#good realtors near me

[sherryjohnston]

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Home in Calgary, Alberta

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it’s easy to make mistakes that could cost you time, money, and peace of mind. The Calgary real estate market, with its unique challenges and opportunities, requires careful planning and informed decision-making. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Skipping Pre-Approval for a Mortgage

Why It’s a Mistake: Many first-time buyers dive into house hunting without securing mortgage pre-approval. This can lead to disappointment when you find your dream home but can't secure the financing.

How to Avoid It: Start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This not only helps you understand what you can afford but also strengthens your offer in a competitive market like Calgary's.

2. Not Considering Additional Costs

Why It’s a Mistake: Focusing only on the purchase price can lead to unexpected financial strain. First-time buyers often overlook closing costs, property taxes, home insurance, and maintenance expenses.

How to Avoid It: Budget for all potential costs. Work with a real estate agent or financial advisor to get a full picture of what homeownership will truly cost you.

3. Falling in Love with a Home Without Considering the Neighborhood

Why It’s a Mistake: The excitement of finding a beautiful home can sometimes overshadow the importance of location. A great house in a poorly suited neighborhood could lead to regret.

How to Avoid It: Research the neighborhood thoroughly. Consider factors like schools, commute times, crime rates, and future developments. Visit the area at different times of the day and week to get a feel for the community.

4. Overextending Financially

Why It’s a Mistake: It's easy to get carried away with a bigger, more luxurious home. However, overextending your finances can lead to stress and even financial trouble down the road.

How to Avoid It: Stick to your budget. Use your mortgage pre-approval as a guide and resist the temptation to stretch beyond your means. Remember, you’ll need a financial cushion for unexpected expenses.

5. Neglecting a Home Inspection

Why It’s a Mistake: Waiving the home inspection to speed up the buying process or to save a few hundred dollars can be a costly mistake. Hidden issues like structural damage, faulty wiring, or mold can lead to expensive repairs.

How to Avoid It: Always insist on a home inspection. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and could save you from buying a property with serious flaws.

6. Ignoring the Resale Value

Why It’s a Mistake: First-time buyers often focus on what they want right now, without considering how the property will appreciate or appeal to future buyers.

How to Avoid It: Think long-term. Choose a home that not only meets your current needs but also has features that will be attractive to future buyers, such as location, layout, and neighborhood amenities.

7. Not Working with a Real Estate Professional

Why It’s a Mistake: Some first-time buyers think they can save money by not hiring a real estate agent. However, the complexities of the Calgary market and the buying process can be overwhelming.

How to Avoid It: Work with a qualified real estate agent who knows the Calgary market. They can help you find the right home, negotiate the best price, and guide you through the entire process.

8. Making Emotional Decisions

Why It’s a Mistake: Buying a home is a significant emotional and financial commitment. Allowing emotions to dictate your decisions can lead to overpaying or choosing a home that doesn’t fit your needs.

How to Avoid It: Approach the process logically. Set clear criteria for what you need and want in a home, and stick to them. Take your time to evaluate each option objectively.

9. Rushing the Process

Why It’s a Mistake: The pressure to buy quickly, especially in a hot market, can lead to poor decisions. Rushing might mean missing out on better opportunities or overlooking potential issues.

How to Avoid It: Take your time. Ensure you’re making informed decisions at every step. Remember, it’s better to wait for the right home than to rush into a decision you’ll regret.

10. Underestimating the Importance of a Legal Review

Why It’s a Mistake: Skipping a legal review of the purchase agreement can lead to misunderstandings or missed contractual obligations.

How to Avoid It: Hire a real estate lawyer to review all contracts before you sign. They’ll help ensure that your interests are protected and that you fully understand the terms of the agreement.

Conclusion

Buying your first home in Calgary can be an incredibly rewarding experience if you avoid these common mistakes. By taking the time to plan, seeking professional advice, and making informed decisions, you’ll be well on your way to finding a home that suits your needs and your budget. Remember, this is likely one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, so approach it with care and caution.

For more expert advice and tips, be sure to consult with a local real estate professional who can guide you through the unique aspects of the Calgary market.

[isabelrodriguezexprealty]

Isabel Rodriguez is one of the best real estate agent in San Antonio TX, offering financial service, expert knowledge of the local market, and a commitment to her clients. Whether you're buying or selling, Isabel will help you navigate the process with ease and achieve your real estate goals.

[miss-dollette]

Makarov • Baby Daddy Headcanons

While Makarov is a psychopathic maniac without a care for anyone, he'd definitely never abandon his own. This man values loyalty above anything and will never forsake one of his own, especially his baby mama and his child.

A visit from Makarov would be rare, but when he visited, he always made sure to bring a gift for his baby, and sometimes, even for you. Nothing cheap, of course—a necklace worth thousands. See it as a reward for being an oh-so-good woman and bearing him a child.

Don't bother with work. Call in and never come back. Makarov has you covered for the rest of your life. He'd move you away from the dingy city and have you cozy with your baby in a house you'd never be able to pay off on your own. But you wouldn't need to worry about that - Makarov made sure to pay in cash to whatever sketchy realtor he knew would never reveal your location. If they did... let's just say they'd never sell another house again.

The new addition to the Makarov family would love their father. They'd cry all day in your arms, never stopping until their father's rough cheek scratched against their own, and he shushed them in his rough Russian manner.

The first time you handed over the tiny Makarov to their father would become a bittersweet memory.

"Make sure his/her neck is supported," you softly said while passing the baby into Makarov's arms, mindful of the delicate strength his/her little neck had yet to develop.

"Perfect," you said as Makarov gently held the baby in his arms, his neck crooked down as he watched his baby's eyelids flutter, their little pink cheeks, and tufts of hair on top their head. The baby tiny fist lifted into air, and Makarov placed his lips upon their tiny knuckles.

You leaned in and placed your lips on Vladimirs rough cheek.

He'd definitely pretend he wasn't obsessed with his newborn baby's scent. You'd walk into the nursery, and he'd shoot up from the crib and act like his nose wasn't all up in his baby's scalp.

He'd be fiercely protective of his family. No one, not even his closest allies, would know. Maybe Yuri, but he'd only tell him long after you gave birth.

If he had a son, he'd definitely plan to raise him in a macho-man way. Your son's fifth birthday gift would be a Russian prison knife from the Gulag. And no, he wouldn't care if you made a fuss about it being dangerous for a child.

"Now, why the hell would you give him that? What were you thinking?"

"He's nearly a grown man, and every grown man needs a knife."

"He's five!"

"I was gifted a rifle when I was five, so be grateful!"

Now, if he had a daughter, that would be a whole 'nother story. She would definitely be his little tsarina. All she would need to do is ask, and she'd have it in her little palm.

"She'll become a spoiled little brat if you keep spoiling her like that,"

"What, like you?"

"Not funny."

"Seems funny to me. Come, My Little Tsarina, let's go pick out one of your future cars."

He grew up poor and constantly surrounded by critters sneaking around in his home. He'd bring home stray cats to make sure no rats or mice would go near his baby.

Will sometimes sleep over. You'd both sleep in the same bed, and his razor-sharp training from when he was a soldier would come to good use. Any noise your baby made would wake him instantly.

He's paranoid as hell, so be ready for him to patrol the house multiple times a day. Your baby will grow up thinking it's normal for his father to have an automatic assault rifle in hand, walking around with murder in his eyes, ready to blow apart whoever dared target his family.

The baby would giggle every time their father passed by, and you'd watch boredly as he walked past. It got boring after the first ten times.

If there ever was a break in, God bless the idiot who did so. Not even his bones would be found.

Other than that, he's a cutie patootie when it comes to his baby. But like, a scary cutie patootie.

[updownlately]

stars through the window (they light up our disco)

| leah williamson x reader | fluff (just pure softness) | 1.5k | inspo: when you're home by tyler shaw. | a/n: this was supposed to be short and sweet, but it turns out despite my height, shortness is not a strength of mine. if you haven't heard the song before, definitely check it out, it's lovely! and if you have, see if you can count how many lyrics i sneaked in :)

~~~

Your insistence on getting an apartment with huge windows had frustrated Leah throughout your initial apartment hunt. You both were footballers with your lives constantly being the topic of interest of the media and the internet, no hint of privacy in the public world. Leah didn’t want to give them direct access to your most personal moments too. However, when it eventually became a heated topic that the two of you would butt heads on not only during any showing with your realtor, but over meals and downtime, Leah had decided that it wouldn’t be worth the risk of potentially losing you. Plus, she figured she could always purchase a nice set of black out curtains in order to keep away prying eyes. Letting you win, the decision to choose an apartment had become ever so slightly easier (the clear joy on your face had been a good reward too), the pair of you eventually deciding on one that fit all the requirements, a house that was ready to become a home.

And while she wouldn’t tell you this, in this moment, Leah was glad that she had gone along with your terms in that initial disagreement. The both of you were currently in said apartment, a soft playlist filling the room through the numerous hidden speakers in the living room as each of you quietly did your own thing. It was just a little after dinner that you had suggested turning off the lights in the apartment and playing some music to help the two of you relax. Between the flurry of games and practices you both had had, it was safe to say the downtime of the past day-off had been a blessing. 

While you and Leah played together for Arsenal, her duties as a key face of the Gunners’ women’s team and England often led to much of your time spent away from each other. Nights like these, where you got to spend the evening together, gently watching over London as the city began to head to bed, the two of you basking in the presence of each other, contentedly present, were some of your favourites. 

You were laying on the sofa reading, the light of the sunset shining through the near-completely glass wall illuminating your book, whilst Leah was sprawled on the arm chair next to you, the evident sounds of overplayed songs coming from her phone signifying her doom-scroll of TikTok.

It was when dusk started to turn into night, just under an hour later, that you gave up on trying to progress any further in your story, the waning light too faint to make out the words that littered the paper. Bored and missing your girlfriend, you padded over to Leah, gently taking her phone out of her hands and placing it on the coffee table that rested near you. 

“Leah…I’m bored. I was enjoying my book and then the light started fading,” you whined, settling yourself in her lap, arms coming around her neck, head on her shoulder.

Placing a delicate kiss on the exposed part of your neck, Leah pulled you closer, her hands finding home on your waist. 

“How dare the sun set and the day turn to night, hmm? It’s a shame we don’t have any means to light the inside of our home,” she joked, causing you to gently smack her shoulder from where you rested (not an easy feat, given the two of you were positioned lengthwise in the single seat).

“I’m bored. Entertain me,” you pleaded. “Please.”

Tucking her head your shoulder in response, Leah blindly reached for your phone from your pocket, turning up the volume of the music ever so slightly and changing the playlist from your current acoustic covers to one that she had made for the two of you once the device was in her hands.

“I have a few ideas on what we can do,” she smirked, pulling back and meeting your eyes.

Recognizing the glint in your girl’s eyes, you had just leaned in to kiss the blonde, lips merely centimetres away, when Leah deviously decided it was the perfect time to get up and prepare for her little activity. Her hands moved to your thighs to make sure you wouldn’t fall as she picked you up with herself, moving quicker than normal to tease you, your shrieks echoing in the room at the unexpected movement.

Carefully setting you on the floor, Leah made quick work of moving the coffee table to the side, creating room for a faux dance floor in the middle of your living room, as you looked on in confusion.

When Leah turned to you, hand outstretched in the space between you two, the streetlights illuminating her soft smile ever so angelically, you extended your own, intertwining the two, binding the skin of your hands.

You let the blonde pull you into her, stepping into her space, your bodies pressed close together. 

A bashful smile on her face, Leah took a moment to appreciate you, in awe of the way you so effortlessly stood in front of her, a golden glow on your face, no doubt due to the stars shining through the window. (She secretly hoped she’d get this view again, but in a different setting, where hopefully the pair of you would wear white, sunlight streaming down on you two).

Wrapping up her admiring, Leah took note of the perplexed look on your face, quickly choosing to put you out of your misery. 

“Let’s put on a show?” She asked shyly. “Dance with me?”

You couldn’t help but grin at the Englishwoman standing in front of you. It wasn’t rare that Leah let her soft, romantic side show, yet each time, it left you just as elated as the first time. The stone cold captain on the field seemed to turn to mush in your presence, your teammates never failing to remind you both of the way you had the midfielder wrapped around your pinkie.

“Lead the way m’lady,” you winked, smiling lightly to yourself, finally realising that Leah had put on the playlist of love songs she had made for you.

The pair of you slowly danced, swaying to the music as the stars outside faintly lit your disco. Words unsaid, Leah held on to you tighter, slowly guiding you through a waltz and spinning you so gracefully before tenderly pulling you back, impossibly closer to her.

You weren’t one to dance, often joking to yourself that you had two left feet and that any use of footwork was better left on the pitch for you. Yet, here you couldn’t help but follow Leah’s footsteps, trusting her to lead you both, trusting her trust in you. And when Leah looked into your eyes, asking for permission to dip you down, you could only whisper her name, nodding ever so slightly, confident that she’d catch you, knowing for certain that she wouldn’t let you fall, at the very least, not on your own, not by yourself. Whether it be four feet or three on the floor, you knew she’d be there for you, just like she had every step of the way since the start.

As song after song played, the two of you moved delicately around the makeshift stage, eyes and hands not once leaving the other. With each waltz after waltz, spin, and dip, you knew that if paradise was on Earth, it would be here, in your apartment, as the pair of you silently spoke your affection for the other with each second that passed.

And when tired feet led you to sit down, cuddled up on the couch, wrapped in your love for each other, FIFA illuminating the rest of the room, Leah knew that the windows that she hated in the apartment that she loved had grown on her. The way the passing rays lit up your face, bathing you in an ethereal glow was a heavenly sight to see, one that she wished on any and every shooting star that she’d get to see for the rest of her life.

Your shared apartment that had been gently crafted into a home, was nothing but a skeleton, a shell of a safe haven, if it didn’t have the two of you. The love shared between you two overflowing, seeping into the cracks, filling them with delight and affection. As long as it had you both, you knew that it would be all you’d ever need, and everything you’d ever want. The best thing in your lives had only started, a whole future waiting for you ahead. A future full of you two together, coupled with friends and family, and a sky full of love, where life couldn’t get much better than this dreamland turned reality, a present in the night that passed.

[fishcat480]

Go Timberwolves!

Fandom: The Vampire Diaries

Pairing: Elijah Mikaelson x Plus size! cheerleader!reader

Description: You're a cheerleader and Elijah is in the stands. Your friend Jessica notices him first.

Warnings: none

____________________________________________________________

“Who is that?”

Jessica was looking over at the stands and toward a group of guys, all sitting next to each other. They looked hilariously out of place, all seemingly dressed for different events. The one with reddish hair and kiss-me lips was wearing a velvet jacket over a v-neck, three necklaces dangling over his heart. You’d seen him hanging around before, and recognized him as Rebekah’s brother Klaus. How many times had he been watching Caroline from the sidelines during a game or desperately offering to walk her to her car? Doubtful that Jessica didn’t know who that was, or that he was clearly obsessed with everyone’s favorite blonde.

Then there was the youngest of the three. He was dressed pretty normally for a high school football game in a t-shirt and jeans. He spoke animatedly to Klaus, who looked about as thrilled to listen as he would have been to get struck by lightning. His name was escaping your memory, but it was another K name, you were sure of it. Kyle! No…Kal?

All thoughts of K names were stripped from your thoughts the second your eyes landed on Jessica’s mystery man. 

His hair was dark, and his eyes were darker. His features were angular, practically Grecian. He was wearing a suit, which was ridiculous because who wore a suit in Mystic Falls unless they were a realtor or attending a Lockwood party? Somehow, though, he pulled it off so perfectly that there was no question that he should be wearing it. 

Never had you been so struck by a stranger. His eyes scanned over the crowd, and across the field, before landing squarely on you.

You blushed and turned away, heart thundering in your chest.

Elena and Bonnie had followed Jessica’s gaze too, and gave each other knowing looks. You were friendly with Elena but not close. You and Bonnie had been good friends since middle school, though, so you felt no shame sidling up to her and joining her conversation.

“Info on Jessica’s mystery man?” you asked, spreading your legs as you sat next to Bonnie, beginning to stretch. She laughed and gave you a stern look. “He’s Klaus’ older brother. No mystery.”

You bent forward, stretching out your back and Bonnie followed suit. “Off limits?” you ask, trying to seem curious but not invested. 

“Yes.” she said quickly. Elena smacked Bonnie’s thigh. 

“Elijah is not off limits.” she said. “He’s actually the only one out of the three of them I’d say is pretty on…limits…”

Elijah....you tried the name out in your head. Yes, you decided, that was a good name.

You all giggled. “I mean, Klaus is just too in love with Caroline.” you shrugged. “I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere near him.” 

You sat up and bent your neck to the side, eyeing the rest of the cheerleaders. “Hey, where is Caroline?”

“Tyler drama.” Bonnie said conspiratorially. She sat upright, finished with her stretching. “He’s leaving again.”

“Shit.” you said, finishing up yourself. “I don’t really know what she sees in him anyway. He’s always been kind of an asshole. And Klaus seems to really like her.”

“Well Klaus needs to earn her.” Elena said hastily, turning away slightly. You weren’t sure what that was supposed to mean, but if Bonnie’s similarly agitated face was any indication, there was something going on that you weren’t in on. It wasn’t really any of your business anyway, you conceded, so you didn’t harp on it. Boy drama was so not your thing.

There was a fanfare suddenly, as the marching band began playing the introduction music for the Timberwolves. Rebekah stood and called you and the other cheerleaders into formation. 

Once the players began coming out, you’d go right into the classic Timberwolves fighting cheer. 

Just as the first player was making his entrance, a blonde head appeared next to you, startling you. It was as if she'd appeared out of thin air.

“Caroline!” you said, throwing a hand on your chest. “You scared the shit out of me.”

She smiled nervously. “Did I?”

You just laughed and joined the rest of the girls in the Timberwolves fighting chant, shaking your pom-poms and kicking your legs up. 

The game didn’t start out super well for the Timberwolves, so you didn’t have a ton to do for awhile. You spoke to Caroline briefly about Tyler, but she didn’t want to say much, and she seemed genuinely upset about something. You weren’t close enough with her to give her emotional support, so you instead distracted her with a quick game of fuck, marry, kill between the three handsome Mikaelson boys. 

“Kill Kol, Marry Klaus, Fuck Elijah.” Caroline said confidently. Kol! That was his name.

She was speaking a bit loudly, like she wanted someone to hear her. Probably Jessica. 

You glanced up at the stands and noticed Klaus and Kol with their heads bent together. Elijah looked completely nonplussed. 

“What about you?” she asked. 

You glanced up at the brothers again. Elijah was looking in your direction now, almost as if he was listening to your conversation. He was probably just looking at the cheerleaders. He definitely wasn’t admiring you - you were the only girl on the squad who wore a uniform above a size large. 

Still, you couldn’t help but fantasize about the idea of the three of them. Kol wasn’t really your type, so he was an easy kill. Klaus was gorgeous, to be sure, but something about Elijah was still singing through your veins after laying eyes on him that first time. 

“Kill Kol, fuck Klaus, marry Elijah.”

Caroline gave you a wicked smile. “Elijah, huh?”

You shrugged. “He’s incredibly good looking.”

“Poor Kol.” Caroline said, her lip pouting. 

“Rejection builds character.”

You glanced up again, and Elijah looked as if he might be laughing - Klaus too. Kol had his arms crossed against his chest. Weird….

Rebekah shrieked all of a sudden, breaking you out of your thoughts, as the Timberwolves finally scored, and the squad got on their feet to cheer. 

The game ended with a Timberwolves win which you were thankful for - every win meant half price burgers at the grill. You and a few other girls planned to go there after, and you grabbed your stuff from the locker room, hoping to get to your car and beat them there - you were not going to be the fat girl in a mini skirt sliding into a booth full of people. 

Bonnie, Elena and Caroline were all leaving together, huddled in conversation. 

“Half price burgers, ladies?” you asked, walking backwards in front of them. “A Timberwolves win is a win for all of us.” you joked, quoting your incredibly cringy gym coach.

The girls laughed, but shook their heads. 

“Homework.”

“Boy drama.”

“Tired.”

They’d all spoken at the same time, and you gave them all an incredulous look. “Ladies, I’m heartbroken. Next time if you’re going to break my heart, do it one at a time.”

You gave them a winning smile, and they returned it easily, thankful you hadn’t been upset.

“Next time I’m making you guys go!” you called, still walking backwards as you exited the hallway out of the locker room. You backed into the double doors leading to the parking lot and called a goodbye to them, turning around.

And slamming right into someone.

“Oh!” you cried, toppling towards the asphalt. The ground never came, though, because a pair of hands was holding you steady, and lifted you slowly upwards until you were staring Elijah Mikaelson in the face.

“My apologies.”he said, in a voice that hit that your ears and sent shivers straight to the apex of your thighs. Your jaw dropped, suddenly faced with his nearness. 

“Not at all!” you cried. “I wasn’t looking.” 

Not too far away stood Kol and Klaus. The former was watching you and Elijah, looking like he was trying very hard not to laugh. Klaus, of course, had become distracted the moment Caroline had appeared. He was stalking towards her, and to your surprise, Caroline looked like she might be walking towards him too. Normally she brushed him off completely. 

You focused your attention back on Elijah. 

“Excellent job tonight.” he said, his eyes locked on yours. You felt flushed from the unbroken eye contact, but didn’t dare break it. 

“Thanks. It makes our job a bit easier when the team actually manages to score.”

He laughed, full and bright, and it made your heart soar to hear it. 

“I’m Y/N.” you said, introducing yourself. 

“Elijah. Mikaelson.”

“Nice to meet you Elijah.” 

You offered your hand and he took it firmly in yours, but rather than shake it, he brought it up to his lips and kissed the back of it. Ok, you were officially a puddle on the ground and people were going to have to step in you to get to their cars.

“Hi!” came a bubbly voice, and you glanced over seeing Jessica. Of course she was going to try and stake her claim. 

“I’m Jessica.” she said, sidling up next to you. “I saw you in the stands earlier. You’re a Mikaelson, aren’t you?”

Elijah nodded politely. “My reputation precedes me.”

Jessica smiled her flirty smile and pushed her chest out. “Rebekah and I are good friends. I make a point to know my friends’ families. It’s only good manners.”

You rolled your eyes involuntarily from behind Jessica, who had stepped into your space. When had she ever spent time with Rebekah outside of practice? She was clearly making her claim known, and you huffed, backing off. 

A guy like Elijah wouldn’t be interested in you, anyway. It would have been nice to at least been given a chance, though, before perfect little Jessica had to come in and do her thing. 

You sighed to yourself. That wasn’t nice. Jessica was your friend. It just sucked, sometimes, being the only bigger girl in a group of girls. Things were different for you. 

“Well, I’ll let you two get acquainted.” you said, and Jessica quickly told you not to wait up for her at the Grill. You smiled encouragingly at her, even though you would have rather eaten nails. Jessica did technically see Elijah first, though, so regardless, the rule of dibs was firmly in place. Elijah’s eyes met yours and he looked…disappointed? It was probably nothing. 

As you turned to go to your car, Matt Donovan brushed past you, walking fast. “Sorry, Y/N!” he called, power walking to his truck. You shook your head, laughing. You’d never seen Matt move that fast for anything, not even out on the field.

The other girls had made their way out now, and you caught up with them briefly to let them know you'd be going home instead of out. You weren't really in the mood for celebration any more. They gave you tight hugs and told you to call them in the morning, and you gave them all the finger just to get a laugh out of them.

Bonnie was leaning against her car when you made your way to yours. 

“Why’d you do that?” she asked, giving you a curious look.

“Why’d I do what?” you said, tossing your duffle into the backseat. 

“You just let Jessica take over. You were talking to Elijah first.”

“Yeah, but Jessica saw him first. Besides, I bumped into him. It’s not like we talked about anything profound.”

Bonnie sighed. “You wanted to talk to him though.”

You crossed your arms. “Yeah, so?”

“So!” she cried, placing her hands on your shoulders. “So you’re the funniest girl on the planet, and you're beautiful and talented and you deserve to be happy.”

You rolled your eyes. “Shut up.”

“It’s true! You’re amazing.”

“I know, I just wanted you to say more.”

Bonnie shoved at you playfully. “See? Your wit is unmatched.”

“And you’re kind.” you said seriously. “And a really, really good friend.”

Bonnie looked down, her mouth quirked to the side. “Thank you.”

A laugh echoed from across the parking lot, and you stared at Caroline and Klaus standing by Caroline’s car. They were standing close together and laughing, and Klaus’ finger was twirled around a strand of Caroline’s hair.

You hit Bonnie in the shoulder and pointed. 

“Ummmmmm?” You gave her an incredulous look.

“I know!” Bonnie said, coming to lean against your car. “She said she broke up with Tyler. She said she’s done with wishy-washy.”

You smiled happily as the two continued flirting. “I’ve been dying for them to get together.”

“No, literally!” She threw her hands up in the air. “The tension was incredibly cuttable.”

You snorted. “Like, thick enough I think I’d need a chainsaw.”

Bonnie hid her giggle behind her hand. You watched Klaus and Caroline as Bonnie began asking you if you were still going to the grill.  You wished you had a guy to flirt with against your car.

“I’m kind of hungry all of a -”

Bonnie’s voice trailed off, and you tore your eyes away from the happy couple to stare at your friend. 

“Bon?”

Her eyes were trained behind you, a small smile on her lips. You followed her eyes, and there was Elijah. His nearness startled you, and you jumped a foot in the air.

“My apologies.” he said, amusement in his eyes. 

“We have got to stop meeting like that.” you responded.

“I’ll see you tomorrow!” Bonnie called, already on the other side of her car and hopping in the front seat. You gave her an incredulous look. 

“Traitor!” you called, as she began to pull out. She looked completely self righteous as she pulled out of the parking lot, Britney blasting on her speakers.

“Well..” you breathed, turning back to Elijah. “Twice in one night? To what do I owe my great fortune?”

He shrugged. “I have a thing for cheerleaders.”

Your jaw dropped. “Wait, are you serious?”

He laughed. “No, not at all. But I saw you from the stands and wanted to get to know you better. So here I am.”

You couldn’t help the huge smile overtaking your face. Elijah Mikaelson wanted to get to know you? 

“What about Jessica?”

He shrugged. “She’s a nice girl. Not really my type.”

“And I am?”

He huffed. “Am I not making myself clear? Shall I fetch a plane and spell it out in the sky for you?”

I shook my head, faux serious. “It’s nighttime Elijah. I’d never be able to see that.”

He snorted - actually snorted. It was the most adorable thing you might have ever heard. 

“You’re a minx, and you know it. Now agree to go to dinner with me.”

“Half price burgers at the grill?”

He smiled wryly. “No, that won’t do. I’m a full price kind of guy. I need candles, roses, the whole chair pulling out thing. Carlo’s. Friday night. Eight o’ clock.”

Carlo’s was like, ridiculously nice. And expensive. “But that’s-”

“It’s what?” he challenged. “Because if you’re suggesting I can’t afford it…”

You shook your head. “No, of course not. I’m sure you can. But I can’t!”

Faster than you could even fathom, Elijah was backing you up into the side of your car, his hands locked on either side of you, face inches away from your own. His eyes were dark and bore into you, making your palms begin to sweat.

“I’m not in the habit of taking women out on dates and having them pay.” His breath fanned across your face. Your eyes flickered down to his lips, and you shivered. His presence was intoxicating. 

“Have I made myself clear?” he asked, and damn if that question didn’t excite you. You nodded, your breath hitching, and he leaned even closer to you for a moment before pushing himself away.

“Good!” he declared, and once he backed off, he took a moment to rake his gaze across your body. Your uniform did little for the imagination, and you were kind of thankful.

“See you soon, Y/N.” He called sweetly, shifting from domineering to polite so quick you had whiplash. You watched him go, a dopey smile on your face.

“Wait!” you called. “Do you want my phone number?”

He paused, then reached into his pocket for his phone. He typed for a moment, then locked the screen and placed it back in his pocket.

Your phone dinged.

Tell Bonnie I said thank you.

You smirked. Of course Bonnie had given him your number. You'd have to remember to get her a thank you gift.

As you started your car and got ready to go, movement from the car behind you caught your attention in your mirror. You struggled to see clearly what it was, but when you did, you were shocked.

There, in the pickup truck Rebekah Mikaelson had gifted him, was Matt Donovan making out with her brother Kol. 

You laughed all the way home, imagining the look on Rebekah’s face when she finds out.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

I have a light one that’s kind of dumb.

🐶🐱

AITA for wanting a dog even though my sister/housemate does not?

To start, nobody is allergic to dogs or has a fear of them, she just doesn’t want it.

(if ages and gender are important, we’re both f in our early 20s)

I grew up on a farm with lots of animals. There were always cows, I had goats, there were chickens, ducks, barn cats and of course, 1-3 livestock guard dogs at a time.

When I was 16, I had a senior spaniel who had to be put down due to heart problems. Ever since I have been asking if I can have another dog but my parents have said no.

Around a year ago now I sold my goats and moved out of my parents house into an apartment. The apartment didn’t allow any pet bigger than my little gecko.

Then, about January, my older sister started messaging me with images of houses on a realtor site. So we looked at houses. I agreed to buy a house with her 1) so she could move out of our parents house and 2) because being by myself in the apartment with no real friends wasn’t really that good for my mental health.

To her credit, she did get a kitten from our farm and let me keep it, although I didn’t really want a house cat. The main reason I wanted a dog was for the amount of exercise it would need, and I would have to take it for long walks. Not to mention litter boxes aren’t my favourite thing to deal with. Still, I am glad I have a little animal to cuddle.

Additionally, most of the times when I bring up wanting a dog or getting a dog, it’s either in a jokey matter or it’ll be in contrast to something (for example there was a shady guy hanging around our street the other night and we don’t have an actual alarm for our house, so I went “yknow if we had a yappy little chihuahua it would be an alarm enough” or something like that) to which she will reply something short and growly along the lines of “you’re never getting a dog in my house”

Her reasons she gives for not wanting a dog? Number one, it’s “her” house. (It’s in both of our names, I paid half the down deposit and I pay half the mortgage and bills, and I pay for the Wifi. I’m not paying her rent, we both own it) Number 2, her friend is allergic to horses. (A friend that never comes over to our house anyway, and I understand fur allergies are complicated but it’s a dog. We aren’t anywhere NEAR horses! We live in town!) (this one is also BS because sister wants to buy a farm and have Clydesdale horses) Number 3, it sheds. We have a cat. The cat sheds more than the breeds of dogs that I really like or want. One of my favourites are the Xolo dog. Which has no hair. At all. Number 4, the cat is scared of dogs. (She isn’t. She’s never seen one in her life. I can get her used to having a dog around easily, even if she starts afraid. I’ve done it before when our parents have gotten new dogs around new cats.)

I’m not going to go behind her back and bring home a dog (even though there have been opportunities to get a free puppy multiple time) but I’m not going to stop wanting to have a dog or wanting to get one or talking about what dogs I like.

Our grandparents are moving to town and selling their farm next year, which sister wants to buy with me. I told her I’d like to move out of town into a farm, but only if she let me get either a dog or a donkey to protect our property against coyotes. (Especially considering we both want chickens if we get a farm)

She got really pissy at me about that, and stormed off. AITA here? I think she’s being a little unreasonable. I’m not a bad pet owner at all, I work with my animals as much as possible. I had my billy goat following me around the farm without a lead before I sold the goats, for pineapple’s sakes!

What are these acronyms?

[slutouttanowhere]

Pairing: Randy Orton x Mavis Pete x LA Knight

A/N: The superstars’ names may fluctuate between their real name and their on screen names, it depends on what feels natural to me as I write it. So for context purposes LA Knight will be referred to by his real name Shaun Ricker. I didn’t even plan on finishing this, but admits all the Wrestlemania drama I needed something to take my mind off it. Also it’s 3am right now of me posting this. Likes, comments and Reblogs are welcome and appreciated.

⏯️ Chapter 1

Tiny tag: @cardierreh15 is included because she’s the voice of reason even when she gets on my mf nerves

Chapter 2

“Girl you are you gonna fuck him?” Cardíerre’s voice shouted over the phone. Cardíerre wasn’t in the business, but we’ve been friends since college. She’s never too far away since her realtor business is set up in Florida.

“Of course, she isn’t, because she’s scared.” Bianca cut me off before I even had a chance to say anything, I let out a breath of frustration as I tried to get my lashes to stick properly. Bianca, and Trinity, who happened to be in the same city tonight, sat on my hotel bed “helping” me get ready. Cardíerre bubbled up with laughter on her side of the phone, I paused my eyeliner to keep myself from trolling my eyes and ended up messing up.

“She’s not gonna sleep with him because maybe she likes him, y’all know how Mavis is with people she cares about.” Trinity chimed in, a smirk stretched across her mouth, it was a joke, and I knew my girls didn’t take my “mishaps” personally, I still felt bad though. I tend to give more time to business partners than actual family, it was easier to deal with people who didn’t have expectations of you. With people I knew personally, it felt like I was forced to be vulnerable.

“I’m…working on that,” I mumbled, Bianca lightly slapped my butt with her braid causing me to yelp in shock. I whipped around, my eyes widened, and to my shock, it was Trinity who held the weapon in hand.

“Girl calm down, we all know you’re emotionally inept,” Cardíerre said pitifully, I could feel her rolling her eyes from her end of the phone. I could hear waves crashing in the background, no doubt she was on the beach as usual. She’s practically a mermaid with all the time she spends, in or near the water.

Turning back to the mirror, picking up my edge brush, and hair gel, I began to slick my baby hairs down. “Anyways, I don’t know what you guys are trippin’ for, we’re just gonna get some food, and have a little drink. That’s it. We’re chillin’, AP paired us together so if we're gonna be in sync on TV, we should at least get to know each other better off-screen right? What’s the harm in that?” The girls went quiet, I could see Bianca and Trinity’s facial expressions in the reflection of the mirror.

“Cap! You’ve been tryna wear this man’s skin since I met you, and I don’t even watch wrestling. Getting to know him is only gonna make it easier for you to develop a crush. What if he doesn’t turn out to be who you think he is? Then you’re gonna get your feelings hurt, but you’ll have nobody to blame but yourself bookie.” Cardíerre said candidly, that she was right, I couldn’t help but feel optimistic about being able to control myself.

“Guys, relax, I promise we’re keeping our new friendship strictly professional. It’s not gonna be another Nic Nemeth situation.” I tried to reassure them, but the course of groans and protest told me they didn’t believe that either. Not one of my best moments, lusting after a man who had only gotten with me for clout. That whole thing was a media dumpster fire that Hunter gave us both an earful for. I haven’t talked to him since then, word on the street is, that he’s supposed to be leaving for TNA…good riddance.

“It’s not like Shaun is any better of a choice,” Bianca muttered, she never liked the idea of us together in any capacity. She didn’t bring up her disdain for him often, but whenever the chance arose to shit on LA Knight during girl talk, best believe she was right there having the most to say.

“Ugh, here she goes.” I groan, and Trinity chuckles, my disdain for trash talk about any of my hoes is well-known amongst us. The last thing I want is for my delusions to be ruined. “Leave my lovers out of this please,” I whine, while I appreciate the concern, I am an adult, and I’d rather my friends not baby me.

“Sorry to cut it short girls, but my dick appointment is calling. Talk to y’all later, and Mavis be good!” Cardíerre shouted over the phone, I smacked my lips and folded my arms over my chest.

“No promises.” I tease playfully before hanging up my phone. I checked the time on my watch; even though it wasn’t dark out, it was getting to be pretty late in the evening.

Trinity huffs out a breath of air, “Actually, that’s our cue as well, I owe Bianca dinner.” They decide to drop the topic thankfully for me, she rolls off the bed, Bianca following her lead. Before they left, they enveloped me in a tight, much-needed hug. I squeezed Trinity extra tight for good measure, she’s doing huge things in TNA right now. She has easily become one of my idols, “love you girlie, and don’t let all this attention go to your head.”

“Yeah, focus, I can’t be the only EST around here, I need some competition.” Bianca taunts me in a melodic voice, dancing her way to the door, and swinging her braid. Trinity blew me a kiss before they both left out the door, sighing contentedly I took a seat on the edge of the bed. I made sure to look through my purse to check that I had everything, and then a knock on the door caught my attention.

“Who could that be?” Opening the door, on the other end is Randy. His lips parted to speak, but when he looked up from the floor, he was taken aback when he saw me. I felt naked under his intense gaze, I could feel my face heat up, and the butterflies began to swarm. ‘Professional Mavis, you promised you’d be professional’ I try to remind myself, though it was hard to follow my moral compass when Randy Orton was looking like he wasn't to swallow you whole.

“I thought we were gonna meet up.” I leave him standing at the door to retrieve my phone, and purse from the bed. When I turn back, I catch him staring at my ass just like I did before. He grins sheepishly, scratching the back of his head, his eyes sweeping the ground.

“You never texted me the place, and I have no absolutely nothing about the area. I figure we could ride together, you could tell me a bit about your hometown, and of course food.” He leans against the door frame, his eyes scanning my face, and up to my hair. Curiosity in his eyes. “I don't mean for this to come out rudely, but are you wearing makeup?” I did not expect him to ask me that at all, now walking side by side down the hall, I try to collect myself.

“Technically yes,” I answer shortly, the elevator doors open, and he lets me step on first. His arms fold across his chest, Randy is always observing me, and at first, I liked it. That was before we were forced together by Adam, his watchful gaze wasn’t anything more than that, but I felt vulnerable. The illusion I work hard to keep going doesn’t even exist to him, takes the fun out of things for me. It feels like I’m no longer in control, but rather the other way around.

“Technically?” He asks, the humidity of the summertime air smacks us in the face, a stark contrast from the cool chill hotel. I can already feel myself growing agitated from the heat, but try to fight it off.

“Well yeah, the eyeliner is makeup, but that’s just about it. I wasn’t in the mood for a full face today. It’s nice for TV, but other than that, nah nah.” I explain quickly, I’ve never had a guy show interest in, what I thought was frivolous, things about me before. I part my lips to tell the valet to bring my car around, but for the third time tonight, Randy sidesteps me, telling them to bring his car instead.

“What, you don’t trust me to drive?” I’m ready to argue if he chose to put up a fight, but I’m met with the opposite reaction when he turns to me as the Cadillac truck pulls to a stop in front of us. A smirk curling on his lips, he opens the passenger door for me and offers a hand.

“Don’t take it personally, old habits die hard and all that. Besides, you wouldn’t rather me act like old me would you?” His tone is playfully suggestive, with a hint of arrogance in his words, and for a second I feel a drop of regret. His eyes soften, and his hand extends further to take mine. A spark of electricity shocks us both as our hands touch, and before I realize it, I’m already taking his hand. I catch a glimpse of Trinity and Bianca over Randy’s shoulder when I duck my head into the SUV. They make mocking kissing faces at me from afar, I roll my lips trying to hide my smile.

“Idiots,” I mumble to myself, my phone buzzes, and at first, I think it’s one of the girls. It’s a text from Stephen, I smile thinking about our friendship. He’s the sweetest guy I know, I just want to put him in my pocket and keep him to myself.

Steph🧡🔥: hey, still wanna mess around in the gym tomorrow?

I couldn’t help but let out a giggle, I could hear his accent through the text. Forgetting all about where I am, and who I’m with, I quickly reply.

Petey💰💜: I’ll mess around with you anytime 😈😌

“Which boyfriend is this?” Randy’s voice made me jolt as I was not expecting him to speak up just now I wasn’t sure if he was even talking at all. My phone buzzes again, my eyes flicker to the screen for a second before I turn my attention back to him.

“First of all, I don’t have a boyfriend, and secondly mind your business.” I flick my hair over my shoulder playfully, his eyes are on the road, but his lips twitch. A poor attempt to fight back a smile.

“So then it’s not Shaun.” He tries to deduce, I know Shaun and I had a little moment in front of Randy tonight, however, I interact with a lot of people backstage. My phone goes off again, I swipe the screen, and have to hold my breath from the message I just read from Stephen.

“Hmm, jealous, are we?”

“What? How am I jealous of him?”

“Because.” I pause quickly texting Stephen back.

Steph🧡🔥: watch it now darlin’, I may not be from Texas, but I know how to use rope.

Steph🧡🔥: are ya satisfied now? your bad behavior is rubbing off on me

Petey💰💜: LMAO Ok Cowboy! Rope me up then! 🤪

Petey💰💜: yeah I’ll show up tomorrow brb love ya

“I talk to so many people, I’m a socialite, and you chose Shaun. See what you must understand Randall.” I hold my pinky out, he glances at me, and he chortles at my antics.

“I’m a P I M P, and I always keep it player.” I smile brightly, my tongue poking out.

“Alright, all jokes aside though. Don’t let all the attention go to your head, and before you fuss at me about it, I’m just looking out for you. I know those guys, more so than you do. As I’ve observed, I see how easily it can be for someone to become attracted to you. You’re talented, smart, beautiful. You got it all kid, and some people genuinely want to be around you, some people just want to suck you dry.” Randy says honestly, I didn’t know how to respond to that, and I don’t think I should have. I’m both flustered and touched by his words.

“Huh, that’s the second time someone told me that today…” Randy didn't respond to me, but rather let me sit with my thoughts. We sat in a sort of comfortable silence, just trying to take in that wealth of wisdom he just dropped on me. I didn’t feel the need to fill the void for once, and he didn’t force it either. We finally made it to the restaurant, thankfully for us, it wasn’t too full, but it was a Monday after all. I called beforehand, and requested a spot near the back be reserved for us. When we reached our table, Randy pulled out my chair for me, and pushed me in gently. After the waitress took our drink orders, they retreated leaving us to get settled, and look through the menu.

“So, how did you get into wrestling?” He asked, a genuine expression of interest on his face, he leaned back into his seat. Instantly a grin broke out across my lips, my face felt heated as I reminisced on my teen days, and who specifically inspired my wrestling career.

“Boy I hoped you wouldn’t ask me that, but I practically manifested this foolishly not thinking it would actually happen.” I paused for a moment to glance at him, he seemed to be confused by my words, so I took a moment to formulate a coherent sentence.

“You Randy, you were one of my biggest influences as a fan. I grew up watching you punt kick almost every person on the roster, and RKO’ing every single retiree that had dreams of another run.” I laughed seeing the shocked look on his face turn to a humorous expression at the mention of his infamous ‘Legend Killer’ persona.

“Wait a minute, how old are you?” He asked, he watched me wearily, and I nearly choked on my spit.

“How young do you think I am? Jesus Randy I’m 27.” We simultaneously let out a spout of laughter, his face turning a soft tint of pink, and his hand pressed to his chest.

“Hey now, I’m 40 so, that's a pretty decent age gap Mavis, and in my defense you look like you’re in your early twenties to me.” He argued halfhearted, just then the waiter came with our drinks, and placed them down in front of us. Our laughter had died down as he both took a breath to order, but once the waiter left, we were back in the flow of conversation.

“Like I was saying, I wasn’t always a fan. I didn't catch on to it till I got a little older, and I was already in sports in school…” I had started to talk about all the extracurriculars that led me to this point, it hadn't dawned on me how much I was talking till I suddenly snapped out of it, and realized how quiet Randy was. “And I’m talking to a whole lot about nothing…sorry.” I mumbled, I wanted to go find a whole, and crawl in it.

“No, don’t feel embarrassed, this is the whole point of us hanging out so we can get to know each other better. It’s refreshing to hear such genuine passion, and being comfortable enough with me to share that with me. And trust me Mavis, I was hanging on to your every word.” He spoke honestly, like he always does, but for some reason when it’s directed towards me I fumble every time.

Like an idiot I said, “Yeah, cause I already know pretty much everything about you.” Which earned a guffaw from Randy. It made my heart feel good knowing I can get someone who I deemed to be so cool, to laugh so effortlessly. My lips curled into a smile, my heart damn near pounding in my ears, but I maintain my composure. His arm resting on the table, if I flexed my fingers outward, our hands would be touching. Instead of caving to my intrusive thoughts, I pulled my hand back smoothly, and instead flicked my hair over my shoulder. Randy clocked my every move, before I allowed myself to overthink I cleared my throat.

“So tell me everything then.” He cut me off before I got the chance to say anything, which stumped me. His timing is too good, and I hate it.

“Wait, what do you mean? Tell you about what?” I asked dumbfounded, my brain malfunctioned as of thirty seconds ago, and I’m not used to that happening. Usually I’m the one having people flustered, and tripping over themselves.

“Well I’m not gonna find out the most interesting things about you on the internet, so you tell me instead. Rant, and ramble as much as you want, I won't interrupt I promise.” A tiny smile curled up at the corners of his mouth, and honestly I wanted to cry. I felt like it was such a stupid thing to get emotional over, but who would have thought that I’d be having dinner with one of my idols, and they actually offer to hear me talk about my stupid life?

“Ha, not really sure where to start.” I looked up at him for help, and thankfully he understood my silent plea for direction.

He placed a hand on his chin, stroking it slowly in thought. He didn't have any beard hair, but just trimmed down mustache, which somehow made him even more handsome.“How about anime? I know you like Pokemon, anything else you’re into?” I perched up at the mention of anime, it took nothing for me to start going on, and on about it. Every now and again Randy would chime in, but not saying too much that it would derail me. After a while I forgot who I was sitting across from, and was able to completely let go for once. For once I didnt feel on edge, or the need to mask. There’s really only one other person that makes me feel like that, Shaun was one of those guys you wouldn't expect to be as sweet as he is until you got to know him. Honestly I wasn’t supposed to get to know him, but it kind of just happened one night. We clicked so well, we had an instant connection, and I just felt I had to keep him close, unlike a lot of guys I had romantic situations with. I felt bad for ditching him for Randy today, in the heat of the moment I let everything go to my head, and dismissed him like he was nothing. Suddenly feeling deflated, I take a sip of my drink, and nibble on another salmon roll. My food had barely been touched because I was talking so much.

“Uh oh, what’s wrong?” Randy’s voice brought me out of my meditation, the sound drowns back into my ears, and the ache in my lungs told me I had been holding my breath too long. I wasn't keen on talking about my romantic life with anyone but my girlfriends, so I opted for a dismissive smile.

“I’m fine, just tired. Actually I promised Stephen I would come to the gym with him for his Youtube channel.” I mumbled the last part, losing my voice towards the end. I peaked up at Randy from my plate where I poked at my food with my chopsticks. I could tell by the apprehension in his eyes that he saw right through me, and that bullshit lie, he didn't call me out on it this time. Instead he nodded his head, then signaled for the waiter. While we waited for the receipt to come back, we sat in silence, and I was grateful for that. My social battery is all tapped out for the night, and I fear I might let something slip that I shouldn't because of it.

We walked with our arms interlinked, the city was buzzing with people coming, and going. It being later in the night, the bars are really starting to fill up with people, and if I’m being honest I missed being a regular civilian on the street. “Feels like a fever dream sometimes.” I said after Randy got into the driver's seat, my head leaned against the cool glass window. My eyes strain upwards to look at all the bright business signs, I get choked up thinking about my life before wrestling, and everything that’s happened up till that point.

“Miss it huh?” He asked, his voice sounded further away despite that he’s merely inches from me. I could see the GM building in the distance, the top of the skyscraper lit up with its signature Detroit blue, and there was something about it that didn't seem real. Maybe it was my perspective, and where I am right now in life. Maybe it’s because I always thought I’d be stuck here forever.

“Is it possible to love, and hate something at the same time?” I peered over at him from the driver's seat, and I was internally going feral. He leaned back in his seat, one hand on the wheel, and the other on his chin. His infamous skull tattoo sleeve looked sleek under the shine of the city lights. His muscles toned, and defined.

It was a long pause before he spoke. “There’s a thin line between the two, gotta be careful because if you're relating something you hate with something you love…do you really even love it? Do you really even hate it?” His words sparked a sudden joy in me, I rolled down the window, and stuck my head out.

“I love you Detroit!” I shouted as the wind tousled my coils around, a few cars honked, and even pedestrians shouted back praises of love. I let the wind continue to caress me as we drove through the streets, I whipped my hair out of my face, and caught a glimpse of the way Randy had looked at me. Desire flickered in his eyes, but by the time I fully turned to look at him, it was gone. As we approached the hotel, melancholy settled into my chest. I know we can just see each other again during the week, but I didn't want the night to end. But, by the time he got out of the car, then came around to open my door I had sucked it up. I grab onto his shoulder for support, as I try not to fall on my face from nearly tripping over my dress. I didn't realize our close proximity til I looked up, if I went up on my tip toes, I would be able to touch his lips. They looked so soft now that I'm looking at him up close.

His lips stretched into a teasing smirk, “Careful Mavis, might make your boyfriends jealous.” I blinked, and whatever spell he had me in had been dispelled. I rolled my eyes pushing him inside, walking into the hotel without him. He finally caught up to me by the time I made it to the elevators, from my peripheral I watched as he stood there with his hands in his pockets. A grin on his lips.

“C’mon, I was just messing around.” He pleaded as we stepped on the elevator, thankful that it was deserted. Instead of acknowledging him I pressed my lips together, and scrolled through my phone instead. I had more than a few notifications, but I didn't bother looking at them at the moment, I just wanted something to distract me.

“Are you seriously giving me the silent treatment after the night we just had?” Randy, now fully turning to me, I was willing to make a comment, but then he said, “Boy are you a rollercoaster of emotion.” He chuckled lightly, officially fed up I whip around to him, the elevator coming to a stop, and without hesitation I cut into him.

“If there’s anything else you’d like to insult me about before I leave please let me know.” I don't even think I was seeing straight, I had a history with his insinuations, and though he may have had pure intentions, it’s still a sore spot for me.

Randy looked shocked by my sudden shift in mood, and tone. His hands held up in defense, for once I had him stumped, and right before the elevator doors closed again, I reached my arm out to stop them. Without a word I walked off, and left him there being that his room is the floor above mine. I angrily swiped my key card, and threw off my shoes, shimmy out of my dress, and threw myself on to the bed. About an hour later, there’s a knock on my door, I groaned, and put a robe on. I looked through the peephole, I exhaled tiredly, but opened the door anyway.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Shuan stood on the opposite of the door, ramen noodle pjs, and a plain navy blue t-shirt. Exhaustion etched onto his face, I stepped to the side, and let him in. Gingerly kissed me on the cheek as he passed me on the way in, and made a beeline for the bed. I let out a soft giggle, then go into the bathroom to slip on an oversized sleep shirt. I grabbed my bonnet from the night stand, and carefully stuffed my hair underneath. Shaun had taken his shirt off, and tossed it to the ground.

“Scoot.” I crawled onto the bed, I tried to roll him over, but he wouldn’t budge. My grunt turned into laughter as I realized how ridiculous he looked laying there like a chalk outline. Eventually he did turn over on his side to face me after a minute, his baby blue eyes looking prettier than ever when he’s half awake. We both lied in bed staring at each other, both wide awake, and weary at the same time. He turned over on his back, then pulled me in so I could lay my head on his chest, and I didn't argue. The sensation of skin on skin contact, and the sound of his steady heartbeat is enough to lull me to sleep.

[firewasabeast]

How do you feel about all of bucks ex girlfriends?

God, don't come for me I'm about to have some hot takes.

Abby: I think the way she treated buck was pretty awful, considering she was fully aware just how deep he was in that relationship. imo it never meant as much to her, and she knew it didn't, but she liked being doted over and cared for (don't blame her for that) so she just kinda let it happen. I also wonder if she was even going to really tell him she was leaving at all, if he hadn't showed up to her place to explain things? liked her as a person, did not like her for buck (although I do think she was necessary for his personal growth). 4/10

Ali: Wasn't around for very long. Didn't mind her, but thought the scene of them making out in front of the realtor was bizarre, but that might just be the fact that I'm not a fan of prolonged pda. Seemed nice enough and I understood her reasoning for not sticking around but I hate the cliches these types of shows do where the partner is surprised that the person with a dangerous job has a dangerous job. 6/10

Taylor: This might be where people come for me but please let me explain! I can't stand her, but I blame the writers for it. For some reason, writers tend to write females who are passionate about their jobs as annoying and aggressive. I just rewatched her first episode and while she says things that make sense, they didn't write her likable at all and the whole relationship in season 5 feels like a scam. I feel like they would have been much better kept as friends. They were always on different wave lengths and, honestly, I don't think either of them were ever truly "in love". idk I just didn't buy it. 2/10

Lucy: not exactly a girlfriend but she was something and, again, I think they screwed the character over by having her be anything to buck at all. Also, I'm sorry, but the acting was terrible. I used to watch that actress on Gilmore Girls and she was good, but this was not and I feel like I'm the only one who thinks that because everyone I see always wants her to come back, but like why??? her acting made me cringe, I'm so sorry. 4/10

Natalia: Didn't hate her. I actually thought she was the best potential love interest they brought on (up until tommy ofc) and my god she's stunning, but we barely got to know her. She seemed kind though, and didn't mind buck's complicated history. I get why they dumped her so quickly when things shifted within 911, but I didn't mind her 7/10

I do want to emphasize that I was not here for the original go around with these characters, and I am sure the actresses were given so much unjust hate simply for being near buck, but I also blame the writers for doing a bad job giving buck female love interests.

[felinecryptid]

Chasing Pasts in Shadows

part 1 | part 2 | part 3

please pay attention to the tags, there's some heavy stuff going on

Mr Reyes was a balding, rotund man in his fifties, who greeted them, showed them around the garden like a realtor and finally invited them into the parlour (A parlour!) to have some tea. Will was currently sat on the long couch with Mike crowding him in towards the right armrest and eyeing the plates suspiciously and worrying the rip in his black jeans . Max took the armchair nearer Mike, picking up one of the sandwiches. Mr Reyes took the last armchair, settling in with a sigh. “Oof. Bad knees, these days. I'm not as young as I was, back in the eighties,” he chuckled, “but you kids don't have to worry about that yet, hmm? I should hope not. Well, take whatever you’d like to eat and you can ask away,” He leant back into the plush of the chair.

Will nodded and reached in for a grape. ”Mr Reyes, before we start, if at any point of time you feel uncomfortable answering questions, do let us know. We want to know as much as possible about the case but not at the cost of your mental health. Do you understand?”

“I do.”

“Good. Max, hand over the recorder, please.”

Max passed it to Mike. Will reached out for it, electricity racing up when his hand briefly brushed against Mike’s. He fought down a shiver, clicking it on and placing it on the middle of the table, among the delicately arranged sandwiches, fresh fruit and cheese and crystal glasses of sparkling water. “Just say your name and age, we’ll take care of the rest.”

“Javier Reyes and 53.”

“Mr Reyes, you called us to investigate some disturbances in, um, your house. Could you please elaborate?” Will asked, chewing on his grape. It was delicious.

“Oh, what do you want to know about?”

“When did they first start?”

“About 10 months ago, I was in the kitchen to get a drink, I think, at 2 am in the morning, because the mini fridge in my room had broken down a few days ago. The entire house had blown a fuse, and some of my appliances short circuited before the fuse. Old faulty circuitry in an old house. So, I was getting a beer from the refrigerator, when the chandelier started swinging, just enough to be visibly moving. I thought nothing of it, going back to bed. Things progressively went worse from there,” Mr Reyes said. Will could see his fingers clenching hard.

“Worse how?” Max asked, reaching for another plate of sandwiches. “These are delicious, by the way.”

“I’m glad, Ms. Mayfield,” Mr Reyes smiled, his eyes losing a bit of their edge. “About your question, well, it didn't get bad right away. At first, it was swinging chandeliers, knives out of the wooden block, on the island or just my phone dying even if I charged it all night,” Mike, Max and Will glanced at each other. What the fuck? Mike mouthed silently.

Just keep listening, Max mouthed back.

Mr Reyes didn't notice their little conversation, continuing, “then I started finding the knives in increasingly weird places, like the library, behind a book I was thinking of reading, in the bath where I could have cut my foot on it, once I found a meat cleaver on the bedside table. I couldn't sleep again for the rest of that night,” Mr Reyes cut off, shivering. Will felt like it, too. Meat cleavers near his head? Will would run, screaming and never looking back.

“Are you okay, Mr Reyes? We can take a break if you like,” Will asked.

“No, no, it’s fine, it’s relieving to get this off my chest. I was so happy when I saw the Facebook ad,”

The what? Facebook? What the fuck was Lucas doing?

“If you are sure,” Will nodded.

“I heard footsteps, first on the floors above or below me, then it got closer, I heard it outside in the hallways, in the room adjacent to the one I'm in, and it always walks towards me. They start silent, barely audible, getting louder and louder til I'm sure there’s someone on the other side. Just there, looking, standing, staring. It’s gotten even closer since the last few days,” Mr Reyes' face was frozen in an expression of confused terror. Will felt sorry for the man. Mr Reyes seemed so optimistic, so happy. No one would ever think he was going through a horror film all the time.

Mr Reyes went on. “The footsteps are always coming from where I can’t see. I was making and eating dinner the day before, when the dreaded sounds came up, thud, thud, thud, behind me,” Mike inched closer to Will, a movement so minute, Will would have missed it if he wasn’t attuned to every single part of Mike. “I whipped around, sure I’d see the intruder, a squatter or something, but there was no one. Nothing. I decided I’d call someone, maybe a priest to have a look around the next morning. I threw away the rotting pb&j full of maggots-”

“Wait, rotting pb&j?” Mike asked, perplexed.

“Oh, yeah. It's been happening for some time but food goes bad the moment I take my eyes off them. It rots away like it's been sitting there for days. Liquified and maggots crawling through them,” Max set her plate of sandwiches down, a bit green in the face. “I'm not sure how that is happening, but I don't eat here anymore, my friends take me out for meals.”

“Mr Reyes,” What the fuck, Will asked, “Do you have any other place to stay for a while? All of this sounds like it’s very intense for you-”

“Oh no, Mr Byers, I can’t leave this place, not after- not after my dear Emily…” Mr Reyes choked up. “I can’t bear to leave this place, no. If I stay over at a friend’s, she won't come to me. She talks with me in my dreams, asks me how I am, we do things we normally do, like cooking together, reading in the library, kissing me, but if I don't come home, Emily doesn't come to me, only the sound of footsteps, getting closer,” A tear dropped down Mr Reyes’ face. Will felt unsettled. The things he was describing did sound like a true haunting, but what if it wasn't?

“Mr Reyes, I think it'd be good for you to take a stroll in the garden, get a breath of fresh air,” Will spoke up. “I insist.”

Mr Reyes slumped, breathing heavily. “Alright,” He said, after staring at his shoes, for what seemed like an eternity, “I'll take a short walk outside,”

Will turned back to the others the moment he left. “How are you guys holding up? If this case is true, it'd would be the biggest one yet, financially and paranormally,”

Max looked at Will. “You don’t believe him, do you?”

“It’s not that, I suspect other things as well,”

“Will,” Mike said, so softly near his ear, Will nearly jumped out of his skin. “I don’t think he's lying,”

“What do you mean?”

“Max, you can feel it right? It’s so heavy around him, It is coming off in waves,” Mike stared at the door Mr Reyes exited from.

“It’s still here though,” Max said. “If he was being haunted, then the intensity of the energy would cease the moment he left, but it didn’t.”

“But it’s different, they are not similar,”

“You mean there are more than one entities in this house?”

“It doesn't have to be an entity, Byers, it can be a object with history as well,”

“But this doesn't feel like an object, it feels separate,” Mike sighed loudly. “I don't understand.”

“So I was way off when I thought it was schizophrenia.”

“You thought it was schizophrenia? Have we not done this shit like a thousand times?” 

“Well, sue me, I was thinking of his mental health, Max. It has happened before, when it was just El, Mike and me.”

“Okay, okay, Max, calm down, Will can’t feel the traces so it’s not his fault. Will, thank you for looking out for us, I, uh, we appreciate it.” Mike looked at Will, eyes soft. Will felt his cheeks heat up.

The door swung open and Mr Reyes walked in, his face noticeably calm.

“I feel better now,” He took his seat. “We can continue.”

“Mr Reyes, can you show us the food thing?”

***

things are escalating, what is going to happen?

thank you for reading!!

once again this was only betad by grammarly and hemingway editor so please lemme know if there are any errors or weird dialogues bc english isnt my first language and some of it looked funky to me.

some more lore that i can't figure how to put in the story w/o infodumping

el's full name is Janelle Hopper

will and el are still step siblings

lonnie is out of the picture

el is hopper's bio daughter

el was never experimented on and she grew up a happy normal life bc hop and joyce got together when will and el were about 5

mike, will and el met in kindergarten, just like in canon

the only reason el has this backstory is because i personally want el to not have a trauma filled life

next part should be up tomorrow, same time ie 1800 IST, spam me with messages if i don't update ✨✨

tell me what part you liked!!

[sadnesslaughs]

You shake the magic 8-ball, hoping for an answer to your question: However, through the glass you read one word: "RUN!"

(A response to a writing prompt)

Allan clutched the magic 8 ball, shaking it with all his might, causing a wave of dye to spray all over the dice. He gave it a few additional shakes, resting it near his ear as if it would whisper the answer to him. After those shakes, he lowered it, seeing its message. “Rum?” He muttered, not noticing the N was misshapen because of the dye. “Don’t mind if I do.”

Retrieving the flask from his jacket pocket, he took a swig, wiggling his face as the mixture burnt its way down his throat. “Good shit.” He told himself, even if the feeling in his throat said otherwise. “Why would the answer to the question, what should I do, be rum?” He thought, wondering if the paranormal spirit haunting this place had a drinking problem like he did.

Regardless, he honored the spirits request, pouring the rum onto the floor, watching as it spilled down the floorboards, dripping into the lower levels of the manor. “There you go, buddy. I tipped some out for you. You better drink it, though, or I’m coming back to lick it up.” He warned, entirely serious about his threat.

With the rum poured, he sat on the bed, staring at the assortment of creepy dolls, skin bound books and demonic scribbles on the wall. “Well, if the magic 8 ball doesn’t know the answer, maybe I should try one of these other creepy things?” He ran his fingers over the book, feeling as though he was holding someone’s hand. That only made him hold it tighter, missing such a feeling after his wife left. The tighter he squeezed the book, the more he heard it squeal until the book popped open.

Inside, a red eye was stuck between the pages, frantically looking back and forth until it landed on Allan. It stopped looking once it found him. “You will die here, mortal. This home is mine, mine, mine.” It laughed, only to groan as he squeezed it again.

“No, this home belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Laverasa, which is why you’re getting evicted. I’m Allan from Happy homes Realtors.”

“A real estate agent? How do you intend to purify this home?”

“I was hoping you would tell me. Or maybe I should try the 8 ball again.”

“How stupid. Ah, I see. One look at you and I know what you are. You’re a money hungry idiot that jumped at the potential reward for evicting us. The Laverasa’s have a lot of money, money they stole when they poisoned my family! Now they wish to take my home. NO, I WILL-“

Allan slammed the book shut, the eye getting squished in the pages, letting out a whimper as the real estate agent tossed the book aside. “What a weird book. This must be that AI thing that my son keeps blabbing on about. Pretty crazy how it talks to you. So, what do I need to get rid of a spirit?”

Opening up Wiki-how on his phone, he browsed through the top articles. “How to rule the world in ten easy steps, how to fake your death and adopt the persona of the monopoly man, and how to stop crying when you look at yourself in the mirror.” He saved that last article for later, before searching for a beginner’s guide to purification. “Ah, the first step is you get salt. Easy peasy, rum and breezy.” He sang, opening the door.

The door peeled open and outside stood a tall, looming figure, built with bones of every shape. It had three skeletal heads, two on both its shoulders and one in the normal position. “Why do you hunt us?” The one on the left asked, in a high pitch.

“Because he’s a dirty, money hungry idiot.” The middle answered, belonging to the voice from the book.

“He’s a threat. Sorry, we must remove you.” The right said.

The assortment of bones had to crouch to stay inside, having been put together by fusing the bones of at least three people. Even with six legs, the creature was slow, its enormous size making it hard to shift through the home, especially through doorways. Allan watched it try to squirm under the doorway, having to crouch to get under.

“Hm, I should ask the 8 ball about this.” The 8 ball still said ‘rum’, but Allan knew this wasn’t the time for a drink. He went to shake again, only to drop the 8 ball, bowling it under the foot of the skeletal beast, causing it to stagger backwards. Its claws scratched at the wall, trying to find something to grip, before falling over the staircase railing, landing on the bottom floor.

“Sorry!” Allan shouted, travelling downstairs to the kitchen while the monster struggled to regather itself. In the kitchen, he set a gigantic pile of salt down, making the shape of a circle before consulting the article again. “Blood or holy water. Well, I’m not allowed in churches anymore, so I guess blood? Although, bloods gross.” Allan checked the fridge, searching for an alternative. He found old milk that was less milk and more a habitat for unknown species to be discovered in. Pouring it out, the sludgy mixture fell onto the salt, completing the next part of the ritual.

As he read the next step, the skeletal beast sprinted into the kitchen, running on all fours, finding a faster method to move. The manor shook as it closed the distance, glasses rattling in their cabinets as the threat approached.

“Shit!” Allan exclaimed, seeing the time on his phone. “It’s time for my smoke break.” He pulled out a cigarette, lighting it up. He only got a puff out before the monster ran into the room, charging him. As it dragged its front foot over the salt, it screeched, bouncing back into the wall. The shake of the wall dislodging the cigarette, hitting the floorboard below, finding some of that spilt rum that had drifted through the upstairs bedroom.

The fire ignited the rum, flowing towards the circle, causing a spark of light near the ritual circle he made. “Why don’t you all settle down? You can’t own this house if you aren’t alive, so why don’t you either come back to life or leave?” The circle glowed, causing the creature to shrink down, overpowered by the strange chant.

“That’s it. Return to life or leave. Return to life.” He chanted, the expired milk crawling to the skeletal creature, pulling the bones apart, reforming it into three human shapes. Once the bones reformed, the milk coated them like a skin, slowly molding into a human appearance. Now, three people stood before the agent, all of them hugging and crying about their resurrection.

“Daddy, you’re alive.” The small girl shrieked, hugging the older man, who didn’t know what to think. Moments ago, he had been possessing a book. Now he was alive again? Not only was he alive, he had his wife and daughter with him. He hugged them both, as the three wept tears that smelled faintly of rotten eggs and milk.

“Did I make a mistake?” Allan went to check his phone, but it was out of battery. With no article to consult, he sighed, realizing he wouldn’t be getting paid for this.

“Our savior. Thank you so much. I can’t believe you rescued us. We thought you were a fool.” The mother smiled, pulling Allan into the family hug, considering him one of their own after all the effort he went through to help them.

“Please, if you need anything, let us know.” The father stated, and Allan already knew exactly what he wanted. “I’m going to hire the best lawyer around. I don’t care how much it costs me. We will sue the Laverasa’s for everything they have.”

Allan, sensing an opportunity, decided not to ask for his reward yet. “How much are they worth?....”

“Well, about thirty million, although they would have access to my family’s fortune, which was over half a billion.”

“Half a billion? How much would you pay this lawyer of yours?”

“Ah, if he’s worth his salt, I would give him whatever he asks.”

Allen scooped up a handful of milky salt, holding his open palm to the family. “I’m about 250grams of salt, so I’m worth it. I bet you didn’t know this, but I’m also a genius lawyer. This is only my weekend job.”

“But it’s a Monday?” The daughter questioned.

“I was so good that I finished my case in the morning. I walked in and called everyone a contempt of court and walked out. The other lawyers never saw it coming. They had to award the case to me.”

While the three weren’t entirely convinced, they had witnessed this man perform what could only be described as a miracle. Since he had revived them, they were willing to take the risk, thus beginning Allen’s career change from real estate agent to lawyer.

[sunkissedfawn]

The Death of My Father

By Steve Martin

In his death, my father, Glenn Vernon Martin, did something he could not do in life. He brought our family together.

After he died at age 83, many of his friends told me how much they loved him—how generous he was, how outgoing, how funny, how caring. I was surprised at these descriptions. During my teenage years, there was little said to me that was not criticism. I remember him as angry. But now, ten years after his death, I recall events that seem to contradict my memory of him. When I was 16, he handed down to me the family’s 1957 Chevy. Neither one of us knew at the time that it was the coolest car anyone my age could have. When I was in the third grade he proudly accompanied me to the school tumbling contest where I won first prize. One day, while I was in single digits, he suggested we play catch in the front yard. This offer to spend time together was so anomalous that I didn’t quite understand what I was supposed to do.

When I graduated from high school, my father offered to buy me a tuxedo. I refused because my father always shunned gifts. I felt with my refusal, that somehow in a convoluted, perverse logic, I was being a good son. I wish now that I could have let him buy me a tuxedo, let him be a dad.

My father sold real estate but he wanted to be in show business. I was probably five years old when I saw him in a bit part at the Call Board theater on Melrose Place in Hollywood. He came on in the second act and served a drink. The theater existed until a few years ago and is now finally defunct and, I believe, a lamp shop.

My father’s attitude toward my show business accomplishments was critical. After my first appearance on Saturday Night Live in 1976, he wrote a bad review of me in the newsletter of the Newport Board of Realtors where he was president. Later, he related this news to me slightly shamefaced, and said that after it appeared, his best friend came into his office holding the paper, placed it on his desk, and shook his head sternly, indicating a wordless “no.”

In the early ’80s, a close friend of mine, whose own father was killed walking across a street and whose mother committed suicide on Mother’s Day, said that if I had anything to work out with my parents, I should do it now, because one day that opportunity would be over. When I heard this remark, I had no idea that I would ever want to work anything out with them, that, in fact, there was anything to work out at all. But it stewed in my brain for years, and soon I decided to try and get to know my parents. I took them to lunch every Sunday I could, and would goad them into talking.

It was our routine that after I drove them home from our lunches, my mother and father, now in their 80s, would walk me to the car. I would kiss my mother on the cheek and my father and I would wave or awkwardly say goodbye. But this time we hugged each other and he whispered, “I love you,” with a voice barely audible. This would be the first time these words were ever spoken between us. I returned the phrase with the same awkward, broken delivery.

As my father ailed, he grew more irritable. He made unreasonable demands, such as waking his 24-hour help and insisting that they take him for drives at three a.m., as it was the only way he could relax. He also became heartrendingly emotional. He could be in the middle of a story and begin to laugh, which would provoke sudden tears, making him unable to continue.

In his early 80s, my father’s health declined further and he became bedridden. There must be an instinct about when the end is near, as we all found ourselves gathered at my parents’ home in Orange County, California. I walked into the house they had lived in for 35 years and my weeping sister said, “He’s saying goodbye to everyone.”

A hospice nurse said to me, “This is when it all happens.” I didn’t know what she meant, but soon I did.

I walked into the bedroom where he lay, his mind alert but his body failing. He said, almost buoyantly, “I’m ready now.” I understood that his intensifying rage of the last few years had been against death and now his resistance was abating. I stood at the end of the bed and we looked into each other’s eyes for a long, unbroken time. At last he said, “You did everything I wanted to do.”

I said the truth: “I did it for you.”

Looking back, I’m sure that we both had different interpretations of what I meant.

I sat on the edge of the bed and another silence fell over us. Then he said, “I wish I could cry, I wish I could cry.”

At first, I took this as a comment on his condition but am forever thankful that I pushed on. “What do you want to cry about?” I finally said.

“For all the love I received and couldn’t return.”

He had kept this secret, his desire to love his family, from me and from my mother his whole life. It was as though an early misstep had kept us forever out of stride. Now, two days from his death, our pace was aligning and we were able to speak.

My father’s death has a thousand endings. I continue to absorb its messages and meanings. He stripped death of its spooky morbidity and made it tangible and passionate. He prepared me in some way for my own death. He showed me the responsibility of the living to the dying. But the most enduring thought was expressed by my sister, Melinda. She told me she had learned something from all this. I asked her what it was. She said, “Nobody should have to die alone.”

[generalkenobi22]

Fic: I’ve Got Phil! - Chapter One

SUMMARY: Or five times Claire realized her husband was a thirst trap — well, more accurately, her particular brand of duck swaddling, magic loving, realtor swaggering "me likey.”

I'm super late to the Modern Family train, but I'm here now, nine seasons deep. Imagine my shock at the complete lack of Claire/Phil fic, as their dynamic is one of my favorite things in the series. So rather than work on any of my other in-progress fics, I brainstormed this in a Ty Burrell crush-infused haze. The idea  is that this will be a multi-chapter effort, and each chapter takes place during a certain number of years into their marriage. 

Join me in my three-years-too-late sitcom ship obsession!

Can also be found on AO3.

——————

i. 16 years

The bake sale is a huge hit, but no one—and Claire means no one—is going anywhere near her brownies. Brenda Sherman's no-bake cheesecake squares, though, people can't seem to get enough of those. At one point, the line was wrapped around as far as the restrooms, back near the face painting station, where she's currently stuck.

And, sure, Claire's brownies were a secret recipe (the secret? She picked them up from Ralph's on her way over), but so what? She's just a woman who gave up a lucrative marketing career to basically be a full-time chauffer to three mostly ungrateful kids she loves very much. She barely has time to put on clean clothes, let alone make homemade baked goods for some dumb middle school carnival put on by the PTA.

The only reason she's here in the first place (and not at home taking care of a grotesquely sick Luke) is because Cynthia Williams—Anthony's mom—sent out an email blast saying anyone who volunteered for the carnival wouldn't need to sell wrapping paper for the winter fundraiser in a few months. So, one less thing Claire has to commit to? Like music to her ears.

What's not music to her ears is the way Brenda Sherman sidles up beside her—in her pearls and immaculately pressed slacks—to say, "Thanks so much for coming out to help tonight, Claire!"

Claire takes in Brenda's cardigan and complete lack of undereye circles (seriously: how?) with total suspicion. Much like her daughter, Annabella (at least from what Alex has told them), Brenda is usually a complete kiss-ass. She'd definitely fall under that 'lawful good' category from that game thing Phil and Mitch sometimes play—at least on the surface, anyway. Claire's still not entirely convinced she's not some kind of undercover lizard person.

Her instincts are right on when, before she can get a word in, Brenda adds innocently, "Every little bit counts, you know. And, gosh, Claire—you're so consistent in being a minimalist in so many areas of your life, especially your wardrobe. It's what I admire most about you. The fact that you never let your vanity get in the way of how you present yourself."

Claire thinks about the way her own hair is unceremoniously piled up on her head with a butterfly clip, the way her shirt probably—wait, yup, definitely—has a small vomit stain on it from Luke's antics earlier in the day. She thinks she might snap a crown, the way she grinds down on her teeth and forces a smile. "And that's what I love about you, Brenda. You're always so lavish with your compliments."

It's like one of the old westerns her dad used to make her watch, the way they stand off, but it's in a PTA mom world, so instead of a six-shooter, Claire just draws her most winning smile and forces her attention back on the kid whose face she's painting. Only when the sound of Brenda's footsteps fades under the din of the rest of the carnival does Claire allow herself to grumble.

Gruffly, she holds up a mirror to the kid. "There. You're done."

The kid pouts. "What is it?"

"It's a... pinecone. Or something."

"It looks like poop."

"Just go." She all but pushes the kid out of the stool.

It's not until her own stomach growls that she realizes she hasn't eaten anything since breakfast (one measly slice of toast). Mind made up, she places an "ON BREAK" sign on the recently vacated stool—much to the chagrin of the considerable line of parents and students waiting their turn—and makes her way over to the bake sale table.

When the coast is clear, she snatches one of Brenda's no-bake cheesecake squares and—holy mother of God is it good. She allows herself a muffled moan of pure delight before wallowing in the unfairness of it all.

"Did you see Kevin Peralta's father?"

Immediately, her ears perk up. A group of moms is huddled together (including Brenda) nearby. It's a school-wide known fact that Kevin Peralta's dad is otherworldly fine. Claire casually hangs around trying to listen in. The group is made up of notorious gossip hounds, but sometimes the intel is good.

One of the moms—Tara Perez's mom, Claire thinks—pipes up: "The man's a contractor. There's no way he should look that good."

"I'm not saying it was me," Cynthia Williams insists, "but as soon as someone mentioned a dunk tank fundraiser at the last board meeting, he was voluntold for the position."

Another mom: "Those arms, though... mmm, mmm."

Brenda sighs. "I would gladly let that man stake claim to my construction zone any time."

Claire follows their line of sight over to Kevin Peralta's dad, who is glistening like some kind of Adonis from his throne in the dunk tank. He does, in fact, have great arms, one of which he's lifting to run his fingers through his recently drenched hair. As Claire watches a bead of water travel from his glistening smile, along the column of his throat, down, down his flat stomach into the waistband of his swim shorts, which are slung low on his hips, she allows herself to briefly fantasize...

Claire, I called the plumber. I recognize my limitations, and I think it would be best to let a professional fix the dishwasher. Claire, it's not you. The remote is a faulty piece of junk. Claire, I did something for the kids without you having to ask. Claire, I finally fixed that step. Let me use my big, strong arms to lift you onto the kitchen counter, and—

"Phil Dunphy on the other hand..."

At the mention of her husband, Claire's ripped from her fantasies (equal parts guilty and grudgingly). She listens in more intently.

"Oh, my God!" This from Cynthia Williams. "He's such a goober."

"I don't know," Maybe Tara Cruz's Mom says, "I think he's cuter in real life than on those cheesy bench ads. What he's doing with Claire, though, I'll never know. Even for someone as embarrassing as him, it's a step down."

Okay. Claire's fists clench at her sides, crushing her no-bake cheesecake square paper plate. Maybe Tara Cruz's Mom is dead.

She takes a moment to briefly glance over at Phil, who insisted on volunteering even though no one asked him to. He has on a magician's top hat and a cape, white gloves and all, and is currently trying to dazzle a group of sixth graders with some card tricks. Only she can tell his enthusiasm isn't all the way up at one hundred percent because he was really counting on Luke to be his sidekick for the night.

The fact that he loves Luke that much... Something about the sight makes her heart feel incredibly full, until—

"Could you imagine? I bet he does magic tricks in bed." Brenda laughs at her contribution, while the other women snicker. "God," she adds, "what a loser."

That's the moment Claire goes absolutely postal. She marches over to the group.

"Hi. Hey." She squeezes inside the circle and takes in everyone's suddenly slack jaws with total delight. "Yeah, it's me, Claire. The step down? Just wanted to come over here and say you all are mean ladies. I can't imagine why it's hard to find volunteers, Cynthia, when they can look forward to being insulted behind their backs. Have a wonderful rest of your evening."

She waggles her fingers at all of them before walking away, head held high. Her heart is pounding, but what a rush! In her adrenaline/anger-fueled rage, something occurs to her. She stalks back to the group, who is still stunned into silence, and focuses all of her attention on Brenda.

"Oh, and, Brenda?" She waits until she has the woman's full attention. "Phil does do close up magic in bed, and when he says, 'for my next trick, I'm going to make your clothes disappear,' it's... it's hot as hell!"

And then with as much dignity as she can muster, Claire makes a beeline straight for Phil.

His face lights up when he sees her. He bows with a flourish to his audience, then lightly jogs to meet her about a quarter of the way. "Hey, Hon—!"

Before he can get the full word out, Claire grabs him by the cape on both sides and pulls him in for a, frankly, completely inappropriate kiss for a PTA-run middle school carnival. When she pulls back, Phil fixes his hat and looks equal parts stunned and totally into it.

"Claire! What—?"

"Let's get out of here."

Phil looks torn. "I-I can't. I'm just about to start the Serpant's Kiss. It involves a straightjacket, but I can't go into more detail because I'm already on thin ice with the guild as it is, and—"

"Phil, I have an act I've been working on, and I'd really like to try it out."

Somehow, Phil's eyes darken even more. "You do?"

Claire sidles up to him and whispers in his ear, "I do. It's a trick where I make your pants disappear."

"Technically," he corrects, voice barely above a whisper, "that's a vanishing illusion—"

"Oh, my God, Phil," Claire breaks the spell a moment out of frustration, but she shakes it off and tries again. "I don't think you're quite getting this. I want. To make. Your pants. Vanish."

She can feel him shudder, and when she pulls away, she watches as his throat works through a swallow.

"Houdini's haunches," he says in complete reverence, his gaze never wavering from hers. "What did I do to deserve such perfection? Martin!" he shouts, eyes still riveted on hers.

A pudgy seventh grader makes his way over to them. Phil shucks off his top hat, cape, and gloves and practically shoves them at the kid.

"Martin," Phil instructs, still not taking his eyes off Claire. "At last, the apprentice becomes the master. You must take over and finish the show." Phil grabs Claire's hand and starts pulling her toward the exit. Over his shoulder, he cries, "Remember your training!"

"What the hell are you talking about, man?" Martin calls after them.

But Claire doesn't care. Phil has already started working on his belt by the time they reach the double doors that lead out to the parking lot. Before they leave fully, Claire turns around and manages to find Brenda over at the face painting station. She flashes Brenda a triumphant grin before she laces her fingers with Phil's.

In the end, they both end up making each other's pants and dignity disappear when a school security guard taps on their fogged-up car windows and catches them mid-act. After an excruciatingly humiliating conversation about appropriate school grounds behavior, they Rock, Paper, Scissors for it. Phil is the one who has to tell Alex why she has to take the bus to school for the next week.

[libraford]

On moving, I'm also in the Columbus area, and if you want a realtor to work with, I could recommend the one I've worked with three times now. She's almost 70, very energetic, reads liberal (my spouse and I are straight presenting so I can make no promises but I'd be shocked if she was phobic), and always always listened to us and took our wants onto priority. But realistic and honest. Knows everybody. Helped us buy our first house about 10 years ago in your price range. Jane Falk. (if you already have one or don't want a rec from a non mutual, I take no offense. I just hate working with sales people and dread anything like being pushed and love working with her.)

I actually am working with a realtor that was recced to me from someone in the queer performer community, so shes familiar with the typical concerns like... how many hate crimes have happened in the area, is this house near the godawful bottleneck on 270 that might prevent me from getting to and from gigs, etc. But good lookin out!

[brasideios]

Snippet Sunday

Taking great delight in my own stoopid jokes about pro-Roman realtors, (despite there being no evidence I'm aware of that such people even existed).

It's a small consolation in the sheer ploddery of editing and rewriting.

~~~

Fidiculus [the realtor] said, ‘I’m glad you’re here, as I’ve found two places that I think will suit your needs very well, and one of them is truly a steal.’ Rufus only raised an eyebrow. He’d suffered through the patter of property sellers many times, and it was always the same. He anticipated that both places would make his hair stand on end. A litter had arrived at the doorway, and Fidiculus ushered him into it, before giving directions and climbing in himself. Beamingly, he said, ‘The first place we’re looking at – not too far from here, near the southern wall - is a property attached to the Imperial estates, so your rent will go straight back into the running of the Roman state. That should give you a feeling of happy continuity.’ Rufus snorted, ‘Happy continuity? You mean that my money will continue to line the pocket of the Princeps? Marvellous!’ He chuckled before saying, ‘Tell me – does that line work on anyone?’ Fidiculus allowed himself a small smile. ‘You’d be surprised; but I see that you're a more cynical customer – that's good to know.’

[thesugarclubs-blog]

The House Guest - AU Bucky Barnes x OC

warnings: demon bucky, dom bucky, rough smut, manipulation, minors DNI

word count: 7.3k

WP: https://www.wattpad.com/1276145496-the-house-guest-ember

authors note: it's another super dark one loves, please pay attention to the warnings!

Masterlist

Taking a deep breath of fresh autumn air, Ember looked around what was about to become her new neighborhood. It was nearing sunset, the orange leaves fell onto the street and she could see kids playing up ahead. A small smile crept onto her lips as a breeze swept her brown hair back. This was going to be the change she needed. 

Ember turned on her heel and started up the stone path to her new home. It was an older house, built in 1922 with a red brick exterior and black accents lining the windows and features. The front door sat up on a large front porch. When she had found it at such a low price, she practically jumped at it and with no other offers, it was hers immediately.

As she stood there admiring her new home, a car horn behind her made her spin around with a gasp. Scanning the street, she could only see a white sedan waiting for some kids to get their hockey nets out of its way. 

“Ember!” A deep sultry voice came from behind her. 

She turned around with a relieved smile. “Mr. Barnes! How do you always get here before me?” She laughed, extending her hand to him as she walked up to the front door. 

“Great timing I guess. And I told you before, it’s Bucky” He winked. “Come on in!”

She followed him through the black wooden door and her face instantly lit up. Bucky shot her a friendly smile “it’s got some personality, hasn’t it?”

Certainly did, Ember thought to herself as they walked over creaky hardwood floors covered in a thick layer of dust.

She returned the smile in response as they made their way through the foyer. "I do have to thank you for being available to do the hand-off today after your normal work day ended, Bucky."

“I’m not your usual real estate agent, sweets. It’s on the card.” He winked at her, flicking his business card between his fingers. Ember gasped softly as it seemed to appear out of thin air. “Just a few papers to sign and it’s all yours.”

"How did you do that?"

"Do what?" Bucky asked.

"Make that card appear?"

Bucky blushed. "Used to do magic at kid's parties-- actually, you have something behind your ear... hang on." 

He reached toward her, brushing her hair away from her face, his fingers gently caressing her neck with the backs of his knuckles with a feather light touch. Ember's heart began to hammer, her cheeks flamed, and she felt goosebumps as Bucky pulled the pen she was keeping in her purse out from behind her ear.

"You lose a pen, darlin'?" He purred as he presented it to her, his eyes glittering.

Ember could feel her cheeks burning up as she slowly took the pen back from him. Keep yourself together, he is just the realtor and being nice is part of his job Ember thought to herself.

She wandered from the foyer into a large living area to their right, dust floating in the sunlight of the bay windows at the front of the house. Gazing up at a brass chandelier, Ember watched as a moth fluttered in a spider's web. A pang of sympathy echoed in her stomach as she watched the creature struggle. 

Suddenly, a warm hand splayed across her lower back, making her jump nearly to the ceiling. Ember whipped around to meet Bucky's amused stare, her heart hammering. The smell of something smoky tickled the back of Ember's throat, like a bonfire. 

"Sorry to startle you, sugar," he said with a soft laugh. "Do you want to take a tour? Some changes have been made since you were here last."

A shiver ran up her back where his hand had been, but her brow furrowed, "Changes?"

She nodded though, "Uh, sure. A tour would be good, I suppose?"

“Nothing major,” Bucky said quickly as he ushered her further into the foyer. “I think you’ll find they increase the value of your new home.” 

She passed by him on their way past the living room, and they briefly locked eyes. Ember swore she saw a glint of something sinister flicker in his baby blues. Her cheeks grew warm, color rising to the surface, and she quickly looked away. 

Before she realized it, she heard herself chuckle. “I guess that makes sense,” she said. The pair walked into the kitchen and it was as if she was watching herself from an adjacent room.

Bucky spun around with a wolfish grin, “Take a look around, I had the contractor restore the old brass finishings and we were able to save the butcher's block on top of the island.” 

Ember smiled listening to his almost sing-songy voice that made her ears tingle. It was almost addicting. She rounded the island running her fingers along the re-oiled wood. “It’s beautiful.”

“Yeah she is,” he said, a little softer this time.

Ember’s eyes flew up to meet his and he winked at her, his grin broadening. He chuckled and there was something there, a rumbling undertone that raised the hairs on the back of her neck even as her cheeks flushed at his brazen flirting.

She shook her head once and took a deep breath as they continued moving through the house. Running her hand along the dark wooden fixtures of the banister, and taking note of the original carvings in the crown moldings. Ember really couldn't believe this house was hers. 

"Ok I have a question.." She paused, turning to fix her eyes on Bucky and tilting her head to the side. "This house is gorgeous, and was a steal of a price. Why were there no other offers when I bid on it?" 

A smirk pulled at the corner of Bucky's lips, and Ember could have sworn his eyes darkened. 

Bucky leaned closer, and locked eyes with her "She's a special kind of house.. waiting for exactly the right person to come whisk her away" He whispered. "Houses like this have a personality that very few can handle, love.. Do you think you have what it takes?"

"I'd like to think I do. Let's see if I can prove it to the house and you." Ember said with an underlying wickedness.

His eyes darkened at her response, a grin finding a home amongst his beautifully tanned features. She could feel her throat getting a little dry as her heart hammered against her chest, but she couldn’t bring herself to look away from his eyes. 

“I’m sure you will sweetheart, I can sense you’re very special.” The husky tone of his voice and a slight breeze winding its way behind her, brought goosebumps to her skin. She broke away from his gaze momentarily to look back, only to be interrupted by his hand landing softly atop hers. 

“What do you say we sign those papers, love?”

Ember nodded, her head feeling light as Bucky pulled his hand from hers, fingertips grazing her wrist as guided her to the kitchen island where the papers were suddenly laid out waiting. 

“Ready for your life to change, darling?”

“That’s a… uh, that’s a big question.” Ember replied nervously, “oh do you have a—“ 

Before she could finish her sentence, Bucky held out a pen. Onyx and gold, expensive in every sense of the word. 

“Just a signature on the line, sweetheart.”

She must have caught something over the past few days between packing and running herself ragged, because Ember felt herself sweating, the letters on the page rearranging themselves and swirling in front of her vision. She smelled the faintest hint of sulfur, followed closely by the rich woodsy smell of Bucky's cologne, almost like firewood. 

Ember reached for the pen and Bucky quirked a brow and his tongue darted out to flick across his bottom lip. Her knees nearly buckled.

"You alright there, sugar?"

"Y-- yeah," she rasped, quickly signing to avoid any further embarrassment as her cheeks blazed. She smiled and returned the pen. "All good."

As she signed her name on the dotted line she could have sworn the ink was a deep red... but when she blinked it was back to a deep blue color. She pushed the papers back to Bucky.

“There you are. That wasn’t so hard was it?” He grinned as he looked at her signature.

Ember swallowed, placing the pen back down onto the table. Sweat trickled down her spine and her thighs were sticking together under her skirt. 

"Ember... can I ask you a question?"

His husky voice made her head snap up to meet his gaze and she hummed in acknowledgement. Bucky stared at her for a moment before leaning forward, his eyes never leaving hers. 

"Why are you scared?"

Ember felt lost in his intense gaze for a moment before she forced herself to blink.

"Scared?" She laughed nervously, "Why would I be scared?"

Bucky's lips were curled into a seductive smile though, "Sometimes signing these things... can feel like signing your life away," he said with a wink.

There was a sudden flash of lightning across the sky- the kitchen was bathed in bright white light, and Bucky’s face was illuminated against the backdrop of the dark wooden cabinets. Ember glanced out the window and could see dark clouds gathering outside, hiding the orange and pink hues of the sunset. The lights overheard flickered as thunder boomed. A chill ran down her spine. 

“I’ll make sure the electrician sorts that out,” Bucky whispered with a toothy grin.

Ember’s eyes raked over his features, somehow his cheekbones were sharper in the dim light of the kitchen and his stubble only further contoured his jawline. For a moment she imagined the small pickles of his beard against her skin and what his skin would feel like under her touch. 

"Ember?" The gravel of his voice pulled her back as she shook her head, trying to shake the thoughts and the warmth spreading through her away. 

"Sorry..." She nervously chewed on the inside of her lip as he smiled once more at her, narrowing his eyes for a split second before standing straight. 

"No need to apologize, sweets." Bucky gestured to the hallway leading out of the kitchen, "Let me show you some of the more important things you'll need to know to live here."

Ember walked through the doorway in front of him, brushing her bangs away from her damp forehead. Maybe she was coming down with something. She felt the heat of his hand return to the small of her back and when his thumb began tracing small circles against the edge of her top she almost moaned.

“Which way first, sugar? Upstairs or the basement?”

Swallowing thickly, her eyes bounced between the stairs going up and a dark door with a padlock she was sure led to the basement. It was like a magnetic pull was drawing her towards the door. Like it was whispering and calling her name… 

“Let’s go upstairs first!” She said quickly. “I uh, I need to make sure there’s enough closet space for all my.. clothes” she winced at herself, knowing how dumb that sounded. 

“As you wish, Ember.. right this way” Bucky gestured to the stairs, his eyes never leaving hers.

The electricity sparking in the air, Ember followed Bucky up the stairs, her eyes fixed on his broad frame encased by a well tailored suit.

Once they reached the landing, Bucky led her down the hallway to their left leading them towards the master bedroom. 

The room was exquisitely decorated in bold colors, mahogany furniture and the most amazing mirror she'd ever laid eyes on rimmed with gold detailing. Ember looked around the room in awe, meeting Bucky's satisfied gaze with a smile. 

"What do you think? Everything up to your expectations, sweetheart?" he asked as he slowly made his way next to her.

“It’s— honestly I’m lost for words,” Ember breathed, jumping a little as she turned to find Bucky right beside her. 

He had been silent, not even a creak of the old floorboards had given him away and Ember shivered, a cold sensation creeping across the back of her neck. 

“Have a wander, the view from the window is to die for.” Bucky murmured softly, his voice low in her ear.

She gulped and headed for the window, staring out at the gorgeous and expansive backyard. Red and gold leaves littered the ground and the entire yard was surrounded by iron fencing that was painted black. The trees were a mixture of red, gold, and bright yellow, leaves slowly trailing off of the branches and fluttering to the ground as the sun shone through them. 

"Breathtaking, isn't it?" Bucky asked from behind her, his warm breath on her neck felt almost fiery and she began to sweat. "Might make you feel better about signing your s-- life away."

"Yeah," she rasped. 

"It's all yours, darlin'. How does it feel?"

“Like I can’t exactly believe how lucky I am” Ember said as she continued to look out the window, it had begun to rain and the wind was blowing through the trees. She hadn’t realized how dark it had suddenly gotten. It was as if someone turned off the sun.

Bucky hummed and Ember swore she felt the vibration in her bones. A flash of lightning illuminated them once more, their reflection appearing in the windowpane. 

"I think," he whispered, creating a flicker of heat deep within Ember's body. "I might be the lucky one." 

Her eyes fluttered closed, the smell of smoke and sweetness growing stronger.  A feather light touch skimmed across the side of her throat as heat flickered in her belly and a whimper nearly slips through her lips. 

Another flash of lightning snapped Ember from her daze and she turned suddenly, meeting Bucky's wolf-like grin. 

"Just you wait, Miss Morris. We aren't even to the best part yet."

Ember took a shaky breath in, "Uh huh?" 

Thunder rippled through the room and a moment later lighting illuminated everything again - the storm was closer than she had thought.

But the light had cast their shadows sharply on the wall behind Bucky - if she didn't know better she could have sworn his had horns.

"Uhm... Y-you wanted to show me the basement as well?" She finally managed to get out.

His head tilted to the side, studying her for a moment, his grin still playing on his face, "Sure thing, sweetheart."

Gazing at him felt like she was staring into a funhouse mirror, except he was the only thing in focus. Her body felt tingly as if she was drunk and normally she liked the feeling. It made her feel relaxed and unwound but with Bucky, there was an underlying tension that it combatted. Like the feeling your stomach gets at the top of a roller coaster just before going over the edge but on repeat. 

"Lead the way," He urged, a cool hand once again found its way to her lower back, gently encouraging her forwards through the doorway and down the stairs.

They reached the bottom of the stairs and turned towards the basement door. She felt it again, that strange calling, drawing her ever closer to the padlocked door. It shimmered, as if in a heat haze, and she leaned into Bucky’s hand, searching for any shred of comfort. An ice cold tingling spread up her arm as he pressed a heavy iron key into her palm.

“Go ahead, unlock it. It’s your house.”

She slid the key into the rusted padlock and with a menacing click it unlocked. Pushing the door open, the air filled with a  loud creaking sound, Ember's eyes adjusted to the imminent darkness.

It looked like a normal basement and she was momentarily confused as to why a dusty basement could be “the best part.” 

“It’s, um… it’s a basement.” She chuckled despite the prickle of heat on her skin and the sudden feeling of her blood simmering in her veins. 

She could feel Bucky behind her, his hand daring to rest on her waist. 

“Ready, sweetheart?” 

“For what?” She breathed, why the hell is it so hot down here? 

In her peripherals, Ember watched as Bucky brought his hand up, poised to snap his fingers. She squeezed her eyes shut as the sound echoed loud and clear in her ear.

"Open your eyes, Ember."

His voice sounded more like a raspy snarl that invaded her ears. She smelled smoke, almost felt it filling her lungs, and her eyes popped open. Around them was a sea of flames. Bucky was still in his crisp suit, the fire licking the icy blue color of his eyes. 

In his hands, was the contract she signed upstairs. She looked down to see the floor black as night. The two of them were standing in a large pentagram with perfect lines etched into the floor in crimson paint. She smelled copper and her heart began to pound.

"What's going on?" She whispered. "Is this a trick?"

Bucky shook his head and took a step toward her. She tried to move backward, but it felt like she was pressed up against some kind of invisible wall. He reached out a hand and cupped her cheek, his skin searing hot as he ran his thumb across her cheekbone. His eyes dug into her soul.

"I've waited centuries for you."

His fingers moved to hold her chin between his thumb and forefinger and he lifted her chin ever so slightly so his eyes burned into her soul. She gulped a little, behind his piercing blue eyes there was something sinister that was calling towards her as if there was a force pulling her towards him.

“That’s… uh… an awfully long time to wait to sell a house” she whispered.

Bucky huffed out a laugh as his thumb grazed her bottom lip, causing her mouth to fall slightly open. 

"You're worth it. So kind, so soft, so...human."

Ember shivered as his hand trailed down her neck, long fingers gently resting at the base of her throat. The flames flickered and his grip on her soft skin tightened as he held the papers up between them. 

"And now, you're all mine."

What exactly had been in that contract? 

She bit her lip, lost in his gaze, he was so handsome - did she really want to be anywhere else?

She whimpered - what was he doing to her??

Ember felt like her entire body was on fire as the heat swelled around her, but even then she was so entranced by him. 

“What are you doing to me?” She managed through an almost moan. 

His eyes darkened at the noise making him tilt his head to the side and making a few tsks as he slowly dragged his index finger down the column of her throat causing her to lean involuntarily into him, “Oh, Baby girl, I haven’t done anything to you, yet.”

Flames burned in his gaze as he leaned forwards, his lips following the path of his finger, leaving a blazing trail in their wake. Ember drew in a shuddering breath, her fingers twisting in the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer, and he chuckled darkly.

“I knew it was you,” he whispered, his tongue flicking against the shell of her ear. “As soon as I saw you.”

He nipped along the edge of her jaw, the gentle scruff of his beard a counterpoint to the sharpness of his teeth.

Ember's breath hitched as his mouth inched closer to hers. It was like she was hypnotized by him. Nothing around them mattered anymore. As soon as his lips touched hers it was like a volcano exploded in her.

Their lips moved together in perfect harmony, as if they were made purely for each other. Electricity shot through her nerves as he wrapped his hands around her waist and brought her closer to him. He bit her lip softly and ran his tongue across it before pulling back from the kiss.

"I don't- What do you mean you knew it was me?" she whispered through ragged breaths.

"I've been waiting for the perfect partner to share all of this with and when you came into town it was like something came alive in me. All this time all I needed was you, Ember."

“But you don’t know—“ her words were stolen with another kiss, bruising and hungry. The heat within her burned brighter, white hot sparks with every tender brush of Bucky’s hands.

He was confusing, contradicting in the way he kissed and touched her, her mind felt dizzy with him.

“I know you, Ember.” Bucky purred through labored breaths, “I know your soul, it won’t be missed.” He laid a hand on her chest, his palm feeling like it was burning through her clothes. “And that makes you perfect for me.”

“My soul … won’t be missed, what is that supposed to mean?” She asked, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. All along her skin she felt light sparks of electricity as if she was constantly getting small static shocks. The air around them seemed to grow heavier and more humid by the second.

Bucky groaned, throwing his head back in impatience.

"It means that when you signed yourself to this house," he murmured as his hands gripped the fabric of her skirt at her hips. "You signed yourself to me."

He pulled her forward and started to press soft kisses to her face, her jaw and down her neck as she whimpered. 

"All you have to do, sweet girl, is say yes. I wanna hear you say it."

Each kiss down her neck felt like fire, igniting something deep within her.

"What - " she gasped when his lips landed on a particularly sensitive spot, just below her ear, "Mm, what happens if I say no?"

She felt his chuckle against her skin, "Your soul already belongs to me, sweetheart - You're stuck here now. Might as well give me everything else, right?"

Something at the back of her mind was screaming - but his body against hers felt so, so good. It was too late now, wasn't it?

"Yes," her response fell from her lips with another gasp as he squeezed her closer.

Bucky’s teeth nipped gently at her ear lobe, sending shockwaves straight to her center. She felt hands creep against her shoulders and gently shove her coat off. Yet, his hands were still firmly grasped at her waist.

The coat pooled around her ankles, touching the flames, and she gasped as his thumbs pushed against her hip bones.

“Whose hands were-“ he cut her off with a vicious kiss, their teeth clicking.

“It’s all in the contract, sweets,” he groaned, kissing down the length of her shoulder. “We can go through it later.”

His tongue felt razor sharp against her skin as he nipped and sucked at her collar bone. Ember let out a sultry moan in response to him as her fingers clamped around the lapels of his suit jacket. She could feel his fingertips bruising into the soft squishy flesh around her hips.

"What do you desire, Ember?" He cooed, pulling back slightly as his lips hovered over her kiss bitten ones. "Tell me what you desire and I'll burn the world down to give you it all."

“I…I want…”

She slid her hands under his jacket, slipping it off his shoulders.

“Bucky I want…you.”

She made quick work of his tie and the buttons of his shirt, relishing in the low growl he made when she scraped her nails up the plane of his chest.

Ember's head was spinning with thoughts of Bucky. That was it. It was as if everything else she had been worried about that day or throughout her life just vanished. All she could imagine was him. What his hands would do to her, how his tongue felt on her throat, the smoky smell of his cologne and how his beard felt scratching her skin. 

He moved to grasp her wrists gently in his hands and took a small step backwards, "Easy there, sugar.. All in good time.." He smirked before pressing his lips to hers. "Let me show you how long I've waited for you.. Let me ravish you the way you deserve" He growled.

She felt her breath grow heavy as her head got lighter. The overwhelming lust made her feel limp, powerless. But she loved it, in fact she craved it. 

“Tell me, sweetheart” he whispers as he brushes a strand of hair from in front of her hair behind her ear. “How good are you at obeying?”

Ember felt her cheeks heating up at his question but it felt like she lost her ability to speak.

"I want you to kneel, sweets. Can you do that for me ?" Bucky whispered in her ear causing a wave of goosebumps on her skin.

"Kneel?" She asked. 

Bucky grinned and grasped her chin, lifting her eyes to meet his.

"I asked you how good you were at obeying me, sweets, so show me." His lips hovered just above hers. "Kneel."

His voice was commanding and low, rippling through her bones like a low burning flame. Suddenly, it was as though her body wasn't her own, but she didn't care. She dropped to her knees in front of him and licked her lips. Bucky chuckled softly as he pushed her hair back.

"Such a good girl."

Ember nuzzled into his hand, eyelashes tickling the palm of his hand. She looked up at him, his broad form towering over her as the firelight cast shadows on his sharp cheekbones and shined in his pitch black eyes. 

"Your good girl, right?" she whispered breathlessly. 

Without a second thought, she opened her mouth and took two of his fingers in, swirling her tongue around the tips and causing his mouth to fall open. The groan he let out shot straight between her legs and she raked her nails down the front of his pants. He slipped his fingers from her mouth as she fumbled with the belt of his pants. 

She pulled his dress pants and boxer briefs down in one fell swoop, his hard cock slapping against his abs. A moan spilled from his lips as Ember grasped his impressive length at the base and spit into her other hand. He slipped his open dress shirt off his shoulders and tossed it aside, cast into the fire.

Again, it felt like she was watching herself from across the room- this newfound, confident Ember- amongst the flames and fire of the basement. 

She pumped Bucky’s cock in her hand as she adjusted her knees against the concrete floor. She could feel small rocks and debris digging in to her skin, but it didn’t matter. 

Bucky’s hands wove into her long hair, gently pulling her face back as she continued to stroke his cock with one hand. She looked up at him through her lashes. “My good girl, mmm- I like the sound of that,” he moaned as his hips bucked into her hand.

Ember ran her tongue along her bottom lip, her eyes never leaving his blackened ones. The flames flickered against his golden skin, casting shadows against the ridges of his abs and the sharp V that led straight to where her hands were working, doing absolutely nothing to stave off the warmth currently pooling in her panties.

"You're so big." She whispered, her eyes trailing down his body, to his cock currently weeping precum onto her hands. Ember felt him twitch every so slightly as his lips wickedly curled upwards.

"You can take it," He growled lowly, sharp teeth biting into his plump bottom lip watching as she slowly wrapped her lips around him.

She hummed as she took him farther into her mouth, keeping her eyes locked with his. A sultry moan dripped from his lips as he pushed her head gently, urging her forward to take him deeper.

"That's it sweet girl, a little more.. you can do it" He coached, brushing his fingertips lightly on her hollowed out cheeks.

Ember pulled back, and swiped her tongue through the slit gathering up the pre-cum before taking him back in her mouth.

"Mhhm. Fuck. Such a good girl." He droned, he let his head fall back in pleasure as Ember swirled her tongue around his cock, coaxing another guttural moan out of him.

She relaxed her throat and took him in further, hollowing out her cheeks as she bobbed her head. The soft graze of his nails against her scalp and his moans served as encouragement. Ember pulled slightly back, lifting her hand to grasp the base of his cock. Her mouth and hand worked in tandem to bring him to his peak.

"Shit. I'm gonna come sweetheart, just like that." he panted.

Bucky's fingers began to swim through her hair as his moans got louder, but almost sweet. Ember could feel wetness pooling between her thighs and he chuckled, gripping her hair and setting a firm pace. His cock slammed against the back of her throat and Ember could feel tears forming in her eyes.

"You look so pretty crying for me, sweet thing," he murmured as she felt him wipe a tear away with the pad of his thumb. "It makes me want to rip you apart."

She liked the sound of that.

Ember moaned loudly, her fingers finding their way between her thighs, teasing her swollen clit through her panties. Bucky drove his cock deeper down her throat and finally, she felt him come as pressed her face against his pelvis. Tears dripped down her cheeks, mixing with her mascara to form thick, dark rivers that stained her skin.

"Take all of it-- that's a good girl," he rumbled.

He slid out with a hiss, pulling her mouth open to see the evidence of him on her tongue.

"Fucking perfect," Bucky groaned and Ember felt her panties soak even further at the praise. "You ready for more, sweetheart?"

Ember stood, pulling her sweater over her head and making messy waves fall around her tear-stained face. Bucky's eyes flickered over the lacy cups of her bra and the swell of her breast, licking his lips. Her hands fell on her skirt and Bucky made a noise, stepping forward to grasp her hand.

"Leave it on," he growled before capturing her mouth with his own.

She whined into the kiss as his hand slipped under the edge of her skirt, tearing her panties away like they were nothing.

"Pretty girl," he groaned, licking her jaw slowly, one hand on her bare hip, the nails of his other dragging across her thigh till it was between her legs.

The moan that escaped her was downright sinful - there was pain where his nails had dug in, but it was good pain.

Bucky lightly ran his fingertips through her slick folds and a moan bubbled up in her throat. He removed his hand from her core before he spun her around. She gasped at the loss of contact, and immediately arched her back as she felt his thick cock against the fabric of her skirt.

He snapped his fingers and, out of nowhere, a large rock formation grew from the ground, i the middle of the pentagram. It was covered in the same red as the ominous shape.

Bucky grabbed her hips and roughly walked her forward, toward the rock. He put his large hand in the middle of Ember’s back and started to bend her over the rock. “Is this okay with you?” he sang, his voice sickly sweet. She nodded quickly, her eyes rolling back as he pushed further- her hands landing against the rough rock.

Ember's hands slipped against the crimson sticky substance that covered the formation, almost sliding forward but she felt his strong arm quickly wrap around her waist, catching her fall.

"Careful sweetheart," Bucky warned, leaning over her and pressing his chest against her back. His fingers trailed down the front of her stomach to the junction between her thighs, "I'm not done with you yet." He growled into her ear, nipping at her earlobe before pressing a soft kiss against her neck, dragging his teeth along her shoulder.

Ember whined, planting her hands firmly against the formation determined to not let herself slip again even though something in the back of her mind told her he'd catch her if she did. Bucky's fingers spread through her folds once more, his index finger rubbing slow teasingly tight circles against her clit.

"Take me," She breathed, pressing her hips into his pelvis feeling just how hard his cock had stayed.

A mix between a chuckle and growl left Bucky's throat from deep in his chest. He pulled his hand away and pressed his hip against her ass. "Don't be a bad girl Ember... You'll get what you want if you listen"

"Bucky please.." She whimpered, turning her head to look back at him with a small pout.

​​Bucky smirked, and leaned forward, taking some of the red substance from the rock and swiping it across her bottom lip. "My pretty girl.. " He whispered, before bringing his hand back down between her thighs and shoving a long finger into her, pulling a gasp from her lips. 

Ember felt like her head was spinning with pleasure. All she wanted was him. And he was depriving her of that. It wasn't fair.

"Just. Fuck. Me" Ember growled back.

Bucky's tongue swiped his bottom lip as a toothy grin appeared on his lips, "There she is..."

He slid his finger from inside her and turned her around slowly to face him, pushing her back against the rock. Her knees nearly gave out when she was met with the sight of Bucky licking her slick off his finger. His other hand found her thigh and he swung her leg across his hip, the tip of his cock teasing her entrance.

"Bucky, please." she whispered. 

"I'm getting there sweetheart, I just need one more thing from you, ok?" he purred as his hands worked the clasp of her bra, slipping it down her arms and throwing it into the flames. "See I need, just a couple of drops of well, you, to finally bind us for eternity."

Ember smiled at him, he doesn't need anything else to have her for eternity, she's his. "I'll give you anything."

"Mmm, as I you." he hummed. She watched the cerulean of his eyes be completely eclipsed, as his nails turned into claws. She felt no fear as he looked deep into her eyes, he was absolutely breathtaking. Bucky dragged his nail down her chest and she felt a sharp sting as he broke skin and blood began dripping down her chest. He swiped a finger through the red stream, collecting some of her blood as his tongue slipped between his plump lips. As he extended his hand to the side, letting the drops of blood fall to the pentagram below them, he dipped his head and dragged his tongue along the cut lapping up her blood. Ember let out a guttural moan at his action as the flames around them grew taller.

"Oh my God!" Ember gasped.

Bucky pulled back, his eyes black as night. She could see her terrified reflection staring back at her within them. It felt like looking into an abyss. A black, forked tongue darted out from between his lips as he shook his head slowly, her blood staining his lips. Small dark veins appeared on the skin around his eyes, pulsing like lightning strikes.

"No God," he whispered.

The flames grew taller and he smiled at her, dragging a claw across the open cavernous wound on her skin. She hissed in pain and he smiled, but Ember could still feel her cunt pulsing and aching for him as he pushed a claw into the edge of the wound and formed a "J", as though he were using a paintbrush.

"What are you doing?" She groaned.

"Signing my half of the contract."

Her skin split like butter underneath a hot knife and more blood began to stream down her chest. All she smelled was copper and sulfur, all she wanted was for him to consume her completely. Bucky caught it with his tongue and groaned, his claw forming the letter "B", followed by another. 

Ember's breath came out in shaky pants and Bucky's inky black eyes locked onto hers. He dragged his knife-like claw across his chest as he viciously thrust into her. Pain coursed through her body and her back arched like a bow. Her scream was eaten by the flames that surrounded them as his blood began to mix with hers.

"Oh, darlin', that is such a sweet sound," he groaned with a toothy grin, drops of her blood staining his sharp features.

His hips snapped into her relentlessly and she dug her nails into the taut muscles of his back, trying desperately to hold on. It feels like he's fucking in her chest, stealing her breath with every slam.

"Bucky," Ember whimpered. "It's too much..." 

His lips brushed her sweaty temples, inhaling blood and something sweet as he fucked her deeper. 

"You can take it, Ember. I know you can."

Maybe it was the praise, maybe he did something else - but the pleasure was starting to override the pain.

Everything else was nothing now - there was only Bucky, his low grunts, the way he was biting on his plump lower lip - and oh, hell - the way he was looking at her.

She knew she was getting close to her breaking point, but she didn't want it to stop now.

"Bucky!" She cried out, "Keep going - just like that!"

His head dropped to the base of her neck, "Ember!"

She could feel this prickling of his forked tongue trailing down the column of her neck, teeth bared and snarls escaping his lips as their eyes met, for a moment the black in his flickered to the ocean blue she'd come to know. Her chest stung and felt tight from the heat and pleasure building within her.

"I am yours," He growled, pressing crimson stained lips to her own in a wet slick kiss. Bucky's hips snapped relentlessly, her back undoubtedly getting thrashed from the rough edges of the rock, "As you are mine."

Ember's hands found his chest, digging her own nails into his skin causing tiny crescent moons to form on his chest. Bucky hissed, his eyes darkening as small trickles of dark blood, darker than her own, trailed down his chest.

"Mine." She groaned as the tip of his cock began hitting that spot inside of her that made her euphoric.

The fire in her belly grew as the flames did around them. Pain and pleasure mixing together as Bucky slammed into her. Ember could feel herself clenching and fluttering around him getting closer and closer to her edge. She couldn't remember the last time a man had made her feel like this. In fact she couldn't remember anything. And Bucky was no man.

"Come on baby girl.." He grunted, his fingers digging into her skin. "You can hold on a bit longer.." He smirked into her skin. 

Tears pooled in her eyes as she shook her head, letting out a raspy moan, "No.. Bucky please.. I'm gonna.." 

She felt his thumb wipe a tear from her cheek, "Don't you dare... A little longer sweet thing.. you can do it" He whispered, capturing her lips once more.

Ember dragged her nails down his back. The chorus of their moans and groans lost between their lips as he clapped his hips relentlessly against hers. He grasped his chin with her hand breaking away from the kiss, to lick away her tears. Her eyes were slammed shut as she tried her hardest to hold off her climax.

"Look at me, Ember." his raspy voice, making her cunt flutter once more. He grinned as her eyes fluttered open.

"Let go." he whispered against her lips.

His black eyes sunk into her like the claws that had pierced her skin not moments ago. The sensation running through her was electric, warmth spreading through her belly. Pleasure and pain were swirling in her body and she felt her chin tremble.

"I'm afraid," she whimpered.

Bucky's mouth dropped open and he drove himself into her with a brutal thrust that caused her to cry out. His hand cupped her cheek and she could feel sharp claws grazing lovingly against her skin. His lips hovered over hers.

"I've got you, mon amour." She sobbed and he licked away another tear that trickled down her face, smiling at her with hollow, shark-like eyes. Somehow, she found warmth in them as he nuzzled his nose against hers. 

"You're okay."

Her eyes rolled back and his mouth eclipsed hers as a blinding climax began to consume her like the flames that surrounded them. She had to break the kiss to scream as Bucky bit into her shoulder, leaving a blackened mark on her skin as he fucked her through her climax.

The all-consuming pleasure still hadn't subsided when Bucky's own movements started to become erratic.

"Close, sweets - so close," he panted.

For a moment, as his pleasure peaked and he lost control, Ember got a glimpse of his true form - skin grey, red veins spreading out from his black eyes.

It was the horns that really stood out though, and Ember reached up to touch one as her vision cleared.

That seemed to trigger what he had been chasing, a drawn out whine escaped him as her fingers dragged along the rough horns.

"Give into me," She begged as Bucky's hips continued to brutally snap against her own spilling into her. His head fell back with a guttural growl and a haze of black smoke began emanating off of him. He was dark and as her eyes grazed over his form, she should have been scared, but instead was filled with adoration.

Ember's fingers trailed down his hairline and along his jaw before running her thumb along his blood stained bottom lip admiring the noises he was making, her own moans still filling the room as he pushed her to the edge of another tiny bursting orgasm. Dark eyes locked with hers again and she knew he had her. Her body trembled against his own, their bodies slick with sweat and blood and all she wanted was more of him.

"So perfect," he panted, hips slowing down their erratic pace as exhaustion began washing over her overstimulated body. Bucky peppered her jaw and neck with kisses, every so often licking the still drying blood from her body before soothing the gashes with his tongue.

"Mmm.." Ember hummed, as her arms moved up to drape around Bucky's shoulders. Her mind felt clearer then ever, and she could see her entire life here with him. All the worries, and terror of not being able to think of anything else had been washed away. "What now..?" She whispered, sleepily. 

Swooping down, Bucky hooked an arm under her legs, and hoisted her up into him as he shushed her. He carried her up the stairs and made his way back up to the second floor master bathroom. Ember took note on how the basement door swung shut and the click of the padlock all happened behind him. He placed her on the white marble countertop and moved swiftly to start the bath, steam emanating from the tap. As the clawfoot tub began to fill, he moved back over to Ember, picking her back up and facing her towards the mirror. 

"I told you my love... I'm going to take care of you" He whispered, moving her dark hair off her shoulder so she could watch her body heal. The "JB" above her heart now looking more like a faint scar than an open cut. "You are mine" 

"I am yours" She repeated, feeling him place a light kiss on her shoulder.

[nahimjustfeelingit-writes]

Hey girl!

Any advice for future homeowners?

Hey!!!

Sure thing: make sure you check the roof, the HVAC unit, and the kitchen appliances. Make sure you get an inspection and do not wave it because me and my fiancé did that and we’ve had a few things we had to do (new roof, new HVAC, soon a new oven, a possible leakage issue from a crack outside on the wall, old ass windows replaced) check it all! Make sure you’re aware of any damages, I would suggest you get a home where the kitchen and bathrooms are in great condition as well. You also want to be careful with floors too especially if it’s an older home.

Get the best realtor! Don’t settle for a “family member” or “family friend” because that’s not always the smart thing to do especially if it’s a “side hustle.” No, get a realtor that does it full time lol. Our realtor was a cousin of mine and she did it on the side and hadn’t done it in a while!

Save save save! Save your money! Don’t go into buying a home and not have a fund to fall back on for anything dealing with your home because seriously it Will benefit you! Home owning is an unexpected process. If buying a townhome, make sure you know everything about the HOA. Check out the areas you’re interested in (schools, is it a convenient commute to and from work, etc)

Have a list of people (plumber, electrician, handy man, etc) and there are apps or sites you can go on to find great local people. Also, never settle on your first option with anything. That goes for a home, if you’re shopping around for a new roofing company or HVAC company or even someone to do your floors. Everyone’s pricing is different and you don’t want to be screwed over because they will try to!

READ CONTRACTS!

Read it all! From whatever you have to sign when putting in an offer on a home, down to making a purchase for something to fix in your home. My fiancé made the mistake of signing a contract from Ashley Furniture for our sectional in our basement without reading it and the movers put a hole in our wall trying to get it down the steps and because he didn’t read it, they weren’t held accountable. I had to pay damn near $400 for the patch up and they didn’t even sand it down or paint over it! My fiancé ended up doing that.

Learn how to fix things in your home and also put stuff together. My fiancé has become very handy and he’s fixed a few things and mounted things on the wall and he plans to do more. Anything to help save more money. Make sure you also have an up to date alarm system as well!

There are a lot more things like a really good lender and a sellers disclosure (which I briefly talked about above)

Overall, please do your research and also it’s good to ask for advice from people in your life that own homes, but go with what your gut tells you. This is a huge purchase so you don’t want to regret anything because you can’t afford your mortgage and keeping up with your home. Me and my fiancé went into this confused and my fiancé did a lot of research and there were things we regret and wish we’d known. That’s why it’s always good to have a professional, full time realtor and you want them to be a hard ass because this is HUGE.

I hope I gave you some good advice lol my fiancé was the main person in this whole thing and I’ve watched and learned. Just please gain as much knowledge as you can in this and I hope you have some luck! When we were shopping it was a sellers market and they were listing homes At RIDICULOUS prices, more than what the homes are actually worth! And don’t get discouraged if you’re offer wasn’t accepted. This takes time and trust it will pay off ❤️