#grandma wants her out of the job - she's only had it for two weeks - and says she will pay for whatever she needs

[madigoround]

Sorry I stay complaining

[caffeinewitchcraft]

Ghost Eater

Summary: You don't like exorcists. They don't much like you either.

-----

You’d always thought big restaurants like the Brownie Industry only did well in small, midwestern towns like the one you came from. A year working in LA has taught you that, no matter where you go, people will always love garlic bread and sugar.

It’s your day off which means you’re pulling a double shift. You haven’t had time to wash your hair for the past two weeks so it’s frizzing out of your claw clip and flying wild around your face. The lighting is so dim that you’ve tripped over two black purses already, luckily not while you’re running food. The big dining room sounds like an apiary with the tittering laughter of the later adult crowd that’s filtered in from the theater across the four lane road. The main difference between the Brownie Industry here and the one back home is size. The ceiling soars overhead, supported by a series of concrete pillars separating the dining area into three sections.

Normally it would be three servers per section. Today, it’s just you in yours.

One more hour. That’s what the manager promised you. It might even be true if the host stand quits seating you after the table you’re approaching.

There are three people at the table. A woman whose hair might be light blonde or gray in the light of day, her eyes light and piercing. Her face is soft from age, emphasized by the tight, lace collar of her off-season sweater. She reminds you strongly of your mom’s nemesis on the HOA board. The man couldn’t be more out of place next to her despite their equivalent age. He’s wearing a leather jacket – again, it’s not cold here – and a Norwegian metal shirt underneath. His hair is definitely white, so white it almost glows. He’s frowning at the teenager across the table as if she’s touched his motorcycle without permission.

The teenager might be the first you’ve seen all night who doesn’t have their phone out. She’s decked out in what you consider grandma florals – a t-shirt scattered with daisy chains, a bucket hat made out of nana’s carpet bag, and a hand-crocheted scarf in pastel.  You can’t really see her face under the shadow of her hat and there’s an odd, blurred quality to the way she fiddles with her napkin. You let your eyes skip past her and back to the two adults. Teenagers don’t pay the bill.

“Welcome to Brownie Industry!” you chirp. You’re sweaty and red but the faded yellow light hides that. You’re a service industry pro so none of your exhaustion shows on your face when you ask, “Is this your first-time dining with us?”

If you weren’t so burned out, you’d have noticed before you introduced yourself.

“Are you Grady?” the woman asks. Her voice is more posh than you expected even with her lace collar. “Grady Pace?”

Fuck. There’s a noticeable temperature differential now that you’re close to them. The restaurant is warm from the number of bodies, maybe even warmer than the summer air outside, but stepping up next to their table feels like walking into an ice rink.

“I’m your waitress,” you say. You don’t have time for this conversation. You’ve got five minutes in your cycle to take their order and then you’ve got food to run. “If you need any other services from me, I have a website.”

“We messaged you,” the man says. His lips thin to the point his thick mustache covers them entirely. “You never responded.”

Because you’ve been making more money at the Brownie Industry than your other job. “I’ll take a look at it tonight.”

“Wait,” the teenager says, sitting upright. She looks from you to the adults and back again. When she smiles, there’s no humor in it. “This is why we drove eight hours to have dinner at the Brownie Industry? For her?”

“Katie, be polite—”

“I’m sorry,” Katie says, “It’s just—I found a priest, you know? An actual exorcist priest and you guys want to trust a waitress over him?”

“Ugh exorcists,” you say. The memory of sour cabbage is so heavy on your tongue that you stick your tongue out in disgust. When you see Katie’s look, you backtrack. “Effective! Definitely effective.”

“Your mistakes have cost us too much already,” the man says, shaking a finger at her. “We are not converting just for an exorcism.”

“I normally don’t agree with your father,” the woman tells Katie, “but in this case I would like to leave conversion as a last resort.”

“We wouldn’t actually convert,” Katie says, rolling her eyes.

“Pretty sure exorcists can tell when you lie,” you tell Katie. When her scowl deepens, you clear your throat. “Did you all need another minute to think about the menu?”

“We need you to help us,” the dad says. He scrubs a hand over his face. “Look, I know you’re at work and I’m sorry we’re bothering you.”

“We’re desperate,” the mom says. She reaches for her purse. “We’ll pay you. Triple the rate on your website or even quadruple. We need that thing gone by tonight.”

Katie covers her face. “Mom. You’re embarrassing me. Terry isn’t that bad.”

“Oh, he’s bad, young lady,” the dad says sternly. “A bad influence.”

“We caught her trying to perform another séance yesterday,” the mom confesses to you. She leans forward with a pinched expression. “So Terry’s friend Larry could visit too.”

“Interesting,” you say. The food bell rings, but you think you can ignore it for another minute. You study Katie’s blush. “Why did you do that?”

If she was being compelled, she won’t have an answer to your question. You’ve dealt with a lot of ghosts in your time, but so few are sentient enough – or powerful enough – for compulsion.

“Go on,” the dad says, gesturing at you. “Tell her.”

“Leroy, she’s embarrassed enough,” the mom says.

“No, she’s not, Sarah.” The dad – Leroy – gestures to you again. “Tell her.”

Katie huffs, clearly resistant. But when her dad huffs back, she caves. “So,” she says, “I have this YouTube channel—”

“I’m off in an hour,” you interrupt. You don’t care that you’re being rude. Your patience ran out as soon as she said YouTube. “I’ll meet you in the parking lot.” You turn to go.

“A moment!” Sarah shakes out her menu. “How’s the nicoise salad?”

Of course they’re going to order. They’d better tip too if they want you to help them with their ghost problem.

----.

“You said an hour,” mom Sarah says when you leave out the employee entrance. She’s shivering next to her daughter. Leroy is off smoking behind his motorcycle, parked next to the Tesla Katie is leaning on, but he stubs out his cigarette on the asphalt when you walk up. “It’s been two.”

“I had side work,” you say instead of it would have been one if not for you. You rub your bare arms when the familiar ghost chill washes over you. You want nothing more than to go home and wash the scent of garlic and brownie batter out of your hair. “Was there something wrong with my service?”

“No?”

You try to make your voice light. “I see.”

Sarah frowns at your tone anyway. “Why?”

“You tipped five dollars.”

Katie jolts like a scalded cat. “Mom!”

Leroy scrubs a hand over his face. “Sarah…”

“What?” Sarah throws up her hands. The parking lot lights catch on her Swarovski charm bracelet. “I tipped!”

“Like ten percent,” Katie says. She pulls her bucket hat over her eyes for a beat and then peeks at you from under it. “I’m so sorry. It’s not you, she’s always like this.”

“It was actually a six percent tip,” you say. You’re getting a clearer picture of this little family now. It’s becoming more and more understandable why Katie might have started summoning ghosts. “If you want to be precise.”

Leroy reaches for his back pocket. “Let me.”

Sarah swats at his hand. “We’re about to pay her a lot more than that!”

“For a completely separate job,” Leroy says. He pulls a twenty from his wallet and hands it to you with a grimace. “Sorry, Grady, I should’ve checked.”

“You should’ve paid if you cared so much,” Sarah retorts. She folds her arms over her chest. She taps her cheek and widens her eyes. “Oh wait… you never pay.”

“Sure,” Leroy says. This time it’s his turn to throw his hands in the air. “Sure, Sarah. I don’t pay for anything to do with our daughter’s private school or her dance classes or her health insurance—”

“If the court hadn’t mandated—”

“You make twice as much as me—"

“Guys!” Katie says loudly. Her mouth is a thin line of upset when she says, “Argue about what an expensive burden I am later when we don’t have an audience, okay?”

Her parents speak at the same time.

“You’re twisting my words,” Sarah says. “I never said—"

“Sweetie, you’re not a burden—”

“Can you just get this ghost out of me?” Katie asks you. She goes for nonchalance and falls short. “My parents haven’t been in the same room for the last five years for a reason.” She fakes whispering. “They don’t play nicely with others.”

Sarah bristles. “Katie.”

“God, I know how that is,” you say. The whole interaction is giving you the worst case of sympathy for Katie. Before her parents can say anything else, you change the subject. “How long have you been haunted?”

“Six months,” Katie says. She fiddles with her bucket hat so that you can see her eyes for the first time. They’re brown, like her dad’s, and have heavy bruises underneath. She shrugs. “They only noticed a month ago though.”

“I noticed your behavior had changed,” Sarah defends. Like her daughter, she fidgets. She plays with her bracelet and clears her throat. “I thought it was a teenage thing.”

“What signs did you notice first?” you ask the parents. They glance at each other and then away.

“Let’s just say we noticed different things,” Leroy says dryly. He pulls out his phone.

“Moodiness,” Sarah says. She ticks them off on her fingers. “Laziness. Disrespect. Over-sleeping.”

“Those are just teenager things,” Katie says with an astounding level of self awareness. She shrugs. “I’m a senior now. They’re lucky it didn’t start sooner.”

“I,” Leroy says, “noticed this.” He turns his phone towards you.

“Ah,” Sarah says, “Yes. That.”

You examine the picture. It’s of Katie on a small dirt bike. She’s wearing a helmet in the picture, but you recognize the fashion sense in the floral boots she’s wearing. The scene behind her is of the hills, low scrub brush recognizable to someone who’s lived in LA for the past five years. On the bike behind her is a smudge. It could be a cloud of dirt blown into frame or maybe a camera glitch. It could be if it weren’t for the leering face emerging from the cloud right behind her head.

“I just want to say I did not agree to getting her a motorcycle,” Sarah says.

“Mom, not the point,” Katie says.

“Look how close that creep is to my daughter,” Leroy says. He jabs a finger at Katie’s waist in the photo where you can see a ghostly hand. “I want him gone.”

“Dad, he didn’t mean anything by it!” Katie turns to you earnestly. “Terry never rode a bike before and I thought, like, what if he moved on after he got a chance to? It was a philanthropic effort!”

“Plant a tree if you want to be a philanthropist,” Leroy growls. “I want this guy away from my daughter.”

“He doesn’t mean any harm really,” Katie says. “He would move on if he could! He says he’s stuck to me because of how I summoned him. He’s like, really sorry. He even spelled out Sorry in the bathroom mirror once.”

“What,” Sarah says in a dangerous voice, “was Terry doing in the bathroom with you, Katie?”

Katie splutters. “Mom, don’t be gross!”

The family descends into bickering. You have heard about ghosts being stuck to a person before, but usually that’s when the person has some sort of psychic powers. Katie’s wearing crystal in her ears, but they aren’t charged. She might develop some talent later in life, but right now she’s a normal girl.

The parking lost is nearly empty now. You recognize a few employee cars, but very few customers. The kitchen will be cleaning for another half hour before they’re ready to go home.  The reality is that, if Terry is stuck, you might not be the best way to handle the situation. If he’s not…

Well.

It’s time to talk to Terry.

Opening your ghost sense is hard to describe. Some psychics liken it to a third eye, right in the middle of their forehead. You’ve always thought that sounded really cool like maybe the world gets cast in a blue hue when they do it and the dead appear like they do in movies. You’ve met other psychics who say it’s like a sixth sense. They know where the ghost is and it’s like they download all that information until their minds can just sort of conjure their image.

For you, it’s like letting your body remember it has a second mouth. Cats have an extra sensory organ on the roof of their mouth that lets them detect scents better. Your second mouth is a bit like that. You can still smell brownies and garlic and the city air of LA, but you can also smell/taste something else.

Something like…pepper?

Your eyes water and you sneeze so viciously that your eyes close. When you open them again, four people are staring at you in surprise.

“Gesundheit,” Leroy says.

“You sneeze like Dad does,” Katie says.

“Did no one ever teach you to cover your mouth?” Sarah asks in disgust.

“I wish you would’ve sneezed on her,” Terry says, nodding to Sarah. “She’s such a bitch.”

“Thank you for the commentary, everyone,” you say. You wipe your nose with the collar of your shirt as you consider Terry. It’s dirty anyway. “Terry. Interesting name for a ghost.”

Terry hasn’t noticed that you can see him yet. He’s floating behind Katie, one arm casually flung over her shoulder. It’s hard to place when he died based on his appearance alone. His hair is chin length, emphasizing the width of his jaw. Squire cuts have been popular for several decades and the bowling shirt he’s wearing could either be a modern fashion statement or a dated uniform. He looks to be in his mid-twenties, sun-kissed and with the air of someone who tells a lot of jokes at the expense of others. His arm around Katie strikes you as possessive, the glare he gives her parents venomous.

“I didn’t name him,” Katie says. “He said it’s short of Torrance.”

You blink. “Wouldn’t he be Torri then?”

“That’s a girl’s name,” Katie and Terry say at the same time. Their cadence is so close that it actually sounds like Terry’s baritone comes out of Katie’s mouth. For a moment, his arm flickers, clipping into her shoulder like a bad animation. When it does, Terry’s form grows brighter, more solid. Then Katie shivers and he’s forced out of her.

You and Terry click your tongues at the same time.

You remember how Katie’s hands seemed to blur at the dinner table. Terry’s not just haunting Katie. He’s trying to possess her. You wonder if that’s why Katie looked up an exorcist rather than a simple spiritual cleansing. Did she know how much danger she was in?

“Okay,” you say. You tear your attention away from Katie and Terry for a moment. Business first. “Sarah. Leroy. Who was it that found my site?”

“I did,” Sarah says. She raises her chin when you can’t hide your surprise. “When Katie was looking up exorcists—”

“She didn’t mean it,” Terry says. He pats Katie’s hat. “Right?”

“—I looked up alternative solutions,” Sarah says, not having heard Terry. Her confidence falters for a moment and she rubs her arm. “I have had some… negative experiences with exorcisms. I don’t want my daughter to go through that.”

Katie’s head whips towards her mother. “What? I didn’t know that.”

“It was a long time ago,” Leroy says. For the first time, he reaches out and hugs Sarah with one arm. You don’t know what surprises you more; Leroy hugging Sarah or Sarah leaning into his side. “When Sarah told me, we decided to put our differences aside. I vetted you through some of my contacts and they all agreed you’d be a safe bet.”

“I am,” you say. You’re not bragging either. You’re probably the safest bet in half the western states besides your older sister. “There are some…peculiarities in my method.”

“Charlatan,” Terry whispers in Katie’s ear. He’s grinning now. “Only charlatans are that confident. Look! She can’t even see me!”

Katie looks doubtful.

Usually, you’d try to talk to Terry at this point. Sometimes spirits can be negotiated with. They can be encouraged to move on or to take on a less aggressive form of haunting. Those that are truly stuck can be helped with the right sort of ritual work. But the way Terry’s affecting Katie’s mood and that fucking arm around her shoulders…

You don’t really want to talk to Terry.

“We can ask Terry to move on,” you tell the family.

“Nooooooo,” Terry says and flips you off. “Pass!”

“Sometimes spirits don’t realize how deeply they’re affecting their hosts,” you say.

“You don’t even know how deep I’m about to be,” Terry jeers at you.

“Many ghosts are confused when they’re called to interact with the living,” you say. “It can blur their understanding of death and, as a result, they cling to life. If they stick around long enough, their presence will affect the living like what’s happening to Katie. It’s not always malicious. It can be a symptom of that confusion.”

“Katie, tell her to piss off,” Terry hisses in the teen’s ear. “I’m not confused, I’m bored.” His voice deepens. “Tell her we don’t need her help. Tell her we’re going home.”

Katie opens her mouth robotically. “That’s…” Her brow creases as she tries to figure out what she was going to say. “It seems like we don’t need help then. Terry will move on when he’s ready, like I thought.”

“We aren’t paying you for a ghost therapy session,” Sarah snaps. It’s only because you’re really focusing that you can see the unease under her anger. She’s noticed something wrong with Katie. “Katie, Terry is going away today.”

“Fuck you,” Terry says.

“Fuck you,” Katie says.

Leroy’s head rears back. “Katie, you don’t use that language with your mother!”

“Fuck you too,” Katie and Terry say. The parking lot lights flicker.

“No, fuck you, Terry,” you say, stepping between Katie and her parents. Leroy starts like he’s going to pull you out of the way, but he doesn’t.

“Terry?” Leroy asks. He looks scared. “Terry said that? Is Terry possessing my daughter?”

“Not yet.” You eye Terry’s arm and the way his fingers are sinking into Katie’s arm.

“Oh fuck,” Terry says. He doesn’t look scared. Not yet. Instead, he grins. “You can see me.”

“Not every ghost is malicious,” you tell the parents without taking your eyes off Terry. “But some are.”

“I’m not malicious.” Terry runs a hand through his hair, still grinning. The parking lot lights flicker overhead again. “I care about Katie a lot.”

“Terry’s never hurt me,” Katie says.

You ignore her. She’s not even shaking Terry off now. Her gaze is dull on your face when you say, “I don’t mean to sound like I’m some sort of ghost therapist. However, it’s important to differentiate between malicious and non-malicious hauntings in my practice. My methods are unconventional and, if used indiscriminately, I can get in a lot of trouble.”

“We won’t tell anyone,” Leroy says. He steps into your periphery. His gaze flicks from you to the spot you’re staring at over Katie’s shoulder. “We want Terry gone.”

“Not a soul,” Sarah promises. She comes up on your other side. “Please help our daughter.”

“Terry,” you say. Your second mouth is yawning wide somewhere in the back of your brain. The taste of pepper isn’t as overwhelming now. “Last chance. Renounce your claim on Katie’s soul and slither back into whatever hole you came out of.”

“We’re soulmates,” Terry says. He bares his teeth at you. “Go on, Charlatan. Call on your God to banish me. I’ve been around for decades and no exorcist has ever been able to put a scratch on me. And when they manage to push me out?” He laughs and the temperature drops another ten degrees. An unholy light flickers in his eyes. “I just come right back.”

“Then I guess I won’t feel guilty,” you say.

“Guilty?” Katie asks.

You walk forward two steps and grab Terry’s face. Terry’s skin is soft and jelly-like. His facial bones undulate like rubber under your grip. “Hi, Terry.”

Now Terry’s afraid. “What the fuck, you can touch—?”

“Bye, Terry.” You drag him towards you. His fingers pop out of Katie’s arm with a wet sucking sound, and he claws at your wrist.

“Wait! Waitwaitwaitwait--”

You eat Terry.

People come from all around to eat at the Brownie Industry. They love the density of the desserts and the heaps of garlic spread over home-baked (shipped frozen) rolls. It’s a treat to know you’re always going to enjoy the meal even if you’re far from home or eating at the same location a hundred times. It’s consistency, sugar and butter. An easy addiction to have.

Eating ghosts is like that for you. They fizz in your second mouth like champagne and melt like fudge. It’s hard to describe and the ephemeral quality of it sends shivers down your spine. Somewhere Terry is screaming in anguish, maybe crying. You think that the family you’re helping is screaming something too, but the sensation of eating is so consuming you can’t hear the words.

Terry is younger than other ghosts you’ve eaten. He doesn’t have the depth of flavor you’d once been addicted to back in Illinois. The best ghost you’ve ever eaten had been like a six-course meal with all the centuries she’d been carrying. In comparison, Terry is like a bag of pepper chips. Interesting, but gone in a moment. Still, he hits the spot.

When you’re done, you burp a purple cloud of ectoplasm into the still night air.

Leroy is the first to speak. His eyes are so wide you can see the whites all around them. “Pay her, Sarah,” he says breathlessly. His hands shake as he reaches for Katie, steadying her on her feet. “Now.”

You smack your lips and graciously accept the wad of cash Sarah hands you. You raise your eyebrows. “This is more than three times my rate.”

“Consider it a tip,” Sarah says. She’s more composed than Leroy, but still pale. She studies you. “That was…revolting.”

“You didn’t have to watch,” you say. You put your money away and then perk up at a sudden thought. “Hey, if you can, can you leave me a review on my site?”

“I thought you didn’t want us to tell anyone?”

You wave your hand. “Secrets are bad for business. Besides, Terry deserved it. I’m sure they’ll understand if you write that in your review.”

“They…?”

You smile and don’t answer.

The family don’t ask many more questions after that. The parents promise to leave a review and Katie just stares at you as if concussed. You assure the parents that she’ll be back to normal as soon as the soul-shock wears off. 

“And if it doesn’t?” Sarah asks.

“Message me,” you say.

“You don’t check your messages,” Leroy says.

“Oh,” you say, patting your stomach, “I’ll be checking them a lot more often now.”

You’re hungry again.

---

(Patreon)

[straylightdream]

I like you, maybe - teaser

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: jeon wonwoo x afb.reader

𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: coming May 2025

𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞(𝐬): friends to lovers, mutual pining, romance, hurt, comfort, angst, smut, fake dating

𝐚𝐮(𝐬): nonidol au

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 10k

𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: daddy issues, family issues, fake dating, alcohol consumption, crying, lots of emotions

𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: protected p in v, vanilla sweet smut, breast/nipple play, fingering, clit play, hand job

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 18+ nsfw

𝐚𝐧: if you would like to be tagged please fill out this form. I’m reworking and fully rewriting something I wrote in 2021

-PREVEIW-

You always felt as if you were never good enough for your father. No one saw you truly upset over your relationship with your father other than Mingyu and Wonwoo.

“I don’t think I have a choice, if I don’t go, my grandma, and dad won’t let me live it down.” You sighed. You’ve contemplated going no contact but you knew it would be hard. There is this part of you that thinks if you try hard enough maybe one day your relationship could be fixed. “Oh my god I don’t want to go to this alone.” You knew that this wedding was going to be a lot of people asking you why you’re single, and if you’re going to have kids. All your cousins were married and had kids, and you’re the only single one. Every Christmas one of the few times you would see that side of the family. Everyone would always harp on you and ask a million questions about your life.

“You should have someone go with you,” Mingyu said, pulling his phone out of his pocket.

“Do you want to go with me?” you asked, praying maybe Mingyu could save you from going to this alone. You knew that Mingyu could play the part as the perfect boyfriend. Your mother already loved him and constantly told you that you should date someone like Mingyu. You knew her father would love him too. He’s a parent’s dream partner for their daughter.

“I can’t because it’s my mom’s birthday that weekend so I’m going to be at a family event out of town,” he said. You can tell he feels bad he can’t help you. You could tell that he didn’t want you going alone, but he wasn’t able to go to help you out.

“Literally everyone is going to be in my business about not having a boyfriend. I need to get a boyfriend within the next two weeks,” you said with a sarcastic laugh knowing damn well that was going to be nearly impossible.

“What are you talking about?” Wonwoo asked, walking into the kitchen. He sat down next to Mingyu and looked over at you. He pushes up his glasses. You completely forgot Wonwoo was home. He’s been locked away in his room playing video games.

“My dad is getting married in two weeks and I don’t want to go alone. I’m not looking forward to being asked the same questions about my dating life over and over again.” You can’t help but sigh dramatically. Leaning forward resting your face in your hands.

“So- do you want someone to be your fake date?” Wonwoo asked, leaning back in his chair.

“Yes, she wants a fake date,” Mingyu said before taking another drink of his beer. He gave up on working on his own work project about an hour ago.

Wonwoo shrugged his shoulders and said, “I mean I can go with you if you want. I think I would make a pretty good fake boyfriend.”

You looked up at Wonwoo and knit your eyebrows together and stared at him wondering if he was serious.“Are you being serious about offering to be my fake date?” You don’t think you can actually handle it if he's just messing with you.

He shrugged his shoulders again oh so casually. “Yeah why not? Weddings are great, there is free food, and normally there are free drinks.”

Shutting your laptop, you looked over at Wonwoo who was smiling. “Jeon Wonwoo, you’re a lifesaver.”

[leahsgf]

MEETING – leah williamson

leah williamson x child!reader

based on this request | bubba masterlist

love love love writing for this lil universe so please keep the requests coming

the first few weeks of your life were spent in complete bliss, leah happily soaking up every single moment between the two of you in your own little bubble - before she'd have to introduce you to the chaos that was the rest of the world.

despite the eagerness of those around her to meet you, she had strictly said no visitors until she was ready, bar her own mother, who had moved in temporarily as you both settled into this new life.

-

you had just hit three weeks old when leah had finally felt ready to allow a few more people into your space, having settled a little more into the swing of things and also not having the energy to turn offers down any longer.

it started off small - with her nearest and dearest, her dad, brother, grandma, and friends, of course including keira, and then gradually branched out to perhaps the most impatient of the lot, your rather large flock of aunties - also known as her teammates.

due to you being born mid season, the arsenal girls were going to be the first ones to meet you, much to the dismay of some of the lionesses especially georgia, keira obviously not helping the cause whatsoever by endlessly boasting about the fact she'd met you before any of them.

(leah would never tell a soul that keira was so nervous when she met you that she had barely held you, and instead timidly patted your head, and said it was 'nice to meet you' whilst shaking your tiny hand)

she had originally planned on hosting the weekly team night at her apartment and letting the girls all meet you there, but then went against it when she realised just how cramped her living room actually was when it held an entire very eager football team inside, alongside the fact that going out and getting some fresh air was something she desperately needed, and an escape from the newborn chaos that had taken over her home.

so, she had instead settled for arranging with jonas a day where there wasn't an awful lot of training to do and only the odd meeting or two, where she'd bring you into the training ground and introduce them to you there as a mini surprise.

-

after what had felt like a year of trying to get ready to leave the house, leah still adjusting to just how much stuff and preparation was needed for such a tiny little human, she finally pulled into the car park and got you both out, praising her parking job and getting you both there alive before having what felt like the battle of her life with the pram whilst getting it out.

kim, the only one of the girls who knew she was coming, and the unofficial mother figure of the team- met her outside, marvelling over you in an instant, before leading the way to the meeting room where the rest of the team were.

-

a collective gasp travelled across the meeting room as leah entered, with you bundled into her arms, the focus immediately off jonas’ attempted distraction ramble and all on you.

“is she seriously in an arsenal kit lee” alessia giggled, letting you clasp one of her fingers in your hand, as the rest of the team gathered around the pair of you in absolute awe.

“of course she is less! gotta teach her young haven’t i, my little gooner! especially when she’s got an uncle and grandad who are dead set on making her a spurs fan - so who wants a hold first?” the blonde replied, switching the conversation and ignoring the laughter and the teasing remarks about her passion for her club, instead letting them fight over who got to hold you first.

-

you had been pretty fussy in everyone’s arms apart from your mother’s, not being a huge fan of the unfamiliarity and all of the sudden movement when being passed around the room, until beth had insisted on viv holding you despite how nervous she had been, and your grizzles had settled almost instantly, and your frown which was the carbon copy of your mother’s faded.

“hi schatje, i’m your auntie viv, we love you so much already.” she murmured, stroking your cheeks ever so softly as you stared back up at her, still in the phase where you were fascinated by the world around you.

you beamed as she tickled your nose, your first official, non wind related smile that leah had been desperate to coax out of you for weeks now.

“looks like vivi is a natural! even baby williamson can sense that she’s a goat!” katie grinned, forever the leader of the ‘miedema fan club’, leaning on the dutch woman’s shoulder and poking her tongue out at you.

-

“welcome to the one of your forever homes my girl. you’re so so loved already.” leah whispered to you, cradling you and embracing the moment of peace she had after stepping away from the chaos in order to settle you down in your pram - allowing kyra and vic, who you’d undoubtedly overtake in maturity at some point, to take you on a walk around with steph’s supervision for your nap.

[watchmegetobsessed]

MISTAKEN HATRED

A/N: okay im veeery nervous about this one bc its the longest story i've written in probably months and it took me sooo long to finish it so im just praying its not utter shit 🙃 anywaysss, happy holidays guys! it's not overly festive, but it has some vibes so im labeling it as my xmas fic haha feedback is always appreciated! 🎄

WORD COUNT: 6.3k

SUMMARY: Things don't go as smooth as you planned with your bakery's opening, but you're doing your best to overcome the struggles. However there is one person who is hating on your business as if it was his job: Harry Styles. You just wish you knew what you did to earn his hatred...

MASTERLIST | SUPPORT ME!

This is not how you imagined the last weeks before your official opening. 

You imagined the interrior to be fully done by now so you can focus on the last touches, ordering the right ingredients and promoting the opening.

Instead, you’re staring at what’s supposed to be your eight tables, intact and put together but it’s all in pieces. You specifically remember the website said they would deliver them done and you wouldn’t have to play puzzles. But they arrived six days late and very much not the way they promised. 

Taking a deep breath you stare up at the ceiling and decide to take the trash out before turning your bakery into Ikea.

“It’s alright. I can do this. I can do anything,” you keep telling yourself as you drag out the trash bags that are almost the size of you. 

You knew opening your own business would be tough. Especially in Eroda, the little town you have some of your earliest memories from, where your grandma used to live, the place that was closest to her heart and it breaks yours to know she couldn’t spend her last years here because she was too sick to live on her own. 

She never asked you to come back here, but the moment you found her recipe books the summer after she passed, you just knew what you had to do. Now it’s been three years and you’re finally opening Nana’s that will bring her warmth and love back to Eroda, or you hope so. 

Pushing the door open with your shoulder, you keep dragging the bags to the containers behind the small shop and you’re so deep in your thoughts you don’t even notice the two people just a couple of feet away.

“Hi, Love!”

You recognize Anne’s sweet, chirpy voice and a smile spreads across your face even before you look up, but the moment you see the person standing next to her, all joy just drains from your body. 

Harry Styles is standing as grouchy and arrogant as always next to his mother, hands hidden in the pockets of his fleece jacket, his unruly curls are tucked underneath his beanie and any normal woman would be into the man, but you. Not after he very clearly let you know you don’t belong here and you should take your business back to the city where you came from. 

You expected some resistance, not much has changed in town in the past decades and you had a feeling some might want to keep it that way, but you guessed older people would riot against your bakery, not a thirty years old grown man. 

“Hi Anne,” you smile back and mustering up all your strength you throw one of the bags into the bin, but you overestimated your muscle work, because it only falls to the edge and almost topples right out. Luckily, you grab it just in time and push it in.

“Oh, dear, those bags are bigger than you! Harry, help her!” 

“No, it’s alri–” 

Before you get to protest, Harry strides over to you and grabs the remaining two bags as if they weighed nothing and throws them into the bin without breaking a sweat. 

Of course he is fit, the man probably runs up the hill carrying twice his weight every morning, because that’s how you can imagine him working out. 

Though you shouldn’t be imagining anything about him.

“Thanks,” you purse your lips and square your shoulders as you face the two of them.

“How is everything coming together?”

Anne has been so enthusiastic about your bakery, she comes around probably every other day, checks in on your progress and always offers her help. 

“Um, it is… okay, I guess,” you let out a tired chuckle. Glancing over at Harry you see him looking to the side, as if he wasn’t even listening, but something is telling you he is very much focused on the conversation.

Yeah, that’s right, I’m still here! Not even your arrogance can chase me away!

Anne cranes her neck, peeking into the shop and she spots the pile in the middle.

“Oh, are you planning to put those together by yourself? Harry, why don’t you help her?”

The moment she suggests, you both protest.

“No, there’s no need.”

“Mum, I don’t really have the time,” he says at the same time, but it doesn’t seem to go through. Anne’s phone starts ringing and she excuses herself, leaving the two of you there. 

Great, this is all you were missing today, an awkward, forced situation with the man who wants to see you gone. Perfect.

“Should’ve ordered them done, don’t you think?” he speaks up, nodding towards the shop.

At first, you just blink at him, then close your eyes and when you open them, you have the fakest smile on your twitching face.

“What a wonderful idea! I totally did not think of that!”

“Then send them back and ask them to bring what you ordered.” He rolls his eyes and it’s irking you so much. You definitely don’t need his stupid advices, not when you’re terribly behind your schedule.

“They arrived almost a week later than they should have, if I send them back there’s now ay they will send me the new ones in time for the opening.”

Harry stands there, staring at the pile of furniture pieces inside and for a moment you think he might actually offer his help, which you’re not sure you’d have accepted, but it remains a mystery, because that’s not what he says when he speaks up.

“I’m busy for real. Mum likes to offer my help around without asking me.”

It takes you a couple of moments to figure out what you feel about what he just said. And when you finally do, you see red.

“As I said, I don’t need help. I did everything by myself and I will get this done as well. I don’t need your unwanted, half-assed effort to pretend like you’re helping me.”

You come off rougher than you probably should have, but he’s been bugging you ever since you moved to Eroda. The man knows nothing about you or your business, yet every time he comes near your shop he acts like it physically pains him to even look at it. He’d be the last person you’d ask for help, he doesn’t have to act like he has so much to do and doesn’t have the time to help when he doesn’t actually want to help. 

Harry stares at you with such intensity you almost break and stutter a sorry out, but that’s when Anne returns.

“Ah, we have to run. But I will come by tomorrow, Darling. And Harry can hel–”

“No need for help,” you smile at her as gratefully as you can force yourself to be in this moment. 

“Alright, then see you later,” she waves and you nod at her before your eyes meet Harry’s one last time before they walk away and you return to your shop. 

It takes you six hours to assemble the tables later that day, but you do it.

With no help. 

Moving to Eroda, it hasn’t been your only goal to have your business become part of the town but you also knew you’d have to become one of the locals as well. Only a handful of people know who your grandmother was and you don’t plan to reveal it until the opening. You want them to taste all the baked goods and think of her first and then put the picture together. But this means you’re a total newbie for most people around. Last time you spent more than just a day here was when you were sixteen and you’ve changed a lot since then, so it’s natural people don’t recognize you. 

Anne has been your biggest help in breaking the ice and involving you in as many things as possible so you get to meet the people of Eroda. The weeks leading up to Christmas are usually filled with all kinds of winter activities locals enjoy wholeheartedly. Concert by the town hall, decorating the trees at the main square, collecting donations and cooking for those in need for example. You’ve been to all of these and very much enjoyed being part of the community. This weekend however, you can’t say you’re looking forward to the new festive activity.

Ice-skating on the frozen lake.

It sounds nice and fun, but you’ve ice-skated only once in your life and ended up breaking your wrist. Not your favorite childhood memory for sure and you don’t exactly want to relive it as an adult. 

You arrive with the intention of just sipping some hot tea and watch everyone else skate around until your fingers are falling off and you can go back to the shop to finish putting up the tinker lights at the back. 

Anne however had different ideas about today. Because as soon as you arrive at the lake, she is waving at you, holding up a pair of skates and you know they are not hers, because she’s already wearing those. 

“Kick those boots off, Love, I brought you my old skates! Come join us!” She smiles brightly at you from next to the pier where people get on and off the ice. 

“Oh, no, I don’t skate, Anne, but thank you!”

“Don’t be silly, even Bernie is on the ice!” She nods towards the old man who must be at least eighty, sliding on the ice as if he did this all his life. He might have, you have no idea.

“It’s really not for me, I–”

“Just try it! Come on!” 

She drops the skates by your feet and then slides away, leaving you no chance to protest.

Staring down at the skates, you can feel your stomach churning, but as you look up you see that literally everyone is on the ice, you’d look weird standing on the pier on your own. 

“Fuck,” you mumble under your breath as you give in and sitting down you start peeling your boots off your feet. 

“You’ll break your ankle if you leave it that loose.”

You know the voice and it just adds to your stress even more. You see his black skates in front of you as you’re trying to lace your own up.

“Hi Harry, so good to see you again,” you hiss through your teeth. 

“Tighten it or you’ll fall.”

“I’ll fall either way,” you mumble as you go back and pull the laces tighter. When you’re done you straighten up, but remain sitting on the end of the pier, anxiously string down at your feet. Harry doesn’t speak, but you know he is still there, probably watching you, trying to figure out what’s wrong with you, why you’re not just standing up and going at it like everyone else. 

Your hands are holding onto the wood underneath you for dear life as you picture yourself finally moving, but you never get to actually acting. 

“Do you need help standing up?” Harry speaks up at last and his voice is different this time. It’s not as arrogant, maybe even concerned. Do you look that awful right now?

“N-No.” Your voice cracks and you hate that it’s him who sees you like this. 

“Doesn’t seem like–”

“Would you stop being an asshole for a moment?” you snap at him and finally look up, eyes meeting his examining gaze. You have no idea what he sees in yours, but a few seconds later he breaks eye-contact, looks around as if he is hesitating before he sits beside you at last.

“You don’t have to skate if you don’t want to.”

“Tell that to your mother,” you mumble under your breath and it makes him laugh.

The sound of it is actually nice, surprising, but nice to hear something other than insults coming from his mouth.

“She can be a bit too much, but she’s just too enthusiastic.” You sit in silence for a bit before Harry turns to you. “You really don’t have to skate.”

“I want to take part, I just… I broke my wrist on the ice once when I was a kid and I haven’t tried skating since then.”

You didn’t plan on telling him much, but you felt like you had to explain why you’re being so dramatic. Part of you is expecting him to make fun of you for being scared of skating because of something that happened ages ago, but the arrogant comments never come.

Instead he stands up and when you look up at him he is holding a hand out to you.

“I’ll help you. You won’t fall.”

Any other day you’d think he is plotting against you, that he would get you to trust him and the trip you the first chance he got, but not this time. He looks and sounds genuine and as you take his hand, you put way too much trust into them than you would have ever allowed yourself to. 

You hold onto him with both hands and he keeps you steady as you finally attempt to push yourself up from the edge of the pier. Your knees wobble the moment your weight is on the blades and you instantly feel yourself losing balance, but Harry’s hands wrap around your arms and keep you from falling.

“It’s okay. Relax a bit, you’ll find your balance.” He encourages you and it’s almost strange to hear him so supportive of anything you’re doing, but not breaking your neck keeps you too busy to care about his random act of kindness. 

“Try to move forward.”

“I can’t,” you protest without even trying.

“You can, just relax.”

“Don’t tell me to relax, it’s not gonna help me relax!”

“Y/N, you’re gonna have a panic attack if you don’t relax,” he warns you and you realize how fast you’re breathing and all your blood is being pumped into your head. 

“I-I can’t, I can’t do this, I–”

“Y/N, look at me!” His hands snap to your shoulders and you grab onto his biceps as you look him in the eyes while your chest is still heaving. “I’ve got you, okay? You’re not going to fall. I’m holding you, I promise.”

Focusing on his words you finally forget about your fears and instead, you’re now trying to figure out where this version of Harry came from and why he hid from you all along. 

You’re not one to trust people that easily, but just from this one promise he made, you let go of all your doubts and hesitation. 

“Okay,” you breathe out. Harry nods and his hands slowly slide lower until they rest on your waist. 

“You knew how to skate, right? Before you broke your wrist.” You nod. “Alright, then it will all come back quickly.”

There’s a tiny smile hiding in the corners of his lips and your heart pitter-patters in your chest, but not because of the skating this time. His hands on you are not helping either, because for some reason, you feel heat radiating through the millions of layers you’re wearing where his hands are touching you. 

What is happening?

“Okay, I’ll hold your hand and you just focus on moving forward, yeah?”

You nod and panic rises in your gut for a moment when his hands leave your shoulders, but then they instantly take your hands and you feel safe again. 

Slowly you start moving, inching forward, your hands gripping Harry’s so tight, you’re afraid you might hurt him, but you’d never let go of him, not when you’re getting farther away from the pier. 

“That’s it, you are doing great,” he encourages. “Try to move a bit less rigidly.”

“Easy to say that,” you breathe out shakily. 

It takes time to loosen up even the tiniest bit and not grip Harry’s hand as if you wanted to crush his bones. But as you slowly move around the ice, led by him, you finally get more and more familiar with the feeling of sliding on the ice. 

“See? It’s not that bad,” he smiles when you stop for a short break after circling back to the pier. 

“I still fear for my life, but it’s bearable now,” you nod and he just chuckles.

It looks good on him. His smile is warm and welcoming, it’s a shame it took you so long to see it. You definitely prefer this version of him. 

“Honey, it’s so lovely to see you on the ice!” Anne slides over to you with ease, holding a cup of something warm, probably hot chocolate. 

“Well, it’s not quite my element,” you let out an awkward chuckle.

“You’re doing just fine. Besides, you just snatched up the best skater in town.” Winking, she bumps her hip against Harry’s. Your puzzled look urges her to elaborate. “Harry took over coaching the boys’ hockey team last year, the kids adore him!”

Instantly, you imagine Harry dealing with a bunch of cute kids, cheering on them, teaching them, making them laugh… The image is actually moving something inside you that’s been buried somewhere deep for a while now.

“Y/N, how are things coming together? Everyone is buzzing for the big opening!” Anne does a little dance that makes you laugh, but at the same time, something changes in Harry. 

“Um, it’s going okay. Not how I planned, but I’ll manage.”

“I’m sure everything will fall into place perfectly. And if you need any help just let us know!” She turns to Harry, looking for validation that he is open to lending you a helping hand as well, but his reaction is not quite what she was expecting, probably. 

“Sorry, I gotta go now,” Harry mumbles quickly, his gaze obviously avoiding you or his mother and he skates away so fast you just blink after him. 

“What’s gotten into this boy?” Anne huffs, but she lets go of it fast, starts chatting about something you don’t quite catch, because you just stare after Harry, watching him slalom between the skaters so fast it’s almost aggressive. 

And once again, you feel like you’re back where you began. He hates you and you have no idea what you did against him. 

Theoretically, opening Nana’s two weeks before Christmas was a great idea, because you imagined all the baked goods people would order for the holidays, you knew it would be a great kick start.

Realistically, it means that now you have to do the last touch ups in the harsh winter that’s as cold as the North Pole. Or at least that’s how you imagine the North Pole.

It’s been non stop snowing for the past three days, the fresh, soft looking snow is now covering every bit of Eroda’s breathtaking view and though it’s very festive and nice to look at it from a warm room with something hot to drink, it’s not as relaxing when you’re still working on the bakery, doing the last bits of decorating and starting the first batches of baked goods, because in 24 hours, Nana’s is officially opening its front door to the public. 

You’ve been here since five in the morning, now it’s four in the afternoon but it’s almost entirely pitch dark outside so it feels like it’s nearing ten. The place is not a mess anymore, but the kitchen is, there’s all kinds of dough everywhere, you’re doing everything you can now so there’s less tomorrow, but even with all the work tonight you’ll be here at five in the morning again tomorrow. 

It’s been hours since the last time you looked out the window, so it fully goes over your head how heavy the snowfall has gotten lately, chasing home every soul from the streets. While you’re covered in flour and keep muttering Nana’s recipes to make sure everything is measured right, there is one more person out there who is still not home, battling the weather. 

Harry has been going around town all day, helping out the elderly with either delivering groceries, or repairing the heating, whatever they needed a helping hand with. He’s usually the person one calls in Eroda when something needs to be fixed.

The roads are now not quite safe to be driving around, but with his jeep he’ll be able to get home just before it gets too bad. Or so the thought, but that is until he drives by the bakery and sees the lights on.

At first he keeps driving, telling himself it’s not his business. But the farther he gets the guiltier he feels and then he turns the car around.

You’re too busy to hear the knocking at first, but then you hear it again and know it wasn’t just in your head. Rushing out of the kitchen you stop in front of the door, because through the glass you make out Harry standing there, the snow already covering the top of his head as if he’s been out there for hours. 

“It’s freezing out here, Y/N! Would be nice if you let me in!” he shouts through the glass and you finally snap out of your surprise, unlock the door and Harry practically runs inside. 

“What are you doing here?” You watch him shake the snow off of him and finally turn towards you. For a moment you forget about how you parted ways at the skating, how cold he turned out of the blue after helping you. 

“Funny, I wanted to ask you the same thing. There’s a snowstorm out there, you won’t be able to get home if you stay here!”

“Are you kidding me? I’m opening tomorrow, I have a million things to finish!”

“So you’re risking getting snowed in? Were you planning to sleep here or something?”

“Maybe! Yeah! I need to get a ton of dough ready and I still haven’t put up the tinker lights and I need to clean up…”

Harry stares at you with such a vivid look, you expect him to start screaming at you or something. But he just keeps staring until he finally breaks.

“Okay, where are the lights and where do you want them?”

“What?”

“You’ll spend the night here if you do everything alone. I’ll help and hopefully we’ll be able to leave when it’s all done.”

Now it’s your turn to stare at him as he is looking around, searching for the lights to start working, but you can’t really believe he is about to help you out when he could be home by now. On the other hand, you could really use the help and maybe finish earlier than midnight, so after pushing your surprise to the side you start instructing him. While Harry works on the lights, you return to the kitchen. 

To test out the dough for the croissants, the one thing you’re the most nervous about because it used to be Nana’s specialty, you decide to make a few and pop them in the oven while you do everything else. 

It’s hard to believe you’re finally at this point, so close to the opening, turning your biggest dream into reality. You wish Nana would be here with you today.

“Lights are done.”

Harry interrupts your thoughts and you wipe your floury hands into your apron before following him out of the kitchen to see the work he did.

“Oh my God, this looks perfect!” you gasp, seeing all the tinker lights run along the ceiling and walls, lighting up the place like magic. 

Harry just nods, pressing his lips together, as if it was nothing. 

“Anything else?” he asks.

“Yeah, I have a few pictures I want to hang up and then it’s all done–” The timer in the kitchen goes off, letting you know the croissants are done. “Let me take them out and then I’ll show you where I want them.”

You rush back to the kitchen and take the fresh, steaming croissants out of the oven, completely missing that Harry has followed you and he is now watching you curiously as you take the baked goods off the tray one by one.

“That smells like…” he speaks up, but the words die on his tongue and you just smile, placing one onto a plate, holding it out for him.

“Here, try it.”

He hesitates, but takes the plate at last. Though it’s still hot and he should definitely wait a bit, it’s hard to resist, you know that. You watch him take a tentative bite and wait for his reaction as if he is about to tell you your future. 

“So? How is it?”

“It’s… it’s really… good. Really good.”

It’s obvious he is having a hard time admitting you did something right, but his face says it all. You just don’t understand why he looks kind of puzzled, but you think it’s just because he didn’t expect it to be this good. 

“I bet the croissants will be the bestsellers,” you chuckle as Harry takes bite after bite until it’s all gone. He devoured it so fast it’s incredible. You couldn’t help but focus on his pink lips while he ate and those tiny sounds he let slip… they surely planted some thoughts into your head, thoughts you shouldn’t be thinking of when it comes to Harry.

“Come on, I’ll show you the pictures.” It’s your attempt to clear your mind.

You walk out and grab the box that holds all the framed pictures you want to hang on the walls, of course, all of them feature Nana. 

“Okay, so I thought a few could go over here, and then on that wall as well, and these, I want them behind the counter…” You start explaining your vision, but when you turn around you see that he is staring at a photo in shock. “Harry? What’s wrong?”

You step closer and see that it’s the photo that was taken on your tenth birthday. You’re holding up one of the cupcakes Nana made just for you and she is standing behind you, with her hands on your shoulders. It’s a fond memory, one of your favorite birthdays you ever had. 

“Oh, is it the dungarees?” you ask, pointing at your outfit. “I wasn’t quite the fashion icon back then,” you chuckle.

“No, it’s– who’s this?” he asks, pointing at Nana. You give him a puzzled look, because it’s not rocket science to figure out who the woman in the picture is.

“That’s Nana, obviously.”

“But as in… your grandma?” He finally looks up at you and his face is frantic, as if he is solving a lifelong mystery. 

“Of course, Harry, what is goin–”

“Y/N, Nana was your grandma?”

“Yes!” you laugh in confusion. “Of course she was, that’s why I’m opening a bakery under her name with all her recipes she taught me!”

You can’t read the look on Harry’s face as he puts the photo back into the box and then starts walking around with his hands on his hips. 

“Why do you look like you just learned you were adopted or something?”

“Y/N, I didn’t… I didn’t know.”

“Didn’t know what?”

“That you’re… Nana’s granddaughter. I had no clue.” He runs a hand through his hair and you try your best not to stare at how his bicep flexes in the movement. 

“What? Harry, why else would I be opening a bakery, named Nana’s right here, out of every possible place on Earth?”

“I don’t know!” he admits, throwing his hands into the air. “That’s why I… Okay, this is why I hated the idea so much. Because I knew Nana, I loved her! She was like… my grandma too! And I thought you just chose this name for fun!”

“Are you kidding me?” you huff in disbelief.

“I felt like you were ruining her memory, that’s why I was so against this place. I had zero clue that you are actually… related to her.”

“Oh my God, Harry!” There’s nothing else you can do other than just… laughing. This whole situation feels oddly comical, like something that only happens in movies. 

“I know, I’m sorry!” He exhales sharply and you truly see the regret on his face. “I was such a dick.”

“Yes you were!” you laugh in agreement. 

“I’m so sorry, Y/N.”

“Well, now at least I know why you were my biggest hater all along.”

“Not anymore!” He holds up his hands and finally breaks a smile that looks so fucking handsome, it makes you forget about everything in a second. 

Turning to the side he stares out the window for a moment before looking back at you.

“The snowing has stopped, let’s wrap things up and go home, alright? Big day tomorrow.”

You both go back to work, Harry finishes quite fast with the pictures so then he helps you clean up in the kitchen and you notice how obviously different the vibes are now. There’s no trace of his usual hostile behavior, in fact he is so open as he asks you about Nana and how the idea of the bakery came. Then he tells you about her as well, how he has known him for so long and after the passing of his stepdad Nana helped him through the toughest time of his life. You’re surprised the two of you never met when you were visiting, but you believe in faith and it must be because it wasn’t the right time. 

It’s almost ten by the time you’re locking up while Harry is scraping the snow off his jeep. It’s rather eerie to see the town so empty, but it’s also pretty, the untouched snow covering every inch of the scenery. 

“Thanks for the help. And the drive home,” you say when he has parked in front of your house. 

“I’ll pick you up in the morning as well.”

“What? There’s no need, Harry–”

“Just accept the help,” he flashes you a crooked smile. “I have a lot to make up for.”

“What if I say you’re forgiven?”

“Then I’ll do it because I want to spend time with you.”

His answer comes so fast and honest, you can’t mask the surprise on your face as you stare at each other in the dark car.

“Um, alright then. See you in the morning.”

“Good night. Y/N.”

You fumble with the belt and then climb out of the car, still feeling kind of giddy from his words. He waits for you to get to the front door and you wave at him before walking in. Through the closed door you hear the engine roar and he drives away, leaving you with quite a lot to digest.

Never in a million years did you imagine the opening of Nana’s to be like this. The small bakery is full to the brim, there are people everywhere, you haven’t stopped thanking everyone for the love and support and your heart leaps in your chest every time you hear someone talk about your beloved grandma. All the pastries are selling well, but as expected, the croissants are the biggest hit. 

But it’s not just the opening that has you smiling ear to ear.

Harry did show up early in the morning and he’s been helping you out all day as if he was getting paid for his work. In the kitchen, at the counter or by the tables, he’s been a one person army and your hero. You couldn’t have done it without him. 

You have just a couple of seconds to breathe between two customers and you peek over the crowd, spotting him right away by the table his mom and her friends occupy. He just made them laugh and he’s basking in their attention as he rolls the sleeves of his shirt up, revealing his tattooed arms. 

Fuck, he looks so good, it’s criminal. 

Now that he is not an asshole to you anymore, it’s pretty hard not to notice everything you’ve been trying to ignore about him. His charming dimples, his bouncy curls, the way he throws his head back when he laughs, how his nose moves when he talks, they was his hips sway when he’s walking… there is not one inch on the man you can critique.

The situation would be a lot worse if it was one-sided, but it appears that Harry is just as keen on being around you, always touching your lower back when he walks behind you, or brushing your arm to get your attention. 

“I’m seriously writing you a paycheck when it’s over,” you tell him when he returns behind the counter grabbing some cinnamon rolls to bring to the ladies by the window.

“I thought that we were already over this, Y/N,” he smirks and you bite into your bottom lip as you turn back to the customer in front of you. 

It kind of goes by in a blur, there’s so much happening, you’re always on the move and before you could even process the events, the day is over and Nana’s is closing for the first time. After the constant crowd, it’s weird to see the place empty again, but seeing that everything has sold, it finally settles in your mind: you did it.

As you turn the sign on the door your eyes slide over to the picture on the right. It was taken in Nana’s kitchen, you were about six or seven, the two of you are photographed from behind as you stand on a stool, next to Nana at the counter while she is teaching you how to make bread. The memory still lives vividly in your mind even though it’s been over two decades.

“She would be so proud of you.”

Turning around you find Harry behind you with a soft smile on his lips, his eyes on the photo at first, then they move to you and your heart skips a beat.

“You think so?”

“I know so,” he chuckles.

“So, I was serious. I owe you a paycheck after today.”

He rolls his eyes before arching an eyebrow at you.

“And I was serious when I said I don’t want anything in return.”

“You’ve been here since six, Harry!” you huff out a laugh. “I would feel so bad if you just went home without anything.”

He stares at you for long moments and you start to think he’ll just let you suffer with your guilt, but then he speaks up.

“Go on a date with me then.”

You suck on your breath as your eyes lock with his.

“What?” you whisper.

“Go on a date with me, Y/N. Will you?”

“I-If you’re still trying to make up for–” you start, but he cuts you off.

“I’m not. I told you, I want to spend time with you.”

You blink at him once, twice, as if you’re waiting for him to say it was just a joke, but he stands his ground with a serious look.

“Are you gonna leave me hanging?” he smirks, snapping you out of your haze.

“Yes��I mean, yes to the date!” you shake your head, clearing up your answer.

“I was afraid you hated me too much to give me a chance,” he breathes out a shaky laugh.

“I never hated you, I was just confused. You were the one who hated me.”

“I couldn’t hate you, Y/N. And believe me, I tried.” You both laugh at his words. “I was frustrated, because I wanted to hate you and this place so badly, but still… I was drawn to you.”

“You were?” you ask, your voice barely more than just a whisper.

“You have no idea how much,” he admits with a soft smile, stepping closer to you. “When we were skating, I totally forgot about everything and just wanted to hold your hand and help you. It was like a slap across my face when mum brought the opening up and I remembered I was supposed to hate you,” he admits with a chuckle and e inches even closer. “I’m glad I don’t have to try to hate you anymore.”

“I’m glad too.”

He is right in front of you, his face only inches away from yours and you suck on your breath when he reaches up and takes your chin between his index finger and thumb, angling your head further up so your lips are now perfectly lined up with his.

His eyes move down to your mouth, then up to meet your gaze and even without words you know he is asking for your permission to kiss you. You push closer and he is quick to close the distance and press his lips against yours.

You’d be lying if you said you never imagined what it would be like to kiss Harry. Because you did, several times. But nothing compares to having him wrapped around you, his lips so soft yet rough against yours at the same time as he kisses you over and over again while you’re fisting the collar of his shirt so tight your fingers are turning white. 

Maybe you kiss for hours, or maybe it’s just minutes, you have no clue, but when he finally pulls back, resting his forehead against yours, you just know your life is about to turn upside down.

“Changed my mind,” he speaks up at last.

“Huh?”

“About the payment.”

His words sink in slowly and your eyebrows rise.

“Oh.” Harry laughs at your reaction.

“I want my payment in kisses,” he then says with the cheesiest smile you’ve ever seen on his handsome face.

“That could be arranged,” you breathe out when you finally get what he was talking about and grabbing the back of his neck you pull him in for another one. 

And another one.

And some more.

And just like that Nana somehow brought another wonderful thing into your life, even though she is not here anymore.

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed and buy me a coffee if you want to support me!

[gguk-n]

Chapter 5- The Finish Line

Arranged For Love (Carlos Sainz Jr x Reader)

Series Masterlist

Summary- And they lived Happily Ever After

No face claim. All the pictures are from Pinterest

Warning- Mention of death

Carlos and his family flew in for the funeral. He saw his wife, a shell of a person she was. She couldn't stop crying and barely ate anything. "Y/N, you have to eat. Grandma wouldn't be happy if you do this" Carlos reasoned. "If she's that unhappy, tell her to come and feed me herself" Y/N stated. Carlos hugged her, rubbing her back. "Everything will be okay. She's in a better place" Carlos whispered. "I just wish that better place was still with us" Y/N cried. The families stayed for a couple days, wishing their final good byes to Anika.

Once the burial was done and everyone had settled back home, "You should move in with me" Carlos said as he was getting ready to leave. "A change of scenery would do you well." Carlos explained. "I'll probably be going back to college. The restrictions are easing up and classes for the next semester will be on campus" Y/N said. "Until then you can come to the races with me" Carlos smiled. Y/N nodded. "I'll see you at your home race then" she said.

2021

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by carlossainz55, avathetraveller and 268 others

y/n.y/l/n Home Race!!!🍾🎉

carlossainz55 you should come to all the races now❤️ landonorris it was so nice meeting the woman he wouldn't stop talking about🤔 charles_leclerc landonorris I agree🤌 avathetraveller the date vibes are emmaculate👌👌 user3 who is this and why is she posting Carlos?🙄🙄

2022

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by carlossainz55, charles_leclerc and 1,890 others

y/n.y/l/n Finally done with college until I decide to get another degree😏

carlossainz55 so proud of you, hermosa😘😘 landonorris congratulations❤️ scuderiaferrari we might have an opening if you're looking for a job🫣 y/n.y/l/n scuderiaferrari yes please🥹 charles_leclerc congratulations❤️ user4 the last picture...I have many questions😅😅

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by carlossainz55, 6,347 others

y/n.y/l/n Life for the past few months🤭🤭

carlossainz55 best birthday yet❤️😏 Liked by Author maxverstappen1 you're worse than I am at golf and that's saying something🫣 y/n.y/l/n maxverstappen1 Shut up! I will not take this slander. I started like a few weeks ago, unlike somebody😤😤 user5 I think she's dating Carlos, what a life?!🥺🥺 user6 I wish I was her, dating Carlos and travelling the world😭😭 user7 Carlos cooking will be the death of me🤤🤤

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by carlossainz55, avathetraveller and 10,378 others

y/n.y/l/n From only being able to FaceTime you to being able to kiss you whenever I want, we've come a long way😭😭

carlossainz55 yes we have. Also the last picture is a lie, I'll have everyone know😤 y/n.y/l/n carlossainz55 please, you parents follow me😭 carlossainz55 to my parents, you might be grandparents soon😏 y/n.y/l/n carlossainz55 OMG!! I hate you😣😣 carlossainz55 y/n.y/l/n no you don't😉😏 user8 OK, TMI GUYS TMI🙄🙄 user9 we might have Carlos jr jr, IDK how I feel about that🫣🫣 user10 she's so cute, kinda hard to hate on her😤😪 user11 LDR to moving in, I'm so happy for them😭 user12 Carlos is a menace😂😂

2023

After moving in together, the two of them were enjoying spending more time together. They were cuddling in bed when Carlos realised that he really loved her and he couldn't imagine his life without her. He did like her when they got married but he felt like she deserved everything since she made him so happy and content.

That's when Carlos put his plan into action. He never got the chance to propose to her so he decided to plan a trip and flew them out to the French country side. He had everything planned. They drove up to the location which he had disappeared off to decorate a few hours back. Y/N had no clue that Carlos was planning something like this. Her jaw was on the floor when she saw the set up; she had tears in her eyes. "For me?" she asked. "Only for you" Carlos said. As the two sat together watching the beautiful scenery, "Y/N, I've known you only for a few years but you've made my life so much better. I can't imagine my life without you. Every day I thank your grandmother for bringing us together." Carlos said. "I love you Carlos, you make me so happy" Y/N smiled back, holding in tears. "I love you so much that's why, even though we are married" Carlos laughed pulling out a ring, Y/N's eyes widened, she saw Carlos get on one knee, "Will you marry me? Again" Carlos asked. "yes, yes, a thousand times yes. I'd marry you a thousand no a million times" she shouted hugging him.

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by avathetraveller, carlossainz55, carlosainzoficial and 198,270 others

y/n.y/l/n He proposed🥹🥹

carlossainz55 I want to spend the rest of eternity with you❤️ carlossainzoficial the cutest couple landonorris about time😌 charles_leclerc congratulations!!🎉 scuderiaferrari we are so happy for the couple❤️ fernandoalonso congratulations you both! user13 OMG!! Carlos is engaged!!!🥲🥲 user14 The proposal is straight out of Pinterest😭😭 user15 I'm kinda excited to see their wedding pictures now😭 user16 did Carlos plan the proposal out on his own?? he's so romantic🥲

2024

Carlos and Y/N decided to renew their vows on their 4th anniversary. The other's had no clue that this was a vow renewal and thought that the pair were finally getting married after dating for 4 years.

Ava planned a crazy bachelorette for Y/N with all their friends from school and university.

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by avathetraveller, carlossainz55 and 345,287 others

y/n.y/l/n I think I drank my weight in alcohol last night👌👌

avatraveller best bachelorette ever🤤🤤 jessiejames Can't believe you're getting married🤧🤧 alexandrasaintmleux prettiest bride to be ever!!🥵🥵 user17 I'm laughing🤣🤣🤣 user18 I want to be friends with her, they look like a lot of fun🥹🥹 user19 the theme of the party is killing me😂😂 user20 she has the best friends🥹🥹

Everyone had gathered for the wedding. All the drivers, both their families and friends were invited. Everyone who wasn't at their first wedding didn't know that this was a second one. Y/N still wore the necklace her grandmother gave her on her wedding day.

As Carlos waited for Y/N to walk down the aisle with her dad, Ivan had tears in his eyes as he walked his daughter down the aisle for the second time but this time without his mother. Y/N reassured her dad. He placed Y/N's hand in Carlos's.

The pair faced each other and the officiant began. It was Carlos's turn to say his vows; "I've known you for 4 years. I'm the luckiest man alive to have met someone who understands me so well and supports me. I'm so happy that your grandma played cupid. I promise to keep you happy forever. I knew I would be getting married but I didn't think I'd be lucky enough to marry the love of my life twice" Carlos finished. An audible gasp was heard from the crowd. "I would marry you a billion times. Carlos Sainz, you make me so happy and I'm also happy my grandma was a nosy woman. Being with you makes even the gloomy days sunny. You are the only man I want to spend the rest of eternity with" Y/N said. The officiant began, "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two beautiful souls. Do you, Carlos Sainz Junior, take Y/N Y/L/N to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?" Carlos responded, "I do." "Do you, Y/N Y/L/N , take Carlos Sainz Junior to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?" he asked Y/N. She responded, "I do." "By the power vested in me by the state and the Church, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." the officiant said. Carlos leaned in and captured Y/N's lips in a kiss.

The wedding was buzzing with the new information Carlos had just released. Everyone was busy asking them when they got married, they had power point presentation from their previous wedding playing. Everyone was very annoyed at them for hiding it. "In our defence you guys never asked" Carlos said. "What do you mean never asked? You announce stuff like this" Lando whined. "Sorry Lan, at least you got to be in this one" Y/N cooed. "I'm not a child. I hate you both" Lando groaned. "Maybe he's tired." Y/N told Carlos while looking at him. "Get some rest" Y/N told Lando, patting his back.

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by carlossainz55, avathetraveller and 2,367,049 others

y/n.y/l/n Did we get married or renew our vows? The world will never know👀👀

landonorris still can't believe I was lied too🤧🤧 lewishamilton Congratulations!!❤️ charles_leclerc I'm still shocked😔 alexandrasaintmleux It's okay you lied, at least you're pretty🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ Liked by Author danielriccardo top 10 f1 betrayals🙃 fernandoalonso congratulations to the couple😊 user21 OMG!! WHAT??!!😳😳 user22 Carlos was always married? For how long?😮😮 user23 IDK if I should laugh or cry😧😧 user24 My whole world turned upside down🫨🫨

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by carlossainz55 and 567,390 others

y/n.y/l/n Happy to announce carlossainz55 put a baby in me😏👌

carlossainz55 I take full responsibility🤤😏 carlossainzoficial Congratulations!! Can't wait to be a grandpa landonorris already making a McLaren jumpsuit for the baby😌 charles_leclerc so happy the jumpsuit made it into the announcement☺️ alexandrasaintmleux the prettiest pregnant lady I know😍😍 avathetraveller I'm ugly crying!!😭😭 y/n.y/l/n avathetraveller don't. I'll cry too😭 scuderiaferrari new driver🤔 y/n.y/l/n scuderiaferrari he would be if his dad was still driving for the team🤯 user25 okay Y/N popped off on Ferrari, also boy dad Carlos🤔 maxverstappen1 redbull jumpsuit on the way y/n.y/l/n maxverstappen1 I mean 🙂‍↕️😏 fernandoalonso I feel so happy y/n.y/l/n fernandoalonso I believe you'll be on the grid by the time our child gets there☺️☺️ user26 we're getting a mini Carlos or Y/N. Can't wait!!🥹 user27 This is such a happy news after the train wreck in the past few weeks😭 user28 I'm happy Carlos has something happy to look forward too😭😭 user29 did Y/N just reveal the gender? (Its a boy, I think) Don't tell her🤫🤫

y/n.y/l/n

Liked by carlossainz55, avathetraveller and 1,268,290 others

y/n.y/l/n Stress is bad for the baby but this man made me go throw a hurricane of emotions in the last 2 weeks. Still so proud of you baby

carlossainz55 couldn't have done it without you😍❤️ y/n.y/l/n carlossainz55 you gave me the motivation and our baby❤️❤️ avathetraveller congratulations Carlos user30 he's gonna be the best dad!!😭 user31 Congratulations Carlos, only man to break RedBull's streak😭🥹 user32 If I was Y/N I would've gone mad by now🤧 user33 He looks so happy in the second picture🥹🥹

2025

carlossainz55

Liked by y/n.y/l/n, williamsracing and 1,280,290 others

carlossainz55 To the best few years of my life!! Can't wait for many more🥂

y/n.y/l/n Can't wait to have more of your babies if they look this cute😏😏 carlossainz55 y/n.y/l/n I hope you're ready😏 landonorris I was gonna say something nice but no, you guys are nasty🤢🤮 y/n.y/l/n landonorris shut up🤬 alex_albon Lily might kidnap your kid the next time he comes😔😣 y/n.y/l/n alex_albon can she kidnap me too??😖😖 carlossainz55 y/n.y/l/n what do you mean by that??😤 user34 they are so chaotic, I love it🤣🤣 user35 Congratulations dad Carlos❤️❤️ user36 Can't believe they didn't name him Carlos the third🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ user37 user36 I think I would kill my baby daddy if he did something like that🤦‍♀️😟 user38 cutest family on the grid❤️ user39 I already know the kid probably has his own kart😳 user40 a couple more years and he'll be a karting champion😭😭

Taglist- @herexpertcollector @redrevvedup @chaostudee @larastark3107 @jovialpainterunknown @vip-access @sugarvibez @champomiel @inarabee @virazeeee @seonghwaexile @champ15ns @ajthefujoshi @musicheaux @npcmia @marvel-ous-miss-maisie @mochipatch @gleeblegnarp @formula1-motogpfan @taliya8346282844eliviahdgdajs @dying-inside-but-its-classy @iamfreeeeeeeeeeeesblog @boiolay @pausmoon @ts1mp0ne

Thank you to everyone who read this!!

[prettygirl-gabi]

Chapter 36: Homeward Bound

Pairing: Paige Bueckers x !photographer fem reader

Fandom: UConn Huskies Women’s Basketball

Summary: Overwhelmed by life, an unexpected trip home—planned by Paige—brings comfort, clarity, and the warmth of true love.

Welcome to the chapter 36 of Through The Lens. I hope you all enjoy and there is more to come...stay tuned my loveies!! 🏀💕📸

Reader’s POV

Having a few days off should’ve felt like a blessing.

Instead, it felt like a weight.

Between schoolwork piling up, backlogged edits for the team’s social account, and my grandma not answering my calls as often, I’d been walking around in a fog.

My brain refused to stay in one place—constantly ricocheting between upcoming deadlines, what filters to use for a video I was halfway through editing, and the gnawing ache in my chest every time I thought about home.

Paige noticed.

Of course, she did.

She noticed when I picked at my eggs and toast two mornings in a row. When I zoned out mid-conversation. When I kept my AirPods in but wasn’t actually listening to anything. She noticed when my sighs were a little too heavy, and my responses a little too short.

And Paige?

She doesn’t do nothing when she notices something’s wrong.

It started with KK poking her head into Paige’s dorm room after being let in my Jana, “You pack yet?”

I looked up from my laptop, brow furrowed. “Packed for what?”

She shrugged with fake innocence. “For the flight.”

I blinked. “What flight?”

That’s when Paige walked in, holding a perfectly packed duffle bag—my duffle bag.

“Your flight to Georgia,” she said, way too casual, like this wasn’t the most unexpected thing I’d heard all week.

I just stared. “…Huh? Wait when did you get my keys to my dorm?”

She walked over, setting the bag down beside me with that soft little smirk she only ever uses when she’s trying to fix me.

“I grabbed them when you were braiding Jana’s hair. Plus, I know you’ve been worried about your grandma. All while dealing with school and filming basketball. So… you’re going home.”

My throat tightened. “But—”

“Don’t worry about me,” she said quickly, clearly anticipating my protest. “I’ve got a ton of NIL stuff this weekend anyway. You being home will actually help me focus.”

I opened my mouth, then closed it, then opened it again, completely caught off guard.

“But—”

“That’s why I’m going with you,” KK cut in, tossing her backpack onto the couch like this had always been the plan.

I turned toward her. “Wait, what?”

Paige nodded. “She’s your official travel buddy. I didn’t want you flying solo.”

KK grinned. “Could be worse, right?”

I blinked again. “When did y’all even plan this?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Paige said, grinning.

My heart was doing somersaults, and I didn’t know if it was from the nerves or the fact that I was so overwhelmingly grateful I didn’t know what to do with it.

“I can’t believe you did this.”

Paige leaned down, brushing her thumb along my jaw with that look she saves just for me. “Believe it.”

I didn’t say anything. I just stood and threw my arms around her.

She hugged me back instantly, arms warm and familiar and safe.

KK, of course, couldn’t let the moment pass.

“Damn. Y’all about to whisper sweet nothings or should I step outside?”

“Shut up, KK.”

The next morning, Paige insisted on driving us to the airport, her hand resting on my thigh the entire ride like she needed to keep me grounded.

At the curb, she helped unload our bags and handed me a little travel bag filled with snacks, gum, and a mini Polaroid picture of the two of us.

It was from the last home game—me with the camera, her with the win, both of us laughing.

“Text me when you land,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“I will,” I whispered, heart thudding. “Thank you.”

She leaned in for a kiss—brief but lingering—on my lips, pulling away slowly like she wasn’t quite ready to let go. Then she turned to KK with a pointed look and a raised brow. “You have one job. Protect her peace.”

KK mock-saluted, already falling into the role. “On it, cap’n. Scout’s honor.”

Inside, we barely made it through pre-flight check-in before a group of girls—teenagers, maybe high schoolers—recognized us.

One nudged her friend so hard it nearly knocked her over, eyes wide with recognition.

“That’s them,” she whispered loudly. “From TikTok and UConn. That’s KK… and Paige’s photographer girlfriend!”

I blinked, mid-yawn.

“Y’all mind if we get a quick pic?” another girl asked shyly, clutching her phone like it was a backstage pass. “You guys are like… actual soft sister goals. My little sister watches all your edits.”

KK grinned, already throwing an arm around me. “Come on, y’all. Let’s make it quick before TSA thinks we’re hosting a meet and greet.”

Two of the girls were clearly younger—maybe ten or eleven—and wore matching braids and sparkly backpacks.

One of them looked up at me and whispered, “I wanna be a photographer like you one day. I follow the WBB page and your videos are so cool.”

I felt my heart melt right there.

“Aww,” I said, crouching down to their height for the photo. “You should! The world always needs more girl creators.”

We snapped a few selfies, signed a couple of phone cases and one beat-up Polaroid camera, then waved goodbye as they squealed and practically skipped off toward security.

As KK and I made our way to our gate, she elbowed me lightly. “Look at you. Inspiring the next generation.”

I chuckled. “You’re just mad none of them asked for your autograph first.”

“They did eventually,” KK huffed. “Don’t play me.”

Once we boarded, I slid into the window seat and immediately pulled out my laptop. I had a film assignment due by midnight, plus an edit for the WBB account I needed to queue for the weekend—something light, a ‘best of practice mic’d up moments’ reel.

To my surprise, I found my groove fast.

The white noise of the plane, paired with KK’s occasional commentary on the safety demonstration, made the perfect background.

By the time we hit cruising altitude, I had finalized my assignment and was syncing clips for the Huskies post.

Midway through the flight-thanks to airplane Wi-Fi, I checked my phone and saw we were already tagged in a couple posts—a TikTok from one of the girls and a carousel of photos captioned “Met the coolest duo before our trip!! Thanks KK & Y/N!!”

I smiled, heart warm. I reposted it to my story with the caption: Our lil airport crew. Thanks for the love! and dropped a purple heart emoji for good measure.

KK leaned over and peeked at my phone. “Oh, you’re famous-famous now. Paige better watch her back.”

“She’s got nothing to worry about,” I said with a soft laugh, before looking out the window, heart full from the most unexpected start to this trip.

By the time the plane touched down in Atlanta, I had submitted my project and uploaded a new highlight reel captioned: The Huskies got that dog in them.

KK approved.

KK and I landed in Atlanta just as the sun dipped behind the skyline, bathing the airport in soft, orange light.

The moment we stepped off the plane, that familiar Southern warmth wrapped around us—humid, sticky, but oddly comforting.

It smelled like honeysuckle and jet fuel.

Home.

As we walked toward baggage claim, I spotted her—my mom, standing there in her usual outfit: jeans, a patterned blouse, and her church sandals, like she’d come straight from choir rehearsal.

Her arms were already open.

I didn’t even hesitate. I dropped my duffle and ran right into her hug, burying my face into her shoulder as if I hadn’t needed that hug for weeks.

“Oh baby,” she breathed, holding me so tight I thought she might never let go.

When she pulled back, her eyes went straight to my hand. Her brows raised.

“Oh. Is that what I think it is?”

I knew exactly where she was going. I sighed, already rolling my eyes.

“Ma, don’t—”

She grinned, reaching for my hand. “A promise ring, huh? Paige really got you wrapped around her little basketball finger.”

KK snorted behind me. “She’s down bad, ma’am.”

I turned around to glare at her. “Why are you talking?”

Mom cackled and opened her arms to KK, pulling her in like she was one of her own. “It’s good to see you, baby.”

“You too,” KK said, grinning. “Thanks for letting me crash the family reunion.”

“As long as you eat what I cook, you’re always welcome.”

Honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The next morning, we walked to my grandma’s house—just next door to my childhood home.

She insisted on keeping her independence, but living next door meant we could check on her without her feeling like we were hovering.

She was already outside, sitting on her wraparound porch, her Bible open on her lap and a blanket draped over her legs. Sunlight filtered through the old trees above, dappling her rocking chair and giving her that soft glow that only grandmas seem to have.

When she spotted me, her whole face lit up.

“Well, look who finally decided to visit.”

I practically leapt up the steps and into her arms. “I missed you, Grandma.”

She hugged me back with all her strength. “Missed you too, baby girl.”

We sat together for a while—just catching up, laughing about nothing, talking about the weather like it was breaking news.

She waved off my questions about her health, but I noticed the small tremor in her hand, the little pause before she stood.

It wasn’t urgent. But it was enough.

Enough to make me grateful Paige pushed me to come home.

KK gave us space, posted up on the couch inside with whatever rerun of Living Single was on, but eventually wandered out with her phone in hand.

“Yo,” she called, stepping out onto the porch. “Paige wants to FaceTime.”

I raised a brow. “Already?”

KK grinned. “She’s down bad, bro.”

I sighed like I wasn’t already reaching for the phone. “Gimme that.”

The moment Paige’s face popped up, I felt my whole chest warm.

“Hey, babe,” she said, her voice low and soft. “You doing okay?”

“Yeah,” I said, smiling. “Just catching up with Grandma.”

“She hanging in there?”

Before I could answer, Grandma cut in with a smirk.

“She’s fine. Wearing that ring like it’s a badge of honor, though.”

Paige laughed. “As she should.”

KK chimed in. “She’s been showing it off to everybody, even the cashier at Waffle House.”

I groaned. “Y’all are so dramatic.”

“You love it,” Paige teased.

And… yeah. I did.

After leaving Grandma’s house, my mom decided we needed to make a grocery run before dinner.

Which somehow turned into me and KK pushing a half-broken cart through the store while she added random snacks I hadn’t eaten since high school.

“Why do we need three different types of Oreos?” I asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

“In case of emergencies,” she said seriously.

My mom walked ahead of us, flipping through her list on her phone, while KK and I bickered in the snack aisle.

As I turned into the next aisle to grab elbow macaroni, my phone buzzed. Paige.

I picked up immediately, holding it up for a quick view of the cereal section.

“You miss me that bad?” I teased.

Paige’s face popped onto the screen, looking too pretty for someone doing brand work. “Just wanted to see your face. What aisle are you in?”

“Pasta. KK’s being a menace.”

“I’m boosting morale,” KK called.

My mom peeked over my shoulder. “Is that Paige? Hi, baby!”

“Hi, Ma,” Paige said, smiling. “Y’all cooking tonight?”

“Mac and cheese. Real mac and cheese,” she added, giving me a pointed look.

“Don’t start, Ma,” I groaned.

Paige smirked. “Bet KK’s gonna fight you for the first spoon.”

I narrowed my eyes. “She better not.”

Spoiler: she absolutely did.

Later that evening, the smell of baked mac and cheese hit us like a wave the second we stepped into Grandma’s kitchen. Golden crust, bubbling cheese, crispy edges—heaven.

“Back away from the oven,” I warned KK as we hovered nearby.

“I just wanna look, jeez.”

The second Mom pulled it out and set it on the counter, we both lunged.

“Back up,” she said, holding the spoon like a sword. “Y’all can’t both be first.”

So naturally, we settled it the only way mature young adults do.

“Rock, paper, scissors,” I said, cracking my knuckles.

“Best two out of three,” KK shot back.

We squared up. Tension thick. Stakes high.

I threw rock.

She threw paper.

Twice.

“NOOOO,” I groaned, collapsing in defeat as she gleefully dipped into the gooey center.

“One bite!” she crowed, dancing around the kitchen. “That’s all I needed!”

Dinner was loud and warm, just like the best ones always are. We ate on Grandma’s porch under the glow of the porch light, bowls full, laughter louder.

She leaned back, content. “This right here? This is everything.”

And I couldn’t have agreed more.

The next morning, I brought my personal camera with me, determined to document the little moments with Grandma.

She was in good spirits, so we spent the whole morning talking on the porch before wandering out to the fields behind the house.

I took pictures of the old oak tree, of her hands resting gently in her lap, of the way the sun hit her skin just right.

Shortly after I saw the flowers she and I planted the last time I was here-home and I decided to take pictures in and of the fields.

Knowing they would be a distant memory one day.

KK’s POV

Granny was already on the porch when I got there, wrapped in her favorite quilt with two mugs on the table beside her like she knew I was coming. She didn’t even look up when she said, “Come sit.”

I shuffled into the rocking chair next to her and took the mug without asking what was in it. Didn’t matter. If Granny made it, it was good.

“Mornin’, Granny,” I said, stifling a yawn.

“Mornin’, baby,” she said, warm as ever. “Now, y’all can’t be wrestling over mac and cheese like that no more.”

I chuckled, leaning back. “She started it.”

Granny smiled, shaking her head, but there was something quieter behind it.

A knowing softness.

We rocked for a moment in silence before she spoke again.

“She’s been lighter lately,” she said, not looking at me.

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“That girl loves hard,” she continued. “But she holds a lot in. You keep her grounded, KK.”

I blinked, a little taken aback. “Me?”

“She talks about you like the little sister she never got to have. You keep her laughing. You keep her steady. Don’t let the spotlight swallow her, you hear?”

I swallowed, throat tightening. “Yes, ma’am,”

Granny finally turned toward me, her eyes sharp and warm all at once. “And don’t let nobody dim your light either, Ms. Girlypop—or however you say it.”

I huffed a small laugh. “Yes, Granny.”

She reached over and patted my knee. “Y’all are good for each other. All kinds of love in the world—don’t gotta be romantic to be real.”

I didn’t say anything else. Just sat there, rocking gently, holding onto the warmth of her words like they were gold.

Y/N’s POV

I came back to the porch and found KK and Grandma mid-laugh.

I lifted my camera and took a quick shot of them before sitting between them on the swing.

My favorite two girlies.

KK threw an arm around me. “Group pic.”

I set the timer, on kk’s phone and it balanced on the porch rail.

With a rock behind it of course.

Later that day, KK posted the photo on Instagram.

my home away from home. 🏠💜

And somehow, those few words said everything I’d been feeling but hadn’t yet found the space to say.

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

                 -Thank You For Reading!💚💙

                             -prettygirl-gabi✨️💗

🏷️: @paigeshirleytemple , @cowboybueckers , @unknowgirlypop , @yailtsv , @nicebellee , @sitawita , @thatonesuschix , @vamptizm , @elalfywhore , @starfulani , @authentic-girl03 , @paxaz535 , @azziswrld , @jadasogay , @paigeluvvr , @melpthatsme , @lessi-lover , @courtsidewithlani , @imnotkaizer , @italyyy , @lightsgore , @private-but-not-a-secret , @aubreygriffin , @issilovesherself , @graceeeeeesblog , @sayurireidotcom , @iwasbored-okay .... (more to be added)

[ghostieyanyan]

~Yandere Regrets~

Yan!Ruggie x mc

Yan!Silver x mc

Yan!Cater x mc

Yan!Vil x mc

i thought of this a while ago so hehe.. what does a yandere regret? where's the line for yanderes? hurting their darling? punishment? threats??

Warnings: death, hinted of child birth (its still gender neutral but if you feel uncomfortable with it, you can just say its yandere delusions ^^), sleep spell, manipulation, self-loathing, death threats, hate mail(?), mind break, kinda creeping

~~~~~

Ruggie

you were supposed to be fine.. this wasn't how it suppose to be... you and him were supposed to grow old and die together. but no. Life always had to spit in his face.

He was stupid.. you were so different from him and he didn't even think about what your body was strong or weak against. the cold in the slums was easy for him to handle, duh, he grew up there... but you were different...

he should have given you vaccines or something to protect you from the slums sicknesses. he should have slowly eased you into the slums with his family... to build up your immune system.

he couldn't get mad at anyone... only himself..

Ruggie wanted you to be part of his life so badly, he took you to the slums in the dead of night and never looked bad at NRC.

Crowley found the way to your world and you just had a week to say your goodbyes... he didn't want you to leave! he didn't want to say goodbye!

the timing was awful... if it was around the end of the year, he could have graduated and then he'll get a good job to support his family, you, and the family he'd like to make with you..

but he was impassion and scared he'll lose you forever.. and he ultimately lost you in the most cruelest ways.

in the slums, everyone knows that you have to be very careful to not get sick. cuts are even worst. sickness means you need medicine, medicine cost money, which they don't have...

it was supposed to just be a common cold...

it was winter time, the snow was starting to fall and covered the slums in a thin layer of snow. it'll likely go away in the morning but it was still cold out. even in sunset savanna.

Most of the kids stayed inside because of the cold. some, who can handle the cold, were playing outside.

Ruggie was with his grandma making you soup. you had a pretty nasty cough and they insisted on something warm in you system would help.

how did his grandma take him bringing you home..? he promised her some great grandkids and she was down for it.. and to say she scared you more than ruggie's threats on if you were to ran away was an understatement. she was living proof on how scary female hyenas could be..

you were supposed to be fine.. the soup was supposed to make you feel better.. he always got better after the soup. but you were different, unique, one of a kind... that's why he fell in love with you..

he knew you didn't love him. he wasn't a good man. he took you away from your home, not just from the mirror, but NRC. he knew you loved being a part of NRC. helping out, even when Crowley forced you, you still enjoyed it...

he thought you could learn to love him and you two would work hard to provide for your family in the slums... and one day work hard enough to better the slums, or everyone.

instead... you died that winter.. because of that stupid cough. and he's now alone... the one thing he didn't want...

he had to say goodbye..

~~~~~

Silver

When silver was a kid, his father would tell him all the stories he knows, which were a lot. his favorites, as a kid, were the stories where the prince or knight characters protects their home and loved ones.

he told his father that when he grows up, he wants to be strong enough to protect everyone he loves. his father told him at he should train and eat a lot to grow strong and maybe he'll find his "royal stuck in their tower~" or "royal stuck in a death like sleep~"

Silver felt that his father always had his head in the clouds for these, "cheesy" scenarios. he personal didn't mind it though. he, himself, didn't know if he'll find his other half but he's not the type that will roll around in his sleep about it...

he thought..

when silver first heard about you, it came from the news of "a newcomer with no magic and a wild monster came to the school ceremony and caused mayhem." but how Lilia described it was "an excited turn of events." silver didn't mind it too much.

he only hear more about you when malleus was telling him, sebek, and Lilia about the child of man staying in the abandoned dorm and how you invited him to this event, not knowing who he is. with how malleus spoke so highly of you, made him curious of this perfect.

he also over heard how you always finding yourself into a bunch of overblot situations. he hasn't even met you and you already sound amazing. kinda like the princes or knights of those old stories...

to say he was charmed by the mysteriousness of you was an understatement. he wanted to go out and just meet you to understand you better but he was always busy. school, clubs, protect malleus, naps, theres a lot on his plate but what can you do.

when he finally met you, from school events or school trips, each time you were with him it felt so warm and comforting. you were so calm and gentle with him, not like he need that but it was a nice feeling. whenever he fell asleep, he'll either wake up to you stering him or with his head resting in your lap. he never want this feeling to end. Silver wants to keep waking up besides you, for the rest of his life.

when he told Lilia about it, how he should confess to you and all. Lilia told him that he over heard you and your first year friends talking about making a break through about you going home, so this confess better be big...

he grew silent, which is normal for him but this was a different silent and lilia could tell..

"how about you show them how much you love them? that your love has no bounds. from twisted wonderland to other realms out there~"

even with lilia cheesy rometic preaching, he had a point. but how..? he wants to show you that you were important to him and that he'll protect you. he'll be your prince to... wake you...

silver stopped by your dorm late, you were just about to go to bed but he asked for time and how it was really important. you agreed and you both decided to talk outside. he started to tell you about his childhood and his love your fairy tale stories his father use to tell him. he told you how he loved you and wanted to show you that both of you were meant to be. he held your hand and pulled out a needle from his pocket.

you started to get scared and tried to pull away but it was untimely useless. silver just over powered you so easily. with one prike from the needle, you stared to feel dizzy and felt like your head ached. you fell into silver's chest which is arms snaked around you.

"it'll be okay.. ill wake you up.. and you'll understand that we were meant to be~"

he picked you up and gave you a sweet soft kiss on your lips.

he waited... and waited... and gave you a kiss again... and waited..

you didnt open your eyes.

~~~~~

Cater

Cater hated being with his family... his dad wasn't there when he needed him, his sisters treated him like an object or play thing, and his mom enables his sisters... if his friends invites him to any family related events, he'll take it in a heartbeat just to be away from his family. he'd rather die than admit that his sisters didn't have an influence on his behavior as a kid and even now that he's older.

when he first saw you, he thought you were the cutest thing in all of twisted wonderland. Cute little perfect, lost in an unknown world and at the mercy of everyone here. like a little animal that lost their way and that doesn't know better, but he'll help this cute lost animal.

it definitely helped his case, with how much ace and deuce brings you around. plus they often leave you to your lonesome because they cause some trouble and drag grim along too. what his luck~

At first he didn't mind sharing you with Trey, you all often spent time together watching trey bake and talking about any drama or rumors from school, trey didn't really mind the drama but he enjoyed the company.

the more Cater spent time with you, the more he fell for you. and when you come to him for anything, his heart skips a beat. you're just too precious in his eyes.

You both made it a thing that he'll come to you to online shop, mainly browsing because you couldn't effort anything. but every time you pointed something you liked, he always had something to say about it.

"i don't know about that... i think this one will match you better~! you'll look so cute in it~"

you didn't really mind, it wasn't like you took it personal... you shouldn't.. right?

sometimes Cater will stop by the Ramshackle dorm and bring you a "goodie bag." it was either the stuff he said you would look good in or some other cute stuff. pins, hair clips, hair ties, accessories, plushies, etc. some of the things weren't in your wheel house of interests but telling Cater you didn't like them when he looks so happy didn't feel right...

so you just allowed him to do whatever he liked.. it wasn't hurting anyone right..?

it wasn't-... it didn't hurt anymore. his teases that felt like hard jabs into your looks and insecurities, didn't hurt as badly anymore. without you realizing it, Cater was the one to dress you up and tell you what to do, eat, and how to think. you thought about it, why didn't you say anything..? well.. cater will be upset. every time you tell him you had a problem with how he treats you, he gets really sad and you just didn't like it one bit... it was too much to keep fighting it.. you were tired... you were drained..

cater and his "helpful inputs" just made you feel insecure of yourself. maybe you really need cater's help. you don't want to be a sore thumb to the people you care for, right?

"hey, what do you think about this? pref-?"

cater looked at you and he froze... he knows that look in your eyes. the pain.. the hurt.. the empty look.. the helplessness..

he's being the monster of his sisters.. to you...

~~~~~

Vil

Vil is a highly respected figure in twisted wonderland. his looks and his voice, his mere presences is a blessing for some people (his fans-). he has to be perfect, he only expects himself to be perfect. with the people around him, he tries his best to not being so strict about them being perfect but as long as they work for that goal, he cant complain too much.

when he met you, he cant say much or you might get crunched under all his critiques. but he admires how hard working you are, whether you like to be or not. to say vil enjoyed your clumsy potato charm was an understatement. the more he watched you, the more he was charmed~

he tired not to be too harsh on you, you are doing your best with the hand you have been delt, but still do you always have to slouch like that?

Whenever you see Vil, he always gives you "advice" whether if they are convention advice, with vil statures and position, you couldn't really say no...

without you realizing it, you find vil appearing more into your life. when you pass your classes, when your getting any paper work for Crowley, even when you are heading back to your dorm..! Vil requested Rook to get your weekly scheule...

at this rate, you'll see vil more than your friends, the only time you see your friends were in class and lunch.

you confronted vil, asking him if something was wrong.

oh boy~ he loves how you could stand up to him~

likely for him, being a great actor comes into his favor when he has to convince you that he's not creeping on you.

"i just like to check up on you. even if your aren't part of the main dorms. i cant let you make a joke out of NRC just because you are magicless"

he lend into you, reaching his hands to your face-!!

"your uniform is also messed up, potato. do i have to do everything for you!"

"o-oh..."

he starts to fix up your uniform and takes his leave. leaving you to process what happened..?

meanwhile someone with a certain hat took a picture and shared it on magicam. news broke out and rumors like "Vil isn't single anymore?!?!" and "who is this mysterious person?!" broke out like wild fire. you only hear about it from Cater who was upset that you didn't say you were in a relationship, much less, to vil!

but with rumors and a big following of vil's fans, comes lots of hate. you don't even have Magicam but you hear all the hate from your friends, classmates, and even classmates that weren't in your class or grade!! they were all getting concerned..

you're address got leaked and you were sent hate mail and death threats everyday! one person even sent pictures of you when you were out on a school event. it wasn't safe for you anymore. this took such a mental tole on you that Crowley had to asked a favor from Ambrose LXIII and have you transfer to RSA...

you didn't want to leave.. but you didn't have a chose anymore..

~

the picture was suppose to lead you to him... you were suppose to run to him, crying in his arms to protect you. Vil was suppose to be your knight in shining armor...

~~~~~

[writingroom21]

Sweet Escape

Pairing: Rafe x single mom reader

Summary: Moving to Kildare with your best friend and daughter was the perfect move. The little island is perfect, the people are nice, and you are finally at peace. Then Rafe comes in with his perfect smile and charm, sweeping you off your feet. The only issue is if you are ready to let someone else in.

Warnings: None

Wc: 5.1K

series masterlist

Chapter 1: You again

The breeze blows your hair, obscuring your vision from the boxes in the back of the moving van. The weather was nice here in the outer banks, different to what it felt like in New york. Moving here right when Spring is in bloom was the best decision. Back home it’s still cold, barely even warming up. But here it’s so beautiful. The waves from the water behind the house hit the dock, the lapping sound making its way to the front.

“Grandma is having a blast with Vi right now. I know she’s glad to have a baby in the house again.” Jo your best friend says as she walks into the van to grab another box. It was her idea to move her. Her grandma was getting older and she wanted to come take care of her. When she figured it all out she just handed you tickets, telling you that you weren’t going to stay there longer.

Without consulting you she had talked with her grandma to let you and your daughter Violet to move in with them. She wanted to get you as far away from New York as she could. Jo is the type of best friend that feels responsibility for her friends. It was that way when you were children and it got worse when you had your own child.

The moment you found out you were pregnant she was there to cry along with you. She was there in the delivery room when your precious little girl was born. Every step of your life has been with her, never allowing you to go through it alone. You couldn’t be more grateful to have her in your life.

“That’s good. I’m sure Vi is going to love being around her. Two peas in a pod probably.” You try to not get into your head as you pick up a box of Vi’s things. When you told your parents you were pregnant they weren’t happy. To be fair you were eighteen, fresh out of highschool. They tried to be supportive but couldn’t look past it when their friends from church started to talk.

They had kicked you out right before you gave birth, leaving you to be stranded. The father was a nightmare to say the least and that wasn’t an option for you. He was a mistake that you wish you could take back. A reminder of being what your family wanted to only be their disappointment. He seemed perfect to them but deep down he was a monster, no one you want around your baby to begin with.

The only option you had was Jo. Her family wasn’t like yours, they took you in with open arms. Embracing Violet as one of their own. Even though you lost your family that night they forced you out, you found another that loved you more. For two years it was perfect, Vi was growing up nicely, hitting all her milestones. You had a good job and had saved up enough money to move out on your own. Which was perfect timing since Jo was going to move here.

Then a week after she informed you of her decision you got a call from a lawyer. “Hello?” You answered. “Hi, I'm looking for.”  He says your name for clarification. “Yes, that's me.” You were confused on what this could be about. Worried that it was your ex. “I’m sorry to inform you that your parents passed away the other night in a car accident. The wake will be this week and the Will reading is after.” The shock of their death didn’t settle in fully until the reading.  

They had left you everything, they had abandoned you yet they left you everything. The next few months of winter were filled with you selling their house and settling the bank information. Getting the move ready so you and Vi would be comfortable once in your new home. Leading to now, standing in front of the house that is yours.

Grandma June had a pretty house in a nice neighborhood. The backyard was big and the water was right behind. A complete contrast to what you had growing up. You grew up in a townhouse, Jo right next door. It may have been more room then a regular apartment but you still had little room. There was no backyard to play in, the only time you had outside was going to the park. 

Your life, even if it may not have been bad, wasn't perfect either. Your parents preached religion and the bible until it was shoved down your throat. Telling you what you can’t and can’t do by the eyes of God. Introducing you to their friends' sons to meet the proper boy, look at where that got you. This move was a chance to continue to better yourself and give Vi the chance of being herself. 

You set the box down in the room that is now Violets. June had moved herself to the guest house outback stating that she doesn’t need all of this space. She had given the deed to the two of you, gifting the home as a thank you for not sending her off to a home. That meant you all had your own rooms. Vi still tends to sleep with you so her room is more decoration. 

“Who would have thought we would be here?” Jo’s voice says from the doorway. You turn to look at her. “Me a twenty-one year old with a two year old or that we moved out of New York.” She pounders for a moment, finger tapping her chin. “Hmm I was going to say us moving here but the toddler thing works too.” She laughs walking into the room more.

“We should paint the walls this week. Grams said there’s a paint store we can get it at. Should be near the shop.” You smile at her as you both go to get more boxes. Before moving here you wanted a stable job where you would be able to be with Violet more often. In New York you were a receptionist so you would have to leave her with Jo’s parents. So it was important for you to have the freedom to be with her since you can’t rely on June.

When you were looking around for jobs online you had seen that a flower shop was going for sale. Growing up you had always loved flowers. Books of plants, flowers, and gardening stuffed your bookshelves. With the money that was left to you from your parents you decided to buy it. Was it a long shot? Maybe but it couldn’t hurt to try. This way you will be able to have Vi with you at the shop without paying for a sitter.

With the van unpacked it was close to dinner time. Too tired from the day you and Jo decide to order pizza. But you make Vi her own meal on the side to have. You’re stirring the noodles that are in the pot when tiny footsteps can be heard. “Momma.” A little voice yells. You drop the spoon, turning to squat down. “Vi. How’s my favorite flower doing?” She giggles as you blow kisses on her neck and squeeze her tight. “She’s been such a little angel. Are you sure you don’t want to just leave her with me during the day.” June asks as she walks into the kitchen.

“Oh no I couldn’t ask that of you. Anyway, I want to spend as much time with her as I can. She won’t stay this small forever.” You finish up Vi’s food just in time for the pizza to get there at the same time. You all sit down and eat. You cut up tiny pieces of your pizza to let Vi try to see how she will like it. The table laughs when she smacks her lips and signs for more. 

The rest of the night was pretty uneventful. Your routine consisted of giving Vi a bath and putting her to bed. Then finishing up some things before tucking in for the night as well. Before you know it the alarm is going off and it is bright outside. It’s seven o’clock so you have roughly thirty minutes before Vi gets up. 

Quickly you head to the bathroom for a shower rushing to head downstairs and start breakfast. When breakfast was finished it was time for her to wake up and you go to her room. Which she actually slept in last night. She’s rubbing her eyes, burrowing her head back into her pillow. “Goodmorning baby girl.” You softly say as you rub her back to gently wake her up more. “Hi momma.” Her voice is like music to your ears, always making you smile.

Slowly but surely she gets up, both of you entering the kitchen to eat. “Morning.” Jo yawns over her coffee mug. “Morning.” Strapping Vi to her chair, you place her plate in front of her before grabbing yours. Jo sits down across from you as she sips from her mug. “Any plans for today?” You finish chewing the piece of toast and look up at the girl in front of you. “Going to the shop. Want to work some stuff out before it opens again.”

“Bug and I can chill her with grams while you do that. I have the day off.” A sigh of relief is released. “Thank you. I need to make sure the ship of flowers is accurate. I need to restart the garden in the back.” Jo let’s out a “damn” while shaking her her. “Good luck with that. That sounds like a lot of counting. Counting yucky, right Vi.” The end is talking to the toddler. Her giggle lighting up the room. 

After finishing Vi’s morning routine you change into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. The weather was nice but there was still a chill in the air. You walk down the stairs to see Violet on the floor of the living room playing with some toys. “Hi sweetie. Heading out?” June is sitting on the couch smiling at you. “Yup I’m going to the shop today. Do you need anything while I’m out?” She shakes her head and laughs when Vi hands her a toy. “I’m okay. Now go ahead before we keep you here.”

June has been in love with Violet since she was born. She had visited Jo’s family right after you got back from the hospital. From that moment on she was always asking about her and buying her things. She said it was the first baby since Jo so it’s like she has a great grandbaby. Everyone was so kind about you having a baby so young and you couldn’t be more grateful. Which is something you wish you could say about this flower delivery. 

The flowers were delivered yesterday right before you all started to unpack. You had rushed to let them in and place everything inside that you didn’t pay attention to when they did. The previous owners of the shop were older and couldn’t keep up with it anymore. The garden they had in the back that grew some of their flowers was dead and the others wilted a long time ago. So ordering flowers to fill the story was the only option you had.

Which seemed really great at the time but now it doesn’t. You had come in and set your bag down on the counter. Looking around you see the endless sea of flowers staring at you. You go to the back to the office and get the clipboard you had placed there yesterday. Painfully slow you separate the flowers by their species. Having to count every single one was starting to prove to be a difficult task.

One that got even worse when you found out you were short on some flowers. This wouldn’t have been a problem if it wasn’t for the fact that they were popular flowers. Roses, tulips, baby’s breath, carnations, all flowers that people love. You were opening up the store in two days and you need to make sure you have a good supply. June had said that a lot of the rich folk like to throw parties and will buy flowers. You need to be prepared just in case.

You were in the middle of counting the Anemone when the store's front door started to rattle. Stepping into view of the door there’s a tall man standing outside with his back to you. He’s on the phone and using his hands to talk wildly. The man turns around again to try the door and sees you standing there. He snaps his fingers at you and points to the door handle that’s locked.

You walk over and unlock it, opening it slightly to ask him what he needs. “Can I help you?” The guy is tall, handsome, his hair is growing out from a previous buzzcut. He has on a shirt that is too tight on him and a pair of khakis, not usually what you find attractive but he pulls it off. “Yeah. For starts you can let me in and second you’ll put my order in.” He holds up a pointer finger at you.

“I know. I’m here right now, if the new girl would let me in it could go faster.” He says into the phone. “Listen, I gotta go. I’ll let you know when they will be delivered.” You give him a complex look. “Sorry but we aren’t open right now. You have to come back in two days.” You try to close the door but his foot catches it. “Look, I really need an order for tomorrow. The florist we were using canceled and I need them. There’s a banquet and the stupid tables need flowers.”

 You look back at the store and at him again. It wouldn’t hurt to do this order but you haven’t finished inventory yet. He could be asking for flowers that you can’t even give him. “I’m sorry but I’m not even open yet.” He interrupts you. “Well just open the store up and ring me out. I get you are new here but come on.” His tone is rude, annoyed that this is taking longer than he wants. “No, I can't just open up the store. I’m new here because I just bought it and I don’t even know how many flowers I have yet. So no I can’t help you, I’m sorry.”

He scoffs at you. “Do you normally buy things you don’t know if you can handle or is this a spur of the moment thing? I need those flowers.” This guy really has some audacity. “Do you normally talk down on workers or are you just a asshole?” Your head tilts to the side, looking up at him. The sun is burning your retina is making it hard to see anything but the lower part of his face. Even through the pain you can see the smile that crept on his face.

“Good luck with opening this up. I can clearly see the customer service is subpar.” With that he’s walking off down the street, pulling out his phone to probably call someone else. “Hey asshole, the flower delivery was short with some. So that’s the main reason I can’t help you. Don’t just assume shit.” Without looking back he calls out to you. “Sounds like an issue you need to fix. Try calling them up next time.”

Fuck. Of course you could just have called them this whole time. Quickly, you get back inside to finish the inventory to see what else is missing. After another hour you are done, exhausted from all the back and forth. Sitting down in the back office you call the distributor that you had used, explaining to them which flowers were short and how many you would need. Thankfully the lady on the other end didn’t give you any trouble, telling you she would have them delivered tomorrow. 

By the time everything was done it was around 5:30, which meant you should head home for dinner. The drive back to the house was peaceful. In New York you really didn’t need a car, you had spent most of your time in the city so you took the subway. Every now and then you would have to drive to family in the suburbs, this reminds you of that drive. Seeing the trees and greenery is like a breath of fresh air. 

It was a reminder that your old life was left back States away, no monsters here to haunt you. It’s refreshing knowing you got a new start and that Vi will get to grow up in a good place. When you get home it’s ten minutes until dinner should be served, at least for Vi. She’s on a strict schedule and will get fussy if she doesn’t eat or sleep at the same time.

You were greeted with shouts coming from the living room, footsteps playing the floorboards like a piano. “Momma!” Vi screams when she sees you in the hallway. “Hi pretty girl. How is my favorite doing? Had a good day?” She nods, tiny hands wiping her hair off her face. “Ya. Jo play.” She points to your friend who’s standing behind her. “She’s been making me run around for hours. How do you do this all the time?” 

You pick Vi up, walking towards the kitchen as you give her a bunch of kisses. “Lot’s of coffee and I have amazing people who help me.” Jo throws an arm around your shoulder walking with you. The table was already set, plates filled with food. “Yeah we are pretty amazing. So amazing that grams are giving us the night off.” You place Vi in her seat and look at Jo. “What do you mean?” 

She puts Vi’s food down in front of her before sitting to eat her own meal. “She means that you two are young and need to have fun. So I’ll stay here while this angel sleeps. Have fun for once.” June says as she makes her way back from what you assume is the bathroom. “Before you even try to say anything I told her she didn’t have to. She won’t take no for an answer so tough luck.” You don’t even argue, Jo’s parents always say she got her stubbornness from June so that is not a hill you want to die on.

Over dinner you tell them about your day. Explaining how you found out there were flowers missing and that you had to call for new ones. Finishing off your story telling with the asshole who thought he was special so that made him entitled to your flowers. “Sounds like a dick.” Jo said without thinking about the two year old sitting next to her. “Sorry.” June thought it was hilarious. Saying “it’s about time someone told those snobs the world doesn’t revolve around them.”

After dinner you spent time with Violet. Playing some more with her toys, then a bath to get the dirt off of her, and then reading bedtime stories to her. After each one she would let out a “nader'' informing you she wanted another story. The third one is always when she falls asleep, as soon as the first words are out so is she. Slowly and quietly you slip out of her bed and room.

“Ready?” Jo’s voice scared you, jumping from the fear shooting through your body. “For fucks sake Jo. Let me just change into a different shirt, I have Vi drool.” The other girls face twists in disgust as you pull that part of your shirt to show her. Not the worst thing you’ve had on you since becoming a mother but she still finds it gross. After changing the two of you head over to a bar.

The place actually looks really nice. There are lights strung up on the outside seating and the inside has amazing decorations. “What do you want? I’ll go get us the first round while you find us a table.” The first round? Damn Jo meant it when she said we will be living up the night. You haven’t really been out since your 21st, having a daughter doesn’t give you a lot of time to go out.

Plus you never really drank in highschool so this is a whole new ballpark for you. “Um I don’t know. Just get me something you will think I’ll like.” With that she was off to the bar as you found a table to sit at. The drink she came back with was in a tall glass and is yellow. You take it from her hands inspecting it. “What is it?” She rolls her eyes at you and takes a sip from her drink. “It’s a passion fruit mojito.”

You like passion fruit so this should be good. Oh yeah, that drink is delicious. You take a good few sips of it. “That’s fucking delicious.” Jo laughs at you. “Told you.” The two of you sit there for a while. Taking your time to finish your drinks. When they were done it was your turn to go up and get drinks. Since Jo is driving back she just wanted water but she insisted that you had to keep drinking.

The bar is a little more packed now, so you’re stuck waiting for the bartender to come around. Tapping your fingers lightly on the counter surface you space out, not realizing that the seat next to you was moving. “He won’t notice you for another five minutes. Blaire just sat down so he’ll be chatting her up for a bit.” The voice next to you sounds familiar, turning your head you can see why. “You again.” The guy from earlier smirks at you. “Now why does that sound like a bad thing?”

You look down at the other end of the bar to see the bartender flirting with a girl. Crap. “Maybe because you were rude and entitled. But hey what do I know?” Your brain is telling you to leave, just tell Jo you’ll go back up in a little. Then there’s a little voice in your head telling you to stay. For some reason there’s a part of you that is curious about the stranger.

“Pfft me entitled or rude? You’re the one who said that you wouldn’t let me order flowers.” Your eyes narrow at him, his arms shoot up in defense. “I know your shipment was fucked up.” He gives you a curious look. “I’ve never seen you before.”

“That’s because I just moved here. Don’t really know anyone besides my friend and her grandma.” You point back to Jo, his eyes following to see your friend with a wide eyed expression. “I don’t think I know her. Think I’ve seen her before but years ago.” He looks back at you, examining your facial features. You’re really pretty, he was too wrapped up in frustration earlier to notice. He’s sure noticing it now though. 

His chair seems to get closer to you, scraping against the sticky floors. “Where did you move from?” You had expected him to stop talking to you yet here he is asking you questions. “New York. I lived there my whole life.” He leans his arms on the counter, looking at you from the side. “Nice, I’ve been there a few times. Do have to say the pizza wasn’t actually good.” You gasp at his outrageous statement. “What? You’ve got to be joking, it's the best. You just didn’t go to the right places, probably some fancy restaurant that sells those tiny portions.”

He’s cracking a smile from your mini rant. You’re right, it was one of those restaurants. The ones where it cost $400 to just get a table and everything is super expensive even though it's a meal for ants. He’s never seen anything wrong with those places, grew up his whole life eating at them. In this moment he wishes that wasn’t the case, that he knew how to be a normal person and not someone with money. He would have never been caught at a dingy restaurant eating food yet here he is longing to experience that. An experience he didn’t know he was missing until your reaction.

“Oh my god it was one of those places. You can’t say you’ve been to New York if you haven’t really tried their food.” He turns on the stool so his legs are facing you. “Wouldn’t that technically be their food as well? They have high class restaurants there.” He likes the way your eyes roll at him, wanting them to do it in a different way. “That’s like going to Italy and eating at fast food places we have in America. Yeah it’s their version but it’s not actually Italian food.” “I would never. Italy is too perfect to not eat their food.”

You look at him, a smile plastered on your face. “Please don’t tell me you’ve been to Italy and I’m making a fool of myself.” He can’t help but to chuckle at how cute you are when you are nervous. “Alright I won’t say anything.” He shrugs. You let out a groan, of course he has. He looks like he has money so what else did you expect. “What can I get you?” 

The bartender cuts the moment the two of you were having. “Can I get a whiskey and whatever she’s having.” You look back at Jo and she sends you a thumbs up. “I’ll just have a passion fruit mojito.” The bartender leaves you two as he goes to make the drinks. “Wouldn’t have taken you as a mojito girl?” You look at him, blush forming on your cheeks. “Yeah? What kind of girl would you take me as?” He doesn’t know if you are flirting but he sure the hell hopes so. “Maybe a margarita. I feel like you’re a tequila girl.”

You giggle at the implication. “The last time I had tequila it got me in trouble.” It did, that’s how you ended up with a baby and being kicked out. “I like trouble.” Fuck. You had told yourself when moving here to just stick to yourself and everything will be fine. THen this guy walks in and you want to throw it all out the window. It’s not fair, he’s too hot to even say no to.

“You know I got to say I never met a florist as pretty as you” He tells you, leaning in closer but keeping a good distance. “Are you flirting with me so I can change my mind about those flowers?” He laughs, turning so he is now facing you, resting his weight on the counter top. “No, just flirting. Would it help me get them though?” Now it’s your turn to laugh. “You are not getting flowers. I would still have to prepare them and I wouldn’t get it done on time.Plus who knows if the reshipment will get here on time” You take a sip of your drink. 

“What if you had help?” Your eyes look into his. They're pretty. A shade of blue that in this light somewhat seems gray. They remind you of Vi, she had pretty blue eyes too, that she got from your mom. “You would hire help for me?” He scoots closer, his hand playing with the ends of your hair. “I could help you.” His fingers brush against your arms. The words seem to have an undertone of something. Simply suggesting something else. “How?”

The smirk that forms on his face makes you want to kiss him. His hand clears your face from stray strands of hair, eyes locking to yours. “However you want me.” This isn’t really feeling like you’re talking about flowers anymore. You aren’t sure if you should shut it down or keep going. The drinks were placed in front of you, he doesn’t take his eyes off of you as he hands the bartender his card. To relax yourself you take a sip of your drink, which only makes it worse. Now your relaxed mind can only think about dragging him off somewhere to see how much he could really help.

You’re interrupted before you can make a mistake. “Yo country club we gotta go.” A man walks up to the two of you. He nods at the guy. “Give me a sec.” The man looks at the both of you and shakes his head. “Aight five minutes.”

“Have somewhere to be?” He downs the rest of his whiskey. “Wish I didn’t.” Your blush intensifies. Shifting in your chiat you rest a hand on his lap. “Too bad. I was just starting to like you.” He stands up, catching your hand as it falls. “Guess I’ll have to refresh your memory tomorrow.” Your hand tightens around his. “Wait tomorrow?” 

“Gotta help you with those flowers right?” He actually meant it. “Fine.” He smiles and drops your hand, backing away from you. “I’m Rafe by the way.” You tell him your name, grab your drink and get up as well. “See you tomorrow beautiful.”

You smile all the way to the table, meeting Jo whose mouth was wide open. “Dude you were just flirting with Rafe Cameron.” You shrug your shoulders at you and sipping your drink “So what?” Her face flashes with different emotions. “So what? Dude he’s literally the richest person on this island. After his dad passed away he inherited the family business, he’s dumb rich.”

Jo won’t shut up about how hot the richest guy in Kildare was flirting with you. She gave you some of the run down on him from her “sources” on the island. Those sources being friends she made when she would visit. He apparently has a mean streak, causing fights with people. How he would sleep around with every girl and on top of that did drugs. It shouldn’t have shocked you but it was surprising to hear.

You thought over everything as you laid in bed. Rafe seemed funny and sweet when he talked to you in the bar. Those two versions of him do not seem to align together. Yet again you had only met him today and you don’t have the greatest track record with guys. It doesn’t matter anyway. You weren’t looking for anything anyway, all you needed to focus on was yourself and your daughter.

Taglist: @haruvalentine4321 @namelesslosers Let me know if you want to be added

[no-goodbyes-no-regrets]

So this was meant to be posted April 21st for the @bucktommycharityrace but because life REALLY hasn't been life-ing the way it should these past few weeks it is now May 1st and still only half finished 🤦‍♀️

But I don't want to be too much of a asshole and not post at all, so I'm posting the half that's done now as a part 1, and official permission to the entire fandom to get on my case about finishing the second part ASAP.

and if you have a little extra cash, consider donating to ACLU or Lambda Legal (there's still a little bit of time!)

---

Two beers and a kitten (AO3)

(title inspired by that "test" to determine how you feel about someone - if you would like to have two beers with them, and if you would let them look after your puppy for a weekend)

---

“Did you have a pet as a kid?” Buck asked, turning around and propping himself up on his elbow.

They were in bed, tired from spending the day with Sal and his family for their youngest daughter's 9th birthday.

"My mom loved birds. We had all kinds of them for years. She taught us how to look after them and how to hold them. We even had this African grey parrot that had been with her since she was a teenager. It loved her, but couldn't stand my dad. Clearly it had great taste."

Buck gave him a small smile.

“So that's where your love of flying comes from.”

Tommy laughed.

“Yeah, maybe. That doesn't explain Don though."

“Well you said it had great taste.” Buck said and they both laughed. “Don't tell him I said that, he'll sic his squad on me.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you from my big bad brother.” Tommy teased.

Buck had met Tommy’s twin brother Donovan only a handful of times, a few family dinners and other get togethers with his partner Dominique, and once on the job in full tac gear with some kind of rifle in his hand.

That time had been during his and Tommy’s break up, and Donovan had come up to him and told him to stop being an idiot, because his brother probably never would.

And even though he was used to Athena’s patented disappointed but not surprised looks, it had been kind of intimidating. Especially since he talked with his hands, and one of those had been holding the gun.

He pushed the thought out of his mind and decided it was time for another family barbeque. Maybe he’d invite the whole 118 family too, and Tommy’s crew from Harbor.

He got comfortable in bed and watched Tommy rub his eyes and put his book away on the nightstand.

“Nothing else? No dogs or cats?” he asked, continuing their earlier conversation.

Tommy blinked a few times and Buck watched him backtrack the last 15 minutes in his head to remember what they were talking about.

“My nonna, my grandma on my mother's side, had this yappy little dog. It tolerated me, but it loved Don. And we had guinea pigs for a while. They were a present from an aunt who had one that had had babies. But when the last one died my mom was already sick so we didn't dare ask for new ones.” Tommy paused and seemed to get lost on memories for a moment until buck squeezed his hand as quiet support. “What about you? Did you and Maddie have any pets growing up?”

Buck snorted.

“You've met my parents, you know what they were like when I was a kid, do you really think they would have gotten a pet on top of that?” he shook his head. “I always wanted a dog though. I used to run around with our neighbour's border collie. We'd go to this dog park and play fetch for an afternoon. Until it got arthritis and wasn’t allowed to run anymore.”

“I always wanted a dog too.” Tommy told him. “But first there was the army, and then the LAFD shifts... It just wouldn't be fair on a dog, you know.”

“Yeah.” Buck agreed and wrapped an arm around his waist. “Maybe when we're both retired. We'll have more time and we can get a dog.”

“You're thinking about retirement already? You’re not even 40.”

Buck gave a one armed shrug.

“Just thinking ahead.”

They were silent for a while until Buck shifted to look at Tommy.

“I think we should get a cat. They’re easy to care for and more independent than dogs. And if we both work overnights we can get someone to come feed them, maybe Maddie and Jee, and still spend time with them when we're home. They wouldn't need walking and we can just... hang out.”

He was getting excited and rolled over to grab his phone from the night stand.

“We can go to a shelter and see if we can meet some of the cats to see if there's a click.”

“Maybe this one? It's cute right? And its name is donut! How cute is that?”

He continued to show Tommy more pictures of shelter cats, who wondered how they had gone from a conversation about childhood pets, to possibly adopting a cat.

“We’re both off next Wednesday, we can go to the shelter and see if there are any cats we like. And that like us.” He continued. “Or I could pick you up after your shift on Tuesday. The website says they’re open until six.”

“Don’t you have a shift on Thursday?”

“Friday.” Buck corrected him. “But if we keep waiting for the perfect time, it’ll never happen. Sometimes you just have to settle for the best time right now.”

Tommy narrowed his eyes at him.

“Did you get that from Bobby’s mother? It sounds like her faith healing… stuff.”

Buck laughed a little.

“No. Bobby himself actually. When he was in hospital after the lab explosion. Though maybe he did get it from her.”

“We’ll just name our cat after him as thanks.” Tommy decided and gently plucked Buck’s phone out of his hand and put it on the nightstand. “But now I need sleep, I’ve been used as a jungle gym all day, I’m exhausted.” He turned off the lights and pulled Buck down under the covers with him.

“So you want to get a cat too?”

“Baby as long as you let me sleep now, I’ll adopt every stray cat in the city with you.”

---

“Hey Buckley, come to pick up your man?” Casey, one of Tommy's coworkers called out to him when he walked into the hangar Tuesday afternoon. Technically they had decided to hold off on the shelter until Wednesday when they had more time, but Buck had spent most of his day off scrolling through pages of cats from various shelters and he was excited for Tommy to see them too. Preferably in person.

“Yup, is he ready?”

“I think he's still in there getting changed.” Casey pointed her thumb in the general direction of the locker room. “Just go on through, but keep it PG though yeah? I've seen enough of Kinard's bare ass over the years to last me a lifetime.”

Buck laughed.

“Don't worry, that ass is off limits for anyone but me these days. Though it is a very nice ass so maybe I’ll let you have a look next time.”

“Whose ass are we talking about?” Tommy asked, coming out of the locker room, hair still wet from his shower.

“Yours.” Buck told him and kissed him hello. “And Casey agreed it’s a great one.”

“I always knew you had a secret thing for me, Case.”

“Oh yeah, I can hardly control myself around you. I better go take a cold shower before I go home and cry myself to sleep over the fact you love another.” Casey good naturedly rolled her eyes and left to go get her own stuff and make her way home.

Tommy jokingly blew her a kiss before turning to Buck.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, because I’m absolutely always happy to see you… but why are you here? Did I forget something? Did we have plans?”

“No, I just came to pick you up because I felt like it.”

“You… felt like driving all the way out here on your day off?”

“I took an Uber actually. So we won’t have to leave one car behind and come back for it later.”

“Ok… so you paid for someone to take you all the way out here because you felt like it?”

“I just wanted to see you, is that so bad?”

“We live in the same house. We share a bed most days.”

“Ok maybe I didn’t just want to see you…” Buck started, ignoring Tommy’s raised eyebrow of indignance. “Maybe there is someone I want you to meet.”

“Uh…”

“Look. Just look and keep an open mind ok?” Buck pulled his phone out of his pocket and tapped the screen a few times. “I found the perfect cat for us. He’s orange, he’s really cute, he loves kids, and his name is Fuego. Fire.” He turned the screen towards Tommy.

“And he’s adopted.”

“Yeah, I know he’s really cute and I think he would be a great fit for our family and - ”

“No, Evan, I mean he’s been adopted. Someone has adopted him. Or is planning to at least.”

“What?” Buck turned the phone back around and frowned at the screen. “I checked before I came here…”

“I guess you weren’t the only one looking.” Tommy said, wrapping an arm around his waist. “We’ll find another cat. One that’s as perfect for us as this one. We’ll just go to the shelter tomorrow and spend some time with their cats, see which one likes us.”

“Maybe we can go now after all? I-if you’re not too tired from your shift? I mean it’s still early and dinner is taken care of, we just need to heat it up tonight and the shelter isn’t far from here-.”

Tommy cut him off with two fingers under his chin and a soft press of lips.

“Works every time.” He mumbled when he pulled back.

He guided Evan over to his car and threw his bag in the back before getting behind the wheel.

“So where is this shelter?”

[monsterswithimagines]

Undisclosed Desires - Part 19

Joe Goldberg x female!Reader

Summary: Twenty minutes before he would have met Guinevere Beck, Joe meets you instead. You intruige him, but it will soon become clear that there is something off about you.

Words: 888

Masterlist

Fun fact: I actually wrote a part of this (the obvious email) in Dutch and then translated it with Google Translate so it would be realistic lmao.

I have the key to your place. You have the key to mine. We are that kind of couple.

When you're at work, I sometimes go to your apartment and read your email. I don't like that you have a male friend you haven't told me anything about, even if most of what you talk to him about is me.

Still, (Y/n), can you blame me for being worried? You are not supposed to keep secrets from me. And you don't. Except for when it comes to Greybird@wirrhino.com.

I have to be fast today. Yesterday, you ran into Paco's mom, Claudia. She complained to you that she has to work, so she can't take Paco trick or treating today, and Ron isn't interested. You're too kind, so you said we'd do it. And because not just Claudia, but even Ron actually likes you, Claudia thanked you profusely and said that “that would be great, actually.”

You should know, (Y/n), that I hate Halloween. But, as you pointed out, this isn't about me, or you - “don't you think I would have rather gone to the costume party my boss is throwing, Joe?” No. I don't think you would have. But that’s beside the point.

This is about Paco. And he will be at my apartment in less than two hours.

So I have to hurry.

But your email is just so enticing. I don't find any new exchanges with Grey (I did check just last week), but that doesn't mean there's nothing for me to see. You have a new email from your mother, and it's far easier to copy and paste one long message into Google Translate than it is to figure out texts.

Your mother writes:

Dear (Y/n),

I've had to think long and hard about how to tell you this, but I won't be there this Christmas. Your grandma and grandpa don't want Steef there, so I'm going with him to his family in Utrecht. You are of course very welcome to come too. Steef would like to meet you. I talk about you all the time, my sweet, smart daughter with her great job in America.

Unfortunately, I know you probably don't feel like it. Your grandfather has his claws in you. He thinks everything I do is wrong, and you believe him. That saddens me enormously. All your life you have seen your grandparents as the people who love you. Even as a little girl you didn't see how much I loved you and how much I did for you. I had to look for love somewhere else.

I found that love in Steef, (Y/n). We love each other so much. But I can't start a life with him if you haven't met him. Then help us! I love you so much, honey. Give me that love back and accept that I want to be happy too!

I don't understand why you let your grandparents determine your entire life. Joe sounds like a perfect man. Do you really leave him alone at Christmas and New Year because you are afraid that your grandfather has an opinion about your relationship?

You deserve so much better, Poppedijn. Both of us.

To the stars and back again,

Mom.

Oh. You're going to hate this.

Usually, you and your mom email each other when you want to tell each other things you consider too long to text. Like when you tell her about your day at work, or she talks about the latest drama going on in your hometown. Only once before have I seen you receive an email like this from your mother. When you read it, you completely shut down on me for a week. You wouldn't talk about it. You wouldn't talk to anyone. You called in sick to work and shut yourself inside your apartment.

I can't let that happen this time.

I write a response. I have to translate it and send it back in Dutch, and I know it won't be perfect, but I'm hoping your mother will write that off as part of your inability to string proper sentences together when you're not writing professionally.

mom,

i understand why you have to go to utrecht. you're right, i'd rather not come. but you need to find your bliss.

i need to find my bliss, too, so i think it's better if we don't speak to each other for a while. it's not personal. i'm very tired all the time and i want to focus on joe and i don't want to think about my mom, who'd rather spend christmas with her boyfriend's family than suck it up and see her only daughter.

all my love,

(y/n)

I hit send. Then, I panic and delete the email from your sent folder. Then, I panic even more and delete your mother's email altogether. I even remove it from your deleted files.

What have I done?

Your mom is going to react to this. She is going to tell you about the email she received. Then you will wonder who sent it, and who will all the signs point to? Your boyfriend, who has access to your apartment and your laptop when you're not paying attention.

I quickly replace the laptop and leave.

What am I going to do?

[twstfanblog]

What is your Yuu's relationship with everyone in the brothel au?

Oh LORD this is gonna be a long one. More under the cut XD Sorry this took me so long to get out!

Riddle- Felt really bad for him when he first entered the brothel because he was basically squatting with Trey to escape his overbearing mother. As of now, She and him look over the brothel's fiance records together since Riddle is educated and Crewel trusts him with the files. She teases him about Floyd clearly planning on marrying him and what kind of ring he wants (If he ever answered, she'd tell Floyd immediately).

Trey- Big Brother #1. She met Trey when she was a child and got lost in the city. Spent a few days with him and his family so she was elated when she found out he started work in the brothel. Very fond of Trey and does her best to not make his job too stressful for him (as she ropes his two fastest food runners into her side hustle and puts the kitchen behind on orders).

Cater- Has only met Cater a handful of times since he is a child of a noble family. But since he and Idia use the brothel as neutral ground to meet up, they have crossed paths. They are positively neutral to each other. Cater is embarrassed that he opened up one day on the issues he and Idia are facing and she fucking gushed about how he was literally living a romance novel plot. She now teases everytime they meet up if anything 'plot relevant' happened.

Ace- Partner in crime #1. Yuu has a side hustle of ripping customers off who try to purchase her for a night even though she's not an entertainer. Ace was the first one to join her and they've managed to rope Deuce into it too. Was honestly surprised that Ace knew how to do complex math when he told her he could.

Deuce- Partner in crime #2. Deuce doesn't really know how to treat Yuu since they were friends before he learned she was Crewel's child. So he'll speak normally to her than trip up and become very respectful until Yuu tells him to stop it. Finds it really sweet that Deuce sends 2/3 of his paycheck home to his mom and grandma.

Leona- Honestly, deeply impressed that he's managed to become the second most popular entertainer with having done NO WORK. They hang out every now and again, which is how Yuu learns before anyone that Leona has a FORMAL education which is something only noble children have access to.

Ruggie- Calls him a rat. Actually thought he was someone trying to sneak into the brothel without paying and knocked him off the fence with a very good throw and a shoe. Once Leona got her up to speed on who Ruggie was she just calls him 'Leona's Rat Boyfriend'. Has asked him if he wants a job in the brothel but Ruggie doesn't trust Crewel to not make it a life long contract without him knowing.

Jack- Jack only comes to the brothel to visit Epel on his week off from his guardsman job. She's watching the first-year poly all circle around each other, not realizing that they all like each other, and she isn't gonna tell them because its too funny to watch them.

Azul- Has been tormenting this boy since they were mid-teens. Azul confused her for an entertainer and just word-vomited about how he could take care of her and that he'd make sure she was the most gorgeous bride. Since then Yuu teases how and when Azul is planning on proposing to take her away from her life of toil and strife. She does like Azul and if he DID ask for her hand in marriage, she'd fuss at Crewel to actually think it over instead of rejecting the request without hesitation.

Jade- Cousin #1! Since the twin's mom was a former entertainer and one of Crewel's good friends, the twins visited the brothel a lot growing up. Once baby Yuu came around, she was like a permanent playmate for the twins. They affectionatly call each other cousins.

Floyd- Cousin #2! Too silly guys that Jade had to watch while their parents were talking. Now Floyd whines at Yuu about what kinda present he should get Riddle as a sorry for fucking him so hard he dislocated his hips.

Kalim- Depending on the part of the AU, Yuu hasnt met Kalim and has no idea who he is. But when he manages to find Jamil, they end up pretty close. Yuu unknowingly makes Kalim 200% more annoying by jokingly calling Kalim her 'future brother-in-law'. Kalim now keeps asking Jamil when their wedding is and if he can help plan it

Jamil- Yuu is so down bad for this man that it's looped all the way back into pure rizz and Jamil isn't sure how the fuck it's WORKING. Yuu got Jamil the entertainer job, convincing Crewel to not kick out the very clearly shady traveler with shifty eyes. Jamil is very fond of Yuu because she's been nothing but helpful to him even when he didn't fully realize it. This is an internal back-and-forth for him since his goal is to leave the city and create more distance between him and Kalim, but he does find himself wanting to either stay in the brothel and further what he and Yuu have going on OR make a new plan where he absconds with Yuu.

Vil- Annoying little sibling to Annoying older brother. Vil was what Yuu would call an ugly duckling of an entertainer. He fumbled for the longest time before Crewel finally took Vil under his wing and helped him fully accept his new role in life. So she did make fun of Vil a lot in the beginning of their relationship. But then Yuu realizes that Vil knows how to read and since he IS getting better at his job, Yuu gifts him some old books she wasn't interested in anymore. Only to ALSO find out Vil used to be an actor and he's missed it, so he'll do dramatic reenactments of scenes from the books and they bond. Vil actually takes Yuu with him to an afternoon theater show every time there's a free day in the brothel.

Rook- Actually hated him for a while because she was sure that Rook was going to buy Vil out of the brothel with how much he booked him. She's scared that if Vil left she'd never see him again and mainly focus that negative fear on Rook. Rook took it in stride seeing Yuu as Vil's younger sister who just wanted to keep her brother close. So he works to endear himself to Yuu in the time he has prepping for his sessions with Vil. Yuu got random little gifts from Rook as 'Tokens of affection' until Yuu finally yielded and stopped being outwardly hateful of Rook. As of now, they are on fond terms and tease Vil about how he has such a 'passionate future husband'.

Epel- Chaos Twin. Actually really happy when Epel requested to become an entertainer, because now she has someone actually on the roster to help with her scheme of ripping the customers off. Epel hasn't officially made his debut as an entertainer, but he's got two lesson plans; the one Vil made for him on how to do the job properly and the one Yuu made for him on how to sweet talk his clients into spending more money on him.

Idia- Doesn't know much about each other since Idia is pretty good at sneaking into the brothel to meet Cater. She does meet Idia randomly sometimes when he leaves he and Cater's room. Idia does ask Yuu if he's making the right choice in NOT continuing his and Cater's relationship into the public and just going through with the arranged marriage his family set up.

Ortho- Hasn't met Ortho. But Ortho makes a grand entrance to the brothel to tell his brother he is being DUMB and should just be with Cater instead of being miserable with someone he doesn't like.

Malleus- She met him when she was a child and thought he was so pretty that she exclaimed she was gonna marry him. Malleus thought it was really cute and agreed to her terms. But now, years later She hasn't seen Malleus in real life for some odd years. They mainly communicate through letters and it's mostly just Malleus info dumping about the newest sculptures he's seen. And the VERY RARE love letter that flusters Yuu to the point she has to shove her face into her pillows and scream.

Lilia- Fun Uncle Lilia! She jokingly states she's never seen him sober, since whenever he does visit Silver in the Brothel he at least drinks a bottle of wine before Malleus is taking him home. Lilia finds Yuu to be adorble and was very happy that Silver had someone around his age to grow up with while living in the brothel. (He is the reason Yuu tried wine as a two-year-old)

Silver- Even though they were basically raised together, they see each other as friend instead of siblings. Silver normally keeps to himself while Yuu has her nose is almost everyone's business. If the business is low and Yuu doesn't have any paperwork to do, she'll sit out in the garden and just watch Silver work. She talks enough for the both of them and things are nice and cozy between them.

Sebek- They still kinda hate each other. Sebek because he thinks Yuu is leading his Waka-Sama on. Yuu because she thinks Sebek is unfaithful since he slept with Epel when its very clear hes been trying to convince Silver to accept his marriage proposal and finally come back to the yokai woods with the other Diasomnia boys. After a while (and Sebek panicking that he really did ruin his chances with Silver) they talk and realize that Sebek is just poly and showing interest in the fucked up dynamic that the first-year poly is.

BONUS, THE TEACHERS

Crewel- PAPA ♡! Yuu adores her father and he loves her so much back. He's very protective of his baby and will ban and throw people out if he thinks they're ogling her. Knowingly turns a blind eye to her scamming cuatomers too stupid to read who is actually an entertainer from the book of names in the front room. Is the birth mother to Yuu, and she HAS ASKED who her dad is and Crewel has been dodging her question for the past near two decades.

Vargas- Uncle Vargas! Captain of the city guard and old friend of Crewel. He visits on and off during his week off every month, normally to just have a drink with Crewel. But sometimes he'll wrangle the entertainers into running a lap around the brothel just to check they're all 'healthy'. He has taught Yuu self-defense, and that's only because he didn't know what else to do to entertain a toddler. (Possibly Yuu's father)

Sam- MR. SAM!!! Sam is the fun family friend who visits every season to do trade in the city and deliver custom goods. He'd bring Yuu toys and snacks from different countries every season so she is very fond of Sam. Sam knows a lot more than he let's on about Jamil and Leona but doesn't say anything when they recognize him. If things in the city ever go south, Sam is the one who's ready to take Yuu and Crewel out of the city to safety. (Possibly Yuu's father)

Trein- GRANPA ♡! The tutor for the brothel that helps the workers who dont know reading and math learn. Was Crewel's personal tutor when Crewel was still a nobleman. He is disappointed that Crewel ran away from home became a whore in what he assumed was a 'tantrum'. He is proud of Crewel now, and even finds Yuu adorable when she was born. He is on the payroll as a tutor for basic education for the workers, but he gives Yuu and a few other entertainers History and Literature lessons if they show interest in the subject.

Crowley- Has only met Crowley in person a few times and it was when she a baby so she doesn't remember him at all. Was a business partner of the former brothel owner, he was fond of Crewel because of how intelligent he was. Fully claims Yuu as his child and sends Crewel letters asking about her. Crewel has no idea where this man is and he's pissed about it because Crowley dumped all his debts on Crewel after stating they were married. So Crowley is on the run outside of the city and Crewel is trying to lure him back in to be murdered face the music. (possibly Yuu's father)

[beefromanoff]

Tempting Fate Ch. 5

summary: first night of Friday fun...and it's definitely FUN.

author's note: HI SORRY IT'S BEEN SO LONG LIFE HAS BEEN INSANE (the fanfic writers curse is real lol) BUT I WILL UPLOAD QUICKLY TO MAKE UP FOR IT STAY TUNED ILY THANKS FOR READING

masterlist

tag list: tag list: @yiiiikesmish @sunflower1290 @barnescamboy @thedisc0spider @bitchy-bi-trash @kulteule @kandis-mom @i-mushi @unknown-writings @jainaeatsstars @mcira @brooklynbear32

Saturday morning came after a sleep that was only moderately restful. After giving up on REM as the sun started to peek through her floor to ceiling windows, Evie rolled out of the nest of covers to brew a pot of coffee. As it bubbled to life, she opened her phone and dialed. Jade picked up on the second ring. 

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite center of a Super Soldier sandwich.”

Evie rolled her eyes but chuckled, putting Jade on speaker as she pulled the quarter-full pot of coffee out mid-brew, too impatient to wait for it to finish. “Good morning to you, too.”

“Oh, spill! I’m dying to hear everything.”

Evie recapped her week, flopping down on the couch in a particularly cozy sunbeam. To Jade’s credit, she was just as interested in the tedious work details as she was in the salacious ones she hoped to hear. “And then Tony came up to the lab tonight, but it was just to kick me out and drag me to the bar for drinks.”

“Classic Evie, landing a job where the smoking hot boss forces you to leave work and go have fun with his equally hot coworkers. You poor thing. As a matter or fact, let me call up my Grandma and see if she can add you to her prayer list!” Jade laughed at her own joke.”But seriously, consulting on a mission? Already? That’s insane, Eves. I’m so proud of you.”

Thanks, J. It’s been…surreal. In the best way. You have to come visit soon, wait until you see this place. It makes my college place look like it should have been condemned.”

“Babes, I say this with love, but that place absolutely should have been condemned. Consider this my official RSVP, I’ll make it down in a couple weekends once you’re more settled in. Gotta give you time to scope out the nightlife, prepare to show your favorite Boston girl a Manhattan good time.”

“Will do,” Evie giggled. “I’ll make sure to get higher thread count sheets for the guest bedroom.”

“My sugar momma,” Jade cooed, despite them both knowing she came from more money than she ever acknowledged. “Now, enough about linens and saving the world. Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes? Tell me everything. What are they like? Does Steve really have America’s ass?”

Evie laughed before pausing, thinking about how to describe them. “Steve is...exactly what you’d expect. Polite, charming, genuinely nice. He’s an All-American guy. And Bucky, he’s got this…brooding, mysterious vibe going on, but he’s surprisingly funny. When he speaks, that is. They’re both...let’s just say they both surpass the version of them I had in my head from all my Grandma’s stories.”

“As if this wasn’t already made-for-tv enough,” Jade said through a full mouth of whatever breakfast she was scarfing down. “I forgot they knew your Grandma. Are you going to bring it up?”

“I thought about it, but not yet.” Evie paused. “I don’t want them thinking I’m a kid, you know? Something tells me that calling attention to the fact that they were childhood besties with my grandmother won’t bode well for that.”

Jade’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “Because you’re into one of them, aren’t you?”

Evie laughed, rubbing her forehead even though Jade couldn’t see her. “No, I mean, I wouldn’t say anything is out of the question, but I just met them this week and I haven’t hardly spoken to either of them.”

“Oh. My. God.” A fork clanged onto the plate on Jade’s end. “You’re into both of them! Evie! You slut!” 

“I never said that!” 

“You didn’t have to. I felt it in my soul when I saw that picture. Even with your drunk eyes, I know when you have your mind set on someone. Or two someones.” 

Evie was quiet for a minute, taking a slow sip of her coffee. “Hypothetically…what if I was?”

“Hypothetically, what’s stopping you? Go for it, or I’ll hop on the highway right now and offer myself up instead!”

Evie stood, pacing around the living room and thinking out loud. “I mean, really, would it be so bad? I don’t work for the Avengers, I work for Stark Industries. There’s no rule against consultants and team members fraternizing. I’m a grown, adult woman. Age differences are antiquated anyways. Why choose if I can have both?”

Jade was momentarily speechless before bursting into laughter. “Damn, girl! I didn’t see that coming, but so I’m here for it. You’ve always been bold, but this is next level. I’ve been saying for years that you needed to make up for all the getting laid you didn’t do in college, and getting railed by two legendary Super Soldiers would probably do the trick.”

“Jade!” Evie blushed despite being more than accustomed to her crass personality by now.

“I said it, you’re definitely thinking it. All I’m asking for is a comprehensive report with no detail spared.” She paused. “Maybe a tape, if you can be discreet about it.”

“You are a heathen,” She grinned, shaking her head. 

“You love me.”

“I do. I miss you, J.” 

“I miss you, Eves. I’ll be there before you know it. Come up with something juicy for us to talk about.”

Monday Morning | Avengers’ Tower

Evie didn’t require much to get her out of bed when there was a state of the art lab at her disposal, but that didn’t stop her from stopping at the coffee shop that had become her staple on the way into work. The caffeine flowing through her veins was working overtime as she stepped into the lobby of Avengers Tower, scrolling through the latest Stark tech reports on her tablet. She had almost managed to push Friday night from her mind—almost.

The elevator doors slid open just as she reached them, and suddenly, forgetting wasn’t an option.

Steve and Bucky stepped out, dressed for a morning run, the cool air of the lobby doing little to keep the back of her neck from heating. Steve looked bright-eyed and effortlessly composed, the kind of thing Evie would usually hate to see from someone headed out for a run on a Monday morning. But on him? Anything but obnoxiously productive. Bucky, on the other hand, had a rougher edge to him—dark hair pushed back haphazardly, jaw set, tension in his shoulders like he wasn’t fully at ease.

And yet, despite whatever internal war he was fighting, his blue eyes locked onto her the second she appeared across the elevator threshold.

Interesting.

Evie smiled as she slowed to a stop, tilting her head in faux consideration. “Early morning training or just running from your problems?”

Steve chuckled, easygoing as ever. “Keeping up the routine.”

Bucky didn’t smile, but there was something in the way his gaze flickered over her that made heat curl in her stomach. “Some of us just like to stay sharp,” he said, voice even, almost dismissive.

Ah. So that’s how we’re playing it.

She raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of her coffee. “Would you like me to applaud?”

Steve gave a small laugh, ever the diplomat. “Applause is welcome but not necessary. You’re here early too, big day ahead?”

Evie tapped a manicured nail against her coffee cup, flicking her eyes from him to Bucky. “Oh, you know. Just trying to stay sharp.”

Bucky just looked at her, expression unreadable, but his metal fingers flexed briefly at his side—just enough for her to notice.

Evie let the silence stretch for a second longer than necessary before flashing a knowing smile. “But hey, don’t let me keep you from training. I’m sure I’ll see you around the Tower, but if not, Friday’s just a few days away.”

Steve’s brows lifted slightly, but there was a flicker of something else behind his amusement. Something… contemplative. “You’re serious about that?”

“Oh, dead serious.” She took another sip of her coffee, looking between the two of them. “I expect you both to have some solid ideas for our inaugural Friday Night of Fun.”

Steve gave a small nod, like he was already making a mental list. “We’ll come up with something good.”

Bucky exhaled sharply, shifting his weight like he wanted to be anywhere else—but instead of leaving, he glanced at her again. “You sure you’re not just using us for a free ride?” The words were clipped, a little gruff, but…was this version of humor?

Evie’s smile widened just a fraction. There it is.

She lifted her cup in a little mock toast. “I’ll take all the free rides you two are willing to give.”

And with that, she stepped past them and into the elevator, letting the doors close behind her before she let herself breathe. As much as she’d wanted to see the look on their faces with her double entendre, it was probably better to let it hang in the air. Well, no one ever accused me of subtlety. 

Friday couldn’t come soon enough.

Wednesday Afternoon | Avengers’ Tower

The week had more idle time than Evie would have liked. The mission with Orpheus, which was supposed to take place today, had been pushed back a week. New intel had revealed that the vibranium used to make weapons, otherwise known as the entire reason for the mission, wouldn’t be shipped in until the following week. Although Evie loved being proactive, it’s impossible to intercept a shipment a week early. She spent the week double and triple checking her algorithms and then writing a new one to counter it, trying to find any weak spots or flaws in her program. 

There weren’t any. 

She oscillated between other engineers, offering help but trying to still grant them the autonomy of their own projects despite knowing she could knock all of them out by the end of the week. Finally, Wednesday afternoon rolled around. The follow up briefing was more of a formality than anything, meant to keep the team up to date on the details of the mission and the new developments. Not much had changed on Evie’s end, but she was still thrilled to be included, both for the prestige of working with the Avengers and for the present company. 

Although her heart pounded when Maria had given Evie the floor to speak, it was significantly easier than her first briefing. Maybe it was something about the way she’d seen Sam singing with a bachelorette party and Wanda taking lemon drop shots with Natasha that made them seem more…human. Plus, after her extensive reviews and re-reviews, she couldn’t be more confident in the tech she was presenting. The briefing had gone flawlessly—her plan to bypass Orpheus’ security had been airtight, and Tony had given her a rare, approving nod. Nat had smirked, muttered something about not bad, rookie, and Bucky had—well, Bucky hadn’t scowled, which was basically a standing ovation.

She was dismissed by Maria, closing her laptop and leaving to a chorus of “Thanks Evie,” from the team, which she acknowledged with a mock salute before slipping out the door. Now, as she made her way down the halls of the Tower, she barely suppressed a grin. It had been a hell of a few weeks, but moments like this reminded her exactly why she was here.

Calling the elevator, Evie heard footsteps echoing down the hallway, and turned—only to find Steve jogging towards her.

Slowing to a stop, he folded his arms across his chest, that easy, golden-boy charm written all over his face. “You did good in there,” he said, nodding. “That was great, both the tech you presented and the way you held your own. Usually the newer consultants are too nervous to get through the information and we have to have Tony catch us up afterwards. I’m impressed.”

Evie smirked, adjusting the strap of her tablet bag. “What, you thought I was just here for my looks?”

Steve chuckled. “Didn’t say that.” His voice was warm, teasing, but there was something else in his gaze—thoughtful, like he was taking her in, piece by piece.

She raised an eyebrow, smiling. “So…did you have a question about the polymorphic encryption?”

Steve grinned, shaking his head. “I was actually going to tell you we have an idea for Friday.”

Evie narrowed her eyes. “Oh? Let’s hear it.”

Before Steve could answer, another presence turned around the corner and joined them—Bucky.

He came up alongside Steve, hands tucked in the pockets of his jacket, jaw set like he’d been debating whether or not to approach at all. His eyes flicked to Evie, then to Steve, and then back to Evie, something unreadable behind them.

Evie’s amusement doubled. Oh, this just keeps getting better.

Steve, ever the picture of composure, didn’t miss a beat. “I was just telling Evie we’ve got an idea for Friday.”

Bucky let out a slow breath, gaze unreadable. “Yeah?”

Steve nodded. “I was thinking we do something fun but low-key—an escape room, maybe? Something where we actually have to work together without any real stakes.”

“Interesting.” Evie tapped a finger against her chin. “Brainpower over brawn. I like it.”

Bucky made a noncommittal noise, finally looking directly at her. “I had something different in mind.”

She tilted her head, smirking. “Oh? Enlighten me.”

Bucky’s lips pressed together for half a second, like he regretted speaking at all. But then he exhaled, clearly committing. “Shooting range. Something real.”

Evie blinked, caught between intrigue and oh, that’s hot.

Steve turned to his friend, eyebrows raised. “Shooting range?”

Bucky shrugged, shifting his weight. “If we’re gonna do something together, might as well be something useful.” His gaze flicked to Evie again, sharper now. “Unless you’re more of a puzzle girl.”

Evie felt the corners of her mouth twitch. “Oh, Barnes,” she said smoothly, “I had heard you didn’t cooperate with others, but here I was thinking Steve and I could be the exception.”

Bucky’s jaw tensed—just for a second—before he gave her a look that sent heat curling up her spine. “Careful what you wish for.”

Steve cleared his throat, watching the exchange with a mixture of amusement and something harder to place. “Well,” he said lightly, “we can let her decide.”

Evie crossed her arms, making a show of considering both options. “Hmm. Getting locked in a room full of riddles with you two or seeing which one of you is actually a better shot?” She grinned. “Tough choice.”

Steve chuckled, shaking his head. Bucky just studied her, quiet and unreadable.

Evie took a step backward, stepping into the elevator as she shot them a knowing look. “Guess you two will just have to wait and see.”

The doors slid shut, leaving them standing there.

And if she happened to hear Steve mutter this is gonna be interesting and Bucky let out a low breath after she left?

Well. That was just an added bonus.

Friday Morning |  Avengers Gym

Evie stepped onto the training mats, stretching out her arms as the familiar sounds of controlled violence filled the air—gloves smacking against punching bags, the rhythmic clash of fists meeting targets, the occasional grunt of exertion. The Avengers gym was in full swing, but she wasn’t here to train.

She had business to attend to.

Her eyes locked onto Steve and Bucky, both deep into their respective routines across the sprawling room.

Steve was on the far side of the gym, effortlessly delivering precise punches to a heavy bag. He looked infuriatingly composed, like he wasn’t absolutely pummeling the thing.

Bucky, meanwhile, was taking out some kind of frustration on a sparring dummy. His metal arm whirred slightly with each devastating hit, jaw tight, posture coiled. Whatever was on his mind, it wasn’t light.

Well. That wasn’t concerning at all.

Evie, fully aware she was about to make their day very interesting, strolled up with an easy smirk, holding her tablet in the crook of her arm and a coffee in the other. “Alright, boys. After careful deliberation, I’ve made my ruling on tonight’s game plan.”

Steve turned first, wiping his hands on a towel draped over his shoulder. “Oh yeah?”

Bucky took an extra second before acknowledging her, exhaling through his nose as he finally stepped back from his sparring dummy. “Let’s hear it.”

Evie let the silence stretch just a fraction longer than necessary, relishing their anticipation before flashing a wicked grin.

“We’re going to a vintage arcade.”

Bucky blinked..

Steve… processed. “Like… with pinball and Pac-Man?”

“Oh, exactly like that,” Evie confirmed, crossing her arms. “Figured you two would feel right at home, given your…considerable life experience.”

Steve’s lips pressed together in what was almost a smile. “You really never get tired of the old-man jokes, do you?”

“It’s not a joke if it’s a fact.” she cooed, tilting her head. 

Bucky finally scoffed, running a hand through his slightly damp hair. “An arcade.” His tone was as flat as a dead monitor.

Evie smirked. “Not just an arcade. A competition.” She let the word settle, watching their reactions. “You two pride yourselves on your combat skills, your strategies, your precision—but can you handle classic gaming warfare? We’re talking air hockey, racing sims, Street Fighter.” She raised an eyebrow, gaze flicking between them. “Unless you’re scared?”

Steve exhaled a quiet laugh, arms crossed, looking genuinely entertained. “I think we can handle it.”

Bucky, still looking deeply unamused, muttered, “This is ridiculous.”

“Oh, it’s absolutely ridiculous,” Evie agreed easily. “That’s the point.” She shrugged. “But hey, if you’d rather sit this one out…”

Bucky’s eyes snapped to hers, sharp, challenging.

Yeah. That did it.

She watched as his jaw tightened slightly before he huffed, rolling his eyes. “I’ll go.”

Evie’s grin widened. “That’s the spirit, Barnes.” She clapped her hands together. “Now, logistics. You two can pick me up at my place tonight.”

Steve raised a brow. “You sure?”

“Well, considering you both already know where I live…” She let the implication linger, taking a sip of her coffee. “Might as well capitalize on those free rides.”

Bucky, who had been very pointedly not reacting, made a small noise in the back of his throat.

Steve nodded. “Alright. We’ll see you tonight.”

Evie gave them both a little mock salute before turning on her heel.

____________

Miraculously, the rest of the day flew by. 

Evie barely registered the passage of time between the morning briefing and the end of the workday. She had spent the afternoon buried in the latest iteraation of the Iron Man suit, tuning out everything else as she dismantled, rebuilt, and improved the schematics Tony had thought were perfect. (They weren’t.)

By the time she actually glanced at the clock, it was already pushing six, and her hair (and overall appearance) was still an absolute disaster.

Well. That wasn’t ideal.

____________

“…so let me get this straight,” Jade’s voice crackled over speakerphone, amused and way too invested. “You’re spending your Friday night at an arcade—”

Evie shoved her foot into a boot, hopping slightly as she yanked the zipper up. “Vintage arcade.”

“Excuse me—” Jade continued, her tone dripping with mock reverence, “a vintage arcade… with two of the most absurdly attractive men on the planet, and you don’t think anything will happen tonight?”

Smirking, Evie reached for her other boot. “Now, now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

Jade scoffed. “Oh, babe. We sped past ‘ahead of ourselves’ when you invited them to pick you up at your apartment.”

Evie paused for half a second—damn, Jade had a point—before shaking it off and yanking her second boot into place. “Look, it’s casual. They’re picking me up in the lobby, not in my bedroom.”

“Doesn’t mean they won’t be dropping you off there later..”

“Who am I to control fate if that’s where the night is destined to go,” Evie teased.

“Damn. You’re really not processing this fully, are you?”

“There’s nothing to process. We can joke, but the three of us made this plans in a group setting to keep ourselves from being boring workaholics. It’s platonic. It’s…fun. That’s all.”

Jade hummed like she didn’t believe her for a second. “Alright, fine, let’s pretend you’re totally right. What’s the actual plan here? You just gonna flirt your way through the night and hope the choice is made for you, or are we taking bets on which super soldier loses his mind first?”

Evie grabbed her phone off the vanity, laughing. “Please. If anyone is losing their mind, it’s me. I’m trying to play it cool, but I had a Steve Rogers poster hanging in my bedroom until I was thirteen. Plus, I got fined for drawing hearts around their faces in my sixth grade textbook during the Howling Commandos unit.”

“Finally, some honesty!” Jade cheered. “You’re into them, Evie. Both of them. Admit it.”

Evie hesitated.

Because, yeah. She was.

Steve, with his easy charm and steady, grounding presence. Bucky, with his quiet intensity and sharp, dry humor.

They were polar opposites, and yet… not. And she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t thought about what it meant to be caught between them.

But she wasn’t going to overthink it.

At least… not yet.

Before she could respond, a sharp bzzzzt interrupted her thoughts.

Her doorman’s voice came through the intercom. “Miss Evie, you have… two gentlemen waiting for you in the lobby.”

Jade screamed.

Evie winced, holding the phone away from her ear. “Jade!”

“Oh my GOD!” Jade cackled. “It’s happening. It’s literally happening.”

Evie bit back a grin, smoothing her top as she crossed the room. “Yeah, yeah, contain yourself.”

“Nope, sorry, absolutely losing it,” Jade said, her voice breathless with glee. “Babe, you are about to step into the greatest rom-com of all time. Or a very hot disaster. Either way, I’m living for it.”

Evie rolled her eyes but couldn’t fight the thrill running through her. “I’ll call you later.”

“You better!”

Evie laughed, hitting the end button before she could get dragged into more chaotic speculation. Taking one last glance in the mirror, she exhaled. She’d settled on jeans over her favorite pair of boots, a white tank top that was just a smidge too low cut, and a vintage jacket from one of her most frequented stores back in Boston. Casual, but still flattering. She swiped on the kind of gloss that made her lips tingle and strode towards the door.

Showtime.

In the hall, she pressed the elevator button with the kind of confidence that only barely covered the very real excitement buzzing beneath her skin.

Because downstairs, two super soldiers were waiting.

And tonight?

Tonight was going to be fun.

Evie wasn’t nervous.

She refused to be nervous.

That would imply that tonight was something more than a casual outing between teammates, and she wasn’t the one making it complicated.

…Right?

Shaking off the thought, she stepped into the elevator, sliding her phone into the back pocket of her jeans. She had gone for casual—but calculated casual. A little effort, but not too much. Her hair was loose, falling in waves over her shoulders, and those trusty boots gave her an extra inch of confidence. It was nice to give her hair a break from the ponytails she favored so heavily in the lab.

The elevator doors slid open—and instantly, she spotted them.

Steve and Bucky were waiting. They had been mid-conversation, standing near the glass entry doors—but the second she stepped out, they both stopped. Looked at her.

At the exact same time.

Evie slowed slightly, tilting her head as she took them in. Steve, predictably, looked like the picture of All-American charm—wearing a fitted blue sweater, dark jeans, that effortlessly boyish look that should have felt unfair but instead just made him more Steve.

Bucky, standing just a little more stiffly beside him, was dressed in his usual dark layers—black henley, leather jacket, hands in his pockets like he was already bracing himself for this night.

And the way they were both looking at her now?

Unfair.

Evie let the silence stretch for half a second before breaking it herself. “Well,” she drawled, grinning as she strode forward, “at least one of you dressed for fun.”

Steve smirked, relaxed. “I take it you’re not referring to me?”

Evie hooked an arm through each of theirs, boldly stepping between them like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Barnes, you do own something that isn’t black, right?”

Bucky exhaled sharply, but didn’t move away. “It’s grey.”

Evie shot him a knowing look. “Oh, wow. Revolutionary.”

Steve chuckled, but Bucky just shook his head as they started walking toward the doors. They stepped outside, and parked at the curb was Steve’s Jeep. He let go of her arm first, stepping forward to open the passenger door. “After you.”

Evie grinned, shook her head, and bypassed him entirely.

She opened the back door instead, sliding into the middle seat before leaning forward between their seats with a smirk.

“Sorry, boys,” she said breezily, tapping her fingers against Steve’s headrest. “Sitting in the back makes me feel important. Like I have my own personal security team.”

Steve let out a laugh as he crossed to the driver’s side. “You’re impossible.”

Bucky, already climbing into the front seat, rolled his eyes. “You’re something, alright.”

Evie just grinned wider,  leaning back and spreading her arms across the back seats. The Jeep rumbled to life, headlights cutting through the evening as they pulled away from her building. Steve glanced at her in the rearview mirror, an easy smile playing at his lips. “So, how was your week, Evie?”

Bucky didn’t react outright, but Evie caught the slight twitch of his fingers where they rested on his knee. He was listening.

She grinned, brushing her hand through her hair. “Oh, you know. Same old. Rewrote one of Stark’s suit protocols because it was, frankly, a mess. Bypassed an AI lockout one of the other engineers swore was unbreakable. Tested the mission tech about a trillion ways to make sure it’s solid, and for the record, it is.”

Steve huffed out a laugh. “Well, that’s good to hear.”

“I’m not sure how you thanked your previous technology consultants,” she drawled. “But my shoe size is 8, I like red roses, and Italian food is my favorite. Just a few ideas.”

Bucky’s voice, dry as ever, finally cut in. “Let’s get through the mission before we start the pandering.”

Evie tilted her head, smiling sweetly. “That’s fine. I can be patient. Plus, when this mission is over, it’ll give me some time to work on a few more fun projects.”

Bucky let out a slow breath, shaking his head. “Great. We’ll probably find out when we get back that you’ve unlocked nuclear codes just to see if you could.”

Evie grinned. “Please. Like I haven’t already gone down that road.”

Steve shot her a look in the mirror, half amused, half genuinely wary. “I feel like we should be more concerned.”

She shrugged. “Nah. Just trust that I’ve made sure that if Orpheus or anyone else tries to screw with us, I know exactly where the weak spots are.”

That got a reaction.

Bucky’s gaze flicked toward her, something more calculating beneath his usual skepticism. Steve’s grip on the wheel tightened just a fraction.

“Wow. Look at you two. So serious.” She exhaled dramatically, sinking back against the seat. “But no more work talk, that violates a cardinal rule of Friday night outings.”

Steve chuckled. “Oh, there’s rules now?”

“Only where necessary to ensure we’re successful. We’re here to have fun and not be workaholics, right? We made it, oh…” She checked the clock on the dashboard. “Less than ten minutes. We can try for a new record next week.”

Bucky, arms crossed now, just muttered, “Lovely.”

Evie grinned, ignoring him. “Fine. Let’s talk about you two instead. How do you feel about being historically accurate tonight?”

Steve glanced at her again, confused. “Historically accurate?”

She gestured at the windshield. “I mean, it is a vintage arcade. You two should feel right at home.”

Bucky’s head tipped back against the seat. “Oh my God.”

Steve sighed, shaking his head as if resigned to his fate. “Here we go.”

Evie leaned forward again, grinning. “Did they even have arcades when you were young? Or was it all, like, hoop-and-stick? Were you two pioneers of the pinball era?”

Steve exhaled a laugh, playing along. “I hate to break it to you, but I wasn’t that old when I went under.”

Bucky, however, just looked out the window and deadpanned, “We actually missed the invention of electricity by a few years. My first arm was wooden.”

Evie snorted. “I knew it.”

Steve shook his head, grinning now. “You know, you could try going one day without an old-man joke.”

Evie gasped, hand over her heart. “I could. But joking about either of your biceps or perfect hair just doesn’t hit the same.”

Bucky sighed, running a hand down his face, but she caught the way his mouth twitched—like he was fighting a smile.

Good.

Evie settled back into her seat, satisfied. “So,” she said, tapping her fingers against Steve’s headrest again, “I hope you boys are ready to be absolutely humbled tonight.”

Steve grinned. “Confident, huh?”

Evie winked. “It’s the only way to be. I want to win big. I’m speaking it into existence.”

Bucky, still looking out the window, muttered, “We’ll see.”

Oh. That sounded like a challenge. Evie’s smirk widened as they pulled into the parking lot.

This night just kept getting better and better.

The Jeep rolled to a stopt, neon lights from the arcade spilling onto the pavement like something out of an 80s movie. Evie practically bounced as she hopped out, taking in the flashing signs, the hum of old speakers, the chaotic mix of electronic bleeps and victory jingles filtering through the glass doors. Then, without missing a beat, she turned back to Steve and Bucky and grinned.

“Wow,” she said, placing a hand over her heart. “This must be deeply emotional for you two.”

Steve sighed, already shaking his head. “Here we go again.”

Bucky, hands shoved in his jacket pockets. “You really think we were hanging out in arcades before the war?”

Evie tilted her head. “Weren’t you?”

Steve huffed out a laugh. “You do realize pinball didn’t even exist until the 1940s, right?”

“Between saving Steve from picking fights, there wasn’t much time for games.” Bucky grumbled. “There’s a first time for everything.”

Evie gasped dramatically. “Oh my God. You mean to tell me neither of you ever experienced the pure joy of stuffing a dollar into a rigged claw machine? Or—” she turned to Bucky, delighting in the way his gaze narrowed in anticipation of whatever was coming next—“gunning down zombies in a terribly pixelated first-person shooter?”

Bucky exhaled slowly. “Jesus Christ.”

Steve just gave her an entertained look. “You’re having fun already, aren’t you?”

Evie beamed. “Absolutely.” With that, she grabbed Steve’s sleeve and dragged him toward the entrance. “Come on, Cap,” she said, leading the way. “I’ve got so much to teach you.”

The second they stepped inside, Evie sighed happily. “Ahhh. The sound of capitalism.”

Steve, taking it all in with an almost nostalgic smile, shook his head. “So this is what we fought for, huh?”

Bucky, deadpan, replied, “Feels like a mistake.”

Evie grinned, ignoring them. Instead, she took one quick scan of the place before spotting exactly where she wanted to start. “Oh,” she breathed, eyes lighting up. “Steve. Steve.”

Steve blinked, immediately wary. “…Yes?”

Evie grabbed his wrist, already pulling him toward the air hockey tables. “Let’s go,” she said. “It’s time.”

Bucky, leaning casually against the machine next to them, watched with a mixture of amusement and exhaustion as Evie and Steve squared up.

“I hope you’re ready to have your ass handed to you, Rogers,” Evie said, rolling her shoulders.

Steve just smiled, rolling a puck between his fingers. “I’m always up for a challenge.”

Evie narrowed her eyes. “That’s what they all say.”

Bucky, watching this unfold like it was a sporting event, muttered, “This is gonna be stupid.”

Evie pointed at him without looking away from Steve. “You’re next.” Bucky exhaled sharply but didn’t argue.

Steve just laughed, dropping the puck onto the table. “Alright. Let’s see what you got.”

Evie started strong. She was fast, aggressive, and absolutely not above playing dirty. Steve, ever the strategist, took his time reading her moves, adapting as he went. The result? Chaos.

By mid-game, Steve had flipped the script, catching up point by point, and Evie was swearing under her breath, jacket discarded on a barstool, hair slightly wild, and smirking like a woman on the edge.

Steve scored a goal, tying the game, and grinned at her as he stood up and rolled his shoulders. “I’m closing in on you.”

Evie, grinning back, leaned over the table. “I know.”

Then, before Steve could react, she launched a sneak attack—a perfectly timed shot while he was still catching his breath.

The puck slammed into his goal.

Victory.

Evie threw her arms up. “And that’s how it’s done!”

Steve, blinking, let out a startled laugh. “That was cheap.”

Bucky, who had actually chuckled, said, “You let your guard down, Rogers. Rookie move.”

Evie beamed, stepping away from the table. “Alright, Barnes. You’re up.”

Bucky raised a brow as he took a sip of his beer. “Pass.”

Evie rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on. What’s the matter? Scared you won’t be as tough of a competitor as Steve?”

Bucky’s jaw tensed.

Hook, line, and sinker.

He let out a slow breath, pushed off the table, and tilted his head at her. “Fine.”

Evie grinned. “Good choice.”

Bucky, unsurprisingly, didn’t pick air hockey.

No.

He walked straight to the shooting games.

Evie, bemused, followed. “Oh wow. This is the most predictable thing you could’ve done.”

Bucky grabbed one of the plastic guns, barely reacting. “You wanted me to play.”

Evie smirked, crossing her arms. “That’s true. I did.”

They watched as Bucky nonchalantly selected the hardest difficulty. Evie, still watching him like he was a line of code she couldn’t wait to crack, raised a brow. “You don’t even want to warm up first?”

Bucky gave her a look. “I think I’ll manage.”

And then? He absolutely annihilated the game. Every single shot perfect. No misses. No wasted movements. By the time he finished the level—top score flashing on the screen—Steve was smirking and Evie was dumbstruck. 

Bucky casually put the gun back and turned to her. “Happy now?”

Evie, definitely enjoying herself too much, shrugged. “Yeah, actually.”

And then she turned back to Steve—like she hadn’t just mentally saved the image of Bucky effortlessly wrecking a shooting game forever—and smiled.

“Alright, Cap. Back to you.”

Evie lost track of time after that. Laughing with Steve. Playing through different games. Brushing arms with him here and there, caught up in the moment. But then—in between games, as the screen went dark for a second—

She saw the reflection.

Bucky.

Watching her.

The second the screen lit up again, it was gone.

But she felt it.

Low in her stomach.

And suddenly, the night didn’t feel so simple anymore.

Hours later, Evie, still buzzing from the last game, spun on her heel, hands on her hips as she surveyed the arcade. She was winning tonight, in more ways than one. Steve? He was all in on the fun, easygoing and competitive but never taking anything too seriously. Bucky? He was pretending this whole thing bored him—but she knew better now.

Now she was going to push just a little more.

Evie spotted the dartboard on the far side of the room and smirked.

She turned back to the guys, tilting her head. “Alright, boys. Final game. Winner gets to pick next week’s activity, and I promise not to veto it. Unless it’s horrible. Then I reserve the right.”

Steve, ever the good sport, grinned. “Darts?”

Evie flashed him a look. “It’s a classic. The ultimate old-man sport. It’s been around since the Dark Ages, probably. I figured you two would thrive.”

Bucky, who had been in the process of taking a sip from beer, rolled his eyes.

Steve just sighed, smiling despite himself. “You really don’t stop, do you?”

Evie beamed. “Not a chance.”

She strolled over to the dartboard, plucking a set of red darts from the shelf.

“Alright,” she said, offering them out to the two men. “Let’s see what you fossils can do.”

Steve went first.

He lined up his shot, perfectly focused, and— a near bullseye.

Evie sighed dramatically. “Ugh. Predictable.”

Bucky smirked slightly, shaking his head.

Then it was his turn.

He barely even hesitated, throwing the dart with effortless precision.

Another near- bullseye, hitting the board on the opposite side of the center.

Evie crossed her arms, pouting. “Oh, come on.”

Steve chuckled, nudging her shoulder. “Told you we’d be fine.”

Bucky, still looking at his dart the board, grumbled, “You wanted participation. If you didn’t want to lose, you shouldn’t have challenged us.” He turned to face her. “Time for you to back up all the shit-talking.”

Evie’s eyebrows shot up. Oh. Oh, really?

“Well,” she said, tapping her chin, “I would throw, but it’s obviously not fair. I don’t have an Olympic-level arm or a vibranium-enhanced one.”

Steve laughed. “Excuses already?”

Bucky exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Wow. That’s gotta be against one of the rules.”

Evie narrowed her eyes. “Okay, Barnes. If you’re so confident you can win, then helping me level the playing field shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Yeah? And how do we do that?”

Evie grinned, stepping into the spot in front of the board. “Teach me.”

Steve blinked. “What?”

Bucky stared at her, immediately suspicious. “No.”

Evie ignored him, turning to Steve. “C’mon, Cap. You’re the world’s best teacher, right? Give me the proper form.”

Steve conceded with a smile. “Alright.”

He stepped behind her, lifting her arm slightly, adjusting the way she held the dart.

“Grip it a little lighter,” he said, his voice even and instructive. “Relax your wrist.”

Evie felt the warmth of his hand against hers, his touch gentle, careful. She was fully aware of how close he was. Then—a second later—

Bucky sighed. “Jesus Christ.”

Evie barely had time to register it before he moved behind her. One hand on her hip, the other adjusting her stance. “Widen your legs here,” his boot nudged the inside of her shoe and she obeyed. His hands rotated her hips ever so slightly, opening her up to the board.

Oh.

Oh, this was a mistake.

His fingers pressed lightly against her side, his voice gruff but quiet. “You’re stiff. Drop your shoulder.”

Evie swallowed.

The two of them had her completely caged in now.

Steve’s touch warm and steady on her hand as his fingers remained around her wrist.

Bucky’s presence solid and grounding behind her as his hands lingered on her hips.

Evie took a breath, focused on the board. She threw. The dart sank right into the bullseye.

She blinked, a little breathless, taking a moment to steady herself before grinning and stepping back from them.

“Well. Looks like I’m the winner.”

Steve exhaled a laugh, shaking his head. “I can’t believe that worked.”

Bucky, watching her closely now, muttered, “Unbelievable.”

Evie just smiled, grabbing her jacket.

“I think the rules say the loser has to pay the tab,” she said, grinning. “I’ll let you two decide that part amongst yourselves.”

Bucky snorted. “You’re unbearable.”

Evie winked. “And yet, here you are.”

Steve sighed, but he was smiling. “Alright. Let’s get you home.”

______

The drive back was easy, relaxed, and filled with the kind of effortless camaraderie that had been building between them. Steve drove, one hand resting casually on the wheel, the other wrapped around the edge of the seat as he glanced between the road and Evie. Bucky sat in his usual way—legs spread, arm resting against the door, occasionally glancing toward the backseat where Evie sat leaning between them, chin propped on her hand.

The teasing had been nonstop.

"You know," Steve started, grinning as he shifted lanes, "I still think you got lucky with that shot."

Evie let out a mock gasp, clutching her chest. "Oh? You don’t think it’s because of my incredible instructors?"

Steve chuckled, shaking his head. "Flattery will get you nowhere."

Bucky let out a short huff of amusement, muttering, "Since when?"

Evie grinned at him through the mirror before refocusing on Steve. "Come on," she nudged, leaning forward just a little more, brushing against his shoulder. "You have to admit, that was better than a night sitting at the Tower with Sam. Your couch is comfortable, but not that comfortable."

Steve let out a long-suffering sigh, as if admitting defeat physically pained him. "Alright, you win. It was fun."

Evie beamed, victorious.

Steve glanced sideways at Bucky. “Don’t you agree, Buck?”

Bucky shrugged, staring straight ahead, deadpan. "Had a blast."

Evie snickered, nudging Bucky’s seat with her knee. "Oh, don’t let the excitement overwhelm you, Barnes."

Steve smirked. "Yeah, careful, Buck. You might actually sound like you enjoyed yourself."

Bucky’s mouth twitched, but he stayed resolutely blank. "If I say I had fun, you two are just gonna bring it up every five minutes for the next month."

Evie nodded sagely. "Smart man. It would probably be closer to two."

They reached the entrance to her building, laughter still lingering between them, the buzz of the evening refusing to fade even as they stepped inside. The lobby was quiet at this late hour, the sound of their footsteps muffled against the polished floors. The air smelled faintly of clean linen and expensive cologne, something Evie had loved ever since she first toured the building.

They walked toward the elevator, still loose, still light.

"And to think," Evie mused, swinging her keys around her finger, "we could all be screaming at each other in an escape room right about now."

Steve huffed a laugh, shaking his head. "Okay, fine, your idea was better."

"That was almost the worst decision of our lives," Bucky muttered.

"Speak for yourselves," Evie shot back. "I love escape rooms. I just love winning more."

"Yeah, well, we have plenty of Friday’s to plan. I’m sure we’ll get there eventually.," Steve shook his head..

Bucky snorted. "Don’t count on it.."

They stopped in front of the elevator, the night’s energy still playful, still fun when Evie paused. She turned back to them, her smile just a little too sweet. It was subtle—barely a shift, but they both caught it.

Steve and Bucky straightened slightly, instincts kicking in.

Evie stepped inside the elevator, not breaking eye contact, her expression unreadable but decidedly smug. Steve's eyebrows lifted, Bucky’s eyes narrowed.

"I should probably confess something," she said smoothly.

The doors started to close.

Steve's fingers twitched at his side, as if readying for a curveball.

Bucky's jaw tensed. "What?"

Evie let the silence hang—just for a second, just enough to watch the intrigue sharpen in their eyes. Then she flashed them a grin.

"I’ve been playing darts with my dad since I was ten."

Silence.

The sound of the elevator humming softly around them. Steve blinked. Bucky's brows snapped together. Evie’s grin widened.

"I could hit a bullseye blindfolded."

The elevator doors began to slide shut. Steve's mouth parted slightly, a slow realization dawning. Bucky’s entire expression shifted—eyes narrowing, lips pressing into a thin line.

Evie beamed.

"Goodnight, boys."

The doors shut with a finality that left them standing there, staring at the closed elevator, silent.

For several beats, neither of them spoke.

Bucky finally exhaled.

"You have got to be kidding me."

Steve dragged a slow hand down his face.

"…We’re so screwed."

[novasintheroom]

008. Kindness

♡ Pairing - Vash x Reader

♡ Word count - 1.1k

♡ Warnings - none

♡ Description - You continue to send Vash letters.

Part of the 150 Bullets drabble series on AO3

Part 1 ---- Part 2 ---- Part 3 (you are here!) ---- Part 4 ---- Part 5

The next letter comes a week later on a Tuesday. The one after that, two weeks and two days. And the one after that, just four days later.

You’ve made a habit of writing at nearly every post office and leaving it to be picked up by Vash if he chooses. He tries to resist and leave the letters there, but loneliness and the want to know how you’re doing always wins. He’s returned to a town more than once just to get a letter.

This week’s letter comes from a little town called Bangs. The mailwoman hands him the letter from the top of her tomas, and he gives her the twenty-six C-cents for handling it.

The paper inside is pink this time and smells a bit like almond lotion. Your curving and slanted writing greets him:

                Birdie,

                I’ve managed to add three new towns this week to the roster. There’re only a few people in each who are willing to join in on the book exchange, but a win’s a win. HQ says I’m doing great, and they’ve already gotten a few applications from some teenagers in the towns to apply for college in the bigger cities.

                In fact, they’re moving me to a new route soon. One that’s a bit more challenging due to it being so far out and away from most other places. I’m getting my own tomas for it since the towns are so spread out. I’ve drawn the map they sent me on the back…in case you ever want to visit.

                I hope you’re doing well. I wish I could see you. I know you’re getting my letters. Write to me, please. Even if you don’t think we should travel together anymore, we can at least be friends, right?

Forever yours,

       ______

P.S. What do evil toma lay? Deviled eggs.

He’s surprised to find two blank pages nestled into the envelope. You really want him to write you? After abandoning and dodging you for nearly two months? But he shouldn’t be surprised. You’re always adjusting to his boundaries, always making sure he’s comfortable, even if you disagree. You’re too kind for your own good. The least he could do is tell you he’s okay.

So, he writes back.

                ______,

                I’m doing fine. I’ve got a few jobs lined up in the town I’m in right now. I was able to help nurse someone’s grandma back to health here too. I’m doing my best, just like you are.

He taps at the paper. What else should he say?

                I’m sorry I I’m glad to hear you’re doing well. You’re making a huge difference by helping build up people’s education. It will help so many people in the future.

                What do you know about the region you’re getting assigned to? I’ve only been around there a few times, and I’m sure it’s changed since then.

Best,

              Vash

P.S. Why can’t you ever trust stairs? They’re always up to something.

He’s left with an extra page to write with, but just stuffs it in his pocket. He doesn’t have much of worth to say right now; he still feels bad about…everything. He finds the postwoman again, who takes the new envelope and trots off on her tomas, and that’s that.

The next letter comes on the road as a courier passes by on her own walk back toward a town called Ferret’s Claw. She hails him, and hands it to him. “Already paid for,” her gravelly voice says, then continues trotting down the path of dunes.

Vash watches her leave before he opens and scans it over.

                Birdie,

                I’ve heard about you helping the Plants in the region. You’re not as sneaky as you used to be. That, or people are a lot more talkative about the talented, young, handsome man going around fixing Plants.

                Sure sounds like you.

                I’ve had to deal with some bandits on the road. Been chased a few times. Luckily they either aren’t great shots or don’t have their own toma to chase me on. They seem to be young kids with nothing better to do. I hope the more we spread education, that will lessen.

                Be careful around here, birdie.

                                                                                                Forever yours,

                                                                                                                ______

A blush rises to his cheeks when he reads over the “talented, young, handsome” line again. Leave it to you to still get his stomach fluttering with butterflies, even at a distance. Vash lets a breath go through his nose, then folds the letter, putting it in his “letters pocket,” so dubbed now after receiving them. He brings out the spare piece of paper from the previous letter and begins to write, using his knee as a ‘desk.’

                Mayfl______,

                Don’t worry about me; I know how to run handle bandits. You should be more careful, though. Do you still have that knife you got from the pawn shop?

                I won’t be staying in the region long. There’s a call coming from somewhere else, and I need to go to it.

He taps the paper, looking up and around as he thinks. Should he tell you where he’ll be? He’d like more letters…

                It’s coming from a town in the east, I know that much. Hopefully I can get there in time.

                Be safe.

                             Vash

P.S. There are three types of people in the world: those who can count, and those who can’t.

There. That ought to be enough.

And when he’s in the east, he isn’t as surprised to find a letter waiting for him at one of the towns.

Birdie,

I’ll keep writing to you if that’s alright. It gets lonely on the road, and I don’t doubt you feel it too. I love getting your letters.

HQ says I’ll stay in this region for at least a few months. Please let me know where to send my letters; I promise I won’t follow – I’ve got too many people relying on me and the books now. But I’d still love to hear from you. Tell me about what you’re up to, any adventures, even the shoot-outs you’re in. I’ll worry, but I’ll know you’re okay with each letter.

I hope you’re well. I hope you find happiness wherever you go.

                                                                                Forever yours,

______

P.S. What do you call a can opener that doesn’t work? A can’t opener.

And Vash does write back. Even if it’s so much less than what you write, he keeps you updated.

Vash wonders, when he’s writing his next letter, if this should stop. He’s leading you on; he hasn’t stopped contact like he promised he would. He looks down at the paper and crumples it in his hand, then opens and smooths it out again. Your kindness is like a drug he can’t quit. It’s selfish, but he wants to keep you, like the letters he keeps in his pocket. Is it so bad to want one friend in the world?

Maybe. Perhaps not.

And so he writes.

[hockybish]

Post Game

RD1 GM4

l Family is Everything au l Quinn x Mom l Masterlist l The Playoffs l *got teeny tiny spicy there

You were ready for Quinn to come home from Nashville.

It was late. Ellen was in town and had taken Hattie for some grandma time. So they had the house to themselves.

"You did such a good job babe." Mom praised him. She was so proud of him and was gonna help him relax a bit with a good time.

Only Quinn fell asleep. He was so tired, and sore, that when Mom lightly push him back onto the bed, the second his head hit the push of the comforter, he was lights out.

“Sweet dreams Quinny.” She kissed his cheek, leaving him be. He needed his rest, he deserved his rest. They could wait until later to continue.

Mom removed any clothes she was wearing and drew herself a bath. It felt like she had been sitting in there for hours, when she heard the door creak open and Quinn entered. Like Mom, he quickly removed his clothing to join her, sitting opposite of her in the warm water.

Mom winced when she saw black and blue marks littering his torso and arms. A small price to pay to win the gameThe bruises made her think back to the game earlier and how they were targeting Quinn, and the extended time he spent on the bench. She never really worried about him before, but today she did.

"How long have you been in here, you're starting to prune." Quinn laughed at his own comment. He gave her wrinkly hand a little tug, beckoning her towards him so he could hold her.

At first she didn't want to move, but enough persuassion from her lover boy, she gave in, manuvering herself between his legs, using him as a back rest. Quinn wrapped his arms around her, and began to pepper the back of her neck and shoulder with kisses. "I missed you this past week. I wish you would've come to Nashville with the other girls."

"We'll work something out for round two. Maybe your mom will stay longer and Jack will come up. Hattie misses him, she was so sad when he had surgery."

"hmm" You could feel the vibration of Quinn humming against your skin. He had found a spot on your back to latch his lips onto. You crane your neck to look at him the best you could. Quinn abandoned the mark he was working on to start on your pretty lips, his fingers were between your legs.

"Are you hungry? I could whip something up quickly." You figure it's time to get out of the bath, the water was lukewarm at best.

"I'm not hungry" His eyes watched you towel drying yourself off. He had one thing on his mind. And it wasn't food.

"Q, I can see your cheekbones. You should eat something." Quinn grabbed some of the remaining bubbles and gave himself a bubble beard covering his cheekbones. He laughed as you give him a look.

"Fine I could eat someone." Quinn smirked, earning himself a slap to the arm from Mom. "Well you asked."

[bekabloodhound]

Today my grandma Clara turns 100 years old, and so I wanted to share some of her story; specifically her love story with my papa, Dusty.

My grandparents grew up in small town Manitoba and were from different sides of the tracks (literally). They met at school and started going together, as my papa put it, when they were around 13 or 14. Dusty was good at hockey and moved out to the west coast of Canada at 16 to play for a bigger and better team. He was well on his way to being drafted as an NHL defenceman when WWII broke out. Instead of continuing his hockey career however, shortly after he turned 19 he returned to Manitoba and enlisted in the Navy.

Before he shipped out, Dusty went to say goodbye to Clara. When he saw her walking down the street on the arm of an airman, he figured he'd missed his shot. [When I asked her about this, she said that there was an air base nearby and the girls needed someone to go dancing with.]

Dusty spent most of his wartime service working in the engine room of a ship that escorted other vessels across the North Atlantic, including protecting the Bay of Biscay during D-Day.

Not long after my grandfather enlisted, my grandma took the train for the first time, and rode 10 hours with her cousin to a factory in northern Ontario. There they helped with the war efforts by riveting plane wings together, true Rosies of the North.

While on the ship, Dusty wrote a letter to Clara to get back in touch with her, shoot his shot one last time, and tell her how he felt. However, he was too scared about how she would receive it so it sat in his locker, unsent, until one day a buddy stole it from said locker and stuck it in the mail. Luckily for Dusty, Clara wrote back.

They continued their correspondence throughout the war until some time in 1945, when Dusty told Clara that the next time he had leave, he would come home to marry her. She said okay.

He got two months of leave in June of 1945 and, true to his word, let her know he was coming home. She wrote back to tell him they would be getting married about a month into his leave. He thought if he was getting all that leave time, then he wanted to spend it all being married! He sent back what was technically the truth — his leave was getting cut short so they might want to move up the wedding. What he didn't tell her was that it was only cut short by two days... The wedding was moved up to his first week back, which meant Clara left her job at the factory less than a week before her wedding! They spent their honeymoon at Dusty's uncle's farm where his cousin, a young teenaged girl, played the piano for them to dance to.

After his leave was up, Dusty returned to the east coast to serve as an engineer at the training base while his ship was refitted for service in the southern Pacific. Thankfully, by the time the ship was ready, the battle in the Pacific was over.

My grandparents ended up being married for just shy of 72 years before my papa passed at the age of 92. They were rarely apart, and while they bickered and needled each other, their love never waned. They set such an incredible example of caring and community, the impact is still being felt 5 generations down the line.

My grandma Clara is still one of the sharpest, most stylish, supportive, outgoing, inspiring and loving woman that I know. Hopefully you enjoyed getting to know her and my Papa a bit too.