays. It could be near impossible to get him out of bed, him often muttering that it was God’s day of rest despite not being religious at all.

Hearing the bedroom door creak open you rolled over to see Mary walking in holding a tray full of food, Frank following behind holding cups of coffee.

“Wha-what’s this?” You stutter in surprise, sitting up as Mary put the tray down on your lap.

“A treat for your special day” Frank explains as he rounds the bed and sits down beside you.

“My special day?” You ask in confusion, looking over at Frank to see a twinkle in his eyes.

He then nodded to Mary who suddenly went all shy as she held out a pink envelope for you. You take the envelope from her, glancing once more over at Frank before opening it up. Your breath caught when you saw the card inside.

“You got me a mothers day card” you managed to say, a thick lump forming in your throat as tears collected in your eyes.

“Yeah because you’re there for me and you do everything that a mom does like helping me with my period” Mary explains with a shy smile, fiddling with her fingers “Do you like it?”

“Oh sweetie I love it” you cry “C’mere” you open your arms for her holding her tight when she walked over into your embrace.

You look over to see Frank watching the scene unfold with unshed tears. He’d looked the exact same when Mary had first surprised him for Father’s Day, but you knew this meant just as much to him to see Mary accept you as a mother figure in her life. You reach out to take his hand and squeezing.

He smiled back at you quickly wiping away a stray tear “Why don’t you give Y/N her present?” He suggests.

Mary pulls back from the hug to grab another envelope, a golden one this time, and passes it to you. Opening it up you see it was a spa voucher for two.

“I thought you and Frank could go” Mary explains nodding over to Frank.

A smirk grows on your face “Why would I take Frank when I can take you?”

Mary’s jaw practically drops to the floor “Really!? What about Frank?”

You lean in and cup your hand around your mouth “Why waste it on him when he’s just gonna get all greasy on a boat the next day” you whisper loudly.

“I don’t usually hear you complaining about the grease” Frank huffs.

You ignore him “Plus it would be a nice girl's day out” you smile.

Mary beams back at you, bouncing on the balls of her feet “Yes! I can’t wait!” She grins.

“Me neither now come sit down,” you say shuffling over to make room “and help me eat all this” you smile passing her a pastry that you knew she’d love.

“Thank you Y/N, for everything” Mary smile’s gratefully as she accepts the pastry.

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Masterlist

I don’t have a taglist so follow @secretswiftymarvelfanlibrary​ and turn on post notifications to be kept up to date!

[spiderhanzzz]

"WORST REGARDS, YOUR KARMIC RETRIBUTION" — yang jeongin.

they say success is the best revenge, but sabotage feels better.

word count: 5.8k

pairings: jock!jeongin x nerd!reader

genre: fluff, humour, high school au, one sided enemies to lovers, slow burn, loosely inspired by i hope this doesn't find you by ann liang

warnings: swearing, partying, kissing, biblically accurate (religious) jeongin, everyone is the same age except chan, no use of y/n + gn reader, reader is literally evil incarnate plz dont do this irl ;;

playlist: ivy frank ocean, sexy to someone clairo, everybody talks neon trees, i can't radiohead

a/n: dedicated to @allforhee & all the other i.n stans out there :3 enjoy!!!

You know a lot of things. You know that the idea of zero was invented by an Indian mathematician and astronomer named Brahmagupta. You know how to recite your future Valedictorian speech in Latin. However besides these things, you also know that most things in life are pretty much uncertain.

Except your hatred for Yang Jeongin. That is your probability of 1.

Although your best friend Kim Seungmin says that your probability of 1 should probably be the fact that you’re a damn sore loser.

So when classes started to end and your school’s sports day rolled around, everyone knew not to cross your path. Either they would be on your team, or they wouldn’t even get near you. You’re not even that athletic; in fact, you can barely work out to save your life. But you’re the brains, the mastermind, of your team’s strategies. It’s like that saying, if you can’t beat ‘em, outsmart ‘em, or something like that.

You knew you were winning, or at least you thought you knew. Because just when you were about to cross your final lap of the track and field match, the corner of your eye caught a glimpse of Yang Jeongin’s infamously cordial grin. Disturbed by the audacity, you stop in your tracks to look at his friends sitting on the bleachers and feel a rush of satisfaction rush back in when you see them petrified for their friend’s questionable actions.

He won, of course. And though you took home five more gold medals than him that day, something about the utter disrespect of stealing the spotlight from somebody so clearly feared for a reason unsettles you.

Which is why you’re currently writing a letter to him threatening to take away his position in the basketball team if he doesn’t earn back your respect that he lost from a sports day event three years ago.

It’s less of a letter and more of a drafted email, since you’re not writing it by hand; he doesn’t get to have that sort of power over you. You’re not sending it either. God, no. You’re not that insane.

It’s simply a form of coping, nothing more. You’d reckon if you were to ask a therapist about this method, they would think it’s stellar. It’s like journaling… except instead of self-reflection, the end goal is to live in the delusional cloud where your nemesis knows and fears how much you hate them.

Do whatever your wretched soul can manage to revert back to the regular human state— that is, being absolutely petrified of my existence. Otherwise, say goodbye to that pretty “varsity basketball” title you adore so much.

A smirk twists upon the edges of your lips as your gaze fixes on the words you’ve just typed out. What’s the word for when you gain pleasure from the idea of torturing somebody else? You’re sure ‘sadist’ doesn’t apply when you only crave the suffering of one specific person.

You consider rewriting the entire letter on paper, for the sole purpose of leaving a crimson lipstick stain on the envelope for him to unseal. You don’t even use red lipstick, but perhaps the Irene Adler-ness of it all might subconsciously trigger a flight or fight response from him, as most stupid teenage boys do when faced with distinct power.

When other people fall asleep to daydreams about their crushes, you often drift away to slumber through the relaxation brought upon you from fantasizing about Yang Jeongin on his knees, begging for your forgiveness.

You would have fallen asleep to that dream for yet another night, but your best friend Kim Seungmin rang your phone. Now, if it was any other night, you would have sent him death threats and went back to your fantasies. However you had just asked Seungmin for a very special favor, so you decide to pick up.

“This better be about what I think it is,” you start. “I won’t put up with your post-exam depression bullshit tonight.”

“Don’t worry about that, I managed to get extra credits for everything.” Thuds and crackles fill the audio from the other side of the phone, and you can practically smell Seungmin’s bag of chips and old dusty laptop opening on his desk. “I got what you asked for.”

“Good, just forward it to my email.”

“I don’t understand why you would need it, though,” Seungmin’s voice is muffled by the chips in his mouth. “I mean, the team’s orders at Lucy’s Diner? Seriously? If you had a crush on one of them, you know I could just set you up, right?”

“Ew, I would never!” You fake gag, earning a chuckle from the boy on the other line. “C’mon, you know I have too much self respect for that.” “I think you mispronounced blatant narcissism and self obsession.”

The two of you go back and forth teasing one another for another moment until you urge Seungmin to send the list to your email. He inquires once again but you only brush him off, coming up with something about helping out at Lucy’s for the summer. Which wouldn’t be a complete lie, technically, if all went well.

You know you can’t tell Seungmin about your plan. Not right now. He’s reached that stage of being a teenage boy where he started developing attachment and empathy towards others, and now he’s practically attached at the hip with the rest of the basketball team. All he knows is that you hate Jeongin, and that’s enough for now.

And sure, this whole situation has made you question if you were actually a sociopath, but it needs to be done. You consider it a fair service to the community for taking down another straight male with no brains and a huge ego. They don’t know it yet, but he’s the common enemy.

Soon enough after the sports day incident you had come to the conclusion that if nobody could hate Yang Jeongin, you would make him hate you so much until a primal, animalistic desire to destroy you would take over his spirit. You assume he’d do something so utterly terrible, as men do, then afterwards everyone would finally see with their own two eyes that he is just like every other man in this cruel world. If anything, you’re volunteering as a sacrifice!

So as you zone out on Seungmin’s newfound amusement in the way Mr Marks’ glasses make him look like Chicken Little, you switch your tabs to open the sacred document.

In big, bold letters it reads OPERATION 143: 1 ENEMY, 4 PHASES, 3 YEARS.

The document itself already has over 25 pages, written in detail about your genius ideas to slowly infiltrate your enemy base from the inside out— most worked, but some of them just ended in your loss of dignity. You had even taken ideas from books and films like Parasite to further enhance its artistic integrity. These last three years were a performance, and Jeongin’s life is your stage. You have now entered phase four, and this is your closing act; nobody can steal your spotlight.

Contrary to the precise executions of your past eras, phase four is abstract. Its main goals are to disrupt Yang Jeongin’s peace as directly as possible, whilst leaving as little trail as possible. This, paired with the built up tension from the previous phases, is going to set in motion a domino effect, leading to the collapse of your greatest enemy’s social stature.

Accidentally letting a particularly mischievous giggle slip under your breath, you look back at the email you were drafting to him. You know exactly how to end it.

Careful where you run, Yang Jeongin.

Worst regards,

your karmic retribution.

This is your least favorite time of the year: the period just before summer break. Exams are over, so most teachers let students roam free during their lessons. But not going to school at all can take away from your total attendance, which then goes on your report card, so most students spend their school days sitting around in boredom and watching the sports teams play.

seungmo: Do u wanna come to practice

seungmo: Jisung bought cheesecake for everyone and I don’t want mine

seungmo: I don’t want him to take mine tho lol

That was fifteen minutes ago, and now you’re sitting on the bleachers on a date with a delicious slice of blueberry cheesecake and iced coffee, absentmindedly watching your best friend practice. Despite your close ties with Seungmin, you’ve never really been interested in the other team members— except for the occasional trading of homework answers with Jisung. Ever since middle school, you’ve sort of established that you want nothing to do with people like them: rowdy, sporty, and popular. Seungmin once noted that you say “popular” like it’s a slur. You couldn’t disagree.

“So… Karmic retribution, huh?”

You freeze.

“Pardon?” You turn around, only to be faced with the one and only Yang Jeongin.

“Karmic retribution?” He inquires further, expecting you to get the hint. “Y’know, what you called yourself in your… email? Death threat? Not sure what to call it, actually.”

Oh shit. Oh fuck.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about, dude,” you laugh off the question. “I don’t even know your name, let alone your email.”

“Well, that’s clearly a lie, since your name is on your email address. And my name was in your… Seriously, what should I call this thing?”

Fuck fuck fuck. You must have accidentally hit ‘send’ when you fell asleep on the phone with Seungmin. That prick; he always manages to embarrass you somehow.

“Listen, I didn’t even know you go here. I had to ask Chris if he knows which one you are, and you just happened to be here right now.” Jeongin rakes his fingers through his stupid gross sweaty damp hair, then dragging his palm across his face in exasperation. “Whatever I did to you, I’m really sorry.”

“What do you mean you didn’t know I go here?” You’re baffled, truly baffled, and you basically lost control of your body when you heard those words. Suddenly your voice can be heard by anyone within a ten foot radius, and if it weren’t for that they would have thought you were about to smother him with kisses by the lack of distance between your bodies. “I’ve been here since fucking middle school! I sit behind you in Spanish— I ask you for a pen every two and a half weeks only to lose it every single time. You’re saying you don't remember me?”

“Oh, that’s you? My bad. You sit behind me, so I didn’t really get to see your face up close.” Jeongin doesn’t even flinch at the proximity of your faces. He simply gives you a brief look up and down and goes, “Now that I am seeing you up close, you’re the one that always hangs out with Seungmin, right?”

Then it hits you: this is the universe sending you a signal to initiate phase four. Sure, him not remembering who you are might have set you back by a few milestones, but who’s counting? (You are. You always are.) 

If anything, you’re grateful for the redirection, because now you know that before you can ruin him, you must first build him up.

“Alright, look,” you begin, taking a step back to put some inches between the two of you. He reeks of rubber and soda, the stench makes you ill. “Let’s start over, shall we?”

“‘Kay, cool,” he says with a nonchalant shrug. “See you around, I guess…?”

“Wait, that’s it? You’re not even gonna ask why I hated you in the first place?”

“Doesn’t matter now, does it? We’re already starting over.” The genuine lack of irritation in his face makes you curl your fists and fight the urge to give him a black eye. “Plus, you’re one of those nice smart kids. I don’t have beef with your kind.”

And for the first time in your life you wanted desperately to become popular, because maybe then Jeongin would take you seriously.

But it’s fine. You’re going to destroy him regardless.

“Yo, not to interrupt this whole bonding thing we have going on, but I kinda need to head back to practice.” His voice snaps you back to reality. “Is that chill with you?”

“Yeah, yeah. That’s chill.” You muster up your most convincing smile for him. One time in fifth grade your drama teacher told you you’re a natural actor, and you pray to God those innate talents are still there. Now that you think about it, she may have just been calling you a liar.

For good measure, you give him an awkward thumbs up before walking away. When you make eye contact with Seungmin, he raises his eyebrow as if to ask what the fuck was that? You can only shrug in response. You have no idea either.

You sit back down on the bleachers, occasionally eyeing your target, feasting your eyes on the way his muscles flex under his baggy Radiohead t-shirt when he dribbles the ball around the court and the sweat that drips from his hair. You’re used to your own deranged behavior, but this feels almost perverse. Maybe it’s because you’re basically acquaintances with him now (the word makes you want to spit your cheesecake back up), or maybe it’s because you can’t help but let your stare linger on the cross dangling from his chain.

Gross, you think to yourself, as you keep your eyes on him for the rest of the day.

On the last day of school before summer break, the unexpected happens: the basketball team invites you to their party. Well, technically, they invited everyone. It’s supposed to be Bang Chan’s last party before he graduates, and he just so happens to be friends with every single student. Thus, you and Seungmin are now situated in front of his front door, waiting for him to welcome you in.

You don’t usually go to parties, and to be very honest nobody really expects you to. The reasoning is a bit pretentious, you suppose, but you truly just don’t believe in the necessity of rebellion in leading to better adulthood. However you do believe in yourself and your incredibly sexy intellectual prowess, and you have an operation to carry out, so tonight you let yourself let loose just a bit.

“Ah, there you guys are!” Chan greets you and Seungmin, ushering you inside his… house is an understatement, honestly, it’s a mansion. “Mingle around!”

You’re still out of place, you notice. Since you didn’t plan on actually drinking or dancing, you decided to come in your usual get-up of your dream university’s merch sweater and a pair of baggy jeans. You mentally cursed yourself for not realizing that all of Chan’s friends would be the cool, charismatic type.

Suddenly wishing you had stayed home instead, you excuse yourself to the bathroom, which was (fortunately for you) on the second floor, away from most of the crowds. When you get there, however, you’re met with Jeongin’s sharp gaze in front of the door.

“Been a while,” he states, leaning on the wall and crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Could I get you anything? A drink, maybe?”

“I don’t drink. At least not tonight,” you respond. Then you notice that his hands are also empty. “What about you?”

“Nah, I don’t do that stuff.” He shakes his head to enunciate his disapproval. “I don’t mind that the other guys do it, but I’m pretty religious, so…”

The devil perched upon your shoulder whispers hot but the angel on the other side exclaims what the fuck?

“Cool.” You stare at your shoes, thinking about how to turn this exchange into yet another round of revenge. When you get an idea, you beam up at him. “Wanna walk and talk with me?”

The moment he verbalizes his agreement, you grab him by the arm and rush downstairs. There, you do as you had suggested: walk and talk. Turns out Chan’s first floor is big enough for about thirty minutes of conversation.

When you get to the outdoor pool, you take off your shoes and dip your toes in the water with Jeongin following suit, sitting right beside you. Your conversation drifts to so many different topics— music, childhood TV shows, dating— you almost forget the reason why you brought him here. He’s observant, you notice, and he has thoughts on a lot of different things, something you didn’t think was possible. You always thought he was just dumb.

“Y’know, I was kinda flattered by your email, I’m not gonna lie,” he admits sheepishly.

“Pardon?” You look at him, puzzled. “Did you say flattered?”

“Well, yeah, I mean, no one really notices me like that.”

You stare at him, eyes blank and mouth agape. Surely this guy has gone insane, right? He’s one of the school’s most beloved students, by other students and faculty members alike.

“Like, I know they like me, but I don’t really stand out amongst the others. Chris is the friendly one, Minho is the mysterious one, Changbin is the strong one, Hyunjin is the artistic one, Jisung is the funny one, Felix is the kind one, Seungmin is the smart one, and what am I? I have all those qualities too, but they pale in comparison. People don’t have enough reason to hate me, but I know they think I’m boring. So being hated so passionately was kind of a big thing for me… I’m sorry, is that weird?”

If you didn’t want to slap him before, you sure as hell do now. How blindly privileged is this guy that his problem in life is not being the coolest guy on the varsity basketball team? You puff out your cheeks to hold back an exasperated sigh, and pull out a gentle smile instead.

“Jeongin, I don’t think people see you that way at all.” You place a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Have you ever considered that maybe they might just be a bit intimidated by you?”

This is exactly how your mother talks to you when you start crying about how nobody ever has a crush on you on a random Thursday night. God bless that woman for gaslighting you into a positive attitude.

“You really think so?” He looks at you with these wide puppy-like eyes and you finally understand what the girls on Instagram mean when they talk about ‘getting the ick.’

“Really,” you affirm with a bright smile.

“Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

Just as he pulls you into a warm embrace, you push him just subtly enough that he wouldn’t notice it until he’s falling into the pool. With a large splash, all eyes turn to the two of you. He comes up from the water, clothes and hair drenched, and you feel a sense of satisfaction wash over you when you finally see a distressed expression etch itself onto his features.

“Fuck, I’m so sorry!” You lie, faking your concern. “Are you okay?”

“I’m… I’m fine.” He climbs out of the pool, and you curse yourself for staring a little too long at his defined muscles under his wet shirt. Then, he turns to you and says, “Needed to cool off anyways.”

And he laughs. Laughs at himself and laughs at your befuddled face and laughs when Chan asks if he’s alright, shooting him a quick thumbs up before grabbing the nearest beach towel. When his other friends crowd around him, he laughs and laughs and laughs and it drives you fucking insane. The resonating sound of his laughter surrounds the backyard in an instant, and for a moment you wish you had drowned yourself in that pool instead.

“I will shove my middle fingers in your dimples,” you mutter under your breath, and you consider it a promise.

“Be right back,” he tells you before rushing to the nearest bathroom to change his clothes, playfully flicking droplets of water onto your face and ruffling your hair, dampening it.

You watch as he walks away, feeling a strange pang of guilt in your chest when you notice his smile faltering as people start to focus amongst themselves again. Now it’s your turn to laugh, half out of disbelief and half out of pure glee.

Everything is going according to plan.

“I didn’t push him.”

Lie.

“We were just talking.” Lie.

“I still hate him.”

Lie?

Wow, three lies in a row. And to your best friend, of all people. This Operation 143 has really tested your moral compass, and it’s not looking great for you. No wonder why Seungmin is calling you at 3 AM, interrogating you about what the hell happened tonight.

“See, now, some of those statements kind of contradict each other,” he states. “I have no doubt that you still hate him, but I also don’t doubt the pure evil in your heart. You would have pushed him, and you wouldn't even be sorry about it.”

“Uh, well, you’re wrong,” you tell him. “Clearly you don’t know me that well then.”

“Whatever you say, but if one day you decide to come clean of your crimes, you owe me something. Something very very dear to me.”

At first you were nervous, because it’s obvious your best friend is on to you (note to self: be less evil on a day to day basis). But then you remember it’s your best friend, there’s only one thing he would want from you in this situation.

“Yes, yes, I’ll take you out for a fancy dinner,” you sigh. “That’s only if I confess my sins to you, Father Seungmin, and it’s not happening because I’m completely innocent.”

“Please never call me that again.”

“Noted.”

At that, your phone buzzes with a new notification. It’s from an unknown number, but you can see a display name. Jeongin.

~Jeongin: u up?

God, could this guy act more like a fuckboy? Somehow noticing the tension in the air despite your physical distance, Seungmin questions your mood.

“Jeongin just texted me.”

“Oh, so that��s what he wanted your number for.”

“Are you dumb?” You ask, but it feels more like an accusation. “Why the fuck else would he ask for my number, idiot?”

Seungmin makes a noise equivalent to a shrug, and you let it pass. You were just about to question him further about Jeongin asking for your number, but the man himself texts once again.

~Jeongin: wanna hang tmr?

“Ew,” you mutter quietly. “I think he thinks we’re friends or something.”

“Oh, right, I remember you don’t do those.” You can almost hear his eyes rolling at your annoyance at Jeongin. He’s expressed his disapproval for your one-sided rivalry many times, but you always bite back with words too vulgar to write down here.

“Yeah, you know you’re only my close acquaintance, right?” You turn your attention back to your phone, biting your thumb in deep thought. “I’ll be mean to him. Should send the right message.”

You need to change your technique anyway. Befriending him only to be annoying is only going to make him like you more, and betraying him out of the blue takes too much commitment. This is phase four, after all— you have such little time to get the job done. If you manage to succeed during senior year, people aren’t gonna care anymore because everybody is leaving anyway.

You won’t shy away from it anymore; it’s time to be direct. It’s time to be evil.

You: no.

Seungmin sputters out a laugh once you send the screenshot of your texts to him. “You couldn’t have even given him a reason why? God, you’re crueler than I thought.”

“Why can’t he just hate me back?” You whine, slumping your shoulders defeatedly. “Why is he so… So nice? What’s wrong with him?”

“Maybe he likes you,” Seungmin teases. “I kinda see the vision, actually. The nerd and the jock… Classic perfection.”

“You mean cliché,” you groan. “His type is probably other athletes or something. Popular people date popular people, Seungmo.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Seungmin continues in a sing-song tone, so you close your ears and make weird noises, a signal that it’s time for him to shut the fuck up.

jeongin (DONT RESPOND): oh

jeongin (DONT RESPOND): ok :[

A week later you’re sitting in front of the bus station, waiting for Seungmin to arrive. He had promised to take you to the new coffee shop that just opened up to get some work done as a means to get ahead of other students. Nerdy as it may be, this is your summer ritual with your best friend, and if you didn’t fulfill it by the beginning of the summer, the guilt is going to eat you alive until you won’t be able to properly enjoy your holiday.

The summer breeze (or lack thereof) feels like it’s burning you alive, so you pull off your usual sweater to reveal a tank top underneath. Huffing out in irritation, you send a quick text to Seungmin.

You: wru

You: why take so long

You: ur so not a gentleman this is why ur single

Instead of an answer, you receive a phone call in return. You pick it up. “Yo, where are you? I’ve been waiting here for fifteen fucking minutes, dude, I’m parched.”

“I brought a friend,” said Seungmin, completely disregarding your complaints. “Look in front of you.”

And there he is, walking towards you with none other than Yang Jeongin beside him, waving at you like a stray puppy. You close your eyes, trying to pretend for as long as possible that none of it is real. This is probably what I get for trying to sabotage someone out of the basketball team, you think to yourself, deciding to surrender to your fate and greet them with as much kindness as you can muster for the time being.

After approximately thirty minutes of sitting down and discussing the next academic year’s syllabus, you decide that that was the last bit of kindness in your heart. So when Jeongin leaves to go to the restroom, you waste no time catching Seungmin up on what you’ve actually been doing. The letter, the operation— everything.

“25 pages?” Seungmin asks you in disbelief. “My god, that’s a thesis.”

“It might as well be, at this point.” You nod solemnly at his comment. There’s no use denying anything; at your core, you’re just pure cruel and sadistic. At the very least you know your best friend will love you regardless, even if nobody else will.

“Listen, I love you, truly I do. But you’ve got to stop,” Seungmin grabs your shoulders and looks you dead in the eye. He has never looked this serious before and meant it. “He’s, like, falling in love with you.”

“Pardon me?”

“I know, I know, it’s your worst nightmare, and I know you don’t like him like that, which is why I’m telling you this. Stop now or you will break his heart even more.”

Just as you were about to respond, Jeongin comes back to the table. If he hadn’t, you’re not sure what you would have had to say. Would you disagree with even the thought of it, telling Seungmin he’s a liar? Would you have argued that if your plan were to work, Jeongin would hate you in the end anyway? Or would you have asked him how to make those feelings grow?

But no, no. He doesn’t like you, not like that. He’s just kind, that’s all. He can’t.

And the next hour passes by like torture, with both boys having to snap you back to the present moment about five times each. You couldn’t care less about the syllabus or the coffee or the new inside jokes you all made that day. All you could think about was how Jeongin’s hand would brush against yours when he borrowed a pencil, or the way his eyes would lock with yours when he laughed at Seungmin’s sarcastic remarks.

The entire time, your mind was calculating the probability of Jeongin actually being in love with you. Each answer was always too close to 1 for your liking.

You couldn’t get him out of your head.

To be fair, you never could. But it used to be about hatred. You used to find joy in boring two-hour classes because you knew you could just spend those two hours daydreaming about what Jeongin would look like with real tears in his eyes, with a scowl on his lips, with anything other than that damned smile.

You told your boss you’d be taking the night shift at Lucy’s for a while, because your days would be spent hanging out with friends on the holidays. This isn’t true at all, of course, you just found it more difficult to escape those Jeongin-plagued thoughts when you were about to drift to slumber. Unfortunately, this didn’t work the way you had hoped, because it turns out the diner basically doesn’t have any customers after 8 PM.

It’s almost 10 PM now, the hour when you’ll have to close up the diner. Nobody has come inside in the last forty-five minutes, so you figure it’s best to close up early. That way, you’ll get more time to scroll on your phone or read a book.

You should have seen it coming, really. You know you could never escape him. There, standing in front of the doors of Lucy’s diner, is your haunting, your shadow, your karmic retribution.

“I keep thinking about you,” he says, almost breathless, as he steps into the diner.

“How long have you been standing there?” “Like, five seconds,” he answers. Then, as if to emphasize his previous statement, he says, “You owe me sleep.”

“You don’t think that goes both ways?” You turn away from him, placing all the cleaning supplies on the bar counter. When you look back, he’s already eagerly striding towards you.

“What are you saying? That you want me?”

“I… I don’t know,” you mutter. You can’t look at him, not right now, not like this. You would break not just his heart, but yours as well. “I don’t know how I feel. I need a… an experiment or an investigation or something that I know is going to tell me if this is actually real, because I have no fucking clue what’s real anymore.”

Without another word, he places both palms on the counter behind you, trapping your body between his, and kisses you.

It knocks the breath right out of your soul. Every vessel in your brain is screaming at you, reminding you that it’s wrong and he’s not supposed to like you and you’re not supposed to like him back and that you sure as hell shouldn’t be kissing him at all, let alone your workplace.

Nevertheless, you can’t help it. Everything you knew has been proven wrong. Everything you have questioned has proven themselves to be true. You know nothing at all. You kiss him back.

Acknowledging your reciprocation, he lifts a hand to cradle your face, gently brushing his thumb over your cheekbone down to your jaw. He takes a step closer, pressing your body flush against his. You haven’t closed the diner; somebody could walk in at any moment.

Running your fingers through his soft locks, he takes the opportunity to trail his lips to your neck. It’s at this moment that you begin to feel everything, and it’s all too real too quick. You push him away, taking one brief glance at his disheveled hair and swollen, rose-tinted lips.

You know you shouldn’t. You know you’re being a coward. You know the answer.

Be that as it may, you still run.

seungmo: Bball game @ school tonight

seungmo: Idk what happened w u and jeongin but pls come to the game

seungmo: U know how much ive been looking forward to this

seungmo: I'll keep him away, i promise

You shouldn’t have gone. You should have stayed home, rotting in your room for yet another night, catching up on all the studying you missed out on when you went to that coffee shop with Seungmin, finding yourself tracing the shape of your lips when you’re deep in thought, recalling the way Jeongin’s felt on yours.

The truth is, you do know how much Seungmin has been looking forward to this match. He had realized long ago that you couldn’t care less about sports, but still he found your face amongst the crowd every single time. Even though you had such a deep scowl it made him chuckle every time he saw you, he felt his chest warm with affection at the act of being present.

This is one of those unconditional, unspoken rules you’ve established in your friendship. You would support him, and he would support you. You couldn’t have ditched this.

But as you approach closer and closer to the basketball court, you notice something amiss. By now, you should have been able to hear the rowdy chanting of other students. You should have already been blinded by the lights surrounding the court, considering it’s already 6 PM. You should have seen Seungmin waiting for you, but he’s not there.

Nothing’s there. Nothing but Yang Jeongin, standing in the middle of the court.

“I’m starting to think Seungmin is playing matchmaker,” you say as you walk towards him.

His face cracks into a fit of laughter, and it lights up the whole area. “You think?”

You’re close enough to him to see how puffy his eyes are— is he just exhausted or has he been crying? He’s silent for a second, catching his bottom lip between his teeth, before opening his mouth to finally speak.

“Listen, I—”

“No, no,” you interrupt him. “Let me speak first.”

“I used to despise you, as you already know. For a reason that is so stupid that if I said it out loud right now I’d pee myself laughing, probably. And I guess that hatred helped me cover up my insecurities, and that I couldn’t believe someone like me and someone like you could be with anything more than enemies.” At some point, you started looking into his eyes, and now you can’t seem to pull away. “You’re not boring, Yang Jeongin, not at all. You’re certain. You’re my probability of 1.”

“So… Moral of the story, I’m different from all the other boys, yes?” He teases, wrapping his arm around your waist and pulling you closer inch by inch.

“You think that’s the moral of the story?” “Hell, no,” he chuckles. “The moral of the story is that sometimes you need to ditch that whole superiority complex and realize that you’re exactly like everybody else. You’re smart, yes, but you’re also stupid and naive and clumsy. And that’s completely alright. That doesn’t make you any less deserving of anything, it just makes you human.”

And as he tugs you into a kiss, you realize he’s right. It doesn’t matter what you know. Life is still uncertain, anyway, and the probabilities of most things are far less than 1. All you know is that whatever happens, you’ll be loved in the process.

[theycallmebecca]

Drabble: The Five Step Plan

Well this story for @the-slumberparty turned into a BEAST... I can't tell you the last time I've written something this long... it took a few days, but I'm happy with how it turned out.

As I mentioned, this is for @the-slumberparty and the Week 3 challenge to try something new in regards to tropes. The prompt I used was baby/child acquisition, but with exes to lovers.

In the end, this story turned into an AU version of how Frank Adler ended up as the guardian for his niece Mary. So not only was it new tropes for me, but also more dramatic and emotional than I normally get. Hence the warnings.

Title: The Five Step Plan

Pairing: Frank Adler x female reader

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: some language, AU version of how Frank became Mary's guardian, minor character death but mostly dealing with the fallout from said death

Disclaimer: This work of fiction is not to be reposted, used or translated without my permission.

Usage Disclaimer: This work is for fans only. This author does not give permission for it to be shared, spoken of, referred to in any public manner (podcast, tv, online, etc.) that wants to either make a celebrity uncomfortable, mock fan fiction/fandom in any way, or the author themselves. Requests can be made, but it is unlikely the author will change their mind. If no response is given to a request then the answer is a solid no, not interested and the work cannot be shared, spoken of or even referred to, regardless of the manner or context. 

The call came in minutes before Frank was due on stage for a discussion panel at a conference.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Adler, there’s been a car accident," the police officer said. "Your sister's car was sideswiped and she did not make it.”

“My niece? Mary? Is she… is she ok?” he panicked.

“She’s fine, she wasn’t in the car,” the police officer answered but there was a hesitancy in his voice.

“What's going on?!” Frank demanded.

“She was the one who called to report it,” the police officer said. “It happened right in front of her.”

“Oh Mary!” Frank cried out, his heart breaking in two for his 13-year-old niece. “Where is she now?”

“She’s currently at the hospital, she insisted on riding with her mother,” the police officer said. “She threatened to sue the city for child abandonment if they didn’t take her with… she said you were in California.”

“My wife,” he heard himself say. “I’ll call my wife, she’ll come get Mary and do whatever needs to be done.”

“Give her my number, I���ll wait for her call,” the police officer said, his voice sounding relieved.

Frank mumbled goodbye and then hung up, totally numb. His sister was dead. Gone forever and…

“Mr. Adler? They’re ready for you,” a voice said from behind him.

Frank turned and somehow managed to say, “I can’t. I have to leave. My sister…” He couldn’t say the word, so he just said, “accident. Bad.”

Then he fled. It wasn’t until he was in the privacy of his hotel room that he called you. Technically, you were still his wife, even though the two of you had been in a trial separation for almost six months. But he knew you loved Mary, too, and would drop everything to rush to her.

————

You got to the hospital less than twenty minutes after hanging up with Frank. The police officer was waiting for you and within minutes you were reunited with Mary.

The teenager was wearing her signature brave face until she saw you, then she melted, the events of the afternoon catching up to her. You rushed to her side and gathered her into your arms, giving into your own emotions as she sobbed.

Eventually, the police officer cleared his throat and apologetically said that there were some legal things you had to take care of on behalf of Frank before you could take Mary home.

“I want to go, too,” Mary said, standing up. “I don’t want to be left alone.”

You nodded your head and gave the police officer a look that said not to argue. After all, Mary had already seen her mother immediately following the accident.

An hour later, you unlocked the front door of Frank’s condo, the place you’d called home for five years. You ushered Mary to the master bedroom and then held her until she cried herself to sleep.

It was only once she was asleep that you called for more help, asking your best friend to go to Mary and her mom's apartment and get their cat Fred and pack a bag of clothes for Mary.

You knew Frank wasn’t the biggest fan of cats, but you also knew he wouldn’t make his niece give up her cat, not after losing her mom.

As you waited for your friend to show up, you wandered around the condo and eventually realized that Frank hadn’t changed a thing in the six months since you’d moved out.

It made you both mad and sad that he hadn’t changed anything, because it just reaffirmed to you the choice you’d made to walk away. You weren’t a materialistic person in the least, but you wanted to be loved and appreciated and Frank wasn’t good at expressing love or appreciation. You’d hoped your walking away would wake him up, but it clearly hadn’t.

You heard Fred yowling in protest before your friend knocked on the door. Getting up, you let her in and took the cat carrier from her.

“Shh, Fred,” you whispered to the cat. “Mary needs you.”

The cat quieted instantly and didn’t fight you as you pulled him out of the carrier. You carried him down the hall to Frank’s room and set him on the bed.

He made soothing cat noises as he walked towards Mary and then he snuggled up close to her. You held your breath until you saw Mary’s shoulders visibly relax and knew that Fred was exactly what she had needed.

Leaving the room, you helped your friend with the rest of Mary’s stuff, putting it all in the guest room.

“Do you want me to stay until Frank gets here?” your friend offered.

You shook your head and said, “We’ll be fine.”

Your friend gave you a look that said she didn’t believe you, but she gave you a hug and made you promise to call if you needed anything.

————

It had taken Frank nearly twelve hours, but he was finally home. He took the stairs two at a time and quietly let himself into the condo since it was nearly 5 in the morning.

He set his bag down and he made his way to the guest room, where he assumed you’d put Mary to bed. He was surprised, therefore, to find the door open and the room empty save for things he recognized from Mary's room from her apartment.

Turning towards the master bedroom, he crossed the hall and turned the handle slowly. Stepping inside, he was surprised to find Mary alone, though a telltale purr alerted him to the presence of Fred, too.

He was annoyed for half a second before it dawned on him that of course you’d put Mary in his bed. The girl had been through a traumatic experience and you’d both agreed to take her some place she knew that wasn’t home. He hadn’t been there, but the bed had smelt like him, which would have helped calm Mary more.

Stepping out of the room, he pulled the door closed and made his way to the heart of the condo, only seeing the blankets folded up on the couch as he passed.

Hearing noises in the kitchen, he followed them and found you in the kitchen starting coffee and wearing one of his shirts and a pair of sweats.

You finished with the coffee pot and then turned towards him, your face showing the same grief that he knew his own showed, too.

He crossed the room and wrapped you in a hug, both of you giving into your grief.

————

You’d been in the waiting room the day Mary had been born and she had stolen your heart the first time you'd held her. She wasn’t your niece biologically, but she had been the one to make you an aunt and the two of you had had a special bond because of that.

Therefore, there was no way in hell you were going to abandon her when she needed you the most. Even if it meant having your heart rebroken nearly every day loving a man who would never love you back the way you deserved to be loved.

The first few weeks had been the hardest. The funeral had been planned and then had taken place. You and Frank had packed up his sister’s apartment, all of her things going into boxes in his garage while Mary’s stuff was unpacked in the guest room.

Then, at the will reading, you and Frank had found out that his sister still had you and Frank named as Mary’s legal guardians. You'd known she’d made the change following their mother’s passing, but you’d assumed she would have changed it when you and Frank had separated. Obviously, she hadn’t.

“I’ll move into my office,” Frank offered one evening after Mary was in bed and you were preparing to go home to your apartment. “You can move into the bedroom. It’s the only thing that makes sense when you’re here all day.”

You wanted to argue, but you were starting to get worried about Mary. She was seemingly just going through the motions and you were sure having both you and Frank within reach at a moment's notice would be helpful.

“Ok,” you said. “For Mary.”

And thus, that weekend, you moved back into your old home and went to bed in the bed that had been yours and Frank’s. The bed that smelled like him and made your heart hurt even more.

————

After you'd moved out of the condo, Frank had spent as little time there as possible, choosing to stay late in his office at the university over being bombarded with memories at the cold, sterile condo he lived in.

Now with you back in the condo and the addition of Mary, and even Fred, the condo was quickly becoming the place that Frank wanted to be. He adjusted his office hours at the university, mostly so he could take Mary to her therapy appointments, but also so he could spend time with the two of you.

Losing his sister had made him realize that he had been a fool to let you go without a fight. Thanks to a few therapy sessions, he had an idea of where things had gone wrong and he was determined to fix them.

Step one was spending more time with you, and Mary.

Step two was proving that he still loved you.

Step three was proving that the two of you couldn't live without each other.

Step four was getting you to fall in love with him again.

Step five was recommitting yourselves to each other.

He was going to do it.

————

You were looking through your list of text messages for something for work when you saw Frank's sister's name and guilt flooded you at the message next to it.

Promise me you'll never give up on him.

The two of you had been catching up, just days before the accident, and she'd sent that message and you hadn't replied.

"I'm sorry," you whispered to her spirit. "I should have replied, I was just scared."

Despite the awkward situation of being a sister-in-law and friend, she'd been as supportive as she could. She never pressured you for information, but was always willing to listen when you needed to talk to someone who understood Frank as well as you did, if not better.

"You're probably laughing up there," you muttered. Not over being gone from her daughter, of course, but over forcing her brother and you back together with no option but to spend lots of time together.

To Frank's credit, things were different now than they had been before you'd walked away. He was more attentive and, while he wasn't overzealous with his emotions, he wasn't as stoic as he had been before. There was not a single night that he sent Mary to bed without telling her that he loved her.

The changes you saw in him, made your heart hurt a little less each day and gave you a little more hope that things would all work out in the end.

"I promise," you whispered. "I won't give up on him."

————

It took six months of hard work, but Frank successfully got through the first four steps of his plan to get you back. It hadn't been as simple as he originally outlined, at least not after he'd let you in on the plan and you'd made your own suggestions. But in the end, the two of you had made it to the other side stronger than ever.

On the anniversary of the day you walked away from him, the two of you decided to renew your vows in a spur of the moment ceremony with just you guys and Mary in the backyard of the house you'd purchased together.

Mary insisted upon you both dressing up and said she'd take care of the wedding vows, which turned out to be a pair of wedding themed mad libs that she had gotten you both to fill out under the guise of being bored.

Needless to say, the intimate ceremony had been perfect, even though you and Frank had been crying from hysterical laughter rather than the normal emotions associated with weddings.

But finally, once you had all calmed down, you and Frank had sealed the crazy vows with a kiss.

[georgiapeach30513]

Closer to Heaven and Closer to You, Part 6

Summary:  it is finally over

Pairings:  Frank Adler X Reader

Rating:  explicit

Warnings:  explicit language, explicit sexual content, PIV sex, unprotected sex, somnophilia, dub con, creampie, slight breeding kink, attempted forced pregnancy, 18+ ONLY

Word Count:  4.7K

Previous

Series Masterlist

“Clyde!” Your nearly full grown puppy comes running up the hill towards the house, his tail wagging and tongue hanging out as he slows to stop in front of you. Lifting his paws up to your chest, and you give him his favorite ear tickles. “Where’s daddy?”

Clyde let’s out a long howl, turning back towards where he had come from. “Where’s your daddy?” You see Frank’s truck driving up the long driveway, head hanging out the window when he calls Clyde a traitor for leaving him. “You know I’m the favorite!”

Frank yanks his truck into park when he jumps out, stomping towards you, and Clyde gives him a playful growl. Standing in front of your body ready to pounce should Frank attack. “How was the farm?”

“Boring. It’s not exciting at all. The same ole same ole,” you could see the distance in his eyes every time he talked about the farm. You feel almost guilty for asking him to take some time off with the rodeo. He just put everything into the rodeo, and nothing into your life.

“So I was thinking about the upstairs to the house.”

“Bunny, I just got off work. I really don’t want to talk about the house,” too much of the house was left unfinished. His mind was always elsewhere. You had told him it was a bad idea to move in before completing it. Now you were afraid it would never get finished.

“Okay, then can we decide on a trim? We still have no baseboards,” Frank growls, walking up the porch steps, and into the house. Plopping down on the couch with his dirty clothes and boots still on. You would let this slide. This time.

“Frank, this is why I didn’t want to move in.”

“I’m tired, Bunny,” he deadpans, positioning his hat over his eyes.

“So, I don’t get tired working in a doctor’s office? Doing all the work while the doctor gets the credit.”

“At least you see new people. I see fucking cows and cow shit all fucking day long. I see my dad. I do the same damn thing all damn day long. I’m out in the sun. I’m out in the cold,” you didn’t want this fight again. You wanted to discuss the additional add ons to the house because you had someone coming in next week to actually do them.

“And you are walking away,” Frank stands up, and you just know he’s tracking dirt through the house. The floors you had mopped as soon as you came home now filthy from him. “Bunny, do you even hear what I have to say?”

“Yeah, and you sure do want to say them all the time. And can you please take off your boots and dirty clothes,” standing at the door of the kitchen, Frank removes his boots. Slowly taking off every inch of clothing he has, even his underwear drift to the floor before he drops that old sweaty Boston Red Sox hat leaving him with hat hair, and nothing else.

“Okay, you made your point,” he walks closer to you, dick swinging when he wraps his arms around your waist. “You always result in fucking when we fight.”

“Because me pounding into your cunt is the best way to shut you up.”

“Wow,” you push his hands off your body, not wanting another fight, but that was a low blow.

“Buns, I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Then please explain to me how you meant it. Because to me, it sounds like I’m only good when you’re fucking me. Like I’m this burden to you. You can’t even come home and have a normal conversation about our home when we have a contractor coming in five days. I don’t want to fight, I want this house completed. But no, you take me wanting to know what your opinions are on our home as I’m fighting with you, and then you try and turn me on by pulling your cock out and telling me the only way I shut up is if you’re fucking me. Sounds like you don’t care about what I think. I want to talk.”

“And I want to fuck. I’m surrounded by men and livestock all day. Fuck. Talk. Stop arguing,” you shake your head no, trying walk away when he pulls you to him. Placing your hand over his cock while he guides you to palm him. “It’s already getting harder.”

“Fuck. And we talk about the house.”

“Fuck. Eat. Sleep.”

“Fuck. And we talk about your opinions on our home.”

“Fuck a baby in you.”

“No!” Your voice was damn near whining. The minute you had moved in it was like his breeding kink switch had been flipped on. He was relentless with telling you how he was going to fuck a baby in you.  “No kids, until this house is finished.”

“If there’s no kids, I get to go on the road,” always the damned old rodeo. It was either your cunt or the rodeo he thought of. “Buns, you feel how hard I’m getting?”

“Is it the kid talk or the rodeo talk? I feel like you would rather see Bucky and Steve than me.”

“I would rather see your cunt spread and dripping with my seed, knowing I fucked a baby right in your belly. Have you swollen with me.”

“No,” the two of stare at each other for a moment, but he never stops moving your hand over him. Getting good and hard, before he wraps your fingers around his cock, helping you fist him.

“What’s the real timeline here?”

“House finished. Married. Baby.”

“House finished. Baby. Married. You quit work, bring baby on the road with us. Childcare is expensive.”

“We’d need a bigger camper. I won’t be fucking you while our baby sleeps on the table.”

“You didn’t say no,” his hand drops from yours, and he starts undoing your pants, but you smack at his hand, “What?”

“You were about to shove your disgusting hands on my pussy. Wash them,” you point at the kitchen sink, starting to remove your own clothes. It takes you getting fully naked before he even reaches towards the sink. “Do you have a daddy kink?”

“What?” Franks questions, making sure to clean his hands extra well.

“Do you want a baby so bad because you want to hear me scream, daddy?” A cold chill runs up his back, while your hand winds down your front, stimulating yourself. Why is it that an argument made you so wet?

“Have you fucking me so good that I just gasp, ‘Yeah daddy. Harder daddy. Fuck my tight little pussy daddy. Fuck a baby in me daddy.’”

“Fuck you.”

“That’s right, fuck me,” Frank puts a leg behind you, slightly tripping you, letting you fall into his arms before he was taking the both of you to the floor. His knees push apart your thighs and in one thrust he was entering into your wet heat. “Why do you want a baby so bad?”

“So you will join me on the road. Show off your bump and everyone will know exactly who you belong to. Show them how Frank Adler owns this cunt. And then I’ll have me the best buddy. Teaching him to ride sheep so he’ll be a bull rider just like his old man,” you moan out a no, gripping tight to his ass, and he thrusts harder.

“Oh yeah, Bunny. You’re giving me cowboys. We’re going to be the sweetest traveling family. I’ll get my national champion belt. And all those buckle chasing bunnies will see who I belong to. Buns, we’re in this together.”

“What if…what if,” your back arches up off the floor, and he sucks hard on your neck. Making it damn near impossible for you to think. He seriously knew how to make you weak. But you also knew how he used sex to get what he wanted. It was a terrible cycle. “What if I don’t want you to go back.”

“You promised,” he whispers, slamming his hips into you even harder. “You promised one year off. You promised. A baby. You would quit. I could go back. Fuck, Bunny. You can’t make me stop.”

Even though you knew it was unfair to fully make him quit, and that you had promised, it terrified you to not have any income. You didn’t want to rely on Frank’s winnings for the two of you to survive, but also didn’t like that you would have to rely on Frank for everything.

“Frank. I know,” every little bit of extra money that didn’t go into the house, you had been saving. Stopped going to the coffee shop, stopped eating out, you had to give you and Frank, but mostly you, a cushion. Just in case. The rodeo was unpredictable.

“I’m sorry,” he sucks hard on your neck again as he jackhammers into your dripping cunt. Grunting about how he was going to cum in you. “Don’t,” you barely whisper. Clinging to his back as your walls constrict around him, milking his shaft of every drop of his thick cream.

“I don’t wanna wait,” he thought he was going to get the final say. Pulling himself out of you and leaning back. Spreading your used cunt, “Push it out. I’m gonna finger it back in before I get a shower,” doing what he asks for, he gets the biggest smile on his face as he plays with his cum inside of you before slapping your pussy. “I think that’s the one.”

He was a different person now. Skipping into the bathroom while he washes himself clean, and you tiptoe in the bedroom. Pulling out your panty drawer you pull out a Plan B before swallowing it. Discarding the garbage into your drawer. He wouldn’t know. You weren’t ready, and you weren’t going to be made to have a child when you weren’t ready. He wasn’t ready either.

“Buns! Take a shower with me. I need to get you cleaned up, too.”

“Just a minute,” you stare at your reflection in the mirror. You almost felt trapped in this cycle. Argue. Fuck. Broken promises and lies. And everything was just dandy afterwards.  Everything was just perfect, and everything was a lie.  The facade that you and Frank had created was getting cracks with every day that passed.  Soon those cracks wouldn’t be able to be filled with sex.  Sex was never enough.

It didn’t hit you right away what Frank was planning.  You had seen small remnants of him wanting to go to a rodeo for more than viewing.  Saw him pulling away from you more.  He would think that he had fucked you asleep before he was sneaking out of the bed, and going to his phone.  Whispered conversations with who you could only assume was Steve.  There wasn’t anything romantic, it was always about the rodeo.  

Pretending to be back asleep when he would crawl back in the bed, lifting up your leg before he was pushing his cock back inside you.  A hand over your stomach as he slowly pumps into you, “I figured you would be pregnant by now,” he kisses on your back.  This had to have been his plan all along.  Speed up the promise so he could go back to rodeoing.  

“Frank,” his motions and what you thought to be true man you loved clouded how you are now perceiving him.  He didn’t even want a baby, he wanted to ride bulls.  “Frank.”

“Shh, this time it's going to work,” a single tear drifts over your nose, and onto your pillow, it wouldn’t work, you had made sure of that by the implant in your arm.  You wanted kids with Frank, but not like this.  A text from Bucky had informed you the season was about to start.  “It’s going to work,” you weren’t even married, and here he was trying to fuck a baby in you, even though you both agreed on the order of things.

With one final thrust into you, hot ribbons of his cum paint your walls.  You didn’t even come.  You were numb to what Frank was doing.  It had become too much.  All of it was coming to a screeching halt because Frank wanted to force things to be his way.  It was always his way.  You were an afterthought.  

“I’m just going to rest in there.  Make sure it takes.  Can’t lose a single drop,” another tear drifts down to your pillow as you croak out okay.  Your relationship was a complete lie.  You were not in this relationship together, it was Frank manipulating the situation always.

A few weeks later, walking into the bedroom to see Clyde on the bed looking anxiously at a suitcase while Frank packs up his rodeo clothes didn’t surprise you.  “I don’t want an argument,” he says before you even mention anything.  “I also got a test in the bathroom, I want you to take it.”

“I don’t need to,” he slams a shirt in the suitcase, looking up at you.

“For a whole month.  I made sure for an entire month that you were…why wouldn’t you need to?”

“Why are you packing?”

“Joining the circuit this season.  Thought you might like to come along.  Thought I was going to show off my fiancé’s baby bump.  Why don’t you need to test?”

Unbelievable.  He was already in the mode of going on the road without even talking with you.  It was like you were going to find out after the fact that he was leaving.  Hopefully you joined him.  Not even thinking you would have to turn in a two week notice for work.  You don’t burn bridges with jobs.  “Why do you not need to take a pregnancy test?”

“I’m not pregnant.”

“How…how do you know?”

“Well, I would assume it’s something that most women would know.  There’s signs, you know, a lack of a period.  But also a few months ago I got a birth control implant.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?  Are you fucking serious right now?  You know how bad I wanted a baby, and you’re walking around with a fucking implant in your arm?  Don’t you think that things like that should be discussed between each other?  Don’t you think that I have a right to decide when we have a baby?”

“Oh, really?  You know when you were fucking me nonstop, even if I was tired, just fucking me while I was trying to sleep.  Sex isn’t even fun anymore.  You’re just wanting to fuck a baby in me so you can go ride bulls, huh?  That’s what your big plan was.  You don’t even want a child, you want to hold this over my head because that was what we agreed on.  You were the one making the decision, Frank.  And I decided for myself that I wasn’t ready.  You never take into consideration I’m the one that’s carrying the baby and whose body is changing.  I said I wasn’t ready, and it’s my right to choose when I am.  So I did what I had to do because you wouldn’t listen.”

“Fine,” Frank closes his suitcase, zipping it up slowly.  Tapping on his leg and Clyde jumps down following him.  “I’m still going out on the road whether you join me or not.”

“I can’t just turn my life upside down anymore, Frank.  We have a house payment.  I am the one with a steady paycheck.  We can’t just run around and do what we want.  I haven’t made any arrangements to leave my job, so I can’t just leave.  I like my job, they are good to me.”

“You didn’t even apply to be the nurse at the shows.  I asked you to.  I’m still going,” he starts heading out the door, and you follow him.  He slings his suitcase in the truck, opening the door wide for Clyde to jump in.  The dog never turned down a ride in the truck.

“If you leave Frank, we’re finished.”

“I’ll see you in a week.  I’ll text you what city I’m in if my fiancé wants to join me, or if she wants to get that thing taken out of her arm, so we can talk about this like a normal couple.”

“I’m right here if you want to talk.  I am listening, but you’re not.  You leave we’re…” Frank puts his truck in gear as he heads down the road.  You were done.  Frank never wanted to talk.  He never cared what you thought, and you were done with trying.  It wasn’t worth it.  

You were looking for a sign to respond to a job offer you had been given, and it was the perfect time to get a change of scenery, and leave all this behind.  Clyde you would miss.  The Frank you thought you knew, you would miss, but this constant back and forth and going around in circles, accomplishing nothing, you would not.  

Packing the biggest piece of luggage you had with your clothes, you leave your engagement ring on his side of the bed.  You had given him so many signs of what you wanted.  You tried to tell him that you weren’t ready.  Even warned him that you would be finished.  It was scary but it was necessary.  Standing at the front door looking at the house that you thought would make you and Frank closer, you close the door, locking it, and leave your key with the spare one.  

Your lip quivers as you walk away from what you thought would be your future.  Mindy’s words ringing in your ears about how to not fall in love with a cowboy, you failed.  But you wouldn’t fail again.  You were heading to the exact opposite of Montana and finally towards the east coast.  Going to Boston where you hoped the offer didn’t fall through.  Hoped that this was what you were looking for.  Because it wasn’t Frank anymore.

“Come in,” a woman huffs as she opens up the door.  “Sorry, you picked a busy day to meet Harlan,” she starts to walk off, but turns back to look at you, “Well come on, I’m going to take you to his office, you can wait for him there.  The rest of the family is coming, so…gird your loins.  Little prick will be here, too,” the last sentence she says underneath her breath, assuming you didn’t hear it.  

Leading you into a huge office, and gesturing towards a chair.  “He’ll be with you in a moment.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” after the years with Frank, nothing would surprise you or irritate you quite as much as he did.  She leaves the office, and you lean back taking it all in.  Books upon books, and papers everywhere.  A writer you were told, and that made sense.

The prick.  You wonder who that could possibly be.  Most likely one of the family members that she had mentioned.  It was taking too long and you were growing antsy, and you ignore the vibrating of your phone, turning it off completely while you walk around the office.  Pulling out a book with a familiar looking title when you realize who this Harlan Thrombey was.  Your mother’s favorite author.

“What are you doing in here?” You drop the book on the floor, and spin to see a tall man.  “That was a first edition,” he rolls his eyes, walking over to pick up the book, and putting it back in its place.  “Is there something wrong with you?  Can you hear?  I asked what you were doing in here?”

“I, um, I’m meeting with Harlan.  I was offered a nursing job.  Well, I applied, and this is the interview.”

“Uh huh.  You can sit down now.”

“Who exactly are you?” The man looks you up and down, a smirk creeping up on his face.  “I guess you’re the one that can’t hear now.”

“Ransom,” a new voice says, entering in the office, “His name is Ransom.”

“Should she be hired she can call me Hugh like the rest of the help.”

“Should I be hired I would be taking orders from my boss, Harlan.  Not you,” his eyes darken a moment, while Harlan laughs on his way to his desk, and you follow him over there.  This Ransom or Hugh walking to sit in the chair beside you.  “Do you need to be present?”

“I’m being trained to take over the business, so yes.”

“Ransom that is enough, son,” that took a turn.  He just so happened to be Harlan’s son.

“I’m not your son,” never mind.  “Old man, what is this?”

“A nurse.  I figured it would be much easier for my medicines, and a daily check on my health status to have one staffed,” Ransom rolls his eyes, leaning forward to grab a pack of cookies.  “Is there a problem?”

“It’s just another person on the payroll.  You can't possibly be getting that old that you need someone with you daily,” Harlan cocks up an eyebrow looking at you.  “No offense,” Ransom looks towards you.  “I’m sure you’re quite lovely, but completely unnecessary.”

“You do realize that Harlan is now needing to have his vitals taken regularly?  His medicine needs to be administered, and didn’t he have a fall only last week?  I see he’s wearing a brace on his arm, so some damage was done.  Harlan, how long were you on the floor before anyone realized?”

“A little over an hour.”

“And just where were you, your family, or the rest of the staff?  With a licensed nurse here he could get quick care, and know if going to the ER is even something that should happen.  In the future if he is needing any injectables, are you going to be able to administer that, Ransom?” Ransom pops his tongue at the sound of one of the help calling him by that name.  You didn’t care.  Men who thought that everything should go their way did not bother you anymore.  Entitled pricks seemed to be your speciality.

“Fact of the matter is, you’re apprenticing to take over this business, but also neglecting Harlan in the process.  With a nurse, that no longer becomes your concern, it becomes mine.  Should I be hired of course.”

“Where are you from?”  Ransom was staring at you for too long.  He was only trying to intimidate you, and it wouldn’t work.

“Montana.  And I’ve dealt with worse men than you before.”

“Okay, children, that is enough.  I think you would fit in quite perfectly here.  Ransom, I expect you to treat her with respect.  And I expect you to be on your best behavior.  Would you prefer me to call you by your name or something else?”

“I’ve grown quite fond of my nickname, Bunny,” Ransom smirks, and your head shoots over to look in his direction.  “Is there something funny, Ransom?”

“Of course not, Bunny.  Maybe we should get this dinner party started.  Is your Bunny joining us?”

“Yes, I believe she should.  It’ll be a good way to introduce you to the rest of the family.”

“Better hop to it, Bunny,” Ransom’s smirk turns more into a grin as he watches you stand up.

“As long as you don’t hold me hostage, Ransom.”

“Oh, this is going to be fun,” Harlan laughs, starting to follow you out of the office.

“Indeed it will,” Ransom agrees.  You were much more spunky than any of the other help.  He was going to have fun with you.

“Bunny!” Frank leaves his suitcase at the door, and Clyde runs past him and sniffs around the house for you.  “Bunny, I’m back!” Clyde returns whimpering, and heads up the stairs, while Frank walks into the bedroom, the closet still open, and your clothes missing.

“Bunny?  Bunny!” He walks throughout the house, and out to the garage to find your car missing.  Back into the bedroom, and spots your ring.  “Bunny,” he whispers, picking it up.

‘I tried to tell you, Frank.  I told you if you left this was the end.  I can’t do this anymore.’

“Nonononono,” he grabs his phone out, calling your number before dialing your parents, “Is she there?”

“No.  She’s not.”

“Where is she?”

“Frank, I don’t want to get involved.  You guys had an argument.  She left.”

“But, it wasn’t even that serious of an argument.  I just…she can’t ask me to quit riding.”

“And I told her that,” your mom says softly.  “The two of you just weren’t in life together.  Each of you pulling in different directions.  You both deserve more than what you were giving each other.  She left you some money.  She doesn’t want to feel like she made you build the house, and left you with the payments.”

“We…we were planning a wedding.”

“No, you weren’t.  You were avoiding getting married.  How long were you guys engaged?  And no formal plans were made.  You were piddlefarting around the wedding.  You could have gone and eloped, and you didn’t want to do that, said she deserved a wedding, but you wouldn’t help her.  Same as the house.  Frank, I’m sorry.  She’s gone.”

“Can you at least tell me where she’s at?”

“No.  She’s safe.  She called me earlier today.  She’s not in the state.  Move on with your life.  I’m sorry.  It’s better this way,” your mom doesn’t give him a chance to respond before she hangs up.

Frank slings his hat into a corner, that stupid B a reminder of you being with him.  This house reminded you of him.  The bed still smelled like you.  Your shampoo was left in the shower, you were all around him.  Even Clyde walks into the bedroom, whining at Frank as he sniffs around his side of the bed.

“She left us,” Frank falls back on the bed, looking up at the ceiling when the puppy jumps up, resting his head on his stomach.  “She fucking left me.  She hid that she was refusing to have a baby, and she left me.  Didn’t give me any warning, she just left us.  Fucking bitch.”

Picking up his phone he calls up Steve, “So I can be on the road indefinitely.”

“Why?” Steve asks.

“Bunny’s gone.”

“She’s gone,” Steve glances over at Bucky who looks out the window of the truck looking very guilty.  “What do you mean she’s gone?”

“Packed her bags, and left.  Looks like me and Clyde are going to Cheyenne.  Where are you guys?”

“Pulling over, and heading to your house.  Get your shit together.  Load up the camper, and let’s go,” Steve hangs up the phone and pokes Bucky, “How long did you know?”

“She left the same day he did.  Steve, he left after she told him if he did she was leaving.  He knew.”

“Taking her side, huh?”

“I’m not taking sides,” Bucky turns, looking at Steve, kicking his foot up on the dashboard as Steve slows to a stop, turning around to drive towards Frank’s.  “They just were too different people.  She deserves someone that will worship her, and he deserves someone that isn’t threatened by his first love.”

“Bunny was his first love.”

“Nope.  The rodeo was.  The rodeo was the other woman.  Bunny just got tired of being cheated on,” Steve rolls his eyes, knowing that deep down that Bucky was right.  You were two different people that did not understand the other’s needs.  He wouldn’t tell Bucky or Frank, but you were both better off without each other.  And now Steve could have his fun Frank back.  

“Bucky you joining us for women at the bar?”

“Seriously?  Frank just now realizes he’s no longer engaged, and you think he needs to fuck someone?”

“I think he needs to fuck lots of people.  Have a threesome, or swap!  Shit!  This season is going to be amazing.  You and your puppy dog self can just watch the camper sway back and forth.  I’m making sure Frank gets his dick wet the whole season.  New girl in every city.  If you join, we can fill someone special up.  All three holes.”

“You’re disgusting.”

“No, I’m horny.  I want to have all the sex!  Give me some sex!”

“I’m good.  You two have fun,” Bucky was already missing you.  You calmed Frank down.  And even Steve.  Now he was stuck with them all alone.  And no one to make sure they behaved.  He was ready to settle down and become a farmhand for someone.  Maybe someday.  

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